American neoconservative think tank in Washington, D.C.
The United States and Iran have reached a framework to halt hostilities and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Negotiations on final terms will address Iran’s nuclear program, the Strait’s management, and regional security. European and Asian markets respond with cautious optimism as talks continue.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has acknowledged that the city cannot execute the International Criminal Court arrest warrant for Benjamin Netanyahu. He is calling on the federal government to join the ICC and carry out the warrant as Netanyahu travels to the UN General Assembly this fall. Multiple outlets report the same limitation and emphasize that international law authority rests with the federal government, not city hall.
Houthi forces have claimed missile, drone and cruise-missile strikes on two Saudi oil tankers, Encelia and Layla, in the Red Sea and have declared a naval blockade of Saudi ports. The attack has caused a fire aboard one tanker, forced several ships to turn back and driven marine insurance and oil prices higher while US strikes on Iranian targets continue.
Armed groups are intensifying attacks in northwest and central Nigeria, with villages raided, livestock stolen and residents abducted. The government has approved a major military expansion, including recruitment of 28,000 soldiers and four new army divisions, as authorities pledge to improve co-ordination and response. Abductions and killings continue to disrupt communities nationwide.
Tensions in the Red Sea have intensified as Houthis escalate maritime attacks and a blockade against Saudi-linked shipping. Attacks target vessels, widen regional confrontation, and threaten global energy routes amid ongoing US-Iran tensions.
South Carolina has held a special Republican primary to replace the late Sen. Lindsey Graham and has produced a runoff. Darline Graham and Rep. Ralph Norman have advanced; Rep. Russell Fry finished a close third. The Aug. 25 runoff will almost certainly decide the GOP nominee who will face Democrat Annie Andrews in November.
The USS George Washington has left Da Nang and is relocating toward the Indian Ocean as the Lincoln remains in the Middle East, underscoring a sustained, high-pressure naval posture amid Iran-related operations and logistic strains aboard deployed carriers.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has made a brief port call at Laem Chabang, Thailand, allowing about 5,000 sailors and Marines to rest after a record, months-long deployment supporting US operations against Iran. Thai authorities are managing transport, security and restrictions in Pattaya while US officials deny widespread failures in shipboard conditions.
The Universal Oneness Celebration at Madison Square Garden has drawn protests from groups warning the RSS, led by Mohan Bhagwat, promotes Hindu nationalism. Organisers say the event aims for unity, while critics accuse it of masking a history of minority discrimination in India. Local officials debate potential sanctions and the broader implications for diaspora politics.