World


Iran preparing to introduce environmental fees for vessels using Strait of Hormuz

Tehran, Jul 16 (UNI) Iran is preparing to introduce environmental compensation fees for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to the Islamic Republic's state news agency IRNA, citing a senior official from the country's Environmental Protection Organisation (EPO) on Thursday.
Ahmadreza Lahijan-Zadeh, deputy head of the organisation, said the proposed framework would require ships using the strategic waterway to contribute towards the cost of repairing environmental damage in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
"The government has decided that the cost of compensating for environmental damage caused to the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman will be collected from services provided to ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz," Lahijan-Zadeh said.
More News

Iranian Parliament Speaker to visit Iraq amid rising regional tensions

18 Aug 2026 | 4:01 PM

Tehran, Aug 18 (UNI) Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf will lead a high-level parliamentary delegation to Iraq on Wednesday for talks with senior Iraqi officials, with discussions expected to focus on bilateral relations, border security, counterterrorism and economic cooperation amid heightened tensions across West Asia.

see more..

Trump holds up India's election system as model, pushes US Congress to pass SAVE America Act

18 Aug 2026 | 2:36 PM

Washington, Aug 18 (UNI) US President Donald Trump cited India's election system as a perfect model for the United States, pointing to its use of photo identification and limited reliance on postal ballots as he renewed his call for Congress to pass legislation tightening voting rules.

see more..

Vessel struck by unknown projectile in Strait of Hormuz, crew member injured

18 Aug 2026 | 2:03 PM

Dubai, Aug 18 (UNI) A vessel was struck by an unknown projectile while transiting outbound through the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, damaging its engine room and causing a crew casualty, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre said.

see more..

Over 50 Democrats warn Trump's Minerals deals could enrich insiders, cost taxpayers

18 Aug 2026 | 2:02 PM

Washington, Aug 18 (UNI) Fifty-four House Democrats have sent a sharply worded letter to top Trump administration officials, warning that a sweeping wave of new critical minerals agreements lacks transparency, skips congressional oversight, and may funnel financial benefits toward administration insiders including the families of President Trump and Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, while leaving American taxpayers exposed to the losses.

see more..

German lawmaker urges EU sanctions on Ben-Gvir over Gaza remarks

18 Aug 2026 | 11:28 AM

Berlin, Aug 18 (UNI) Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s remarks advocating the killing of dozens of Palestinians in Gaza each night have drawn condemnation from across the globe including Europe, with a senior German lawmaker calling on the European union to impose sanctions on the far-right minister over what he described as “dehumanizing” statements.

see more..