Suleman Chitera 
By Suleman Chitera
Tensions in the Persian Gulf remain high after Iran announced that the strategic Strait of Hormuz is now open to international shipping—but not to the United States, Israel, or their allies.
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi made the announcement on 14 March 2026, saying Tehran would allow vessels from most countries to pass through the critical waterway following days of disruption linked to escalating regional hostilities.
The strait, located between Iran and Oman, is widely regarded as the world’s most important oil shipping route, carrying roughly 20 percent of global crude supplies and a large share of liquefied natural gas exports.
Selective reopening
Shipping activity began cautiously resuming over the weekend. Two Indian-flagged tankers transporting liquefied petroleum gas crossed the strait safely on Saturday morning, while a Turkish vessel was also granted permission to transit. Iranian authorities additionally approved passage for a Saudi tanker carrying about one million barrels of oil bound for India.
Despite the partial reopening, Iran maintained restrictions on ships connected to the United States, Israel, and their partners, effectively giving Tehran control over which vessels can move through the chokepoint.
The waterway had been largely shut since early March after Iranian forces moved to block traffic following military strikes attributed to the United States and Israel. The closure immediately rattled global energy markets and sent oil prices surging above $100 per barrel.
Trump calls for naval coalition
Former U.S. President Donald Trump responded by urging the formation of a multinational naval coalition to guarantee freedom of navigation through the strait.
Trump suggested that countries heavily dependent on Gulf energy supplies—including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom—should join efforts to ensure the shipping route remains open.
Oil flows continue despite tensions
Even during the shutdown, analysts say Iranian oil exports continued to reach China, often transported by older tankers operating quietly to avoid scrutiny.
Energy experts warn that prolonged instability around the Strait of Hormuz could have far-reaching consequences for the global economy. Any disruption to traffic through the narrow passage—through which millions of barrels of oil pass daily—can quickly drive up fuel prices and strain supply chains worldwide.
While some vessels are now moving again, the selective access policy announced by Tehran underscores how fragile the situation remains in one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
- Corruption Suspicions Hit ADMARC Tarpaulin Deal: Who Approved K2.97 Billion for Just 100 Tarpaulins?
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamMalawi Freedom Network (MFN)11 October 2026 Malawi’s state-owned Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) is facing serious questions over public procurement after a proposed K2.97 billion contract for 100 tarpaulins attracted public outrage and intervention by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). The controversial deal, involving Maiden… - Haiya Congratulates Malawi Beach Soccer Team After 6-2 Win Over Seychelles
Share Listen to this article Malawi Strengthen AFCON Qualification Hopes With Dominant First-Leg Victory By Suleman Chitera | Malawi Freedom Network (MFN) October 11, 2026Also interestingSports»NBM plc rallies support for Scorchers’ Olympic qualifierSports»NBM plc injects K60 million into Blantyre Sports Club projectsSports»Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha Congratulates Domasi Police After Trophy WinSports»National Bank TESSAM Games’ Top… - Rhodrick Kalumpha Donates K6 Million to 75 Girls in Salima to Support Education
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter Salima, October 11, 2026 | 5:00 AM CAT London-based Malawian business strategist Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha has donated approximately K6 million to 75 girls in Salima District who performed well in the Primary School Leaving Certificate of Education (PSLCE) examinations, calling on Malawians to support… - Mfune calls Area 25B residents to register students for bursary scheme
Share Listen to this article By Vincent Gunde Member of Parliament for Lilongwe City Dzenza constituency Jonathan Mfune, has called on vulnerable parents and guardians in Area 25B township who cannot afford to pay boarding fees for their children in government secondary schools to register their names for them to benefit from the 2026/2027… - Malawi Gold Trading Centres Expected to Boost Forex and Create Jobs
Share Listen to this article Malawi’s planned gold trading centres are expected to increase foreign exchange earnings, create jobs and reduce gold smuggling by providing artisanal and small-scale miners with access to formal markets. By Suleman Chitera Lilongwe, October 10, 2026Also interestingStories»Ben Phiri Appeals for Patience as Malawi Faces Economic Challenges, Forex ShortagesStories»AG Frank… - Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha Celebrates Malawi’s National Pride and Identity
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamDate: October 10, 2026Time: 8:20 AM CAT Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha has highlighted the importance of loving Malawi and taking pride in the country’s national identity, including its national flag. Patriotism is an important part of nation-building, bringing people together through a shared sense of belonging,… - Ben Phiri Appeals for Patience as Malawi Faces Economic Challenges, Forex Shortages
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera, MFN Reporter MULANJE, October 9, 2026 — Minister of Local Government and Rural Development Dr Ben Phiri has appealed to Malawians to remain patient as the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)-led government works to address the economic and other challenges affecting the country. Phiri acknowledged that Malawians… - Why Can’t ADMARC Buy Tarpaulins Directly? Suleman Chitera Questions K3 Billion Deal
Share Listen to this article By Malawi Freedom Network News Desk9 October 2026 Political social commentator and activist Suleman Chitera has questioned why the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) would spend nearly K3 billion on 100 tarpaulins instead of exploring direct purchasing options that could potentially offer better value for taxpayers. Chitera’s questions… - ACB Blocks ADMARC’s K3 Billion Tarpaulin Deal Over Suspected CorruptionShare Listen to this article By MFN News Desk Team9 October 2026 The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has blocked the Agricultural Development and Marketing Corporation (ADMARC) from awarding a controversial K3 billion contract for the supply of 100 tarpaulins, amid an investigation into suspected corruption. The decision has sparked questions over public procurement, value for…
- CAMA Warns of K20,000 Fuel Black Market as NOCMA Seeks 440,000 Tonnes of Fuel
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamMalawi Freedom Network | 9 October 2026 Malawi’s persistent fuel shortage has come under renewed scrutiny after Consumers Association of Malawi (CAMA) Executive Director John Kapito warned that black-market fuel prices have surged to between K15,000 and K20,000 per litre, as the National Oil Company… - Rhodrick Kalumpha Donates K6 Million to Chiwanja cha Ayao Cultural CeremonyShare Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamOctober 10, 2026 | Malawi Malawian business strategist Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha has donated K6 million towards the Chiwanja cha Ayao cultural ceremony scheduled for Sunday, October 11, in Maganga, Salima District. Kalumpha, who is based in the United Kingdom, said the contribution is intended to…
- Rhodrick Kalumpha Wins Trade Finance Leader of the Year – Impact Award in LondonShare Listen to this article By MFN News Desk Team9 October 2026 London-based Malawian business strategist Rhodrick Junaid Kalumpha has been named the recipient of the Trade Finance Leader of the Year – Impact Award at the Corporate Excellence Awards 2026 in London. The award was presented during a gala ceremony held at the…
- Health Minister Baloyi Threatens Permanent Ban on Drug Suppliers Who Misdeclare Stocks
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamPublished: 9 October 2026 | 05:06 AM CAT Malawi’s Minister of Health and Sanitation, Madalitso Baloyi, has warned pharmaceutical suppliers that they risk a permanent ban from supplying the Central Medical Stores if they falsely declare medicine stocks to secure government contracts, as the government… - AG Frank Mbeta Joins Speaker Sameer Suleman’s Court Battle Over Parliamentary Committees
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk Team8 October 2026 | Lilongwe, Malawi Attorney General Frank Mbeta has entered the legal battle involving Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman, joining the case as an interested party in a development that has added a new dimension to the dispute over Parliament’s attempt to establish… - Why Is Malawi’s Executive Resisting Parliamentary Oversight? The Constitutional Power Struggle Explained
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk Team8 October 2026 Malawi’s escalating confrontation between the Executive and Parliament has raised a fundamental democratic question: why should a government resist scrutiny by the very institution constitutionally mandated to represent citizens and hold public institutions accountable? The question has become particularly pressing following the… - A Malawian Company Warm Core Company to Implement Farmer Support in Agriculture Project in Dowa
Share Listen to this article By Vincent Gunde A Malawian company – Warm Core Company Limited is working with smallholder farmers in the area of T/A’s Chakhaza and Mulalo in Dowa district to improve agricultural production, strengthen market linkages and promote sustainable farming practices. The company is providing farmer-support, agricultural inputs, technical training and… - Frank Mbeta Accused of ‘Entering Through the Window’ in Speaker Suleman Court Case
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk Team8 October 2026 Attorney General Frank Mbeta has come under scrutiny in the ongoing legal battle involving Speaker of Parliament Sameer Suleman and concerned citizen Austin Mkoka, after the Speaker’s legal team questioned the Attorney General’s decision to seek participation in the case as an… - We fought for change—and the results are speaking
Share Listen to this article Suleman Chitera, Chiradzulu-based political and social commentator By Staff Reporter Fellow Malawians,Also interestingOpinion»IMF, Currency Devaluation and Poverty: Why Africa Is Asking Tough QuestionsOpinion»From SPC & party SG To SPC & deputy minister: has Malawi learned nothing?Opinion»Malawi at a Crossroads: Is 2030 Time to Break the DPP–MCP Cycle?Opinion»Malawi cannot afford… - IMF, Currency Devaluation and Poverty: Why Africa Is Asking Tough Questions
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamPublished: October 8, 2026 The debate over the role of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in Africa has intensified as countries across the continent continue to grapple with high inflation, foreign-exchange shortages, debt pressures and rising living costs. At the centre of the debate is… - IMF Concludes Malawi ECF Talks, Says Major Economic Reforms Are Advancing
Share Listen to this article By MFN News Desk TeamPublished: 8 October 2026 at 7:55 AM (CAT)Lilongwe, Malawi The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has concluded its latest discussions with the Malawi Government on a potential programme under the Extended Credit Facility (ECF), with the Fund saying considerable progress has been made towards developing a… - US Military Aid to Israel Continues Despite Three Years of Gaza War
Share Listen to this article Washington maintains billions in military funding and arms transfers as opposition to unconditional support grows inside the United States By Burnett Munthali Three years after the war in Gaza began, the United States continues to provide Israel with extensive military assistance, including billions of dollars in funding, weapons and… - NBM plc rallies support for Scorchers’ Olympic qualifier
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plcsays it is proud and ready to support the Malawi National Women Football team as they take on Zimbabwe this Friday in the Olympic qualifiers at Bingu National Stadium (BNS). The match will be the Scorchers’ first since NBM plc increased… - NBM plc injects K60 million into Blantyre Sports Club projects
Share Listen to this article By Suleman Chitera National Bank of Malawi (NBM) plc has unveiled a K60 million-support to Blantyre Sports Club (BSC) for the construction projects, including a security fence at the club. The support strengthens NBM plc’s 16-year partnership with the sports facility.Also interestingSports»Haiya Congratulates Malawi Beach Soccer Team After 6-2…
Related Stories
