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U.S. Hits Iran’s Kharg Island Military Sites Amid Rising Oil‑Sector Tensions

  The US bombed military targets on Kharg Island in the Persian Gulf, but spared oil infrastructure for now. The United States has carried out airstrikes on military targets located on Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic hub responsible for the overwhelming majority of the country’s oil exports. President Donald Trump stated that U.S. forces “obliterated” military positions on the island, emphasizing that the operation avoided damaging vital oil infrastructure.  Kharg Island, which handles most of Iran’s crude shipments, sits at the center of global energy flows and has become a flashpoint amid escalating regional conflict. Iranian state media reported no harm to oil facilities but warned that any future attacks on its energy network would provoke retaliation. The strike marks a significant escalation in the two‑week‑old conflict, with Washington also deploying an additional 2,500 Marines and an amphibious assault ship to the region. Analysts warn that any disruption to Kharg ...

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EU Eyes ‘Reparations Loan’ for Ukraine Backed by Frozen Russian Assets

Ukraine would only pay back the reparation loan once it receives compensation from Russia for damage inflicted during the war.

The European Union is exploring a plan to channel billions from frozen Russian central bank assets into a new “reparations loan” for Ukraine, aiming to bolster Kyiv’s wartime finances while sidestepping a potential veto from Hungary.

Under the proposal, around €210 billion immobilised in Europe — much of it held as cash by Belgian securities depository Euroclear — would be swapped for zero-coupon EU bonds. The proceeds would be lent to Ukraine, with repayment required only if Russia eventually pays war damages.

The scheme, championed by European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, is designed to avoid outright seizure of Russian assets, a legal red line for some member states. If Hungary refuses to participate, officials say a “coalition of the willing” could move ahead independently.

Supporters argue the plan could unlock long-term investment potential and provide immediate relief for Ukraine’s budget shortfall. Critics warn of legal risks and possible Russian retaliation, with Moscow threatening lawsuits against any country involved.

EU finance ministers are expected to discuss the proposal in the coming weeks, as Kyiv faces mounting funding needs and Western donors search for new ways to sustain support.


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