Date: 5 September 2026 Tags: Iran, United States, Middle East, Energy Summary: The US military struck three Iran-linked oil tankers after Iranian ballistic missiles targeted two American warships. Centcom said two tankers were permanently disabled and a third was completely destroyed. Iran confirmed the tanker attacks and threatened expanded strikes against US military vessels if attacks continue. Centcom said American forces successfully avoided multiple Iranian attacks, wit

Date: 29 August 2026 Tags: United States, Venezuela, Energy, Economy Summary: President Donald Trump announced a US-Venezuela agreement covering more than 65 billion barrels of proven Venezuelan oil reserves. Trump said the agreement would more than double US oil reserves, increase supplies and help reduce American petrol prices. Venezuela says the agreement covers development of 17 strategic oil fields with proven potential of 65 billion barrels. Interim President Delcy Rodr

Date: 28 August 2026 Tags: Russia, United States, Ukraine, Security Summary: CIA Director John Ratcliffe travelled to Moscow on Tuesday for rare face-to-face discussions with Russian intelligence officials. Ratcliffe reportedly warned Russia against using nuclear weapons or expanding attacks to Ukraine’s NATO allies. Vladimir Putin did not attend the meeting but was subsequently briefed, according to Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov. The Kremlin said regular US-Russia intellig

Date: 22 August 2026 Tags: Trade, Canada, United States, Economy Summary: New 50% US tariffs on a range of Canadian imports took effect after last-minute trade negotiations collapsed. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney suspended negotiations, calling changes to the proposed US terms unfair and economically unacceptable. Carney pledged reciprocal tariffs on American products, responding “dollar for dollar” to the new US measures. Washington blamed Canada for introducing new

Date: 26 August 2026 Tags: Russia, United States, Security, Ukraine Summary: CIA Director John Ratcliffe reportedly travelled to Moscow for rare face-to-face talks with Russian officials. Flight tracking showed a US military C-17 travelling from Latvia to Moscow on Tuesday before returning later that day. Ratcliffe reportedly spent around four hours in Moscow, marking his first known Russian visit as CIA Director. The CIA has not commented on the reported visit, while the Kre

Why this matters:The Strait of Hormuz handles about one-fifth of global oil trade. Renewed tensions risk disrupting energy supplies and escalating U.S.–Iran conflict. Date: 20 April 2024 Tags: Middle East, Maritime Security, Iran, United States Summary: A commercial tanker reported being fired upon by two Iranian gunboats in the Strait of Hormuz. The UK Maritime Trade Operations Centre confirmed the attack; the vessel and crew are safe. Other merchant ships also reported gunf

Why this matters: The potential for US ground involvement risks major escalation of the conflict and wider regional instability. Date: 29 March 2026 Tags: Defence, Middle East, United States, Conflict Summary: Iran says its forces are “waiting” for potential US ground troop deployment. Iranian official Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned of strong retaliation. US has deployed around 3,500 personnel and USS Tripoli to region. Pentagon reportedly preparing for possible weeks of gro

Why this matters: Divisions within Trump’s support base could impact political unity and voter turnout ahead of elections. Date: 28 March 2026 Tags: Politics, United States, Middle East, Elections Summary: Iran war creating divisions within conservative supporters of Donald Trump. Younger conservatives express concern over costs and lack of clear strategy. Older supporters largely back continued military action against Iran. Polls show majority of Americans oppose US involve

Why this matters: Declining public support and economic concerns could affect US political stability and upcoming elections. Date: 27 March 2026 Tags: Politics, United States, Economy, Elections Summary: Donald Trump approval ratings declining during Iran war. Economic approval dropped from 43% to 29% since start of term. Overall approval fell from 52% to around 40%. Rising petrol prices nearing $4 per gallon increasing public concern. Inflation and cost of living pressures d

Why this matters: The case raises concerns about transparency and accountability in handling high-profile abuse investigations. Date: 25 March 2026 Tags: Politics, Law, Crime, United States Summary: Thomas Massie criticised release of Epstein files as insufficient. He called for arrests, saying suspects should be “perp-walked” in handcuffs. Massie said justice system is failing without visible prosecutions. He criticised redactions made by the Department of Justice. DOJ said

Why this matters: The handling of Epstein-related evidence raises questions about transparency and accountability in high-profile abuse cases. Date: 25 March 2026 Tags: Politics, Law, United States, Crime Summary: US Congressman Thomas Massie criticised release of Epstein files. He said justice requires arrests, stating suspects should be “perp-walked” in handcuffs. Massie expressed dissatisfaction with redactions made by the Department of Justice. DOJ said some material was