The United Arab Emirates is preparing to assist the United States and allied nations in reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force, marking a significant strategic shift that could make it the first Persian Gulf state to formally enter the conflict against Iran, according to the Wall Street Journal.

An American freelance journalist has been kidnapped in Iraq’s capital Baghdad, with authorities confirming the arrest of a suspect linked to an Iran-aligned militia, Iraqi and U.S. officials said.

Ties between the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and Moscow appear to be closer than previously thought after leaked recordings suggested direct coordination over European Union sanctions against Russia.

At least 30 people were killed in a brutal Palm Sunday attack in Ungwan Rukuba, a community in Jos North Local Government Area of Plateau state, Nigeria, marking yet another deadly incident during one of Christianity’s holiest seasons, according to International Christian Concern.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel, in close coordination with the United States, has significantly weakened Iran’s military capabilities as the regional conflict entered its fifth week.

In a landmark victory for free speech and religious liberty, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that the state of Colorado cannot ban counselors from engaging in voluntary conversations with minors seeking guidance on issues of sexuality and gender identity.

Israel signaled a major strategic shift on its northern front Tuesday, as Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intends to establish a permanent security zone inside southern Lebanon extending to the Litani River.

Italy denied permission last week for U.S. military aircraft to land at the Sigonella air base in Sicily before continuing on to the Middle East, according to sources cited Tuesday, highlighting growing sensitivities among European allies over the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The Pentagon is considering deploying a high-energy counter-drone laser system at Fort Lesley J. McNair, signaling growing concern over unexplained drone activity near sensitive U.S. government sites.

President Donald Trump said Tuesday that the United States could bring its conflict with Iran to a close within two to three weeks, signaling what he described as the final phase of a month-long war that has reshaped the Middle East and shaken global markets.