Bessent says Gulf, Asian allies request swap lines, UAE and US would benefit from one - Reuters

Bessent says Gulf, Asian allies request swap lines, UAE and US would benefit from one  Reuters

US and Iran in blockade standoff as Pakistan pushes for talks

The mood in the Strait of Hormuz remains combustible despite Trump's ceasefire extension.

King Charles Will Not Meet Epstein Victims During U.S. State Visit

Representative Ro Khanna had asked Buckingham Palace for a private meeting between the victims and King Charles during his planned visit to the U.S. next week.

By Robert Jimison

The U.S. Has Long Been a Nation of Inventors—and Luddites - WSJ

The U.S. Has Long Been a Nation of Inventors—and Luddites  WSJ

Iran refuses to open Strait of Hormuz as long as US blockade remains in place

'A complete ceasefire only has meaning if it is not violated through a naval blockade,' said Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who led Tehran's delegation in the first round of talks in Islamabad.

Iran blames Trump’s blockade for diplomatic impasse as fragile truce holds

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf says US and Israel will not achieve their goals 'through bullying'.

US slams China after African countries block Taiwan leader’s eSwatini trip

The United States is concerned that several African countries revoked overflight clearances for Taiwan’s leader at China’s behest, the US State Department said on Wednesday, calling the incident an abuse of the international civil aviation system. Taiwan this week said the Seychelles, Mauritius ‌and Madagascar unilaterally revoked flight permits for leader William Lai Ching-te’s aircraft to cross airspace they manage on a planned trip to eSwatini, one of Taiwan’s allies. It is the first insta...

By Reuters

U.S. demanding concessions before USMCA talks can start, sources say - The Globe and Mail

U.S. demanding concessions before USMCA talks can start, sources say  The Globe and Mail

Gulf allies have requested financial support, US Treasury Secretary says

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that a number of allies in the Gulf region and ​in Asia have ‌requested currency swap lines from the United States to help deal with energy shocks ⁠and other fallout from the Middle East war. FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney speaks with Dr Kristi Diwan, Senior Resident Scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute.

By Sharon GAFFNEY

China’s Growing Interest In Opening The Strait Of Hormuz - Forbes

China’s Growing Interest In Opening The Strait Of Hormuz  Forbes

I visited West Point, the elite military academy with roots in the American Revolution. Take a look inside.

Inside the Cadet Chapel at West Point. Talia Lakritz/Business Insider West Point is the longest continuously garrisoned military installation in the United States. It also houses the highly selective United States Military Academy at West Point. Public tours include the Cadet Chapel, Trophy Point, and views of the campus and academic buildings. I knew I was in the right place when I saw the tank outside the parking lot. Established by George Washington in 1778, West Point is the longest con...

Why Israel should worry about ‘losing’ America - The Straits Times

Why Israel should worry about ‘losing’ America  The Straits Times

U.S. turns to Ukrainian counter-drone tech after Iran attacks, sources say

The deployment of Ukrainian tech shows how Kyiv has surged ahead in drone and counter-drone technologies that have been ​battle-hardened in its four-year war with Russia.

Iran Says Won't Reopen Hormuz As Long As US Blockade Remains

Iran said on Wednesday it would not reopen the Strait of Hormuz as long as the US naval blockade remained in place, calling it a "blatant violation" of the ceasefire between the longtime foes.

S. Korea, US aim to meet OPCON transfer conditions no later than Q1 of 2029: USFK commander

South Korea and the United States aim to meet conditions required for the transfer of wartime operational control to Seoul no later than the first quarter of 2029, the top US general in the Asian country said Wednesday. US Forces Korea Commander Gen. Xavier Brunson made the remarks during a House Armed Services Committee hearing in Washington, as South Korean President Lee Jae Myung's administration seeks to retake wartime OPCON from the U.S. before its five-year term ends in 2030. Seoul and Was

By The Korea Herald

(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. aim to meet OPCON transfer conditions no later than 1Q of 2029: USFK commander - Yonhap News Agency

(LEAD) S. Korea, U.S. aim to meet OPCON transfer conditions no later than 1Q of 2029: USFK commander  Yonhap News Agency

Rotavirus is spreading across the US

The disease can cause severe diarrhea and spreads particularly quickly among babies and young children

By Devika Rao, The Week US

'US intercepts three Iranian oil tankers in Asian waters'

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By reuters

Court okays extradition of Afghani to face drug, illegal trade in firearms charges in the US

The former Afghani official lost a bid to stop his extradition to the USA.

President: Ukrainian military personnel sent to London for conference on reopening Strait of Hormuz

Ukrainian military officials are participating in a conference in London to discuss ways to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Taiwan-US agreements cover joint production of large-caliber ammunition - Taiwan News

Taiwan-US agreements cover joint production of large-caliber ammunition  Taiwan News

Iran seizes two ships in Strait of Hormuz - Qatar Tribune

Iran seizes two ships in Strait of Hormuz  Qatar Tribune