Ancient Nubian kingdom and Kushite Empire in Nile Valley trade, culture and royal power
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has ground toward a halt this weekend as a 60‑day ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran has reached its expiry and negotiations remain stalled. Kpler data shows single‑digit daily transits; Iran has repeated demands that the U.S. lift its naval blockade, remove sanctions and pay reparations, while the U.S. says it can maintain the blockade indefinitely and is planning further economic pressure.
Archaeologists warn that Sudan’s Meroe pyramids risk collapse as war and climate pressures hinder maintenance. Wind, sand and salt are accelerating decay on more than 200 Kushite royal tombs, with UNESCO reporting widespread damage to cultural sites and looted museums since 2023.