Location · 893 published stories · 314 outlets · All places
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi used the G7 summit in France to deepen ties with Italy, pitch a critical minerals stockpile plan, and leverage her rapport with Donald Trump to bridge divides within the bloc. As she seeks to cement an 'Iron Lady' image, her approach draws both praise and criticism.
South Korean ministers have urged the U.S. to address pending trade issues, including proposed tariffs over forced-labor import bans, within the framework of their bilateral trade agreement. The USTR has proposed duties of 10% or 12.5% on goods from 60 economies, with South Korea among 54 facing the higher rate.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung attended the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, as an invited partner, participating in discussions on global economic imbalances, energy supply disruptions, and other challenges. During the summit, Lee had a brief encounter with US President Donald Trump, who expressed commitment to advancing Korean Peninsula issues. The two leaders also discussed cooperation in shipbuilding and trilateral ties with Japan.
The Reserve Bank faces a calmer outlook as the Australian economy cools and the US-Iran conflict eases, with oil prices falling and property markets retreating. Diverging forecasts among major banks and market signals leave the interest rate path uncertain, though most expect a pause this year.
Despite US President Donald Trump's announcement of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the removal of the naval blockade, vessel-tracking data shows traffic remains limited. Hundreds of commercial ships have crossed, often with transponders off, while some Iranian tankers may be slipping through. The number of vessels passing fluctuates sharply, with a recent closure announced by Iran leading to a fall in crossings.
The United States and Iran have signed an interim memorandum of understanding, mediated by Pakistan and Qatar, to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The deal includes a 60-day negotiation period on nuclear issues and sanctions, with the US lifting its naval blockade and releasing billions in frozen assets. Reactions vary, with experts and regional powers expressing cautious optimism or skepticism.
US President Donald Trump announced that ships are starting to move through the Strait of Hormuz following a preliminary US-Iran deal, but ship-tracking data shows only a handful of vessels have transited, with hundreds still waiting. The reopening faces security concerns such as mines and tolls, while shipping operators and seafarers' advocates remain cautious.
Substitute Amad Diallo scored in the 90th minute to give Ivory Coast a 1-0 victory over Ecuador in their opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The win, their first at a World Cup since 2014, ended Ecuador's 19-game unbeaten streak and marked Africa's first victory at the tournament.
On the eve of the G7 summit in Évian, Geneva saw one of its largest demonstrations in years, drawing about 20,000 protesters. The rally, organized by the 'No-G7' coalition, turned violent when masked groups clashed with police, leading to tear gas, water cannons, burning cars, and damaged buildings.
World leaders and regional ministers have welcomed the US-Iran agreement, mediated with significant contributions from Pakistan and Qatar, which includes a permanent ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding is seen as a diplomatic breakthrough, with praise for Pakistan's instrumental role.
Sweden thrashed Tunisia 5-1 in their opening Group F match at the 2026 World Cup in Mexico, with Yasin Ayari scoring twice. Despite the heavy defeat, Tunisian fans remained supportive of their team, which had not conceded a goal during qualifying. Sweden now top the group following the Netherlands-Japan draw.
The United States and Iran have announced a preliminary ceasefire deal, set to be signed later this week, which would reopen the Strait of Hormuz and set the stage for negotiations on a long-term agreement. While world leaders have welcomed the move, Israel's defense minister said his country will not withdraw from territory seized in Lebanon, and Jewish groups in the US are split in their reactions.
Brent crude has fallen to its lowest levels since early March as a US-Iran peace deal appears imminent, raising hopes for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. While markets react positively, experts caution that a swift return to normalcy is uncertain and could take months.
South Korean labor groups have proposed raising next year's minimum hourly wage to 12,000 won, a 16.3% increase, citing falling real wages. Business representatives have yet to counter with their own proposal, while a survey highlights small-business concerns over rising costs.
Stock markets around the world surged and oil prices dropped following the announcement of a deal between the US and Iran to end the US-Israel war on Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The S&P 500 and Nasdaq posted significant gains, while Brent crude fell sharply, reflecting hopes for restored stability in energy supply chains.
Japan twice came from behind to hold the Netherlands to a 2-2 draw in their 2026 World Cup Group F opener in Dallas. Goals from Virgil van Dijk and Crysencio Summerville for the Dutch were canceled out by Keito Nakamura and a late Daichi Kamada equalizer.
Germany began their 2026 World Cup campaign with a 7-1 victory over debutants Curacao, with Felix Nmecha scoring first and Livano Comenencia equalizing for the Caribbean side. Manuel Neuer, at 40, became the oldest German player to appear in a World Cup, and the match was played in Houston.
Violence erupted in Geneva on the eve of the G7 summit as protesters clashed with police, who fired tear gas and used water cannons. Demonstrators set a Tesla on fire and smashed windows at a UN agency. The summit, set to begin Monday in Évian-les-Bains, France, is expected to focus on conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
Taiwan's coast guard reported that two Chinese government vessels entered the restricted waters around Taiping Island in the South China Sea on Thursday, marking a first. The ships left after being driven away, and the incident underscores escalating tensions over maritime claims in the region.
South Korea's presidential office reaffirmed that denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula remains a consistent goal of the international community, following North Korea's condemnation of recent U.S.-South Korea talks. Pyongyang called denuclearization an 'irreversibly finalized' matter and dismissed allied efforts as 'unreasonable talk.'