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...
German Economy Minister Robert Habeck has strongly condemned the newly announced US tariffs, warning that they could trigger an economic downturn, lead to a global recession, and disrupt international trade.
Habeck, a member of the Green Party, reacted to US President Donald Trump's announcement on Wednesday of sweeping tariffs against multiple countries and economic regions, including the European Union. The tariffs include a 20% surcharge on imports from the EU, while other nations face a minimum rate of 10%.
“For US consumers, this will be Inflation Day rather than Liberation Day,” Habeck stated, criticizing the move as detrimental to both European and American economies. He further warned that the tariffs could create a downward economic spiral with severe global repercussions. “The US tariff mania could trigger a downward spiral, dragging countries into recession and causing massive damage worldwide—with severe consequences for many people,” he added.
Habeck reiterated Germany's position, highlighting that the EU has consistently advocated for negotiation rather than confrontation with the US administration. “This remains the right approach,” he said. "It’s good that the European Commission continues to aim for a negotiated solution with the US. There's still some time. But if the US doesn’t want a negotiated solution, the EU will provide a balanced, clear, and determined response.”
The German minister also stressed the importance of solidarity among EU member states in addressing the tariffs, noting that “we have the largest common internal market in the world. We must use this strength.”
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 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.
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.
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.
One person has been killed and six others injured after an explosion at a petroleum storage facility at the Port of Rotterdam, prompting an investigation into the cause.
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.
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