1 day ago
Ocean Power Technologies Inc (NYSE-A:OPTT) reported first-quarter fiscal 2027 revenue of $1.7 million, up 44% from a year earlier, as the company expanded its work with US defense and security customers and moved forward with a strategic review process.
Ocean Power Technologies ran three PowerBuoy systems off Southern California for a U.S. Department of Homeland Security maritime domain awareness program, integrated with Anduril's Lattice platform and including a deployment beyond 1,000 meters depth, calling it the company's largest deployment and recurring revenue contract to date.
Ocean Power Technologies also deployed a PowerBuoy system off New Jersey for Rutgers University and delivered a WAM-V unmanned surface vehicle to Stevens Institute of Technology within five weeks of receiving the order.
The company demonstrated autonomous docking, charging and redeployment of a WAM-V, a capability it is working to integrate with the PowerBuoy platform to support longer autonomous missions. It also acquired subsea developmental technology ****** ets from Columbia Power Technologies, extending its capabilities from the ocean surface to the seabed.
Ocean Power Technologies achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2 compliance, positioning it to pursue defense programs requiring protection of controlled unclassified information. After the quarter ended, the company was selected as one of six potential awardees under a $40 million multiple-award contract supporting the Naval Oceanographic Office, creating an opportunity to compete for ocean-floor mapping task orders using unmanned surface vehicles.
#ocean #power #technologies #powerbuoy
Ocean Power Technologies ran three PowerBuoy systems off Southern California for a U.S. Department of Homeland Security maritime domain awareness program, integrated with Anduril's Lattice platform and including a deployment beyond 1,000 meters depth, calling it the company's largest deployment and recurring revenue contract to date.
Ocean Power Technologies also deployed a PowerBuoy system off New Jersey for Rutgers University and delivered a WAM-V unmanned surface vehicle to Stevens Institute of Technology within five weeks of receiving the order.
The company demonstrated autonomous docking, charging and redeployment of a WAM-V, a capability it is working to integrate with the PowerBuoy platform to support longer autonomous missions. It also acquired subsea developmental technology ****** ets from Columbia Power Technologies, extending its capabilities from the ocean surface to the seabed.
Ocean Power Technologies achieved Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification Level 2 compliance, positioning it to pursue defense programs requiring protection of controlled unclassified information. After the quarter ended, the company was selected as one of six potential awardees under a $40 million multiple-award contract supporting the Naval Oceanographic Office, creating an opportunity to compete for ocean-floor mapping task orders using unmanned surface vehicles.
#ocean #power #technologies #powerbuoy
1 day ago
Iran is deliberately targeting U.S. naval drones in the Strait of Hormuz to gather intelligence on American surveillance capabilities and learn how to evade U.S. defenses, drone experts warned Tuesday.
Tehran's strategy is coordinated, they said, and involves exposing critical insights into U.S. Navy theater operations in the world's most vulnerable maritime choke point even when classified data is uncompromised.
The warning came as tensions escalated in the Gulf region Sept. 14 after the U.S. military destroyed two Iranian small boats amid an attempted seizure by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of an American unmanned surface vessel (USV) patrolling the area, according to reports.
Us Military Attacks Iran In 'Self-defense Strikes' Over Weekend
A cargo ship sails in the Persian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz, Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
#Iran #sept
Tehran's strategy is coordinated, they said, and involves exposing critical insights into U.S. Navy theater operations in the world's most vulnerable maritime choke point even when classified data is uncompromised.
The warning came as tensions escalated in the Gulf region Sept. 14 after the U.S. military destroyed two Iranian small boats amid an attempted seizure by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) of an American unmanned surface vessel (USV) patrolling the area, according to reports.
Us Military Attacks Iran In 'Self-defense Strikes' Over Weekend
A cargo ship sails in the Persian Gulf toward the Strait of Hormuz, Wednesday, April 22, 2026.
#Iran #sept
3 days ago
On September 10, Tsakos Energy Navigation (NYSE:TEN) reported a first half of 2026 that reads like a fantasy year for a decades-old tanker operator. Net income hit $228 million, more than triple what the company earned over the same six months a year earlier, while diluted EPS climbed to $7.12 from $1.70. Behind those numbers sits a rare combination: a fleet locked into billions in forward earnings, war-driven cargo detours pushing rates higher, and a newbuilding bet that has already paid off before half the ships have even hit the water.
The earnings power came from two directions at once. The average time charter equivalent rate rose 41% to $43,503 a day in the first half, and profit-sharing contracts on nine large vessels brought in $71 million, up from just $10 million a year earlier. Even with six vessels pulled from service for scheduled dry docks, the fleet still ran at 96.5% utilization. Second-quarter results followed the same pattern, with net income of $139.3 million, which included a $38 million gain on ******* et sales, and earnings per share of $4.40 against $0.67 in last year's second quarter.
Tsakos is also sitting on a fleet renewal bet that already worked out. Since the start of 2023, the company has sold 20 tankers averaging 17.3 years old and replaced them with 35 vessels averaging just half a year old. Its 26-ship newbuilding program, contracted for about $3.1 billion, is now valued roughly 30% above that cost, and CEO Nikolas Tsakos said the VLCCs in that order book have nearly doubled in price since they were placed. With $466 million in cash and forward committed earnings of roughly $3.5 billion, management has room to raise its dividend, which already paid out $1.60 per share this year, and is weighing whether to redeem $120 million of 9.25% preferred shares, a move it estimates could add $0.30 to $0.40 to EPS.
That performance came against a backdrop the company would rather not have. President George Saroglou said vessels have been attacked, and seafarers hurt or killed trying to keep global trade moving through the Strait of Hormuz, where a ceasefire unraveled roughly halfway through its planned 60-day run and a US naval presence now tries to manage safe passage. Tsakos has chosen to route around the strait entirely rather than put crews through the toll those attacks take.
The cost side is climbing too. Bunker prices jumped about 25%, pushing first-half voyage expenses to $82 million from $68 million, and operating expenses rose to $111 million from $102 million on higher dry-docking costs and inflation. Total debt reached $2.1 billion at the end of June, up from $1.8 billion a year earlier, as the company finances its newbuilding program. And while profit-sharing revenue jumped, the operating days tied to those market-related contracts actually fell 22%, meaning a smaller slice of the fleet is left exposed to capture further spot-rate gains if the tanker market keeps running hot.
#billion
The earnings power came from two directions at once. The average time charter equivalent rate rose 41% to $43,503 a day in the first half, and profit-sharing contracts on nine large vessels brought in $71 million, up from just $10 million a year earlier. Even with six vessels pulled from service for scheduled dry docks, the fleet still ran at 96.5% utilization. Second-quarter results followed the same pattern, with net income of $139.3 million, which included a $38 million gain on ******* et sales, and earnings per share of $4.40 against $0.67 in last year's second quarter.
Tsakos is also sitting on a fleet renewal bet that already worked out. Since the start of 2023, the company has sold 20 tankers averaging 17.3 years old and replaced them with 35 vessels averaging just half a year old. Its 26-ship newbuilding program, contracted for about $3.1 billion, is now valued roughly 30% above that cost, and CEO Nikolas Tsakos said the VLCCs in that order book have nearly doubled in price since they were placed. With $466 million in cash and forward committed earnings of roughly $3.5 billion, management has room to raise its dividend, which already paid out $1.60 per share this year, and is weighing whether to redeem $120 million of 9.25% preferred shares, a move it estimates could add $0.30 to $0.40 to EPS.
That performance came against a backdrop the company would rather not have. President George Saroglou said vessels have been attacked, and seafarers hurt or killed trying to keep global trade moving through the Strait of Hormuz, where a ceasefire unraveled roughly halfway through its planned 60-day run and a US naval presence now tries to manage safe passage. Tsakos has chosen to route around the strait entirely rather than put crews through the toll those attacks take.
The cost side is climbing too. Bunker prices jumped about 25%, pushing first-half voyage expenses to $82 million from $68 million, and operating expenses rose to $111 million from $102 million on higher dry-docking costs and inflation. Total debt reached $2.1 billion at the end of June, up from $1.8 billion a year earlier, as the company finances its newbuilding program. And while profit-sharing revenue jumped, the operating days tied to those market-related contracts actually fell 22%, meaning a smaller slice of the fleet is left exposed to capture further spot-rate gains if the tanker market keeps running hot.
#billion
6 days ago
September S&P 500 E-Mini futures (ESU26) are down -0.15%, and September Nasdaq 100 E-Mini futures (NQU26) are down -0.66% this morning as rising oil prices and bond yields weigh on investor sentiment ahead of crucial U.S. producer inflation data and earnings from debt-loaded AI hyperscaler Oracle.
Oil prices extended their advance on Thursday as escalating attacks between the U.S. and Iran risked prolonging disruptions to energy flows in the Middle East. Brent crude rose above $103 a barrel, while WTI crude climbed above $99 a barrel. A senior Iranian official said on Wednesday that Tehran has no plans to back down in the face of an American naval blockade and will intensify its strikes if the U.S. continues attacking its territory. Also, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard warned on Wednesday of additional restrictions on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said the war with Iran would not end until after the November midterm elections.
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RKLB Stock Jumps as Rocket Lab Debuts New Solar Cell for ****** e
#Iran
Oil prices extended their advance on Thursday as escalating attacks between the U.S. and Iran risked prolonging disruptions to energy flows in the Middle East. Brent crude rose above $103 a barrel, while WTI crude climbed above $99 a barrel. A senior Iranian official said on Wednesday that Tehran has no plans to back down in the face of an American naval blockade and will intensify its strikes if the U.S. continues attacking its territory. Also, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard warned on Wednesday of additional restrictions on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump said the war with Iran would not end until after the November midterm elections.
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RKLB Stock Jumps as Rocket Lab Debuts New Solar Cell for ****** e
#Iran
7 days ago
Princess Catharina-Amalia has traded palace surroundings for naval waters as she begins the latest chapter of her military training.
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#traded
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#traded
7 days ago
Iran is increasingly using cryptocurrencies to settle cross-border trade as the country faces intensifying U.S. sanctions and a naval blockade, the Financial Times reported on Sep. 8.
A cryptocurrency is a digital currency that runs on a blockchain, a shared public ledger, allowing money to move across borders without passing through the traditional banking system.
The country's central bank has in recent months quietly eased its strict foreign currency controls, encouraging businesses to bring funds back into the country through whatever channels are available, including crypto exchanges that handle Tether's USDT and Bitcoin (BTC), citing regime insiders, business executives and **** ysts, the report said.
Tether's USDT is a stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency designed to hold a steady value against the U.S. dollar, making it useful for trade settlements.
Bitcoin is the world's first and largest decentralized cryptocurrency which has seen a wild appreciation in its value since its launch in 2009.
#trade #Iran
A cryptocurrency is a digital currency that runs on a blockchain, a shared public ledger, allowing money to move across borders without passing through the traditional banking system.
The country's central bank has in recent months quietly eased its strict foreign currency controls, encouraging businesses to bring funds back into the country through whatever channels are available, including crypto exchanges that handle Tether's USDT and Bitcoin (BTC), citing regime insiders, business executives and **** ysts, the report said.
Tether's USDT is a stablecoin, a type of cryptocurrency designed to hold a steady value against the U.S. dollar, making it useful for trade settlements.
Bitcoin is the world's first and largest decentralized cryptocurrency which has seen a wild appreciation in its value since its launch in 2009.
#trade #Iran
10 days ago
CAIRO (AP) — The new head of Iran's Supreme National Security Council on Sunday said Tehran plans to announce an "exclusion zone" outside the Strait of Hormuz aimed at vessels it believes are attempting to transit the waterway.
Mohsen Rezaei's comments to Iran's state broadcaster came with few details, a day after the U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Tehran launching ballistic missiles at U.S. warships. Experts called the launches a dangerous escalation after Iran's previous attacks at sea targeted commercial shipping.
The new zone should be announced in the coming days and weeks and "will begin from the line of the U.S. naval blockade, extend toward the Strait of Hormuz, and from this side continue into the Persian Gulf," Rezaei said. "Any ship that enters this area with the intention of passing through the Strait of Hormuz and is identified will be placed on our sanctions list."
It is not clear where Iran defines the location of the weekslong U.S. blockade, which is aimed at Iranian ports and keeping Tehran from shipping out its oil. The U.S. military has said over 20 warships are supporting the blockade, which as of Sunday had redirected 92 commercial ships and disabled three.
The U.S. has been introducing new measures to increase the economic pain on Iran after negotiations collapsed and no end to the intermittent fighting appears in sight. Meanwhile, Iran continues to attack some ships trying to transit the strait, which has become an important source of leverage for Tehran in the war that began Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes.
#strait
Mohsen Rezaei's comments to Iran's state broadcaster came with few details, a day after the U.S. struck three Iranian oil tankers in response to Tehran launching ballistic missiles at U.S. warships. Experts called the launches a dangerous escalation after Iran's previous attacks at sea targeted commercial shipping.
The new zone should be announced in the coming days and weeks and "will begin from the line of the U.S. naval blockade, extend toward the Strait of Hormuz, and from this side continue into the Persian Gulf," Rezaei said. "Any ship that enters this area with the intention of passing through the Strait of Hormuz and is identified will be placed on our sanctions list."
It is not clear where Iran defines the location of the weekslong U.S. blockade, which is aimed at Iranian ports and keeping Tehran from shipping out its oil. The U.S. military has said over 20 warships are supporting the blockade, which as of Sunday had redirected 92 commercial ships and disabled three.
The U.S. has been introducing new measures to increase the economic pain on Iran after negotiations collapsed and no end to the intermittent fighting appears in sight. Meanwhile, Iran continues to attack some ships trying to transit the strait, which has become an important source of leverage for Tehran in the war that began Feb. 28 with U.S. and Israeli strikes.
#strait
11 days ago
Iran's regime maintains an iron grip on power but still can't ignore the impact of U.S. economic warfare, which is getting even tougher.
That extends even to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who hasn't been seen in public since the U.S.-Israeli strike on Feb. 28 that killed his father.
In a written statement issued late last month, he banned Iranian officials from "committing anything that harms social cohesion" and urged them to avoid any "discouraging statements that weaken national and public motivation," according to Reuters.
That's as economic hardship and long lines at gas stations have already stirred some fresh protests, though not at the massive scale that was seen in January.
Still, a currency collapse last year and high inflation triggered widespread unrest, and the regime slaughtered thousands in a brutal crackdown. Since then, the rial has plunged to new lows and economic conditions have worsened due to the U.S. war and naval blockade.
#economic #supreme
That extends even to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who hasn't been seen in public since the U.S.-Israeli strike on Feb. 28 that killed his father.
In a written statement issued late last month, he banned Iranian officials from "committing anything that harms social cohesion" and urged them to avoid any "discouraging statements that weaken national and public motivation," according to Reuters.
That's as economic hardship and long lines at gas stations have already stirred some fresh protests, though not at the massive scale that was seen in January.
Still, a currency collapse last year and high inflation triggered widespread unrest, and the regime slaughtered thousands in a brutal crackdown. Since then, the rial has plunged to new lows and economic conditions have worsened due to the U.S. war and naval blockade.
#economic #supreme
13 days ago
With a market cap of $98.5 billion, General Dynamics Corporation (GD) is a global aerospace and defense company that delivers advanced products and services across air, land, sea, ******* e, and cyber domains. It operates through four segments: Aerospace, Marine Systems, Combat Systems, and Technologies, serving military, government, and commercial customers worldwide.
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as "large-cap" stocks, and General Dynamics fits this criterion perfectly. The company is known for producing business jets, building nuclear-powered submarines and naval ships, manufacturing land combat vehicles and weapons systems, and providing cutting-edge IT, cybersecurity, and mission-support solutions.
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#systems #billion #business #company
Companies valued at $10 billion or more are generally classified as "large-cap" stocks, and General Dynamics fits this criterion perfectly. The company is known for producing business jets, building nuclear-powered submarines and naval ships, manufacturing land combat vehicles and weapons systems, and providing cutting-edge IT, cybersecurity, and mission-support solutions.
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#systems #billion #business #company
13 days ago
Chinese refiners are paying a hefty premium for Russia's ESPO crude to replace Iranian crude that independent refiners were importing before the U.S. installed its naval blockade on the country.
East Siberia-Pacific Ocean crude, or ESPO, for delivery in November is trading at a premium of over $7 per barrel, with offers reaching as high as $10 per barrel over Brent crude, Bloomberg reported today, citing traders. The blend is loaded from Russia's Far East coast and can reach the buyers in China in less than a week, the publication noted.
China is the biggest buyer of ESPO crude, with a market share of 83% for the first seven months of the year. However, this share is down from 88% a year earlier. The change came amid stronger ESPO buying from Indian refiners, whose market share for the Far Eastern Russian crude blend went up from 12% to 16% for the first seven months of the year, according to data from Kpler and Vortexa. Total oil exports from Russia's Far Eastern port of Kozmino ticked up by 6% over the first seven months of the year.
India raised its ESPO imports due to the slump in overall Chinese oil imports between May and June, and the supply disruptions in the Middle East, which delayed many term cargoes Indian refiners were expecting in the early summer.
Normally, Indian refiners prefer the Urals blend but have now warmed up to ESPO even though it takes longer to reach its destinations in India and is costlier than Urals. However, the Far Eastern blend is a good backup option for Indian buyers in times of disruption, according to energy ***** ysts.
#year
East Siberia-Pacific Ocean crude, or ESPO, for delivery in November is trading at a premium of over $7 per barrel, with offers reaching as high as $10 per barrel over Brent crude, Bloomberg reported today, citing traders. The blend is loaded from Russia's Far East coast and can reach the buyers in China in less than a week, the publication noted.
China is the biggest buyer of ESPO crude, with a market share of 83% for the first seven months of the year. However, this share is down from 88% a year earlier. The change came amid stronger ESPO buying from Indian refiners, whose market share for the Far Eastern Russian crude blend went up from 12% to 16% for the first seven months of the year, according to data from Kpler and Vortexa. Total oil exports from Russia's Far Eastern port of Kozmino ticked up by 6% over the first seven months of the year.
India raised its ESPO imports due to the slump in overall Chinese oil imports between May and June, and the supply disruptions in the Middle East, which delayed many term cargoes Indian refiners were expecting in the early summer.
Normally, Indian refiners prefer the Urals blend but have now warmed up to ESPO even though it takes longer to reach its destinations in India and is costlier than Urals. However, the Far Eastern blend is a good backup option for Indian buyers in times of disruption, according to energy ***** ysts.
#year
15 days ago
Oil prices surged Tuesday following U.S. military action against Iranian targets in the Strait of Hormuz, a retaliatory move after Tehran launched overnight attacks on vessels passing through the waterway.
The November Brent crude contract jumped 3.8% to $94.36 a barrel, a level not seen in nearly two weeks. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, gained 4.3% to $89.46 a barrel for the October delivery contract, a move that would mark its best close in more than a month.
The afternoon rally built on momentum that had already been building since the morning session, with settlement data for both benchmarks sourced from Dow Jones Market Data.
The strikes mark a renewed escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been the site of ongoing conflict. The U.S. and Iran had signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17, but that agreement collapsed almost immediately. Since then, Iran has demanded sanctions relief and an end to the U.S. naval blockade before the waterway can reopen, while Washington has maintained the blockade rather than conducting additional airstrikes — until Tuesday.
The Hormuz disruptions have taken a significant toll on global oil supply. The International Energy Agency cut its 2026 global oil supply forecast to 102 million barrels per day in August, a decline of 4.3 million barrels per day on the year, citing the breakdown of the ceasefire and a renewed closure of the strait. Middle East oil loadings had briefly touched 20 million barrels per day in early July before retreating to roughly 12 million barrels per day as attacks on tankers and energy infrastructure resumed. The IEA projected the global oil market would show a deficit of 1.8 million barrels per day in the third quarter of 2026.
#million #strait #global #market
The November Brent crude contract jumped 3.8% to $94.36 a barrel, a level not seen in nearly two weeks. West Texas Intermediate, the U.S. benchmark, gained 4.3% to $89.46 a barrel for the October delivery contract, a move that would mark its best close in more than a month.
The afternoon rally built on momentum that had already been building since the morning session, with settlement data for both benchmarks sourced from Dow Jones Market Data.
The strikes mark a renewed escalation in the Strait of Hormuz, which has been the site of ongoing conflict. The U.S. and Iran had signed a memorandum of understanding on June 17, but that agreement collapsed almost immediately. Since then, Iran has demanded sanctions relief and an end to the U.S. naval blockade before the waterway can reopen, while Washington has maintained the blockade rather than conducting additional airstrikes — until Tuesday.
The Hormuz disruptions have taken a significant toll on global oil supply. The International Energy Agency cut its 2026 global oil supply forecast to 102 million barrels per day in August, a decline of 4.3 million barrels per day on the year, citing the breakdown of the ceasefire and a renewed closure of the strait. Middle East oil loadings had briefly touched 20 million barrels per day in early July before retreating to roughly 12 million barrels per day as attacks on tankers and energy infrastructure resumed. The IEA projected the global oil market would show a deficit of 1.8 million barrels per day in the third quarter of 2026.
#million #strait #global #market
16 days ago
By Ahmad Ghaddar, Enes Tunagur and Robert Harvey
LONDON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - For the first time on record, Iran has gone about seven weeks without shipping meaningful crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz, as a U.S. naval blockade succeeds where years of sanctions failed by cutting off one of Tehran's main sources of foreign-currency earnings.
Unlike previous sanctions campaigns, when Iranian crude continued reaching buyers despite restrictions, the current blockade has stopped fresh crude cargoes reaching China, Tehran's only major remaining oil customer, increasing pressure on government finances and foreign-currency reserves.
Since the U.S. reinstated its blockade on Iran on July 14 as part of their six-month conflict, no Iranian crude cargoes have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz to China, according to Kpler, Vortexa and TankerTrackers.com.
As a result, Iran can only sell crude to China from floating storage in Asia, which it cannot replenish as crude accumulates aboard tankers inside the strait.
#crude #Iran #strait #sanctions
LONDON, Sept 1 (Reuters) - For the first time on record, Iran has gone about seven weeks without shipping meaningful crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz, as a U.S. naval blockade succeeds where years of sanctions failed by cutting off one of Tehran's main sources of foreign-currency earnings.
Unlike previous sanctions campaigns, when Iranian crude continued reaching buyers despite restrictions, the current blockade has stopped fresh crude cargoes reaching China, Tehran's only major remaining oil customer, increasing pressure on government finances and foreign-currency reserves.
Since the U.S. reinstated its blockade on Iran on July 14 as part of their six-month conflict, no Iranian crude cargoes have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz to China, according to Kpler, Vortexa and TankerTrackers.com.
As a result, Iran can only sell crude to China from floating storage in Asia, which it cannot replenish as crude accumulates aboard tankers inside the strait.
#crude #Iran #strait #sanctions
20 days ago
As King Haakon of Norway ascends the throne after the death of his father, the former naval officer must steer a royal family in crisis towards calmer shores.
The King, 53, has endured a string of royal scandals in recent years linked to his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby; his wife Mette-Marit, now the Queen; and his sister, Martha-Louise.
Opinion polls suggest there is a crisis of confidence in the royal family. A survey found that one in three Norwegians wanted the monarchy to be abolished upon the death of King Harald.
The most damaging revelations have centred on Borg Høiby, 29, the new King's stepson, who was convicted of rape and ***** ault in June and sentenced to four years in prison.
The new King, centre, adopted Marius Høiby Borg, left, when he was young - Nigel Waldron/Getty Images
#haakon
The King, 53, has endured a string of royal scandals in recent years linked to his stepson, Marius Borg Høiby; his wife Mette-Marit, now the Queen; and his sister, Martha-Louise.
Opinion polls suggest there is a crisis of confidence in the royal family. A survey found that one in three Norwegians wanted the monarchy to be abolished upon the death of King Harald.
The most damaging revelations have centred on Borg Høiby, 29, the new King's stepson, who was convicted of rape and ***** ault in June and sentenced to four years in prison.
The new King, centre, adopted Marius Høiby Borg, left, when he was young - Nigel Waldron/Getty Images
#haakon
21 days ago
Running from February through November, the NASCAR season can be long, grueling and unforgivable for its drivers, full of twists and turns, ups and downs.
It's been that way for Tyler Reddick this year.
The 30-year-old from Corning, California, started the year on an absolute tear and made history, becoming the first driver to win the first three races of the season. When he took consecutive checkered flags at Daytona, Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas, he did something that not even legends of this sport – such as Richard Petty or Dale Earnhardt – had accomplished.
By mid-April, Reddick had won five of the first nine races of the season, and most fans ****** umed he was going to ride that momentum all year and win his first championship in the Cup Series by a wide margin. Heading into June, Reddick still remained first in points with a comfortable lead.
Then the bad days started to pile up. His No. 45 Toyota got caught in a multi-car crash at Michigan and he didn't finish. Two weeks later in the street course race at Naval Base Coronado, Reddick was battling with teammate Corey Heim for the lead with less than three laps to go, then blew his left front tire and settled for a 25th-place finish.
#first #started #three #lead
It's been that way for Tyler Reddick this year.
The 30-year-old from Corning, California, started the year on an absolute tear and made history, becoming the first driver to win the first three races of the season. When he took consecutive checkered flags at Daytona, Atlanta and Circuit of the Americas, he did something that not even legends of this sport – such as Richard Petty or Dale Earnhardt – had accomplished.
By mid-April, Reddick had won five of the first nine races of the season, and most fans ****** umed he was going to ride that momentum all year and win his first championship in the Cup Series by a wide margin. Heading into June, Reddick still remained first in points with a comfortable lead.
Then the bad days started to pile up. His No. 45 Toyota got caught in a multi-car crash at Michigan and he didn't finish. Two weeks later in the street course race at Naval Base Coronado, Reddick was battling with teammate Corey Heim for the lead with less than three laps to go, then blew his left front tire and settled for a 25th-place finish.
#first #started #three #lead
23 days ago
The August full moon, commonly known as the sturgeon moon, is almost here, and this year, it will coincide with a partial lunar eclipse.
Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, who is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, businesses, and online influencers, spoke to "Good Morning America" about what the August full moon and lunar eclipse could mean for each zodiac sign.
But first, here's what to know about this month's sturgeon moon.
Next week's partial lunar eclipse caps off a busy month of celestial splendor
The sturgeon moon will reach its full phase at 12:18 a.m. ET on Aug. 28, or 9:18 p.m. PT on Aug. 27, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.
#full #sturgeon #lunar
Celebrity astrologer Kyle Thomas, who is known for his cosmic guidance for celebrities, businesses, and online influencers, spoke to "Good Morning America" about what the August full moon and lunar eclipse could mean for each zodiac sign.
But first, here's what to know about this month's sturgeon moon.
Next week's partial lunar eclipse caps off a busy month of celestial splendor
The sturgeon moon will reach its full phase at 12:18 a.m. ET on Aug. 28, or 9:18 p.m. PT on Aug. 27, according to the U.S. Naval Observatory.
#full #sturgeon #lunar
25 days ago
The Steelers have made a couple of signings on Monday.
Pittsburgh announced the club has signed cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau and running back Alex Tecza.
Both players entered the league as undrafted free agents in the spring. Guilbeau played his college ball at Texas while Tecza was at the Naval Academy.
Additionally, the Steelers formally activated defensive back Jalen Ramsey off of the physically unable to perform list.
As a corresponding move, the team placed Israel Mukuamu on injured reserve. Pittsburgh already had a roster spot open after letting go of kicker Laith Marjan.
#pittsburgh #Monday #alex #naval
Pittsburgh announced the club has signed cornerback Jaylon Guilbeau and running back Alex Tecza.
Both players entered the league as undrafted free agents in the spring. Guilbeau played his college ball at Texas while Tecza was at the Naval Academy.
Additionally, the Steelers formally activated defensive back Jalen Ramsey off of the physically unable to perform list.
As a corresponding move, the team placed Israel Mukuamu on injured reserve. Pittsburgh already had a roster spot open after letting go of kicker Laith Marjan.
#pittsburgh #Monday #alex #naval
25 days ago
BANGKOK (AP) — World shares were mostly lower and oil prices slipped on Monday at the outset of a week capped by an annual meeting of top U.S. economic officials at Jackson Hole, Wyoming.
Iran's currency hit a record low as the U.S. prepared to announce new sanctions to try to break the impasse with Iran, adding pressure when its economy is already battered by earlier sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade.
The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar on informal currency markets. Iran's official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rial to the dollar, but the informal rate is what most Iranians pay.
In early European trading, Germany's DAX edged 0.1% lower to 26,110.79, while the CAC 40 in Paris also gave up 0.1%, to 8,474.35. Britain's FTSE 100 inched up 0.1% to 10,831.33.
The future for the S&P 500 was down 0.2%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1%.
#lower #sanctions #rial #million
Iran's currency hit a record low as the U.S. prepared to announce new sanctions to try to break the impasse with Iran, adding pressure when its economy is already battered by earlier sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade.
The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar on informal currency markets. Iran's official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rial to the dollar, but the informal rate is what most Iranians pay.
In early European trading, Germany's DAX edged 0.1% lower to 26,110.79, while the CAC 40 in Paris also gave up 0.1%, to 8,474.35. Britain's FTSE 100 inched up 0.1% to 10,831.33.
The future for the S&P 500 was down 0.2%, while that for the Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.1%.
#lower #sanctions #rial #million
25 days ago
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran's currency hit a record low Monday as Washington prepared to announce new sanctions it said would be an "economic D-Day" and would add further pressure on an economy already battered by previous sanctions and a U.S. naval blockade.
The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar as trading opened on informal currency markets. Iran's official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rial to the dollar, but the informal rate is what most Iranians pay.
The currency had already been under pressure before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, with double-digit inflation and negative growth, but has been hitting new record lows as nearly six months of war have taken an even greater toll.
Still, U.S. President Donald Trump has been unable to win concessions from Iran, which continues to keep a firm grip on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway through which a fifth of the world's traded oil transited freely before the war began. Iranian attacks and threats have severely hampered that traffic during the war.
Iran and Oman, which is on the opposite side of the strait, are reportedly in the final stages of agreeing upon a plan for joint management of the waterway, which regional officials have said would include having ships to enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman.
#Oman #strait #sanctions
The rial dropped to 2.02 million to the U.S. dollar as trading opened on informal currency markets. Iran's official Central Bank rate stood at around 1.5 million rial to the dollar, but the informal rate is what most Iranians pay.
The currency had already been under pressure before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on Feb. 28, with double-digit inflation and negative growth, but has been hitting new record lows as nearly six months of war have taken an even greater toll.
Still, U.S. President Donald Trump has been unable to win concessions from Iran, which continues to keep a firm grip on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the key waterway through which a fifth of the world's traded oil transited freely before the war began. Iranian attacks and threats have severely hampered that traffic during the war.
Iran and Oman, which is on the opposite side of the strait, are reportedly in the final stages of agreeing upon a plan for joint management of the waterway, which regional officials have said would include having ships to enter the Persian Gulf through an Iranian-controlled route and exit through a route controlled by Oman.
#Oman #strait #sanctions
1 month ago
By Parisa Hafezi
DUBAI, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Iran will escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and beyond, and launch an attack if the U.S. fails to implement an interim peace deal fully in a matter of weeks, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday.
If the U.S. does not meet that deadline and diplomacy fails, Tehran would conduct a "timely and precise" military attack to break the U.S. naval blockade on the Islamic Republic, the official added.
Diplomatic efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to talks under a June agreement have stalled in recent weeks.
Iran's foreign minister has said the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the U.S. first returns to the deal, while the U.S. Treasury Secretary has warned of unprecedented economic isolation for Iran.
#Iran #tehran #fails
DUBAI, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Iran will escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and beyond, and launch an attack if the U.S. fails to implement an interim peace deal fully in a matter of weeks, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday.
If the U.S. does not meet that deadline and diplomacy fails, Tehran would conduct a "timely and precise" military attack to break the U.S. naval blockade on the Islamic Republic, the official added.
Diplomatic efforts to bring Tehran and Washington back to talks under a June agreement have stalled in recent weeks.
Iran's foreign minister has said the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the U.S. first returns to the deal, while the U.S. Treasury Secretary has warned of unprecedented economic isolation for Iran.
#Iran #tehran #fails
1 month ago
By Parisa Hafezi and Katharine Jackson
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Iran has decided to shift its policy from defensive to "fully offensive" due to the deadlock in efforts to agree a permanent end to its war with the United States, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday.
Progress towards peace talks and a resumption of oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has ground to a halt, with no sign that the warring parties are moving towards ending the conflict that the U.S. and Israel launched on February 28.
"Iranian entities must be prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region, as Iran will be ready to make decisions and take action on difficult decisions," the Iranian official said, adding that Tehran would conduct a "timely and precise" military attack to break the U.S. naval blockade if diplomacy failed.
There was no immediate response to those comments from Washington, but U.S. President Donald Trump said in a phone interview with Fox News on Monday that Iran "should put up the white flag of surrender".
#Iran #washington #Monday #hormuz
DUBAI/WASHINGTON, Aug 17 (Reuters) - Iran has decided to shift its policy from defensive to "fully offensive" due to the deadlock in efforts to agree a permanent end to its war with the United States, a senior Iranian official told Reuters on Monday.
Progress towards peace talks and a resumption of oil tanker traffic through the strategic Strait of Hormuz has ground to a halt, with no sign that the warring parties are moving towards ending the conflict that the U.S. and Israel launched on February 28.
"Iranian entities must be prepared to escalate tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and wider region, as Iran will be ready to make decisions and take action on difficult decisions," the Iranian official said, adding that Tehran would conduct a "timely and precise" military attack to break the U.S. naval blockade if diplomacy failed.
There was no immediate response to those comments from Washington, but U.S. President Donald Trump said in a phone interview with Fox News on Monday that Iran "should put up the white flag of surrender".
#Iran #washington #Monday #hormuz
1 month ago
On August 6, Curtiss-Wright (NYSE:CW) held its second quarter 2026 earnings call and reported that the company's sales climbed 5% year-over-year to $924 million, but the real story was underneath. Operating income grew 12%, more than double the pace of revenue, pushing margins up 110 basis points, and free cash flow jumped 37% to $160 million. Management liked what it saw enough to raise full-year guidance across the board, and that raise is worth digging into.
Orders are the clearest signal here. Second quarter bookings rose 8%, giving Curtiss-Wright a book-to-bill above 1.1x, and year-to-date orders are up 12% against 9% sales growth, a book-to-bill above 1.2x, usually a preview of what revenue looks like a few quarters out. Defense Electronics led the charge, with orders up nearly 50% year-over-year in the quarter and more than 30% year-to-date, fueled by turret drive stabilization systems for international ground vehicles and tactical communications gear for the US Army, Marine Corps and Air Force.
The Aerospace & Industrial segment stood out, with sales up 12%, operating income up 25% and margin expansion of 180 basis points, helped by demand for actuation equipment on the Army's IFPC program. Naval & Power is leaning on submarine production timing and the CVN-81 carrier program, with full-year sales guidance there raised to 7% to 9% growth.
Commercial nuclear is the multi-year lever management keeps pointing to. In June 2026, the Department of Energy issued a conditional $17.5 billion loan commitment for up to 10 new Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, and Curtiss-Wright's reactor coolant pumps are expected to be among the long-lead equipment purchased. A DOE launch customer toured the company's operations in July 2026 and came away impressed, and management expects an AP1000 order before year-end.
Not every segment cooperated. Defense Electronics sales fell 3% as tactical communications orders shifted timing, though the segment still posted a 28% operating margin. Naval & Power orders also declined year over year, driven by the timing of submarine defense orders, a reminder that this business runs on lumpy government contracts.
#year
Orders are the clearest signal here. Second quarter bookings rose 8%, giving Curtiss-Wright a book-to-bill above 1.1x, and year-to-date orders are up 12% against 9% sales growth, a book-to-bill above 1.2x, usually a preview of what revenue looks like a few quarters out. Defense Electronics led the charge, with orders up nearly 50% year-over-year in the quarter and more than 30% year-to-date, fueled by turret drive stabilization systems for international ground vehicles and tactical communications gear for the US Army, Marine Corps and Air Force.
The Aerospace & Industrial segment stood out, with sales up 12%, operating income up 25% and margin expansion of 180 basis points, helped by demand for actuation equipment on the Army's IFPC program. Naval & Power is leaning on submarine production timing and the CVN-81 carrier program, with full-year sales guidance there raised to 7% to 9% growth.
Commercial nuclear is the multi-year lever management keeps pointing to. In June 2026, the Department of Energy issued a conditional $17.5 billion loan commitment for up to 10 new Westinghouse AP1000 reactors, and Curtiss-Wright's reactor coolant pumps are expected to be among the long-lead equipment purchased. A DOE launch customer toured the company's operations in July 2026 and came away impressed, and management expects an AP1000 order before year-end.
Not every segment cooperated. Defense Electronics sales fell 3% as tactical communications orders shifted timing, though the segment still posted a 28% operating margin. Naval & Power orders also declined year over year, driven by the timing of submarine defense orders, a reminder that this business runs on lumpy government contracts.
#year
1 month ago
The dollar index (DXY00) on Thursday ended the day little changed despite downward pressure from the dovish US PPI report, which lowered the odds of a Fed rate hike in September to 35% from 40% on Wednesday. In addition, the 10-year T-note yield fell -5 bp, undercutting the dollar's interest rate differentials.
The dollar was also undercut by reduced safe-haven demand as there were no overnight reports of new military attacks by the US or Iran in the Persian Gulf. Market concerns about the Middle East were also reduced slightly by news reports saying that the Trump administration is pivoting to using the naval blockade to apply economic pressure on Iran rather than new military attacks. There is no sign of any progress between the US and Iran on an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although some ships are still getting through by turning off their transponders and hoping for the best.
Will Silver Hold Above Its Critical Support Level?
Dollar is Undercut by Dovish US PPI Report
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#Iran #dollar #report #undercut
The dollar was also undercut by reduced safe-haven demand as there were no overnight reports of new military attacks by the US or Iran in the Persian Gulf. Market concerns about the Middle East were also reduced slightly by news reports saying that the Trump administration is pivoting to using the naval blockade to apply economic pressure on Iran rather than new military attacks. There is no sign of any progress between the US and Iran on an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, although some ships are still getting through by turning off their transponders and hoping for the best.
Will Silver Hold Above Its Critical Support Level?
Dollar is Undercut by Dovish US PPI Report
Stop Missing Market Moves: Get the FREE Barchart Brief – your midday dose of stock movers, trending sectors, and actionable trade ideas, delivered right to your inbox. Sign Up Now!
#Iran #dollar #report #undercut
1 month ago
September WTI crude oil (CLU26) on Thursday closed down -2.02 (-2.43%), and September RBOB gasoline (RBU26) closed down -0.0257 (-0.81%).
Crude oil and gasoline prices fell on Thursday, with no overnight reports of new military attacks by the US or Iran in the Persian Gulf. Market concerns about the Middle East were also reduced slightly by news reports saying that the Trump administration is pivoting to using the naval blockade to apply economic pressure on Iran rather than new military attacks.
Plug Power Beat Estimates and Lifted Its 2026 Outlook. Here's What Comes Next for PLUG Stock.
How 'Phantom' Data Center Projects Are Making It Impossible to Forecast AI Power Demand — 'Grid Operators Don't Know Which Ones Are Real'
Nat-Gas Prices Close Higher on Warm Forecasts
#september #crude #prices #closed
Crude oil and gasoline prices fell on Thursday, with no overnight reports of new military attacks by the US or Iran in the Persian Gulf. Market concerns about the Middle East were also reduced slightly by news reports saying that the Trump administration is pivoting to using the naval blockade to apply economic pressure on Iran rather than new military attacks.
Plug Power Beat Estimates and Lifted Its 2026 Outlook. Here's What Comes Next for PLUG Stock.
How 'Phantom' Data Center Projects Are Making It Impossible to Forecast AI Power Demand — 'Grid Operators Don't Know Which Ones Are Real'
Nat-Gas Prices Close Higher on Warm Forecasts
#september #crude #prices #closed
1 month ago
By Chris Prentice and Amanda Cooper
NEW YORK/LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - U.S. and European shares fell on Friday and oil prices gained as markets monitored tense U.S.-Iran talks and digested new data that dented expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike next month.
Faltering talks to end the Iran war left oil and gas prices poised for sizeable weekly gains. The U.S. threatened to ramp up economic pressure on Iran, including extending a naval blockade.
U.S. consumer sentiment deteriorated in early August amid the rising cost of living because of the Middle East conflict, a survey showed on Friday.
The U.S. dollar and yields on U.S. Treasuries fell on a surprise drop in U.S. retail sales. The data further reduced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike at next month's meeting.
#federal #reserve #rate
NEW YORK/LONDON, Aug 14 (Reuters) - U.S. and European shares fell on Friday and oil prices gained as markets monitored tense U.S.-Iran talks and digested new data that dented expectations for a Federal Reserve rate hike next month.
Faltering talks to end the Iran war left oil and gas prices poised for sizeable weekly gains. The U.S. threatened to ramp up economic pressure on Iran, including extending a naval blockade.
U.S. consumer sentiment deteriorated in early August amid the rising cost of living because of the Middle East conflict, a survey showed on Friday.
The U.S. dollar and yields on U.S. Treasuries fell on a surprise drop in U.S. retail sales. The data further reduced expectations of a Federal Reserve rate hike at next month's meeting.
#federal #reserve #rate
1 month ago
PITTSBURGH (AP) — The vibes for Mike McCarthy and Eli Heidenreich over the last few months have been immaculate. How could they not be?
The chance for McCarthy to lead his hometown team brought the first-year Pittsburgh Steelers coach to tears when he was hired in January. The image last April of Heidenreich walking onto the draft stage in full Naval dress uniform outside Acrisure Stadium — just a few miles from the Mount Lebanon neighborhood where he grew up — felt like something out of a movie.
Their respective homecomings have provided plenty of "fairy tale" narratives during an eventful offseason for the typically low-key Steelers. And while there will be a little bit of "hey, is this really happening?" on Thursday night when they walk onto the field for the first time as the Steelers host Green Bay in the preseason opener, they're both aware of the reality check that awaits under the lights.
"Naturally, there's some people that might ******* ume that it was like you said, like a hometown pick or whatever, whatever someone wants to say," Heidenreich said. "But I'm here to play football, and that's it."
Good thing, because evolving from a seventh-round flyer following a record-setting career at Navy — where he set program marks for career receiving yards and receiving touchdowns — into an NFL roster spot will take some doing. ******* ody knows that more than the 6-foot, 206-pound Heidenreich, who politely dismissed comparisons between himself and San Francisco 49ers running back and 2023 NFL Offense Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey.
#pittsburgh #year #hometown #first
The chance for McCarthy to lead his hometown team brought the first-year Pittsburgh Steelers coach to tears when he was hired in January. The image last April of Heidenreich walking onto the draft stage in full Naval dress uniform outside Acrisure Stadium — just a few miles from the Mount Lebanon neighborhood where he grew up — felt like something out of a movie.
Their respective homecomings have provided plenty of "fairy tale" narratives during an eventful offseason for the typically low-key Steelers. And while there will be a little bit of "hey, is this really happening?" on Thursday night when they walk onto the field for the first time as the Steelers host Green Bay in the preseason opener, they're both aware of the reality check that awaits under the lights.
"Naturally, there's some people that might ******* ume that it was like you said, like a hometown pick or whatever, whatever someone wants to say," Heidenreich said. "But I'm here to play football, and that's it."
Good thing, because evolving from a seventh-round flyer following a record-setting career at Navy — where he set program marks for career receiving yards and receiving touchdowns — into an NFL roster spot will take some doing. ******* ody knows that more than the 6-foot, 206-pound Heidenreich, who politely dismissed comparisons between himself and San Francisco 49ers running back and 2023 NFL Offense Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey.
#pittsburgh #year #hometown #first
1 month ago
MOSCOW (AP) — Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday threatened retaliation for Western seizures of its commercial vessels, describing them as "piracy."
Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship that was taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin described the Western moves to detain vessels linked to Russia as a breach of international maritime law.
"It's nothing but piracy and robbery," Putin said. "If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind."
He added that the Russian response wouldn't necessarily come in the waters where the Russian ships were seized, noting that Moscow could retaliate "in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate," including in the Pacific.
The Pacific Fleet chief, Adm. Viktor Liina, reported to Putin that the navy was ready to start inspections of the commercial ships serving the "unfriendly nations." He noted that many of the ships operated by British, French and other European carriers fly the flags of other nations, effectively making them a "shadow fleet."
#vessels
Speaking on a visit to a Russian warship that was taking part in a naval exercise in the Pacific, Putin described the Western moves to detain vessels linked to Russia as a breach of international maritime law.
"It's nothing but piracy and robbery," Putin said. "If this is done, we will be forced to respond in kind."
He added that the Russian response wouldn't necessarily come in the waters where the Russian ships were seized, noting that Moscow could retaliate "in any area where we see it as necessary and appropriate," including in the Pacific.
The Pacific Fleet chief, Adm. Viktor Liina, reported to Putin that the navy was ready to start inspections of the commercial ships serving the "unfriendly nations." He noted that many of the ships operated by British, French and other European carriers fly the flags of other nations, effectively making them a "shadow fleet."
#vessels
1 month ago
KYIV, Ukraine (AP) — Ukrainian anti-ship missiles and drones blitzed a major Russian naval base on the Black Sea coast in a "unique" nighttime operation, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Wednesday.
Cutting-edge drones developed by Kyiv since Moscow's full-scale invasion over four years ago have repeatedly targeted Russian ships in the Black Sea, including warships and oil tankers.
Ukraine's air and sea drones have succeeded in limiting the movements of Russia's once-dominant Black Sea navy, Kyiv officials say, in one of the country's biggest accomplishments of the war.
But Ukrainian officials believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is bent on pressing ahead with the war, despite his bigger army's slow and costly progress on the battlefield and U.S. diplomatic efforts to find a settlement.
Putin is planning "an additional rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand Russians by the end of the year," Zelenskyy said Tuesday night on social media, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports.
#kyiv #president #zelenskyy #officials
Cutting-edge drones developed by Kyiv since Moscow's full-scale invasion over four years ago have repeatedly targeted Russian ships in the Black Sea, including warships and oil tankers.
Ukraine's air and sea drones have succeeded in limiting the movements of Russia's once-dominant Black Sea navy, Kyiv officials say, in one of the country's biggest accomplishments of the war.
But Ukrainian officials believe Russian President Vladimir Putin is bent on pressing ahead with the war, despite his bigger army's slow and costly progress on the battlefield and U.S. diplomatic efforts to find a settlement.
Putin is planning "an additional rapid mobilization of several hundred thousand Russians by the end of the year," Zelenskyy said Tuesday night on social media, citing Ukrainian intelligence reports.
#kyiv #president #zelenskyy #officials
1 month ago
Aug 9 (Reuters) - Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis have attacked Saudi Aramco's Jazan refinery, they said on Sunday, two days after the kingdom signed a defence pact with Turkey and Pakistan in response to growing regional instability from the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran.
The alliance with Sunni Muslim U.S. allies, Turkey and Pakistan, is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three would be regarded as an attack on all.
It was not clear whether or how either Pakistan or Turkey would join in any Saudi response to the latest attacks.
The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea last month, citing what they said was a Saudi siege on them, an allegation Riyadh denies.
The Saudi energy ministry said a fire had broken out at the refinery but was later extinguished with no injuries and authorities were dealing with the incident, without giving a cause.
#Iran #refinery
The alliance with Sunni Muslim U.S. allies, Turkey and Pakistan, is intended to strengthen collective deterrence against any act of aggression and stipulates that an armed attack against any of the three would be regarded as an attack on all.
It was not clear whether or how either Pakistan or Turkey would join in any Saudi response to the latest attacks.
The Houthis declared a naval blockade against Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea last month, citing what they said was a Saudi siege on them, an allegation Riyadh denies.
The Saudi energy ministry said a fire had broken out at the refinery but was later extinguished with no injuries and authorities were dealing with the incident, without giving a cause.
#Iran #refinery
1 month ago
DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — Russian forces in Syria will give up control of two strategic bases on the Mediterranean coast, which will be used as joint Russia-Syrian training centers under a new agreement between the two countries, Syria's Foreign Ministry said Sunday.
Russia was the top political and military ally of ousted President Bashar ****** ad during the country's civil war between 2011 and 2024. ****** ad was ousted in December 2024 by Islamist insurgents led by current interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and has since fled into exile in Russia.
Throughout the conflict, the Hmeimem air base and the Tartus naval base were key Russian military outposts in the eastern Mediterranean.
Under the new agreement between Damascus and Moscow, Syria will take control of the Hmeimem air base and the commercial berth at Tartus port as part of its civil administration. The military facilities at both sites will become "joint training" centers, the Foreign Ministry said.
The new arrangements represent a "reorganizing of the Russian presence" along Syria's coast, the ministry said.
#russian #foreign
Russia was the top political and military ally of ousted President Bashar ****** ad during the country's civil war between 2011 and 2024. ****** ad was ousted in December 2024 by Islamist insurgents led by current interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa and has since fled into exile in Russia.
Throughout the conflict, the Hmeimem air base and the Tartus naval base were key Russian military outposts in the eastern Mediterranean.
Under the new agreement between Damascus and Moscow, Syria will take control of the Hmeimem air base and the commercial berth at Tartus port as part of its civil administration. The military facilities at both sites will become "joint training" centers, the Foreign Ministry said.
The new arrangements represent a "reorganizing of the Russian presence" along Syria's coast, the ministry said.
#russian #foreign
1 month ago
Aug 9 (Reuters) - Syria and Russia reached a memorandum of understanding to settle the future of Russian bases at Tartous and Hmeimim following 18 months of intensive negotiations, the Syrian foreign ministry said on Sunday, according to the Syrian state news agency.
The ministry said the Syrian state would take over management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartous port, allowing them to be gradually integrated into the country's civilian administration.
It said military facilities would be repurposed as joint training and qualification centres under new arrangements preserving the interests of both sides, with the transition to be completed within three months.
Russia's naval facility at Tartous and Hmeimim air base have long been Moscow's principal military footholds in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Their future has been the subject of negotiations with Syria's new leadership since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024.
#hmeimim #state #civilian
The ministry said the Syrian state would take over management of civilian facilities, including Hmeimim airport and the commercial berth at Tartous port, allowing them to be gradually integrated into the country's civilian administration.
It said military facilities would be repurposed as joint training and qualification centres under new arrangements preserving the interests of both sides, with the transition to be completed within three months.
Russia's naval facility at Tartous and Hmeimim air base have long been Moscow's principal military footholds in the Mediterranean and Middle East.
Their future has been the subject of negotiations with Syria's new leadership since former President Bashar al-Assad was ousted in December 2024.
#hmeimim #state #civilian
