World News
Latest world news and updates
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Iceland Eyes Rapid EU Comeback: Minister Says Accession Talks Could Finish in 18 Months
Iceland's foreign minister has said accession talks with the EU could be completed within 18 months if voters approve restarting negotiations in an August referendum. Public opinion is narrowly in favour, but deep domestic divisions—especially over fisheries—and the need for unanimous EU approval make a rapid accession far from certain.

From ‘Unwinnable’ to Unaffordable: How a U.S.–Iran Exchange Has Become a Global Quagmire
A sharp exchange between the United States and Iran has evolved into a costly, high-risk stalemate. Rising oil prices, depleted Western munitions stocks and a harder-line Iranian leadership are increasing the probability of protracted conflict or dangerous escalation, while diplomatic overtures offer a face-saving exit that remains hard to negotiate.

Canada Draws a Line: PM Kearney Says Ottawa Will Not Join US‑Israeli Military Action Against Iran
Prime Minister Kearney publicly ruled out Canadian participation in US and Israeli military actions against Iran, responding to criticism from opposition MPs. The categorical pledge reflects Ottawa’s attempt to avoid direct military entanglement while preserving room for non‑combat cooperation and diplomatic engagement.

Levant on Edge: Israeli Strikes in Lebanon Kill 570 and Deepen Regional Risk
Lebanese authorities say Israeli strikes since March 2 have killed 570 people and injured 1,444, with significant damage around Beirut’s southern suburbs. The surge in violence highlights Lebanon’s vulnerability to rapid escalation and poses broader regional risks, including humanitarian strain and potential spillover.

Lebanon’s Displacement Crisis Escalates: 100,000 People Forced From Homes in 24 Hours
UN agencies say Lebanon registered a surge of roughly 100,000 newly displaced people in one day as fighting between Hezbollah and Israel intensified. The rapid displacement strains Lebanon’s fragile services and heightens the risk of wider regional escalation, complicating humanitarian response efforts.

Iran’s IRGC Rejects Trump’s “Ceasefire” Suggestion, Warns Tehran Will Decide End of Hostilities
Iran’s IRGC dismissed President Trump’s suggestion that the conflict with Iran was ending, asserting Tehran will decide when hostilities stop. Tehran warned of heavier, longer-range missile launches and framed freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz as contingent on other countries’ diplomatic posture toward the U.S. and Israel.

War Widens: Israeli Strikes on Tehran as U.S.-Iran Exchanges Enter 12th Day
The U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran entered a twelfth day as Israel launched new strikes on Tehran while Iran reported massive civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The crisis has expanded into Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz, drawing other states into support roles and raising the risk of regional escalation and sustained disruption to global energy and trade routes.

China’s Middle East Envoy Visits Abu Dhabi to Deepen Mediation Role and Secure Chinese Nationals
China’s Middle East envoy Zhai Jun met UAE deputy prime minister and foreign minister Abdullah in Abu Dhabi to discuss the spreading Gulf conflict and coordination on pushing for a ceasefire. The UAE welcomed Chinese mediation, pledged protection for Chinese nationals, and signalled continued cooperation to de-escalate regional tensions.

Trump’s Mixed Messages on Iran: ‘Soon’ to End but ‘Press On’ as Oil Soars and Markets Brace
President Trump issued contradictory statements this week about U.S. military operations against Iran, alternating between suggesting the conflict could end soon and hinting at further action. The inconsistency unsettled markets, sent crude prices surging and falling, intensified domestic political pressure ahead of midterm elections, and left Tehran vowing that any ceasefire would be decided by Iran alone.

How a Middle East War Turns into a Bill on Your Grocery Receipt
The US–Israel–Iran conflict has already translated into higher global energy, fertiliser and food prices as markets price disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and interruptions to Middle Eastern petrochemical supplies. The shock exposes fragile supply chains, redistributes wealth toward energy exporters and defence suppliers, and risks re‑igniting inflation and a wage‑price spiral while accelerating costly near‑shoring of production.

When Transit Becomes a Risk: How Middle East Strikes Are Turning Tourists into Risk Managers
Escalating clashes around the Middle East have disrupted Gulf airspace and transit hubs, leaving many travellers — especially those transiting through UAE or Qatar — uncertain whether to travel. Chinese tour operators and booking platforms have mobilised evacuations and extended refund protections, but gaps remain and safety has emerged as the decisive factor shaping short‑term demand.

Lebanon’s Displacement Crisis Surges by 100,000 in a Day as Fighting Spreads
UNHCR’s Lebanon representative reported a sudden increase of about 100,000 internally displaced people in Lebanon within 24 hours, bringing registered IDPs above 667,000. The surge follows an escalation between Hezbollah and Israel and compounds strains on Lebanon’s already fragile humanitarian and state infrastructure.