DUBAI, United Arab Emirates – The British military says three tankers have been struck by projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz in the latest attacks targeting vessels moving through the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. The new assaults threatened to choke off the flow of traffic in the strait just as countries hoped to restore normal shipping practices and ease the global economic strain of the war between the U.S. and Iran. One of the tankers was traveling off the coast of Oman and caught fire. Iranian state television said the liquefied natural gas tanker came under attack after ignoring warnings but did not directly claim the assault.
ANKARA, Turkey – President Donald Trump is in Turkey for a NATO summit as the trans-Atlantic military alliance was announcing billions of dollars in arms deals in an attempt to appease the mercurial U.S. leader. Trump on Tuesday sat down with Turkish leader Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, a close ally to Trump who is hosting this year’s gathering. Earlier in the day, NATO hosted a defense forum that spotlighted billions of dollars in military projects aimed at demonstrating to Trump that European allies are investing more of their own money in defense.
PORTLAND, Maine – Democrats across the U.S. are withdrawing support from Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner after an allegation of sexual assault. Platner, who denies the accusation, has not resigned but is considering his next steps. He canceled town hall events this week. The allegation involves a woman who claims Platner assaulted her in 2021. Pressure is mounting for Platner to withdraw, as Maine law has tight deadlines for replacing candidates. Democrats are divided on who should replace him, with names like Troy Jackson and Nirav Shah mentioned. Platner’s supporters say they’re devastated and waiting for his next statement.
PROVO, Utah – Prosecutors seeking to convince a Utah judge to put the man accused of killing Charlie Kirk on trial are expected to present more law enforcement video and a recorded statement from the defendant’s roommate. A five-day preliminary hearing resumed Tuesday. The court proceedings that began Monday marked the most significant presentation of evidence in the case so far. It was also the first time that Kirk’s parents and widow were in the courtroom. The 23-year-old defendant is charged with aggravated murder in the Sept. 10 assassination of the conservative activist at Utah Valley University. He has not yet entered a plea.
– The Associated Press
