The United Kingdom will on Thursday convene a meeting of about 35 countries to deliberate on restoring safe shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy corridor disrupted by rising tensions in the Middle East.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer disclosed this on Wednesday, noting that the high-level meeting would explore coordinated diplomatic and political measures to ensure the resumption of maritime activities in the strategic waterway.
Starmer said the discussions would focus on securing freedom of navigation, safeguarding vessels and crew currently stranded, and facilitating the steady flow of essential commodities, particularly crude oil and liquefied natural gas.
He added that the meeting would be hosted by the UK Foreign Secretary, bringing together countries that had earlier signalled willingness to support efforts to stabilise the maritime corridor.
Participating nations are expected to include major economies across Europe and Asia, reflecting broad international concern over the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz, through which a significant share of global energy supplies is transported.
The development comes amid escalating tensions involving Iran, the United States and Israel, which have heightened security risks in the region and impacted global oil markets.
According to Starmer, military planners would also meet subsequently to consider strategies for ensuring the safety and accessibility of the route once diplomatic efforts begin to yield results.
He, however, cautioned that restoring normalcy to the waterway would be complex, requiring sustained international cooperation and a blend of diplomatic engagement and security coordination.
The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, accounting for a substantial portion of global petroleum shipments, making its stability vital to international energy security.
The planned meeting underscores growing global efforts to contain the crisis and minimise its economic implications on energy supply chains and international trade.
The Iranian government has firmly denied any ongoing negotiations with the United States, contradicting claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that both countries were engaged in “productive” discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict.
Iran’s Foreign Ministry, through state-aligned media, stated unequivocally that no talks were taking place between Tehran and Washington, describing the U.S. president’s remarks as misleading and politically motivated.
The rebuttal followed Trump’s earlier announcement suggesting that diplomatic engagements were underway, a claim that briefly influenced global markets, particularly oil prices, amid hopes of de-escalation.
Iranian officials, however, insisted that the narrative of negotiations was fabricated, alleging that it was intended to manipulate global energy markets and ease economic pressure.
Further reinforcing Tehran’s position, senior Iranian figures, including parliamentary leadership, maintained that no direct or indirect dialogue had been held with U.S. representatives since the escalation of hostilities.
Source reports that the conflicting narratives come against the backdrop of heightened military tensions in the Middle East, with both countries involved in ongoing hostilities and strategic posturing.
Despite the denial, diplomatic observers note that third-party countries, including Pakistan, Egypt and some Gulf states, have been making efforts to facilitate indirect communication between the two sides, although no formal negotiations have been confirmed.
Meanwhile, analysts warn that the absence of clear diplomatic engagement could prolong the crisis, with implications for global oil supply and regional stability.
Oil markets have remained volatile amid the uncertainty, as traders react to mixed signals over possible peace efforts and continued military developments.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the White House nor Iranian authorities had indicated any shift in their official positions, leaving prospects for immediate diplomatic resolution uncertain.
Sources observes that the divergence in claims underscores deep mistrust between both nations, complicating efforts to broker peace and heightening fears of further escalation in the region.
The governments of the United States and Japan have sealed a landmark 40 billion dollars agreement aimed at expanding nuclear energy capacity, marking a significant step toward strengthening global clean energy supply and deepening bilateral cooperation.
The agreement, announced on Thursday, is expected to accelerate the development and deployment of advanced nuclear technologies, including small modular reactors (SMRs), in both countries and across strategic partner nations.
Officials from both sides described the pact as a strategic response to growing global energy demand, climate change concerns, and the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
A senior official of the U.S. Department of Energy said the partnership would leverage American innovation and Japanese engineering expertise to deliver safe, reliable and low-carbon energy solutions.
“This agreement reflects our shared commitment to achieving net-zero emissions while ensuring energy security for our citizens and allies,” the official stated.
On its part, Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry noted that the deal would also support the revitalisation of its domestic nuclear sector, which has faced challenges since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
According to the ministry, the collaboration will prioritise safety, regulatory compliance and public trust, while investing in next-generation reactor designs and fuel cycle technologies.
Industry analysts say the agreement could position both countries as global leaders in nuclear exports, particularly in emerging markets seeking stable and clean energy alternatives.
The deal is also expected to create thousands of jobs across the nuclear supply chain, from research and development to construction and long-term plant operations.
Experts further noted that the partnership may help counter the growing influence of other nuclear-exporting nations by offering competitive and transparent alternatives.
In addition to energy production, the agreement includes provisions for workforce development, knowledge exchange, and joint research initiatives between universities and private sector stakeholders.
Environmental groups have cautiously welcomed the move, stressing the importance of strict safety standards, waste management, and non-proliferation measures.
The agreement comes amid renewed global interest in nuclear power as countries seek reliable baseload energy to complement intermittent renewable sources such as wind and solar.
Observers believe the pact could reshape the global energy landscape by reinforcing nuclear power as a key component of the clean energy transition.
In a major escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, Iranian forces launched a coordinated drone attack on Saudi Arabia’s most critical energy infrastructure — the Ras Tanura oil refinery, a facility central to global crude supplies and Saudi Aramco’s refining network.
We are near the Gulf coastline, close to the sprawling seaside industrial complex that forms Saudi Arabia’s biggest oil refinery — Ras Tanura. Early on Monday, forces from the Islamic Republic of Iran fired drones toward this facility as part of a broader campaign of strikes across the Gulf, following recent U.S. and Israeli attacks inside Iran.
Saudi air defenses engaged and intercepted multiple drones. According to the Saudi Defence Ministry, debris from intercepted aerial vehicles struck parts of the refinery grounds, triggering a limited fire that was suppressed shortly after.
There have so far been no reported casualties from the incident. Saudi state media described the blaze as “minor” and the situation as under control.
ENERGY ANALYST
“What makes this significant isn’t just the tactical hit, but the symbolic blow to global energy markets. Ras Tanura isn’t just Saudi Arabia’s biggest refinery — it processes around 550,000 barrels of crude per day and sits beside one of the world’s largest export terminals.”
MARKET IMPACT:
News of the refinery’s precautionary shutdown sent global oil prices surging. Brent crude futures leaped sharply, in some sessions rising more than 9 %, as traders reacted to fears of broader supply disruptions.
REGIONAL CONTEXT:
The airstrike comes amid an intensifying conflict that has now drawn multiple Gulf states into direct confrontation. Iran has also struck military sites and significant urban areas in neighboring countries, while Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and others have reported missile and drone interceptions.
This flare-up is tied to a broader confrontation sparked by recent Western strikes inside Iran, including the death of high-ranking officials, marking one of the most serious escalations in the region in years.
FOREIGN MINISTRY STATEMENTS:
The Saudi foreign ministry condemned the attack as a “blatant assault on global energy security,” urging international partners to stand firm in defence of stability. Several allied governments have echoed this sentiment, calling for de-escalation even as the conflict grips markets and diplomats alike.
The world now watches closely as diplomatic efforts intensify to prevent this confrontation from spiralling into broader warfare — with economic and geopolitical implications that could extend well beyond the region.
We will continue to bring you updates as this story develops.
New aerial strikes struck a key Iraqi military installation housing Iraqi armed factions with close ties to Tehran, underscoring the widening impact of the Middle East confrontation that has engulfed Iran, the United States and Israel.
The Jurf al-Nasr military base — serving as a principal stronghold for the Iran-aligned Kataeb Hezbollah faction — came under multiple strikes early Monday morning, a senior source within the group told AFP. The source said at least one fighter was killed and another wounded in the attack.
The strikes, reported for the second consecutive day, mark the latest in a series of cross-border hostilities linked to the ongoing U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iran. Iraqi officials and militia commanders described the latest bombardment as part of a chain of military actions reverberating across the region following major strikes on Iranian territory late last week.
Proxy Battleground and Sovereignty Fears
Iraq — long a flashpoint between Washington and Tehran — has repeatedly asserted its desire to avoid being drawn into external conflicts. However, pro-Iran armed groups integrated into the state-backed Hashed al-Shaabi forces have warned they will not remain “neutral” amid rising regional violence.
The Jurf al-Nasr base has been hit several times since the wider war between Iran and allied forces on one side and the United States and Israel on the other erupted late last month. Analysts say such attacks highlight the fragility of Iraqi sovereignty, as foreign powers pursue strategic and security interests on its soil.
Drone Activity and Iraqi Air Defences
In parallel developments, Iraq’s Kurdistan Region reported several drones intercepted by air-defence systems near Erbil International Airport, a strategic hub hosting foreign troops and diplomatic missions. Local witnesses said the activity brought renewed alarms for civilians and security officials alike.
French diplomatic sources have reportedly advised citizens in the region to exercise caution or temporarily leave, while U.S. mission authorities urged personnel to shelter in place, citing “potential threats” linked to escalating militia engagements.
Wider Casualties Raise Anger
The past week’s conflict has already seen multiple casualties across Iraq, with at least eight Iran-backed fighters reported killed in earlier strikes — four near a base in central Iraq and four near the Syrian border — according to armed faction sources. The deaths have stoked anger among supporters and widened protest movements in Iraqi cities.
These developments come amid a broader regional escalation following intensive U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, which have included targeting military infrastructure and leadership elements. Tehran has vowed reprisals, heightening fears of sustained multi-front conflict.
Analysts Warn of Regional Spillover
Regional analysts say the repeated strikes inside Iraq reflect proxy theatre dynamics, where Iranian-aligned militias and U.S. allies play out broader tensions on Iraqi territory. With air defences actively engaging unmanned threats and militias pledging support for Tehran, Iraq sits at the crossroads of volatile Middle East geopolitics.
For now, Baghdad continues to walk a diplomatic tightrope — seeking to maintain internal stability while resisting pressures to align openly with either side in the expanding Iran-U.S.-Israel confrontation.
France has signalled a firm stance on the escalating Middle East crisis, saying it is prepared to defend Gulf countries and Jordan against Iranian military aggression if called upon, its Foreign Minister said on Monday.
French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot told reporters in Paris that Paris stands in full support and solidarity with allied nations “dragged into a war they did not choose,” reaffirming France’s commitments under collective defence principles enshrined in international law.
“The French Republic expresses its full support to allied nations that have been deliberately targeted by missile and drone strikes and stands ready, in accordance with the agreements that bind it to its partners, to take part in their defence,” Barrot said.
Regional Conflict Escalates
Iran has launched a series of missile and drone strikes across several Gulf countries, reportedly targeting sites associated with the United States, after being struck by retaliatory military action carried out by U.S. and Israeli forces that led to the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Fresh explosions were heard across the Gulf on Monday, including in Dubai (UAE), Doha (Qatar), and Manama (Bahrain), as Iran’s military said it deployed multiple cruise missiles against a U.S. air base in Kuwait and naval targets in the Indian Ocean.
European Allies Align
France’s announcement follows a joint statement by France, Germany and the United Kingdom, warning that they are ready to defend their interests and those of allied countries if necessary, and urging Tehran to cease its attacks.
In their joint communique, the three nations condemned Iran’s “indiscriminate and disproportionate missile attacks,” stressing the need to potentially take necessary and proportionate defensive action to neutralise Iranian missile and drone capabilities at their source.
Diplomatic and Military Dimension
Paris also reaffirmed calls for de-escalation and diplomacy, urging all parties to return to negotiations aimed at stabilising the region. These efforts recall earlier French appeals for renewed dialogue regarding Iran’s nuclear programme and broader Middle East security.
French military assets, including those deployed under longstanding defence arrangements with Gulf partners, are now on heightened alert, while Paris continues consultations with regional and allied capitals to ensure the safety of French personnel and citizens residing in the area.
International Reaction and Broader Impact
Observers say the crisis underscores the fragility of regional security and highlights the potential for broader international involvement. Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) members and Jordan have condemned the Iranian strikes as breaches of sovereignty and are coordinating collective and individual responses under the United Nations Charter’s self-defence provisions.
As diplomatic manoeuvres continue, global powers are under pressure to balance defensive commitments with calls to avoid full-scale war, with world markets and energy supplies already reacting to instability around the Strait of Hormuz and wider Middle East. Meanwhile, calls for renewed negotiations and restraint grow louder among international leaders.
In a historic ruling, the United States Supreme Court struck down former President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, declaring that the measures exceeded his executive authority. The 6‑3 decision underscores the constitutional limits of presidential power and marks a significant turning point in U.S. trade policy.
Court Rules Trump Overstepped Authority
The Supreme Court’s majority opinion, written by Chief Justice John Roberts, concluded that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), the law Trump cited for his tariffs, does not authorize the President to impose broad import duties.
The Court emphasized that only Congress can levy taxes or tariffs and warned against using emergency powers to implement sweeping economic policies. This judgment overturns lower court rulings and invalidates tariffs affecting imports from nearly all U.S. trading partners.
“The statute relied upon contains no mention of tariffs, and the President cannot act unilaterally on matters of this magnitude,” the Court wrote, citing the major questions doctrine.
Dissenting Opinion
Three conservative justices — Brett Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito — dissented. They argued that the ruling unduly restricts presidential flexibility in matters of national and economic security, but the majority’s interpretation prevailed.
Trump Responds: Plans Temporary Tariff
Following the decision, Donald Trump condemned the ruling as “disappointing” and announced he would impose a temporary 10% global tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The measure, valid for 150 days, is intended as a stopgap while the administration explores other legal avenues for trade protection.
Trump vowed to continue pursuing trade policies to protect U.S. interests, signaling ongoing legal and legislative maneuvering.
Market and Economic Reactions
The ruling triggered immediate reactions in global markets:
• U.S. stocks climbed, reflecting relief from tariff-related uncertainties.
• The U.S. dollar dipped slightly amid speculation over trade adjustments.
• Business groups welcomed legal clarity but remain cautious as the administration explores alternative tariff mechanisms.
Economists also noted that billions collected in previous tariffs could be subject to refunds, a complex issue yet to be resolved.
Implications for Policy and Trade The Supreme Court’s decision:
• Confirms Congress’s exclusive authority over tariffs.
• Restricts unilateral executive actions in economic and trade policy.
• Introduces uncertainty for U.S. trading partners while the administration pivots to temporary measures.
Internationally, reactions have been mixed. Some governments praised the ruling for reinforcing rule-based trade, while others await details of the temporary tariffs and potential new trade strategies.
Next Steps
With the Supreme Court ruling final, attention turns to:
• The implementation and impact of the temporary 10% global tariff.
• Potential legislative clarification of presidential trade powers.
• Legal and financial implications for previously collected tariffs.
The ruling marks a decisive moment in U.S. legal and economic history, reaffirming the constitutional balance of power between the executive branch and Congress.
The Government of Canada has unveiled a sweeping overhaul of its Express Entry immigration system for 2026, significantly broadening pathways for foreign professionals — including medical practitioners, researchers, senior managers, military recruits and transport specialists — to gain permanent residency, officials announced this week.
The move reflects Ottawa’s strategic shift toward a labour‑driven immigration model designed to align permanent residency invitations with critical workforce gaps and long‑term economic priorities, immigration authorities said.
New Priority Categories for Skilled Immigrants
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed that the updated Express Entry framework will prioritise several new occupational streams in 2026:
• Foreign medical doctors with Canadian work experience — a dedicated route to permanent residence aimed at easing chronic healthcare worker shortages.
• Researchers and senior managers who have established careers in Canada, bolstering innovation and leadership capacities.
• Transport professionals, including pilots, aircraft mechanics and inspectors, in response to capacity constraints in aviation and logistics.
• Highly skilled foreign military recruits — eligible with Canadian Armed Forces job offers in key roles such as medical officers and pilots.
These new streams are being introduced alongside continued priority categories for healthcare and social services professionals, skilled tradespeople, and French‑language‑proficient candidates, reflecting sustained labour market demands in these sectors.
Minister Frames Policy as Competitive Reset
Announcing the changes in Ottawa, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab said the restructuring aims to attract top global talent capable of supporting Canada’s diverse economic and social needs.
“Canada’s future depends on a workforce ready to meet the challenges of a changing economy,” she said, emphasising that the new categories will help match immigration outcomes with the needs of employers and communities.
Under the revamped system, candidates will continue to be evaluated using Express Entry’s Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS), which weighs education, language skills, work experience and other factors in ranking profiles for permanent residency invitations.
Eligibility Shifts and New Requirements
In addition to expanded categories, IRCC has increased the minimum work experience requirement for all Express Entry streams from six months to one year within the past three years — a change intended to prioritise applicants most likely to succeed in Canada’s labour market.
Critics have noted that while the new measures generate broader opportunities for highly skilled professionals — especially those already working in Canada — they may also limit access for overseas candidates without Canadian experience. Analysts say this may increase competition for limited invitations, particularly amid overall targets that balance economic growth with infrastructure and housing pressures
Broader Context and Immigration Strategy
Canada’s Express Entry system has long been a cornerstone of its economic immigration policy, managing applications for programmes such as the Federal Skilled Worker, Federal Skilled Trades and Canadian Experience Class. The 2026 reforms complement a broader International Talent Attraction Strategy aimed at positioning Canada competitively in the global race for skilled workers.
Experts say the latest changes signal Ottawa’s intention to not just fill labour shortages, but also shape the immigrant pool around strategic economic sectors such as healthcare, innovation, transport and national security — areas where demand is projected to grow in coming years.
What Comes Next
IRCC officials have indicated that the first Express Entry invitation rounds under the new categories — including the dedicated draw for physicians with Canadian work experience — will begin imminently, offering fresh hope for qualified professionals seeking permanent residency pathways in Canada.
As the reforms take effect, immigration advisers and applicants alike will be watching closely to assess how the new priorities shape invitation patterns, CRS thresholds, and overall access to Canada’s economic immigration streams in 2026 and beyond.
Political uncertainty in Peru deepened on Tuesday as Congress moved to appoint a new head of state, making it the eighth presidential change in a decade, following the impeachment of Interim President José Jerí over graft allegations.
The development comes after lawmakers voted overwhelmingly to remove Jerí, 39, from office barely four months after he assumed leadership of the South American nation. The motion to impeach the interim president stemmed from accusations of irregular hiring practices within government offices and alleged involvement in dealings with a Chinese businessman.
Mr. Jerí, who rose to the presidency last October after the removal of former President Dina Boluarte, became part of a recurring cycle of leadership turnover that has characterised Peru’s political landscape in recent years. Four presidents in the past decade have been impeached, two resigned to avoid removal, and only one completed a full term.
Congress Poised to Elect Successor Peru’s unicameral legislature is scheduled to convene on Wednesday to select a new President of Congress, who will automatically assume the presidency in an interim capacity through to the end of the current term on July 28, 2026.
Several lawmakers have indicated their intention to contest the position, highlighting the intense political jockeying that typically precedes leadership transitions in the country. With general elections set for April 12, political analysts say that continuity and stability remain elusive, even as the formal electoral timetable advances.
Public Frustration and Institutional Strain
Ordinary citizens, grappling with daily economic pressures, social insecurity, and pervasive corruption concerns, voiced frustration at the rapid turnover in leadership. “We live in uncertainty,” remarked a young Peruvian professional, reflecting widespread disillusionment with political elites and Congress.
Political observers also argue that the frequent changes in leadership reveal deeper institutional weaknesses. The constitutional provision allowing removal of presidents for “moral incapacity” has been invoked repeatedly, contributing to a cycle of instability that experts say undermines democratic governance and public confidence.
Looking Ahead – Elections and Transition
Despite political turbulence, Peru is pressing ahead with its electoral calendar. Campaigns for the April presidential election are underway, with a crowded field of contenders positioning themselves as alternatives to the revolving door of interim administrations. The winner will take office on July 28, offering a potential reset for a nation weary of political turmoil.
In a major development in global counter-terrorism efforts, the United States government has imposed sanctions on eight Nigerian nationals accused of having links to the Islamist extremist group Boko Haram, the armed group Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL), and cybercrime-related offences. The action includes freezing their assets and blocking financial transactions involving US persons.
The sanctions were announced this week in a 3,000-page update to the United States Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List, which details individuals and entities whose assets are blocked under US sanctions programmes.
Details of the Sanctions
According to the Treasury report, all property and interests of the sanctioned individuals within US jurisdiction are frozen, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in business or financial transactions with them.
Among those listed are:
• Salih Yusuf Adamu (also known as Salihu Yusuf), identified as having links with Boko Haram and previously convicted abroad of attempting to fund the group.
• Babestan Oluwole Ademulero, designated under sanctions and linked to extremist activities.
• Abu Abdullah ibn Umar Al-Barnawi (Ba Idrisa), flagged for terrorism ties.
• Abu Musab Al-Barnawi (Habib Yusuf), described as a Boko Haram leader.
• Khaled (Khalid) Al-Barnawi, linked with Boko Haram under multiple aliases.
• Ibrahim Ali Alhassan, reported to reside in the United Arab Emirates and associated with Boko Haram.
• Abu Bakr ibn Muhammad ibn Ali Al-Mainuki (Abu-Bilal Al-Minuki), identified with the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
• Nnamdi Orson Benson, listed under cybercrime-related sanctions.
The action also includes individuals designated for cybercrime offences, highlighting US authorities’ efforts to curb digital threats alongside terrorism.
Background and Implications
The OFAC sanctions stem from wider counter-terrorism and national-security policies of the United States, particularly under Executive Order 13224, which targets terrorists and those providing support to them.
Boko Haram was officially designated a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in 2013, a move that has formed the basis for asset freezes, travel restrictions, and international cooperation against the group’s financing networks.
This latest round of sanctions comes as the US Congress has also been considering additional measures, including visa bans and asset freezes on individuals and organisations accused of human rights abuses in Nigeria.
Reactions and Next Steps
No immediate comments were available from the Nigerian government at the time of publication. Observers say the sanctions reflect growing international concern over terrorism financing, cybercrime, and the role of transnational criminal networks linked to insecurity in parts of West Africa.
The listings are also expected to affect financial dealings, travel, and international cooperation for the individuals named, as the US seeks to disrupt channels used by extremist and cyber-enabled criminal groups.
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