
The Central Bank of Iran has announced a new regulatory approach for financial transactions in the Strait of Hormuz, initiating the collection of transit fees from commercial vessels and tankers. These mandatory fees are for vessels obtaining official transit permits and are charged in exchange for "security and insurance services" provided by the state. Iranian financial authorities confirmed that the revenue from these levies must be delivered exclusively in cash. Regional observers suggest this measure aims to secure immediate and direct access to foreign currency, bypassing international banking transfers and restrictions on the Iranian financial system. The Central Bank stated that fees will not be fixed but determined through a technical evaluation based on cargo type and quantity, and specific security risks associated with each voyage.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Egypt Today.

Newcastle United manager Eddie Howe stated on Friday that his players have lost confidence following a series of defeats, as the team prepares to face Arsenal without the injured Anthony Gordon. Newcastle has lost their last four games across all competitions, including three in the Premier League, dropping them to 14th in the standings and diminishing hopes for European qualification. Howe noted that players are not performing at their peak due to a lack of confidence and recent unfavorable results. He emphasized his role in supporting the players to help them regain their best form individually and collectively. Gordon, who has scored 17 times this season, will miss the Arsenal match due to a hip injury, though it is not considered serious. This absence adds to Howe's selection challenges, especially with record signing Nick Woltemade not featuring in recent starting lineups despite being fully fit. Howe also indicated that significant squad changes could occur in the summer if the team's performance does not improve, stressing the responsibility of players and staff to deliver their best.

Egypt is undertaking a significant transformation of its aviation network across the Sinai Peninsula, aiming to establish it as a connected development hub. This initiative involves the construction, modernization, and expansion of airports to serve tourism, logistics, national security, and global connectivity. Sharm El-Sheikh International Airport, the primary global gateway, is undergoing upgrades to enhance passenger flow, operational capacity, and safety, including new logistics facilities, security infrastructure, and modernized technical systems. St. Catherine Airport is being reconstructed as a specialized hub for religious, cultural heritage, and eco-tourism, featuring a new runway, apron, and passenger terminal designed for 600 passengers per hour. El Arish International Airport in North Sinai is being reactivated and repositioned as a strategic gateway for recovery, logistics, and development, with trial operations already underway and a new passenger terminal under construction. Taba International Airport, near Egypt's eastern borders, is also receiving upgrades to infrastructure and navigation systems to strengthen its role in regional tourism and cross-border access. Additionally, smaller facilities like El Tor and Bardawil airports are being improved to extend aviation coverage across the peninsula. These airport developments are integrated with broader infrastructure projects, including tunnels, roads, and urban developments, to physically and economically con

Egypt's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, Badr Abdelatty, held separate phone calls with Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, and Germany's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Johannes Wadephul. With his Bahraini counterpart, Minister Abdelatty discussed the latest developments in negotiations between the United States and Iran, emphasizing the importance of an agreement to contain tensions and establish regional stability. He also reiterated Egypt's solidarity with Bahrain and GCC countries against security challenges. In his call with the German Foreign Minister, discussions focused on rapidly evolving developments in the Middle East. Both ministers stressed the importance of consolidating the ceasefire between the United States and Iran and supporting negotiations to foster de-escalation and restore regional security. Minister Abdelatty highlighted the European role in supporting efforts to calm tensions in the region.

Egypt’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation, and Egyptians Abroad, Badr Abdelatty, spoke with the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, Nabih Berri, on Thursday. Their discussion focused on recent developments in Lebanon and coordinating efforts to de-escalate the situation. The officials emphasized solidifying the current ceasefire agreement, with Minister Abdelatty stressing Israel's commitment to the ceasefire and ending violations. He also highlighted the importance of regional and international efforts to extend the ceasefire, aiming for a permanent cessation of hostilities, the return of displaced persons, and humanitarian crisis alleviation. Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s support for Lebanon, rejecting any infringement on its sovereignty or territorial integrity, and called for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Lebanese territory and full implementation of Security Council Resolution 1701. He affirmed Egypt's continued political and humanitarian support for the Lebanese people.