Iran reopens Hormuz, warns of fresh closure amid US blockade

14 Sept 08:03 Key points summarised by AI

Iran declared the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels but threatened to close it again if the U.S. maintained its blockade on Iranian ships and ports.
U.S. President Trump stated the American blockade would remain in full force until Iran reaches a comprehensive deal, including on its nuclear program, despite Iran's announcement.
Iranian authorities indicated they would retain control over vessel routes through the crucial waterway, which handles 20% of the world's oil, raising concerns about unrestricted passage.
A fragile truce between Israel and Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon is holding, potentially paving the way for broader U.S.-Iran peace talks, with Trump suggesting new negotiations are imminent.
Internal Iranian news agencies questioned the clarity and approval process of the Strait's reopening, while mediators push for compromise on Iran's nuclear program, the Strait, and wartime damages.

Examining Thailand’s four-part education revolution

Yesterday 14:22 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Education Ministry is implementing a four-pronged strategy to address its students' below-average performance in PISA 2025 and tackle significant educational inequality.
The plan prioritizes closing performance gaps by increasing funding for small and low-income schools, overhauling the curriculum to foster critical thinking, and adopting a data-driven management system to reduce teacher workload.
Key initiatives include enhancing school safety, combating cyberbullying, and expanding mental health support through peer-to-peer networks, recognizing the severe impact of distress on academic performance.
An education expert advises verifying if PISA improvements stem from structural changes, advocating for a revived STEM curriculum with practical 'learn by doing' methods, and urging bureaucratic reform to link teacher evaluations to student development.