Britain and France Launch Hormuz Mission as Trump Weighs Israeli Request for Lebanon Operations

Britain and France have announced a joint multinational naval mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, directly challenging Iranian efforts to control maritime traffic. Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi has warned against the deployment, stating the region is not a stage for "extra-regional powers." Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has requested a White House meeting with President Trump, potentially as early as next week, to discuss a proposed IDF operation to dismantle remaining Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon's Nabatieh District. On the diplomatic front, indirect technical negotiations between Washington and Tehran, mediated by Qatar and Pakistan, have reached a temporary pause following the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Millions have gathered in Tehran for funeral proceedings, during which the U.S. has maintained a de-escalation posture, stating that neither side will engage in hostilities during the mourning period. Talks are scheduled to resume on July 11, with Islamabad being considered as a future venue for the discussions. Domestically, Iran continues to face internal pressures with reports of over 135 protests and strikes across the country in June. Despite this instability, the U.S. has signaled significant policy shifts, including the lifting of sanctions on Iranian oil and the potential unfreezing of billions in assets held in Qatar. While these moves are intended to facilitate a long-term peace agreement, critics warn the influx of capital could be used to rebuild military capabilities and rearm regional proxies.