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Iran's Hormuz mines hinder reopening, U.S. says
3 minutes ago•Source: The Japan Times
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Hormuz Mine Chaos Hinders Reopening as Iran Loses Track
US officials told the NYT that Iran lost track of mine locations in the Strait of Hormuz, deploying mines via decentralized forces and small boats with no clear record of placements, making the strait almost impossible to transit. With no reliable way to remove the mines and no clear command structure, ships are detouring through Iranian waters (where a toll has been proposed), complicating negotiations over reopening the waterway.
IMF warns war in Iran will leave a lasting drag on world growth
The IMF lowers its global growth outlook and flags the Iran conflict as a lasting drag on the world economy, planning between $20–$50 billion in emergency balance‑of‑payments support while cautioning there will be no neat return to pre‑war conditions; the crisis drives energy costs higher, disrupts supply chains and undermines market confidence, with about 45 million people facing food insecurity. The World Bank also signals slower regional growth and says up to $25 billion can be mobilized quickly for affected developing countries, with as much as $60 billion available over the longer term.
Africa's Great Green Wall: A grand dream unraveling in the desert
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Gaza toll rises as Israeli strikes kill seven; West Bank settlements face renewed scrutiny
Israeli strikes across central and southern Gaza killed at least seven Palestinians and wounded others, including hits near a Bureij police post and a displacement camp in Bani Suheila, with hospitals reporting fatalities and critical injuries. The Gaza death toll has surpassed 72,000 since October 2023. UN rights chief Volker Turk condemned the violence, calling it part of an unrelenting pattern. In the occupied West Bank, Israeli forces and settlers conducted raids and arrests, while 34 new West Bank settlements were recently approved, drawing international condemnation from the EU, Turkiye, Sweden and the OIC.
Two-year confinement ends as 9-year-old is rescued from father’s van in eastern France
Authorities rescued a 9-year-old boy who had been locked inside his father’s utility van in eastern France for about two years, dating back to 2024; the boy is safe and investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the confinement.
Hungary's vote tests Orban as Moscow-backed interference surges
Hungary’s 16-year leader Viktor Orban faces a tougher race against Péter Magyar, who leads in polls; Moscow is accused of escalating interference, including disinformation and a leaked plan to stage an assassination to sway the election, signaling a collusion between Hungary and Russia. A Magyar win could push Hungary away from Moscow but not sever ties overnight, as Russia remains poised to undermine any new government, with observer appointments and energy ties adding to the complexity.
Vance Leads US-Iran Talks in Islamabad as China Accused of Supplying Arms to Iran
US Vice President JD Vance leads the US delegation in Islamabad for high-stakes talks with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire, as CNN reports US intelligence says China plans to ship MANPADs to Iran in the coming weeks, possibly via third countries, with Pakistan mediating and regional tensions mounting.
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