Iran says it's in the final stage of drafting an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz waterway with Oman, while two Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon.
Here's a look at the latest developments in the Iran war and the wider Middle East on Thursday. Full coverage can be found here.
Iran says it's close to a deal with Oman
Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmail Baghaei, has said an agreement on the Strait of Hormuz with Oman, which lies on the other side of the waterway, is in the “final stage” of drafting. Speaking on Wednesday, he said a joint statement will be issued “if certain parties do not obstruct this process,” apparently referring to the US.
The agreement is likely to be contingent on the US lifting its blockade on Iran's ports.
The Strait is crucial to global shipping and energy supplies. Before the war, which began with US and Israeli strikes on Iran in February, around one-fifth of the world's oil and natural gas passed through the waterway at the mouth of the Persian Gulf.
On Thursday, all eyes were on the US for the next development.
UNESCO World Heritage site in Sudan is threatened by war and sand
The war in Sudan is threatening the ancient Meroe pyramids, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique and angular architecture, as preservation efforts have completely halted.
Sudan's deadly conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has destroyed many of the country's historical sites and museums. UNESCO warned in April that cultural and historical sites are under growing threat.
Located about 200 kilometres (125 miles) north of the capital Khartoum, Meroe comprises over 200 pyramids built between 800 B.C. and 350 AD as royal tombs for the Kingdom of Kush. Archaeologist Mahmoud Suleiman warned that collapses are possible at the site.
