Regional War Chokes Hormuz as U.S. Readies Tariff Hike, Vorcaro Leaks Jolt Brazil

Overview

• Iran was accused of striking Azerbaijan for the first time as missiles and drones also hit targets or were intercepted in Bahrain and the UAE, with Tehran denying some attacks and a claimed hit on a U.S. ship remaining unconfirmed.
• Tanker and LNG traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has plunged about 90%, lifting energy prices above $80, while Washington prepares insurance backstops for shippers and naval measures to safeguard passage.
• The Treasury secretary said the universal U.S. tariff will rise from 10% to 15% within days under a time‑limited authority, with longer‑term Section 301/232 actions being pursued for durability.
• U.S. military officials reported Iranian ballistic‑missile launches down roughly 90% and drone launches down 83% since the weekend, even as strikes and Israeli operations extended to Lebanon’s capital suburbs.
• In Brazil’s Banco Master probe, banker Daniel Vorcaro was re‑arrested and moved toward federal maximum security as leaked phone messages citing ties to senior politicians fueled calls for inquiries, and his defense asked the Supreme Court to investigate the source of the leaks.