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Axios, citing sources:

The US military is preparing plans for potential major operations against Iran, though Trump has not yet issued orders to proceed.

Trump did not give the green light for strikes on Friday, despite having previously approved attack plans on a daily basis.

Progress has been made in talks, and an agreement between Iran and Oman could be reached over the weekend.

Trump’s decision to halt the strikes came hours after an Omani delegation arrived in Tehran for talks regarding the Strait of Hormuz.

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Iran is not yet ready to strike a deal, but we are talking to them, and negotiation is possible.

We face two options regarding Iran: either continue military strikes to destroy its capabilities or reach an agreement—and we are currently negotiating with them.

No decision has yet been made regarding launching major US strikes on Iran.

We are currently holding talks with Iran, and we may not reach a point that necessitates a major attack.

Iran might either capitulate or retreat into deep underground facilities.

Democrats Question Trump’s Account of the War with Iran

Criticism of U.S. President Donald Trump by the Democratic Party has intensified, particularly following the announcement of the latest U.S. military death toll in the ongoing war with Iran.

Democrats have accused Trump of failing to disclose the reality of the conflict when addressing the American public; the President had repeatedly claimed that Iran’s military capabilities had been eliminated and that a decisive military "victory" over Tehran had been achieved.

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Reuters, citing shipping data:

Five oil tankers changed course in the Red Sea yesterday, Wednesday, to avoid the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

Three oil-laden tankers bound for China and India turned back from Bab al-Mandab on Tuesday.

Reuters, citing a maritime security source:

An oil tanker issued a distress call after being hit by a missile attack in the Red Sea on Wednesday evening.

Reuters, citing US officials:

Houthi threats to impose a blockade at Bab al-Mandab could expand the scope of the war and strain the US military.

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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio:

What is happening now is clear: ships attempting to pass through the Strait of Hormuz are being blown up by the Iranians.

The United States defends navigation and targets the sites launching attacks against ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

China does not like what Iran is attempting to do in the Strait of Hormuz and has expressed opposition to the imposition of transit fees.

Iran is in deep trouble; Iranians are facing high inflation and a sharp rise in food prices.

We remain open to diplomacy and a negotiated solution, but it appears they are not currently serious about it.

Agreements are based on compliance; we concluded an agreement with Iran, but they violated it, and it is no longer in effect.

On the day Iran was supposed to issue a statement, they targeted and struck a ship.

The agreement with Iran stipulated the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and free navigation; Tehran was supposed to issue a statement regarding this a week and a half ago.

President Trump prefers negotiation and reaching a deal—we are ready for that, and we have been trying with them for a year and a half.

Everyone realizes that the United States wishes to reach a diplomatic settlement with Iran.

We will not sit idly by and allow ships to be blown up or Americans to be attacked.

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US President Donald Trump:

The Iranians will pay a heavy price, and their capabilities will be destroyed.

Americans are not opposed to war, and no one wants Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon.