Iran’s Revolutionary Guards ‌Corps on Thursday (June 25, 2026) said ⁠safe passage through the ‌Strait of Hormuz ‌is ‌only possible ⁠through ⁠routes designated by Iran, and that ‌a new route announced without coordination ‌with Iran is unacceptable and ⁠a safety risk.

Meanwhile, Secretary of State Marco Rubio promised Gulf allies of the United States on Wednesday (June 24, 2026) that Washington would protect their interests as it seeks to hammer out a final settlement of the Middle East war in talks with Iran.

President Donald Trump met with NATO chief Mark Rutte at the White House, meanwhile, and said the United States was “doing great” in negotiations with Iran. 

Mr. Trump also asked Congress on Wednesday for nearly $88 billion in supplemental funding, most of it for the Pentagon to cover the cost of the Iran war.