News
American journalist Shelly Kittleson abducted in Baghdad by Shi’ite militia
American journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad on March 31 by gunmen with suspected links to Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah.
Iran, Yemen's Houthis and Hezbollah launch joint missile strike on Israel
Yemen's Houthis said they launched a joint ballistic missile strike with Iran and Hezbollah on southern Israel, the third coordinated operation as the "axis of resistance" formalises wartime military cooperation.
Japan’s LNG diversification will not shield it against global price spikes
Diversified supply portfolios and crude oil-indexed contracts, do not shield Japanese buyers as is claimed. Approaching week six of the war in Iran, Japan remains fully exposed to Middle East supply disruptions.
Wiretaps reveal Hungary colluded with Russia to delist oligarchs from sanctions list
Secretly recorded calls between Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjarto and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov also show diplomats' shared criticism of the European Union.
ING sees Azerbaijan as safe haven amid Middle East risks
Every $10 increase in oil prices adds approximately $3bn to Azerbaijan's annual export revenues, equivalent to 4% of GDP, ING analysts point out.
Macron visit to Japan overshadowed by Middle East crisis
Talks with Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, are scheduled for April 1, with the crisis in the Middle East set to be central.
US Polar LNG eyes equipment of sanctioned Russian Arctic LNG 2 project
US liquefied natural gas major Polar LNG is reportedly seeking to buy equipment from the sanctioned Russian Arctic LNG 2 project for its own Arctic needs.
Spain condemns Israeli death penalty law as discriminatory against Palestinians
Spain condemned Israel's new death penalty law as "draconian" and discriminatory against Palestinians, deepening the rift between Madrid and Tel Aviv as Spain refuses to support the US-Israeli war on Iran.
China and Pakistan issue five-point peace plan for Gulf and Middle East
China and Pakistan issued a five-point peace plan on March 31 calling for an immediate ceasefire and reopening of Hormuz, though the plan's omission of the US and Israel by name and questions over Beijing's credibility as a guarantor may limit its im
Uruguay faces US pressure to cut China ties, economy minister warns
The United States is applying relentless pressure on Uruguay to sever its trade ties with China, Uruguay's Economy Minister Gabriel Oddone told business leaders at a private meeting last week.
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Haiti gang kills dozens in Artibonite massacre as death toll disputed
A coordinated gang assault on rural communities in Haiti's Artibonite region over the weekend left scores dead and thousands displaced, with rights groups putting the death toll as high as 70 while authorities confirmed only 16 fatalities.
Italy secretly blocked US from using Sicily base for Iran strikes
Italy secretly blocked the US from using its Sigonella air base in Sicily for Iran strikes after jets were already airborne, the second NATO ally after Spain to refuse Washington access for the war.
Prolonged conflict in Middle East putting squeeze on Turkey’s tourism industry
Operators uncertain as to demand. European traveller opting for “last minute” approach.
Iranian missile debris damages buildings near Ukrainian embassy in Tel Aviv
Iranian missile debris landed near the Ukrainian embassy in Tel Aviv on March 31, injuring six and damaging vehicles and buildings as Iran maintains daily strikes on Israeli territory a month into the war.
Iran warns Trump any ground invasion would become 'civilisational' battle like 'Thermopylae'
Iran warns any US ground invasion would make the Ramadan defence "civilisational" invoking the Battle of Thermopylae.
Frontline Big Macs signal fragile recovery in southern Ukraine
Reopening of Mykolaiv restaurant just kilometres from the frontline hailed by officials and business leaders as a small but potent symbol of economic resilience.
Tehran hit by waves of air strikes overnight as Israel targets Iranian capital
Tehran hit by waves of Israeli air strikes overnight with power knocked out in parts of the capital.
China emerges as Iran war safe haven
China is emerging as a safe haven for investors seeking refuge from the Iran war storm.
Ukraine farmers risk billions in losses as fertiliser prices surge
Rising costs for mineral fertilisers are already disrupting the sowing campaign, which could reduce Ukraine's expected harvest by more than 20%.
Moldova’s separatist Transnistria faces second year of economic collapse
The de facto government in Tiraspol is preparing its 2026 budget amid a deep economic crisis, following an estimated economic contraction of nearly 18% in 2025.