China's CCTV aired footage of the DF-17 hypersonic missile launch, designed to deliver vehicles above Mach 5. Analysts suggest this strengthens Beijing's deterrent posture, potentially impacting regional missile balance and US strategies.
Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, citing Israeli strikes in Lebanon and US alleged violations of a ceasefire. This move threatens a fragile interim peace deal with the US, signed just days prior, and casts doubt on upcoming talks in Switzerland.
Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping route, citing Israeli actions in Lebanon and US alleged violations of a ceasefire. This move threatens a fragile interim peace deal with the US, signed just days ago, and casts doubt on upcoming talks in Switzerland.
France and the UK are proposing a naval mission to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, including mine clearance and escorts. US President Trump expressed less urgency, believing the strait will reopen due to a tentative Iran deal. Allies including Germany, Japan, Italy, and Canada support the initiative.
Vietnam and the Philippines have elevated their relationship to an enhanced strategic partnership, agreeing to closer coordination on regional and global issues. The move includes a renewed defense cooperation agreement aimed at bolstering maritime security.
Tehran and Washington continue “sporadic” exchanges of fire as they vie for control of the strategic waterway Read Full Article at RT.com
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Monday pressed China to ramp up diplomatic pressure on Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz even as he stressed that the US has “absolute control” over the strategic waterway. “Let’s see [China] step up with some diplomacy and get the Iranians to open the strait,” Bessent said in a Fox News interview. “Iran is the largest state sponsor of terrorism and China has been buying 90 per cent of their energy, so they are funding the largest state sponsor of...
Indonesia's Finance Minister proposed imposing tolls on ships in the Strait of Malacca, aligning with President Prabowo's vision for Indonesia as a 'key player' globally. However, Indonesia's Foreign Minister quickly rejected the idea as inconsistent with international law, while Malaysia and Singapore insisted navigation must remain free. Analysts say tolls are unlikely due to strong Asean cooperation, though more can be done to ensure the strategic waterway stays open.
A Russian-linked superyacht Nord, linked to sanctioned billionaire Alexey Mordashov, has sailed through the Strait of Hormuz from Dubai to Muscat, Oman, despite the ongoing blockade. The 142-metre yacht, worth over $500 million, made the transit over the weekend while many private vessels have avoided the route since hostilities began. The strait remains a flashpoint in US-Iran tensions, with maritime traffic at a fraction of pre-conflict levels.
Britain has offered to deploy a squadron of RAF Typhoon jets from Qatar to patrol the Strait of Hormuz as part of a multinational mission to keep the strategic waterway open after the Iran war ends. British military planners also offered mine-hunting drones and specialist divers to clear mines planted by Iran, though no decision has been made on deploying a Royal Navy warship. The proposal was presented at a 30-country meeting at the UK's Northwood headquarters, with representatives from Germany, Norway, South Korea and Australia attending. The UK and France said they would only participate if there is a peace deal or sustainable ceasefire, not in any military action against Iran.
Tensions flared in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran's Revolutionary Guard fired on a container ship, causing damage. Another cargo vessel reported being fired upon. These incidents complicate US-Iran diplomatic efforts, despite a US ceasefire extension and Pakistan's mediation. The strategic waterway, crucial for global energy, remains under pressure amid escalating hostilities.
Trump is sending US officials to Islamabad for talks with Iran on Monday, just 24 hours after Iran again closed the Strait of Hormuz. The diplomatic effort comes after Iran briefly reopened the strait conditionally, expecting the US to lift its blockade on Iranian ports in return. When Trump failed to lift the blockade and claimed Iran had surrendered on uranium, Tehran closed the strait again. Iran's delegation leader Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf accused Trump of telling lies, though he said the door to diplomacy remains open.
Iran and the US said the strategic waterway, which has been effectively closed since the beginning of the war, will be fully open to commercial traffic for the remainder of the ceasefire
