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South Korean officials say the possibility of a non-Iranian actor being behind the May 4 attack on a South Korean-operated vessel in the Strait of Hormuz appears low, though the investigation is ongoing. A technical team has been dispatched, and the foreign minister has said the findings will be disclosed once completed.
The UK economy grew 0.3% in March, defying expectations of a contraction, and expanded 0.6% in Q1 2026. However, the unemployment rate rose to 5% and wage growth slowed, painting a mixed picture amid the Iran war's impact.
Hyundai Motor Group has deployed gardening, delivery, and security robots at its renovated Seoul headquarters, aiming to create a robot-friendly environment and advance its physical AI ambitions. Executive Chair Euisun Chung discussed the company's robotics strategy, addressing labor union concerns and geopolitical risks.
A New York Times opinion column by Nicholas Kristof citing allegations of rape and sexual abuse of Palestinian prisoners by Israeli forces, including a claim involving dogs, has drawn sharp condemnation from Israeli officials who call it a blood libel. Coverage focuses on the column’s reliance on Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor, which Israeli ministries link to Hamas, and on competing reports about sexual violence connected to the conflict. Dawn presented the allegations as a damning indictment while Jerusalem Post pieces challenged their evidentiary basis.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping began a two-day summit in Beijing, covering trade, the war on Iran and Taiwan. The White House said the two leaders agreed the Strait of Hormuz must remain open, while China opposed its militarisation and any tolls, and expressed interest in buying more American oil.
The South Australian government has announced plans to lift a 10-year fracking moratorium in the state's South East two years early, citing gas supply concerns. However, the proposal faces strong opposition from the Liberal Party, One Nation, and local farmers, making its passage through parliament unlikely before the ban expires in 2028.
At a Shanghai Cooperation Organization meeting in Bishkek, Russian and Iranian security officials affirmed their commitment to joint efforts for a peaceful resolution of the Middle East crisis. Russia condemned US and Israeli strikes on Iran and expressed solidarity, while Iran praised Russia as a security guarantor and highlighted its UN veto.
As the US and Iran remain embroiled in conflict, the city of Tucson is moving forward with preparations to host Iran's national football team for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Local officials express enthusiasm despite the geopolitical tensions.
King Charles III delivered the King's Speech on May 13, 2026, outlining the U.K. government's legislative agenda, including defense spending boosts, NATO commitment, and support for Ukraine. The ceremony took place as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces mounting pressure from Labour MPs after heavy election losses.
Conflicting reports from OPEC and the IEA indicate OPEC+ oil production fell significantly short of targets in April 2026, with Russia and several Middle Eastern producers lagging while Kazakhstan exceeded its quota. The shortfall is attributed to regional conflict and ongoing voluntary cuts.
U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk concluded a three-day visit to South Korea, meeting with top officials to discuss cooperation, North Korea's human rights situation, and pressing global issues like stranded sailors in the Strait of Hormuz. The visit marked the first official trip by a U.N. human rights chief in 11 years.
As US-Iran ceasefire negotiations continue, reports suggest Iran may transfer its 60% enriched uranium to China, while Russia has proposed taking the material to its own territory. Experts and officials see potential for Moscow and Beijing to help break the deadlock, though the operation requires political approval.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reduced the number of vehicles in his official motorcade to save fuel, following his public appeal for austerity amid surging energy prices. The move, reported by Indian news agencies, comes as India faces economic pressure from the Iran war and global supply disruptions.
The International Energy Agency has revised down its 2026 global oil demand forecast, now expecting a reduction of 418,000 barrels per day, a significant downgrade attributed to the ongoing Middle East conflict. Concurrently, the agency adjusted its supply forecast upward, projecting a decline of 4 million bpd to 102.2 million bpd for the year.
South Korean shares rebounded over 2% to close at a fresh peak above 7,800, driven by semiconductor and auto stocks. The rebound came despite rising U.S. inflation and oil prices, with investors optimistic about the upcoming U.S.-China summit. The Korean won weakened against the dollar.
The South Korean won showed mixed performance on Wednesday amid lingering Middle East uncertainties and hotter-than-expected U.S. inflation, with reports from Yonhap indicating slight weakness by afternoon. Currency volatility persists amid stalled Washington-Tehran talks, while oil prices remain elevated above $102 per barrel.
Japanese snack giant Calbee is temporarily switching to black-and-white packaging for 14 product lines, citing supply instability caused by Middle East tensions. The move highlights how the closure of the Strait of Hormuz is affecting daily life in Japan, even as the government assures sufficient crude oil supplies.
US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping held two hours of talks in Beijing, with Taiwan, tariffs, rare earths, and the Middle East on the agenda. Xi emphasized Taiwan as the most important issue in bilateral relations, while analysts note the US enters from a vulnerable position. The visit is the first by a US president since 2017, with expectations of a state banquet but reduced pomp.
Chinese Ambassador to Russia Zhang Hanhui said in an interview with TASS that recent developments, including US-Iran talks, present real opportunities for peace in the Middle East. He also detailed China and Russia's cooperation at the UN Security Council on regional matters.
US consumer prices rose 3.8% in April, the fastest annual increase since 2023, driven by surging energy costs linked to the US-Israel war with Iran. Gas prices hit $4.50 per gallon, and retailers like Walmart warn of slowing consumer spending as households feel the squeeze.