Iran has begun enforcing transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities confirm revenues are being deposited in the Central Bank, while the US Navy continues its blockade of Iranian ports.

A deadly air strike in southern Lebanon has claimed the life of reporter Amal Khalil, intensifying the global debate over journalist safety in the US-Israel conflict with Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has labeled the incident a "war crime," alleging that Israeli forces deliberately targeted the journalists and obstructed rescue teams. While the IDF maintains they were striking Hezbollah-linked threats, press freedom groups are calling for an immediate international inquiry.

In a sudden move that has rattled the Pentagon, Navy Secretary John Phelan has stepped down effective immediately. Phelan, a key Trump appointee from the private sector, exits just as the US Navy maintains a high-stakes blockade in the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's seizure of two vessels. Navy veteran Hung Cao steps in as acting lead, signaling a potential shift toward more aggressive military cultural reforms.