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US stock markets surged to record highs on Monday and Tuesday, driven by strong corporate earnings and hopes for a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Oil prices fell sharply, while US and Iranian officials offered conflicting signals on the status of negotiations.
Russian Ambassador to Cuba Viktor Koronelli stated that no evacuation of Russian foreign institution employees or their families is planned despite the severe energy situation. The ambassador noted that Russian institutions operate normally, though they face the same power outages affecting all of Cuba.
South Korean stocks opened sharply higher Wednesday, surging over 3.7 percent as easing concerns about artificial intelligence profitability and hopes for a US-Iran agreement over the Strait of Hormuz lifted investor sentiment. The KOSPI rallied after a volatile week of trading, with the Korea Exchange activating a buy-side sidecar.
Iran says talks with Oman on the Strait of Hormuz are proceeding 'positively,' while US officials report progress and hint at a potential agreement soon. Qatar and Pakistan are also involved in regional mediation efforts.
Lebanon and Israel resumed US-sponsored talks in Rome, with Beirut pressing for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the south. Hezbollah has rejected the agreement, while Italian and US officials urge a cautious, constructive approach.
The CDC has expanded the largest known cyclosporiasis outbreak to 15 states, with over 4,100 confirmed infections and dozens of hospitalizations. Authorities have linked the outbreak to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms in Mexico, a finding disputed by Mexico's Health Ministry. No deaths have been reported, though Michigan has reported cases and deaths according to one outlet.
Multiple reports, cited by TASS, indicate that US stocks of key munitions such as THAAD interceptors and Patriot missiles have fallen to critically low levels following the conflict with Iran. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has denied the depletion, while military officials have reportedly warned President Trump about the limitations on further strikes.
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says progress has been made in talks between Oman and Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent suggesting an agreement could be reached as early as “today or tomorrow.” Iran’s foreign ministry spokesperson described the Omani-mediated discussions as “positive” and continuing, though differences remain over operational details.
Jetstar will charge passengers a fee for overhead locker space starting February 2027, with costs beginning at $25 and potentially exceeding $52 on some routes. The airline is replacing the 7kg carry-on weight limit with a size-based model, a move that has drawn criticism from consumer groups.
Seventh round of US-brokered talks between Israel and Lebanon resumes in Rome, focusing on Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's disarmament. Hezbollah's chief Naim Qassem publicly denounced the talks, saying they would bring 'shame and humiliation,' while both sides remain split on key issues.
Qatar has confirmed that Washington and Tehran are exchanging draft peace agreements through Qatari, Omani, and Pakistani mediators. The Emir of Qatar and US President Donald Trump discussed efforts to ease US-Iran tensions in a phone call, with Trump stating he canceled a planned strike on Iran to facilitate a deal.
Michigan and Missouri Democratic primaries feature candidates with sharply different views on Israel, from Abdul El-Sayed's call to end unconditional US military aid to Rep. Haley Stevens's pro-Israel stance, and Cori Bush's comeback bid against Wesley Bell. The results could signal whether criticism of Israel has become a broader electoral force within the party.
Israel, Lebanon, and the US are in talks about which countries will verify that areas cleared of Hezbollah are weapon-free, with Italy emerging as a candidate. Meanwhile, the Lebanese Armed Forces face legal restrictions under Article 14 of the constitution that prevent them from searching private properties in pilot zones, raising questions about enforcement.
A sharp increase in migrant arrivals in Spain's North African enclave of Ceuta has raised questions over whether Morocco deliberately eased border controls. Rabat denies the charge, blaming misinformation and trafficking networks, while analysts caution against jumping to conclusions and note the timing coincided with Morocco's Throne Day.
Qatar says mediators are making progress toward a diplomatic resolution between the US and Iran, though no agreement has been reached and no direct talks are planned. Tehran denies US claims of ongoing negotiations, while Washington officials express optimism about reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be reached by Wednesday, potentially stabilizing energy prices. Iran's Foreign Ministry has denied negotiations with Washington, and a cargo ship was hit by an unknown projectile in the strait.
A regional source said operations were suspended at Najran Airport in Saudi Arabia after Yemen's Iran-back Houthis claimed a drone attack on the facility, hitting its main radar. The Houthis said the strike was retaliation for Saudi drone incursions into Yemeni airspace, part of renewed hostilities following a maritime blockade declared last month.
US senators voted along party lines to advance Todd Blanche's nomination as attorney general after he scrapped a controversial $1.8 billion fund. The fund, created through a settlement of Trump's IRS lawsuit, had caused Republican holdouts to delay the vote.
Iran and Oman are jointly developing a new central corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media. Iranian officials say an agreement with Oman is necessary but not sufficient to reopen the waterway, and dispute US President Trump's claims of direct US-Iran negotiations.
India has denied any role in organizing a virtual speech by former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, set for Wednesday. Bangladesh had sought clarification and warned that political activities by Hasina could hurt bilateral ties.