Iranian news agencies have published a graphic implying the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) laid sea mines in the Strait of Hormuz during the war, a move potentially aimed at pressuring the US amid ceasefire uncertainty.

China and Pakistan have jointly proposed a five-point peace plan for the Middle East, urging a ceasefire after a month-long war, as Iran's Revolutionary Guards continue to issue warnings against US companies like Apple, Google, and Meta, citing retaliation for 'targeted assassinations' of Iranian leaders.

European and world stock markets, including Asian equities, are experiencing downward trends for the fifth consecutive week due to intensifying Middle East conflict, which has also caused oil prices to surge towards $117 per barrel and led to a rebound in soybean and corn prices, further fueled by fears of escalation in Iran.

The ongoing Iranian blockade of the Strait of Hormuz continues to severely impact global energy markets, with Kuwait warning of a catastrophic economic domino effect. Iran's Foreign Minister and Ministry of Foreign Affairs have stated that the Strait remains open to ships from nations not backing US-Israeli aggression, communicating this to the UN. The tightened global fuel supply is particularly affecting Asian nations and causing shortages for fuel retailers in Kenya, leading to increased reliance on coal and raising concerns about potential plane groundings, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen highlights a 'critical energy situation.'

Iran has again closed the Strait of Hormuz, with its Revolutionary Guard threatening to fire on any approaching ships, leading to a significant drop in traffic due to security fears. The US has warned against "blackmail" and reportedly plans to seize Iran-linked vessels.

Israeli airstrikes continue to target Lebanon, killing civilians and leading to Indonesia laying to rest peacekeepers killed in the conflict, while renewed strikes have also forced a Syria border crossing to close.

Global markets continue to experience mixed reactions, with oil prices, including Brent crude, jumping higher amid growing fears of a wider Middle East conflict, while Asian equities fall and US stocks mostly advance, balancing market sentiment with jobs data, war uncertainty, and recession fears.

The Middle East conflict continues to impact the global economy, leading to potential stagflation, rising mortgage rates in the US, and lower Wall Street trading. South Korea has implemented a 12-step plan to reduce energy consumption due to surging oil prices, while Europe faces a potential gas price explosion if LNG imports from Qatar remain halted, and global fuel prices are causing concern in places like Manila.

Reports of a potential deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and withdraw US forces were met with conflicting statements from Iran and the US, with the White House calling Iranian claims of an agreement a "fabrication." Meanwhile, the US delivered its first KC-46 aircraft to Israel, enhancing its capabilities for potential independent strikes on Iran.

Iran's tallest bridge, connecting Tehran to Karaj, has collapsed following reported US airstrikes, with at least 8 people killed and 95 injured. Iran has threatened American allies in retaliation, and President Trump posted about the strike on social media.

The Israeli military has suspended and pulled a battalion from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, a rare punishment for soldier misconduct, following 'revenge' comments made by a soldier and an assault on a CNN crew during their detention.

Alireza Tangsiri, the commander of the IRGC Navy Corps, responsible for the Strait of Hormuz, was reportedly killed in an Israeli strike near Bandar Abbas, according to Israeli officials and media claims, though there has been no official confirmation from Iranian sources regarding his death.

Iran has begun mining the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil shipping chokepoint, with US naval forces actively destroying the mines. President Trump demanded Iran immediately remove all mines, warning of severe consequences. Reports estimate Iran possesses 5,000-6,000 sea mines, posing a major threat to global shipping.