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The United States and Iran disagree about who controls the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil. The US says many ships carrying millions of barrels of oil pass through daily under its protection, while Iran says it controls the strait and restricts access to approved vessels only. Ship-tracking data shows fewer ships passing through the strait than the US claims.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway through which about one-fifth of the world’s oil and gas passes during peacetime.
President Donald Trump said the US Navy is escorting around 30 ships every night through the strait, with about 15-18 million barrels of oil moving daily.
Iran claims it has full control of the strait and warns ships trying to use unauthorized routes risk being attacked.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says two oil tankers hit mines and were disabled while crossing unauthorized parts of the strait.
Shipping data from firms like Kpler and Lloyd’s List Intelligence shows only about 12 to 14 ships per day passing through, which is less than pre-war and US-reported numbers.
Some ships turn off their tracking beacons, making it harder to know the exact number of ships using the strait.
Before the conflict began, around 100 ships and 20 million barrels of oil passed daily through Hormuz, but current numbers are much lower.
Saudi Arabia reported an attack on one of its oil tankers in the strait, resulting in two deaths.
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The Panama Canal will limit the number of ships passing daily due to low water levels caused by the El Nino weather pattern. This change happens amid global shipping disruptions and increased traffic because of reduced oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz.
Key Facts
From this week, only 34 ships can pass the Panama Canal daily, down from 40; by September 15, the limit will drop to 32 ships per day.
The Panama Canal Authority says rainfall around the canal is 34% below normal from May to August, affecting water levels.
El Nino weather could reduce rainfall even more, leading to further water shortages.
The Panama Canal handles about 5% of global maritime trade and 40% of U.S. container traffic.
Ship traffic through the canal increased by 5.2% in the first nine months of the year compared to last year.
The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz has reduced oil exports from that area, increasing oil shipments through the Panama Canal, especially from the U.S.
Ship transit slot prices have tripled recently due to high demand and limited capacity; one ship paid $5.3 million to pass the canal in early September.
Restrictions may force some ships to take longer, more expensive routes to avoid the canal.
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In June 2023, Russian forces destroyed the Kakhovka Dam in Ukraine, which caused severe flooding downstream and drained the reservoir upstream. The emptied reservoir area turned into difficult terrain with dense plants and water pools, becoming a zone where Russian and Ukrainian soldiers conduct small-scale patrols and reconnaissance instead of large military attacks.
Key Facts
The Kakhovka Dam explosion in June 2023 flooded areas downstream and drained the reservoir upstream.
The drained reservoir bed is now covered with tall plants like weeds, bushes, and willows.
This area acts as a natural barrier between Russian and Ukrainian forces along the Dnipro River.
Both sides send small infantry groups into the terrain for reconnaissance and limited combat.
The dense vegetation and water pools make drone surveillance and troop movement difficult.
The Russian presence here is mainly for gathering information, not for launching big attacks.
The terrain is swampy and full of streams, slowing down troop movements and making larger military operations challenging.
Ukrainian forces try to stop Russian patrols from crossing into their territory by working close to the tree line for ambushes.
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Two Palestinian teenagers were killed in the West Bank, a region controlled by Israel but claimed by Palestinians. Israeli settlers and armed forces surrounded a village there, and political leaders Netanyahu and Smotrich are gaining support ahead of upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Two Palestinian teens died in the occupied West Bank.
Israeli settlers and snipers surrounded a Palestinian village.
Benjamin Netanyahu and Bezalel Smotrich are political leaders in Israel.
Both Netanyahu and Smotrich are rallying support before elections.
The West Bank is a disputed area between Israelis and Palestinians.
The report comes from journalist Mohammad Saleh of Al Jazeera.
Israeli settlements in the West Bank are often controversial.
Elections in Israel are upcoming soon.
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Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has led the country's government longer than any other since World War II. Her government started in 2022 and has worked closely with the European Union and supported Ukraine, while also facing criticism for policies on same-sex parents and press freedom.
Key Facts
Giorgia Meloni is Italy's first female Prime Minister.
Her government has lasted longer than Silvio Berlusconi's record since World War II.
Meloni's party has roots linked to neo-fascism.
She has worked pragmatically with European Union institutions.
Italy under Meloni's leadership supports Ukraine in the ongoing conflict.
Domestically, her government has limited rights for same-sex parents.
There have been restrictions on press freedom during her time in office.
European allies initially felt uneasy about her government but relations have stabilized.
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The Bayeux Tapestry, a 1,000-year-old artwork showing the Battle of Hastings, is now on display at the British Museum in London. French President Emmanuel Macron visited London to mark the event and meet with British leaders, celebrating the friendly relationship between France and the United Kingdom.
Key Facts
The Bayeux Tapestry is an ancient woven artwork about the 1066 Battle of Hastings.
It tells the story of William the Conqueror, an ancestor of King Charles III.
The tapestry is exhibited at the British Museum in London.
French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to London for the exhibition.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham and King Charles III joined the event.
The event highlighted the strong ties between France and the UK.
The tapestry is about the Norman Conquest of England.
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The creators of HBO’s show "Monsters of God" discussed reptile smuggling in an interview with CBS News. They aim to educate viewers about the illegal trade and its impact on wildlife.
Key Facts
Eric Goode is the director and executive producer of "Monsters of God."
Jeremy McBride is an executive producer of the show.
The show focuses on the illegal smuggling of reptiles.
The producers appeared on "CBS Mornings" to talk about the program.
The goal of the show is to inform people about the dangers and scale of reptile smuggling.
Illegal reptile trade harms animal populations and ecosystems.
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A Maltese businessman named Yorgen Fenech was found not guilty of helping in the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist killed in 2017 by a car bomb. Tom Gibson from the Committee to Protect Journalists expressed his sadness over the court verdict.
Key Facts
Daphne Caruana Galizia was a Maltese investigator journalist killed in 2017 by a car bomb.
Her murder caused major political changes in Malta, including the resignation of the prime minister.
Yorgen Fenech, a well-known Maltese businessman, was on trial for being involved in her murder.
The court decided that Yorgen Fenech was not guilty.
Tom Gibson, Deputy Advocacy Director at the Committee to Protect Journalists, said he was devastated by this verdict.
The case attracted a lot of attention across Europe because of its impact on press freedom and justice.
The Committee to Protect Journalists works to defend journalists’ rights and safety worldwide.
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A new drug called daraxonrasib, already approved for advanced pancreatic cancer, has shown early signs of reducing tumors in about one-third of lung cancer patients with specific mutations. In an early study, the drug was given to 136 lung cancer patients who had not responded well to other treatments, and it was generally safe but caused some side effects.
Key Facts
Daraxonrasib is a pill recently approved to treat advanced pancreatic cancer.
It was tested in 136 patients with non-small cell lung cancer who have mutations in RAS proteins.
About 31% to 37% of patients, depending on the dose, saw their tumors shrink after treatment.
Most patients experienced side effects; 54% had severe side effects like rash, diarrhea, nausea, and inflammation in the mouth or digestive tract.
Lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer death and affects about 230,000 people annually in the U.S.
The FDA will likely require larger late-stage trials before deciding if daraxonrasib can be approved for lung cancer treatment.
Daraxonrasib was granted a "Breakthrough Therapy" designation for pancreatic cancer, speeding up its development and review.
The drug is sold under the brand name Rasonque by Revolution Medicines, the company that funded the study.
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A new study from Yale University found that many older Americans do not report or know they have been diagnosed with dementia. The study shows that 67% of people in the study underreported their dementia diagnosis, much higher than the underreporting rates for other common diseases.
Key Facts
The study was published on August 26 in JAMA Network Open.
67% of older Americans in the study underreported having dementia.
Underreporting rates for other diseases were lower: 23% for hypertension, 17% for arthritis, 39% for diabetes, and 46% for depression.
Dementia is often not clearly communicated to patients or their families by healthcare providers.
Patients who were socially vulnerable, such as those living alone or with lower education, were more likely to underreport dementia.
People enrolled in Medicare Advantage or seeing dementia specialists underreported less, suggesting good communication helps.
Underreporting was not due to memory problems since those with dementia reported other conditions accurately.
Experts say clear communication and support after diagnosis are necessary to improve care and safety.
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Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said there is no proof that Moroccan authorities planned the large group of people who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta in July. This statement contradicts a Spanish police report that suggested the border crossing was a deliberate move to challenge Spain’s border controls.
Key Facts
Over 70,000 people crossed into Ceuta from Morocco in July.
A Spanish police report claimed this movement was planned, not spontaneous.
Prime Minister Sanchez said Spain found no solid evidence to support this claim.
The incident involved a large rush of migrants entering a Spanish territory in North Africa.
Ceuta is a Spanish enclave on the northern coast of Africa, bordering Morocco.
The Spanish government publicly addressed and disputed the police report’s conclusions.
The situation raised concerns about border control and migration policies in the region.
No official link was confirmed between Moroccan authorities and the border surge.
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Heavy rains continued to affect Texas after Tropical Storm Edouard passed through the area. The storm caused flooding and damage in different parts of the state.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Edouard impacted Texas with heavy rain.
The rain caused flooding in some areas.
Damage was reported in multiple locations across Texas.
Emergency services and local authorities were active in response.
The storm followed typical tropical storm behavior, bringing heavy rain and wind.
Residents were advised to take precautions during and after the storm.
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Four activists from Palestine Action are appealing their convictions for criminal damage linked to terrorism after they raided an Israeli arms factory in the UK. Their sentences are the first in Britain to label property damage as terrorism, and the activists argue their trial violated human rights laws.
Key Facts
The activists are Charlotte Head, Samuel Corner, Leona Kamio, and Fatema Zainab Rajwani.
They raided an Israeli arms factory in Filton near Bristol in August 2024.
The court convicted them of criminal damage “with a terrorist connection.”
This is the first time British courts labeled property damage as terrorism.
Sentences ranged from about four and a half to over seven years in prison.
The activists argue the conviction breaks the European Convention on Human Rights, including fair trial and legal limits rules.
Palestine Action was not banned at the time of the raid.
The group targets Elbit Systems, a company that makes drones used by the Israeli army.
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A recent report from the European Court of Auditors says the European Union may have trouble defending itself against a foreign invasion by 2030 because it still depends a lot on the United States and has fragmented defense systems. Although the EU is better prepared since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, issues like weak coordination and delays in ammunition production remain.
Key Facts
The EU aims to be ready to defend itself independently by 2030.
The European Court of Auditors reviewed EU defense policy and found ongoing challenges.
EU countries increased defense spending by 79% between 2020 and 2025 due to the Russian threat.
EU members rely heavily on the US for military equipment, with 63% of defense purchases coming from there between 2022 and 2023.
Fragmented national defense industries and poor cooperation between EU countries cause duplication and gaps in military abilities.
A joint fighter jet project between France and Germany was canceled due to company disputes.
Ukraine requested an exception to EU rules to buy US-made Patriot missile systems with EU funding.
The EU allows some spending outside Europe if needed to get critical military supplies quickly.
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A court in Malta acquitted a wealthy businessman accused of planning the murder of investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia in 2017. The verdict caused protests in the capital Valletta and criticism from groups that support press freedom.
Key Facts
Daphne Caruana Galizia, an investigative journalist, was killed by a car bomb in 2017.
A wealthy businessman was accused of being the mastermind behind the murder.
The businessman was found not guilty by a Maltese court.
Hundreds of people protested in Valletta, the capital of Malta, after the verdict.
The opposition Nationalist Party called for lawmakers to return early to discuss the case.
International organizations supporting media freedom expressed outrage.
The case has raised concerns about justice and protection for journalists in Malta.
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Ministers are trying to stop MI5 intelligence files from being shown at a coroner’s inquest about the deaths of two men killed during a 2025 attack on a Manchester synagogue. The government says releasing the files would harm national security, while families want to see the information because it may challenge official statements about the attacker’s background.
Key Facts
Two men, Melvin Cravitz (66) and Adrian Daulby (53), died in the October 2025 terrorist attack at the Heaton Park Hebrew synagogue in Manchester.
The attacker, Jihad al-Shamie, stabbed Cravitz and was killed by police shooting Daulby, who held the synagogue doors shut.
The full inquest will review al-Shamie’s background, security arrangements, and state knowledge before the attack.
Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said al-Shamie was not known to counter-terrorism police or security services.
Families of the victims want MI5 files released, concerned they may contradict official statements.
Government lawyers argue that revealing MI5 and counter-terrorism files would seriously damage national security.
The chief coroner is considering whether to change the inquest to a public inquiry, which can hold secret hearings.
Al-Shamie pledged allegiance to Islamic State and wore what looked like a suicide vest during the attack.
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Actor Theo James said the rumors about Meghan Markle joining the TV series "The Gentlemen" are not true. These rumors started in August when reports said Markle was in advanced talks to appear in the show.
Key Facts
Theo James is an actor linked to the TV series "The Gentlemen."
Rumors began in August about Meghan Markle joining the series.
Reports claimed Markle was in advanced talks to be part of the cast.
Theo James called these rumors "hot air," meaning they are not true.
Meghan Markle is known as the Duchess of Sussex.
No official confirmation has been made about her joining the show.
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Heavy floods in Nepal and Tibet have destroyed villages, leaving thousands missing and making it hard to deliver aid. Survivors are being rescued by army helicopters as many areas remain inaccessible due to damage.
Key Facts
Flash floods in Nepal and Tibet caused severe damage, destroying communities like the mountain village of Syabru Besi.
At least 500 people are missing in Syabru Besi, about a quarter of the village’s population.
Roads to many affected villages have been washed away, turning them into muddy riverbeds.
Army helicopters are evacuating survivors who fled to higher ground.
Aid delivery is difficult because of dangerous conditions and disrupted infrastructure.
Journalists have reported from the affected districts, witnessing widespread suffering.
The disaster happened about one week ago from the report date.
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Sailors from the USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Thailand after a long 9-month deployment that included involvement in the war with Iran. Families expressed relief and happiness that the crew was safe and could rest on solid ground after difficult conditions at sea.
Key Facts
The USS Abraham Lincoln spent nine months at sea, with six months involved in the conflict with Iran.
Around 5,000 sailors, Marines, and crew make up the ship’s personnel.
The ship faced supply shortages because U.S. bases nearby were targeted by Iranian strikes.
A sailor went overboard in August but was rescued safely; the Navy is investigating the incident.
Some sailors did not want to talk about conditions on the ship but were glad to be on land in Thailand.
Families reported little communication during the deployment due to the war situation.
The USS George Washington has replaced the Lincoln in the Middle East.
After a few days in Thailand, the USS Abraham Lincoln will return to its home port in San Diego.
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Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology reports that the current El Niño weather event in the Pacific is expected to be the strongest on record, with sea surface temperatures rising faster than ever before since records began in 1950. The United Nations warns that this El Niño could last until early 2027 and cause severe impacts worldwide, including hotter, drier conditions and increased risks of droughts, heatwaves, and wildfires, especially in the Pacific region.
Key Facts
El Niño is a weather pattern marked by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific.
Current sea surface temperatures in the Niño 3.4 region are 2.2 to 2.3 degrees Celsius above average, higher than any previous August on record.
Temperatures could peak over 3 degrees Celsius above average, surpassing the previous highest peak of 2.6 degrees in 1983.
This El Niño event has warmed rapidly—more than 2 degrees Celsius between February and July—which is unprecedented in historical records.
The event is forecasted to continue strengthening and last until early 2027.
The El Niño is increasing drought, food and water shortages, and wildfires in areas like Papua New Guinea and Indonesia.
Scientists say climate change has made a strong El Niño like this six times more likely than in the past.
Australia recently experienced its third-warmest winter on record, with some states having the hottest winter ever.
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