Middle East War: talks open in Washington between Lebanon and Israel as the

Iranian Ships Defy US Blockade to Cross Strait of Hormuz

At least two ships from Iranian ports crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, despite the US military blockade, according to maritime data company Kpler on Tuesday. The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Christianna passed through the strait after unloading corn at Iran’s Bandar Imam Khomeini port, near the Iranian island of Larak around 4:00 p.m. GMT on Monday, after the US blockade came into effect at 2:00 p.m. GMT. The second ship, the tanker Elpis, flying the Comoros flag, was near Larak island around 11:00 a.m. GMT and crossed the strait around 4:00 p.m. GMT.

Macron Urges Trump and Iranian President to Resume Negotiations

French President Emmanuel Macron said Tuesday that he spoke with US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Massoud Pezeshkian, asking both leaders to “resume interrupted negotiations” between the United States and Iran.

“I called for the resumption of interrupted negotiations in Islamabad, to clarify misunderstandings and avoid further escalations. It is essential that the ceasefire be strictly respected by all parties and include Lebanon,” wrote the French president on social media.

Israeli Diplomat Aims for Peace and Normalization with Lebanon

The Israeli Foreign Minister stated on Tuesday that Israel aspires to “peace and normalization” of relations with Lebanon, a few hours before peace talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington.

“We want to achieve peace and normalization with the Lebanese state… There are no major differences between Israel and Lebanon. The problem lies with Hezbollah,” said Gideon Saar during a press conference.

Israel Has No Dispute with Lebanon, the Issue is Hezbollah, Says Israeli Diplomat

EU Concerned About Potential Jet Fuel Supply Issues in Near Future

The European Commission expressed concerns on Tuesday over possible jet fuel supply difficulties in Europe in the near future due to the Middle East conflict.

“At present, there are no fuel shortages in the European Union, but supply difficulties could arise in the near future, especially concerning jet fuel, a primary source of concern,” said a Commission spokesperson.

Mission on Strait of Hormuz: Conference on Friday with “Non-belligerent” Countries

French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-chair a video conference on Friday from Paris with “non-belligerent countries ready to contribute” to a “multilateral and purely defensive mission” on the Strait of Hormuz, announced the Elysée on Tuesday.

This mission, distinct from US efforts, aims to “restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz when security conditions permit,” the French presidency specified.