US President Donald Trump announced a temporary pause of 'Project Freedom,' the US-led effort to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz, in order to allow time for a potential agreement with Iran. However, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports will remain in effect.

French shipping giant CMA CGM reported that one of its container vessels, the San Antonio, was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The ship was damaged and several crew members were injured. It is unclear whether the vessel was part of the US escort mission.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing. Wang expressed Beijing's 'deep distress' over the war and called for a 'comprehensive ceasefire.' Araghchi stated that Tehran would only accept a 'fair and comprehensive agreement.'

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio declared that offensive operations under 'Epic Fury' are over, and the US is now acting purely defensively to enforce the blockade. He also confirmed that 10 civilian sailors have died during the conflict in the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's military 'categorically denied' launching attacks on the United Arab Emirates, calling the allegations 'completely unfounded.' The UAE had earlier reported intercepting missiles and drones coming 'from Iran' for a second consecutive day.

Gasoline prices in the US have surged 50% since the war began, averaging $4.48 per gallon, according to the American Automobile Association. The spike is attributed to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of global crude oil normally passes.

Source: www.dw.com