Escalation in US-Iran maritime conflict and new arrangements for Israel-Lebanon talks

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have escalated sharply following reciprocal attacks between Iran and the United States. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated it struck two US vessels, eight oil tankers, and 10 other ships, while warning tanker crews in Bahrain and Kuwait to abandon their vessels. Conversely, US Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that American forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil tankers. In a separate development, Jordan announced it intercepted 18 of 20 ballistic missiles fired from Iran toward the kingdom, while the IRGC claimed it attacked US military sites in Al Azraq. Meanwhile, Israel announced it would close the UK consulate in East Jerusalem in response to British sanctions imposed on Israeli settlements. US-brokered talks between Lebanon and Israel are set to continue in Rome and Florida, though no significant breakthrough is expected before next month's Israeli elections.