The United States seized Iranian oil from four vessels on their way to Venezuela on the grounds that they are in violation of U.S. sanctions, according to unnamed U.S. officials. The unprecedented move escalates the U.S. pressure campaign against Tehran, along with a proposal to extend an arms embargo against the country (Wall Street Journal).

Two police officers were killed and another wounded by militants in the disputed region of Jammu and Kashmir, which is under tightened security as India prepares to celebrate its independence tomorrow. Regional police vowed to “neutralize” the attackers (PTI).

Afghan authorities have freed eighty Taliban prisoners accused of serious crimes, including murder and kidnapping, the country’s National Security Council said today. The release of the prisoners has reportedly raised concerns among countries including Australia, France, and the United States (TOLO).

After months of secretive talks, Israel and the United Arab Emirates have announced a landmark deal to begin to normalize their diplomatic relations. Under the deal, brokered by the United States and announced yesterday, Israel will also temporarily halt annexation of parts of the West Bank (Wall Street Journal). The agreement makes the UAE only the third Arab state to recognize Israel, after Egypt and Jordan. The two sides are expected to sign the agreement and establish embassies in each other’s country in the coming weeks (Al-Monitor).

An attack on a high-end hotel in Mogadishu killed at least sixteen people and injured dozens more. The assault, claimed by the terrorist group al-Shabab, involved a suicide car bombing and three-hour shoot-out between militants and government forces (Al Jazeera).