US-Iran Truce Talks: US media reports a tentative MoU to extend the ceasefire by 60 days and start nuclear talks, but Iran denies finalization and Vice President JD Vance says it’s “very close” yet still awaiting President Trump’s approval. US Conditions for Any Deal: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent lays out three red lines: Tehran must give up highly enriched uranium, abandon nuclear weapon pursuit, and restore unrestricted Strait of Hormuz navigation. Hormuz Tensions: Iran says its air defences hit a US drone near Bushehr and warns vessels near Hormuz; the US says it shot down drones and struck a control station near Bandar Abbas. Lebanon Escalation: Israel carries out strikes near Beirut and across southern Lebanon, straining a fragile ceasefire ahead of talks in Washington. UN Sexual Violence Blacklist: Israel’s envoy says Israel has been added to a UN conflict-related sexual violence blacklist alongside Hamas, prompting Israel to sever ties with the UN chief’s office. Gaza Expansion: Netanyahu orders the army to seize control of 70% of the Gaza Strip, while Israel approves major settlement expansion in the Jordan Valley. Regional Diplomacy: UAE’s foreign minister condemns Iran’s “terrorist attacks” on Kuwait as Gulf states watch the US-Iran track. Markets: Oil slips and Asian stocks rise on hopes of a US-Iran deal, while Europe’s ECB warns the Iran war could deepen consumer “scars.” Culture & Boycotts: Ireland-Qatar friendly is disrupted twice by protests against Israel fixtures; Artists for Palestine urges UK theatres to cut ties with Bloomberg Philanthropies.