Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers,

Here are the latest happenings:

A vessel traveling through the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified projectile on Tuesday, causing damage to the engine room and resulting in crew casualties, according to a report from UKMTO. An Iranian military official has cautioned that shipping firms engaged in fulfilling US military requirements against Iran will face repercussions.

Tehran regards the transport of fuel, ammunition, equipment, food, and other necessities for US troops not just as commercial activity, but as supporting Washington in its conflict with Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu conveyed to US President Donald Trump's envoy Jared Kushner that the Israeli army will persist with targeted killings in the Gaza Strip, as reported by Israeli TV station Channel 15. Kushner disapproved of the escalation of Israeli covert operations in the crowded territory, according to a source cited in the report.

Four air strikes struck the Abu al-Zuhour military airport in the eastern outskirts of Idlib, northern Syria, according to Al Jazeera. This marks the inaugural attack of its kind on the airport since the demise of the Assad regime in December 2024.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi expressed that nothing justifies the reckless assault that targeted the Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister's office overnight. He advised Kurdish associates to remain watchful against false-flag tactics to incite discord among neighbors, as stated in a post on X.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held a conversation with US President Donald Trump to urge the US to maintain dialogue with Iran and de-escalate tensions, offering Ankara's assistance in peaceful efforts, as per the Turkish presidency.