Location · 2943 published stories · 223 outlets · All places
Oil prices steadied above $91 per barrel on Thursday as investors weighed the outlook for the US-Iran conflict and shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz. Brent and WTI benchmarks have risen for four straight sessions, supported by geopolitical tensions and supply concerns.
Iran's foreign minister said Tehran pushed the war with the US to force a ceasefire on its own terms, claiming victory in both war and diplomacy. Meanwhile, Egypt seeks to revive US-Iran talks, France and Saudi Arabia plan alternative trade routes, and the US warns of unprecedented economic pressure.
Brent crude rose above $90 a barrel after a two-month negotiating window expired without a deal, while a US blockade has sharply reduced Iranian oil flows to China. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to detail new sanctions aimed at isolating Iran. Iranian officials have warned of a more aggressive military stance in the Strait of Hormuz.
As conflicts disrupt key Middle East waterways, China has launched a regular container service via the Arctic's Northern Sea Route, aiming to cut transit times and reduce reliance on chokepoints like Hormuz and Malacca. Experts see the route as a seasonal supplement with geopolitical and environmental caveats.
Fewer than 20 vessels transited the Strait of Hormuz over the weekend of August 22-23, with crossings remaining in single digits per day, according to Kpler shiptracking data. UKMTO data shows traffic remains about 90% below pre-conflict baselines, even as Gulf producers adapt with alternative routes and ship-to-ship transfers. The low numbers come amid an escalating US-Iran economic war and growing concerns in Kuwait about being drawn into the conflict.
Ship crossings through the Strait of Hormuz rose slightly on Monday but remained in single digits, according to Kpler shiptracking data. The uptick follows a weekend slowdown attributed to strikes on UAE vessels, as US-Iran peace talks remain stalled.
California state Sen. Aisha Wahab is projected to win the special election primary in the 14th Congressional District, defeating Melissa Hernandez in a race marked by record outside spending. Wahab will serve out the remainder of former Rep. Eric Swalwell's term and face Hernandez again in November.
A new Reuters/Ipsos poll shows President Donald Trump's approval rating at 33%, matching the lowest level of his presidency, while public support for the war with Iran has fallen to 31%. The decline is driven by waning Republican backing, rising gas prices, and fears of a prolonged conflict.
Waverley Library in Sydney has removed 'How to Sell a Genocide' from its shelves after a complaint from a survivor of the Bondi attack. The decision has drawn criticism from the author and free-speech advocates, while the council says the move is part of a review process.
Oil prices fell more than 1% on Monday as investors booked profits ahead of a US announcement on new sanctions against Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is set to unveil what he calls an 'economic D-Day,' while analysts debate the effectiveness of the measures and the risk of Iranian retaliation.
Talks between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US envoy Jared Kushner on the Gaza ceasefire deal ended without progress, with Netanyahu insisting on Hamas's disarmament first. Hamas, meanwhile, demands an Israeli withdrawal from the 60% of Gaza it occupies.
President Trump’s July meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu was notably cool, reflecting a broader shift in U.S. politics where Israel faces unprecedented criticism. Polls show eroding support for unconditional aid, and Trump has declined to endorse Netanyahu ahead of Israel’s October election.
President Trump declared on Truth Social that Iran cannot possess a nuclear weapon 'in any way, shape or form' as the 60-day ceasefire agreement signed in June expired Monday, with no permanent peace deal reached. Iran rejected the deadline, citing 'gross and widespread US violations' and saying it does not formulate policy under pressure. In related developments, US envoy Jared Kushner pressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a Gaza peace plan, while Hunter Biden and Bill Maher sparred over Kushner's role on 'Real Time.'
The Trump administration has imposed sweeping restrictions across virtually all legal immigration categories, including the Diversity Visa lottery, refugee admissions, family- and employment-based visas, and public charge rules. Analysts project the policies could cut legal immigration by up to 50% and cost the U.S. economy trillions of dollars, sparking legal challenges and employer concerns.
A boat named Kate, carrying activists from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, set sail from Bristol, England, on Sunday aiming to break Israel's blockade of Gaza. Reports differ on the number of activists aboard, with Al Jazeera reporting 12 and The Irish Times reporting 10. The vessel is expected to reunite with sister ship Handala 2 in Sicily for training before proceeding.
US President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Oman if it impedes efforts to end the conflict with Iran, saying he views the Strait of Hormuz as 'American territory'. Russia has condemned the threats as pressure tactics, while Iran's foreign minister called US sanctions threats 'doomed to fail'.
France has announced the expulsion of two Iranian diplomats after Tehran barred two French embassy employees from returning, escalating a dispute over allegations of interference and civil society support.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said negotiations with Oman on Strait of Hormuz security have been delayed due to US and Israeli interference, while Tehran and Muscat work on a mechanism to ensure safe passage. Baghaei also reiterated Iran's refusal to accept US conditions for ending the Middle East conflict, warning that countries hosting US troops could face consequences.
A Financial Times report citing sources close to Tehran says Iran has assessed striking US military assets in southeastern Europe, including bases in Bulgaria and Cyprus, if President Trump escalates the conflict. NATO says it is prepared to defend allies, while Bulgaria and Cyprus have taken precautionary measures and Cypriot officials deny the threat.
Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has called for the killing of 30 to 40 Palestinians in Gaza nightly, remarks that have drawn sharp condemnation from German officials and Jewish and Protestant leaders. Ben-Gvir made the comments in a podcast interview with a former Israeli captive, advocating for targeted killings beyond immediate threats.