President Donald Trump told reporters he held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin covering two active conflict zones: Ukraine and Iran. The call marks a notable diplomatic touchpoint between Washington and Moscow at a time when both files are in flux. Trump said Putin offered some form of assistance to the U.S. in relation to the war with Iran, though the nature and scope of that offer were not detailed in the available reporting. The Ukraine discussion adds another layer, given Russia's ongoing role as a belligerent in that conflict. Any Russian assistance to U.S. efforts against Iran would represent a significant geopolitical shift, as Moscow and Tehran have maintained close ties, including arms cooperation. Watch for official readouts from either side, concrete details on what Putin's offer entails, and any reaction from Ukraine or European allies who track U.S.-Russia contacts closely.
Venezuela's earthquake death toll has reached 1,430 with the US Geological Survey warning fatalities could top 10,000, placing it among Latin America's deadliest in a century. US military planes are landing in Caracas, Washington is mobilising $150 million in aid, and rescue teams from 17 countries are on the ground.
Iranian armed forces attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz on Thursday, briefly halting traffic through the waterway. The strike threatens a fragile US-Iran arrangement and could push shipping insurance costs and oil prices higher.
The US has struck Iran, with President Trump citing an Iranian attack on a ship in the Strait of Hormuz as justification. The action raises immediate risks for global oil flows through one of the world's most critical shipping chokepoints.
The US struck ten Iranian targets on the second consecutive day of military action, putting a fragile ceasefire under serious pressure. The escalation raises immediate risks for Gulf shipping, global oil supply, and regional stability.
