Russia holds scaled-back Victory Day parade, rejects prolonged ceasefire
Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing w...
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.
The U.S. and Iran exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz, though both sides signalled they did not want escalation. The clashes come as Washington awaits Tehran’s response to a proposed deal to end the war while leaving key disputes, such as Iran’s nuclear programme, unresolved for now.
Efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war appeared to stall as the two sides exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz. A reported CIA assessment suggested Tehran could withstand a U.S. naval blockade for months despite mounting sanctions and renewed Gulf attacks.
Singapore has isolated and is testing two of its residents who travelled aboard a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Thursday.
Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Countries worldwide sought to prevent the further spread of the hantavirus on Thursday, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone who had close contact with them since.
SOCAR has completed the acquisition of a 99.82% stake in Italiana Petroli (IP) from API Holding after receiving all required regulatory approvals.
Fuel exports from Azerbaijan to Armenia are continuing, with eight rail wagons carrying 479 tonnes of diesel fuel dispatched as part of the latest shipment between the two South Caucasus neighbours.
A Kyrgyz–Japanese archaeological expedition has uncovered the remains of a Buddhist temple complex at the medieval settlement of Ak-Beshim, also known as Suyab, in Kyrgyzstan’s Chui Region.
A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Baku State University (BSU) and the international television channel AnewZ, marking a new stage of cooperation in journalism education and media development.
The 19th Azerbaijan International Agricultural Exhibition and Forum, Caspian Agro Week, and the 31st InterFood Azerbaijan have opened in Baku, bringing together global industry leaders, policymakers and investors to showcase innovations in agriculture and food production.
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