German state elections put fresh pressure on Chancellor Merz
German voters cast ballots on Sunday in two state elections that could add to the political pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz, as his governmen...
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.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
Houthi attacks target Riyadh amid concerns over Saudi oil supplies, as Iran says it will not reopen the Strait of Hormuz until its conditions are met and U.S. commitments are implemented, parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said on Sunday.
The U.S. State Department approved a $2.7 billion military sale to Ukraine for air-defence development upgrades, along with related equipment and services, the department said. Meanwhile, Ukrainian authorities reported at least 10 people had died in Russian attacks over the last 24 hours.
The death toll from an overnight Russian attack on the Kyiv region rose to four, including three children, Kyiv regional authorities said on Sunday. A mother and her two 3-year-old children were killed when a Russian drone strike hit a private home, the emergency service said.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Friday that additional news organisations could be barred from the White House, hours after announcing bans on CNN, MS NOW and Politico over coverage he described as “fake news”.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog has cleared the criminal record of former soldier Elor Azaria, who was convicted of manslaughter for shooting dead a wounded Palestinian in the West Bank in 2016.
Saudi civil defence sent an all-clear on Saturday after issuing alerts for a second time for potential danger in Riyadh and the city of Al-Kharj east of the capital, amid an uptick in attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis on the Gulf country.
Uzbekistan’s grape exports have grown rapidly. In January-August 2025, the country exported 86,200 tonnes of fresh grapes worth $78.3 million to 19 countries but can it turn these crops into a recognisable international product?
The death toll in a suicide attack at a police compound in northwest Pakistan has reached 31, AFP reported on Saturday, citing a police official.
Azerbaijan has rejected France’s justification for advising its citizens against travel to the country, after Paris cited risks of arbitrary detention and unfair trials.
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