The US Senate has voted in favour of legislation directing President Donald Trump to halt US military action against Iran, highlighting growing concern in Congress over the conflict. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions on a Lebanon ceasefire are separate from ongoing negotiations with Iran, while stressing the need to address the activities of Iranian-backed groups across the region. Follow our live updates here:07:04 AM, 25 June 2026We are closing this coverage now. For the latest updates, click here.04:54 AM, 25 June 2026No tolls allowed on Strait of Hormuz: RubioUS State Secretary Marco Rubio has reited a firm stance that no tolls will be allowed on the Strait of Hormuz, even as US-Iran tensions simmer over waterway fees. In a post on X (formerly Twitter) Wednesday, the official White House rapid response account amplified comments from Rubio underscoring the Trump administration's position that the Strait of Hormuz must remain free and open to international shipping without any charges. Rubio stated: "The whole world will be against any mechanism that charges money to use an international waterway. It's that simple. The President has already said it — that's not going to happen. When we mean open the Straits, we mean open the Straits free."04:33 AM, 25 June 2026Technical talks with Iran are set to move ahead: RubioThe Trump administration said "technical negotiations" with Iran will continue in the coming days, but acknowledged that the future of Tehran's nuclear programme remains the biggest hurdle to securing a lasting ceasefire after months of conflict.Secretary of State Marco Rubio said discussions with Iranian officials would move forward, with negotiators expected to tackle complex technical issues surrounding Iran's nuclear activities, which US officials have repeatedly said must never lead to the development of a nuclear weapon.Speaking during a diplomatic tour of the Arabian Gulf, Rubio said he visited Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain to thank the three US partners for what he described as their "incredible support" during the recent conflict and subsequent ceasefire efforts. Rubio stressed that Washington would not sideline its regional partners while pursuing a diplomatic agreement with Tehran. He assured that the US would "never undermine" Gulf allies, adding his meetings as "very frank, honest, important."The comments underscore the administration's effort to reassure Gulf states, many of which have long viewed Iran's expanding military capabilities and regional influence as a direct security threat. Officials have said any long-term agreement must address concerns shared by US allies while preventing Iran from rebuilding its nuclear program.02:53 AM, 25 June 2026NATO chief sidesteps Trump's remarks backing some Iranian missiles, stresses nuclear threat