Mystery Bank in Beijing helps explain China’s silence on Iran

Key points Mystery Bank in Beijing — what the reporting says Multiple outlets tracing trade flows and sanctions-era banking history say Iranian oil receipts have at times been settled into yuan accounts at Chinese banks (notably Bank of Kunlun), creating a domestic payment loop that keeps proceeds inside China’s economy. Because those funds can be … Read more

Trump Updates Iran Military Operation — Timeline, Goals, Risks

Key points Trump Updates Iran Military Operation— what Trump just said, simply In a White House statement this week, Donald Trump updated Americans on current U.S. military operations targeting Iran, describing them as progressing faster than expected and giving an initial estimate that the campaign could last four to five weeks — while adding that … Read more

Macron says France will allow temporary deployment of nuclear-armed jets

Key points Macron says France: what changed — short version France has publicly recalibrated elements of its nuclear doctrine. In a speech at the Île Longue naval base, President Macron said Paris will allow the temporary forward deployment of elements of its strategic air forces — including nuclear-armed jets — to allied countries, while insisting … Read more

A Texas Senate race is testing Democrats’ stomach for race and gender fights

A Texas Senate race is testing Democrats’ stomach for race and gender fights

Key points What’s happening (Texas Senate race is testing Democrats) The Texas Democratic Senate primary has turned into a proxy fight over the party’s identity and strategy. Two candidates who are close on policy — style, rhetoric and electoral positioning differ sharply. The back-and-forth includes accusations of racially tinged ads, disputes about electability, and debates … Read more

Cyber retaliation from Iran threatens U.S. companies — what to do

Cyber retaliation from Iran threatens U.S. companies — what to do

Key points Lead — why this matters to American businesses right now Cyber retaliation from Iran is not only a nation-state problem confined to diplomatic channels. In the weeks after U.S.–Israeli strikes, Iran and Iran-linked actors have signalled (and in some cases already launched) digital responses that focus on disrupting services, stealing or leaking sensitive … Read more

Iranians volunteering to join army — What we know and what we don’t

Iranians volunteering to join army — What we know and what we don’t

Key points What the claims say (Iranians volunteering to join army) Multiple outlets report an uptick in volunteer pledges — both from inside Iran and among allied groups in the region — framed as support for “sovereignty” and defence against external strikes. Iran’s security apparatus — notably the IRGC and its Basij auxiliary — is … Read more

Who Would Succeed Khamenei? Explainer on Iran’s Succession Rules and the Likely Contenders

Who Would Succeed Khamenei? Explainer on Iran’s Succession Rules and the Likely Contenders

Key points What the constitution says (Who Would Succeed Khamenei) If the supreme leader dies or is incapacitated, the constitution calls for a temporary three-member council to assume duties.That body governs until the 88-member Assembly of Experts convenes to appoint a new supreme leader. Who is in the temporary leadership council now Officials and reporting … Read more

Strait of Hormuz Closed? What Iran’s Radio Warnings Mean for Oil, Shipping and Prices

Strait of Hormuz Closed? What Iran’s Radio Warnings Mean for Oil, Shipping and Prices

Key points What exactly has been reported so far EU naval sources say Iran’s Revolutionary Guard transmitted VHF radio messages telling ships that passage through the Strait is not allowed, and several majors paused shipments pending clarity. Authorities and companies are treating the order as a serious escalation even though Iran has not always confirmed … Read more

Carney Begins India Trade Mission — Bilateral Talks with Modi Set After Israel Visit

Carney Begins India Trade Mission

Key points Why this visit matters — Carney Begins India Trade Mission After a tense patch in bilateral ties, Ottawa is pursuing a pragmatic reset that prioritizes trade and mutual economic opportunity. The mission aims to convert diplomatic goodwill into concrete investment, co-development in energy and critical minerals, and progress toward a comprehensive economic partnership … Read more