This live blog follows the latest developments across the Middle East crisis, including regional diplomacy, maritime security, ceasefire negotiations, and economic fallout.
Catch up: Yesterday’s top developments
Four more South Korean ships safely exit Strait of Hormuz
Published: June 24, 2026 | 02:57 GMT | by Web Desk
South Korea’s Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries has said that four more South Korean-operated ships have safely left the Strait of Hormuz, bringing the number of vessels that have left the region to six.
“Four vessels operated by our shipping companies that were waiting inside the Strait of Hormuz have passed through the strait and are sailing normally,” the ministry said, according to the Yonhap news agency.
The ships had 26 Korean crew members on board, and one of the ships is headed back to South Korea, the ministry added.
With their departure, the number of South Korea-linked ships remaining inside the strait has fallen to 18, Yonhap reported.
The report came as the International Maritime Organization (IMO) began evacuating more than 11,000 sailors who have been stranded in the Strait of Hormuz for months.
Rubio opposes Hormuz charges as Senate symbolic resolution calls for end to Iran war
Published: June 24, 2026 | 00:00 GMT | by Web Desk
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrived in the United Arab Emirates, stating that no country is allowed to impose tolls or fees on the Strait of Hormuz, as Iran seeks to extract revenue from the vital waterway.
"It's an international waterway. No country is allowed to charge tolls or fees on an international waterway. That's existing international law," he said.
"I don't think we have anybody to convince around here in that regard. I think all the countries in this region would agree with us."
Separately, the US Senate passed a largely symbolic resolution calling for an end to Trump's war with Iran, passing the measure in a 50-48 vote.
Because the measure is a "concurrent resolution," it does not go to Trump's desk for signature and carries disputed legal force.
Additionally, while meeting Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif clarified that Iran’s ballistic missile program was not included in the Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding and was not discussed during the negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
“There should be no double standards regarding missile capabilities," said the premier and urged support for lasting peace and regional development.
For earlier developments, read our June 23 live blog here.
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