US President Donald Trump has threatened to declare the Strait of Hormuz as United States territory, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to escalate over the strategically important waterway.

Speaking at a rally in New York on Friday, Trump said the move could come after what he described as the defeat of Iran. His remarks drew a strong reaction from the crowd.

“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I'll be declaring the Hormuz Strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said.

The statement represents a dramatic escalation in rhetoric surrounding one of the world's most important shipping routes.

Why Strait of Hormuz Matters

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea. At its narrowest point, the waterway lies between Iranian and Omani territorial waters.

The strait is a critical route for global energy supplies, with a significant share of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it.

Any prolonged disruption could affect international shipping, energy markets and crude oil prices.

Iran Claims Key Position

Iran has repeatedly emphasized its strategic position around the waterway. Amid the ongoing confrontation with the United States and Israel, Tehran has sought greater control over shipping movements through the strait.

There have also been reports of demands that some vessels obtain permission and travel closer to the Iranian coastline before crossing the waterway.

Iran has previously considered imposing charges on vessels using the route, while the Trump administration has opposed the idea of Iranian-controlled tolls. Trump himself has also discussed the possibility of US-imposed charges.

Trump Comments on USS Abraham Lincoln

Trump also addressed questions about the prolonged deployment of the USS Abraham Lincoln in West Asia.

The US aircraft carrier has reportedly been deployed in the region for several months and has played a role in American military operations connected to the conflict with Iran.

Asked whether the deployment had lasted too long, Trump rejected the suggestion.

“Not nearly long enough,” he said at Joint Base Andrews before travelling to New York.

When a reporter raised concerns among family members of US service personnel about conditions aboard the carrier, Trump dismissed those concerns.

Carrier to Be Replaced

Trump said the USS Abraham Lincoln is in the process of being relieved and will be replaced by another similar carrier.

“That ship is moving right now, or very shortly, and it's being replaced with another very similar ship,” he said.

The comments come as the US military continues to maintain a significant presence in the region amid heightened tensions with Iran.

Potential Global Impact

Trump's comments about declaring the Strait of Hormuz US territory could have major geopolitical implications if translated into policy.

The waterway is not under US sovereignty, and its status is governed by international law and the territorial rights of the countries bordering it. Any attempt to alter its status could trigger a major diplomatic confrontation with Iran and potentially other regional actors.

For global markets, developments around the Strait of Hormuz are closely watched because disruptions to shipping through the waterway can quickly affect energy prices and transportation costs.

The latest remarks therefore add another layer of uncertainty to an already tense situation between Washington and Tehran, with the future of the strategically vital waterway likely to remain a major issue in the coming days.

The United States has intercepted 16 commercial vessels allegedly attempting to breach its naval blockade of Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday, as tensions between Washington and Tehran continue to rise.

According to CENTCOM, the blockade remains fully operational, with US naval forces redirecting, boarding, and disabling ships suspected of violating restrictions imposed on Iranian maritime trade.

In a statement posted on X, CENTCOM said that by July 25 it had redirected 12 commercial vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports, disabled two vessels that failed to comply with repeated warnings, and conducted verification boardings of two others.

One of the vessels boarded was the Comoros-flagged tanker M/T Charminar, which was inspected in the Arabian Sea before being cleared to continue its voyage.

CENTCOM also confirmed action against the Mozambique-flagged tanker M/T Lavine, stating that US forces disabled the vessel in the Gulf of Oman after its crew allegedly ignored multiple warnings and repeatedly attempted to breach the blockade.

"The ship is no longer transiting to Iran," the military command said, describing the operation as part of ongoing enforcement efforts.

Maritime tensions intensify

The latest interceptions underscore the growing maritime confrontation between the United States and Iran, with the Gulf region remaining a critical flashpoint for global energy supplies and international shipping.

The US has maintained that the naval blockade is aimed at restricting Iran's strategic capabilities, while continuing to monitor commercial traffic in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman.

The operations come amid heightened military activity across West Asia, where concerns over a wider regional conflict continue to mount.

Trump pauses major escalation

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump is reportedly reconsidering plans for a broader military campaign against Iran.

According to a report by The New York Times, senior administration officials have advised against expanding military operations due to concerns over the Pentagon's declining stockpile of Patriot missile interceptors and other critical air defence systems.

Officials familiar with internal discussions said the White House is also wary that a prolonged conflict could strain relations with key Gulf allies and further destabilise the region.

The report stated that Trump met senior national security officials on Friday to review military options, with discussions focusing heavily on America's available missile defence inventory.

Military leaders, including Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Caine, reportedly warned that renewed large-scale combat operations could significantly reduce US defensive capabilities in the region.

Diplomatic option remains open

Despite maintaining military pressure through the naval blockade, the Trump administration continues to signal that diplomacy remains its preferred outcome.

White House Communications Director Steven Cheung said the President continues to favour a negotiated settlement but retains all military options if Iran continues what the administration describes as hostile activities in the Strait of Hormuz or against US allies.

Recent fighting has continued despite diplomatic efforts, with hostilities involving Iran-backed groups and regional forces keeping tensions elevated across West Asia.

Analysts say Washington now appears to be balancing military deterrence with efforts to avoid a prolonged regional war that could have significant geopolitical and economic consequences.

Fresh airstrikes, maritime blockade, and threats against Iran's infrastructure deepen regional tensions as Tehran accuses the US of war crimes at the United Nations.

The United States has carried out military strikes against Iran for the fourth consecutive day, significantly escalating tensions in West Asia despite recent diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities. Alongside sustained air operations, Washington has imposed a renewed maritime blockade on Iranian ports, intensifying pressure on Tehran to return to negotiations over its nuclear programme and regional security issues.

US President Donald Trump warned that military operations would continue unless Iran resumed talks, indicating that American forces could expand their campaign to include strategic infrastructure.

Speaking to Fox News, Trump said the United States would continue striking Iranian targets and warned that power plants and bridges could become future targets if diplomatic efforts failed.

"We will continue until a deal is reached," Trump said, adding that ground operations remained an option if required, though any such move would likely involve allied support.

Fresh Strikes Across Southern Iran

According to the US Central Command (CENTCOM), American fighter aircraft, naval assets and drones conducted nearly seven hours of coordinated military operations targeting missile launch sites, drone facilities, coastal defence systems and naval installations near the Strait of Hormuz and southern Iranian coastline.

Explosions were reported in multiple locations, including the coastal city of Sirik, although the full extent of the damage has not been independently verified.

The United States has also reimposed restrictions on vessels entering and leaving Iranian ports, effectively restoring a naval blockade that officials say is intended to limit Iran's military logistics and increase economic pressure.

Iran Responds With Regional Threats

Iran has strongly condemned the latest US military action, accusing Washington of violating previous understandings and deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure.

In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, Iran's Permanent Representative Amir Saeid Iravani described the United States as the "aggressor" in the conflict and alleged that recent attacks amounted to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for missile and drone attacks targeting US military facilities in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, though these claims have not been independently confirmed.

The IRGC also warned that regional energy infrastructure and oil export routes associated with the United States and its allies could become legitimate targets if hostilities continued.

Tehran further declared that the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until what it described as "US acts of aggression" came to an end, raising concerns over global energy supplies.

Regional Security Concerns Grow

Jordan said its air defence systems intercepted three ballistic missiles that entered its airspace from Iran.

Meanwhile, the United Nations Security Council voted to extend monitoring of Houthi attacks in the Red Sea for another six months, reflecting growing concerns over maritime security throughout the region.

The resolution received support from 13 members of the Security Council, while China and Russia abstained.

Political Divisions Deepen in the US

The expanding conflict has also intensified political debate in Washington.

Several Democratic lawmakers have announced support for proposals aimed at ending US military assistance to Israel, arguing that American military involvement across the region should be reassessed.

Representative Greg Casar backed efforts to halt additional military funding, while Congressman Ro Khanna said he would oppose further aid packages linked to ongoing military operations in Gaza.

Key Flashpoints Behind the Crisis

The renewed confrontation stems from multiple unresolved disputes, including Iran's nuclear programme, US economic sanctions, maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and broader competition for strategic influence across West Asia.

Approximately one-fifth of global crude oil supplies transit through the Strait of Hormuz, making any disruption to shipping a significant concern for international energy markets.

As military operations continue on both sides, diplomatic channels remain stalled, with no immediate indication that negotiations will resume.

 The United Nations is set to convene the inaugural Global Dialogue on AI Governance in Geneva on July 6 and 7, bringing together governments, international organisations, industry leaders, academics and civil society representatives to shape a more inclusive global framework for artificial intelligence (AI) governance.

Established by the UN General Assembly under the Global Digital Compact, the Dialogue is designed to serve as the United Nations' primary platform for international cooperation on AI governance. The initiative aims to ensure that every country—regardless of its level of technological advancement—has an opportunity to participate in discussions on the future of artificial intelligence.

The two-day meeting will focus on balancing AI's transformative potential with the challenges it poses to societies, economies and global security. Delegates are expected to exchange best practices, promote international cooperation and explore policy approaches for the responsible development and deployment of AI technologies.

The event will feature participation from senior UN officials, including United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and President of the UN General Assembly Annalena Baerbock, along with government representatives from across the world. The Dialogue will also include leading voices from the private sector, academia and civil society.

According to the UN, discussions will centre on four major thematic areas. These include understanding AI's social, economic, ethical and cultural implications; bridging global AI divides through capacity-building and digital infrastructure; promoting safe, secure and trustworthy AI systems; and ensuring transparency, accountability, human oversight and respect for human rights in AI governance.

A key objective of the Dialogue is to support developing countries by improving access to AI technologies, strengthening digital infrastructure and promoting international collaboration on open-source AI models and technical capacity building.

The Global Dialogue also seeks to complement existing international AI initiatives by providing a universal platform where governments can work towards interoperable and compatible approaches to AI regulation without duplicating ongoing efforts.

The first session in Geneva will be followed by a second Global Dialogue on AI Governance scheduled to take place in New York in May 2027, continuing the UN's efforts to establish long-term international cooperation on artificial intelligence.

The initiative stems from commitments made under the Global Digital Compact, adopted during the 2024 Summit of the Future, which called for a coordinated global approach to ensure AI technologies are developed and used responsibly, safely and for the benefit of all nations.

As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries, economies and public services worldwide, the UN says the Dialogue represents a significant step towards building a transparent, inclusive and globally coordinated governance framework capable of addressing both the opportunities and risks presented by rapidly evolving AI technologies.

Global energy markets and geopolitical fronts are experiencing sharp volatility following a wave of major updates on Tuesday. US President Donald Trump issued a stern warning to domestic fuel retailers to slash gasoline prices immediately, citing a steep disconnect with falling global crude benchmarks.

Concurrently, a fragile diplomatic breakthrough between Washington and Tehran is facing severe strain. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that a direct military confrontation with Iran remains highly possible "within 2 days," even as shipping traffic tentatively resumes in the vital Strait of Hormuz under a newly signed US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).

Trump Warns US Fuel Retailers Against Price Gouging

Taking to Truth Social, US President Donald Trump demanded that domestic fuel companies align pump prices with dropping crude oil values, which have dipped to approximately $68 a barrel ($72.51 for global Brent August futures).

"Gasoline retailers must get their prices down, immediately! They're too high considering that oil is now at $68 a barrel, and heading south... There will be no gouging, which is totally illegal. If retailers don't do this, big problems lie ahead," Trump posted.

Middle East Tensions: Brinkmanship and Diplomatic Manoeuvres

Despite the existence of a fresh US-Iran MoU aimed at halting mutual attacks, the regional security apparatus remains on a knife-edge.

Geopolitical Flashpoints Portfolio:

├── Israel-Iran Threat : Defense Minister Israel Katz warns of strikes within 48 hours if Iran retaliates over Lebanon.

├── West Bank Crisis   : UN warns of the worst displacement crisis since 1967 driven by settler violence.

└── Iraq Ultimatum     : Baghdad sets a strict Sept 30 deadline for pro-Iran armed groups to fully disarm.

In Tel Aviv, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are on high alert to strike targets deep inside Iran if Tehran launches missiles in response to recent Israeli operations in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Israeli drones carried out fresh strikes in the Bint Jbeil District of southern Lebanon, though no casualties were immediately reported.

The Battle for the Strait of Hormuz

The Strait of Hormuz, which was closed by Iran on February 28 at the onset of the US-Israel conflict with Tehran—stranding nearly 600 ships—is seeing a gradual revival. According to tracking data from Kpler and MarineTraffic, around 24 to 48 major vessels are now transiting daily, up from the near-total standstill over the weekend. However, control over the waterway remains a fierce diplomatic battleground:

Strait of Hormuz Administration Conflict:

├── Iranian Stance : Chairman Ebrahim Azizi calls the strait an "inseparable part of Iranian sovereignty."

├── Omani Stance   : Proposes transit service fees (Malacca model) and states Iran holds primary demining duties.

└── US Stance      : Firmly opposes any transit or service fees imposed on international commercial shipping.

Conflicting Signals Over Doha Talks

A heavy fog of diplomatic friction surrounds Qatar, where senior US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has arrived for talks. President Trump announced that American and Iranian teams would hold significant denuclearisation meetings in Doha on Tuesday.

However, Tehran has explicitly denied entering any direct negotiation phase with Washington. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei clarified that the Iranian delegation in Doha is solely verifying the implementation of the preliminary MoU—specifically monitoring if the US is adhering to oil export waivers (Article 10) and releasing frozen Iranian assets (Article 11).

Iran maintains that formal negotiations for a comprehensive settlement will not begin until the US fully lifts its naval blockades and withdraws its forces from close proximity to Iranian territories.

The United Kingdom is set to introduce tougher online safety regulations that could restrict access to certain high-risk social media applications for users under the age of 16. The proposed move, expected to be announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government, is part of a broader effort to strengthen child safety online and limit young people's exposure to harmful digital content.

According to reports, the proposed legislation would target social media platforms deemed to pose higher risks to minors, while also imposing additional safeguards on platforms considered relatively safer. The measures are expected to affect millions of young users across the country and could reshape how social media companies operate in the UK market.

The proposal follows an extensive public consultation on child online safety, which reportedly received more than 116,000 responses. Government data cited in reports indicates that a significant majority of parents support stricter controls on social media access for children under 16.

New Restrictions Under Consideration

Under the proposed framework, children below the age of 16 could be barred from accessing certain high-risk social media platforms. While the government has not yet released the final list of affected apps, ministers are expected to determine which platforms fall within the high-risk category.

The legislation may also introduce restrictions on features available to teenagers on platforms that remain accessible. These measures could include limiting disappearing messages, preventing communication with unknown adults, and restricting livestreaming functions for younger users.

In addition, individuals under 18 may be prohibited from accessing romantic or sexual AI chatbot services as part of the government's broader online protection strategy.

Legal Challenges Loom

The proposed restrictions have sparked debate over how the government intends to implement the rules. Reports suggest that officials could face legal scrutiny and possible judicial review over plans to target specific platforms rather than imposing a blanket restriction across the entire social media sector.

Critics argue that selecting individual platforms could raise questions about fairness, consistency, and regulatory standards. Supporters, however, maintain that a risk-based approach allows authorities to focus on services that pose the greatest threat to children's wellbeing.

Government officials have yet to provide detailed guidance on how platforms will be classified or regulated under the proposed framework.

Growing Global Trend

The UK's proposed measures reflect a broader international movement toward stricter regulation of children's social media use.

International Examples

Australia became the first country to approve legislation preventing individuals under 16 from opening social media accounts through its Online Safety Amendment Bill. The law introduced mandatory age-verification requirements and established penalties for companies that fail to comply.

Malaysia later introduced similar restrictions, requiring social media platforms to strengthen age-verification systems and prevent underage users from creating accounts.

Countries across Europe have also intensified discussions around digital safety. Spain has been among the nations advocating stronger protections for minors, contributing to a growing international debate on the impact of social media on mental health, privacy, and online security.

Focus on Child Online Safety

The UK government's initiative comes amid increasing concerns over cyberbullying, online exploitation, harmful content exposure, and addictive platform features affecting young users.

Child safety advocates have long argued that existing safeguards are insufficient, particularly as social media platforms continue to introduce new communication tools powered by artificial intelligence and algorithm-driven engagement systems.

Officials believe stronger regulations could help create a safer digital environment while encouraging technology companies to take greater responsibility for user protection.

US President Donald Trump sent his congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the BJP scored a huge win in West Bengal and Assam. In a WhatsApp message from May 6, Trump called the victory "historic" and "decisive," and he even said, "India is lucky to have you as leader."

The BJP’s win in West Bengal marks a big political shift—finally breaking Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress’s 15-year grip on the state. According to White House spokesman Kush Desai, Trump admires the clarity of Modi’s win.

This message isn’t just about politics; it’s part of a warm relationship between Trump and Modi. They've talked plenty about global security and trade, and now, Trump’s taking the extra step to comment on state elections, not just national ones. It shows how much attention India’s changing political scene is grabbing around the world.

Iran is witnessing one of its longest internet disruptions in recent years, with services largely suspended for over 54 days. According to global monitoring groups, connectivity has remained severely restricted for more than 1,200 hours, cutting off millions from communication networks. The Iran internet shutdown has effectively isolated large sections of the population from the outside world, raising concerns across the international community.

Protests And Conflict

The shutdown follows escalating anti-government protests that began earlier this year. Authorities initially imposed selective restrictions to curb mobilisation and information flow. However, tensions intensified after reports of military confrontation involving the United States and Israel, prompting stricter controls. Officials have not issued detailed public explanations, but analysts link the move to both internal dissent and external security concerns.

Services Come To Halt

With internet access disrupted, essential services across sectors have slowed or stopped entirely. Businesses dependent on digital platforms, including e-commerce firms, freelancers, and online educators, have faced prolonged losses. Banking and digital payment systems have also seen interruptions, affecting daily transactions for citizens.

Economic Impact Widens

The economic fallout is becoming more visible with each passing week. Industry observers say thousands of small and medium enterprises have been hit hardest, particularly those that rely on international clients. Informal sector workers, including gig economy participants, have reported loss of income as digital platforms remain inaccessible.

Rights Concerns Raised

Human rights organisations have flagged the Iran internet shutdown as a serious violation of access to information. Advocacy groups have pointed out that such prolonged restrictions limit freedom of expression and access to essential updates during a crisis. Reports suggest that some citizens are attempting to bypass restrictions using proxy networks, though access remains inconsistent and risky.

Global Reaction Builds

International agencies and monitoring bodies continue to track the situation closely. As per reports, global pressure is mounting on Iranian authorities to restore connectivity, especially amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The issue has also drawn attention within diplomatic circles, where concerns over transparency and civilian welfare have been raised.

Alternative Networks Rise

In the absence of stable internet, demand for alternative communication tools has surged. Virtual private networks (VPNs) and satellite-based services are reportedly seeing increased usage, though availability remains limited and costly. Tech experts note that such disruptions highlight the growing role of information control in modern conflict scenarios.

What Lies Ahead

The duration of the Iran internet shutdown remains uncertain as tensions persist both domestically and internationally. Observers say any easing of restrictions will likely depend on stability within the country and developments in the broader conflict. For now, the prolonged blackout continues to impact daily life, making it one of the most significant public interest stories in recent global developments.