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- 1Iran shifts trade north to Caspian Sea as Strait of Hormuz falters▼Iran shifts trade north to Caspian Sea as war impairs Strait of Hormuz
Iran is rerouting trade toward the Caspian Sea after war disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital waterway that has long carried the bulk of its commerce. The move highlights how the conflict is reshaping Iranian supply lines, pushing trade toward northern corridors and overland connections with Central Asia as Gulf access becomes increasingly unreliable.
- 2Experts warn Taiwan invasion could push Japan toward nuclear weapons●Revolting for the CCP: seizing Taiwan could drive Japan to nuclear weapons
Analysts at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute argue that a Chinese seizure of Taiwan would be so destabilising for Japan that it could drive Tokyo to abandon its non-nuclear posture and develop nuclear weapons. The piece, published on ASPI's Strategist commentary site, frames the scenario as 'revolting for the CCP', suggesting Beijing's ambitions could trigger the very regional nuclear proliferation it seeks to avoid.