Iceland moves to end whaling, isolating Japan and Norway in commercial hunt

Iceland's government announced plans to submit a bill early next year to end commercial whaling, a policy reversal that would leave Japan and Norway as the only nations still hunting whales commercially. The move signals shifting domestic political and economic calculus in Iceland, and increases diplomatic and reputational pressure on Japan, which continues to defend the industry amid declining domestic demand. The bill's passage is not guaranteed, and Japan's response remains uncertain.