Cuba has allegedly amassed over 300 military drones from Russia and Iran in recent years and discussed striking U.S. targets amid escalating tensions and U.S. blockades under President Trump. U.S. intelligence sources indicate the acquisition has intensified recently, with Iranian advisors present in Havana.
Cuba's Energy Minister reports a complete shortage of oil and diesel due to the U.S. blockade, leading to severe blackouts. Protests erupted in Havana, with the U.S. offering $100 million in aid conditional on reforms.
After three weeks, is the U.S. blockade working? NPR's Michel Martin asks Miad Maleki, a former senior Treasury official who designed pressure campaigns specifically for Iran.
President Trump is set to receive a briefing from CENTCOM Commander Adm. Brad Cooper and military leaders on potential strikes in Iran, ahead of a 60-day congressional deadline requiring withdrawal authorization. The briefing comes as a deadlock persists—Iran has stopped ship traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while the US maintains a naval blockade, causing global oil prices to soar. CENTOM has prepared options including 'short and powerful' strikes and a special forces operation to secure Iran's highly enriched uranium.
Oil prices jumped to their highest since mid-2022 as reports emerged that the U.S. Central Command will brief Trump on potential military action against Iran, raising fears of armed conflict. Brent crude rose over 3% to $121.65 while WTI added 2% to $109.03. Goldman Sachs estimates Hormuz exports have fallen to just 4% of normal levels amid a U.S. blockade.
Oil prices surged to their highest levels since mid-2022 as reports indicated the U.S. Central Command would brief Trump on potential military action against Iran, adding to concerns about armed conflict resuming. Brent crude rose over 3% to $121.65 while WTI gained 2% to $109.03, building on Wednesday's 6-7% gains. The U.S. blockade of Iranian exports has reduced Hormuz shipments to just 4% of normal levels, with Goldman Sachs warning of supply disruptions and emerging demand weakness.
Oil prices extended gains Thursday as a U.S. blockade of Iranian exports persists and nuclear negotiations remain stalled. Brent crude rose about 1.96% to around $120 a barrel, the highest since mid-2022, while WTI added 0.2% to $107.09. President Trump rejected Tehran's proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and threatened Iran on Truth Social, signaling the naval blockade will remain until a broader nuclear deal is reached.
As the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports drags on, thousands of seafarers are stranded on ships, and economic shockwaves ripple around the world.
Ongoing U.S. blockade of Strait of Hormuz strands thousands of seafarers, Trump administration eases rules on medical marijuana, Wildfires fueled by drought continue to spread in parts of Georgia.
Three vessels came under fire in the Strait of Hormuz, after the U.S. and Iran failed to meet in Pakistan for talks to end the war and as President Trump extended the ceasefire but kept the blockade.
A U.S. blockade and conflict in the Strait of Hormuz has stranded Gulf aluminum shipments and driven prices to a four-year high, exposing global supply vulnerabilities and deepening trade strain.
US naval forces intercepted the Iranian-flagged container ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman near Iran's Chabahar port on Sunday. The vessel, linked to sanctioned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL), was boarded after failing to respond to warnings over a six-hour period. Initial assessments indicate the cargo likely includes dual-use items such as metals, pipes and electronic components that could support military applications. Iran condemned the operation as armed piracy, while China expressed concern urging de-escalation.
A U.S. blockade targeting Iranian ports began on Monday. Meanwhile, President Trump stated that Iran is interested in negotiating a deal.
ABD, İran'a yönelik baskıyı artırmak amacıyla Hürmüz Boğazı'ndaki gemi trafiğini engellemeye başladığını duyurdu. Başkan Trump, İran'ın nükleer programını eleştirerek, boğazı kullanan gemilere karşı sert uyarıda bulundu.
