US military resumes naval blockade in Strait of Hormuz Xinhua | Updated: 2026-07-15 04:30

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202607/15/WS6a569c57a310986e2b4653df.html WASHINGTON -- The US military on Tuesday announced the resumption of the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. "US forces resumed the naval blockade against vessels transiting to and from Iranian ports and coastal areas today at 4 pm Eastern Time," the US Central Command said in a statement posted on social media platform X.

EU mulls ban on imports from Israeli settlements By JULIAN SHEA in London | China Daily | Updated: 2026-07-15 09:15

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202607/15/WS6a56df42a310986e2b4654fe.html A ban on importing goods from Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories to the European Union has moved a step closer after foreign ministers of the bloc's 27 member states overwhelmingly backed tighter trade restrictions. Although support is not yet unanimous, as it would need to be for action to be taken, it is reported that Monday's ministerial meeting saw the highest level of support yet for a ban to be imposed.

US government refunds $81b in illegal tariffs By MAY ZHOU in Houston, Texas | chinadaily.com.cn | Updated: 2026-07-15 07:53

https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202607/15/WS6a56cc1aa310986e2b46545e.html The US government has so far paid back $81 billion in tariffs to companies since the Supreme Court ruled in February that those tariffs were illegal, according to federal budget data disclosed on Monday. In a 6-3 ruling in February, the Supreme Court decided that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) does not grant President Donald Trump the power to unilaterally impose tariffs of indefinite scope. The decision opened the door for companies to file refund claims.

Tucker Carlson to the dustbin of history Opinion: Rami Simani|07.13.26 | 11:43

Tucker Carlson to the dustbin of history Opinion: The conservative commentator has gone from questioning policy to amplifying narratives that serve America's adversaries, undermine Israel's legitimacy and erode the moral foundations of the West Rami Simani|07.13.26 | 11:43 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/ryvzeof4mg

Middle East Christians should see Israel as a partner, not a threat Opinion: Elias Zarina|07.13.26 | 10:56

Middle East Christians should see Israel as a partner, not a threat Opinion: Christians facing Islamist pressure across the Middle East should see Israel as a natural partner that offers religious freedom, security and protection for their communities and holy sites Elias Zarina|07.13.26 | 10:56 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/rje3olfeze

Erdogan’s neo-Ottoman vision takes shape across Africa Opinion: Roy Binyamini|07.13.26 | 13:16

Erdogan’s neo-Ottoman vision takes shape across Africa Opinion: Ankara is combining military bases, arms exports and ‘drone diplomacy’ with embassies, air routes and religious influence to build regional power, forcing Israel to develop a broader strategy with its Abraham Accords partners Roy Binyamini|07.13.26 | 13:16 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/bjk4odm4mg

Under Hezbollah’s nose, an ISIS emir in Beirut shatters Lebanon’s security illusion Analysis: Amine Ayoub|05:38

Under Hezbollah’s nose, an ISIS emir in Beirut shatters Lebanon’s security illusion Analysis: While Hezbollah beats the drums of war against Israel, its systematic dismantling of the Lebanese state has turned Beirut into a safe haven for the world's most brutal Sunni jihadists; here is how Lebanon's collapse validated Israel’s uncompromising iron-wall defense doctrine Amine Ayoub Amine Ayoub|05:38 https://www.ynetnews.com/opinions-analysis/article/skkyzn4vze