US declares blockade and 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz, Iran strikes tankers

The US-Iran conflict escalated sharply as Trump imposed a naval blockade and 20% toll on the Strait of Hormuz, prompting Brazil to accuse Washington of piracy and Iran to strike tankers. Ukraine and nine European partners launched the Freyja anti-ballistic missile coalition to counter Russian missiles, which struck Kyiv hours later. A Sudanese court sentenced RSF leader Hemedti to death for war crimes, while Hungary's parliament voted to oust its president.

Written by AI from the sources it cites; it can be wrong — follow any citation to confirm.

15 sources2 min read

US declares blockade and 20% toll on Strait of Hormuz after Iran tanker strike The U.S. launched a third night of strikes on Iran while Trump announced a naval blockade and a 20% fee on ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Brazil's Lula condemned the move as "piracy," and oil prices surged. 1 2 3 4 5

Ukraine and European allies launch anti-ballistic missile coalition Russia struck Kyiv with ballistic missiles hours after Ukraine and nine partners agreed to develop the "Freyja" air defense system. President Zelenskyy also pushed for 300 Patriot missiles to withstand winter attacks. 6 7 8

Sudanese court sentences RSF leader Hemedti to death for war crimes A court in Port Sudan convicted Hemedti and 15 other senior RSF members of genocide and crimes against humanity over atrocities in Darfur. The RSF, which controls much of western Sudan, rejected the proceedings as a sham. 9

Hungary's parliament votes to oust Orban-era President Tamas Sulyok The new Tisza Party government passed a constitutional amendment removing Sulyok and introducing sweeping judicial reforms. It is the latest move by Prime Minister Peter Magyar to dismantle the former Orban regime's grip on power. 10

Trump fires election commissioners, hobbling oversight before midterms The president removed the three remaining members of the Election Assistance Commission, leaving it without a quorum for major policy decisions. While day-to-day preparations continue, experts warn the move creates uncertainty for the November midterms. 11

India launches UN Security Council campaign for 2028-29 term External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar unveiled the 'SHANTI' vision at the U.N. headquarters in New York, focusing on rules-based order and peacekeeping. The campaign comes amid rising global conflicts and nations seeking Security Council reform. 12

EU countries broadly back ban on trade with Israeli settlements EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas stated that most member states support a full ban on goods from Israeli settlements. If enacted, it would significantly tighten the bloc's stance on the occupied territories. 13

EU sanctions Russian internet giant VK over cyber-espionage The European Union blacklisted the VK Company, accusing it of helping Russian intelligence agencies target Kremlin critics. The sanctions target a key pillar of Russia's digital economy and propaganda apparatus. 14

North Korea purges senior military official over huge corruption scandal Kim Jong Un denounced senior military officer Pak Hui Chol at a rare transparent joint meeting of party, military, and government officials. The public spectacle highlights the internal struggle against graft within the system. 15