Iran Ceasefire Nears Collapse After Exchange of Fire in Strait of Hormuz

The fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is under serious pressure after both sides exchanged fire around the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears the conflict could return to open fighting. Diplomatic efforts were still continuing, but recent clashes in and around the contested waterway have sharply increased doubts about whether the truce can […]
Tensions Surge in Hormuz as U.S. Moves to Escort Ships and Iran Pushes Back

A dangerous escalation is unfolding in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical shipping routes, as the United States and Iran clash over control of maritime access during an already fragile regional conflict. The situation has intensified following a U.S. initiative aimed at reopening the waterway, which Iran has effectively restricted amid […]
U.S. Delays New Iran Talks but Expands Ceasefire After Pakistan Seeks More Time

President Donald Trump said the United States is indefinitely extending its ceasefire with Iran, just one day before the truce was set to expire, in a move that temporarily lowers the risk of an immediate return to fighting.Trump made the announcement Tuesday April 21 while a new round of peace talks was on hold, easing […]
Europe, Asia and Gulf Partners Reassess U.S. Ties as Trump’s Foreign Policy Turns More Erratic

Many of America’s traditional allies are entering a period of deep strategic anxiety: they are increasingly frustrated by what they see as erratic U.S. behavior under President Donald Trump, yet they also feel they have few realistic alternatives to American power. Friendly governments in Europe, Asia and the Middle East are being pushed into an […]
Trump Escalates Pressure on Iran, Warning of New Infrastructure Attacks Over Blocked Shipping Route

President Donald Trump sharply escalated his rhetoric toward Iran on April 5, threatening to target key pieces of the country’s infrastructure if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil-shipping routes. In a Truth Social post published on Easter Sunday, Trump warned that Tuesday would be “Power Plant […]
Diesel Shock Hits Freight and Factories: Middle East Supply Squeeze Pushes U.S. Pump Prices Past $5

U.S. average retail diesel prices have climbed above $5 a gallon, a level reached only twice in U.S. history, as the U.S.-Israeli with Iran roils global fuel markets and tests the world economy’s resilience. The spike reflects a worsening supply shock tied to the conflict’s impact on Middle East exports—especially after Iran’s near-total disruption of […]
Venice Biennale Faces Diplomatic Storm Over Russia’s Pavilion Amid the War in Ukraine

Italy is facing a new cultural-and-diplomatic headache after the Venice Biennale confirmed that Russia is included in the lineup for the 2026 edition, triggering sharp criticism from European governments and Ukraine because of Russia’s ongoing war. The decision has sparked “international outcry,” with the European Commission warning it could withhold funding and 22 European countries […]
UN envoys to see scale of Gaza crisis during visit to Rafah crossing – but US representative will not be with them

It is billed as an unprecedented trip – the first of its kind for about a dozen UN ambassadors to witness the devastating effects of the war in Gaza. It comes in the wake of the failure of the United Nations (UN) Security Council to agree on a ceasefire in Gaza after the United States […]
Israel-Hamas war: Hostage-for-prisoner swap and truce in Gaza ‘delayed’

A temporary truce in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, lasting at least four days, has been delayed until Friday, according to Israel officials. As part of the deal, there are plans for a hostage-for-prisoner swap and more much-needed aid to get into the besieged coastal territory to help civilians suffering from severe shortages of food, […]
Israel-Hamas war: Hundreds of foreign nationals cross Gaza-Egypt border – with Britons among them

The first British nationals have left Gaza and crossed the Rafah border into Egypt, the Foreign Office has said. UK teams are on the ground providing assistance, but the Foreign Office did not specify how many Britons had crossed the border. A total of 76 wounded people and their companions left Gaza in ambulances today, […]