IISS: Gulf states must rethink trillion-dollar defences after US-Iran war

■ Steady

Qatari mediators in Tehran as reports say Trump may restart strikes on Iran

On Friday, Qatari officials were reported in Tehran on a mission to revive a ceasefire deal with the US, while Senator Chris Murphy warned that Trump's reported plan to restart the war could have devastating consequences. On Thursday, The Atlantic reported that Army Lt. Gen. Brett Sylvia was removed as head of strategy, plans and policy on the Joint Chiefs of Staff, as Trump appears to be preparing renewed large-scale strikes. Mixed signals continue, with the US weighing new strikes while Vice President Vance reaches out to Tehran.

• Vance wrote to an Iranian official proposing an immediate resumption of comprehensive talks, including on Iran's nuclear program, while Trump denies peace talks are under way.
• Iran's IRGC says four tankers struck naval mines after using "unauthorised" routes through the Strait of Hormuz. A British maritime agency reported a ship on fire off Oman on Thursday, and Iran says it shot down another US drone.
• Gulf-backed talks aim to reopen Hormuz within four days of sanctions being lifted and to have the Houthis withdraw substantial forces inside Yemen. Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey also took a peace push to Tehran on Wednesday.
• The Pentagon says the war has cost US taxpayers $47bn.