(DDM) – Twenty-two countries have signalled readiness to support efforts to secure and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global oil shipping passage, as Iran faces escalating diplomatic isolation and pressure over its effective closure of the strategic waterway.

DDM confirms that in a joint statement issued this week, nations including the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, and South Korea condemned attacks on commercial vessels and actions that have disrupted maritime traffic through the strait.

The statement affirms their readiness to ensure safe passage for merchant ships and oil tankers after Iran’s recent actions prompted concerns about energy security and global trade.

The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply transits, has become a flashpoint in a broader conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Earlier this week, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps declared that if the United States carried out its threat to target Iranian energy infrastructure, the strait could be completely closed, further heightening global tensions.

In response, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum demanding that Iran fully reopen the strait or face military action, including strikes against power plants, marking a sharp escalation in the standoff.

The international reaction to the crisis has been mixed. While 22 countries backed the statement to secure maritime routes, some Western allies have expressed reluctance to commit military assets to a coalition, with many emphasising diplomatic solutions once hostilities ease.

Governments that signed the declaration said ensuring the free flow of shipping through the strait is vital for economic stability, energy markets, and the global supply chain.

The situation follows a period in which Iran effectively restricted access to the strait in the context of the ongoing war, prompting a sharp rise in ship insurance costs and deterring many commercial vessels from traversing the passage.

The disruption to maritime routes has contributed to higher energy prices and economic uncertainty, as nations and industry stakeholders monitor developments closely.

Diplomatic efforts continue alongside military posturing, with officials from several countries calling for negotiations and a return to lawful, open passage for all commercial traffic.

The joint statement by the 22 countries represents one of the most unified international responses to the crisis to date, blending calls for security with a push toward de-escalation and coordination.

Global markets and policymakers will be watching closely as ongoing diplomatic and security developments in the Strait of Hormuz could have significant implications for energy supplies, geopolitical alliances, and international maritime law.

(DDM) – An Air Canada Express plane collided with a fire truck on a runway at New York’s LaGuardia Airport, prompting authorities to halt all flights temporarily.

DDM reports that the incident occurred during routine airport operations, causing significant disruption to departures and arrivals at one of the busiest aviation hubs in the United States.

Officials confirmed that no passengers aboard the aircraft were seriously injured, and emergency services responded immediately to contain the situation.

The fire truck involved in the collision was reportedly performing standard runway safety duties when the crash occurred, according to airport authorities.

Air Canada Express described the incident as “unexpected” and stated that investigators from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and airport safety officials had been dispatched to examine the cause of the collision.

Airport operations were temporarily suspended to secure the runway, reroute incoming flights, and ensure the safety of all personnel on the tarmac.

Passengers at LaGuardia reported delays and temporary flight cancellations, with some flights diverted to nearby airports as authorities worked to clear the scene.

New York Police Department and airport security collaborated with fire and emergency teams to investigate the sequence of events, ensuring there were no additional risks to airport operations.

The FAA is expected to release a preliminary statement on the cause of the collision, with a full investigation anticipated to take several weeks.

Airport management assured travelers that normal operations would resume once safety inspections and runway clearance were completed.

Witnesses described a tense moment as the plane and fire truck made contact, though emergency protocols appeared to prevent any catastrophic damage.

Air Canada Express expressed gratitude to emergency responders for their rapid response and reassured the public that passenger safety remained its top priority.

Observers note that while such incidents are uncommon, they underline the critical need for vigilance in high-traffic airport environments, especially during busy flight periods.

Flight resumption at LaGuardia is expected gradually, with officials urging passengers to monitor airline notifications and prepare for potential delays.

The collision has sparked discussions among aviation authorities about improving runway safety measures, particularly regarding coordination between ground vehicles and incoming or outgoing flights.

(DDM) – Civil society organisations (CSOs) have called on the Nigerian government to prioritise women in water resource management as the nation observes World Water Day.

DDM reports that the advocacy groups highlighted the critical role women play in water collection, usage, and conservation across communities in Nigeria, noting that their inclusion in decision-making is essential for sustainable solutions.

The call comes amid a growing water crisis in several regions of the country, where access to clean and safe water remains limited, disproportionately affecting women and children.

Women, particularly in rural areas, often bear the responsibility for fetching water, making them directly vulnerable to the impacts of water scarcity and poor infrastructure.

Experts note that integrating women into water management policies not only promotes gender equality but also improves efficiency and sustainability, as women possess local knowledge of water usage patterns and community needs.

During World Water Day events, CSOs such as WaterAid Nigeria, the Nigeria Network of NGOs, and local community-based organisations urged policymakers to implement programs that actively involve women in planning, budgeting, and monitoring water projects.

The groups further emphasized that Nigeria’s National Water Resources Policy should be reviewed to ensure gender-responsive approaches, including training programs and leadership opportunities for women in the water sector.

Government officials were urged to collaborate with international partners, NGOs, and local communities to strengthen water governance structures and ensure equitable access for all citizens.

Water scarcity in Nigeria has far-reaching consequences, including health risks, reduced agricultural productivity, and increased social inequalities, making the inclusion of women not just a matter of fairness but of national development.

CSO leaders stressed that women’s participation could also enhance climate resilience, as women are often the first to notice changes in water availability and quality, enabling faster and more effective responses.

In a statement during the commemoration, one CSO leader said, “Empowering women in water management is not optional; it is a necessity if Nigeria hopes to achieve sustainable development goals and address its mounting water challenges.”

The advocacy on World Water Day also included community outreach programs, awareness campaigns, and workshops aimed at educating both men and women on the importance of gender-inclusive water governance.

Observers note that while Nigeria has made progress in policy frameworks for water management, implementation has lagged, particularly in incorporating women at leadership levels in water agencies.

With climate change, population growth, and urbanisation putting increasing pressure on water resources, CSOs warn that failing to prioritise women’s participation could exacerbate existing inequalities and undermine national water security.

The call from CSOs serves as a reminder that achieving equitable access to water requires not only infrastructure investment but also transformative policies that recognise the unique contributions and perspectives of women.