Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire The IRGC Navy’s seizure of two cargo vessels follows US Navy interdictions of two Iran-linked crude oil tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iran
US Navy turns back 3 more vessels on second day of Iran blockade Cargo vessels altering their identification signals have created a cat-and-mouse game for the US Navy east of the Strait of Hormuz, while most of Iran’s “ghost fleet” appears to remain in a holding pattern. Iran
As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies. Iran
From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz? Ships from Qatar turned around on Monday after sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, while a growing number of countries have received permission to traverse the waterway. Iran
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran participates in Indian naval drill amid Red Sea tensions India recently deployed warships near the troubled body of water amid attacks by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on ships. Iran
Analysis How Red Sea crisis is battering Egypt's manufacturing, textile industries The Suez Canal is a cornerstone of the Egytian economy, providing a vital source of foreign currency for the cash-strapped country. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Turkey confirms Somalia maritime security deal amid Somaliland tensions Somalia ratified a defense cooperation agreement signed with Turkey earlier this month that would see Ankara help Mogadishu secure its maritime interests. Turkey
Israel’s Ashdod port bounces back from Gaza war setback Israel's Ashdod port is grappling with increased competition, threats from Yemen's Houthis and other regional challenges. Israel
Iran's IRGC claims developing stealth drones that 'can hit any vessel' Iranian missiles and drones are believed to have been fired by its regional proxies against Israeli and international ships, as the scope of the Israel-Hamas war expands across the region. Iran
Can India use new Iran port deal to counter growing China-Pakistan ties? The long-term deal to develop Chabahar Port signed between India and Iran in mid-January is a critical component of New Delhi's strategy to bypass Pakistan for access to Central Asian markets and counterbalance the growing cooperation between China and Pakistan. Iran
Iran plans joint naval exercise with Russia, China as Red Sea tensions soar The trilateral drills will be the first this year that Iran is holding with the two powers, as it remains under Western pressure over involvement in attacks on international navigation in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Iran
Analysis Despite internal discord, EU to launch Red Sea naval mission within 3 weeks Internal disagreements within the European Union are why Brussels announced only this week that it will set up a naval military mission in the Red Sea to protect the maritime route. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Somali president visits Qatar, Egypt amid row over Somaliland-Ethiopia deal The tour comes after Ethiopia and the breakaway region of Somaliland signed a controversial deal that would give Addis Ababa access to the Red Sea. Somalia
IRGC holds drills as Iran dispatches naval mission to international seas The move coincides with large-scale drills held by Iran’s military and IRGC days after Pakistan struck areas in Iran. Iran
UAE's MBZ in India, meets Modi as Houthis' maritime threat expands The visit comes amid a spike in Houthi maritime attacks that are increasingly disrupting Gulf waters and encroaching on India's coast. Legacy: Gulf
Iran hails Houthi rebels, deploys warship as Red Sea simmers As the Houthi spokesman visited Tehran, the Iranian army dispatched a leading destroyer to the Red Sea, where the United States has been mobilizing an international coalition to end disruptions by the Tehran-backed militant group. Iran
