Iran has officially started the public funeral of its former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, as per local media reports. Tehran is expecting over 20 million people to gather for the same. Iran has also said that the US has issued directives to all its embassies across the world to pressure countries from attending Khamenei's funeral,

Despite Iranian attacks, several GCC states continue to speak with Tehran in effort to mend ties and forge cooperation.

US oil prices have fallen to their lowest level since the start of the Iran war. Oil prices surged during the war as fighting shut down the Strait of Hormuz, but prices have declined in recent days as traders lean into optimism that the US-Iran agreement will open the key waterway.

The war in Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have caused a rift between the US and Saudi Arabia — leaving America to consider possibly reducing its military footprint in the kingdom, officials said.

Beijing emerged from the conflict with a propaganda coup and expanded influence while allowing Washington to weaken its own hand.

US officials attempted to warn Iran of fears they had that Israel would assassinate meditators during talks this spring, two US officials said.

By Andrew Mills, Parisa Hafezi and Jacob Bogage DOHA/DUBAI/VIRGINIA BEACH, Virginia, July 1 (Reuters) - Iran and the United States concluded a round of indirect talks on Wednesday with no sign they had made headway toward a lasting peace,