Morning update

Morning update Good morning Middle East Eye readers, Attention remains fixed on the Strait of Hormuz, where reports of sporadic clashes between Iranian and US naval forces come as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a proposed peace deal. Diplomatic activity is intensifying behind the scenes, but fighting in Lebanon and growing economic disruption continue to fuel uncertainty across the region. Oil prices are climbing again, global food costs are rising and pressure is mounting on all sides to avoid a wider escalation.