Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are rising again after Iran announced plans to introduce tolls for shipping through the strategic waterway, while Donald Trump warned Tehran it faces a “very bad time” if a peace deal is not reached soon.

Despite renewed diplomatic efforts and mediation attempts led by Pakistan, military activity continues across Lebanon and the Gulf, with fears growing that the region could move closer to another major escalation.

Here are the latest developments: 

• Iran says it will soon unveil a Strait of Hormuz traffic and toll system

• Trump warns Tehran of a “very bad time” if negotiations fail

• Israel says its military is at the highest readiness level for a possible war with Iran

• Hezbollah launches drone and rocket attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon

• Israeli strikes intensify across southern Lebanon despite ceasefire extension

• US Central Command says 78 vessels have been redirected under the Iran blockade

• Russia warns the US and Israel against launching renewed strikes on Iran

• Pakistan says a second round of Washington-Tehran talks could still bring peace

• UK deploys anti-drone systems on RAF aircraft in the Middle East

• Oil and energy concerns deepen after the US exemption on Russian oil expires