Location · 70 stories from 169 outlets in the last 7 days · 2,268 published stories all time · All places
AI summaryThe World Bank projects a 31% rise in fertilizer prices in 2026, driven by a 60% surge in urea prices and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Overall commodity prices are expected to increase 16%, raising inflation and dampening growth, especially in developing economies.
AI summaryChina has publicly urged that the Strait of Hormuz remain open and has called for a ceasefire, signaling a rare split with Iran over its blockade. Analysts view this as a test of Beijing’s balancing act between Iranian ties and its economic interests, while the US sanctions Chinese vessels amid rising tensions.
AI summaryChinese authorities have launched new research initiatives on energy security and maritime chokepoints following prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Premier Li Qiang chaired a State Council session on supply resilience while President Xi Jinping urged the waterway's reopening in talks with Saudi leaders. Officials note China's economy has so far weathered the impact through stockpiles and diversified supplies.
AI summaryOngoing conflict in the Persian Gulf is disrupting fertiliser shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global agricultural inputs. With sub-Saharan Africa importing about 80% of its fertiliser, the disruptions risk significant impacts on food production and prices across the continent.
AI summaryAs the US-Israel war on Iran intensifies, Tehran's use of cryptocurrency has surged, with the IRGC dominating on-chain activity and the central bank buying over $500m in USDT. Analysts say the conflict is accelerating de-dollarisation and eroding the effectiveness of US sanctions, as Iran turns to crypto, barter, and hawala networks.
AI summaryForeign Minister Penny Wong has begun a diplomatic tour of Japan, China, and South Korea to secure Australia's fuel and energy supply chains amid the Middle East conflict and closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The trip comes as Australia seeks guarantees from Asian refiners while managing concerns from Japan about a proposed gas tax and domestic political debates over welcome to country ceremonies.
AI summaryReports indicate that Hezbollah, despite significant losses and a November 2024 ceasefire, has resumed military operations in southern Lebanon and its financial arm has reopened branches in Beirut. Meanwhile, tensions persist over Lebanon’s ban on the group’s banking activities, with conflicting accounts from regional sources.
AI summaryGoogle has started construction on a $15 billion artificial intelligence hub in Visakhapatnam, India, marking its largest AI investment outside the United States. The project includes a gigawatt-scale data center and will serve as a landing point for submarine cables linking India to Singapore.
AI summaryPresident Trump's national security team is reviewing an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end the US blockade, while postponing nuclear negotiations. The proposal faces skepticism in Washington, with Trump expressing dissatisfaction over the lack of nuclear safeguards.
AI summaryThe Trump administration has fired all 22 members of the National Science Board, the advisory body that oversees the National Science Foundation. The dismissals, delivered by email, are the latest in a series of moves to restructure federal agencies. Democrats have condemned the action, while the White House has indicated that the board's powers may need to be updated.
AI summaryKing Charles III made history as the second British monarch to address the US Congress, delivering a speech that emphasized the enduring US-UK alliance while acknowledging current tensions. The address, part of a four-day state visit, comes amid disputes over Iran policy and trade.
AI summaryUS President Donald Trump is unlikely to accept Iran's latest three-stage proposal for resolving the conflict, according to reports. The plan prioritizes ending the war and securing guarantees before discussing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's nuclear program. Washington is preparing a counterproposal.
AI summaryUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio revealed he has never had direct contact with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as talks mediated by regional powers continue. The US declared its military operation against Iran concluded, while a two-week ceasefire announced in April remains in question as Tehran does not recognize Washington's unilateral extension.
AI summaryUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the US has indications that Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is alive. Reports from TASS and the Jerusalem Post provide differing accounts of Khamenei's status, with some sources reporting his death in February strikes and others showing him issuing military instructions in May.
AI summaryBahrain's Interior Ministry revoked the citizenship of 69 individuals, including family members, for allegedly supporting hostile Iranian acts. The move, based on Article 10/3 of the Bahraini Nationality Law, has drawn criticism from rights groups. Separately, a court sentenced five people to life for plotting with Iran.
AI summaryGerman Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Iran's leadership is 'humiliating' the United States and questioned Washington's exit strategy in the ongoing conflict. His remarks, delivered to students in Marsberg, underscore growing transatlantic tensions over the war's trajectory.
AI summaryIran has proposed to lift its restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz without addressing its nuclear program, requesting the US to end its blockade, according to reports from Africa News and The Hindu. The US is examining the proposal, while President Trump insists on a comprehensive agreement. The standoff has impacted global oil prices and economies.
AI summaryThe State Bank of Pakistan raised its benchmark interest rate by 100 basis points to 11.5% on Monday, its first hike in nearly three years, citing risks from the Middle East conflict and expected inflationary pressures. The move drew criticism from trade and industry leaders who called it ill-timed and harmful to economic recovery, though some supported it as necessary for macroeconomic stability.
AI summaryIndia and New Zealand have signed a long-awaited free trade agreement, cutting tariffs on 95% of New Zealand exports to India and opening new opportunities for services and investment. The deal, inked in New Delhi, comes amid global trade turmoil and is seen as a step toward diversification for both economies.
AI summaryThe Coalition has proposed an $800 million plan to double Australia's minimum fuel reserves to 60 days, while the government prepares a $10 billion fuel security package ahead of the federal budget. The proposals come as the closure of the Strait of Hormuz exposes Australia's vulnerability to global oil supply shocks.