Global Express | August 15, 2026 Iran says Strait of Hormuz 'shut down' as tankers attacked ahead of ceasefire expiry

1. Iran says Strait of Hormuz 'shut down' as tankers attacked ahead of ceasefire expiry

The United States and Iran remain deadlocked over reopening the Strait of Hormuz, with Tehran claiming the vital energy chokepoint is now virtually "shut down" under the threat of missiles and drones. Iran also says it has no intention of extending its ceasefire with Washington and has yet to decide whether to resume talks.

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the seven-day average for oil leaving the strait was nearly 9 million barrels a day, and the Trump administration insists it still has leverage. Washington has threatened further economic pressure on Iran while continuing to strike vessels trying to skirt the blockade. Analysts warn a prolonged standoff could trigger another supply shock for global energy markets.

2. Japan defence minister visits Yasukuni Shrine on anniversary of surrender

Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi visited the controversial Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Saturday, the 81st anniversary of Japan's surrender in World War Two. The shrine honours the country's war dead, including convicted Class-A war criminals, and is seen by Asian neighbours as a symbol of Japan's wartime militarism.

Koizumi's visit comes amid simmering tensions between Japan and China. Analysts note that a sitting cabinet minister praying at the shrine is likely to reopen historical wounds and further strain regional relations.

3. Putin makes first visit to disputed Kuril Islands, Japan protests

Russian President Vladimir Putin this week made his first visit to the Kuril Islands, a Russian-controlled Pacific island chain also claimed by Japan. Japan strongly protested the visit, calling the islands "inherent parts" of its territory and describing Putin's trip as "absolutely unacceptable."

The islands were seized by the Soviet Union at the end of World War Two, and the territorial dispute has prevented Moscow and Tokyo from ever signing a peace treaty. Moscow dismissed Tokyo's protest and reiterated its sovereignty over the chain.

4. South Korea president proposes talks with North to formally end Korean War

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on Saturday proposed talks with North Korea to formally end the long-running Korean War, as Pyongyang deepens ties with Russia while asserting its status as an "irreversible" nuclear state. Lee said dialogue could advance peace on the peninsula and discuss practical ways to halt the North's nuclear programme.

The two Koreas remain technically at war, since the 1953 armistice was a truce rather than a peace treaty. Lee's proposal is seen as an attempt to break the long-standing deadlock, though it remains unclear whether Pyongyang will respond.

5. US retail sales post first decline in nine months in July

US retail sales fell 0.6% in July from the prior month, the first decline in nine months and the steepest drop since May 2025, according to the Commerce Department. Analysts say the fading boost from large tax refunds signals that consumer spending is cooling.

The soft reading prompted economists to cut their estimates for third-quarter US economic growth, while consumer sentiment also slipped in August. The drop in retail sales has reinforced concerns about a slowing American economy.

6. Nvidia discloses $21 billion stake in SpaceX

Nvidia disclosed in a regulatory filing that it held about 122.8 million Class A shares of SpaceX worth roughly $21 billion at the end of the second quarter, making the rocket company Nvidia's second-largest holding. The chipmaker also revealed a roughly $30 billion stake in Intel.

The SpaceX position reportedly came through Nvidia's investment in Elon Musk's xAI, deepening the chip giant's ties to the Musk camp in artificial intelligence. SpaceX has committed to using Nvidia's Vera Rubin architecture for its data centres.

7. Magnitude-7.7 earthquake off Indonesia kills 38

A magnitude-7.7 earthquake struck off Indonesia's eastern Flores region early Saturday, followed by dozens of aftershocks, toppling buildings and triggering a brief tsunami warning that sent thousands fleeing in panic. The death toll has risen to 38, and rescuers warn the figure could climb further.

The quake hit waters near East Nusa Tenggara province, part of the seismically active Pacific "Ring of Fire." Rescue teams are searching for survivors and assessing the damage.

8. Mount Etna eruption extends Catania airport closure

Sicily's Mount Etna continues to spew lava and volcanic ash, forcing repeated closures of Catania airport that will last at least until Saturday. The disruption comes during Europe's peak summer holiday season, with ash drifting as far as Malta and Libya.

Etna is one of Europe's most active volcanoes. The eruption follows a summer of record heat and wildfires across the continent, which scientists link to climate change amplifying extreme weather and geological activity.

9. Waymo wins California approval to expand robotaxis across 18 counties

Waymo, owned by Google parent Alphabet, said California regulators have approved its largest robotaxi expansion yet, covering 18 counties from Sonoma in the north down to San Diego. The approval from the California Public Utilities Commission clears the way for service in cities including San Diego and Sacramento.

The move signals that California is further opening the door to commercial autonomous driving. Analysts expect competition in the robotaxi sector to intensify as a result.

10. China offers earthquake relief assistance to Colombia

China International Development Cooperation Agency spokesperson Tang Ying said China is closely following the aftermath of the strong earthquake in Colombia and stands ready to provide assistance within its capabilities, in an appropriate manner, to support the country's relief efforts.

The pledge reflects China's active participation in international humanitarian assistance. The powerful quake caused heavy casualties and damage, with the international community gradually mobilising to help.