Iran is trying to formalise its control over the Strait of Hormuz, but there are some obvious problems

The New Gatekeepers: How Iran’s Control of the Strait of Hormuz Redefines Global Trade For decades, the Strait of Hormuz has been recognized as the world’s most critical energy choke point. But we are witnessing a fundamental shift in how this waterway is managed. It is no longer just about the threat of naval skirmishes; … Read more

Donald Trump: US will start new Hormuz operation if Iran talks fail

The Battle for the Strait: Why ‘Project Freedom Plus’ Signals a New Era of Maritime Tension The Strait of Hormuz has long been the world’s most volatile maritime chokepoint. However, the recent shift toward “Project Freedom Plus” suggests that the United States is moving beyond traditional naval escorts toward a more aggressive, precision-based strategy of … Read more

Allowing any party to restrict Strait of Hormuz transit could set dangerous precedent: PM Wong

The Weaponization of Waterways: Why Global Trade is Entering a High-Risk Era For decades, the world took the “freedom of navigation” for granted. The assumption was simple: ships move, goods flow, and the global economy grows. However, recent volatility in the Middle East and the escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have shattered that … Read more

Iran creates new agency to control shipping in Strait of Hormuz

Iran has established a new government agency to formally vet and collect tolls from vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a move that has heightened international concerns over the freedom of navigation in one of the world’s most critical waterways. The agency, known as the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, is “positioning itself as the only … Read more

Stocks edge up in Asia, oil flat amid Middle East uncertainty

The High-Stakes Tug-of-War: Geopolitics, AI Capex, and the New Inflation Era The global economy is currently navigating a volatile intersection of military tension, aggressive technological spending, and stubborn inflation. For investors and business leaders, the signal is clear: the era of predictable growth has been replaced by a regime of “permanent volatility.” Whether it is … Read more

Middle East conflict sharpens Southeast Asia’s nuclear ambitions amid energy security fears | World

The Energy Security Pivot: Why Southeast Asia is Eyeing Nuclear Power For decades, Southeast Asia has relied on a delicate balance of imported fossil fuels and a growing portfolio of renewables. However, geopolitical volatility—specifically the ongoing tensions involving Iran—has exposed a critical vulnerability: the region’s heavy dependence on the Middle East for oil and gas. … Read more

Iran war live updates: US President Donald Trump considering a new Iranian proposal but says resuming strikes is ‘a possibility’

The Recent Era of Transatlantic Security: Beyond the US Umbrella The landscape of European defense is undergoing a fundamental shift. For decades, the presence of US troops in Germany served as the bedrock of NATO’s deterrence strategy. However, current trends suggest a pivot toward what policymakers call strategic autonomy for European nations. Recent movements, including … Read more

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

US warns shipping companies of sanctions over Iran payments

The United States has issued a stern warning to global shipping companies, stating they could face sanctions if they provide payments to Iran to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Economic Warfare in the Persian Gulf The alert from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control was released on Friday. It increases the … Read more

Trump “not satisfied” with new peace deal offered by Iran as standoff’s costs multiply

The Sovereignty Struggle: Lebanon at a Geopolitical Crossroads Lebanon currently finds itself in a precarious position, caught between the influence of non-state actors and the push for centralized state authority. For decades, the Iranian-backed group Hezbollah has operated as a massive force in Lebanese politics, often eclipsing the official functions of the government. The recent … Read more