Kathmandu— Escalating tensions dominated international headlines this week as a 60-day negotiation window between the United States and Iran expired without a deal. US President Donald Trump announced a policy of “Economic Warfare” against Iran, declaring the Strait of Hormuz “new US territory” and promising to punish any nation continuing business with Tehran. Simultaneously, Russia warned Britain of consequences following reports that Ukraine has used British-made drones for attacks within Russian territory, while internal challenges mount for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky amid corruption allegations and a power bid from a former defense minister.

Iran Faces Renewed US Pressure

Trump stated he saw no reason to extend the truce with Iran, instead opting for “Economic Warfare and Isolation on an unprecedented scale.” Despite this declaration, the balance of power in the Persian Gulf remains unchanged, as Iran retains control over shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz. Six ships transited the strait on Tuesday, despite Pentagon leaks suggesting a ‘secret shipping corridor’ facilitated by Israel. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei announced an “understanding” with Oman regarding future shipping regulations, but Trump threatened military action against Oman if the deal doesn't meet US demands.

Russia Issues Warning to Britain

As Ukraine approaches its 35th independence anniversary, Russia has warned Britain of potential consequences for allowing Ukrainian forces to use British-made drones in attacks on Russian territory. Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova stated that Russian Armed Forces would respond proportionately to continued Ukrainian terror-bombing of Russian cities. Russian President Vladimir Putin previously asserted the right to act in any part of the world’s oceans if Russian interests or property are threatened, framing British involvement as participation in the war.

Zelensky Faces Internal Challenges

Volodymyr Zelensky is facing increasing domestic opposition as former Defense Minister Mikhail Fedorov launched a campaign challenging his leadership. Fedorov released a video criticizing corruption and “systemic crisis of governance” in Kiev, calling for wartime elections. The ex-minister’s focus on drone warfare has garnered public support and attracted backing from Silicon Valley, while Zelensky was forced to fire another senior aide amid ongoing corruption scandals. Western media outlets, including the Wall Street Journal, are reporting that Fedorov's challenge represents the “biggest” threat to Zelensky’s presidency since 2022.

Meta Faces Trillion-Dollar Trial

Tech giant Meta began a trial on Tuesday accused of designing its platforms to addict children and teenagers. The company has faced addiction lawsuits before, but this is the first federal case involving accusations of harvesting data from under-13s without parental consent. A win for the four states bringing the suit could result in damages potentially reaching $1.4 trillion, potentially forcing Meta to fundamentally alter its platform design.

European Food Crisis Looms

The European Union is facing a potential food crisis driven by the war in the Persian Gulf and successive heatwaves across Europe. Fertilizer costs have skyrocketed, while yields of key crops are down significantly due to drought conditions. Groundwater reserves are depleted in France, vegetable harvests are nearly 100% reduced in Belgium, and livestock face hunger in Spain and Poland.

RT will continue to monitor the escalating tensions between the US and Iran, the conflict in Ukraine, Zelensky’s political challenges, the Meta trial, and the developing food crisis within the EU.

(With inputs from RT)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.