Journalist

&
""
Latest by
  • Daegu Department Store Shares Rise on New Ownership and Development Plans
    Daegu Department Store Shares Rise on New Ownership and Development Plans Daegu Department Store shares are experiencing a surge amid expectations for the development of its headquarters following the acquisition of a new largest shareholder.As of 2:05 PM on July 27, Daegu Department Store's stock was trading at 5,420 won, up 330 won (6.48%) from the previous trading day, according to the Korea Exchange.The increase in investor sentiment is attributed to the announcement of development plans for the headquarters located on Dongseong-ro in Daegu by the investment firm acquiring the management rights of Daegu Department Store.SeKyung Invest, a special purpose company (SPC) formed by Daegu Department Store shareholders, announced in a press release that it has completed the payment of the contract deposit and the first installment for the change of the largest shareholder, and it plans to advance the headquarters development as the new largest shareholder.Earlier, on July 16, Daegu Department Store disclosed that it had signed a stock purchase agreement (SPA) to transfer approximately 2.79 million shares held by seven largest shareholders for 22.3 billion won to SeKyung Invest and others.SeKyung Invest plans to pursue joint development of the headquarters site with the city of Daegu and the Jung-gu Office, while also considering various development options, including mixed-use complexes, senior residences, and officetels. Additionally, it has proposed transitioning the existing offline-focused retail business to an online-centered model and redesigning the headquarters as a multi-cultural space.Opened in 1969, Daegu Department Store has operated as the only local department store in the region but ceased operations at its headquarters in 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, it has been working to sell its assets, including the headquarters site and logistics center.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:16:00
  • Shin Ji-eun Wins Second Title After 10-Year Wait at Scottish Open
    Shin Ji-eun Wins Second Title After 10-Year Wait at Scottish Open Shin Ji-eun, competing on the LPGA Tour, lifted her second trophy after a decade, marking her first victory since 2016. For a professional athlete, ten years is a significant span. During this time, women's golf has seen a rapid generational shift, with new stars emerging and familiar names fading from the scene. Few athletes endure such changes and return to the top, making this victory particularly meaningful.Achieving success in professional sports is challenging, but reclaiming a title after a long absence is even more difficult. It requires more than just skill; athletes must endure injuries and accept disappointing performances. They must maintain their training while battling self-doubt and the nagging thought that their career might be over. The toughest opponent for an athlete can be the perception that their time has passed. While these struggles may not be recorded in history, they ultimately contribute to future victories. Shin Ji-eun's second win exemplifies this reality.This victory holds significant implications for Korean women's golf. Korean players have dominated the LPGA Tour for years, with stars like Park Se-ri, Inbee Park, Shin Ji-ae, Kim Sei-young, and Ko Jin-young consistently elevating the sport's profile. However, recent years have seen the rise of younger international competitors, leading to a more competitive landscape and a perception that Korean women's golf is not as dominant as before.The competitiveness of a sport cannot be judged solely by a few standout stars. The depth of talent is crucial. When experienced players provide stability, young athletes develop, and mid-career players maintain competitiveness, a sport can thrive over time. This is why leading sports nations remain at the top for extended periods. Generational change should not push out existing players but rather foster competition among both new and established athletes.Shin Ji-eun's victory illustrates this point. Her ability to return to the top serves as inspiration for younger players, instilling the belief that a dip in performance or a prolonged slump does not mean the end of their careers. The world of professional sports can be unforgiving, yet a culture that respects long-serving athletes is essential. This respect fuels their continued pursuit of excellence.Sports fans often celebrate the emergence of new stars, which is natural. However, the moment when a long-standing athlete returns to the pinnacle is equally precious. Such victories tell stories that go beyond records. For the athlete, it is a reward for enduring a long journey, and for the sport, it is proof that the talent pool remains vibrant.Shin Ji-eun's second victory will not be remembered merely as her second title. Her story of resilience over ten years highlights how Korean women's golf has maintained its competitive edge on the world stage. The strength of Korean women's golf is not only due to its stars but also to the perseverance of those who have quietly endured over time. This is why Shin Ji-eun's victory is so warmly welcomed. 2026-07-27 14:16:00
  • Annual contest invites participants to share their first encounters with Korean culture
    Annual contest invites participants to share their first encounters with Korean culture SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - A Korean culture-themed annual international contest began accepting entries on Monday, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism said on Monday. Under the theme "My First K-Culture Moment," this year's “TalkTalk Korea” contest invites foreign nationals worldwide to share how they first encountered Korean culture through videos, photographs, illustrations and written works. Those interested can submit entries by Sept. 28 about how they first embraced Korean music, dramas or other aspects of Korean culture. With the addition of a writing category for the first time this year, the contest has expanded to four categories: video, photo book, drawing and illustration, and writing. Participants must post their entries on social media using the hashtags "#TalkTalkKorea2026," "#TTK2026" and "#MyPOV," then complete an application on the ministry's website to finalize their submission. The ministry will select 124 prize recipients with the top winners in each category receiving a travel voucher to Seoul worth 3 million won (about US$2,000), while about 40 other winners will receive Amazon gift cards worth between $200 and $1,000. The entrant with the highest overall score across all categories will receive a ministerial award. The final winners will be announced on Nov. 5, with an online awards ceremony scheduled for Nov. 17. "We hope the memories and emotions participants experience through this contest can be shared with people around the world," a ministry official said. Now in its 13th year, the annual contest was first held in 2014 with around 7,000 participants. Last year, it received more than 76,000 entries from 108 countries, according to the ministry. 2026-07-27 14:14:53
  • Nvidia Discusses $250 Billion Guarantee for OpenAI Data Center
    Nvidia Discusses $250 Billion Guarantee for OpenAI Data Center Nvidia is reportedly in discussions to provide a $250 billion (approximately 365 trillion won) financial guarantee to support OpenAI's acquisition of a massive data center.According to the Wall Street Journal on July 26, Nvidia is negotiating a financial guarantee that would allow OpenAI to lease a 10-gigawatt (GW) data center complex being constructed in southern Ohio.The data center is being developed by SB Energy, a subsidiary of SoftBank. Including the cost of semiconductors to be installed inside, the total project cost is expected to exceed $500 billion, making it the largest data center project announced to date.OpenAI has been negotiating the lease for the data center for several weeks to secure a stable supply of semiconductors and power necessary for operating its AI models.However, as a private company that has yet to turn a profit, OpenAI lacks an investment-grade credit rating, which limits its ability to raise large amounts of capital. If Nvidia steps in with a guarantee, the data center developer could secure financing under more favorable conditions.The proposed $250 billion guarantee would cover the lease payments for the data center and the debt needed for facility construction. The cost of Nvidia semiconductors to be used in the data center is not included. Specific terms have not yet been finalized, and there is a possibility that negotiations could fall through.Securing the Ohio data center would mark OpenAI's first direct lease of a data center. Currently, it primarily relies on infrastructure from cloud providers such as Microsoft, Amazon, and Oracle, but this contract would enhance its control over critical computing facilities.As OpenAI prepares for an initial public offering (IPO), securing large-scale computing resources has become increasingly important for maintaining its rapid growth. The company recently raised its projected spending on computing infrastructure by 25%, from approximately $600 billion to $750 billion by 2030.In addition to the guarantee, Nvidia is also reportedly discussing support for OpenAI's semiconductor purchases, potentially amounting to $350 billion. Nvidia has already invested $30 billion in OpenAI.Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has argued that investments in AI companies like OpenAI and Anthropic not only expand semiconductor demand but can also yield investment returns.However, concerns have been raised about a circular financial structure where semiconductor companies invest in AI firms, which in turn fund the construction of data centers and the purchase of their semiconductors. The Wall Street Journal noted that if the growth of AI companies slows or investor sentiment wanes, the financial burdens and credit risks for related companies could increase simultaneously.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:08:00
  • Man Wins $20 Million Lottery Jackpot After Meeting Girlfriends Parents
    Man Wins $20 Million Lottery Jackpot After Meeting Girlfriend's Parents A man who is preparing for his wedding won a lottery jackpot after meeting his girlfriend's parents.According to Donghaeng Lottery, an interview with the winner, identified as A, was released on the 26th, revealing that he won first place in the Spitto2000 lottery.A shared that after greeting his girlfriend's parents and finishing a meal, he stumbled upon a lottery sales point while on a date. He purchased the lottery ticket at a shop in Daegu's Jung District.A, who occasionally buys lottery tickets, explained, "It was the day I met my girlfriend's parents before our wedding. After we finished eating and parted ways with her parents, I noticed the lottery sales point while on our date."With 15,000 won in cash, A bought both a Lotto ticket and a Spitto2000 ticket. He scratched the Spitto ticket right at the sales point and was astonished to discover he had won 2 billion won.Not believing their luck, the couple quietly left the sales point and went to a secluded area to check the ticket again. A stated, "It was only after we returned home and checked again that we accepted the reality of our win and celebrated together."They also informed both sets of parents about the win. A remarked, "A great fortune came just before our wedding, and everyone was happy for us."A plans to use the winnings to fund their wedding preparations.Spitto2000 is an instant lottery where players scratch off the surface to match lucky symbols for a prize. The first-place prize is 1 billion won, but purchasing a set can yield a maximum prize of 2 billion won.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:04:00
  • Hyundai Motor Group Holds Joint Entrance Ceremony for Youth Training Program HINT
    Hyundai Motor Group Holds Joint Entrance Ceremony for Youth Training Program 'HINT' Hyundai Motor Group announced that it held a joint entrance ceremony for the first cohort of its youth talent development program, 'HINT (HMG Incubation of New Talent),' at its training center in Gyeongju on July 27.HINT is part of the 'K-New Deal Academy,' a youth vocational training initiative promoted by the Ministry of Employment and Labor and the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy in collaboration with domestic companies. The program aims to enhance the job skills of young people and assist in their career planning by providing opportunities for hands-on experience in the future mobility industry.The curriculum includes two tracks: 'Embedded AI' focusing on key technological competencies in future mobility development, and 'Manufacturing Intelligence,' which covers digital transformation and smart manufacturing. Additionally, participants will engage in various field-oriented programs, including tours of Hyundai's key production facilities, hands-on training with actual vehicles, and lectures from industry professionals.About 500 trainees from seven regions across the country will participate in a three-day, two-night training session following the entrance ceremony. This experience will help them understand the purpose and direction of the HINT program, clarify their personal growth goals, and expand their networks with peers.Hyundai Motor Group plans to conduct over 90% of the training sessions in non-capital regions such as Daejeon, Daegu, Gwangju, and Busan, aiming to provide specialized practical training opportunities for local youth and contribute to the stable growth of regional talent.During the event, Hyundai Motor Group President Sung Kim and Minister of Employment and Labor Kim Young-hoon delivered welcoming remarks to encourage the trainees.President Sung Kim stated, "The automotive industry is evolving around electric vehicles and software, making it essential to learn and grow in line with these changes. I expect that through the HINT program, trainees will not only gain specialized knowledge in future mobility but also develop problem-solving skills needed in the field."Minister Kim Young-hoon remarked, "The K-New Deal Academy is a program that supports youth growth by combining their efforts with government and corporate support. I hope our youth can soar higher through the Hyundai Motor Group Academy, as reflected in our slogan, 'Youth Grows with Companies (KNDA: K-New Deal Academy).'"Hyundai Motor Group plans to run the first HINT program for three months and will begin recruiting participants for the second cohort in September. 2026-07-27 14:04:00
  • Aizhibot and Unitree Compete in Chinas Humanoid Robot IPO Race
    Aizhibot and Unitree Compete in China's Humanoid Robot IPO Race Chinese humanoid robot company Aizhibot (智元, Zhiyuan) plans to go public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange as early as next month. Aizhibot is in a commercialization race with another Chinese humanoid robot firm, Unitree (宇樹科技, Yushukej).According to reports from Chinese economic media outlet Caixin on July 27, Aizhibot has already initiated the listing process and aims to debut on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange next month. The company's post-IPO valuation is expected to reach up to 50 billion Hong Kong dollars (approximately 9.36 trillion won). However, the specific amount to be raised through the IPO has not been disclosed.Aizhibot, founded in 2023 by engineers from Huawei in Shanghai, has quickly emerged as a leading player in the humanoid robot sector, surpassing 1 billion yuan (approximately 216 billion won) in revenue within three years of its establishment. In April, Aizhibot's founder and CEO, Deng Taihua, stated, "We are the fastest robot company in China to achieve 1 billion yuan in revenue since our founding," adding that the company expects its revenue to grow several times compared to the previous year.The company has successfully commercialized a diverse range of products, including bipedal, quadrupedal, and wheeled robots, targeting universities, research institutions, and state-owned enterprises. Aizhibot has accelerated its commercialization by deploying its robots in logistics and manufacturing settings for companies such as JD Logistics, Shanghai Automotive Group, and Longqi Tech. Last month, Aizhibot announced that it had shipped its 15,000th robot, claiming to have set a world record for production speed.Aizhibot's commercialization efforts are being compared to those of another leading Chinese robot company, Unitree. Following Aizhibot's announcement of its production speed record, Unitree reported that it had surpassed 11,000 cumulative shipments of its bipedal humanoid robots, highlighting the intensifying competition between the two companies.Earlier this year, Aizhibot claimed to be the world's number one in humanoid robot shipments, citing a report from market research firm Omdia that indicated its annual shipments exceeded 5,100 units, giving it a 39% share of the global market. Unitree countered this claim, stating that its annual shipments exceeded 5,500 units, also asserting its position as the global leader.The two companies are also competing to see who will go public first. Unitree received IPO approval for the Shanghai Star Market earlier this month and is expected to list next month. The anticipated size of Unitree's IPO is approximately 4.22 billion yuan, with a projected post-listing valuation of around 42 billion yuan.Aizhibot initially sought to enter the mainland Chinese stock market through a reverse listing but shifted its focus to Hong Kong due to strict listing regulations. The Hong Kong Stock Exchange has established the '18C clause,' which lowers the barriers for listing advanced technology companies in fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), semiconductors, robotics, and new energy, allowing them to go public without verified stable revenue or profits. Aizhibot's strategy appears to be aimed at securing substantial funding through a rapid IPO to invest in the development and mass production of humanoid robots.The IPOs of Aizhibot and Unitree are part of a broader trend of public offerings in China's humanoid robot industry. According to market research firm Choice, ten robot-related companies have gone public on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in the first half of this year, with 16 more awaiting approval, intensifying the IPO competition.The China Business Journal noted, "Amid concerns over competition in the humanoid robot market, companies are seizing the opportunity presented by the Chinese government's supportive policies for humanoid robots to pursue IPOs." While humanoid robots currently demonstrate operational capabilities through demonstrations, the industry faces the critical challenge of translating these capabilities into revenue and profitability.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:00:00
  • SKC Reports Positive EBITDA in Q2 Despite Operating Loss of 14.4 Billion Won
    SKC Reports Positive EBITDA in Q2 Despite Operating Loss of 14.4 Billion Won SKC announced on July 27 that it recorded sales of 645.4 billion won and an operating loss of 14.4 billion won for the second quarter of this year.Sales increased by approximately 30% compared to the previous quarter, and the operating loss improved by about 50%. The cash flow indicator EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) reached 29.1 billion won, nearly tripling from the previous quarter, marking a second consecutive quarter of profitability. Additionally, the company successfully completed a capital increase of 1.1647 trillion won, significantly improving its net debt and debt-to-equity ratio.The recovery in profitability from the chemical business played a significant role in this quarter's performance. The chemical segment reported sales of 317.8 billion won, with operating profit soaring 218% to 30.5 billion won compared to the previous quarter. Although production and sales volumes decreased due to global supply chain uncertainties, rising prices for propylene glycol (PG) and propylene oxide (PO) boosted revenue. Furthermore, the expansion of high-value product sales and aggressive cost-cutting measures implemented since the beginning of the year maximized profitability.The copper foil business achieved record sales of 254 billion won, with North America accounting for 67% of sales. Sales of copper foil for energy storage systems (ESS) and electric vehicles (EV) surged by 76% and 28%, respectively, driving growth.The semiconductor materials segment generated sales of 72.9 billion won and operating profit of 21.3 billion won. Revenue from test sockets for AI data centers increased by 66% year-on-year, maintaining a solid profitability through the expansion of high-value product sales.In the glass substrate business, SKC has initiated a two-track strategy to commercialize both embedding and non-embedding products. Initial reliability tests for embedding products have begun, and the company is supplying non-embedding prototypes for next-generation network semiconductors to a U.S. telecommunications firm, entering new projects. The glass substrate business plans to complete reliability testing for embedding products in the second half of the year and prepare for technical validation of non-embedding products without delays.An SKC official stated, "In the second quarter, we laid the foundation for performance recovery as profitability improved across all businesses and the results of new ventures became visible. We will continue to enhance operational efficiency and improve profitability in the second half while strengthening the technological competitiveness of new businesses to solidify our long-term growth base."Meanwhile, SKC released its 2026 Sustainability Management Report, detailing its ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) management activities and achievements, on its website on July 1.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 14:00:00
  • Why Nvidia needs Korea as much as Korea needs Nvidia
    Why Nvidia needs Korea as much as Korea needs Nvidia SEOUL, July 27 (AJP) - When Jensen Huang toured Seoul last month, Nvidia's chief executive said he had found a full five-layer AI cake in South Korea. Over the weekend, he stayed true to that discovery, emerging as both the biggest customer and investor in that cake. Nvidia placed itself at the center of South Korea's all-out AI push as Huang headlined the government-hosted AI summit in San Francisco before joining President Lee Jae Myung and Korea's business leaders for a relaxed waterfront dinner over beer and fish and chips, replacing Seoul's trademark chimaek but preserving the easy camaraderie that has come to define Huang's relationship with Korea. At first glance, Korea's chip ecosystem was the centerpiece. Samsung Electronics and SK hynix dominate advanced memory, while the country combines world-class telecommunications, electronics manufacturing, automobiles, robotics and industrial production into one of the world's most complete AI supply chains. But beneath the celebratory mood lay an anxiety confronting the world's AI champion. Nvidia's growth rests on a simple equation: more data centers mean more graphics processing units sold, more high-bandwidth memory installed and more networking equipment deployed. That equation is increasingly running into a wall in the United States. The constraint is no longer chips or capital. It is electricity. Power has become the scarce resource in the AI race. Utility interconnection queues in major U.S. markets stretch for years, community opposition has slowed new projects, and transformers and other heavy electrical equipment remain in short supply. Even developers with financing and Nvidia GPUs in hand often cannot connect new facilities to the grid. Research by Sightline Climate estimates that 30 percent to 50 percent of large data-center projects expected globally this year could face delays because of power shortages, equipment bottlenecks and permitting hurdles. For Nvidia, every delayed data center represents GPUs that cannot be shipped, networking systems that cannot be installed and memory chips that remain unsold. A bottleneck in Virginia or Texas eventually shows up in demand forecasts in Santa Clara. Korea as Nvidia's second growth engine That is where South Korea enters—not as a beneficiary of Nvidia's expansion, but as an alternative engine of demand that America's grid cannot yet accommodate. President Lee Jae Myung has launched one of the world's most ambitious AI infrastructure drives, combining hyperscale AI data centers, sovereign AI models and industrial AI deployment under three national mega projects. The plan calls for roughly 18.4 gigawatts of AI data-center capacity by 2035. SK Group is expected to develop around 15 gigawatts, GS Group 2.4 gigawatts and Naver about 1 gigawatt, representing one of the largest coordinated AI infrastructure programs outside the United States. Layered on top is Seoul's sovereign AI initiative, encouraging Korean companies to build large language models optimized for the Korean language, domestic regulations and industrial applications. For Nvidia, those projects provide exactly what U.S. infrastructure constraints increasingly threaten: sustained demand. "South Korea has all the ingredients to become a global AI powerhouse—world-class networks and data centers, leadership in chip technology and vast industrial scale," Huang said. "Together with SK Telecom and SK hynix, we are building a new generation of AI factories that will power Korea's next wave of growth." Partnerships built for mutual gain The agreements announced during Lee's Silicon Valley visit illustrate why Nvidia's relationship with Korea extends well beyond supplier and customer. SK Group and Nvidia unveiled a strategic AI initiative valued at more than $500 billion. SK Telecom plans to build AI factories totaling up to two gigawatts using Nvidia's next-generation Vera Rubin computing platform while sourcing HBM4 memory from SK hynix. The first facility is expected to come online in 2027. The economics are compelling. Servers—primarily GPUs and memory—account for roughly 60 percent of the capital cost of a large AI data center. Every hyperscale AI factory therefore lifts Nvidia's processor sales while simultaneously expanding demand for SK hynix's advanced memory. "In the AI era, competitiveness depends not just on how effectively AI is utilized, but on how much intelligence we can produce," SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won said. "We will help Korea evolve from an AI adopter into a global AI innovation hub." Hyundai Motor Group is pursuing another dimension of the partnership. Rather than simply buying chips, Hyundai plans to integrate Nvidia's Blackwell GPUs and Drive platform across autonomous vehicles, robotics and smart factories, turning Korea into a proving ground for physical AI. Naver, meanwhile, has paired Nvidia with global infrastructure investor Brookfield to expand its Sejong AI factory to 200 megawatts by 2028, supported by approximately 100,000 Vera Rubin GPUs. "Nvidia's planned strategic investment and our infrastructure supply agreement with Brookfield have propelled Naver's vision for the AI factory business into a robust execution phase," Naver founder and Chairman Lee Hae-jin said. "Leveraging our partnerships with global technology leaders, we will strengthen Korea's sovereign AI ecosystem and enhance the country's AI competitiveness." Together, the projects reveal Nvidia's broader strategy. Rather than relying overwhelmingly on U.S. hyperscalers, the company is cultivating national AI champions capable of building infrastructure at scale. Korea has become the most advanced example of that model. A golden era—if the lights stay on The week's grandest announcements came from conference stages, but its defining image came around a dinner table overlooking San Francisco Bay. Lee greeted Huang by joking that he had seen reports of the Nvidia chief enjoying chimaek during his Seoul visit and wished he had joined him. Huang laughed and replied that everyone in Korea seemed to love AI—from fried chicken restaurants to barbecue houses. He noted that Nvidia and Korea had worked together for more than 25 years, first through PC gaming and now through artificial intelligence. "From AI chips and physical AI to AI infrastructure, Korea has achieved remarkable results over the past year," Huang told Lee. "This is truly the beginning of Korea's golden era." Lee's response was brief. He hoped it was only the beginning. Whether that golden era arrives on schedule will depend on more than the chips Nvidia is eager to sell. Korea needs Nvidia's processors, software ecosystem and AI leadership to accelerate its ambitions. Nvidia, meanwhile, increasingly needs Korea's memory leadership, industrial manufacturing, coordinated investment and, above all, the electrical capacity to deploy the computing power that America's own grid is struggling to absorb. The relationship is no longer one-sided. Korea may have every layer of Huang's AI cake. Nvidia is helping bake it—but it also needs somewhere to serve it. 2026-07-27 13:57:40
  • U.S. and Iran Halt Attacks, Resume Under-the-Radar Negotiations
    U.S. and Iran Halt Attacks, Resume Under-the-Radar Negotiations The United States and Iran have both halted their attacks, bringing a temporary lull to hostilities after nearly two weeks of conflict. The two sides are seeking to resume negotiations through intermediaries, although no formal ceasefire has been agreed upon.According to CNN on the 26th, President Donald Trump ordered the cessation of airstrikes against Iran on the 24th. The U.S. military had conducted strikes on Iranian military facilities for 13 consecutive days from the 11th to the 23rd but has not launched any further attacks since then.In response to the U.S. halt in airstrikes, Iran has also ceased its retaliatory attacks targeting U.S. forces and allies in the Middle East. However, neither side has made an official announcement to completely end military actions.Iran has characterized the U.S. decision to stop airstrikes as a victory. Amir Akraminia, a spokesperson for the Iranian military, stated in an interview with state television that "the U.S. has failed to forcibly open the Strait of Hormuz or weaken and destroy Iran's defensive capabilities."He also suggested that the U.S. is feeling the burden of prolonged military operations. He referenced the Houthi movement in Yemen, which is supported by Iran, as having initiated a maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia.The U.S. views the halt in airstrikes as a step toward seeking a diplomatic resolution. U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz appeared on NBC, stating, "The President is allowing some room for dialogue to occur," and noted that negotiations are taking place at all levels, from working groups to the highest ranks.Iran has also indicated that communication with the U.S. is ongoing through intermediaries. Esmail Baghaei, a spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry, told Austria's state broadcaster ORF that "both sides are exchanging messages, and the activities of the mediating countries are continuing."However, significant differences remain regarding the key issue that sparked the conflict: navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. The U.S. demands the free passage of commercial vessels, while Iran insists on maintaining control over the strait.Even after the cessation of airstrikes, shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz have not returned to normal. According to shipping analytics firm Kepler, the number of cargo ships passing through the strait last weekend fell below ten per day. On the 25th, only three vessels passed through the strait while operating with their Automatic Identification Systems (AIS) turned off.* This article has been translated by AI. 2026-07-27 13:56:00