News
EU freezes plans to adopt Russian twentieth sanctions package due to Iran war turmoil, growing internal divisions
The EU’s plans to adopt a twentieth sanctions package against Russia have been frozen due to a disruption caused by the war in Iran, according to a diplomatic source cited by TASS on March 16.
IMO propose Hormuz shipping corridor to reopen Hormuz
The International Maritime Organization (IMO) has proposed the creation of a “safe shipping corridor” in the Strait of Hormuz, as dozens of countries look for solutions to unblock the crucial shipping channel.
UAE expels 2,500 Iranian students and shuts Iranian state schools
The UAE expels 2,500 Iranian students and shuts Iranian schools with a 50-year history in the country, as the war deepens the rift between Tehran and Gulf states.
Iran Kharg Island oil exports continue at 1.4mn bpd, as US set to unfreeze sanctions on oil tankers
Iran's Kharg Island oil exports continue at up to 1.5mn bpd despite US strikes, with core loading infrastructure intact and shipments flowing to Asian buyers.
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb adds his voice to EU calls for Russian reengagement
Finland’s President Alexander Stubb has added his voice to the growing number of calls from EU members to reengage with Russia.
Iran says Tehran will impose new Hormuz regime to 'sanction' the West after war
Senior Iranian official Mokhber says Tehran will impose a new regime on the Strait of Hormuz after the war, using the waterway to "sanction" the West rather than being sanctioned itself.
Gulf states are 'enemies' for Iran just like the US and Israel, Russian academic says
Persian Gulf states are as much Iran's enemies as the US and Israel because none condemned the strikes on Iranian territory, as Tehran escalates attacks on energy assets in Qatar and Saudi Arabia.
How much damage has Iran done to Gulf oil and gas production?
Iran struck back, targeting major oil and gas production facilities in the Gulf, after Israel attacked Iran’s Asaluyeh gas processing facility in Bushehr province.
Asia turns to Russian fuel in record volumes
China is also increasing its purchases from Russia, with imports estimated at 1.2mn to 1.5mn tonnes – primarily for use as a substitute feedstock in refineries.
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US intel report sees direct homeland threat from Pakistani missiles
In its March 2026 Annual Threat Assessment of The US Intelligence Community report, the US Office of Director of National Intelligence has highlighted Pakistan as on the path to developing missile technology that can threaten the US itself.
J.D.Vance reportedly plans visit to Hungary to endorse Viktor Orban’s election campaign
Vance is expected to signal support for Prime Minister Viktor Orban's Fidesz party on behalf of the Trump administration ahead of the April general election, Reuters reported.
Deadlock in Romanian parliament delays vote on 2026 budget
Impasse after Social Democratic Party fails to secure support for €220mn “solidarity package” for low-income pensioners and other vulnerable groups.
Japan petrol prices hit record level
Japan’s average retail petrol price has reached a record JPY190.80 ($1.19) per litre, reflecting higher crude costs linked to the Iran conflict, according to data released on March 18 by the nation’s industry ministry.
Thousands attend “Free Imamoglu” rally in Istanbul 12 months after jailing
Speakers urge Turkey not to forget that president Erdogan is using the courts to get rid of his rival with fabricated charges.
Kyrgyzstan offers moratorium on business inspections, tax service explains “slowness” in probing Kyrgyzneftegaz graft
Journalist was expelled from country when he raised similar corruption claims four years ago.
Spy scandal shakes Slovenia ahead of general election
Officials warn of suspected foreign interference after visits by Israeli intelligence firm Black Cube to Ljubljana revealed.
Montenegro's president calls talks to resolve political crisis that threatens to derail EU bid
Jakov Milatovic warned the ongoing crisis risks slowing Montenegro’s EU accession, after only two negotiation chapters have been closed this year, instead of the planned six.
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Russian oil tankers close in on Cuba after island's worst blackout in decades
Russia has sent two ships carrying crude oil and gas to Cuba as the Caribbean island endures its worst energy crisis in living memory, with a 29-hour nationwide blackout underscoring the depth of a sanctions-induced fuel emergency.
Venezuela's Rodríguez replaces long-serving defence minister in cabinet shake-up
Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez has appointed General-in-Chief Gustavo González López as minister of defence, removing Vladimir Padrino López from the post he had held for over a decade.
Strikes on Iran gas fields could force Turkey to ramp up LNG imports
Damage to Iran’s Asaluyeh gas processing facility in Bushehr province and part of the South Pars complex, after an Israeli missile strike on March 18, risks disrupting pipeline supplies to Turkey, potentially forcing Ankara to raise LNG imports.