Hoover Institution fellow Eyck Freymann explains what the Iran war and the blockade of the Straight of Hormuz reveals about modern economic chokepoints, geopolitics and war strategies.
Explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's meeting with Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, wounding at least 18 people. Macron is safe, and the meeting continued. This visit marks a significant moment for al-Sharaa's government.
Explosions occurred near the Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron's visit, wounding at least four people. Macron was meeting Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa at the presidential palace when the blasts happened. This is the first major Western leader visit since al-Sharaa took power.
President Trump's long-standing criticisms of NATO, particularly regarding defense spending and burden-sharing, are expected to create a tense atmosphere at the upcoming summit in Turkey. Allies are focused on maintaining the alliance's cohesion amidst Trump's "transactional" foreign policy approach.
China test-launched a long-range ballistic missile from a nuclear-powered submarine in the South Pacific, drawing protests from Australia, Japan, and New Zealand, and concern from the U.S. The missile carried a dummy warhead and was fired into the South Pacific Nuclear Free Zone.
A tanker traveling off the coast of Oman in the Strait of Hormuz caught fire Tuesday after being struck by a projectile. Iran's state TV implied Tehran carried out the assault, but there has been no official claim. The incident occurs amid ongoing tensions and stalled negotiations between Iran and the U.S.
Millions in the Eastern US faced extreme heat warnings and severe storms on Independence Day. Dozens of heat-related deaths were reported, and emergency rooms saw increased visits. Experts warn this is a preview of future extreme weather due to climate change, driven by fossil fuel burning.
