Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Fully Open

Iran has announced that the Strait of Hormuz is now “completely open” to commercial shipping, marking a significant de-escalation in regional tensions and easing fears of global energy supply disruption.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, confirmed that the vital waterway would remain accessible to all vessels for the duration of the ongoing ceasefire linked to the conflict involving Lebanon.

The development follows weeks of heightened tensions and partial restrictions on maritime traffic through the strait, which had raised concerns about a potential global oil supply shock.

Global oil markets reacted swiftly to the announcement, with Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) prices dropping by as much as 10 percent as investor confidence improved. The reopening is expected to ease pressure on supply chains, reduce shipping risks, and lower insurance costs for oil tankers navigating the region. Analysts say the move could provide short-term relief to energy-importing and oil-dependent economies, including Nigeria, which has been affected by price volatility in recent weeks.

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The reopening is tied to a fragile 10-day ceasefire following intense hostilities between Israel and Lebanon, which reportedly resulted in over 2,000 deaths and more than 7,000 injuries, according to official figures from Lebanese authorities. While the truce has created room for de-escalation, Iran has indicated that the long-term status of the Strait may depend on broader progress toward a comprehensive regional peace agreement.

Tehran has consistently linked maritime access to geopolitical developments, reinforcing the strategic importance of the waterway in ongoing diplomatic negotiations.

U.S. President Donald Trump reacted to the announcement, describing it as a positive development and suggesting that a wider agreement with Iran could be imminent. Trump has recently indicated that negotiations between Washington and Tehran are advancing, particularly on issues related to nuclear activities and regional stability.

Despite the positive signals, analysts warn that the situation remains uncertain. Shipping operators are expected to proceed cautiously until security conditions are fully stabilised. The key concern remains whether commercial traffic can resume smoothly and whether the ceasefire will hold beyond its initial timeframe.

For now, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz is seen as a critical but tentative step toward regional stability, with global markets closely monitoring further developments.

Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Fully Open

Trump Says Iran Agrees to Hand Over Enriched Uranium in Nuclear Deal Talks

United States President Donald Trump has claimed that Iran has agreed to surrender its remaining stockpile of enriched uranium and abandon any ambition of developing nuclear weapons, saying negotiations between both countries are “very close” to a breakthrough.

Speaking to reporters at the White House before departing for Las Vegas, Trump said ongoing diplomatic talks had reached an advanced stage, insisting Iran had agreed “to almost everything” in the proposed framework.

“We’re very close to making a deal with Iran. They’ve totally agreed that they will not have a nuclear weapon,” Trump said.

He further claimed that Iran had agreed to return what he repeatedly referred to as “nuclear dust,” a term he used to describe enriched uranium stockpiles believed to be stored in heavily fortified underground facilities.

“They’ve agreed to give us back the nuclear dust,” he added.

Trump also suggested that a fresh round of negotiations could take place over the weekend, while acknowledging uncertainty over the durability of the current ceasefire arrangement linked to wider tensions in the Middle East.

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The comments come amid heightened diplomatic and military tensions in the region, following weeks of conflict that have disrupted global energy markets and raised concerns over the security of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route.

However, Iranian authorities have not confirmed Trump’s claims. Officials in Tehran have previously rejected similar statements, insisting that no final agreement has been reached on key issues, including uranium enrichment levels and sanctions relief.

Recent diplomatic engagements involving intermediaries have reportedly focused on narrowing differences over Iran’s nuclear programme, but major sticking points remain unresolved. These include verification mechanisms for uranium stockpiles and the scope of any restrictions on enrichment activities.

Analysts say any potential agreement would require strict international monitoring to ensure compliance, particularly given the complexity of tracking enriched material stored in secure facilities.

The situation also carries broader geopolitical implications, with energy markets reacting sharply to tensions in the region. A sustained de-escalation could ease pressure on global oil prices and improve stability across major supply routes.

While the White House has signalled optimism about progress, no formal agreement has been announced, and diplomatic channels remain active as both sides continue discussions.

Trump Says Iran Agrees to Hand Over Enriched Uranium in Nuclear Deal Talks

UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud

A United Kingdom court has sentenced a Nigerian couple, Luciana and Femi Akanbi, to prison after uncovering a sophisticated tax rebate fraud scheme that cost authorities more than £433,000.

The couple were convicted at Woolwich Crown Court for orchestrating the fraud using stolen personal data belonging to employees of Transport for London, in a case described as one of the most serious internal data breaches linked to the agency.

Court proceedings revealed that the fraudulent activities took place between September 2021 and January 2022, during which confidential information belonging to at least 40 staff members—including passport details, National Insurance numbers, and banking records—was used to submit 139 false tax rebate claims to HM Revenue and Customs.

Prosecutors told the court that Luciana Akanbi, 38, who worked in the human resources department of Transport for London, had access to sensitive personal records of about 107 employees. This access enabled the couple to create multiple self-assessment accounts and process fraudulent claims.

While the total value of claims submitted approached £650,000, authorities confirmed that the actual financial loss stood at over £433,000, with the funds quickly moved through a complex money-laundering network.

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Delivering judgment, Judge David Miller described the incident as the worst data breach ever experienced by Transport for London, noting that the organisation was forced to overhaul its systems as a result.

He stated that the scheme significantly impacted victims, many of whom had to deal with disrupted finances, damaged credit ratings, and prolonged engagements with tax authorities.

The court also heard that approximately £66,000 was traced to Femi Akanbi’s bank account, while about £16,000 was linked to Luciana, although the total benefit from the fraud was believed to be higher.

Prosecutor Andrew Evans described the operation as highly sophisticated, involving careful planning, multiple digital devices, and numerous victims. Investigations revealed that at least 38 electronic devices were used to execute the fraudulent claims.

Further evidence suggested that financial pressures contributed to the crime, with Femi Akanbi reportedly battling a gambling addiction following health challenges during the COVID-19 period. The court heard that over £50,000 of the stolen funds was channelled into gambling accounts.

Judge Miller rejected attempts by Luciana to shift blame, ruling that both defendants played central roles in the scheme, which was made possible by her position of trust within the organisation.

He also declined to issue a compensation order, citing the couple’s lack of recoverable assets, but indicated they may face deportation proceedings after serving their sentences.

In response, Transport for London said it has strengthened internal systems to prevent future breaches, while HM Revenue and Customs reiterated its commitment to tackling tax fraud and protecting public funds.

The case highlights growing concerns over identity theft, insider data breaches, and financial fraud, particularly within large organisations handling sensitive personal information.

UK Court Jails Nigerian Couple Over £433,000 TfL Tax Fraud