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...
A Russian drone attack injured 12 people in Kyiv and Mykolaiv, causing significant damage based on Kyiv city military administration, the Ukrainian air force downed most of the drones, but the assault destroyed residential buildings and infrastructure.
According to Kyiv city military administration, a Russian drone attack has left 12 people injured in two Ukrainian cities, Kyiv and Mykolaiv, as tensions continue to escalate. The assault, which occurred overnight, saw the Ukrainian capital targeted by drones, injuring two women. In Kyiv, drones sparked a fire at a storage facility and caused significant damage to residential buildings. The Ukrainian air force responded, shooting down 85 out of 145 drones launched by Russia. Another 49 drones were intercepted, likely due to electronic warfare countermeasures.
In the southern city of Mykolaiv, 10 people were injured in the attack. Regional governor Vitalii Kim confirmed that the assault also caused extensive damage, destroying nine apartment buildings, 30 garages, and an administrative building. The ongoing conflict has already resulted in thousands of deaths and injuries, with Russia denying it targets civilians.
This attack is part of Russia's ongoing efforts to destabilise Ukraine, despite international condemnation. Ukrainian authorities continue to bolster their defences against Russian drone and missile assaults, while civilians in affected regions bear the brunt of the violence.
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 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.
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.
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.
Australia on Thursday condemned Israel’s decision to close its criminal investigation into the deaths of Australian aid worker Zomi Frankcom and six World Central Kitchen colleagues killed in Gaza in April 2024.
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.
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