Strait of Hormuz Tensions: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards warned that any crossing without authorization will be “unacceptable and extremely dangerous,” as the US and Iran negotiate over whether Tehran can charge maritime service fees while Gulf states push for freedom of navigation. US-Iran Diplomacy: The first session of US-Iran talks took place in Switzerland, but Iran says it will only resolve IAEA access and nuclear-site issues inside a final deal, while the IAEA chief says inspections will proceed. Gulf Outreach: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio toured Bahrain and met GCC leaders to reassure them that any Iran agreement will protect Gulf security and Hormuz interests, even as the UAE and Iran trade sharp messages over the strait’s future. Lebanon Border Talks: Israel and Lebanon denied any Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon after US comments about a partial pullback; meanwhile, Lebanon-Israel “pilot zone” discussions in Washington remain stalled, with Hezbollah-linked officials warning no final deal without full Israeli withdrawal. War Powers and Funding Fight: In Washington, Trump clashed with GOP Sen. Bill Cassidy over Iran war transparency and Congress’s war powers push, while the White House asked Congress for about $87.6B for the Iran campaign and other needs. Oil and Markets: Oil prices slid back toward pre-Iran-war levels as Hormuz traffic resumes and supply fears ease, even as shipping and fee disputes keep risk high. Palestinian Casualties: Israel killed a Palestinian in northern Gaza amid reported ceasefire violations. OPEC Pressure: Iraq signaled it may consider leaving OPEC if quotas aren’t raised, adding new strain to the cartel.