South Korea's Lee said Trump has repeatedly called him a strong leader, which Lee described as a positive appraisal and a sign of respect.

Iran foreign ministry spokesman said shipping through the Strait of Hormuz continues; Iranian armed forces have taken necessary measures to ensure safe transit for merchant vessels.

China's UN ambassador Fu Cong told the Security Council at an open emergency meeting on Gaza's humanitarian situation on the 18th (local time) that Beijing seeks a durable, genuine ceasefire in Gaza. He said recent Middle East tensions have eased and urged preserving that momentum to help resolve other regional hotspots. Fu noted the October Gaza ceasefire agreement but said Israel is continuing to expand military occupation, a development China regards with serious concern. China said force cannot secure lasting peace and called on the parties, especially Israel, to fully comply with the ceasefire and stop actions that violate it. Countries with significant influence over the parties should take more active steps to secure a lasting ceasefire, he added.