Trump Signals Iran Deal, But Markets Rise Despite No Breakthrough

WASHINGTON, United States — Financial markets rallied this week after US officials and President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be imminent, even though no deal materialised and Tehran continued to deny that it was negotiating directly with Washington.

US Intelligence Warns Putin Could Test NATO Unity

WASHINGTON, United States — Recent US intelligence assessments indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin could attempt to test NATO’s resolve by launching a limited attack against a member country within the next few years, according to three people familiar with the assessments.

Iran Expands Pressure Campaign as Tensions With US Shift Toward Economic and Maritime Leverage

Iran is increasingly relying on economic and maritime pressure rather than direct military confrontation as it seeks to strengthen its position in its ongoing standoff with the United States, according to Gulf officials and analysts cited by Reuters. Instead of pursuing a decisive battlefield victory, Tehran is focusing on a strategy that raises the costs of the conflict for Washington, its regional partners and the global economy.