The US Congress is debating a $87bn budget proposal from President Trump, primarily aimed at covering costs related to potential military action against Iran. This comes despite recent criticism from lawmakers over Trump's military decisions. Meanwhile, Iran has seen a rapid recovery in oil exports following temporary sanctions waivers under the 2023 deal. In parallel, Israel has conducted airstrikes in Lebanon, killing two Hezbollah members, while US Secretary of State Marco Rubio pledges to protect Gulf allies' interests during Iran peace talks. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has announced plans to inspect Iranian nuclear sites as part of ongoing negotiations. These developments highlight a complex interplay of economic, military, and diplomatic factors in the region.