Iran has begun enforcing transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. Authorities confirm revenues are being deposited in the Central Bank, while the US Navy continues its blockade of Iranian ports.
A deadly air strike in southern Lebanon has claimed the life of reporter Amal Khalil, intensifying the global debate over journalist safety in the US-Israel conflict with Hezbollah. Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has labeled the incident a "war crime," alleging that Israeli forces deliberately targeted the journalists and obstructed rescue teams. While the IDF maintains they were striking Hezbollah-linked threats, press freedom groups are calling for an immediate international inquiry.
In a sudden move that has rattled the Pentagon, Navy Secretary John Phelan has stepped down effective immediately. Phelan, a key Trump appointee from the private sector, exits just as the US Navy maintains a high-stakes blockade in the Strait of Hormuz following Iran's seizure of two vessels. Navy veteran Hung Cao steps in as acting lead, signaling a potential shift toward more aggressive military cultural reforms.
A Board of Audit and Inspection report released Wednesday has identified an "unusual desire for keepsakes" as the root cause of a 2021 collision between two South Korean F-15K fighter jets. The investigation found that a wingman pilot abruptly climbed and inverted his jet to get a better photo of his colleague, leading to a crash that cost 880 million won in repairs. The pilot, now a commercial aviator, has been ordered to pay a portion of the damages.
In a major blow to Nepal's month-old anti-corruption government, Home Minister Sudan Gurung resigned Wednesday. A key leader of the 2025 Gen-Z protests, Gurung stepped down following public outcry over his asset disclosures—including over 1kg of gold—and alleged founder-level shares in firms linked to money-laundering suspect Deepak Bhatta. Prime Minister Balendra Shah has assumed temporary oversight of the ministry as calls for a parliamentary inquiry grow.
