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US launches attacks on Iran as Tehran retaliates against UAE tankers

13 Sept 12:41 Key points summarised by AI

The US launched strikes on Iran and reinstated a blockade on the Strait of Hormuz, with President Trump proposing charging tolls for safe passage, marking a significant shift in US policy.
Iran retaliated by attacking Bahrain and two UAE-associated tankers in the Strait of Hormuz, resulting in one mariner's death and eight injuries, prompting the UAE to threaten counter-retaliation.
The escalating conflict centers on control of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas transit, leading to a rise in Brent crude oil prices and threatening broader economic disruption.
President Trump asserted the US would be 'reimbursed' for protecting the strait by charging 20% of cargo value, a move that violates global norms on freedom of navigation and further escalates tensions.

Today 14:58 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's government will launch the "Chainat-Pasak-Gulf" water diversion canal project in fiscal year 2027, a seven-year mega-infrastructure initiative.
This permanent structural solution aims to mitigate recurrent central plains flooding by diverting water from the Chao Phraya River directly into the Gulf of Thailand, significantly reducing flow to major cities like Ayutthaya and Bangkok.
Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul justifies the long-term investment as a means to reduce future damages and fiscal burdens, contrasting it with the 40-50 billion baht spent annually on short-term flood relief.
Concurrently, the Prime Minister instructed officials to expand drainage capacity into the Tha Chin River and swiftly remove water hyacinths to improve immediate flood management.