Putin pauses Ukraine war to join Iran conflict as ceasefire 'cracks'?

Geopolitical tensions spike as Vladimir Putin announces a brief ceasefire in Ukraine, fueling speculation that Moscow may be shifting focus toward the escalating Iran crisis. A day after Dmitry Medvedev described the Strait of Hormuz as Iran’s “nuclear weapon,” Tehran shuts the vital route again amid ongoing Israel-Lebanon strikes led by Benjamin Netanyahu. Meanwhile, Volodymyr Zelenskyy warns of a “symmetrical response,” expressing skepticism over Russia’s intentions as Kyiv recalls past failed truces. With pressure mounting across both fronts, cracks are emerging between the U.S. and its allies, raising fears of a broader global confrontation.