Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Jared Kushner and Egyptian President Sisi met in Egypt on Sunday to discuss the war in Gaza and other regional matters, according to an Egyptian Presidency press release.

Donald Trump's son-in-law and envoy also met with Hamas political chief Khalil al-Hayya, a rare encounter for the U.S. president.

Trump tweeted on the social media platform Truth Social that he was "Very happy" about the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement recently signed by Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. The agreement, Trump claimed, "shows how the Middle East is coming together" and will enable better defense solutions against threats.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz diminished over the weekend after attacks on vessels, with no recorded transits on Sunday compared to 31 vessels last weekend, according to Kpler ship tracking data.

A senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) threatened the country's enemies, stating that Iran will switch from a defensive stance to an offensive one when necessary to protect its land, ensure security, and neutralize enemy threats.

Israel's Channel 12 reported that the Israeli army is preparing for a potential escalation in Lebanon, which could last for several days. The broadcaster said that Israel has been exercising restraint recently to avoid disrupting peace talks with Lebanon. Israel's military has claimed responsibility for over 4,346 deaths and 12,301 injuries since early March.

Yemen's internationally recognized government launched artillery attacks against the Houthis in northern al-Jawf Governorate, targeting their gatherings and dens, according to a post on X.