Friday 28 August 2026 07:30 UTC
Hormuz Reopens Uneasily as Europe Faces Missile and Troop Risks
In the 24 hours ending 28 August at 07:30 UTC, US forces declared the Strait of Hormuz open. Admiral Brad Cooper, the US regional commander, said forces had cleared an international channel of mines. However, commercial traffic remained far below prewar levels. US allies also feared that mines still remained.
Iran said ships could use a central channel if Washington met Tehran’s conditions. Qatar, Iran and Oman discussed a temporary route and a joint mine-clearing project. The White House said no negotiations were underway and its naval blockade would continue.
Donald Trump, the US president, said he had no interest in talks with Iran. Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s top security official, threatened US military and economic interests if Washington attacked again. Iran also restored about 40% of damaged production at the South Pars gas field.
The confirmed death toll from flooding across Nepal and Tibet rose to at least 469. Hundreds remained missing after a glacial flood destroyed communities and key infrastructure. The flood also destroyed the main Rasuwagadhi border crossing between Nepal and China.
Ukrainian drones struck the Yaroslavl oil refinery, one of Russia’s largest, and caused a fire. A separate Russian attack destroyed all generating capacity at a thermal power station in Kherson, Ukraine.
Russian attack drones repeatedly entered Moldova’s airspace before the country’s independence celebrations. Maia Sandu, Moldova’s president, called the incidents intimidation. She also reaffirmed her country’s aim to join the European Union.
US and NATO officials warned of a serious Patriot missile shortage in Europe. The United States moved large stocks to the Middle East during the Iran war. Officials said Europe could struggle against a sustained Russian ballistic missile attack.
Trump said he did not believe Russia would attack NATO territory. However, he secretly sent John Ratcliffe, the CIA director, to warn Moscow against such an attack. Ratcliffe also urged Russia to weaken ties with Iran and pursue serious peace talks with Ukraine.
The Pentagon began a six-month review of about 80,000 US troops in Europe. The review covers troop numbers, locations, costs and the speed of future movements. European allies fear Washington could sharply reduce its presence.
Canada imposed 50% tariffs on US copper wire and wood charcoal. The measures added to the growing trade dispute between the two countries.
The US goods trade deficit grew 17.2% in July to $118.8 billion. Imports rose 3.7%, while exports fell 2.9%. New unemployment claims fell to 203,000, below expectations.
Joint US and Ecuadorian operations broke up a major drug and smuggling network. Authorities arrested more than 20 people and seized drugs, weapons, vehicles and money.
Nvidia shares rose 7.1%, adding about $359 billion in market value. The rise followed stronger company results and forecasts than investors expected.
King Harald, Norway’s monarch, died aged 89 after 35 years on the throne. Ratko Mladić, a convicted Bosnian Serb war criminal, died in prison aged 84.