Despite ongoing U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, thousands of Iranians marched in downtown Tehran on Friday, led by senior officials including the president and foreign minister, in a display of defiance. Plumes of smoke were visible near the crowds, according to videos posted online. Quds Day Rally Signals Resolve The rally coincided with “Quds [Jerusalem] Day,” observed on … Read more
Attacks on commercial shipping in the crucial Strait of Hormuz are escalating amid broader conflict in West Asia, with a Thai-flagged bulk carrier, the Mayuree Naree, struck on Wednesday, March 11, 2026. The incident has raised concerns for the safety of international shipping lanes and the lives of mariners, including Indian citizens. Rising Tensions in … Read more
Iran Under New Leadership: Navigating War and Continuity Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei’s ascension to Supreme Leader of Iran, following the death of his father, marks a pivotal moment for the Islamic Republic. His initial public statement, delivered as a prepared message rather than a traditional address, signals a deliberate strategy of continuity amidst escalating regional conflict. … Read more
Strait of Hormuz Closure: A Looming Global Economic Shockwave The near-complete halt of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, following recent U.S. And Israel strikes on Iran, is rapidly escalating into a major global economic crisis. This vital waterway, responsible for approximately 25% of the world’s seaborne oil trade, is now effectively closed, triggering … Read more
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: The World Braces for Oil Supply Shocks The Middle East conflict is rapidly escalating into a major disruption of global oil supplies, with the Strait of Hormuz at the epicenter. Recent attacks on ships, coupled with escalating tensions, have constricted the flow of crude and products through this vital waterway, prompting … Read more
Iran’s New Leader Escalates Tensions: Strait of Hormuz Closure and Regional Attacks DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — In his first public statement as Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed to continue attacks on Gulf Arab nations and maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz as a means of applying pressure. The move … Read more
Strait of Hormuz Crisis: Oil Prices Soar as Iran Targets Shipping The strategically vital Strait of Hormuz is at the center of escalating tensions, with Iran targeting commercial vessels in response to recent U.S. And Israeli strikes. This has led to a near halt in shipping traffic and a surge in oil prices, raising concerns … Read more
Filipino Sailors Caught in the Crosshairs of Rising Strait of Hormuz Tensions The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy supplies, has become a focal point of escalating tensions, leaving thousands of Filipino seafarers stranded and facing increasing risks. Recent Iranian strikes have effectively halted traffic through the strait, impacting nearly a quarter … Read more
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The New Geopolitics of Chokepoints: Hormuz, Malacca, and Beyond West Asia’s current conflicts have thrust the world’s critical maritime chokepoints – the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca – into sharp focus. These waterways, handling immense volumes of oil and goods, are increasingly central to global economic and security concerns. While both are … Read more
Trump’s Upcoming China Trip: A Shift Towards Managed Coexistence? As President Donald Trump prepares for his first trip to China in nearly a decade, a cautious optimism is emerging from Chinese scholars regarding the potential for stabilizing US-China relations. This sentiment arises despite ongoing strategic adjustments by Washington, heightened tensions surrounding the Taiwan Strait and … Read more