live U.S.-Iran standoff continues as Hormuz shipping and diplomacy remain uncertain
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to res...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 13th of January, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Trump threatens 25% tariff on nations trading with Iran
President Donald Trump has announced an immediate 25% tariff on any country conducting business with Iran, responding to the escalating anti-government protests within the Islamic Republic. Although the White House has yet to release official documentation, the move aims to intensify pressure on Tehran, potentially impacting major trading partners such as China, India, and the UAE.
U.S. orders citizens to leave Iran immediately
The United States has issued an urgent directive for all American citizens to depart Iran immediately, citing intensifying violence and communication blackouts driven by widespread protests. As commercial flights face disruptions, the advisory recommends land routes via Armenia or Türkiye, whilst the Trump administration considers options ranging from diplomatic talks to potential military action.
Finland and Sweden urge tougher EU sanctions on Russia
Finland and Sweden have called for stricter economic measures against Russia, proposing higher import duties and a complete ban on ships carrying Russian energy to the European Union. Speaking at a security conference, foreign ministers from both nations emphasised the necessity of cutting Moscow’s war funding, with these proposals set to be considered for the EU’s forthcoming sanctions package.
NATO discusses Arctic security amidst Greenland speculation
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has confirmed that the alliance is discussing steps to bolster Arctic security, a move intended to address President Donald Trump’s strategic concerns regarding the region and his interest in Greenland. While Danish officials maintain the territory is not for sale, allies are exploring operations to counter increasing Russian and Chinese activity in the High North.
Deadly Russian missile barrage strikes Kharkiv
A severe wave of Russian missile attacks struck Ukraine’s major cities early Tuesday, killing at least four people in Kharkiv and injuring several others. Ukrainian officials described the assault, which involved approximately 20 ballistic missiles targeting Kharkiv and Kyiv, as the most intense bombardment of the year so far, further straining the nation's air defences.
The collective-defence agreement between Türkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signals that regional powers no longer want to rely solely on external security guarantees. Whether it becomes a stabilising deterrent or another axis of rivalry remains unresolved.
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most shipowners away. Six commodity vessels crossed the strait on Tuesday, down from nine the day before and below the 10-day daily average of 11.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
Iran has said the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed until the U.S. fulfils the terms of an interim deal, including lifting the maritime blockade and sanctions and releasing Iran’s frozen assets.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 19th of August, covering the latest developments.
Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains limited on Thursday, with no increase in vessel crossings as U.S.-Iran talks to resolve the conflict remained stalled. Nine commodity vessels transited the key waterway on Wednesday, unchanged from the previous day, according to Kpler data.
North Korea has fired more than 10 short-range ballistic missiles after U.S. President Donald Trump reduced American participation in joint military exercises with South Korea in an effort to revive dialogue with Pyongyang.
Georgia’s foreign trade data for January-July 2026 shows Kyrgyzstan, China and Russia as its top three export markets, highlighting its Middle Corridor ambitions and complex economic ties with Moscow.
Kazakhstan will vote on 23 August in its first parliamentary election under the new Constitution, choosing 145 members of the new Kurultai under a fundamentally changed electoral system based entirely on party lists.
Five years after Evergrande's debt crisis rattled global markets, founder Hui Ka Yan has been sentenced to life in prison, marking a dramatic new chapter in the downfall of China's former property giant.
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