View: How Azerbaijan can leverage its role to boost cooperation in Central Asia
Azerbaijan has long understood the importance of fostering strong relations with its Central Asian neighbours as the country is strategically located ...
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.
Russia’s human rights commissioner, Tatyana Moskalkova, has said that Ukraine has not provided Moscow with a list of thousands of children it alleges were taken illegally to Russia, despite the issue being discussed during talks in Istanbul.
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has offered condolences to President Donald Trump following an ISIS attack near the ancient city of Palmyra that killed two U.S. soldiers and a civilian interpreter, Syrian and U.S. officials said Sunday.
At least 17 people, including students, were killed and 20 others injured after a school bus fell off a cliff in northern Colombia on Sunday, authorities said.
At least 37 people have been killed in flash floods triggered by torrential rain in Morocco's Atlantic coastal province of Safi, Moroccan authorities said on Monday (15 December).
At least 37 people have died and dozens of others were injured after flash floods swept through Morocco’s Atlantic coastal city of Safi on Sunday, authorities said.
Azerbaijan has long understood the importance of fostering strong relations with its Central Asian neighbours as the country is strategically located at the crossroads of Eastern Europe and Central Asia.
The European Union’s interest in investing in regional connectivity projects in the South Caucasus, such as the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) is driven by a need for strategic credibility and a tangible foreign policy success, according to a regional expert.
Shadow Trade is an investigative documentary by AnewZ that examines how global sanctions imposed after Russia’s 2022 war in Ukraine have been weakened through informal trade routes, permissive transit regimes, and overlooked commercial practices.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have signed a new agreement on the transportation of natural gas through Uzbek territory, strengthening bilateral energy cooperation and supporting regional energy security ahead of the winter season.
Kazakhstan is assessing the scale of damage and potential losses following a recent attack on infrastructure operated by the Caspian Pipeline Consortium, a key export route for the country’s oil.
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