Iran Turns Hormuz Into the Week's Central Pressure Point

Iran's confrontation with Washington dominated the week as diplomacy over Hormuz repeatedly gave way to blockade threats and economic pressure. The standoff tied a vital shipping route to demands over sanctions, war damage, and access, making de-escalation provisional rather than settled.

Elsewhere, conflicts spread through infrastructure, energy routes, borders, and civilian protection, from Ukraine and Yemen to Gaza and the West Bank. Governments also used security and economic tools to reshape their surroundings, including covert pressure on Cuba, tighter European borders, and new technology controls.