China Holds Drills Near Disputed Scarborough Shoal as ASEAN Talks Continue
China reported naval and air drills near Scarborough Shoal as ASEAN and China pursue a 2026 South China Sea code of conduct that remains unfinished.
Maritime Security
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China-Philippines clashes test ASEAN’s South China Sea diplomacy
July confrontations near Scarborough and Second Thomas shoals tested ASEAN’s warnings on maritime safety as negotiations with China target a 2026 code of conduct.
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Hormuz blockade enforcement starts July 14: UN restraint vs shipping risk
UN Security Council urges maximum restraint as a U.S.-linked blockade-enforcement period starts July 14, raising new inspection risk for shipping.
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UN urges the U.S. and Iran to resume negotiations as Gulf strikes raise risk
World Diplomacy Conflict and Security Scan – UN warns renewed Gulf confrontations could derail U.S.-Iran talks and endanger Strait of Hormuz navigation.
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U.S. revokes Iran oil sanction license; CENTCOM restarts Hormuz enforcement
World Economy Trade Energy and Technology Scan – OFAC’s Iran “wind-down” license runs from July 7; CENTCOM says naval blockade enforcement restarted July 14.
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U.S.–Iran escalation near Hormuz: renewed port blockade raises shipping risks
July 14–18, 2026 saw renewed U.S.–Iran strikes plus a U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, tightening Hormuz shipping and raising insurance and oil-flow risks.
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UN Security Council extends Red Sea reporting with Resolution 2826—trade risk
UN Security Council Resolution 2826 extends Red Sea monthly reporting for 6 months. The U.S. MARAD advisory stays active through Sept. 22.
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U.S.-Iran ceasefire strain: U.S. demands Iran keep Strait of Hormuz open
Washington is pressing Iran for a public pledge on freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz as maritime incidents test the U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
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UN warns renewed escalation risk as US-Iran ceasefire strains Strait of Hormuz
World Diplomacy Conflict and Security Scan – UN and IMO warn de-escalation as renewed US-Iran tensions disrupt Strait of Hormuz shipping and seafarer evacuations.
