London: Leaders from the UK, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan have expressed their willingness to assist in ensuring the safe passage of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. They have condemned recent Iranian attacks and have urged Tehran to immediately halt its aggressive actions, including threats, mine-laying, and drone and missile attacks.

According to Anadolu Agency, the countries' leaders have called on Iran to cease its hostile activities in the region, emphasizing the importance of maintaining security and stability in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil shipments. The move comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western nations following a series of confrontations in the area.

In another development, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it struck and seriously damaged a US F-35 fighter jet over central Iran. The incident led to an emergency landing of the aircraft at a nearby American airbase, as confirmed by the US Central Command (CENTCOM). The pilot is reported to be in stable condition, according to US Navy Capt. Tim Hawkins.

Meanwhile, Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing with Egypt to allow limited movement of Palestinians after a 20-day closure. The reopening was conducted under strict restrictions, facilitating the transport of patients from a hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, to the crossing for medical treatment abroad, as coordinated by the Palestinian Red Crescent Society.