What We're Tracking Elevated tensions in the Middle East. Heightened tensions will likely persist throughout the Middle East even if major fighting does not resume. Sporadic maritime incidents are likely in the Strait of Hormuz, such as attacks on vessels or ship seizures, and the risk of sporadic clashes between the United States and Iran will persist. Mounting economic pressure and a lack of signs of meaningful progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations also mean the United States could escalate militarily against Iran to try to break the diplomatic deadlock. Sporadic attacks by both Israel and Hezbollah will meanwhile remain likely. Putin heads to Beijing. Russian President Vladimir Putin on May 20 will visit Beijing for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping, only days after Xi hosted U.S. President Donald Trump in the Chinese capital.