Location · 46 published stories · 150 outlets · All places
The UN reports that 907 aid workers were victims of violence in 2025, with 350 killed, as armed drones increasingly target humanitarian operations in conflict zones. Gaza remains the deadliest context for the third consecutive year, with 186 aid workers killed.
The United Arab Emirates has halted all trade, commercial exchanges and financial transactions with Iran indefinitely, accusing Iranian forces of firing two ballistic missiles at its territory. Iran denied the allegation, calling it a 'false flag operation' by the US and Israel, as tensions continue to disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and keep energy prices elevated.
Turkey has denied Israeli allegations that it planned to deploy troops at a Syrian air base struck this week, an action that a U.S. envoy said brought the sides close to direct confrontation. Israeli officials said the strike enforced a security status quo, while Syria condemned the attack as aggression against its sovereignty. U.S. Special Envoy Tom Barrack said Israel did not warn Washington beforehand.
US President Donald Trump has denied holding or scheduling talks with Iran, while Tehran claims Washington is seeking negotiations on Iranian terms. The US has announced a 'crushing economic operation' against Iran, prompting China and Iran to push back.
US President Donald Trump said no talks with Iran are taking place or scheduled, while Iran insists the Strait of Hormuz stays closed until US conditions are met. Meanwhile, Iranian officials signal openness to regional diplomacy and economic hardship at home.
Iran's top security official warned neighboring countries against joining US economic pressure, threatening retaliation and oil route closures. Egypt is attempting to revive talks, while regional tensions persist.
US President Donald Trump again shared a map depicting the Strait of Hormuz as 'NEW US Territory,' drawing a sharp rebuke from Iran's top security official. As the US prepares to announce major new sanctions, Iran has threatened to target countries that join the economic pressure campaign and warned that not a drop of oil would pass through the strait if it is besieged.
Iran's foreign minister said Tehran pushed the war with the US to force a ceasefire on its own terms, claiming victory in both war and diplomacy. Meanwhile, Egypt seeks to revive US-Iran talks, France and Saudi Arabia plan alternative trade routes, and the US warns of unprecedented economic pressure.
Brent crude rose above $90 a barrel after a two-month negotiating window expired without a deal, while a US blockade has sharply reduced Iranian oil flows to China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to detail new sanctions aimed at isolating Iran. Iranian officials have warned of a more aggressive military stance in the Strait of Hormuz.
Ship crossings through the Strait of Hormuz remain drastically below normal levels, with fewer than 20 vessels transiting over the weekend and traffic about 90% below pre-conflict baselines, according to Kpler and UKMTO data. The decline comes amid renewed threats between Washington and Tehran, while Asia's refined fuel imports have fallen sharply and refining margins stay elevated.
The US Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security has issued a final rule that removes national security controls on many lower-endurance drones while increasing controls on certain military-use drones and sales to several countries. The rule, effective Aug. 13, adjusts endurance thresholds and clarifies classification, impacting drone manufacturers and exporters.
Oil prices fell more than 1% on Monday as investors booked profits ahead of a US announcement on new sanctions against Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to unveil what he calls an 'economic D-Day,' while analysts debate the effectiveness of the measures and the risk of Iranian retaliation.
The 60-day window for a final US-Iran agreement expired with no deal, as President Trump called for Iran's 'white flag of surrender' and his administration prepared unprecedented economic pressure. Iranian officials countered with accusations of 'economic terrorism' and defiance, highlighting a standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.
Yemen's Houthis said they struck a Saudi oil tanker in the Red Sea, while the UK Maritime Trade Operations reported a tanker hit by an unknown projectile off Yanbu. Saudi shipping firm Bahri confirmed its vessel was involved and all crew were safe. The incident is part of a Houthi maritime blockade declared against Saudi Arabia last month.
Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson announced an agreement in principle with Oman on a new maritime transit route for the Strait of Hormuz, with details still being finalized. The development comes amid ongoing US-Iran tensions and a looming deadline for a broader deal, while a separate report frames the situation as continued talks rather than a final agreement.
Bangladesh has said it is open to joining the Saudi Arabia-Pakistan-Turkiye defence pact, with two junior ministers stressing any decision hinges on national interests. Meanwhile, reports of an invitation for Iran to join remain unconfirmed, with Tehran denying receiving any official proposal.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains severely restricted, with Iranian oil exports largely blocked by a US naval blockade while rivals use covert methods to keep crude flowing. Experts describe a stalemate where both sides face limits, but Iran's political resilience and military capabilities may allow it to outlast American pressure.
President Donald Trump has vowed an intensified economic campaign against Iran, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent signaling unprecedented measures as soon as next week. Options include secondary sanctions on Chinese refiners and banks, while Iran’s key oil trade with China and ties to neighboring countries complicate enforcement. Officials and analysts outline the scale of existing sanctions and the constraints on further pressure.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly declared the Strait of Hormuz an 'American territory' amid a naval blockade and escalating tensions with Iran. While Trump asserts total control, international law experts and Iranian officials dismiss the claim as legally and practically impossible, as the waterway remains a critical global chokepoint.
Washington has announced an unprecedented push to isolate Iran's economy, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent pledging to sever every economic lifeline of the 'tyrannical regime.' Iran has vowed to shut down Gulf oil exports if the pressure continues, as diplomatic efforts and a crisis in the Strait of Hormuz deepen.