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Rising Tensions Leave Ships Stranded in Key Oil Passage

Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz ⁠was closed for a fourth day on Tuesday, choking off a key artery accounting for about 20% of global oil and gas supply. Greece’s Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vassilis Kikilias, has raised urgent concerns over an increasingly alarming situation in the Strait of Hormuz, where dozens of vessels remain stranded amid escalating conflict involving Iran. He emphasized the need to safeguard global shipping and protect seafarers as the strategic waterway—responsible for roughly 20% of global oil and gas flows—remains closed for a fourth consecutive day.  The closure has disrupted international trade routes and heightened anxiety across the maritime sector. Greek authorities have urged shipowners to exercise maximum caution and avoid high‑risk zones in the wider Persian Gulf region as tensions continue to rise. The prolonged shutdown underscores the vulnerability of global supply chains to geopolitical instability and highlights th...

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Trump Proposes New Agency to Collect Foreign Revenue

 


In a recent announcement, President-elect Donald Trump revealed plans to establish a new government agency called the External Revenue Service. This agency aims to collect tariffs, duties, and other revenues from foreign sources. Trump stated that this move is intended to shift the tax burden away from American citizens and onto foreign entities that benefit from trade with the United States.

The announcement has sparked significant debate. Supporters argue that it will ensure foreign companies pay their fair share, while critics warn that it could lead to increased costs for American consumers and potential retaliation from trade partners. The specifics of how this new agency will operate remain unclear, and it is uncertain whether it will replace existing functions performed by agencies like U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Trump's proposal has also drawn criticism from some lawmakers, who view it as a rebranding effort that could result in a multi-trillion-dollar tax hike on American families and small businesses. As the inauguration approaches, the details and potential impacts of this new agency will be closely watched.


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