In a post on Truth Social, he said commercial vessels will be charged “at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped” but does not explain how this would work.

Earlier, Iran’s military said it won’t allow the US to “interfere in the management” of the key shipping route.

Meanwhile, the US and Iran have continued to exchange strikes. US Central Command (Centcom) said overnight that it had “completed” its latest round of strikes in Iran, in response to Iran targeting commercial ships in the Strait.

While a small number of vessels appear to be moving through the key waterway, traffic remains restricted, according to ship tracking website MarineTraffic.

Iran has said it is targeting US bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait, plus radar systems in Oman. Bahrain accuses Iran of targeting civilians.

According to Fitch, Armenia’s economy grew by 7.1% in 2025, with growth expected to moderate to 5.2% in 2026, remaining well above the median for countries with a similar rating. The agency said the country’s dynamic ICT sector, the planned opening of the Amulsar gold mine, and major infrastructure projects could support medium-term growth.

Fitch noted that the U.S.-backed peace framework with Azerbaijan has significantly reduced the risk of near-term military escalation, although uncertainty remains over the completion of the peace process, including a possible constitutional referendum. At the same time, the agency warned that rising diplomatic tensions with Russia pose risks to Armenia’s economy due to its heavy reliance on Russian energy imports and trade.

The rating agency also highlighted Armenia’s declining public debt, strong banking sector, and record foreign exchange reserves, while pointing to persistent current account deficits and inflationary pressures as ongoing challenges.

Fitch said an upgrade could be driven by sustained progress in the peace process with Azerbaijan, easing tensions with Russia, continued high economic growth, and prudent fiscal management. Conversely, renewed geopolitical tensions, worsening external vulnerabilities, or a significant deterioration in public finances could put downward pressure on the rating.

An aortic dissection is a tear in the main artery that carries blood to the body.

Graham, a close Republican ally of President Donald Trump, died at the age of 71 on Saturday evening.

Elected to the Senate in 2002, the South Carolina politician was one of Washington’s most influential voices on foreign policy, often pushing for US military intervention overseas.

Sargsyan played a pivotal role in leading Armenia to an unbeaten championship campaign, averaging 21.0 points, 14.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and an efficiency rating (EFF) of 36.0 throughout the tournament.

In addition to earning MVP honors, Sargsyan was selected to the tournament’s All-Star Five, further cementing his status as one of the competition’s standout performers.

Formally established on 21 April 2026, the mission will support Armenia’s capacity to address such hybrid challenges, including cyber threats, foreign information manipulation and interference (FIMI) and illicit financial flows. Specifically, the mission will provide strategic advice, technical expertise and institutional capacity building to various national institutions in Armenia to address such threats, and will support a horizontal, whole-of-government approach.

In addition, the mission will provide practical, operational advice and establish a dedicated project cell to implement targeted actions covered by its mandate, in close cooperation with international partners. EUPM Armenia is a non-executive mission and will have no role in the decision-making processes of the Armenian authorities.

“Last week, the EU unveiled a major economic and political support package for Armenia to help counter Russian pressure. Today, we deploy a new EU mission on the ground. EU experts will support the Armenian authorities deal with cyber threats and disinformation and countering illicit financial flows. The EU is the biggest champion of a resilient, independent Armenia and the right of the Armenian people to choose their own destiny. We’ll make sure Armenia does not face external coercion alone,” said Kaja Kallas, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

EUPM Armenia was established at the request of the Armenian government and is part of a broader and coherent EU approach, combining short and longer-term support to help strengthen Armenian national security. It reflects the EU’s firm commitment to support the country’s resilience and democratic institutions. By providing strategic advice, specialised expertise and capacity-building, the mission will help Armenia better prevent, detect and respond to hybrid threats, while fully respecting the country’s ownership and sovereignty.

The mission will have an initial mandate of two years and will primarily be composed of seconded experts from EU member states.

Cosmin George Dinescu was appointed Head of Mission on 11 June 2026. Previously, he served as the first head of the EU Partnership Mission in the Republic of Moldova.

The evening brought together judges, current and former public officials, philanthropists, academics, and political and community leaders. Deukmejian’s widow, Gloria Deukmejian, attended with their daughters, Leslie and Andrea. Greg Kahvejian served as master of ceremonies. For about a decade, he was involved in Deukmejian’s election campaigns and inaugural committees, as well as in other work related to his tenure as governor.

The exhibition at the Zorayan Museum featured historic photographs, video footage, archival documents, and memorabilia. The materials traced Deukmejian’s journey from his roots in an Armenian immigrant family in New York to the California Legislature, the Attorney General’s Office, and the Governor’s Office. Separate sections focused on his fiscal policies, education funding, judicial appointments, public safety, and the political representation of the Armenian-American community.

The evening’s principal announcement was the establishment of the George Deukmejian Scholarship Fund. Maria Mehranian, President of ArmeniaFund, Inc. USA, outlined the fund’s purpose. The new initiative is designed for California students pursuing academic and professional paths in law, public policy, community leadership, and civic engagement. It will provide scholarships, professional guidance, and opportunities to develop leadership skills.

The fund aims to translate Deukmejian’s experience in public service into practical opportunities for young professionals by supporting their education, professional development, and engagement in government and community institutions. The initiative places particular emphasis on the early stages of public-service careers, when students and young professionals often need financial and professional support most.

George Deukmejian (1928–2018) was born in Menands, New York, into a family of Armenian immigrants. After completing his legal studies and serving in a legal capacity in the U.S. Army, he moved to California and settled in Long Beach. He was elected to the California State Assembly in 1962 and the California State Senate in 1966; in 1978, he was elected Attorney General of California.

In 1982, Deukmejian was elected California’s 35th governor, becoming the first Armenian-American to hold the office; he was reelected to a second term in 1986. His tenure was marked by fiscal discipline, education funding, public safety, and judicial appointments. After leaving office, he returned to the practice of law and remained a prominent figure in California public life and Armenian-American history until his death.

The evening also reflected the long-term approach that has taken shape at the Western Diocese under Archbishop Hovnan Derderian’s leadership: the collective memory of the Armenian people and the Armenian-American community is not confined to archives or ceremonial speeches, but is carried forward through the museum, as well as through educational, cultural, and civic initiatives.

The concert will take place on 18 July 2026 at the Madeira Congress Centre, under the baton of internationally acclaimed Italian conductor Gianluca Marcianò.

Composed in 1940 and dedicated to the legendary violinist David Oistrakh, Khachaturian’s Violin Concerto is admired for its vibrant rhythmic drive, rich lyricism, brilliant virtuosity, and unmistakable Armenian musical character. Widely recognized for his passionate artistry, refined technique, and compelling stage presence, Haik Kazazyan brings exceptional depth and authenticity to this iconic work.

The second half of the evening will feature Antonín Dvořák’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” one of the most beloved symphonic works ever written. Inspired by the composer’s time in America, the symphony combines unforgettable melodies, powerful orchestral colours, and profound emotional expression.

Together, these two masterpieces promise an unforgettable musical journey, bringing together intensity, lyricism, and symphonic grandeur in a season finale that is expected to captivate audiences.

Internationally acclaimed, Haik Kazazyan has performed with leading orchestras and conductors across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, earning recognition for his expressive interpretations and outstanding virtuosity.

His family says “the loss was sudden and unexpected”, adding he died in Sydney “surrounded by family, and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life.”

In 2023, Neill said he had been diagnosed with cancer, but in April this year revealed he was cancer free.

Neill was born in Northern Ireland and moved to New Zealand when he was seven – he later played a Belfast police chief in Peaky Blinders.

He played Dr Alan Grant in the first Jurassic Park in 1993, and in later films in the franchise. He was also well known for The Piano, The Hunt For Red October and Event Horizon.

She said the Mission aims to fight the hybrid threats the country is encountering.

The European Union Partnership Mission in Armenia (EUPM Armenia) is a civilian advisory mission, under the Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The Mission was established on 21 April 2026.

EUPM Armenia has been established at the request of the Armenian government. The mission is part of a broader and coherent EU approach, combining short and longer-term support to help strengthen Armenian national security and resilience. 

The Mission is staffed primarily by experts seconded by EU Member States. They bring practical experience and specialised expertise from across Europe.

EUPM Armenia is a civilian advisory mission with no executive mandate. It has no role in the decision-making processes of the Armenian authorities.

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