IAEA confirms Iran inspections as Rubio rejects Hormuz tolls on Gulf tour

IAEA will inspect Iranian nuclear sites under US-Iran peace deal IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi confirmed inspections will take place, though Iran said final access depends on a comprehensive agreement. The move is a key step in the 60-day negotiation window opened by the preliminary deal. 1

Ukraine destroys 60,000 tons of ammunition near St. Petersburg President Zelensky said Ukrainian long-range strikes hit a Baltic Fleet arsenal, as part of efforts to damage Russian military logistics. Intelligence also showed Russia redeploying air defenses to Moscow and the Kerch Bridge, weakening other regions. 23

Israeli strikes kill two in southern Lebanon despite ongoing ceasefire talks An Israeli drone strike hit a vehicle near Kfar Reman, violating a renewed ceasefire as Israeli defence minister said troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon. The attack came as officials from Israel and Lebanon met in Washington for talks. 4

Rubio rules out Iranian tolls on Strait of Hormuz during Gulf tour US Secretary of State visited UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain to reassure allies, stating the US will not accept any deal that undermines Gulf security. Iran had suggested charging fees for ships transiting the strait, a move Rubio warned would spread like a contagion. 156

Far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella wins tight Colombia presidential runoff Preliminary results show de la Espriella with 49.7% to leftist Iván Cepeda's 48.7%, with a recount likely. His victory represents a shift to hardline crime policies and austerity, repudiating traditional political actors. 7