Hormuz ship traffic climbs after war deal: trackers

15 Sept 08:52 Key points summarised by AI

Shipping traffic in the Strait of Hormuz surged to a two-month high with 25 commercial vessels crossing on Thursday, following a US-Iran agreement to reopen the crucial waterway.
This increase signifies a major resumption of activity after Iranian forces had effectively closed the strait since late February, leading to dozens of ship attacks and a backlog of vessels.
Despite the reopening, maritime authorities issued warnings about a sighted sea mine, and Iran implemented new transit rules requiring 48-hour advance requests, though tariffs are waived for 60 days.
The strait's closure had severely impacted global oil prices and commodity shipments; its reopening is now expected to provide significant economic relief to energy and transport sectors.
Uncertainty persists regarding the broader peace deal's stability, particularly after reports of renewed fighting in Lebanon, raising questions about the US's ability to ensure lasting peace.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.