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Turkiye ended a 24-year wait to qualify for the World Cup by beating Kosovo 1-0 in a playoff final, while Sweden edged Poland 3-2 to secure their spot. Kosovo's historic run fell short, and Poland's hopes were dashed by a late Viktor Gyokeres winner.
The ongoing US-Israel conflict with Iran is causing shipping costs to surge due to the blockade of key routes like the Strait of Hormuz. Freight rates for oil tankers and container ships have skyrocketed, affecting global trade and fuel prices. Experts attribute the rise to reduced capacity, insurance risks, and longer alternative routes.
French President Emmanuel Macron visited Japan and South Korea for talks dominated by the US-Israeli war on Iran, focusing on de-escalation, energy security, and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Bilateral agreements on critical minerals, nuclear technology, and AI were signed, while Macron also made headlines for his remarks on Europe's 'predictability' in an apparent swipe at the US.
US President Donald Trump threatened to destroy Iran's infrastructure if Tehran does not agree to a deal, while Iran rejected ceasefire proposals and continued missile launches. Meanwhile, Lebanon and Israel are set to hold talks in Washington despite Hezbollah's opposition, and regional mediators call for de-escalation.
Oil prices soared above $116 a barrel following President Trump's comments about seizing Iranian oil and his threat to 'take out' Iran in one night. The escalation has rattled global markets, with Asian stocks tumbling and fears of sustained supply disruptions. Analysts and IMF officials warn of higher inflation and slower global growth as the conflict continues.
Trade talks at the WTO's ministerial conference in Cameroon ended without major agreements, with Brazil blocking a compromise on the e-commerce tariff moratorium. Meanwhile, 23 member countries, led by the US, agreed to voluntarily extend the moratorium until May, highlighting the deep divisions within the organization.
President Lee Jae Myung has pledged to abolish statutes of limitations for criminal and civil cases involving state violence, honoring victims of the 1948 Jeju April 3 massacre. Speaking at memorial events, Lee promised accountability for perpetrators and their descendants, drawing comparisons to Nazi war criminals. The massacre, which killed an estimated 14,000-30,000 civilians, remains a painful chapter in South Korea's history.
North Korea conducted a ground test of an upgraded solid-fuel rocket engine, which analysts say is likely intended for intercontinental ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US mainland. The test reportedly achieved a higher thrust of 2,500 kilonewtons, and leader Kim Jong-un described it as a significant phase in the country's strategic force development.
Russian diplomats have issued fresh warnings to South Korea, stating that any arms deliveries to Ukraine would seriously damage bilateral ties and trigger retaliatory measures. The warnings come amid reports that Seoul is considering participating in a U.S.-led initiative to supply weapons to Kyiv.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met G7 foreign ministers in France amid growing transatlantic tensions after President Trump accused NATO allies of not supporting the U.S.-led Iran conflict. European leaders, already wary of Trump's stance on NATO and other issues, expressed deep concern about the alliance's future.
The US-Israel war on Iran has disrupted about one-third of global helium supplies, threatening medical imaging and semiconductor manufacturing. Qatar, a key producer, has cut exports by 14%, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely restricted. Analysts warn of ripple effects across the global economy.
Oil prices have surged significantly since the outbreak of hostilities in the Middle East, with estimates ranging from 40 to 70 percent depending on the timeframe and commodity measured. Governments across Europe are implementing emergency tax cuts and subsidies while EU officials urge citizens to conserve energy amid concerns of industrial disruption and rising import costs.
A 23-year-old Japanese Self-Defence Forces officer broke into the Chinese embassy in Tokyo, threatening to kill diplomatic staff. China has lodged a strong protest, calling it a grave violation of international law, while Japanese officials have expressed regret and are investigating the incident.
Analysts suggest that surging oil prices, driven by the US-Israel war on Iran, could boost global electric vehicle adoption, benefiting China's auto industry. With Brent crude above $100 per barrel, experts point to a potential 'game-changer' for EVs, though price hikes and market competition remain factors.
Chancellor Friedrich Merz will speak with President Trump this weekend amid disputes over Strait of Hormuz security. Sixteen NATO allies—exactly half the alliance—are reportedly participating in a 22-nation coalition alongside Asian and Gulf partners, though Germany and France resist joining patrols during active hostilities. Neither source included Iranian government positions on the conflict.
President Donald Trump has publicly pressed South Korea, Japan, China and other nations to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, while signaling the U.S. may wind down its military operation against Iran. Seoul has responded cautiously, emphasizing close coordination with Washington and the need to normalize global shipping.
President Trump called on South Korea, China, Japan and other nations to participate in securing the Strait of Hormuz, citing their reliance on the waterway for energy imports. He also criticized South Korea as 'not helpful,' pointing to U.S. troops stationed there. Iran's actions have effectively blocked the strait, which handles about a fifth of global oil supply.
President Donald Trump compared the US attack on Iran to Pearl Harbor during a meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, asking "Why didn't you tell me about Pearl Harbor?" The remark, which drew laughter from journalists present, caused the Japanese leader to visibly recoil according to eyewitness accounts, highlighting tensions between historical sensitivities and current diplomatic pressures regarding the Iran conflict.
This week, North Korea conducted multiple missile tests, appointed a new ambassador to Belarus, and engaged in diplomatic exchanges with China, while a former Trump official predicted a possible U.S.-North Korea summit. Belarus also moved to open an embassy in Pyongyang, and China resumed direct flights to North Korea.
President Donald Trump invoked Japan's 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor during an Oval Office meeting with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to justify not notifying allies before attacking Iran. The exchange occurred as Trump pressed Japan to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz despite Tokyo's constitutional pacifist constraints and rising global oil prices.