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The week in Global Affairs
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The Iran-US conflict expanded from tanker attacks into strikes near Hormuz, threats to commercial vessels, and a US blockade affecting civilian shipping. Oil and fuel prices surged as Saudi Arabia also lost an alternative export route and planned talks on a temporary shipping arrangement were postponed.
Saudi-backed fighting escalated as the Houthis advanced toward the Bab al-Mandeb and seized strategic territory, including Mayun Island. Their gains and attacks placed Red Sea shipping, Saudi infrastructure, and civilian populations under mounting pressure.
Russia intensified attacks toward Donbas fortress cities and struck infrastructure near Poland, while a drone nearly endangered Ukraine's president. European peacekeeping proposals and US pressure over refinery strikes added new tension to an already unstable diplomatic track.
The US-Canada dispute moved from tariffs into aircraft sales, product restrictions, and threats to integrated supply chains. Retaliation spread across both economies, raising the prospect of a structural rupture and prompting Canadians to seek protection from the conflict.
The BRICS summit turned opposition to US military and economic pressure into a more visible diplomatic program, including calls to reduce reliance on Western financial systems. The bloc gained political profile but remained divided over security, economics, and China's leadership.
Iran's loss of IAEA access became a central risk as Western governments referred its nuclear file to the UN Security Council. Tehran blamed US and Israeli strikes for obstructing inspections, leaving less visibility into its program during a wider regional war.
Britain converted opposition to Israeli settlement expansion into sanctions on settlement goods and accusations of ethnic cleansing. Israel responded by closing its British consulate in East Jerusalem and restricting British lawmakers, turning the dispute into a bilateral diplomatic crisis.
Hong Kong courts sentenced organizers of annual Tiananmen commemorations, with penalties reaching seven years in prison. The rulings extend the security crackdown from organized activism to public remembrance of China's 1989 crackdown.
Day’s Recap