Iranian oil hub in the Persian Gulf, known as the 'Forbidden Island'
Thousands have been protesting nightly in Tirana and along Albania’s southern coast for more than a month against a multi‑billion‑euro resort project linked to Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Demonstrators have adopted flamingo symbols to oppose work inside the Vjosa‑Narta wetlands and on Sazan island and are demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama’s resignation amid clashes with police.
The United States has canceled fresh strikes on Iran as talks for a peace deal progress, while Tehran remains anxious about the possibility of renewed conflict. Civilians face inflation, disrupted supply chains, and ongoing uncertainty as negotiations continue.
A bipartisan push to codify permanent daylight saving time is gaining traction in Congress, with President Trump lobbying lawmakers and some Republicans signaling support. The effort seeks to end the twice-yearly clock change, arguing it would bring daylight to evenings and boost economic activity, but faces concerns from farmers, sleep experts, and some GOP skeptics.
President Donald Trump has warned the US will be "hitting Iran VERY HARD TONIGHT" and has said the United States will take Kharg Island and other oil infrastructure. The threats follow two nights of US strikes and Iranian retaliatory missile and drone fire while negotiators are exchanging messages on a possible interim deal.
The World Bank has cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5% and has warned growth could fall to 1.3% if disruptions to oil and fertiliser flows from the Middle East persist. Rising energy and food costs are pushing inflation higher and hitting developing countries hardest; the bank has pledged up to $100bn in support.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point as multiple sources indicate shifting dynamics in Gulf oil flows. Analysts say international pressure, sanctions, and ongoing fighting shape when and how Gulf oil will move, with some shipments reappearing while overall volumes stay depressed. The pace of mine clearance, lane re-opening, and fleet re-mobilization will determine when prewar flows resume.
The president has said discussions with Iran have reached the highest level of leadership and approved a framework, canceling scheduled strikes for now. The blockade remains in force, and signing details are to be announced; meanwhile, threats to seize Kharg Island and target energy infrastructure persist as talks continue.
Developments at the G7 show the US and Iran may move toward a formal pact to end their war, with key details still under negotiation. Officials indicate the signing could occur soon, while the timeline remains fluid amid threats of renewed hostilities and sanctions adjustments.
Mediators have drawn up an agreed text that would extend the ceasefire, reopen the Strait of Hormuz and start a 60‑day process on Iran’s nuclear programme. Pakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s foreign minister have said a signing could happen in days; US officials say technical approvals remain and details are disputed.
The White House hosts a $60 million UFC event on the South Lawn, with the Claw structure towering over the grounds and sponsors plastered across the Octagon. Officials say production is a major marketing push despite ongoing geopolitical tensions as the Iran situation unfolds.
Iran has again threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, citing violations of a ceasefire in Lebanon. The United States denies closure claims as negotiations with Iran under a 60-day interim memorandum press ahead. Israeli actions in Lebanon amplify regional strain as talks in Switzerland proceed.
The US and Iran are pursuing diplomatic channels while monitoring the risk of renewed conflict. Indirect negotiations in Doha are ongoing, with Washington exploring options beyond the 60-day deadline. Officials emphasize that energy routes remain a focal point as talks continue.
Trump has reiterated his push for the United States to control Greenland, in the context of a NATO summit in Turkey. He says Denmark’s reluctance should not block U.S. security goals, and hints at possible U.S. troop realignments in Europe. Zelenskyy and other leaders are seeking clarity on Ukraine’s security assistance amid continuing war and regional tensions.
The US and Iran have exchanged fresh strikes this weekend and on Monday, reversing a recent interim ceasefire and re‑opening doubt over control of the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump has declared the ceasefire "over," ordered further strikes and revoked a temporary oil waiver. Oil has jumped into the high $70s–$80s and global markets have fallen.
The United States has intensified strikes on Iranian targets to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran has responded with missile and drone actions. Attacks target coastal bases, railways, and port facilities across Iran and nearby states, signaling a rapid intensification of a wider confrontation.
The US has carried out repeated air and naval strikes across Iran to degrade Tehran's ability to threaten shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks on US bases and Gulf allies, and the IRGC has warned civilians near US forces to stay away; the exchanges have closed much of the strait and pushed oil prices higher.
President Trump has begun flying a $400m Boeing 747-8 donated by Qatar but used an older Air Force One during a July NATO trip after officials raised security concerns. The administration has launched a leak probe led by the FBI director and White House chief of staff; The New York Times reporters were subpoenaed as investigators sought sources about the jet's defensive capabilities.
Trump has declared that Spain is a “wasted cause” and a “terrible partner in NATO,” calling for a cut to all trade and visits. At the NATO summit, he has also suggested the Iran ceasefire is over, while insisting the United States remains focused on NATO commitments.
The United States has escalated strikes against Iran, while Iran and its IRGC retaliate with missiles and drones targeting Gulf bases and shipping. The renewed hostilities threaten global energy flows as both sides threaten further action and diplomatic talks remain fragile. The Strait of Hormuz remains central to the crisis.
NATO members pledge higher defence spending while President Trump sharpens demands on Greenland and Spain. Mark Rutte labels the alliance stronger, but others warn of lasting tensions as US pressure tests unity.
Tensions between the United States and Iran have renewed clashes over the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides have exchanged strikes as Iran seeks to maintain control of the strait, while the United States pushes for a return to free passage. Diplomats from Qatar and other Gulf states are attempting to de‑escalate, even as threats to regional stability persist.
Iraq’s prime minister travels to Washington to deepen economic ties as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fighting between the US and Iran intensifies. Oil output, IMF talks, and potential US investment are on the table while Iran-backed groups push back against disarmament. Diplomatic prospects hinge on stabilizing energy flows and expanding state control over weapons.
Vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed to multi-week lows as renewed U.S.–Iran strikes escalate the crisis. Oil shipments and prices are affected, with both sides targeting shipping routes and infrastructure. Analysts warn announcements of ceasefires have not stabilized the Strait. The situation is evolving this week.
Lindsey Graham has died at 71. Trump has described Graham’s “one bad moment” during Jan. 6 as the only lapse, saying he called Graham to walk back the remark. Reports note timelines differ, with logs not showing a call on Jan. 6, 2021.
Since late July, US and Iranian forces have resumed strikes across the Middle East after a brief pause. The US and Saudi Arabia have carried out airstrikes on pro‑Iran militias in Iraq; Iran has launched ballistic missiles and drones at US forces and commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz; regional actors including the Houthis are expanding pressure on Red Sea routes. Diplomatic talks remain fragmented.
The conflict between the United States and Iran has intensified, with U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian infrastructure and Iran responding with strikes and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices rise as shipping through Hormuz tightens, while regional actors report ongoing fighting and injuries.
The latest wave of US strikes targets Iran and nearby targets after Tehran closes the Strait of Hormuz; both sides accuse each other of targeting energy infrastructure while global oil prices rise. The fight over Hormuz continues to threaten a broader conflict, with ships moving at reduced capacity through the strait.
Several ships have been struck in the Strait of Hormuz as Iran continues attacks on commercial shipping. The incidents have reduced traffic and heightened risk for crews, with Indian seafarers among those killed or injured. The United Arab Emirates and Oman report ongoing threats, and international pressure calls for de-escalation.
President Donald Trump has directed the Pentagon to respond "many times" over for every US soldier Iran kills, and US Central Command has launched repeated airstrikes on Iranian targets while Iran has struck US positions and allies in the Gulf. Seventeen US service members have been killed and roughly 430 wounded since February.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a focal point as renewed US and Iranian strikes have disrupted shipping, pushed oil prices higher, and drawn in regional powers. Oil flows through Hormuz have slowed, tanker traffic is volatile, and regional leaders warn of broader conflict.
The Iran conflict has escalated with threats of strikes and shifting diplomacy as both sides test red lines. U.S. officials warn of hard actions while Iran asserts control over Hormuz. A ceasefire cycle and domestic political pressures frame new steps as global oil markets react.
The latest from multiple outlets shows ongoing US strikes on Iran continue, with Tehran signaling readiness to expand its regional actions. Israel remains on the sidelines for now, while diplomacy and economic pressure shape the broader confrontation.
Ukraine has carried out long-range strikes in the Caspian Sea that hit vessels Kyiv says were carrying Iranian-linked military cargo to Russia. Iran has summoned Ukraine’s diplomat, said one sailor was killed and another wounded, and warned retaliation; Ukraine’s foreign ministry has denied intent to target civilians and called Iran’s threats unjustified.
The United States has paused nightly airstrikes on Iran and Tehran has halted retaliatory attacks for at least two days while mediators from Qatar, Pakistan and Oman exchange messages. Advisers warned President Donald Trump that continued strikes risked depleting munitions and running out of targets; oil prices have fallen as markets price the lull.