DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – Iran’s joint military command has warned that all oil tankers moving through the Strait of Hormuz must use its approved routes or face a “forceful response.” The statement from the Khatam al-Anbiya military command was aired on Iranian state television Thursday. It wasn’t immediately clear what sparked the threat from Iran. The statement said any failure to comply with the navigation protocols will be met with an immediate response from the armed forces. It also said the continued presence of U.S. fighter jets over the strait “causes insecurity in this waterway and threatens regional security.”
KYIV, Ukraine – Russia has launched a massive drone and missile attack on Kyiv, killing at least 21 civilians in the city and injuring many more. Moscow says the assault is in retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on Russian oil facilities. The attack lasted 11 hours overnight into Thursday morning, causing widespread damage across the city. Ukrainian officials report damage to 30 locations, including residential buildings. Russia’s Defense Ministry says the strikes targeted military-linked sites. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister calls it a “night of horror” and urges more international support for air defenses. Diplomatic efforts to end the conflict remain stalled.
PHOENIX – The United States is rapidly building what it calls a “smart wall” on the Mexico border, combining tall steel fencing with advanced technology like sensors and cameras. Critics argue this militarizes the border and impacts local communities. Customs and Border Protection says the technology helps free up agents for other tasks. Contracts for hundreds of miles of wall have been signed. The wall has been a top priority for Republican President Donald Trump, with $46 billion allocated for its completion. Critics warn of privacy concerns and environmental impacts. The project continues to face scrutiny over costs and oversight.
WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump has taken his maiden voyage on a new Air Force One. Trump’s plane landed in North Dakota on Wednesday morning. The retrofitted Boeing 747-800, worth $400 million, was a gift from Qatar. Gone is the trademark light blue hull that helped Air Force One blend into the sky. The refurbished jet is painted in Trump’s preferred color scheme: a navy-blue belly with red and gold stripes. It has luxury features like plush carpets, lie-flat seats, wood paneling and a presidential seal on the seat belts. Trump is in North Dakota visiting the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, which opens on the nation’s 250th anniversary.
– The Associated Press
