Monday, 24 August 2026 Archypedia index online
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Samir Haddad

Samir Haddad is Archypedia’s World editorial desk profile and collective pen name, used for international affairs, conflict and diplomacy coverage.

Trump announces US naval blockade of Iran and 20% toll in Hormuz Strait

Trump announces US naval blockade of Iran and 20% toll in Hormuz Strait

The United States is implementing a mandatory 20% transit toll and a naval blockade of the Iranian coastline following a collapse in regional ceasefire talks. The move has drawn formal opposition from the International Maritime Organization and caused a rise in oil prices.

World ·13 Jul 2026, 23:33 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Trump declares US control of Strait of Hormuz and reinstates port blockade

Trump declares US control of Strait of Hormuz and reinstates port blockade

The United States has designated itself the 'Guardian of the Hormuz Strait' and announced a new naval blockade and toll system for cargo vessels. The policy follows recent U.S. drone strikes on Iranian facilities and the collapse of a regional memorandum of understanding.

World ·13 Jul 2026, 20:02 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
California sues to block federal restart of offshore oil pipeline

California sues to block federal restart of offshore oil pipeline

California officials are suing to stop Sable Offshore Corp. from operating a pipeline, arguing that federal emergency powers do not override state law.

World ·13 Jul 2026, 19:01 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Trump plans US takeover of Strait of Hormuz with 20 percent cargo tax

Trump plans US takeover of Strait of Hormuz with 20 percent cargo tax

President Trump has declared a U.S.-led naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, announcing a 20 percent cargo levy to fund security operations in the region.

World ·13 Jul 2026, 17:37 ·Samir Haddad 4 min read
US military launches new strikes on Iran as regional attacks escalate

US military launches new strikes on Iran as regional attacks escalate

US forces have intensified operations against Iran following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region. These actions occur as diplomatic efforts to secure the maritime corridor reach a stalemate.

World ·13 Jul 2026, 10:33 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27 people

Bangkok pub fire kills at least 27 people

At least 27 people died and 63 were injured after a blaze tore through a popular Bangkok pub. Authorities are investigating a circuit breaker explosion and whether fire exits were obstructed.

World ·13 Jul 2026, 02:35 ·Samir Haddad 4 min read
Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani laid to rest in Doha

Qatar's Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani laid to rest in Doha

Qatar is observing four days of national mourning following the death of Father Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani. The former leader, who reigned from 1995 until his 2013 abdication, was laid to rest at the Lusail Cemetery following funeral prayers in Doha.

World ·13 Jul 2026, 02:31 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After ‘Brief and Sudden Illness’

Sen. Lindsey Graham Dies at 71 After ‘Brief and Sudden Illness’

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a long-time Republican power broker and foreign policy advocate, has passed away at age 71. His sudden death creates a vacancy that will be filled by a gubernatorial appointment until the November 2026 election.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 18:02 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Police say no suggestion of political motive in Widdecombe killing

Police say no suggestion of political motive in Widdecombe killing

Devon and Cornwall Police have stated there is no evidence that the death of former politician Ann Widdecombe was politically motivated or terror-related. A 28-year-old man remains in custody as authorities continue their investigation.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 16:04 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

Qatari former Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani dies at 74

The Amiri Diwan announced the death of former Qatari Emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, who oversaw the nation's rapid modernization and development.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 12:32 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Lindsey Graham, key ally of Donald Trump, dies after sudden illness, his office says

Lindsey Graham, key ally of Donald Trump, dies after sudden illness, his office says

South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, a pivotal figure in Republican foreign policy and an ally of Donald Trump, has died at the age of 71. His passing leaves a vacancy in the Senate during an active election cycle.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 09:32 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
US and Iran exchange strikes as Tehran again says strait of Hormuz is closed

US and Iran exchange strikes as Tehran again says strait of Hormuz is closed

The US launched strikes on at least 140 Iranian sites following an IRGC attack on a commercial vessel and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 07:32 ·Samir Haddad 4 min read
Trump’s Justice Department subpoenas NY Times journalists over Qatari Air Force One report

Trump’s Justice Department subpoenas NY Times journalists over Qatari Air Force One report

Federal agents have ordered several New York Times reporters to testify before a grand jury following reports on security vulnerabilities in the president's Qatari-gifted jet.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 06:32 ·Samir Haddad 4 min read
UK police make new arrest over killing of former politician Ann Widdecombe

UK police make new arrest over killing of former politician Ann Widdecombe

A 28-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after former MP and Reform UK spokesperson Ann Widdecombe was found dead at her home.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 04:49 ·Samir Haddad 7 min read
Iran and US trade threats as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz access

Iran and US trade threats as tensions rise over Strait of Hormuz access

Military skirmishes and conflicting interpretations of the Islamabad Memorandum have stalled peace efforts in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian leader Mojtaba Khamenei has vowed revenge against the U.S. following recent military strikes.

World ·12 Jul 2026, 00:02 ·Samir Haddad 4 min read
Trump declares Iran ceasefire over following Strait of Hormuz attacks

Trump declares Iran ceasefire over following Strait of Hormuz attacks

President Trump declared the ceasefire over following Iranian attacks on commercial tankers and a subsequent U.S. bombing campaign. Indirect diplomatic talks remain ongoing through mediators in Qatar and Oman.

World ·11 Jul 2026, 22:32 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
New York Times reporters subpoenaed over Air Force One security reporting

New York Times reporters subpoenaed over Air Force One security reporting

New York Times journalists have been ordered to appear before a federal grand jury after reporting on alleged security flaws in the new presidential aircraft. The action has drawn sharp condemnation from press freedom groups and the newspaper's legal team.

World ·11 Jul 2026, 18:33 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Mojtaba Khamenei vows US revenge

Mojtaba Khamenei vows US revenge

New Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has pledged retaliation for the airstrike killing of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, further straining ties with the US.

World ·11 Jul 2026, 16:07 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
Venezuela earthquake death toll tops 4,000 amid urgent recovery efforts

Venezuela earthquake death toll tops 4,000 amid urgent recovery efforts

Over 4,000 people have been confirmed dead following back-to-back earthquakes in Venezuela, triggering an urgent $300 million humanitarian appeal.

World ·11 Jul 2026, 15:08 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read
US demands Iran publicly state that Strait of Hormuz is open

US demands Iran publicly state that Strait of Hormuz is open

Washington has demanded that Iran guarantee open international transit through the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of an interim ceasefire. This comes as military strikes and regional hostilities continue to escalate.

World ·11 Jul 2026, 01:03 ·Samir Haddad 3 min read