The US Navy isn’t just intercepting Iranian-linked ships outside the Strait of Hormuz. In recent days, it redirected a trio of ships that were passing in Asian waters, per Reuters. One of the ships was reportedly carrying 2 million barrels of Iranian oil, and had been scheduled to discharge the crude in India. The US’s aim is to further strangle Iran’s economy, which is hugely reliant on its crude exports to Asia, and has now redirected 29 Iranian-linked tankers. As the blockade expands, energy leaders are growing increasingly concerned. This morning, the head of the International Energy Agency warned, “We are facing the biggest energy security threat in history.”
Even as the blockade continues, the Pentagon fired Navy Secretary John Phelan on Wednesday night. No explanation was given from the White House, but it marks the second time this month a senior US military official was forced out by the Pentagon.
After passing an expansive labor reform bill two months ago, Argentine President Javier Milei is turning to a new goal: electoral reform. In particular, the populist, mutton-chop-bearing leader wants to end mandatory national primary elections, which are open contests that determine party nominees for both congressional and presidential races. The reason? Milei doesn’t want the government to fund these votes. Instead, he aims for parties to decide on the candidates using their own internal mechanisms (and funds), akin to what happens in most US states. If the bill passes, the upshot for political candidates will depend on how parties conduct their own primaries. If the US is anything to go by, though, it could open the door for more radical, inexperienced candidates – and greater polarization in Argentina.
The European Unionwill lend Kyiv more than $100 billion to bolster Ukraine’s armed forces. The package had been held up for months by opposition from outgoing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, a noted POP (Pal of Putin’s) in Europe. Orbán had refused to approve the loan so long as a key Russian oil pipeline to Hungary remained out of commission — a section of the Druzhba line running through Western Ukraine was knocked out by a Russian drone strike in January. But two things changed the equation: Orbán lost the Hungarian election, and as of Wednesday, oil started flowing through the line again – so Budapest has given the thumbs up. The military focus of the EU loan suggests that both Brussels and Kyiv have little hope the conflict will end soon.
In the first edition of “ask ian” Live, Ian Bremmer takes questions directly from the GZERO community on two geopolitical flashpoints: China’s strategic patience and the US campaign to squeeze Cuba economically.
Crime rates are plunging in El Salvador, but this mass trial raises further questions about civil liberties in the Central American country.
Chris, an Army veteran, started his Walmart journey over 25 years ago as an hourly associate. Today, he manages a Distribution Center and serves as a mentor, helping others navigate their own paths to success. At Walmart, associates have the opportunity to take advantage of the pathways, perks, and pay that come with the job — with or without a college degree. In fact, more than 75% of Walmart management started as hourly associates. Learn more about how over 130,000 associates were promoted into roles of greater responsibility and higher pay in FY25.
Microsoft and North America’s Building Trades Unions announced an expanded partnership to bring no‑cost AI training to millions of workers in the building trades. The effort reflects a simple idea: the people building the future should also be equipped to thrive in it. The partnership builds on training that has already reached more than 1,500 instructors across 50 states and North America, expanding access through a recognized AI literacy credential on LinkedIn Learning. It also extends to the next generation of skilled professionals through NABTU’s TradesFutures programs in 34 states, helping strengthen workforce pathways as demand for AI infrastructure grows. Read the full blog here.