day fifty-five (13. 376)

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps seized two cargo ships attempting to bypass their control of the Strait of Hormuz, releasing cinematic footage of their capture—marking the first such detainments since the start of the war at the end of February. The White House did not consider the action to be a violation of the ceasefire, indefinitely extended due to the stalemate in arranging peace talks—the major sticking point being the US blockade of the Persian Gulf—as they were not American or Israeli flagged vessels. The administration expressed satisfaction with the maritime embargo as the US secretary of the navy abruptly resigned, effective immediately, without explanation. The acting under-secretary is Hung Cao, a MAGA loyalist who ran two unsuccessful campaigns for a seat in Virginia on an extreme Christian nationalist platform. Türkiye says that the prolonged war is significantly weakening the EU, as with Hungarian opposition removed with the defeat of Orban the ninety billion euro aid package for Ukraine is approved by the bloc. Lebanese officials are requesting an extension of their ceasefire with Israel.

synchronoptica

one year ago: Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? (with synchronopticæ), assorted links to revisit plus more on The Peculiar Manicule

thirteen years ago: the fight for digital liberties 

fourteen years ago: Saint George 

fifteen years ago: German Beer Day 

sixteen years ago: voluntary electronic surveillance