Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire The IRGC Navy’s seizure of two cargo vessels follows US Navy interdictions of two Iran-linked crude oil tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iran
US Navy turns back 3 more vessels on second day of Iran blockade Cargo vessels altering their identification signals have created a cat-and-mouse game for the US Navy east of the Strait of Hormuz, while most of Iran’s “ghost fleet” appears to remain in a holding pattern. Iran
As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies. Iran
From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz? Ships from Qatar turned around on Monday after sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, while a growing number of countries have received permission to traverse the waterway. Iran
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran accused of seizing vessel in Strait of Hormuz diverted from UAE An oil tanker sailing under the flag of the Marshall Islands through the Strait of Hormuz was diverted into Iranian territorial waters on Friday, amid suspicions that it was intercepted by Iran. Iran
UAE’s DP World to invest $5B in India's infrastructure: What to know The Dubai-headquartered logistics firm has already invested $3 billion into the South Asian nation over three decades. United Arab Emirates
Turkey seeks to bolster Eastern Med foothold in new Libya energy talks The talks between the Turkish ambassador in Libya and the Tripoli government’s energy minister come as Turkey seeks to reduce dependence on energy imports and bolster its energy security. Turkey
Analysis Saudi Arabia diversifies with new China naval drills, but military remains Western-centric Expanding Saudi-Chinese defense cooperation mirrors the broader deepening of Saudi-Chinese diplomatic and economic relations. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Somaliland leader courts Ethiopia in recognition push: What to know Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdillahi visited Ethiopia for talks focused on security and economic cooperation as the Somali breakaway territory seeks global recognition. Somalia
Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations. Iran
Dutch-flagged cargo ship struck off Yemen in latest attack If claimed by the Houthis, the strike on the Minervagracht would mark their most successful attack on a civilian cargo vessel since July. Yemen
Sudan, Russia sign trade deals as Khartoum seeks funds, Moscow eyes Red Sea port The meeting in Moscow produced two agreements and an economic and trade cooperation protocol. Sudan
Turkey, Egypt join forces for first EastMed drills in 13 years The joint exercises signal a thaw in Ankara-Cairo relations after years of tension over regional rivalries and past political disputes. Turkey
Turkey's FM heads to Italy amid rising tensions with Greece over EastMed, Libya The top Turkish diplomat is set to meet with his Italian counterpart, as Ankara seeks deeper cooperation with Rome amid a rivalry with Greece and ongoing Libya diplomacy. Turkey
New US Navy chief vows major revamp after Mideast conflicts strain fleet Caudle’s swearing-in comes amid broader shakeups across the Navy as the Trump administration continues to dismiss top military brass. United States
Turkey’s spy chief meets Libya's Hifter in surprise visit to Benghazi The surprise visit comes amid Ankara’s swiftly deepening thaw with eastern authorities after years of rivalry. Turkey
