Explosion in the Strait of Hormuz, Trump in talks with Gulf leaders

An explosion has been reported in the Strait of Hormuz, according to various media outlets. U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Iran is eager to reach an agreement at all costs. In this context, Trump plans to meet with Gulf leaders on Tuesday during the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to Axios.

Regarding navigation in the Red Sea, Italian Defense Minister Guido Crosetto announced that Italian ships will cross the Bab el-Mandeb Strait without waiting for decisions from the European Union. Crosetto specified that it was decided, in agreement with the Chief of Staff, not to wait for Aspides to determine if the ships could transit.

Emergency services have been activated in Taif due to damage caused by debris from a Houthi drone. Additionally, the Houthi militia claimed to have shot down a Saudi F-15 in the skies over Marib province, while the frigate Carlo Bergamini escorted the Italian merchant vessel Jolly Oro during its northbound passage through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Crosetto also stated that contacts are ongoing between Italian intelligence and Houthi representatives, emphasizing that the situation requires a swift response, and it is the intention of the Italian government not to keep its ships waiting for long.

No Italian soldiers were involved in the attacks on the air base in Taif, as confirmed by Crosetto. Furthermore, the minister indicated that Italy will take action to ensure that maritime traffic continues, deciding on further deployments with the consent of the Government and Parliament.

This series of events underscores the current tensions in the Middle East, including Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon and the collapse of a building in Gaza, which resulted in over 20 casualties, including women and children, reported by Rai News.