Beirut: US President Donald Trump indicated a strategic pivot towards increasing economic pressure on Iran, rather than pursuing immediate military action. In an interview with Axios, Trump revealed his administration's approach of "low keying it," emphasizing that the US is "only semi-negotiating" with Tehran while observing Iran's economic challenges, including significant inflation and monetary issues.
According to Anadolu Agency, the day also saw developments regarding US policy in the Middle East, particularly concerning the Gaza Strip. Hamas has reiterated its dedication to the second phase of Trump's Gaza plan, which was formulated in collaboration with mediators and the Board of Peace. The Palestinian group emphasized the importance of adhering to the agreed 15-point plan, underscoring the necessity of implementing all phases and obligations within a structured timeline.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has openly rejected the proposed 15-point Gaza plan. In a video statement during a Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu insisted that Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza would not occur until Hamas's disarmament is realized. This stance highlights a significant point of contention between the US and Israel, as the Board of Peace's lead envoy for Gaza, Nickolay Mladenov, has previously suggested that Israel would withdraw if disarmament could be verified.
Elsewhere in the region, tensions remain high as Yemen's Houthi group launched further ballistic missile and drone attacks on Mokha. This follows recent strikes on the city and its port, which resulted in seven fatalities and 30 injuries, highlighting the ongoing volatility in the area. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has appointed former IRGC commander Mohsen Rezaee as secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, potentially signaling a shift in Iran's strategic posture.
In related news, Syria and Russia have finalized a memorandum of understanding to restructure Russia's presence at bases in Khmeimim and Tartus, after extensive negotiations. This development could have broader implications for regional security dynamics, particularly in light of ongoing US-Iran tensions.
As these geopolitical events unfold, oil markets have reacted with caution. Oil prices have seen an uptick as Iran's conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, including easing sanctions and war reparations, have raised concerns over potential disruptions to global energy supplies. This economic pressure comes amid Trkiye's report of serving nearly 139 million passengers at its airports in the first seven months of 2026, highlighting the region's significant air traffic activity.