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Iran says coastal attack will lead to full Gulf closure and mine-laying

An attack on Iran's southern coast and islands will lead to Gulf routes being cut with the laying of sea mines, the country's Defence Council said on Monday, according to state media. The US is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub, to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, according to Axios. "Any attempt to attack Iran's coasts or islands will cause all access routes in the Gulf (...) to be mined with various types of sea mines, including floating mines that can be released from the coast," the statement read. "In this case, the entire Gulf will practically be in a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz for a long time (...) One should not forget the failure of more than 100 minesweepers in the 1980s in removing a few sea mines." The Defence Council recalled that non-belligerent states can only pass through the Strait of Hormuz by coordinating passage with Iran...
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Man charged with attempted murder after arson attack on Governor’s Shapiro’s home

A 38-year-old man is in custody after allegedly setting fire to the official residence of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro in Harrisburg late Saturday night, forcing the evacuation of the governor, his family, and guests. Cody Balmer, of no fixed address, was apprehended Sunday in the Harrisburg area and is facing a litany of charges, including attempted murder, aggravated arson, and terrorism, Pennsylvania State Police announced at a press conference Sunday. According to investigators, Balmer was armed with homemade incendiary devices and managed to enter the state-owned residence before fleeing the scene. The blaze caused significant damage to the property, though no injuries were reported. Governor Shapiro, 51, was inside the residence at the time, along with his wife Lori, their four children, two family dogs, and another visiting family. Authorities say the fire broke out just hours after the Shapiros hosted a Passover dinner. Balmer later turned himself in to authorities and reportedly expressed violent intentions toward the governor. In a sworn affidavit filed by state police on Monday, Balmer said he was "angry with the governor" and claimed he would have attacked Shapiro with a hammer if given the chance. “This was a deliberate act meant to endanger lives,” said State Police Commissioner Robert Evanchick. “Thanks to quick action by emergency services and the bravery of those inside, a tragedy was narrowly averted.” Shapiro, a Democrat and former state attorney general, was elected governor in 2022. His national profile has risen in recent years, with his name floated as a potential vice-presidential pick for Kamala Harris’s 2024 campaign and as a future presidential contender. The incident comes amid a rise in threats and violence targeting public officials. In recent years, political figures have been subjected to increasing hostility, including a foiled 2023 plot to kidnap Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer and two assassination attempts against former President Donald Trump in 2024. Balmer remains in custody pending a court hearing. The investigation is ongoing.

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At least 32 miners dead after bridge fails at cobalt site in southeast DR Congo

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