US journalist Shelly Kittleson released by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq Two officials confirmed to Al-Monitor that Kittleson had been released. Iraq
Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran
China, Russia veto scaled-back Hormuz resolution at UN Security Council The vote came hours before the US deadline for Iran to reopen the global chokepoint. Bahrain
Gulf nations in line of fire brace for Iran escalation: What to know A bridge linking Saudi Arabia to Bahrain was briefly closed as Iran escalates its attacks in the Gulf ahead of a looming US deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. United Arab Emirates