Iran Under Blockade, Oil Near $200, Italy Cuts Ties with Israel: international news

CARIBBEAN

Saint Lucia: warning over $200 oil scenario

Prime Minister Phillip J. Pierre warned of a “horrendous” impact if oil prices reach $200 per barrel. He stressed that small island economies would be severely affected, with national budgets unprepared for such a shock.

LATIN AMERICA

Venezuela: call for lifting U.S. sanctions

Venezuelan leader Delcy Rodríguez urged the United States to lift sanctions, arguing that current licenses do not provide long-term legal or economic stability.

UNITED STATES

Iran: full blockade of ports implemented

The United States has fully enforced a maritime blockade on Iranian ports, deploying thousands of troops and military assets. The move escalates tensions and threatens global trade through the Strait of Hormuz.

Pacific: fourth strike on suspected drug vessel

U.S. forces carried out another strike on a suspected drug trafficking boat, killing four people. The campaign continues to raise legal and ethical concerns.

Migrants: court halts contempt investigation

A U.S. appeals court has ended legal proceedings against the administration of Donald Trump over deportation flights of Venezuelan migrants, drawing criticism from civil rights groups.

CANADA

Allies call for urgent ceasefire in Lebanon

Canada, alongside several allies including the UK and Japan, called for an immediate end to hostilities in Lebanon amid worsening humanitarian conditions.

EUROPE

Italy: suspends military cooperation with Israel

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the suspension of a defense agreement with Israel, signaling a significant diplomatic shift.

Portugal: rejects idea of EU army

Portugal reaffirmed its commitment to NATO and rejected the creation of a separate European army, highlighting divisions within Europe’s defense strategy.

MIDDLE EAST

Israel and Lebanon hold historic direct talks

For the first time in decades, Israel and Lebanon held direct diplomatic talks in Washington. Despite this step forward, clashes continue and the humanitarian situation remains critical.

AFRICA

DR Congo: civilians trapped by violence

According to Human Rights Watch, civilians in eastern DR Congo are caught between armed groups, facing forced recruitment and restricted access to aid.

Sudan: world’s worst humanitarian crisis

The United Nations has described the war in Sudan as the largest humanitarian crisis globally, with millions displaced and widespread human rights abuses.

Cherline Ades.