US-Iran War Diplomacy: Trump says he will halt planned strikes if a framework deal advances, with “immediate, complete, and total” reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and an end to Iran’s nuclear threat; Iran’s acting defense minister replies Tehran will not be “surprised nor passive,” and Iranian officials deny any Hormuz deal is real. Hormuz Tensions & Shipping: Iran’s IRGC-linked outlets insist the strait stays closed unless US “hostile actions” stop, while reports of ships “waiting for permission” underscore how maritime access remains the core pressure point. Human Rights Fallout: Iran’s top human-rights body calls the US bombing of a Qeshm Island home a violation of the right to life and international humanitarian law, as outrage grows over civilian deaths. Crypto/Sanctions Angle: Trump’s strike pause headlines hit markets as mediators revive a 14-point US-Iran memorandum, while US freezes on Iranian-linked digital assets complicate sanctions evasion narratives. Regional Pressure on Iraq: Syria, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Kuwait are reportedly pushing Iraq to rein in Iran-backed militias, with Arbaeen pilgrimage and spillover violence raising the stakes. Energy Markets: Opec+ agrees to raise output in September as Red Sea disruptions and Hormuz uncertainty keep oil and shipping risk elevated. US Politics: Sen. Mark Kelly says the administration is “flailing” and lacks a clear exit plan for the Iran conflict.