The Panama Canal has imposed unprecedented restrictions on transits, driven by water shortages linked to the El Niño phenomenon in 2023. The canal’s reservoir system is significantly impacted, causing ripple effects across global shipping operations. Following Panama’s rainy season, Lake Gatun, the crucial reservoir supplying water for the canal’s locks and the nation’s primary source…

Two bombs exploded minutes apart, rocking the city of Kerman, Iran, about 510 miles southeast of the capital, Tehran, Wednesday, Jan. 3. The blasts killed more than 100 people, injured dozens more and left countless people running for safety. The second bomb sent shrapnel into a screaming crowd fleeing the first explosion. The gathering marked…

One of the most powerful ships in the Islamic Republic of Iran’s navy is now in the Red Sea. The 51-year-old warship, Alborz, entered the area after the U.S. Navy sunk some boats operated by Iranian-backed Houthi militants. The Houthis are attacking ships in the Red Sea to show solidarity with Hamas terrorists in Gaza.…

Iran is producing 60% enriched uranium and has tripled its production levels in recent weeks. It’s the only country in the world not declared a nuclear power that is capable of producing such highly enriched uranium. Uranium can be converted to weapons-grade material within days. New reports show Iran growing its arsenal at unprecedented levels.…

While President Joe Biden secured the release of 10 hostages in Venezuela on Dec. 20, American hostages are being held in other areas of the world. In addition to Evan Gershkovich and Paul Whelan being held in Russia, eight American hostages are still believed to be held captive in Gaza. Hostage crises like these have…

In recent weeks, Houthi rebels out of Yemen have been launching attacks on commercial and civilian shipping vessels in the Red Sea. The attacks, which include reports of piracy and attempted piracy, have prompted both a commercial shipping crisis and the threat of an international military response. The United States has already recruited a list…

After two months of attacks on ships in the Red Sea — attacks which included ballistic missiles and suicide drones — the United States said the U.S. Navy is going to lead an international coalition to protect shipping in the Red Sea from the Houthis responsible for the attacks. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced…

The U.S. is deploying naval ships to the Red Sea amid increasing Houthi rebel attacks. While U.S. Central Command holds a 36-0 record against Houthi threats, most recently intercepting a hail of drone attacks, major shipping companies have temporarily halted Suez Canal transport — a route handling 9% of global oil. While in the Middle…

Denmark and Germany said seven terror suspects, some said to be members of Hamas, have been arrested, suspected of plotting attacks on Jewish institutions across Europe amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. German prosecutors say three of the suspects arrested in Berlin and one arrested in the Netherlands are long-standing members of Hamas with…

President Biden delivers updates on where the United States stands in its support of Israel and Ukraine. And, Apple is rolling out a new security feature to protect iPhone users from passcode thieves. These stories and more highlight The Morning Rundown for Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023. Biden says Israel is losing support; US will aid…