Artificial axis linking Mediterranean and Red Sea
In the Mediterranean, invasive silver-cheeked toadfish have damaged nets and threatened swimmers. Greece has launched a program to cull and dispose of the fish, while authorities warn of their dangerous neurotoxin. Reports span Crete to Athens, with sites in Cyprus following similar measures. Scientists link arrivals to warm seas and the Suez Canal route.
Vessels are returning to the Strait of Hormuz as major ships transit via northern and southern routes while central path remains blocked by mines. Authorities warn full normal traffic will take weeks to months to return; tolls are contested under international law.
The US and Iran have signed a preliminary agreement and opened a 60-day negotiating window that has paused charges through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran and Oman have formed a working group to study future administration and service fees. Shipping has begun to return but remains well below prewar levels while demining and safety work continues.
Archaeologists have uncovered a Byzantine-era city at the Dakhla Oasis and 18 tombs at Marina el-Alamein, underscoring Egypt's push to revive tourism with antiquities discoveries. The sites reveal urban layouts, coins, ostraca and funerary treasures dating to the fourth century, while authorities say tourist numbers are recovering after years of turmoil.