BBC: Donald Trump says the US is reinstating its blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz, beginning “immediately”
In a post on Truth Social, he says the US will be the “guardian” of the vital waterway and impose a 20% charge on all cargo shipped to pay for the cost of “safety and security” – how this will work in practice is unclear, writes our White House reporter…
Israel’s Secret Operation to Cultivate Ahmadinejad
The yearslong effort to groom the former Iranian president as an intelligence asset culminated in a dramatic effort to take him to an Israeli safe house in the early days of the war. But the plan fell apart…
U.S. and Iran Edge Toward War Again
Mr. Trump has also formally notified Congress that fighting with Iran resumed, a recognition that the truce is breaking down and one that stokes a struggle over vital war powers. Congress has directed the president to either end the war or seek approval to continue it, but Mr. Trump insists he has the sole authority to make that call. The notification letter, dated Friday, was obtained by The New York Times on Monday…
Trump’s Threat to Impose Fees in the Strait of Hormuz Contradicts His Aides
President Trump said the United States could collect tolls or fees, despite Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying no country could do so…
Dubai plans new port to bypass Strait of Hormuz
DP World is planning to build a new port and a container terminal on the United Arab Emirates’ east coast that would reduce Dubai’s dependence on its flagship Jebel Ali hub and bypass the Strait of Hormuz…
UK bans support for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps
The prime minister announced his government would designate the branch of the Iranian military under a new National Security Act, enabling law enforcement to take action against anyone deemed to be providing it with support…
China’s Next Move May Decide Whether Oil Prices Soar
Typically the world’s largest oil importer, China slashed purchases this spring, reducing demand so much that it prevented oil prices from soaring even higher earlier in the war.
Now, one of the biggest questions facing the market is: When will China start buying more oil again? The longer the country holds back, the lower oil prices are likely to go. The reverse is also true. A pickup in demand from China would raise prices, all else being equal…
Netanyahu opponent leads polls ahead of Israeli elections
While opposition officials are in private cautiously optimistic about their chances, most analysts caution that Netanyahu should never be written off.
Netanyahu “knows how to overcome, so long as the candle is burning. Things could still happen [before election day],” Shtrauchler said. “I know a lot of people that bet against him. And they usually lose.”…