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Alexandra Sharp

@alexandrassharp.bsky.social
467 followers 177 following 427 posts

World Brief writer @foreignpolicy.com | Chicago pride | She/Her/Hers | Send tips to: alexandra.sharp@foreignpolicy.com

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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
G-7 nations agree to release 100 million barrels of reserve diesel over the next four months in an effort to rein in runaway fuel prices. foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/02/g...
foreignpolicy.com
G-7 Agrees to Release 100 Million Barrels of Reserve Diesel
The White House had threatened to ban U.S. diesel exports if Europe did not step up.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 01/10/2026
France unveils its 2027 budget proposal to a backdrop of political uncertainty, violent student protests, and an anxious bond market. foreignpolicy.com/2026/10/01/f...
foreignpolicy.com
Violent Student Protests Loom Over France’s Budget Proposal
Paris is hoping to rein in the country’s deficit and avoid another no-confidence vote.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 30/09/2026
U.S. forces withdraw from Iraq after two decades of military involvement. Washington’s adversaries, including Iran and the Islamic State, are likely to take advantage of the pullout. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/30/u...
foreignpolicy.com
U.S. Forces Leave Behind a Power Vacuum in Iraq
Washington’s adversaries, including Iran and the Islamic State, are likely to take advantage of the pullout.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 29/09/2026
Spain’s housing crisis faces a reckoning, as mass protests over an 87-year-old’s eviction prompt new reform proposals. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/29/s...
foreignpolicy.com
Spain’s Housing Reform
Mass protests over an 87-year-old’s eviction prompt new proposed legislation.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 28/09/2026
China and the United States agree to slash tariffs on $60 billion worth of goods. But crucially, soybeans aren’t on the menu. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/28/u...
foreignpolicy.com
The U.S. and China Agree to Slash Tariffs
The cuts are on $60 billion worth of goods—but, crucially, soybeans aren’t included.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 25/09/2026
Ethiopia returns to civil war, as the Tigray People’s Liberation Front attempts to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/25/e...
foreignpolicy.com
Ethiopia Returns to Civil War
The Tigray People’s Liberation Front, now allied with six other armed groups, hopes to oust Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump welcomes Chinese President Xi Jinping with pomp and pageantry. But their White House talks conclude with few breakthroughs. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/24/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump and Xi Talked a Lot but Accomplished Little
The White House summit concluded with much fanfare but few breakthroughs.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 23/09/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump claims to have brought peace to Gaza. Now, he is trying to deliver it via a $2.45 billion reconstruction plan. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/23/b...
foreignpolicy.com
A $2.45 Billion Recovery Plan for Gaza
Trump claims to have brought peace to the territory. Now, he is trying to deliver it.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 22/09/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump presents a damning choice during his U.N. General Assembly speech: Make a deal with Iran or “annihilate” the Islamic Republic. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/22/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump Threatens to ‘Annihilate’ Iran in U.N. Speech
Such warnings—on the U.N. stage, no less—could be considered war crimes.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 18/09/2026
Russia kicks off its first State Duma elections since the Ukraine war erupted. But for Moscow, the outcome matters less than the veneer of holding a vote. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/18/r...
foreignpolicy.com
Russia’s Parliamentary Elections Offer Rituals, Not Results
Polling shows that United Russia is all but certain to maintain its power.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 17/09/2026
Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson resigns after his right-wing coalition suffered a bitter (and unexpected) election defeat. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/17/s...
foreignpolicy.com
Sweden’s Right-Wing Reckoning
What was expected to be an easy election win resulted in a narrow victory for the left.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 16/09/2026
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floats making Canada the bloc’s first associate member at a time when Ottawa’s and Brussels’ relations with Washington are increasingly strained. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/16/e...
foreignpolicy.com
The EU’s 28th State?
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen floats making Canada the bloc’s first associate member.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 15/09/2026
NATO suspects that Russia is behind the latest airspace violation in Lithuania. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/15/n...
foreignpolicy.com
Are Drone Incursions Europe’s New Normal?
NATO suspects that Russia is behind the latest airspace violation in Lithuania.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 14/09/2026
As oil prices rise and Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia intensify, planned regional talks in the Middle East hit a snag. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/14/h...
foreignpolicy.com
Fresh Houthi Strikes Inject New Uncertainty Into Iran War
As oil prices rise, planned regional talks hit a snag.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 11/09/2026
Ahead of this weekend’s BRICS leaders’ summit, India and China compete to shape the bloc’s agenda moving forward. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/11/b...
foreignpolicy.com
Who Wears the BRICS Crown?
India and China compete to shape the bloc’s agenda moving forward.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 10/09/2026
The Houthis’ seizure of a strategic Red Sea port city brings Iran closer to claiming another critical waterway: the Bab el-Mandeb strait. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/10/h...
foreignpolicy.com
The Bab el-Mandeb Problem
Houthi control of a Red Sea port brings Tehran closer to claiming another critical waterway.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 08/09/2026
Yemen’s Houthi rebels launch missile and drone attacks across Saudi Arabia, risking adding a new front to the Iran war. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/08/y...
foreignpolicy.com
Are Yemen and Saudi Arabia Returning to All-Out War?
Houthi strikes risk adding a new front to the Iran conflict.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
European nations join Berlin in punishing Moscow for an alleged unsuccessful attack on Leipzig Airport. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/03/r...
foreignpolicy.com
The Fallout of Russia’s Failed Drone Attack on Germany
European nations join Berlin in punishing Moscow for an alleged unsuccessful attack on Leipzig airport.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 02/09/2026
Iran calls a deadly U.S. strike on a wedding a war crime and vows retaliation against U.S. military bases in the Persian Gulf. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/02/i...
foreignpolicy.com
Iran Accuses U.S. Military of a War Crime
Renewed fighting has taken a deadly turn after a month without major military action.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 01/09/2026
Russia flexes its diplomatic muscles at three international conferences. As the war in Ukraine rages on, Moscow remains far from an international pariah. foreignpolicy.com/2026/09/01/r...
foreignpolicy.com
Moscow’s Moment of Global Summitry
The war in Ukraine may rage on, but Russia remains far from an international pariah.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 31/08/2026
U.S. and Iranian forces exchange fire for the first time in a month. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/31/u...
foreignpolicy.com
U.S.-Iran Fighting Reignites
A U.S. attack on Larak Island paves the way for renewed heavy warfare.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 28/08/2026
Iceland prepares to hold a referendum on restarting talks to join the European Union. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/28/i...
foreignpolicy.com
Iceland’s EU Ambitions
U.S. threats in the Arctic push Reykjavik to hold a referendum on restarting membership talks.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 27/08/2026
Rescuers race to find survivors of the catastrophic Nepal-Tibet flash flood before more potential flooding occurs. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/27/n...
foreignpolicy.com
Death Toll Rises in Nepal-Tibet Flash Flood
Rescuers are racing to find survivors before more potential flooding occurs.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 26/08/2026
Tehran vows to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed if Washington does not accept the terms of Iran’s deal with Oman. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/26/i...
foreignpolicy.com
Iran, Oman Agree to Temporary Strait of Hormuz Deal
Tehran vows to keep the waterway closed if Washington does not accept its terms.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 25/08/2026
Canada announces retaliatory tariffs against the United States, marking the latest salvo in the ongoing North American trade war. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/25/u...
foreignpolicy.com
The U.S.-Canada Trade War Is Full Steam Ahead
Ottawa issues retaliatory tariffs to go “dollar for dollar” with U.S. duties.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 24/08/2026
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent unveils a new, sweeping sanctions campaign against Iran: Operation Economic Outcast. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/24/i...
foreignpolicy.com
U.S. Unveils ‘Economic D-Day’ Against Iran
The White House vows to sanction any country that continues to do business with Tehran.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 21/08/2026
Iran vows “devastating” retaliation against new U.S. sanctions threats, and China appears unwilling to scale back its business ties with Tehran. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/21/u...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump Needs China’s Help to Effectively Sanction Iran
But Tehran’s top crude buyer appears unwilling to play ball.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 20/08/2026
U.S. and Canadian officials hold last-minute trade talks, as Ottawa seeks to avoid another round of sweeping U.S. tariffs. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/20/u...
foreignpolicy.com
The Clock Is Ticking Down on Another U.S.-Canada Trade War
Senior Canadian officials are looking to make a deal to avoid new 50 percent U.S. tariffs.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 19/08/2026
The United Arab Emirates halts all trade and financial transactions with Iran in the hopes that economic pressure will force Tehran to surrender. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/19/u...
foreignpolicy.com
UAE Joins Global Efforts to Isolate Iran
Abu Dhabi is hoping that a trade embargo will force Tehran to surrender.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 18/08/2026
The United Kingdom pledges its continued support for Ukraine, defying Russian threats of possible retaliation for supplying drones to Kyiv. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/18/b...
foreignpolicy.com
Russian Threats Won’t Stop the U.K.’s Drone Deliveries
London vows to continue aiding Ukraine’s war effort.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 17/08/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump scales back joint military exercises with South Korea to appease Pyongyang. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/17/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Is Trump Choosing North Korea Over South Korea?
The United States scales back joint military drills with Seoul to appease Pyongyang.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 05/08/2026
Russian missile strikes expose Ukraine’s Patriot interceptor shortage. Kyiv blames allies’ reluctance to help for its diminished arsenal. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/05/u...
foreignpolicy.com
Ukraine’s Deadly Missile Defense Shortage
Kyiv has run out of Patriot interceptors, but allies remain reluctant to supply more.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 04/08/2026
Qatari mediators confirm that the United States and Iran are actively negotiating a peace deal to end the monthslong conflict. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/04/i...
foreignpolicy.com
Iran’s ‘Last Chance’ for Peace Talks
Qatar confirms that indirect U.S.-Iran negotiations are making progress.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 03/08/2026
Tehran denies engaging in direct peace talks with Washington, a day after the White House cancels military strikes on Iran. foreignpolicy.com/2026/08/03/u...
foreignpolicy.com
Iran Denies Peace Talks After the United States Cancels Military Strikes
Trump’s “imminent” deal remains elusive.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 31/07/2026
Around 60,000 people from Morocco surged into the tiny Spanish exclave of Ceuta, sparking a migrant crisis with EU repercussions. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/31/s...
foreignpolicy.com
Spain Records Unprecedented Migrant Crossing
Some 60,000 people from Morocco surged into the Spanish exclave of Ceuta.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 30/07/2026
NATO accuses Russia of firing a missile into Polish airspace, once again raising fears that the Russia-Ukraine war could spill into neighboring countries. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/30/p...
foreignpolicy.com
NATO Says Russian Missile Violated Polish Airspace
Secretary-General Mark Rutte warned that Moscow’s “reckless” actions risk spreading the Ukraine war.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 29/07/2026
Joint U.S.-Saudi strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq risk adding a new front to the rapidly expanding Iran war. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/29/u...
foreignpolicy.com
U.S.-Saudi Strikes Add a New Front to the Iran War
Iraqi militias backed by Tehran are the latest targets in the ever-expanding conflict.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 28/07/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump attempts to juggle two massive conflicts in one day, separately hosting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/28/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump’s Diplomatic Doubleheader
The leaders of Ukraine and Israel both came to Washington to curry U.S. favor.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is finally getting his White House meeting, and the stakes are higher than ever before. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/27/n...
foreignpolicy.com
What to Expect at the Trump-Netanyahu Showdown
Once close allies, the two leaders are at odds on the Iran war.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 27/07/2026
From strategic fortresses to economic powerhouses, here are the nine most consequential islands in Iran’s arsenal—and what a U.S. military campaign could conceivably achieve. An @foreignpolicy.com explainer! foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/27/i...
foreignpolicy.com
Iran’s Arsenal Starts With Its Islands
From strategic fortresses to economic powerhouses, Iran’s islands may be the key to any full-scale invasion. Here’s a guide to Tehran’s nine most consequential territories.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 24/07/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump imposes sweeping tariffs on 60 U.S. trading partners, igniting fierce foreign condemnation. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/24/u...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump Swaps Out Tariffs for Even More Tariffs
Foreign leaders accuse the White House of using forced labor allegations as a smokescreen for protectionist measures.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 23/07/2026
Houthi attacks on Saudi shipping risk adding a new front to the Iran war, as U.S. President Donald Trump vows to hold Tehran responsible for the rebel group’s actions. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/23/h...
foreignpolicy.com
Is the Red Sea the New Hormuz Crisis?
Houthi attacks on Saudi shipping risk adding a new front to the Iran war.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 22/07/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump approves a landmark nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia but forgoes requiring constraints on uranium enrichment. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/22/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump Approves Nuclear Deal With Saudi Arabia
But without “gold standard” constraints, the pact could allow Riyadh to eventually develop a warhead.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 21/07/2026
Canada, Mexico, Brazil—and now, the world. The United States is preparing to impose new sweeping tariffs on dozens of economies. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/21/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Who Is Trump’s Next Tariff Target?
Trump’s latest protectionist measures will likely exacerbate trade tensions and reignite legal battles.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 20/07/2026
Houthi rebels in Yemen declare a naval blockade on Saudi Arabia. The move could increase pressure on already-strained global energy markets. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/20/h...
foreignpolicy.com
Houthis Declare a Naval Blockade on Saudi Arabia
The move could increase pressure on already-strained global energy markets.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 17/07/2026
U.S. and Iranian forces widen their military operations, damaging civilian infrastructure. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/17/u...
foreignpolicy.com
U.S., Iranian Forces Target Civilian Infrastructure
Attacks on bridges, power plants, and desalination facilities could be considered war crimes.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 16/07/2026
Thousands of people protest the dismissal of Ukrainian Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/16/u...
foreignpolicy.com
Zelensky’s Cabinet Reshuffle Sparks Public Outcry in Ukraine
Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov was popular for his drone development push—but not enough to keep him in office.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 15/07/2026
Russian forces escalate their Black Sea offensive, targeting major trade routes and deepwater ports in an effort to strain Ukraine’s economy. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/15/r...
foreignpolicy.com
Russia Shifts Its Focus to the Black Sea
Moscow is targeting trade routes and deepwater ports to strain Ukraine’s wartime economy.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 14/07/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump scraps his 20 percent Strait of Hormuz toll in favor of Gulf investment deals. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/14/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump Pivots His Strait of Hormuz Strategy—Again
Pressure from Gulf leaders prompted Trump to abandon proposed tolls.
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Alexandra Sharp @alexandrassharp.bsky.social · 13/07/2026
U.S. President Donald Trump vows to charge a 20 percent toll on all commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz and to reimpose the U.S. military blockade on Iran. foreignpolicy.com/2026/07/13/t...
foreignpolicy.com
Trump Is Taking a Page Out of Iran’s Playbook
The White House vows to charge all commercial ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.
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