Shipping traffic falls further in Strait of Hormuz as US, Iran compete over claims to control
The Strait of Hormuz is "under Iran's control and management," the recently appointed head of Iran's Basij paramilitary unit said on Thursday.
Middle East
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Shipping traffic drops in Strait of Hormuz, as UAE condemns 'aggressive Iranian attack' on tankers
IDF to probe soldiers' conduct in Kusra • Katz to transfer West Bank civilian enforcement to police • US Energy Secretary says 9 million oil barrels pass through Hormuz daily
US Treasury Secretary Bessent says US to apply measures 'never seen before' on Iran
"It will be a combination of economic isolation like the world has never seen before, and the continued blockade in the Strait of Hormuz that will keep anything from going in or out," Bessent said.
Salvors work to secure Russian shadow fleet ship leaking oil off Oman, risk firm Ambrey says
The spill from the Caroline Bezengi tanker, apparently the result of an unexplained attack on the vessel in June, has spread around a nature reserve and hit Oman's coastline on Wednesday.
Lebanon’s General Amnesty Law leaves Lebanese citizens exiled in Israel in limbo
Lebanese MP Ghada Ayoub told Lebanon’s Aljadeed TV that Lebanese citizens who sought refuge in Israel but did not participate in any military actions have the right to return to Lebanon.
Lebanon passes long-disputed General Amnesty Law aimed at relieving prison overcrowding
The controversial law has inflamed Lebanon’s sectarian divisions, with Islamist protesters denouncing provisions that would exclude some prisoners from the amnesty.
Reporters Without Borders removes Gazan terror operatives from its official media casualty database
Given the importance that it has played as a source of information, HonestReporting called on RSF to publicly explain why it has altered its records and withdrawn ICC complaints featuring terrorists.
Saudi Arabia considers backing Yemeni ground offensive to retake Houthi-held Red Sea coast
For three years, Saudi Arabia has sought to contain the Houthis while avoiding a return to full-scale war. What happens next turns on what Riyadh decides.
Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan to build joint political and military pact mechanisms
The three countries signed the "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement" on August 7, uniting Sunni-Muslim US allies concerned about a regional conflagration that has brought Iranian missile fire to the Gulf.
Hamas plans to run in upcoming Palestinian elections, to prioritize status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque
Elections for the Palestinian Legislative Council are set to go ahead on November 28, the first in 20 years after Hamas won in January 2006. Hamas won 74 of the seats, with Fatah following behind.
Iran claims control of Strait of Hormuz, rejecting Trump’s claim of US total dominance
The remarks came a day after US President Donald Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform that the US had "total control" of the strategic waterway.
