Iran naval blockade lifted - the war is officially over
CENTCOM confirmed the end of the naval blockade of Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is reopening, and Putin - at the Russia-ASEAN summit - was among the first to welcome the Trump-Pezeshkian agreement, expressing hope it would form the basis for future deals. Stabilisation in the Middle East, Putin noted, "will have a positive effect on global energy and food markets" - diplomatic translation: Russian oil flows freely again. The Iran war ended - and the first to celebrate was Putin, speaking to ASEAN.
Israel thinks Trump is secretly conspiring against it - the alliance fractures
According to the WSJ, senior Israeli government officials genuinely believe members of the Trump administration are "secretly conspiring against Israel" for antisemitic reasons, with the Iran MoU signing cited as part of that conspiracy. This is no longer diplomatic cooling - it is a paranoid rupture between the closest of allies, now stated publicly. Israel was saved by Trump - and now believes Trump is against it. Middle Eastern gratitude in full display.
Drones over Moscow - Lavrov promises "decisive and devastating" response
Ukrainian drones struck Moscow, Lavrov declared "words alone are not enough" and promised mass strikes on Ukrainian military targets. Russia's Foreign Ministry warned of a "decisive and devastating" response to any NATO aggression against Russian regions - language addressed not to Kyiv but to Brussels. Drones reached Moscow - Lavrov remembered that words aren't enough. This realisation recurs every few months.
Oil rain over Moscow region - dark residue covers cars and windowsills
Residents of Zheleznodorozhny in the Moscow region reported rain containing dark particles, leaving petroleum-like residue on vehicles and surfaces. No official explanation has been provided - theories range from burning energy infrastructure to drone strike fallout. Oil rain over the Moscow suburbs - nature hinting, subtly, at what has been hit nearby.
Moscow Exchange hits lowest level since 2023
The Moscow stock exchange fell to a three-year low amid infrastructure strikes, fuel restrictions and general uncertainty. Hormuz reopening should theoretically help - but markets appear unconvinced the Middle East peace will survive its first week. The exchange falls on the day a war ends. Optimism remains a scarce commodity.
Karaganov promises nuclear strike on Europe - Germany first in line
Putin adviser Sergei Karaganov stated in a new interview that Russia will carry out a nuclear strike on Europe within the next year, naming Germany as the first target. This is not his first such statement - Karaganov has long occupied the role of chief nuclear provocateur in Russia's expert community. The question is why this is being said now, the day after Trump publicly thanked Putin for his neutrality. Trump thanks Putin on Wednesday - Karaganov promises to nuke Berlin on Thursday. A partnership with nuances.
Putin meets ASEAN and East Timor - the pivot South continues
Russia offered ASEAN nations increased exports of fertilisers, medicines and high-value-added goods - standard pivot-East-and-South agenda. A separate offer extended to East Timorese citizens: places in Russian universities. East Timor, Russia and student visas - geopolitics has reached the furthest corner of the map.
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