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Madagascar has declared a 15-day nationwide state of energy emergency amid severe fuel shortages, attributing the crisis to disruptions caused by the ongoing conflict in West Asia. The move follows panic buying at petrol stations and comes as several African nations adopt measures to cope with surging global oil prices.
Cecile Kohler and Jacques Paris, two French nationals held in Iran since May 2022 on espionage charges, have returned to France following their release from Evin prison in November. Their return was announced by President Emmanuel Macron, who thanked Oman for mediation efforts, and comes amid regional tensions following US-Israeli strikes on Iran.
Iran has proposed a 10-point peace plan to end the US-Israeli war, according to multiple reports, but President Trump called the proposal a 'significant step' that is 'not good enough.' The plan, which would require the US to accept Iran's uranium enrichment program and lift all sanctions, faces a Tuesday deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
OPEC+’s eight leading producers will increase their collective oil output cap by 100,000 barrels per day in May, according to TASS calculations based on OPEC data. The decision follows a meeting at which the group approved a 206,000 bpd rise from April levels, while Kazakhstan and Oman must compensate for past overproduction. The next meeting is set for May 3.
Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik will travel to Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia to discuss securing crude oil and naphtha supplies as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. The trip underscores South Korea's urgent efforts to diversify energy sources and stabilize domestic markets, with gasoline prices surpassing 2,000 won per liter and shortages appearing in daily goods.
Pakistan's opposition parties protested sharply against a significant increase in petroleum prices in the National Assembly, while the government defended the move citing international market fluctuations and the Middle East conflict. The protests led to the adjournment of the House without transacting any business.
Majid Khademi, head of Iran's Revolutionary Guards intelligence organization, was killed in an airstrike confirmed by Israel. His death marks another high-profile casualty in the ongoing conflict, with Iran blaming a 'terrorist attack by the American-Zionist enemy.'
President Trump has threatened Iran with military action if a deal isn't reached by Tuesday's deadline, while negotiations continue through Pakistani intermediaries. Iran has rejected current proposals, and UK officials have criticized Trump's rhetoric as the conflict escalates.
Iran's state-imposed internet blackout, now exceeding 888 hours, is the longest nationwide shutdown ever recorded, according to NetBlocks. The blackout has severely restricted access to information, disrupted businesses and education, and drawn international attention as the war with the US and Israel continues.
South Korea is dispatching five vessels to Saudi Arabia's Red Sea port of Yanbu and sending special envoys to secure crude oil as the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. The country, which imports about 70% of its crude from the Middle East, is also considering diversifying imports from the US and Kazakhstan.
Iran's Revolutionary Guard announced irreversible strategic changes in the Strait of Hormuz, saying it will not reopen until Iran is compensated for war damages. This follows President Trump's threats and expletive-laden social media post demanding the strait be opened.
The US-Iran conflict continues to escalate with President Trump threatening strikes on infrastructure if the Strait of Hormuz isn't reopened, while Iran demands war reparations. China and Russia call for a ceasefire, and both sides report new attacks. Diplomatic efforts remain uncertain as the war enters its sixth week.
US President Donald Trump has issued a new ultimatum to Iran, threatening to destroy its power plants and bridges if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened by Tuesday evening. Iran has dismissed the threats, with officials vowing retaliation and regional tensions continuing to escalate.
Iranian drones struck Kuwait's oil infrastructure, causing fires and damage at key facilities, while Opec+ met to discuss output amid the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The attacks, which also affected Bahrain, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia, come amid escalating US-Israel-Iran tensions and threats from President Trump.
Australia has received assurances from key Asian fuel exporters—Japan, Singapore and South Korea—that normal fuel supplies will continue despite the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The guarantees come as Australia, which imports about 90% of its refined fuel, faces rising prices and shortages. The government is also diversifying sources and using LNG exports as leverage in negotiations.
South Korea's foreign ministry said Sunday that ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz face differing circumstances, after two Japan-linked vessels passed through the waterway effectively blocked by Iran. The ministry noted that 26 South Korean vessels with 173 sailors remain stranded since late February, while Seoul works with partners to restore safe passage.
President Donald Trump confirmed the rescue of the second crew member of an F-15E fighter jet shot down over Iran, following a multi-day search that involved heavy firefights. Iran claims it destroyed four US aircraft during the rescue, a claim that remains unverified. The incident underscores the ongoing volatility of the conflict as Trump issues ultimatums and regional attacks continue.
The UAE has condemned riots and vandalism at its embassy in Damascus after dozens of protesters gathered outside, with some chanting 'the Zionist embassy.' The incident occurred after a pro-Palestinian demonstration nearby, and Syria's foreign ministry has stated it takes a firm stance against attacks on embassies. Condemnations have come from the US envoy, Pakistan, and several Gulf states.
The Israeli Air Force has carried out fresh strikes on Iranian military infrastructure, including air defense systems and missile depots, as part of an ongoing US-Israeli operation against Iran. Iranian officials downplay the damage while vowing continued resistance, and regional tensions show no signs of abating.
Bahrain has postponed a UN Security Council vote on a draft resolution aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, which has been shut since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February. The resolution, backed by the US and Gulf states, faces strong opposition from Russia and China despite being significantly watered down. Iran has warned the Council against any 'provocative action.'