Hormuz at centre of Gulf talks, Trump defends Iran deal and Lebanon stalemate continues (opens original article in a new tab)

Hormuz remains central in Gulf talks as US and Iran clash over maritime routes, while Lebanon's military withdrawal and Trump's Iran deal face ongoing challenges.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio meets Gulf foreign ministers in Bahrain with focus on Strait of Hormuz
• Iran insists on designated routes for vessels, while Rubio rejects tolls and reaffirms US security commitments
• Lebanon awaits Israeli approval for military withdrawal from the south under US-backed process
• US President Donald Trump claims Iran agreed to key American demands in peace negotiations but deal faces scrutiny