- Chinese President Xi Jinping emphasized that China will play a constructive role in promoting peace and dialogue amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East and Gulf region during a meeting Tuesday with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has criticized US President Donald Trump for berating Pope Leo XIV and describing the pontiff as “weak.” Pezeshkian took to social media on Monday, posting that on behalf of his country, he condemns Trump’s “insult to Your Excellency.”
3. US President Donald Trump has announced the start of a military blockade of Iranian ports, while reports say the US and Iran are discussing a possible second round of face-to-face talks.