The Supreme National Security Council of Iran has issued new demands, stating that the Strait of Hormuz will not open until the United States alters its behavior. The council, led by Secretary Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr, called for an end to U.S. threats, withdrawal of military forces from the region, compensation for war damages, lifting of sanctions, and the release of frozen assets. These demands could potentially derail ongoing negotiations aimed at managing the strategic waterway and its traffic. The U.S., which had hoped to end the naval blockade upon reaching an acceptable deal, has yet to respond. Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the region as a vessel owned by Abu Dhabi's state-owned ADNOC oil and gas company was targeted by an Iranian missile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Emirati authorities. The attack caused no casualties but marks another escalation in the ongoing conflict. Elsewhere, a defense agreement between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey was signed, with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan stating that the agreement is not aimed at any third country. The escalating violence in Yemen between the Houthis and Yemen's internationally recognized government continues to threaten peace efforts, while a Turkish draft law aimed at advancing a peace effort with the country's Kurdish insurgents passed its first hurdle in parliament.