Iran has announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategically important maritime routes, citing Israeli attacks in Lebanon as the reason behind the move. The development comes just days after the waterway had reportedly been reopened following a period of heightened regional tensions.

According to reports, the announcement was made by Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters, the country’s top joint military command. Iranian authorities alleged that ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon and what they described as insufficient efforts by the United States to restrain those attacks had violated the terms of a recently established ceasefire arrangement.

The Strait of Hormuz is a critical global energy corridor connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea. A significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passes through the narrow waterway, making any disruption a matter of international concern.

Iranian officials reportedly described the closure as an initial response and warned that additional measures could follow if regional hostilities continue. The announcement has raised concerns about potential disruptions to global energy markets and maritime trade.

However, there were conflicting assessments regarding the immediate impact of the decision. A senior US official reportedly said there was no visible indication of Iranian military activity that would suggest an imminent enforcement of the closure, while diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran were expected to continue in Switzerland.

The latest development marks another escalation in regional tensions and places renewed focus on the security of one of the world’s most important shipping routes.

A tense confrontation unfolded at the United Nations after Israel’s ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, and senior UN official Vanessa Frazier exchanged sharp remarks during a public hearing focused on children affected by armed conflicts.

The disagreement emerged during an event linked to discussions on the impact of wars on children, where Danon strongly criticized recent UN findings concerning Israel’s conduct in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

Dispute over UN report

During the hearing, Danon accused UN officials of unfairly targeting Israel and questioned the credibility of reports that documented alleged violations involving children in conflict zones. He argued that the findings reflected bias against Israel and called for accountability from those responsible for preparing the reports.

As Danon continued his criticism, Vanessa Frazier intervened and objected to what she described as personal attacks against UN officials. She defended the reporting process, stating that the findings were based on evidence collected and verified through established UN mechanisms.

The exchange quickly became heated, with Danon responding by telling Frazier to “be quiet” while continuing to challenge the conclusions presented in the reports.

Tensions over Gaza conflict findings

The confrontation highlights ongoing tensions between Israel and the United Nations over reports examining the humanitarian impact of the war in Gaza. Israeli officials have repeatedly disputed UN assessments, arguing that they fail to adequately reflect the security challenges Israel faces.

UN officials, meanwhile, have maintained that their reports are based on documented evidence and are intended to monitor the effects of armed conflict on civilians, particularly children.

The disagreement at the hearing underscored the deep divisions that continue to surround international scrutiny of the conflict and its humanitarian consequences.

International attention on children in conflict

The hearing formed part of broader UN efforts to address the impact of armed conflicts on children worldwide. Such discussions typically focus on issues including displacement, access to education, recruitment by armed groups, and violence against minors in conflict zones.

The verbal clash between the Israeli envoy and the UN official drew attention to the broader debate over accountability, evidence gathering and international oversight during ongoing conflicts.

US President Donald Trump has named Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping among the world leaders he admires most, offering praise for both leaders during a recent interview.

Asked which global leaders he respects and admires, Trump pointed to Modi and Xi. He described the Indian Prime Minister as “a very tough cookie” and praised his negotiating abilities, while characterising the Chinese President as someone who is “all business.”

Speaking about Modi, Trump said the Indian leader is a strong negotiator who is difficult to outmanoeuvre in discussions.Trump’s remarks came shortly after his meeting with PM Modi on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France. 

Trump also spoke positively about Xi Jinping, highlighting his focused approach to leadership. Despite differences between Washington and Beijing on several issues, Trump indicated that he maintains respect for Xi’s abilities and leadership style.

The comments reflect Trump’s emphasis on dealing directly with influential world leaders and his tendency to evaluate leaders based on their negotiating skills, leadership qualities and effectiveness on the global stage.