Straits Times
US intelligence warns Iran unlikely to ease Hormuz Strait chokehold soon, sources say
Iran shows no signs of loosening its stranglehold on the Strait of Hormuz, with U.S. intelligence concluding the chokepoint remains Tehran's most powerful bargaining chip against Washington. The waterway carries roughly a fifth of the world's oil supply, making Iran's control over it one of the most consequential geopolitical pressure points on the planet. Any escalation in tensions could send energy markets into a tailspin.
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Iran downs US fighter jet, raising stakes in war
Iran shot down a U.S. fighter jet in a significant escalation that marks one of the most direct confrontations between the two nations in recent memory. One crew member has been rescued, but the other remains missing, adding urgency to an already volatile situation. The incident threatens to dramatically reshape the dynamics of the conflict and force a swift response from Washington.
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Ukraine's Zelenskiy in Istanbul for security talks with Erdogan
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traveled to Istanbul on Saturday for direct talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, describing the agenda as "substantive" on security matters. The meeting underscores Turkey's continued role as a critical diplomatic bridge between Ukraine and its adversaries. Ankara has maintained ties with both Kyiv and Moscow throughout the war, giving Erdogan rare leverage as a potential mediator.
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At least four people killed in Russian attacks on Ukraine
Russian strikes across Ukraine have killed at least four people, underscoring the continued lethal toll of the ongoing conflict. Meanwhile, a Ukrainian counterstrike on Russia's southern Rostov region claimed at least one life, signaling that cross-border attacks remain a persistent feature of the war. The exchanges highlight the conflict's stubborn refusal to de-escalate despite international pressure.
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UN watchdog voices 'deep concern' as Iran reports new attacks on nuclear plant
Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant has come under fresh attack, prompting the UN's International Atomic Energy Agency to express "deep concern" over the escalating threat to the facility. The IAEA is urging all parties to exercise restraint, warning that military strikes near an active nuclear site risk catastrophic consequences. The situation raises urgent questions about nuclear safety as tensions in the region continue to intensify.
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