Iran-US Talks: US VP JD Vance says Washington has made “some” progress with Iran, but insists Tehran must prove it can deliver the changes the US wants as a settlement deal remains pending. Strait of Hormuz: Trump claims the Strait is “open” and says the US Navy controls it, while Iran’s terms for reopening—linked to compensation—continue to cloud the outlook as oil prices jump. US-Iran Pressure vs Diplomacy: Trump says he prefers a deal over military action, even as reports point to US munitions shortages and a broader “low-keying” approach. Gaza Rift: Netanyahu publicly rejects Trump’s 15-point Gaza plan, saying Israel won’t withdraw until Hamas is truly disarmed, deepening friction with Washington. Gaza Humanitarian Claims: UN experts and rights monitors accuse Israel of escalating attacks and manipulating nutrition data to deny famine indicators in Gaza. Turkey-Kurd Peace: Turkey’s parliament passes a limited amnesty framework for some PKK militants, aiming at reintegration and suspending prosecutions for certain offenses. Regional Security: Iran says the Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan “Mecca” defense pact signals a shift away from US security reliance. Colombia-Israel: Colombia becomes the second country to recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the Golan Heights, joining the US. Human Rights in Iran: A Kurdish woman’s fate remains unknown 45 days after arrest, and a kolbar is reported killed by Iranian military gunfire near the border.