Strait of Hormuz: Iran and Oman have each signaled they are close to a deal to manage the key waterway, but Iranian officials insist the strait will not fully open until the US agrees to end the war, withdraw troops, and make other long-sought concessions. Oman has also warned that ongoing attacks on shipping could derail progress.
• Washington’s dilemma: Sources tell CNN the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff has privately made clear that the US needs to find an off-ramp from the war with Iran, because the military options on the table to escalate the conflict could backfire.
• Supreme leader: Iranian state media shared an undated video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly since becoming the country’s top political and religious authority. The post provided no detail on the timing of the footage and will likely only fuel speculation over his whereabouts and health.
