News
Three tankers exit Hormuz hugging Omani coast
In what appears to be the first exit from the Persian Gulf by oil tankers without permission from Iran, three large vessels linked to Oman left the Strait of Hormuz by hugging the sultanate’s coastline, Bloomberg reported on April 3.
Diner stunned as microchip found in meal reveals meat is from retired Turkish racehorse
Thoroughbred mare Smart Latch illegally diverted to slaughterhouse after career ended by broken leg.
UPDATE: Iranian tribesmen hunt downed US f-15 pilot as Black Hawk allegedly shot down
Armed Iranian tribesmen are hunting for a downed US pilot in southwestern Iran as American forces deploy Black Hawks and a C-130 in a large-scale search, with reports of a US helicopter also shot down near the border.
Gulf Islamic sukuk bond spreads hit five-year highs amid Iran war uncertainty
Yields on Gulf sovereign and corporate debt have surged to their widest spreads in five years as the war involving Iran drives a sharp reassessment of regional risk, according to Fitch Ratings.
Iran denies US helicopter assault on Kharg Island
Iran denied rumours of a US helicopter assault on Kharg Island, its main oil export hub, as speculation mounts over a possible ground operation targeting Iranian coastal infrastructure in the Persian Gulf.
US influence in the Gulf fades as Qatar, Oman strike deals with Tehran
The US influence in the Gulf is fading as the war goes into its fifth week with no sign of ending and regional players are starting to cut deals with Tehran to end the attacks on their territories.
Iran publishes images of downed US F-15 it says belonged to UK-based squadron
Iran published images of what it said was a downed US fighter jet from the 48th Fighter Wing based at RAF Lakenheath.
Saudi Sadara petrochemical giant closed down creating a new plastics chokepoint
Sadara Chemical Company, the $20bn joint venture between Saudi Aramco (Tadawul: 2222) and Dow Chemical Company (DOW), has halted all production at its Jubail complex in eastern Saudi Arabia indefinitely without a shot being fired by Iran.
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression”.
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Japan shifts rice policy
Japan’s cabinet has approved a shift towards a demand-driven rice production policy, alongside new measures to address supply shortages, as prices of the staple have risen sharply in recent years.
Moldovan parliament votes to leave CIS in final break with Russia-led bloc
Government said exiting the CIS is a “natural and inevitable” step in the country’s path towards EU accession.
Bulgaria steps up efforts to prevent vote-buying, Russian interference ahead of elections
PM Andrey Gyurov says his government has ordered thorough investigations into all reported violations, stressing that election results must be “clear and verifiable”.
China blames US-Israeli 'illegal' war for Hormuz crisis and refuses to back Trump's 'just take it' call
China blamed the Hormuz crisis squarely on "US-Israel illegal military operations" and rejected Trump's call for countries to seize the strait, while declining to join the UK-led 35-nation shipping summit.
IRGC launches wave of strikes targeting US and Israeli assets across Gulf and Israel
IRGC said it launched its 90th wave of operations targeting US steel interests in Abu Dhabi, Israeli air bases and US facilities across Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Jordan in retaliation for strikes on Iran's steel sector.
Lithuania warns demographic decline could shrink economy by 7.2%
Economy and Innovations Minister Edvinas Griksas says due to negative demographic factors, Lithuania’s economy could be up to 7.2% smaller over the next 20 years than it would be under stable demographic conditions.
Albania on alert after US warning of potential Iran-linked threats
US Embassy said groups associated with Iran may "seek to target entities associated with the US or Iranian opposition elements in Albania".
UPDATE: Eight killed as strike destroys Iran's landmark B1 bridge in Karaj
A US-Israeli strike on the B1 bridge in Alborz province killed eight people and wounded a number of residents and tourists.
Ukraine misses IMF reform targets, putting next tranche at risk
Ukraine has failed to meet key reform commitments under its programme with the International Monetary Fund, raising uncertainty over future disbursements despite continued external support.
Putin strengthens food supply ties with Egypt, proposes grain and energy hub
Russian President Vladimir Putin has instructed his government to work on securing food supplies to Egypt, particularly grain shipments, as part of efforts to strengthen strategic ties between the two countries.
UK convenes 35-nation summit to plot Hormuz reopening as Washington stays away
The UK convened 35 nations to discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz after 23 attacks on commercial ships, with the US, Iran and Oman all absent and Trump telling allies to secure the waterway themselves.