Trump hardens stance on Iran, clouding hopes for Hormuz deal amid mounting shipping tensions.

Bloomberg.com reports that President Trump has intensified his stance toward Iran, a move that clouded prospects for a new deal to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The report notes that Pakistan has signaled progress in the U.S.-Iran talks, suggesting that a settlement may still be reachable despite the diverging demands for reparations between Washington and Tehran. CNBC reported that U.S. and Iranian officials appear to be close to an agreement, even as attacks on shipping continue to cast doubt over the region’s stability. Reuter’s live updates highlighted the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, with particular emphasis on the strategic importance of the Hormuz waterway for global trade.