Washington signals new economic drive in Central Asia at Bishkek B5+1 forum
A landmark gathering of commercial and political minds has convened in the Kyrgyz capital, signalling a significant shift in Washington’s foreign po...
Iran's top security body, the SNSC, will decide on closing the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil and gas chokepoint, after parliament's reported approval. A Revolutionary Guards commander stated the measure is "on the agenda," signaling escalating tensions.
Iran's Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) holds the ultimate authority in deciding whether to close the Strait of Hormuz, Iranian Press TV reported on Sunday. This follows reports that the Iranian parliament has approved such a measure amid escalating regional tensions.
The potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime choke point through which approximately 20% of global oil and gas demand flows, is not yet a final decision. However, lawmaker and Revolutionary Guards Commander Esmail Kosari indicated to the Young Journalist Club on Sunday that the action is "on the agenda and will be done whenever necessary."
The SNSC is the highest decision-making body for national security affairs in Iran. While the Iranian parliament's reported approval signals a strong legislative stance, any decision by the SNSC would still require final confirmation from the Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, to become effective.
The prospect of the Strait's closure has significant implications for global energy markets. Experts warn that any disruption to this vital shipping lane could lead to a sharp increase in oil and gas prices and have broader economic consequences worldwide. Previous threats by Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz have not been carried out, as the country also relies on the waterway for its own energy exports. However, the current heightened tensions in the region are raising concerns about a potential escalation.
Talks with the U.S. should be pursued to secure national interests as long as "threats and unreasonable expectations" are avoided, President Masoud Pezeshkian posted on X on Tuesday (3 February).
Cuba’s Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío has denied that Havana and Washington have entered formal negotiations, countering recent assertions by U.S. President Donald Trump, while saying the island is open to dialogue under certain conditions.
Mexico said it will stop sending oil to Cuba as U.S. President Donald Trump ramped up pressure on the Caribbean nation.
Iranian media outlets have backtracked on claims President Masoud Pezeshkian ordered a return to nuclear talks with the United States, fuelling fresh uncertainty over the state of diplomacy between the two rivals.
Web Summit Qatar 2026 opened in Doha on Sunday, drawing tens of thousands of founders, investors, policymakers and technology leaders to what organisers describe as one of the region’s largest digital economy gatherings.
A landmark gathering of commercial and political minds has convened in the Kyrgyz capital, signalling a significant shift in Washington’s foreign policy approach towards the Eurasian heartland.
Israeli tank shelling and airstrikes killed at least 18 people, including four children, in Gaza on Wednesday, Palestinian officials said, as Israel halts the passage of patients through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt.
Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and Armenia’s Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan met in Abu Dhabi, February 4, reaffirming momentum in their peace process and highlighting growing trade, connectivity and confidence-building measures.
A second group of Palestinians receiving medical treatment arrived in Egypt from Gaza via the Rafah border crossing on Tuesday (3 February).
The most prominent son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, has been killed, sources close to the family, his lawyer Khaled el-Zaydi and Libyan media said on Tuesday (3 February).
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