Morning update

Morning update From the Middle East Eye, here are the latest updates from the region and beyond: Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) reported that four oil tankers experienced explosions and fires while allegedly traversing unauthorized paths through the Strait of Hormuz. US President Donald Trump indicated ongoing negotiations with Iran, emphasizing that Washington is not involved in a conventional war.

Saudi-led coalition forces successfully intercepted and destroyed a drone in Saudi Arabia's Riyadh, Eastern Province, and southern region. Over 530 Palestinian families were displaced from their homes in Hebron due to a citywide lockdown by Israeli forces, according to Al Jazeera. One Palestinian was killed and another person died from injuries sustained in an Israeli air strike in central Nuseirat, and another fatality occurred in Gaza City from injuries sustained in a prior air attack.

An Israeli air attack targeted the town of Kfar Tebnit in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh district. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi criticized Germany for supporting the Israel-US conflict in Iran last year, noting that it has added over 100 billion euros ($112bn) to Europe’s energy costs. The Metropolitan Police in London warned that individuals planning to attend a demonstration supporting Palestine Action near the US Embassy on Saturday would face arrest as part of a robust policing operation.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains at 70 percent of its pre-conflict levels, with vessels still encountering attacks, interference, and security risks across the Gulf, as reported by the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated that Germany is working to end the Iran conflict as soon as possible, as it has contributed over 100 billion euros ($112bn) to Europe’s energy costs in the past eight months.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan met with his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov during the G20 foreign ministers meeting in the US.