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The British government has authorized the U.S. to use its military bases for strikes on Iranian missile sites threatening ships in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions, despite concerns from opposition leader Starmer and public skepticism about the conflict.

U.S. forces struck a boat suspected of drug smuggling in the eastern Pacific, resulting in two deaths and one survivor. The incident was reported by the Coast Guard, which later transferred the survivor and remains to Costa Rican authorities.

The Panama Canal is currently operating at maximum capacity, facilitating 36 to 38 vessel passages daily. Increased demand from LNG tankers, fueled by the Iran war, has led to a planned increase in LNG slots available.

In a March 20 statement, President Trump indicated that Israel might consider ending its conflict with Iran following the conclusion of U.S. military actions in the region.

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Companies
Petro's conduct surfaced in narco-terrorism probes
Petro not the focus of either investigation
U.S.-Colombia relations soured under Trump, Petro
March 20 (Reuters) - Colombian President Gustavo Petro is being examined in criminal investigations ​by two U.S.

The U.S.-led Partnership for Indo-Pacific Industrial Resilience (PIPIR) is set to enhance defense manufacturing by launching a missile motor program with Japan, developing drone cooperation, and exploring ammunition production in the Philippines.

Cuban residents face severe water shortages due to fuel and electricity crises, exacerbated by U.S. sanctions. Long lines for tanker water highlight ongoing struggles, affecting daily life significantly since 2021.

Costa Rica extradited former judge and security minister Celso Gamboa to the U.S. for drug trafficking charges, marking its first extradition of a national. This reflects a judicial reform aimed at combating organized crime and sending a strong message about evading justice.

Volunteers in Mexico are sending humanitarian aid to Cuba amidst a U.S. oil blockade causing economic hardship. Items like food and medical supplies are being collected for the "Nuestra America Convoy," highlighting grassroots support for the Cuban people.

President Trump announced the U.S. is nearing its goals in the Iran conflict and emphasized the need for other nations using the Strait of Hormuz to secure it. He suggested that the U.S. would assist if necessary, but primarily, the focus is on eliminating Iran's threat.

Iraq has declared force majeure on oilfields due to military disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, halting exports. Production has dropped significantly, straining Iraq's finances reliant on crude sales amid escalating regional conflicts.

Twitter logo and a photo of Elon Musk are displayed through magnifier in this illustration taken October 27, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab

WASHINGTON, March 20 (Reuters) - President Donald Trump and his top officials have offered shifting objectives and reasons for the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, which critics say shows a lack of planning for the conflict and its aftermath.
Stated objectives and expected timeline have varied,

NATO is adjusting its mission in Iraq amid personnel withdrawals due to ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts. Safety of personnel is a priority, but cooperation with Iraq will continue.

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Mullally's pilgrimage covers 140 km from London to Canterbury
First female Archbishop of Canterbury to be installed on March 25
Becket Camino route significant for Anglicans and English Catholics
AYLESFORD, England, March 20 (Reuters) - Sarah Mullally, the Church of England's f

Chuck Norris has passed away, prompting tributes from notable figures including Texas Governor Greg Abbott, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and various film stars who praised his legacy as a martial arts icon and a symbol of American values.

HUMSAH, West Bank, March 20 (Reuters) - (Note: This story contains graphic details in paragraphs 1, 3 and 14)
Israeli settlers sexually assaulted a Palestinian man - tying his genitalia with zip ties and parading him naked in front of his family - during a mid-March attack, according to ​the

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, is set to deliver a message marking the start of the Persian New Year, according to state media reports.

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France seizes Mozambique-flagged oil tanker
Western sanctions lead to rise of Russian shadow fleet
Macron says Iran war will not distract from stopping Russia
PARIS, March 20 (Reuters) - The French Navy seized an oil tanker on Friday in the Western Mediterranean that