UAE Today — 105 Headlines

The UAE established a new Federal Authority for Artificial Intelligence and Data, reporting directly to the Cabinet and chaired by Omar Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence. The authority consolidates the UAE's AI Office, digital government functions, and Emirates Data Office under one unified body.

Dubai's public sector employees will benefit from a four-day working week running from June 29 to September 10, with staff able to take Fridays off entirely or opt for a shorter shift. This marks the second consecutive year Dubai has introduced the summer flexibility scheme for government employees.

The UAE extended its visa-on-arrival programme to nationals of Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Kenya, and South Africa. Eligible travellers are required to hold a valid residence permit from approved countries including the US, UK, EU member states, and Australia.

The UAE introduced a new Wage Protection System rule requiring private-sector salaries to be paid on the first day of each Gregorian month for the previous month's work. The decision, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, led to a 150% jump in wage payments recorded on June 1.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Emirati citizens will be allowed to travel to Lebanon from Monday, June 29, 2026. The ministry confirmed that registration through the Tawajudi service is mandatory before departure.

The UAE Ministry of Finance launched the pilot phase of its Electronic Invoicing System, using a five-corner model for digital invoice exchange. Large businesses with annual revenue of Dh50 million or more must appoint an accredited service provider by October 30, 2026, ahead of mandatory implementation on January 1, 2027.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation confirmed June 30, 2026 as the deadline for private sector establishments with 50 or more employees to achieve their Emiratisation targets for the first half of the year. Financial contributions and fines will commence on July 1 for employers that miss the required rate.

Work under direct sunlight and in open areas is banned across the UAE from 12:30pm to 3pm daily between June 15 and September 15, as announced by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The annual summer midday break regulation protects outdoor workers from extreme heat during peak afternoon hours.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan issued a federal decree appointing Hamad Ali Mohammed Al Kaabi as Director-General of the Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation at the rank of Ministry Undersecretary. The appointment reflects the UAE's continued expansion of its civilian nuclear energy programme.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held discussions with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte on regional security developments and the framework for bilateral cooperation. The talks covered key geopolitical issues including maritime security and stability in the broader Middle East region.

The UAE welcomed the agreement between the United States and Iran, affirming the importance of dialogue and diplomacy to ensure regional stability. The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs called for strict adherence to international law and the protection of freedom of navigation, including through the Strait of Hormuz.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority launched DEWA International, a wholly owned subsidiary tasked with developing conventional and clean energy projects worldwide, targeting the $20 trillion global infrastructure market by 2035. The launch was announced by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy.

Etihad Rail commenced its introductory passenger service on June 30, 2026, linking Abu Dhabi and Fujairah in just 1 hour and 45 minutes with fares starting from AED 55. The launch marks a landmark milestone in the UAE's national railway infrastructure programme.

UAE professionals are demanding salaries up to 30 per cent higher than what employers are offering, driven by surging housing, education, and healthcare costs. The gap between salary expectations and employer offers has widened as the cost of living continues to climb across the Emirates.

Rents in Dubai are forecast to increase by up to six per cent in 2026 as the city's population expands, though the pace of growth is slower than in previous years due to new housing supply entering the market. Rental increases are concentrated in high-demand areas where supply remains constrained.

UAE fuel prices were hiked for June 2026, marking the fourth consecutive monthly increase this year amid a surge in international oil prices. Super 95 petrol was priced at Dh3.95 per litre, with prices having risen by approximately 66 per cent since February 2026.

June 2026 brought a fresh wave of price increases for UAE residents covering fuel, Salik road tolls, and parking fees. The multiple simultaneous increases have added to inflationary pressures already felt by households across the country.

As UAE petrol and diesel prices jumped sharply in April 2026, the government activated higher fuel subsidies and inflation allowances to shield low-income Emirati families. Qualifying households can receive up to Dh900 in monthly allowances to offset the higher living costs.

The Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC) has announced the suspension of all rental increases on lease contracts until further notice, offering significant relief to tenants in the capital. The freeze is designed to stabilise the real estate market and protect residents from escalating housing costs.

Average rents in several popular Dubai neighbourhoods have declined by up to five per cent, with areas like Bur Dubai, Arjan, and Dubai Silicon Oasis seeing the biggest drops. The rental relief is being driven by a rise in new housing supply and higher vacancy rates, particularly during summer months.

Dubai is set to introduce 735 electric buses in 2026 as part of its drive towards a zero-emission mobility system. The new fleet marks the largest rollout of electric buses in the UAE's history.

Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority unveiled the world's first AI-powered smart bus station at Mall of the Emirates, integrating sustainable and futuristic transport technology. The station represents a key milestone in RTA's smart mobility strategy for the emirate.

Etihad Rail announced it will launch its inaugural passenger service between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah on June 30, 2026, with the journey taking one hour and 45 minutes. Fares start from Dh55 for Comfort Class and Dh120 for Premium class.

More than 5,000 passengers booked Etihad Rail services between Abu Dhabi and Fujairah within the first two days of ticket sales going live. All seats on the three launch-day journeys on June 30 sold out completely.

The RTA announced a partnership with Chinese rail technology company Casco Signal to establish an advanced testing facility for the Dubai Metro Blue Line. The Blue Line project, budgeted at Dh20.5 billion, is scheduled to open on September 9, 2029.

Etihad Airways rolled out its largest-ever summer programme featuring more than 300 daily flights, representing a 10 percent capacity increase over the previous summer season. The expansion includes nine new route launches and seasonal returns.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum approved a package of Dubai Municipality development projects including the Dubai Falcon Market, Dubai Creek Lighting and the world's first AI-Powered Park Design Challenge. The Falcon Market spans approximately 50,000 square feet at an estimated cost of Dh50 million.

Dubai Municipality launched a global competition inviting architects, urban planners and technology innovators to redesign Al Safa 2 Park using AI-driven solutions. Applications are open until August 15, 2026, with cash prizes totalling Dh200,000 available for winning entries.

Dubai Summer Surprises 2026 runs from July 2 to August 30, offering shoppers who spend Dh500 at participating malls the chance to win homes, cars and gold over a 12-week period. The campaign is organised jointly with Dubai Chambers and supported by developer Binghatti.

Dubai launched its 'Our Flexible Summer' initiative from June 29 to September 10, allowing government employees to work seven hours per day Monday to Thursday and four-and-a-half hours on Fridays, or shift to a four-day week. The move raises questions about whether the private sector will follow suit.

A shift in UK travel advice has driven an immediate surge in bookings to Dubai, easing insurance hurdles and signalling a faster recovery in inbound tourism. The development is expected to accelerate the return of British visitors to one of the city's largest tourist markets.

Dubai introduced the 'Flexi Rent' initiative allowing tenants to pay annual rents through monthly instalment plans, easing financial pressure on residents. The scheme is designed to increase affordability and accessibility in Dubai's competitive rental market.

A flight from Tehran landed at Dubai International Airport, marking the first arrival since the US-Israel conflict with Iran began on February 28, 2026. The resumption signals a gradual restoration of commercial aviation links between the two countries.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid issued Law No. 17 of 2026 establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority, tasked with positioning Dubai as the global leader in regulated longevity, wellness and advanced healthcare. The new authority will oversee research, regulation and attraction of international investment in the sector.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan received a delegation from the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA) to mark the organisation's 50th anniversary. The meeting underscored ADIA's role as one of the world's largest sovereign wealth funds and a cornerstone of Abu Dhabi's long-term economic strategy.

Emergency services tackled a fire which broke out at the Carpet Souq in Mina Zayed in late June, with Abu Dhabi Police and Abu Dhabi Civil Defence Authority teams responding rapidly to the scene. No impact on surrounding traffic was reported and the blaze was brought under control without casualties.

The UAE unveiled its first domestically manufactured satellite through Abu Dhabi-based company Orbitworks, which has established a facility capable of producing 50 satellites per year. The government plans to market the technology to Western nations as part of a broader push to diversify the economy through advanced manufacturing.

Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) and FINTECH.TV launched the MENA region's first international financial news studio operating live from inside a stock exchange, going live on June 8, 2026. The partnership aims to raise Abu Dhabi's profile as a global financial hub by broadcasting market news and analysis to international audiences.

UAE GDP rose 6.2 per cent to reach $517.2 billion in 2025, driven by a 6.8 per cent expansion in the non-oil economy to $408 billion. Trade contributed nearly 17 per cent of total output, with finance, insurance, construction, and manufacturing also posting strong gains.

The UAE unveiled Dh171 billion ($46.56 billion) in aggregate deals at the Make it in the Emirates 2026 summit in Abu Dhabi, including Dh48.5 billion in investments and Dh19.2 billion in financing. International Holding Company signed more than 60 strategic agreements worth over Dh40 billion across sectors including financial services, space technology, clean energy, and artificial intelligence.

The UAE economy is projected to expand by more than five per cent in 2026, with non-oil sectors forecast to grow 5.5 per cent and account for 78 per cent of the country's total GDP. The Minister of Economy cited sustained diversification and rising foreign investment as key drivers of the robust growth outlook.

Investors ranked the UAE as the world's most optimistic economy over the next three years, with a net optimism score of 42 per cent in Kearney's 2026 FDI Confidence Index. The UAE retained its position as the ninth most attractive market globally for foreign direct investment, while Saudi Arabia entered the global top ten for the first time.

Foreign capital inflows into UAE financial markets reached $5.1 billion as trading volumes surged, according to the market regulator. The Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange and Dubai Financial Market both posted strong gains, with ADX market capitalisation reaching $855 billion and DFM climbing 7.6 per cent.

The UAE banking sector continues to operate from a position of strength, underpinned by assets of AED5.4 trillion ($1.47 trillion) and foreign exchange reserves exceeding AED1 trillion ($270 billion). The weekly roundup also highlighted new R&D tax incentives aimed at boosting innovation investment across the Emirates.

The UAE launched a $272 million fund alongside a drive to add 5,000 new locally manufactured products ahead of the Make it in the Emirates 2026 industrial summit. The initiative is part of the country's broader strategy to accelerate industrial output and reduce reliance on imports.

Dubai attracted a record 1,253 new foreign investment projects in 2025, securing its position as the world's top destination for greenfield FDI projects for the fifth consecutive year. This investment surge created 38,918 jobs linked to new greenfield FDI projects, an 18.8 per cent increase from the previous year.

UAE economic growth accelerated in the early months of 2026, driven by expanding banking activity, rising foreign trade flows, and sustained investment momentum, according to official data and international reports. Non-oil foreign trade jumped 26 per cent to surpass $1 trillion, reinforcing the UAE's appeal to global investors.

The UAE is targeting a doubling of its registered company count to two million over the next decade, building on a surge that has already pushed registrations past 1.45 million. The government is expanding incentives and reducing regulatory hurdles to attract more foreign entrepreneurs and businesses.

The UAE has set a target of $599 billion in foreign investment stock as part of its National Investment Strategy 2031, backed by a $10 billion National Investment Fund deployed across priority sectors. The country's economy ranks among the world's fastest-growing, supported by record trade volumes and a rapidly diversifying industrial base.

The World Bank has forecast UAE economic growth at five per cent in 2026 and 5.1 per cent in 2027, reflecting strong diversification momentum and resilient non-oil sector performance. The projections place the UAE among the top performers in the Middle East region for the forecast period.

The UAE's Minister of Economy confirmed that more than 1.4 million companies are now operating across the country, representing a 118.7 per cent increase compared to the first half of 2021. The milestone reflects the success of ongoing regulatory reforms and business-friendly policies designed to attract local and international entrepreneurs.

The UAE private sector workforce expanded 2.5 per cent in the first quarter of 2026, as the number of skilled workers rose 1.5 per cent, according to Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation data. The growth reflects continued momentum in job creation driven by new company formations and rising business activity.

Dubai Police arrested eight suspects within 12 hours of a Dh12 million luxury oud theft, including a woman who impersonated a princess to facilitate the elaborate scam. The swift operation was highlighted by Dubai Police as an example of rapid criminal response using advanced tracking methods.

UAE authorities dismantled a major drug trafficking network in a nationwide coordinated operation, arresting 23 suspects and confiscating significant quantities of narcotics and psychotropic substances. The operation was conducted on June 16, 2026, before the drugs could be distributed across the country.

Dubai Police led Operation Tri-Force Sentinel alongside the US FBI and Chinese law enforcement, resulting in the arrest of 276 suspects linked to transnational financial crime. The crackdown dismantled nine fraud centres running high-yield investment scams, pig butchering schemes, and virtual currency fraud.

Dubai Police arrested a leading member of the Lyons crime group at Dubai International Airport following an Interpol Red Notice, as part of a coordinated global operation across four countries. The arrest was among 14 made internationally in a major crackdown on money laundering and transnational organised crime.

Sharjah Police busted an international fraud ring that defrauded victims of Dh3 million through fake delivery notifications and romance scam tactics. The ring operated across multiple countries and targeted residents in the UAE with increasingly sophisticated social engineering techniques.

Dubai Police revealed that an elderly man spent months trapped in a sophisticated fraud scheme after criminals convinced him that black-coloured banknotes in a safe could be chemically converted into genuine currency. The case was disclosed by the Head of Financial Tracking at Dubai Police's Anti-Fraud Centre as a warning about evolving scam tactics targeting seniors.

The UAE recorded its highest temperature of the season at 49.8C in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi on June 24, 2026. The National Centre of Meteorology reported that such extreme readings are consistent with peak summer conditions and the influence of El Nino this year.

Khaleej Times reported that UAE temperatures are forecast to breach the 50C threshold in some inland areas while convective summer rains remain possible during the seasonal Rawayeh period. The NCM noted that simultaneous extreme heat and rainfall activity is characteristic of the current El Nino pattern.

The National Centre of Meteorology issued a forecast for rain, fog patches, and strong winds affecting parts of the UAE including Fujairah and Al Ain from the week of June 21, 2026. Residents in coastal and eastern regions were advised to take precautions during the spell of unsettled weather.

The NCM forecast three consecutive days of rain for parts of the UAE even as daytime temperatures approached 50C, an unusual combination linked to the active summer convective season. Residents were warned to watch for sudden downpours and strong winds during the forecast period.

The UAE Ministry of Health signed MoUs with five private hospitals including Thumbay Group and University Hospital to build an integrated emergency response system between the public and private sectors. The agreements aim to coordinate exceptional and crisis-level medical situations across the country.

Doctors at Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City in Abu Dhabi are now using a swallowable capsule called PillSense to detect upper gastrointestinal bleeding in emergency and inpatient cases. Results are delivered to physicians in under ten minutes, significantly speeding up diagnosis.

President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan approved a comprehensive unified health insurance system guaranteeing medical care for Emiratis across all emirates. The decision removes geographic barriers between emirate-level health systems and improves access to specialised treatments.

Abu Dhabi is trialling MediChip, a 3D-printed biodegradable mesh that delivers chemotherapy drugs directly to colorectal cancer tumours. The targeted approach is designed to reduce systemic side effects and improve treatment outcomes for patients.

Abu Dhabi medical teams administered a pioneering new breast cancer drug to a patient in what was reported as a world first. The treatment represents a significant milestone in the UAE's growing oncology capabilities.

A new strategic partnership between the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs Dubai and the Dubai Health Authority creates an integrated experience for international patients from visa application through to post-treatment follow-up. The initiative is aimed at strengthening Dubai's position as a regional health tourism hub.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a law establishing the Dubai Longevity Authority, tasked with positioning Dubai as the world's foremost hub for regulated longevity, wellness, and advanced healthcare. The authority will also develop investment channels in the sector.

The Dubai Healthcare City Authority unveiled a major Dh1.3 billion expansion plan to grow the healthcare free zone and increase its medical capacity. The expansion is expected to attract new hospitals, clinics, and medical education institutions to the district.

Khaleej Times investigated viral WhatsApp messages claiming health insurance premiums for UAE residents would rise by 25 percent in 2026, finding that the situation is more nuanced than the messages suggest. Insurance industry experts clarified that increases vary by provider and plan type rather than applying universally.

The UAE has announced plans to unify its disparate medical data platforms into a single integrated system to improve healthcare delivery and patient outcomes. The initiative brings together databases from federal and emirate-level health authorities to enable seamless sharing of patient records.

Gulf News reports that expat families who had temporarily relocated abroad are returning to the UAE in growing numbers as regional stability improves, describing it as feeling like 'a big exhale.' Improved security conditions and a strong job market are cited as the main drivers of the trend.

The annual Kalayaan 2026 celebration at the Dubai World Trade Centre drew an estimated 60,000 attendees, making it one of the largest Filipino community gatherings in the UAE. The event showcased Filipino music, food, and culture, reflecting the community's significant presence across key UAE sectors.

A Filipina expatriate who arrived in the UAE as a farm worker has transformed her life into an entrepreneurial success story through hard work and the opportunities available in the country. Her journey highlights the UAE's reputation as a place where residents from diverse backgrounds can rebuild and thrive.

A British expatriate in the UAE created a peer-to-peer platform for sustainable community giving after finding herself with excess belongings she could not discard. The initiative connects residents to donate and receive items locally, reducing waste while building community ties.

An Abu Dhabi authority launched a programme to renovate struggling schools and cover tuition fees for students from low-income families under its Maan initiative. The move aims to ensure continuity of quality education for all students regardless of financial circumstances.

The UAE launched a new nationwide school project designed to identify and cultivate students' individual talents across creative, academic, and technical fields. The initiative forms part of the country's broader education strategy to develop well-rounded future leaders.

The CEO of Guggenheim Abu Dhabi outlined the museum's vision to serve as a major cultural hub for the UAE and the wider region upon its anticipated opening. The institution plans to run active educational programmes and community events alongside its permanent collection.

A new UAE-India Leaders Program was launched to deepen bilateral ties through structured exchanges in education, culture, and innovation between the two countries. Participants from both nations will engage in joint projects and cross-cultural learning experiences over the course of the programme.

Middlesex University Dubai launched a summer programme called Point A that helps students aged 14 and above explore artificial intelligence, UX design, and digital content creation through hands-on workshops. The initiative is designed to translate curiosity into career-ready skills for the next generation.

The UAE is investing heavily in sovereign AI infrastructure to dominate the global AI economy, with its digital economy currently contributing nearly 12% of national GDP. Authorities have set a target to grow that share to more than 20% by 2031, with PwC estimating AI alone could contribute $96 billion by 2030.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced that within two years, 50% of UAE government sectors, services, and operations will run on Agentic AI, making the UAE the first government globally to operate at this scale. The cabinet also approved a project to train 80,000 federal employees in Agentic AI technologies.

A massive 5GW AI campus is now under construction in the UAE as part of a US-UAE partnership to accelerate AI infrastructure development. The first phase of the data centre will come online in 2026, with the initial 200 megawatts of capacity going live.

Dubai ranked sixth and Abu Dhabi placed tenth globally among 148 cities assessed in the 2026 IMD Smart City Index, with both cities performing strongly in the technology pillar with scores above 0.76. The rankings reflect the UAE's advanced digital infrastructure and the rapid expansion of smart government services.

Dubai has approved an ambitious plan backed by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed to accelerate the adoption of Agentic AI across the private sector, targeting 295,000 companies. The initiative aims to strengthen Dubai's position as a global hub for advanced technology, innovation, and the digital economy.

The Dubai FinTech Summit brought together around 1,000 of the world's most prominent decision-makers and representatives from more than 500 specialised financial institutions. The event underscored the UAE's rapidly growing fintech sector, which continues to gain global momentum.

Abu Dhabi will host the Ai Everything Global 2026 event at ADNEC Centre from 5 to 7 October, with a one-day Abu Dhabi AI Summit followed by a two-day expo. The event will feature top AI researchers, Big Tech leaders, and immersive demo zones showcasing breakthrough AI technologies.

The UAE Central Bank is developing a unified electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) platform in partnership with Swedish company Norbloc AB to streamline compliance and reduce costs for financial institutions. The platform aims to accelerate customer onboarding across the banking sector as part of the UAE's broader digital transformation agenda.

The UAE clinched a spot at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup after a commanding eight-wicket victory over Japan in the Asia/East Asia-Pacific Qualifier held in Al Amerat, Oman. The UAE became the third team to qualify for the tournament in India and Sri Lanka, joining Nepal and Oman.

The UAE finished their ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 campaign with a six-wicket loss to South Africa at Arun Jaitley Stadium in New Delhi, India. The UAE had been drawn in a challenging group alongside New Zealand, South Africa, Afghanistan, and Canada.

The UAE Cricket Group is promoting the Pakistan Cities League (PCL) 2026 in Umm Al Quwain to advance cricket while fostering ties between the Pakistani community and the UAE. The league celebrates sportsmanship, unity, and cultural harmony within the region.

Yash Punja, a 19-year-old leg-spinner raised in Abu Dhabi, made his IPL debut for Rajasthan Royals at Eden Gardens, taking 1-25 against Kolkata Knight Riders. His story highlights the growing pipeline of UAE-based talent making inroads into top-tier international cricket leagues.

Referee Omar Al Ali, assistant referee Mohamed Al Hammadi, and video match official Mohammed Obaid Khadim will represent the UAE at the 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their selection marks a significant recognition of UAE officiating standards at football's biggest stage.

Several players based in UAE clubs are representing their nations at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with Soufiane Rahimi and Kaku among those hoping to shine on the global stage. Their participation highlights the growing calibre of talent competing in the UAE football league.

The UAE-born A2RL autonomous motorsport series took its driverless racing cars to the iconic Imola circuit in Italy for its first international test outside the UAE. The series is scheduled to return to Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for its 2026 season finale.

Dubai Sports World's 16th edition officially opened on June 19 and runs until August 25, 2026, offering more than 40 courts and pitches spanning over 280,000 square feet of air-conditioned space. Nine core sports are featured including football, basketball, padel, cricket, tennis, and volleyball.

The 5th edition of Abu Dhabi Summer Sports (ADSS) opened at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi and runs from June 6 to August 23, 2026, making it the Middle East and North Africa region's largest indoor sporting event. The event features football, basketball, padel, cricket, tennis, badminton, and other sports across the venue.

Abu Dhabi hosted the Open Masters Games, the Middle East's largest inclusive sporting event, drawing more than 25,000 participants from 92 nationalities competing across over 30 sports including cricket, tennis, golf, and football. The spectacular opening ceremony launched the historic event at Abu Dhabi's world-class venues.

UAE-based Pakistani cricketers expressed excitement at the prospect of competing in the T20 World Cup 2026 held in India, describing it as a unique opportunity to represent the UAE on the subcontinent. The UAE squad included several members of Pakistan origin who grew up and honed their skills in the UAE.

A vessel in the Strait of Hormuz was struck by an unidentified projectile as Iran launched drone attacks targeting Bahrain, putting severe strain on the fragile ceasefire agreed between Washington and Tehran. Gulf allies condemned the escalation, with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio vowing to protect Gulf states' interests in ongoing talks.

The United States and Iran moved toward a formal signing ceremony for a landmark agreement, raising cautious optimism across the Middle East about prospects for de-escalation. Regional leaders called for the deal to be comprehensive and durable, with full compliance from all parties.

UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed received a phone call from Iran's Foreign Minister to discuss regional developments following the US-Iran agreement. The two ministers reviewed prospects for stability and called for adherence to the terms of the ceasefire framework.

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz dropped sharply after a commercial vessel was struck, with only 12 commodity vessels crossing compared to 29 the previous day. Iran and Oman convened their first joint discussions on future management and transit rules for the strategically vital waterway.

The Israeli army destroyed an extensive tunnel in southern Lebanon and conducted airstrikes in the area despite a trilateral framework agreement signed by Lebanon and Israel under US sponsorship. Iran-backed Hezbollah said it reserves the right to respond to continued Israeli military activity in Lebanese territory.