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US President Donald Trump has declined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky’s request for hundreds of Patriot interceptor missiles, citing shortages linked to the military operation against Iran and the need to protect US assets and allies in the Middle East. The request, made during a meeting last week, was tied to concerns about Ukraine’s energy collapse in winter.
Seoul shares jumped more than 3.5 percent Wednesday, buoyed by easing concerns over AI investments and hopes for a US-Iran interim agreement on the Strait of Hormuz. The KOSPI closed up 3.76 percent, with foreigners net buyers, while US markets also advanced overnight.
William Lawrence, a co-founder of the Sunrise Movement and supporter of a data-center moratorium, won the Democratic primary in Michigan's 7th Congressional District. He will face Republican incumbent Tom Barrett in November, backed by endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Rashida Tlaib, and Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
US President Donald Trump says a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could come as soon as Wednesday or Thursday, while warning Iran it would be 'hit very hard' if talks fail. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent also expressed hope for a deal in the coming days, and oil prices eased on the news.
The Hong Kong Shipowners Association estimates that 70 to 80 of its member ships with around 1,400 to 1,600 seafarers remain stranded in or near the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Crews have sufficient supplies and access to video counselling, though their mental and physical well-being is a concern. No Hongkongers are reported among the crew, who are mostly mainland Chinese, Filipinos, Indians, and Eastern Europeans.
US stock markets surged to record highs on Monday and Tuesday, driven by strong corporate earnings and hopes for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices fell sharply, while US and Iranian officials offered conflicting signals on the status of negotiations.
Rep. Wesley Bell won Missouri's Democratic primary, defeating former Rep. Cori Bush for the second time. Pro-Israel groups, including AIPAC's super PAC, spent millions to support Bell, who campaigned on a moderate platform and supported the US-Israel alliance. The race highlights divisions within the Democratic Party over Israel and progressive politics.
South Korean stocks opened sharply higher Wednesday, surging over 3.7 percent as easing concerns about artificial intelligence profitability and hopes for a US-Iran agreement over the Strait of Hormuz lifted investor sentiment. The KOSPI rallied after a volatile week of trading, with the Korea Exchange activating a buy-side sidecar.
Iran says talks with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz are proceeding 'positively,' while US officials report progress and hint at a potential agreement soon. Qatar and Pakistan are also involved in regional mediation efforts.
Lebanon and Israel resumed US-sponsored talks in Rome, with Beirut pressing for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the south. Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, while Italian and US officials urge a cautious, constructive approach.
Multiple reports, cited by TASS, indicate that US stocks of key munitions such as THAAD interceptors and Patriot missiles have fallen to critically low levels following the conflict with Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied the depletion, while military officials have reportedly warned President Trump about the limitations on further strikes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says progress has been made in talks between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting an agreement could be reached as early as “today or tomorrow.” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson described the Omani-mediated discussions as “positive” and continuing, though differences remain over operational details.
Seventh round of US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon resumes in Rome, focusing on Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's disarmament. Hezbollah's chief Naim Qassem publicly denounced the talks, saying they would bring 'shame and humiliation,' while both sides remain split on key issues.
Qatar has confirmed that Washington and Tehran are exchanging draft peace agreements through Qatari, Omani, and Pakistani mediators. The Emir of Qatar and US President Donald Trump discussed efforts to ease US-Iran tensions in a phone call, with Trump stating he canceled a planned strike on Iran to facilitate a deal.
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian denies reports he threatened to resign, while experts highlight a deepening power struggle involving Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, whose public absence raises questions about who truly governs Iran.
An Indian-flagged commercial vessel, MSV Faize Noore Oliya, sank in the Red Sea after being struck by a projectile near Yemeni waters. All 14 crew members, including 13 Indians, were rescued by Yemen's coast guard. India condemned the attack, while Yemen's internationally recognized government blamed Iran-backed Houthi rebels.
Qatar says mediators are making progress toward a diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran, though no agreement has been reached and no direct talks are planned. Tehran denies US claims of ongoing negotiations, while Washington officials express optimism about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached by Wednesday, potentially stabilizing energy prices. Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied negotiations with Washington, and a cargo ship was hit by an unknown projectile in the strait.
A regional source said operations were suspended at Najran Airport in Saudi Arabia after Yemen's Iran-back Houthis claimed a drone attack on the facility, hitting its main radar. The Houthis said the strike was retaliation for Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace, part of renewed hostilities following a maritime blockade declared last month.
US senators voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general after he scrapped a controversial $1.8 billion fund. The fund, created through a settlement of Trump's IRS lawsuit, had caused Republican holdouts to delay the vote.