French President Emmanuel Macron announced that the French Navy, with support from the UK and other allies, has seized a sanctioned Russian oil tanker. This is the latest Western action to enforce oil sanctions against Russia, demonstrating Europe’s continued strengthening of economic sanctions. The operation highlights coordinated international efforts to restrict Russian energy exports.
Gnosis Pay has suffered a security exploit, and co-founder Martin Koppelmann has promised that Gnosis will cover all user losses. Containment efforts are currently underway. This is another major security challenge for the Gnosis ecosystem, following similar attacks on cross-chain protocols like LayerZero. The Gnosis team is investigating the root cause and taking measures to prevent further losses.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered strikes on the Beirut suburb of Dahieh, a Hezbollah stronghold, in response to attacks on Israeli civilians. The conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is further escalating, worsening security conditions across the Middle East. Previous exchanges of fire have already caused significant casualties and infrastructure damage.
Japanese and South Korean stock markets both hit record highs as investors buy into expectations of a possible turning point in the Iran conflict. Meanwhile, international oil prices continue to climb due to fragility around the Strait of Hormuz. Despite geopolitical risks, Asian markets are showing strong growth momentum, with technology and manufacturing sectors leading gains.
Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell issued a rare warning that the Fed’s credibility is at risk, suggesting that political pressure is threatening the central bank’s independence. His reference to “stress tests” was interpreted as a response to executive interference in monetary policy. The statement has drawn market attention as it may signal unprecedented external pressure on the Fed’s rate-setting process.
The United States has confirmed new strikes on Iranian radar facilities. Meanwhile, Kuwait has condemned “repeated” missile and drone attacks on its territory. Tensions around the Strait of Hormuz continue to escalate as both the US and Iran report military actions in the area. Iran has also stated it carried out counter-strikes around the strait.
A Blue Origin New Glenn heavy-lift rocket exploded during a static fire test at Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida, marking another major setback for the company and casting doubt on NASA’s reliance on it for lunar missions.
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore that the US will not turn its back on Asian allies, but expects them to take on more defense responsibility, while also praising improved US-China relations.
Multiple US states are monitoring passengers who sailed on a hantavirus-affected cruise ship and returned home.
A federal judge has reopened Trump’s $10 billion lawsuit against the IRS.