China is telling its commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to check in daily with updates, a precautionary move as tensions rise in the region. The order comes after U.S. airstrikes in the area, which have sparked fears that Iran might retaliate by disrupting this vital oil shipping route. The directive also extends to vessels in the Gulf of Oman, emphasizing heightened safety concerns.

Editor’s Note: The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes—about a fifth of global oil trade passes through it. If Iran decides to block or harass ships there, it could send energy markets into chaos. China’s move shows just how seriously governments are taking the risk of escalation. For businesses and consumers, this could mean higher fuel prices and supply chain headaches if things get worse.

Israel has escalated its military campaign against Iran, launching what it claims are its largest strikes yet on Tehran—including a hit on the notorious Evin prison. Defense Minister Israel Katz signaled a shift in strategy, stating that Israel is now directly targeting the Iranian government’s ability to sustain power, rather than holding back.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another tit-for-tat strike—it’s a dangerous escalation. By openly going after Iran’s leadership stability, Israel is raising the stakes in a shadow war that’s increasingly out in the open. The attack on Evin prison, a symbol of repression, adds a provocative layer. The big question now: How will Iran respond, and could this spiral into something even wider?

Iran is promising retaliation after the US carried out rare airstrikes on its nuclear facilities over the weekend. Tehran has declared all American military bases in the Middle East as "legitimate targets," raising serious concerns that this could spiral into a broader regional conflict.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another war of words—direct strikes on nuclear sites are a major escalation. With Iran threatening to hit back, the risk of a full-blown confrontation between the US and Iran (and possibly their allies) just got a lot higher. For a region already on edge, this could mean more instability, disrupted oil supplies, or even a wider war. Keep an eye on this one.