Hungary and Slovakia have blocked a new round of EU sanctions against Russia, citing disputes over the Druzhba pipeline and energy security. EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas expressed deep regret over the failed sanctions agreement, signaling challenges in maintaining a unified European response. Despite these diplomatic setbacks, the EU continues to work on a new sanctions package targeting Russia, as Moscow’s war in Ukraine enters its fifth year, outlasting the entire Eastern Front of the Second World War. WATCH

The standoff in the Middle East has reached a fever pitch. While the USS Abraham Lincoln launches F-35 stealth fighters and EA-18G Growlers into the night sky for 24/7 operations, Iran has responded with a massive show of force. Tehran has officially launched "Operation Smart Control" in the Strait of Hormuz, rehearsing scenarios to shut down the world’s most vital oil artery.