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Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open’ to commercial ships 

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Strait of Hormuz 'completely open' to commercial ships

The Strait of Hormuz has been declared “completely open” to commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefire, according to Iran, offering a potential easing of global energy supply concerns.

In a follow-up statement, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that the waterway is “COMPLETELY OPEN AND READY FOR BUSINESS,” but stressed that a U.S. naval blockade targeting Iran would remain in place.

“THE NAVAL BLOCKADE WILL REMAIN IN FULL FORCE AND EFFECT AS IT PERTAINS TO IRAN, ONLY, UNTIL SUCH TIME AS OUR TRANSACTION WITH IRAN IS 100% COMPLETE,” Trump said, adding that negotiations were close to being finalised.

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The development signals a partial de-escalation in tensions, though the continued U.S. naval presence underscores the fragile nature of the ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic process.

Reacting to the announcement, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed Iran’s decision but cautioned that any reopening must be sustained and credible.

He said international leaders had united behind a clear message that the strait should remain open without tolls or restrictions, emphasising the need for stability in global shipping routes.

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Starmer also called for the swift resumption of maritime traffic to help mitigate the economic shock caused by weeks of disruption.

In a further sign of coordinated international action, he announced that the United Kingdom and France would lead a multinational mission aimed at safeguarding freedom of navigation in the region once conditions allow.

The mission, described as “strictly peaceful and defensive,” is expected to involve around a dozen countries. A planning conference is scheduled to take place in London next week to coordinate contributions and operational details.

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“Our citizens need to see a return to peace and stability,” Starmer said, highlighting the broader global stakes tied to the security of the vital shipping route.

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Tiger Woods Accepts Five-Year Driving Ban After Reckless Driving Plea

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Golfing legend Tiger Woods has agreed to plead to a reckless driving charge as part of a deal with prosecutors, avoiding the original charge of driving under the influence following a rollover crash in Florida.

The 50-year-old accepted a five-year suspension of his driving licence and a $1,000 (£742) fine under the plea agreement reached with prosecutors in Martin County.

Woods was arrested following the March crash. He passed a breathalyser test but declined further testing for other substances.

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He initially pleaded not guilty to misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence and refusing to submit to testing. Following the incident, Woods said he was seeking treatment and taking time to focus on his health.

Florida State Attorney Thomas Bakkedahl said he was satisfied with the resolution of the case and insisted Woods had been treated like any other defendant.

“No one was injured in the crash, although Woods was forced to crawl through the passenger door to escape the vehicle after it rolled over.

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Police body-camera footage released in April showed Woods in the aftermath of the crash. He appeared calm as he told officers: “I looked down at my phone, and all of a sudden, boom.”

Woods told police he had not consumed alcohol that day. He also acknowledged taking prescription medication earlier that morning, although the names of the medication were redacted from the footage.

Officers said they suspected his normal faculties had been impaired by an “unknown substance”. Authorities later reported finding two white pills in his pocket, which were identified as hydrocodone, an opioid commonly prescribed for pain.

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After the incident, Woods acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and said he was stepping away to seek treatment and focus on his wellbeing.

The crash was the second time Woods had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

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Norway’s King Haakon Takes Oath as Nation Mourns Late King Harald

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Norway’s King Haakon VIII has sworn an oath before parliament in Oslo, marking the first major formal step in his reign following the death of his father, King Harald V.

During Tuesday’s ceremony, parliament also observed a minute’s silence in honour of Harald, who died on Friday.

Haakon’s wife, Queen Mette-Marit, was absent from the formal ceremony as she continues to recover from a lung transplant.

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Following the parliamentary proceedings, mourners began gathering at the Royal Palace in Oslo to pay their respects to the late king.

King Harald’s coffin is lying in state at the palace, where members of the public will be able to pay their respects until 8 September.

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Nepal Flood Death Toll Surpasses 1,000 as Rescuers Search for Trapped Workers

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The death toll from devastating floods along Nepal’s border with Tibet has surpassed 1,000, according to the country’s disaster management authorities.

More than 3,900 people remain missing, including over 600 workers believed to be trapped inside a vast network of mud-filled tunnels at hydropower projects along the Trishuli River.

Rescuers have been pumping air into the tunnels in an effort to keep those trapped alive. A team managed to enter one of the tunnels on Monday but was forced to withdraw after finding no survivors.

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Nepalese Prime Minister Balendra Shah said 279 people had so far been rescued from the affected sites.

The international rescue effort is being led by Chinese and Nepalese military personnel, with experts from India, South Korea and Australia also taking part.

Families of the missing workers have expressed frustration over the pace of the rescue operation.

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Nepal relies heavily on hydropower and has invested extensively in projects along its mountainous river systems. Authorities said at least 11 hydropower projects, either completed or under construction, were damaged by the floods.

Rescuers began pumping air into one tunnel over the weekend, but relatives of those trapped said the measure should have been introduced sooner.

Prime Minister Shah said rescue efforts had been intensified, describing the floods as an extraordinary disaster and warning that climate change was increasing risks across the Himalayan region.

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