Strait

• The UN released a report on Tuesday warning that the gradual re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz will not provide an immediate economic recovery for developing nations. • While the re-opening offers vital relief for global trade, many poorer economies remain burdened by significantly increased costs for essential food and fuel. • This situation highlights a systemic vulnerability where developing countries struggle to absorb price shocks even after geopolitical tensions ease.

• The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has announced the creation and activation of a special communication channel aimed at preventing the escalation of tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. • MFA spokesperson Al-Ansari confirmed during a press briefing that the mechanism is currently operational to facilitate conflict resolution. • This initiative is critical because the Strait of Hormuz is a vital global maritime chokepoint for oil shipments, where instability can trigger international economic shocks.

Tehran believes it should control the shipping route but its neighbour has its own plans for reopening itThe strait of Hormuz is Iran’s chief bargaining tool in the negotiations with America and so it was always likely to be the greatest point of contention. Every metre of the 39-kilometre-wide waterway is being contested in a test of wills and patience.For Iran, the continuation of the dispute is not a problem so long as it does not lose control. Continue reading...

• Brent crude oil prices have risen as tit-for-tat military strikes between the U.S. and Iran threaten the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. • The instability in this critical waterway is hindering a return to normality for global energy shipments, driving market volatility. • In related market movements, South Korean chipmakers Samsung Electronics and SK Hynix saw shares drop by approximately 5% and 4%, respectively.

• Iran launched missiles and drones targeting U.S. military bases in Bahrain and Kuwait following recent U.S. strikes on Iran's southern coast. • The attacks signal a breakdown of the ceasefire in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions between the two nations. • Oman’s foreign ministry has officially condemned the violence, urging both sides to prioritize diplomacy and restraint to prevent further regional instability.

• Oil prices increased on Monday following renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran. • The escalation has sparked significant concerns regarding the stability of global energy supplies and potential disruptions to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. • This volatility matters because the Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint for the global transport of crude oil.

• A Singaporean family traveled to the Chaoshan region of China to trace their ancestral roots. • The journey resulted in three extraordinary reunions between the family and long-lost relatives. • This event highlights the enduring emotional connection and cultural ties between the Singaporean diaspora and their ancestral homes in China.

• Iran has launched retaliatory attacks against Bahrain and hit a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz following recent US airstrikes. • Tehran claims these actions were conducted under Article 51 of the UN Charter, citing the legal right to self-defence. • Senior adviser Mohsen Rezaei accused the US of violating a war-ending memorandum of understanding by supporting regional proxy forces and escalating tensions.

• Iranian forces launched two attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz this week, including a June 25 strike on the Singapore-flagged container ship M/V Ever Lovely. • The M/V Ever Lovely is operated by Taiwan’s Evergreen Marine, highlighting the risk to international shipping lanes in one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints. • These incidents heighten global energy security risks, as any prolonged instability in the region could disrupt oil and gas flows and spike global energy prices.

• A commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz was targeted in a suspected drone attack, which is widely attributed to Iranian forces. • The incident occurs amid a fragile ceasefire and heightened regional tensions, threatening the stability of critical global shipping lanes. • This escalation tests the durability of U.S. diplomatic efforts and security arrangements intended to prevent a broader conflict in the Middle East.

Strike was in response to drone attack a day earlier on a commercial vessel The US military ⁠conducted strikes ⁠against Iran ​on Friday, ⁠Central Command said in ⁠a statement, ​adding ‌that ‌US aircraft ‌struck Iranian missile and drone storage locations and ‌coastal radar sites ​after Tehran’s attack on a ⁠commercial ship ​in the ​strait ​of ​Hormuz.The US strike was in response to a drone attack a day earlier on a cargo ship in the strait, a provocation that President Donald Trump said violated the ceasefire. Continue reading...

US president calls it ‘foolish violation’ of ceasefire agreement after drone damaged ship’s upper deckUS politics live – latest updatesDonald Trump on Friday blamed Iran for carrying out a drone strike on a cargo ship in the strait of Hormuz, calling it a “foolish violation” of the ceasefire agreement with the US.One drone damaged the upper deck of the ship but the ship was able to proceed, the US president said. The US shot down three other drones aimed at the ship, he said. Continue reading...

• The U.S. and its allies are exploring strategies to reduce global economic reliance on the Strait of Hormuz following lessons learned from conflicts with Iran. • Proposed measures include increasing strategic oil stockpiles and constructing new pipelines to bypass the waterway's potential for disruption. • Alternatively, some analysts suggest that economic integration, such as a memorandum of understanding to raise $300 billion for Iran's reconstruction, could incentivize cooperation.

• A fragile lull in hostilities has been observed in southern Lebanon since Tuesday, with UN peacekeepers reporting no new airstrikes or missile fire. • Despite the pause, tensions remain high as Israeli drones continue to operate over the region and ground military operations persist. • UN Secretary-General António Guterres and official Dominguez have highlighted the severe human cost of the conflict, specifically the risk to seafarers in the Strait of Hormuz.

• Iran's Revolutionary Guards attacked a Singapore-flagged commercial vessel using a drone in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday. • The strike occurred as international efforts were underway to reopen and secure the critical oil shipping route. • This escalation threatens regional stability and disrupts global energy transit, highlighting the ongoing tensions between Tehran and the U.S.

• Tensions have escalated in the Strait of Hormuz as the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) continues to insist on designated transit routes. • This dispute persists despite ongoing ceasefire discussions between the United States and Iran aimed at stabilizing the region. • Foreign policy expert Col. Rajeev Agarwal notes that Oman has historically acted as a peacemaker, with the Omani Foreign Minister mediating right up until U.S. attacks began.

• A cargo vessel was struck by a projectile in the Strait of Hormuz, creating immediate tension in one of the world's most critical maritime corridors. • The attack occurs during a fragile ceasefire and ongoing peace talks between the United States and Iran, threatening to derail diplomatic progress. • This incident highlights the persistent volatility of regional security and the risk of escalation despite current efforts to maintain stability.

International Maritime Organization says plan on hold until safety guarantees confirmed after projectile hits vesselA United Nations agency paused the evacuation of ships through the strait of Hormuz on Thursday after the British military said a vessel was hit by a projectile off the coast of Oman following the passage of several tankers that used a route backed by the UN.The head of the UN’s International Maritime Organization said the plan to move stranded ships out of the Persian Gulf through the strait will be on hold until the agency can confirm safety guarantees for the ships on the evacuation list and in the region. Continue reading...

Blocking of proposal backed by Oman signals new threat to free passage through strait vital to world economyIran has rejected UN-backed plans for the mass evacuation of ships through the strait of Hormuz , creating a new threat to the free passage of commercial ships through the strait.The proposal, backed by Oman, was potentially the first phase of a broader Omani proposal to consult on setting up a new management of the strait based on voluntary fees and modelled on the Malacca and Singapore strait mechanism. Continue reading...

Fears of long-lasting energy crunch ‘slinking away’ as vessel traffic doubled in 24 hours to highest level since late FebruaryBusiness live – latest updatesOil prices have fallen below levels seen before the Iran war started in late February as more oil tankers exited the strait of Hormuz.Brent crude, the global benchmark, fell to a low of $72.24 a barrel on Thursday, slightly lower than the day before the US and Israel launched missile attacks on Tehran on 28 February. Prices have fallen more than 20% this month. Continue reading...

JD Vance says talks aim to ‘make progress on the nuclear issue, make progress on the Lebanon ceasefire issue’Middle East crisis – live updatesTalks between Iran and the US aimed at building out the fragile interim deal to end the war are due to get under way in Switzerland, beset by difficulties including an Iranian decision to keep the strait of Hormuz closed in protest at Donald Trump’s inability to force Israel to end the fighting in Lebanon.The US vice-president, JD Vance, leading the US delegation, said he was adding Lebanon to the agenda, which had originally been conceived to focus on the opening of the strait, the lifting of US sanctions on Iranian oil exports and the unfreezing of Iranian assets held overseas. Continue reading...

Iran says decision comes after waves of Israeli strikes in Lebanon, as delegations arrive as Swiss resort for talksIran says it is closing strait of Hormuz over Israeli strikes in LebanonIran said on Sunday that the ongoing conflict in Lebanon between Israel and militant group Hezbollah will top the agenda in talks with the US in Switzerland, as well as issues such as frozen Iranian funds and the sale of the country’s oil.“The Zionist regime continues to violate its commitment in Lebanon, this issue will be the main topic of discussion in today’s talks,” foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said in a video shared by IRNA state news agency. Continue reading...

• Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, 2026, escalating regional tensions by blocking a critical global shipping lane. • Simultaneously, Tehran announced that a negotiating team is traveling to Switzerland to engage in diplomatic talks with the United States. • This dual action of military escalation and diplomatic outreach creates significant volatility for global energy markets and international security.

Tanker owner trade body says centre of strait will remain closed for ‘some time’, with vessels risking running aground by taking Omani routeThe centre of the strait of Hormuz is blocked with about 80 mines that will need clearing for normal shipping to resume, the independent tanker owner trade body has said.Several vessels began to exit the Gulf through the key maritime chokepoint on Thursday, after the signing of a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. Continue reading...

Tehran says fees to cover cost of managing waterway will come into effect at end of 60-day negotiation periodMiddle East crisis – live updatesIran has announced plans to introduce a system of maritime fees in the strait of Hormuz in two months after the 60-day period of negotiation that has been triggered by the signing of the memorandum of understanding.Tehran, claiming a historic victory over the US, added that the strait was under its control and the European plan for a naval mission to escort ships though the strait would not be welcome. Continue reading...

Chief Iranian negotiator says key waterway will ‘not return to prewar conditions’ after 60-day window; both sides sign memorandum of understanding extending truceReaction: Donald Trump’s Iran deal met with anger, relief and incredulityAnalysis: Trump’s Iran deal is result of unrealistic ambitions for an untenable warPakistani prime minister Shehbaz Sharif said earlier in the day that the agreement between the US and Iran agreement was taking “immediate effect” after being signed by both sides.He said on social media that “as a first step, Islamic Republic of Iran will instantly reopen the Strait of Hormuz and the United States of America will immediately lift the naval blockade”. Continue reading...

• A peace deal is expected to be signed this Friday to end military operations across all fronts, including conflicts in Lebanon. • Donald Trump has announced that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will be re-opened as part of the resolution. • Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif confirmed that both sides have agreed to an immediate and permanent termination of hostilities.

Markets welcome US-Iran peace deal but prices may stay high as buyers race to refill depleted emergency crude stockpilesOil prices hit three-month low and markets rallyBusiness live – latest updatesAfter more than 100 days of the greatest recorded disruption to the world’s energy supplies, the global oil and gas markets have breathed a sigh of relief.Hours after Donald Trump confirmed that a US-Iran peace deal would lead to the reopening of the strait of Hormuz to tankers carrying millions of barrels of oil and gas, the price of Brent crude tumbled to lows of $83 a barrel. Wholesale gas prices fell about 6%. Continue reading...