World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 2245
Largest Ever SPR Release Fails to Calm Markets as Hormuz Risk Sends Oil Back Above $90
A coordinated release of 400 million barrels from IEA member strategic reserves failed to arrest a sharp rise in oil prices as renewed threats from Iran over the Strait of Hormuz injected a large risk premium. The IEA has downgraded its supply-growth forecast, and analysts warn that reserves can only delay, not replace, lost production while shipping through Hormuz remains at risk.
Iran’s New Supreme Leader Issues Vow of Revenge and Threatens Strait Closure — What It Means for a Fracturing Region
Mujtaba Khamenei’s inaugural statement as Iran’s new supreme leader framed the country’s response to a U.S.-Israel strike as uncompromising: a vow of revenge, a threat to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed, and continued reliance on the IRGC and regional proxies. The declaration raises the likelihood of prolonged asymmetric conflict, heightens risks to global energy markets, and creates both strategic challenges and limited diplomatic leverage for powers such as China.
Trump’s renewed 301 probe: bargaining chip or political theater before Beijing trip?
The Trump administration has opened new Section 301 trade investigations into China and other partners ahead of a planned visit to Beijing, a move Beijing and Chinese analysts dismiss as domestic political theatre. While the probe creates legal grounds to seek higher tariffs, its practical impact before the summit is limited, and Beijing appears prepared to treat the action as bargaining posture rather than immediate escalation.
Largest Ever IEA Oil Release Fails to Calm Markets as Iran Threatens Strait of Hormuz and Japan Acts Alone
The IEA coordinated release of 400 million barrels — the largest ever — failed to reassure markets after renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says it will allow some vessels transit but threatens to use the strait as leverage, while Japan has unilaterally released reserves, highlighting acute supply anxieties and limits to reserve deployments.
China’s Shuttle Diplomacy Intensifies as Four Variables Threaten to Deepen Middle East Crisis
As US-Israel strikes on Iran continue and Tehran expands retaliatory operations, China has intensified shuttle diplomacy to press for de-escalation. Four variables — oil-market shock, Iranian internal cohesion, the success of external mediation, and control of the Strait of Hormuz — will largely determine whether the conflict widens into a global crisis.
Iran’s New Supreme Leader Vows Revenge, Threatens Hormuz Blockade and Calls Neighbours to Close US Bases
Iran’s new supreme leader, Mujtaba Khamenei, issued his first statement pledging revenge, promising to continue using a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and urging neighbouring states to close US military bases. The rhetoric follows nearly two weeks of heavy US and Israeli strikes, ballooning military costs and sharp reactions in global energy markets.
France Accelerates Undersea Push as Fourth Barracuda SSN, De Grasse, Begins Sea Trials
France has begun sea trials of the fourth Barracuda‑class nuclear attack submarine, De Grasse, marking an acceleration in the renewal of its undersea forces. The trial comes amid near‑simultaneous activity on attack‑sub replacements, new strategic submarines and submarine‑launched ballistic‑missile work, underscoring a sustained French emphasis on undersea capabilities.
Tehran and Beirut Strike Together: Iran and Hezbollah Launch Coordinated Assault as Israel Hits Back on Tehran
Iran’s IRGC and Lebanon’s Hezbollah announced a coordinated, multi‑hour strike against Israeli cities and US bases in the region, while Israel said it launched a large‑scale airstrike on Tehran. The exchange marks a significant escalation in an already volatile cycle that began with US‑Israeli strikes on Iran in late February and risks widening into a broader regional conflict.
Video Shows Entire THAAD Launcher Unit Leaving South Korea for Middle East, Raising Alliance and Regional Security Questions
Surveillance footage and local statements indicate that the six THAAD launchers based at Seongju were moved to the Middle East in early March, a step reportedly mirrored by U.S. redeployments of Patriot batteries from the Indo-Pacific. Seoul says it opposed the transfers but was unable to prevent them, highlighting strains in alliance consultation and raising questions about regional deterrence in Northeast Asia. The episode underscores the trade-offs in U.S. force allocation between competing crises and the potential political cost in partner capitals when weapons stationed on allied territory are reassigned without prior notice.
Fire Aboard USS Gerald R. Ford in Red Sea Briefly Disrupts Carrier While on Iran-Linked Mission
A laundry fire aboard the USS Gerald R. Ford in the Red Sea on 12 March was contained and left the carrier’s propulsion intact, but two sailors were injured and are being treated. The ship remains on station supporting operations related to Iran, and the incident spotlights readiness and reliability questions surrounding the high-profile Ford-class program.
Inside Iran’s Spy Crisis: How Small-Timers and High-Level Traitors Undermined Tehran’s Security
Iran’s state media and affiliated outlets have named a string of alleged spies and two larger networks that Tehran says were recruited by Israel’s Mossad and helped facilitate assassinations and attacks on military and nuclear targets. The cases illustrate a dual vulnerability: broad grassroots penetration by ordinary citizens and targeted betrayals by insiders with access to high-value secrets, posing a sustained threat to Iran’s deterrence and internal cohesion.
Trump Signals Endgame While Reserving Strikes as Iran Escalates Missile and Economic Targets
President Trump has described U.S. operations against Iran as nearing their end while explicitly reserving targets for future strikes. Iran has escalated with missiles and drones against regional bases, shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and Israeli military nodes, and has signalled an intent to target economic assets tied to the U.S. and Israel, raising the stakes for regional stability and global markets.