The day was dominated by a rapid escalation in the US-Iran conflict. Overnight, new US strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliation against bases in Jordan, Bahrain, and Kuwait were reported. By morning, the Strait of Hormuz was effectively blocked, with oil prices surging and markets falling. In the afternoon, Trump announced a US naval blockade and a 20% toll on transits, claiming control of the strait. By evening, he notified Congress of renewed war and threatened to strike the Pickaxe Mountain nuclear facility, launching a third wave of raids. This narrative completely overshadowed other stories, including the death of actor Sam Neill and the formation of a European anti-missile coalition.