Diplomatic Notes Diplomatic Note: Who could become the next UNSG? Part 1 By Olga Nesterova • 1 min read
APRIL 20: Seizure Escalates, Ceasefire Nears End, Talks Uncertain KEY DEVELOPMENTS The fragile U.S.–Iran ceasefire is now entering its final hours — under pressure. A direct U.S. military seizure of an Iranian cargo ship in the Gulf of Oman has triggered new threats from Tehran, raised oil prices, and cast serious doubt over whether a second round By Olga Nesterova • 9 min read
Global Briefing APRIL 17: Paris Coalition on Hormuz as Ceasefire Holds and U.S. Expands Enforcement Middle East ceasefire holds as U.S. expands Iran blockade globally, over 40 countries coordinate on Hormuz security, and economic pressure builds worldwide. By Olga Nesterova • 6 min read
Explained Who Could Become the Next UN Secretary-General — and Why This Choice Matters Now Who will lead the United Nations next? ONEST breaks down the 2026 Secretary-General candidates, the UN selection process, and why this leadership choice matters now. By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read
Photo: U.S. Department of State from United States - Secretary Pompeo Arrives to Meet with French Foreign Minister Le Drian in Paris, Public Domain Explained The Strait of Hormuz Summit — What’s Actually at Stake Strait of Hormuz summit 2026: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s Emmanuel Macron lead a multinational initiative to restore shipping flows amid tensions with Iran, with major implications for global energy markets, maritime security, and economic stability. By Olga Nesterova • 4 min read
Deep Dive Deep Dive: China’s Middle East Balancing Act Why China cannot afford instability in the Strait of Hormuz: an ONEST Deep Dive on Beijing’s Iran calculus, disputed military-support reports, diplomacy, shipping risks, the May UN Security Council presidency, and what could be at stake in a Trump-Xi summit. By Olga Nesterova • 9 min read
News UK Government to Cut Electricity Bills for Manufacturers by Up to 25% The UK government will cut electricity bills by up to 25% for more than 10,000 manufacturers from 2027, expanding support for energy-intensive industries. By Olga Nesterova • 1 min read
Global Briefing APRIL 15: Blockade Tightens, Talks Resume, Global Pressure Builds Middle East tensions deepen as the U.S. tightens its Iran blockade, talks prepare to resume, and global economic pressure builds around the Strait of Hormuz. By Olga Nesterova • 8 min read
Photo is based on a screenshot of the official video announcement News Canada Suspends Federal Fuel Tax to Ease Rising Costs Prime Minister Mark Carney announced a temporary suspension of Canada’s federal fuel excise tax on gasoline and diesel from April 20 to September 7, 2026, as the Liberal government moves to lower costs after securing a parliamentary majority. By Olga Nesterova • 1 min read
Explained ONEST Explained: Germany and Ukraine’s New Strategic Partnership Is About Far More Than Symbolism Germany and Ukraine’s new agreement ties together defense production, reconstruction, EU integration, and politically sensitive return policies. By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read
Global Briefing APRIL 13: Talks Collapse, Strait Blockade, Trump Targets the Vatican “The United States and Iran must continue talks… there is no military solution to the conflict.” — António Guterres KEY DEVELOPMENTS The diplomatic window has closed — at least for now. Talks between the United States and Iran in Islamabad ended without agreement, and within hours, President Donald Trump announced plans to By Olga Nesterova • 11 min read
Strait of Hormuz on Google Maps Explained Who Legally Controls the Strait of Hormuz? What the Law Says and Why It Matters for U.S.-Iran Talks The Strait of Hormuz lies between Iran and Oman, but it is not legally owned by Iran alone. International law protects both coastal state rights and global transit through one of the world’s most critical waterways. By Olga Nesterova • 5 min read
