Morning update

Good morning Middle East Eye readers, here are the latest developments:

South Korea is evaluating potential military actions to support freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a presidential Blue House official on Friday. The official dismissed claims that Seoul had offered no aid, stating the allegations were untrue.

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the European Union has officially aligned with Washington's economic sanctions campaign against Iran. Bessent expressed gratitude to the EU for their robust and timely stance, adding that the world would continue pressuring Iran until all financial means are eliminated.

Donald Trump appointed Adam Telle, former assistant secretary of the Army for civil works, as the interim US Army Secretary. This move followed the confirmation of Dan Driscoll's resignation, prompted by mounting tensions with Pete Hegseth and concerns about the White House's approach to the Iran conflict.

The US House of Representatives passed a Republican-supported bill, the Protect Economic and Academic Freedom Act, which would penalize universities engaging in boycotts of Israel or restricting students' travel to the country. The legislation garnered 237 votes in favor, moving forward to the Senate for consideration.

The United Nations Human Rights Office for Palestine stated that Israel must "halt its unlawful presence and remove all settlers from the occupied West Bank" following the fatal shootings of two Palestinian teenagers in the village of al-Mughayyir on Wednesday. The agency criticized the settler and state violence against Palestinians, asserting that Israel must adhere to international law and address the forced displacement of the local population.