IRGC Navy says Strait of Hormuz management has entered ‘new phase’

The office of the Israeli prime minister said on Thursday remarks by Pakistan’s defense minister calling for the “annihilation” of Israel were “outrageous” and unacceptable.

It said such statements could not be tolerated from any government, particularly one that claims to act as a neutral mediator in peace efforts.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Thursday the European Union welcomes the ceasefire agreed between the United States and Iran and commended Pakistan and other regional partners for their mediation efforts.

In a statement on behalf of the EU, Kallas urged all parties to fully respect the ceasefire, halt military operations, and ensure freedom of navigation and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in line with international law.

She also called for an urgent end to hostilities in Lebanon, adding the need to protect civilians, civilian infrastructure, UN peacekeepers and humanitarian personnel, and for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law.

Germany’s foreign minister said he spoke with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and called on Iran to respect the ceasefire, engage in constructive negotiations, and ensure free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on X, he said the discussion also covered the need to maintain regional stability and keep diplomatic channels open.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with US President Donald Trump on Thursday about the need for a plan to restore shipping through the Strait of Hormuz “as quickly as possible” following a US ceasefire with Iran, Downing Street said.

According to a statement, Starmer discussed UK efforts to convene partners to agree on a “viable plan” to restore freedom of navigation in the waterway.

The statement said the two leaders agreed that, with a ceasefire in place and agreement to reopen the strait, efforts should now focus on a practical plan to resume shipping.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Energy said on Thursday that vital energy facilities were subjected to multiple recent Iranian attacks in Riyadh, the Eastern Province and Yanbu Industrial City.

"The attacks targeted oil and gas production, transportation, refining, petrochemicals and electricity, killing one industrial security guard and injuring seven others," The statement said.

"They caused a loss of 700,000 barrels per day on the East-West pipeline and a 600,000 bpd reduction in production capacity — 300,000 bpd from Manifa and 300,000 bpd from Khurais," the statement added.