Trump calls Iran war 'militarily over'; Hormuz stays shut

Summary

US President Donald Trump has declared the war with Iran 'militarily over,' yet Tehran says the Strait of Hormuz will stay closed until its seven conditions are met, shifting the conflict from bombing toward a contest of economic pressure and maritime blockade.⁠12

Secretary of State Marco Rubio said economic sanctions and restrictions have been highly effective against Iran, so there is no need to resume large-scale military operations at present.⁠3

In the Strait of Hormuz, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said an oil tanker caught fire after hitting a naval mine, a reminder that the maritime standoff carries real military risk.⁠4

Brent crude fell below $90 a barrel for the first time since August, suggesting that markets read the declaration as relief.⁠5

In Congo, the centre of new Ebola cases has moved to North Kivu, and the WHO's count of confirmed cases has reached 10,668.⁠6

In Ukraine's war, Russian and Ukrainian delegations opened their first US-mediated talks in nine months in Abu Dhabi, with Washington taking part as a third party.⁠7

Next, watch whether Washington responds to the seven conditions Iran has set for reopening the Strait of Hormuz.⁠2