Senior U.S. officials are angry about growing violence by Israeli "settlers" in the West Bank and are demanding that Israel stop the "settler" terrorism and restore order.

During a tense call, JD Vance confronted Netanyahu, questioning how Israel allows chaos while both countries are fighting together against Iran.

U.S. officials reject Israeli explanations and expect stronger action.

If the situation doesn’t improve, future political consequences for Israel could be severe.

Source: Israel Hayom

A Chinese-owned fuel tanker, Bright Gold, passed through the Strait of Hormuz using a route along Iran’s coast approved by Tehran.

It traveled between Qeshm and Larak islands and signaled its Chinese ownership.

Two Indian gas carriers also used the same route after India coordinated safe passage with Iran.

Source: Bloomberg

Angola Charges Russian Nationals Over Terrorism, Espionage & Unrest

Angola has charged Russian nationals Lev Lakshtanov and Igor Ratchin with espionage and election interference over an alleged 2024-2025 disinformation campaign, which authorities link to Africa Politology, a network seen as a successor to the Wagner Group.

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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz:

We blew up 5 bridges over the Litani.

We will control the remaining bridges and the security zone up to the Litani River.

Namibia Turns Down Elon Musk Starlink Licence Application

Namibia's Communications Regulatory Authority rejected Starlink’s telecom & spectrum licence application, citing regulatory provisions, highlighting ongoing barriers to foreign satellite internet providers & local ownership requirements.

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Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr has been appointed as Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, replacing Ali Larijani.

NEW: Lebanon has decided to expel the Iranian Ambassador, giving him until Sunday to leave.

An Israeli official said a deal to end the Iran war is “not tangible right now,” as military strikes continue in Iran and Lebanon.

The official noted Iran is not showing willingness to make concessions and suggested ongoing talks may be a delay tactic.

Source: CNN

Bahrain has proposed a UN Security Council resolution authorising force to protect shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while France has introduced a more diplomatic alternative text amid rising regional tensions.

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German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier on Iran:

This war is a politically disastrous mistake. A truly avoidable, unnecessary war, if its goal was to stop Iran on its way to the atomic bomb.

Former Israeli PM Naftali Bennett to Europe:

We are fighting against this horrible radical Islamist menace… and instead of thanking us, you are criticizing us.

I mean, what’s the deal there?

Former CIA Director John Brennan:

I tend to believe Iran more than I do Donald Trump, because he could not acknowledge the truth even when he’s slapped in the face with it repeatedly.

California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Israel:

I revere the state of Israel. I’m proud to support the state of Israel.

I deeply, deeply oppose Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership, his opposition to the two-state solution, and deeply oppose how he is indulging the far right as it relates to what’s going on in the West Bank.

Q: Do you regret using the word ‘apartheid’ to describe Israel?

Gavin Newsom: I used it in this context — and I reference why I used it — a Tom Friedman article in that same sentence where Tom used it in the context of the direction that Bibi is going.

And that is a legitimate concern I have, that I share — that direction, if that vision of the far right that Netanyahu is indulging leads to full annexation of the West Bank, then that’s a word you may hear others use.

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has declared a national energy emergency due to risks from the Middle East conflict.

He warned of potential fuel supply disruptions and rising oil prices.

The government formed a committee to secure the supply and distribution of essential goods.

Iran keeps mocking Trump.

IRGC fighter sending off a Sejil missile.

Iran’s Sejil missile is a domestically built, solid-fuel, two-stage ballistic missile with a ~2,000 km range.

It can carry a ~700 kg warhead.

Tucker Carlson: How do Israelis view Americans?

Avraham Burg (former Knesset Speaker): We think you are so childish and naive.

Carlson: Why?

Burg: Because you are.

Former Knesset speaker Avraham Burg said that since 1967, Israeli extremists have made at least five attempts to destroy Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

Iran halted gas exports to Türkiye after the Israeli strike on the South Pars field.

Türkiye relies on Iran for ~14% of its gas but can offset it short-term with supplies from Russia/Azerbaijan and stored reserves.

The duration is unclear.

Source: Bloomberg

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Russia is benefiting financially from the Iran war, as oil prices jumped from ~$70 to over $100, boosting state revenues.

This surge lets Moscow delay planned fiscal tightening, including changes to its reserve fund rules and possible spending cuts.

Energy income is expected to spike (up ~70% month-to-month), easing short-term budget pressure despite sanctions and war costs.

Officials now plan to keep current rules for now, possibly pushing reforms to 2027.

Source: Reuters

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