Iran proposes law banning Israeli ships from Strait of Hormuz

The 12-Point Plan and Maritime Exclusion

Iran is moving to codify restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz through a new legislative proposal that would permanently ban Israeli vessels and require ships from hostile nations to pay war reparations before transit. The move comes as diplomatic negotiations between Tehran and Washington remain stalled. The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical chokepoint … Read more

Trump threatens to withdraw US troops from Italy and Spain

The Hormuz shipping dispute

US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw military personnel from Italy and Spain, signaling a significant change in transatlantic security. The threats follow escalating friction over the US-Israeli war on Iran and a dispute over whether NATO allies have done enough to secure the Strait of Hormuz. The security architecture of Southern Europe is … Read more

Lebanese leaders clash over direct talks as Israeli strikes continue

Diplomatic friction over direct negotiations

Military strikes continue in southern Lebanon despite a ceasefire, as Lebanese officials remain divided over the diplomatic path forward. While some back direct negotiations to reach a formal agreement, others warn that such talks carry risks, and the current cessation of hostilities remains subject to frequent violations. The persistence of deadly Israeli strikes in southern … Read more

South Korean court jails Yoon Suk Yeol’s wife for 4 years over graft

The Court’s Message: A First Lady’s Burden

On Tuesday, April 28, 2026, South Korea’s Seoul High Court extended the prison sentence of Kim Keon Hee, wife of ousted President Yoon Suk Yeol, to four years for corruption—convicting her of stock manipulation and accepting luxury gifts from the Unification Church. The ruling reflects the judiciary’s approach to addressing graft involving high-ranking officials, including … Read more