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The US and Iran exchanged fire over the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, with Washington launching a naval operation to reopen the waterway and Tehran responding with attacks on ships and a UAE port. A fragile ceasefire appeared to be at risk as both sides reported strikes and denied the other's claims.
Japan has taken delivery of its first cargo of Russian oil in almost a year, with the Omani-flagged tanker Voyager arriving at ports in western Japan. The purchases by Japanese companies Taiyo Oil and Idemitsu are part of efforts to diversify supply sources amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and escalating situation around Iran.
Russia's Almaz-Antey Group has announced the development of an automated airspace management system capable of withstanding complex cyberattacks, along with specialized droneports for UAV interceptors. The company also reported commissioning new air traffic control equipment and progress on UAV flight monitoring systems.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi held phone calls with counterparts from Egypt, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan in early May. The discussions focused on regional security, the Caspian Sea, and Iran's position on what it describes as US and Israeli aggression.
In a series of phone calls and public statements, Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump discussed a May 9 ceasefire in Ukraine, a possible visit to Moscow, and Putin's offer to help with Iran's enriched uranium. Trump prioritized ending the war in Ukraine, while both leaders expressed optimism about a settlement.
Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh addressed the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Bishkek, emphasizing dialogue and diplomacy over force and stating that terrorism has no nationality or theology. His comments drew criticism from India's opposition Congress party, while analysts note the SCO's growing significance amid global fragmentation.
International flights are set to resume at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Airport on April 25, marking a significant step in restoring air travel after weeks of disruption caused by the US-Israeli war with Iran. The resumption follows a fragile ceasefire, with initial routes to Istanbul and Muscat, while other Iranian airports gradually reopen.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov is attending the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Turkey, where he is scheduled to deliver remarks and hold bilateral meetings. Organized by the Turkish Foreign Ministry under the theme "Mapping Tomorrow, Managing Uncertainties," the gathering is expected to draw hundreds of officials from some 150 countries. Coverage from TASS outlines discussions on Middle East and regional issues alongside the forum’s broader program.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held meetings with Central Asian and CIS foreign ministers in Moscow, focusing on economic and security cooperation, and the escalating situation in the Middle East and around Iran. The discussions included reviewing agreements from the second Central Asia-Russia summit and adopting a special statement on Persian Gulf tensions.
Moldova has formally initiated its withdrawal from the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), with key decisions now approved and the official exit expected in April 2027. The process, which includes retaining some economic agreements, has drawn regret from Moscow and criticism from pro-Russian opposition figures within Moldova.
While India faces fuel shortages and social panic amid the Iran war, China has maintained energy stability through a combination of 120-day strategic petroleum reserves, diversified pipeline imports from Central Asia and Russia, and accelerating overland trade routes. Beijing's long-term planning and current economic slowdown have provided buffers against the Hormuz Strait disruption, though Middle East dependence remains a structural challenge.
An Iranian diplomat has stated that the Strait of Hormuz remains open to all ships except those from 'aggressor' nations, amid reports of Iran closing the waterway to US and Israeli-linked vessels during the ongoing conflict. The statements come as Iran reports attacks on tankers without permission and pledges to continue the closure for the long term.