August 26th, 2026: Trump Calls Iran’s Bluff in the Strait of Hormuz & Armenia’s Break With Moscow

The mine-clearing operation removes a major Iranian negotiating tool but does not eliminate Iran's broader ability to disrupt shipping with drones and missiles.

The U.S. will immediately destroy any vessel caught placing new mines in the Strait of Hormuz.

Armenia will not reactivate its CSTO participation and would welcome expulsion to avoid making a formal exit decision.

Armenia is free to leave the CSTO if membership no longer serves its national interests, though departure could bring serious trade consequences.

Canada's tariff list is designed to inflict political pain on the Trump administration in key states before the November elections.

Washington made last-minute changes to the proposed deal that were unfair and uneconomic, undermining the reliability of any agreement.

The Trump administration was willing to give Canada the best treatment of any major American trading partner.

U.S. intelligence reportedly suggests Putin may be increasingly willing to authorize provocative, deniable actions against NATO members.