live Hormuz traffic slows as uncertainty over waterway persists
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has slowed, according to the latest data, as uncertainty over the waterway’s reopening kept most s...
European leaders gathered in Brussels on Monday for a one-day retreat to discuss defense strategy and the implications of U.S. President Donald Trump’s new tariffs, amid growing concerns over geopolitical tensions and Europe’s military capabilities.
European Union leaders convened in Brussels on Monday for an informal retreat to discuss strengthening the continent’s defense capabilities and addressing the economic and political impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent tariff decisions.
The meeting, billed as a “retreat” rather than a formal summit by European Council President Antonio Costa, aims to foster open discussions without the pressure of immediate decisions or official declarations.
A key focus of the talks is the geopolitical landscape, particularly the EU’s relationship with the United States. Trump’s decision over the weekend to impose tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China has heightened concerns among European officials, who fear similar measures could be directed at the bloc.
Trump, who began his second term on January 20, has also been vocal about European nations increasing their own defense spending, urging them to reduce reliance on the U.S.-led NATO alliance. His stance is expected to be a major point of discussion as EU leaders assess their military capabilities, potential funding strategies, and avenues for deeper defense cooperation.
The retreat comes as European leaders seek to navigate an increasingly complex global security environment, with tensions with Russia also weighing heavily on the agenda. While no official decisions are expected, the gathering serves as a crucial platform for shaping the EU’s long-term defense strategy and response to shifting transatlantic relations.
U.S. President Donald Trump says Washington is not seeking an extension of its memorandum of understanding with Iran, claiming the U.S. already controls the Strait of Hormuz through its naval blockade.
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.
Ukraine has targeted at least 20 Wildberries warehouses across Russia since 18 July, disrupting a major logistics network. Kyiv says the strikes aim to disrupt alleged military-linked supplies, while the attacks have caused billions of dollars in losses and wider economic pressure.
Russia said its air defences downed 180 drones over the Moscow region overnight, with 620 drones reportedly targeting the area, according to Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is facing growing pressure as his approval ratings fall and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party gains support.
The U.S. imposed sanctions on the International Criminal Court's (ICC) President Tomoko Akane and a senior trial lawyer at the court Abdoulaye Seye on Tuesday, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said.
Apple has announced a major overhaul of its business terms for apps distributed in the European Union, introducing a five per cent commission on digital transactions outside its App Store and simplifying its fee structure as it seeks to comply with the bloc’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).
A record number of humanitarian workers were killed, injured or kidnapped in 2025, with the growing use of armed drones contributing to mounting risks in conflict zones, the United Nations said on Wednesday.
Former Ukrainian Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov has called for elections despite the war with Russia, mounting what is widely seen as the biggest domestic political challenge to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy since Moscow launched its full-scale invasion.
At least nine people were killed, including a child, in a fire at a hotel in India's eastern city of Kolkata on Wednesday, local police said.
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