Trump Says US Could ‘Easily’ Open Hormuz

President Donald Trump indicated the U.S. could "easily" reopen the Strait of Hormuz and seize oil, marking a shift from his earlier position that other nations are responsible for the waterway.

Pope Leo XIV Urges Diplomacy in Mideast

Pope Leo XIV urged Israeli President Isaac Herzog to prioritize diplomacy and reopen all channels for achieving a just and lasting peace in the Middle East, reported Al Jazeera.

First Major EU And Japanese Ship TransitsHormuz

The CMA CGM vessel Kribi, broadcasting “owner France,” successfully crossed the Strait of Hormuz early Friday, marking the first major European shipping transit since Iranian attacks began in March, which had sharply limited crossings, reported France 24.

In another report by Reuters, A Japanese LNG tanker, co-owned by Mitsui OSK Lines, safely transited the Strait of Hormuz-the first Japanese vessel to do so since the war began.

Trump On Israel: ‘They’ll Stop When I Stop’

With elections approaching, Benjamin Netanyahu has limited flexibility without backing from Trump, an Israeli official told TIME. Trump told the publication that Israel follows his lead, saying they would halt actions when he decides-unless provoked. “They’ll stop when I stop,” Trump said.

Iran Hits Gulf Utilities

Iran struck a power and desalination plant in Kuwait, causing material damage but no casualties. On the same day, missile interception debris damaged a gas facility in Abu Dhabi, raising concerns over attacks on civilian infrastructure in the Gulf, reported CNN.

Iran Allows South African Vessels Through Hormuz

Iran's embassy in South Africa said vessels can continue transiting the Strait of Hormuz. South Africa's government is monitoring the situation closely, with Minister Ronald Lamola engaging Gulf counterparts and holding talks with Iran's foreign minister to support diplomatic efforts, reported IOL News.

EU Braces For ‘Long-Lasting’ Energy Shock

The European Union is preparing for a ‘ long-lasting’ energy crisis triggered by the Middle East war, warning that elevated energy prices could persist long-term. Dan Jørgensen, in charge of energy and housing at the European Commission (EC), told the Financial Times that while there is no immediate supply emergency or need for fuel rationing, officials are evaluating worst-case scenarios, including rationing and tapping emergency oil reserves.

Expert Casts Doubt Over Iran’s F-35 Attack Claim

Iranian state media claimed it shot down an F-35, but the limited wreckage shown appears inconsistent. Visible markings instead suggest the debris belongs to an F-15 fighter jet, Peter Layton, a fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute and former Royal Australian Air Force officer, told CNN.

Trump’s New Targets In Iran

President Donald Trump, late Thursday, stated the U.S. military "hasn't even started destroying what's left in Iran," promising attacks on bridges and electric power plants following Thursday's airstrike on a Tehran-Karaj highway bridge that caused injuries and damage.

The UN Security Council is set to vote today on a Bahrain-drafted resolution to secure shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, authorizing defensive military action. China has opposed the measure, warning it could escalate conflict.

IRGC Claims Oracle UAE Data Center Attack, Dubai Denies

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said they targeted Oracle’s (NYSE:ORCL) Dubai data centers, citing retaliation for Iranian assassinations and warning of costs to the US military. The Dubai Government Media Office firmly rejected claims and called the reports “fake news”.

Oracle did not immediately respond to Benzinga’s Request for comments.