live Iran, U.S. make competing claims over control of Strait of Hormuz
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over t...
Trump pledges to send Patriot air defence systems to Ukraine through NATO, despite intensifying Russian attacks and rising civilian casualties. Zelenskyy hails the move as critical for defending cities.
Trump’s statement followed a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who had requested 10 Patriot systems amid an unprecedented wave of Russian drone and missile strikes. Germany and Norway have also committed to financing some of the systems.
Despite his previous stance on scaling back aid, Trump cited the urgency of recent attacks—such as the record 728 drones launched against Ukraine in a single night—as justification for resuming weapons support. The U.S. had recently paused some critical shipments, including Patriot interceptors and precision artillery shells, causing concern in Kyiv.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed that Washington is urging NATO allies like Germany and Spain to transfer existing Patriot batteries to Ukraine for immediate use, while the U.S. helps replenish their stocks. A refurbished battery from Israel is also expected to be deployed soon.
Patriot systems are seen as essential for Ukraine’s layered air defence, supplementing older S-300s and NASAMS. With civilian casualties hitting a three-year high in June, Western allies are acknowledging the urgent need to reinforce Ukraine’s air protection capabilities.
Trump, who has expressed frustration with the lack of progress in peace negotiations with Russia, is expected to make a major announcement about Russia. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue behind the scenes, with Rubio and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov reportedly discussing new ideas for ending the conflict.
Disruption in the Strait of Hormuz has increased the strategic importance of Bab al-Mandab, raising fears that instability in both waterways could trigger a wider global energy and trade crisis.
Flights at Catania airport in Sicily will remain suspended until early Friday as ash from Mount Etna continues to disrupt air travel, following hundreds of cancellations and diversions over the past week.
Iran and the United States remain at loggerheads over efforts to agree a permanent end to the war in the Gulf, according to a senior Iranian source who said there had been no progress in talks to revive the interim deal agreed in June and define a timeframe to implement it.
Iran says the Strait of Hormuz remains under its control, rejecting U.S. President Donald Trump’s claim of “total control” over the strategic waterway and insisting it will not reopen until Washington fulfils its commitments under an interim deal.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of August, covering the latest developments.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas met Türkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Wednesday for talks focused on Gaza, Palestinian statehood and regional security.
Taiwan staged military defence drills on Wednesday as China concluded joint naval exercises with Indonesia in waters east of the island.
Washington’s counter-narcotics push is expanding as Colombia’s new conservative government backs deeper security cooperation.
Meta said it had removed more than 750,000 Facebook and Instagram accounts suspected of belonging to Australians under 16, as the country’s internet regulator weighs enforcement action over its teen social media ban.
Russia has accused Ukraine of threatening global grain supplies after recent strikes on Black Sea agricultural infrastructure, while Moscow carried out a new overnight attack on Ukraine’s major Danube port of Izmail.
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