2026-05-18

USA

Trump: I called off attack on Iran planned for Tuesday

The US president said he had been asked to do so by the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates as "serious negotiations are now taking place."

18/05/2026

No Comment

Aerial footage captures police surrounding San Diego Islamic center after shooting reports

Aerial footage showed a large police and emergency response outside the Islamic Center of San Diego after reports of an active shooter on Monday. Authorities said multiple law enforcement units surrounded the area, while heavily armed officers were seen positioned around the mosque complex.

18/05/2026

Azerbaijan

'No society is immune' to housing crisis, UN chief warns at Baku forum

António Guterres told the World Urban Forum in Baku that no country is immune from the housing crisis, as 40,000 delegates gathered for the second day of talks.

18/05/2026

Lebanon

Lebanese president vows to 'do the impossible' to end war with Israel

On Monday, the Lebanese health ministry said the death toll from Israeli strikes since the start of the war had reached 3,020, with 211 people 18 and under and 116 healthcare workers among those killed.

18/05/2026

Belarus

Belarus stages nuclear drills with Russia amid new offensive fears

Russia and Belarus conducted joint nuclear exercises on Monday as Kyiv warned Moscow was preparing a new offensive from Belarusian territory against Ukraine or NATO.

18/05/2026

No Comment

Teargas fired as protests erupt over rising fuel prices in Kenya

Police fired teargas at protesters in Nairobi as demonstrations broke out during a nationwide transport strike over soaring fuel prices and rising living costs.

18/05/2026

Partner content

Italy's ancient walking routes: could they be Europe's ultimate slow travel experience?

Partner content presented by ENIT

Ancient pilgrimage routes such as the Via Francigena and the Via di Francesco place Italy at the heart of slow travel, with all routes converging on Rome.

18/05/2026

Europe News

As trade war with China looms, how can the EU defend itself?

The European Commission is considering a range of tools to shield the bloc from cheap Chinese imports, including reducing its dependence on Chinese components and imposing tariffs on strategic sectors.

18/05/2026

United Arab Emirates

UAE still investigating mystery nuclear plant drone attack

The enigma surrounding Sunday’s unprecedented drone attack on the Barakah nuclear plant deepened on Monday as the UAE said the drone came from its western border, but it did not accuse Iran.

18/05/2026

Top News Stories Today

Latest news bulletin | May 18th, 2026 – Evening

Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this May 18th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel.

18/05/2026

Culture news

The six books competing for the International Booker Prize 2026

This year's International Booker Prize shortlist of six novels take readers from a Japanese colonial-era Taiwan to the propaganda studios of Nazi Germany.

18/05/2026

Iran

Iran sets up Hormuz transit authority to charge ships for passage

Tehran has launched a formal body to manage and charge ships for transit through the Strait of Hormuz in a highly-contested move as tankers pile up in the waterway and peace talks remain deadlocked.

18/05/2026

Europe News

Spain keeps tilting right under Pedro Sánchez's progressive push

A regional vote in Andalusia points to a rightward shift in Spanish politics, despite Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez’s international push to position the country at the centre of progressive politics.

18/05/2026

No Comment

Moment two fighter jets collide mid-air during US air show

Two fighter jets collided mid-air during an air show in Idaho, sending both aircraft crashing to the ground as crew members parachuted to safety.

18/05/2026

Cinema

Javier Bardem attacks Trump, Putin and Netanyahu for 'toxic behaviour'

Oscar-winning actor Javier Bardem called out world leaders U.S. President Donald Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel for "male toxic behavior that is creating thousands of dead people," during his appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, Sunday.

18/05/2026

Europe in Motion

Hantavirus: How prepared is Europe for new health threats?

Although there is still no single European playbook for quarantine measures, the EU has taken steps to be better prepared in the future than it was six years ago. Will it be enough?

18/05/2026

Residences

Take a long snooze in South Korea: Is this the world’s best hotel bed?

The ‘Curator Suite 1503’ at RYSE, Autograph Collection in Seoul is home to an enormous extra-long bed, which stretches the near length of the room.

18/05/2026

Europe News

EU honours Merkel as her legacy remains deeply divisive

The former German chancellor receives the new European Order of Merit this week. Yet, her policies are facing fresh scrutiny amid global instability and a changing world order.

18/05/2026

Europe News

‘Feminist’ top diplomat Kallas takes aim at male-dominated diplomacy

The EU’s top diplomat argues that having more women at the negotiating table during peace talks will result in better outcomes for global conflicts, including Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

18/05/2026

Health news

How sport is changing the lives of people with autism in Central Asia

Can sport help improve the lives of children with autism? From adaptive cycling to inclusive running events, structured physical activity helps children develop communication, focus and emotional regulation.

18/05/2026

Europe News

Former Google executive takes reins at scandal-hit BBC

Brittin replaces Tim Davie, who had held the BBC post since 2020. He resigned in November over a lawsuit brought by US President Donald Trump.

18/05/2026

No Comment

Thousands gather for Trump-backed prayer rally in Washington

Thousands gather on Washington’s National Mall for a ‘Rededicate 250’ prayer rally mixing faith, patriotism and support for Donald Trump.

18/05/2026

Travel News

This private island in Greece could be yours for €247,000

Just don’t plan on living in the lap of luxury, because the island’s protected status means major infrastructure upgrades are impossible.

18/05/2026

Europe News

Magyar signals openness to Ukraine accession talks after Orbán exit

Hungary's new government says it is open to engaging with Ukraine on its accession to the EU, according to several sources. Meanwhile, a technical dialogue with Kyiv has been announced on the thorny issue of Hungarian minorities. Brussels looks for a breakthrough.

18/05/2026

Sport

Iran heads to World Cup training camp with no US visas issued

Iran’s national football team is flying to Turkey amid fears over visa approvals from the United States, with limited preparation and no top-tier friendly matches scheduled.

18/05/2026

Markets

UzNIF debuts on London market in first international Uzbek IPO

The IPO generated more than $2.8 billion (€2.6bn) in investor demand and raised around $603 million (€540m). Officials at the London Stock Exchange described the listing as a landmark moment for Uzbekistan’s access to international capital markets.

18/05/2026

Azerbaijan

Iran calls for reconstruction support at World Urban Forum in Baku

Iran's deputy housing minister used the World Urban Forum in Baku to call for international support to rebuild 150,000 homes damaged in the war.

18/05/2026

Europe News

Bodies of four divers in Maldives accident found, Italy says

Five Italian divers are believed to have died while exploring a cave at a depth of about 50 metres in Vaavu Atoll on Thursday, according to Italy’s Foreign Ministry.

18/05/2026

Culture news

French star Patrick Bruel faces fresh sex abuse allegations

The singer still maintains his innocence, saying he "never sought to coerce anyone into a sexual act", while declaring that he "does not question the feelings of women."

18/05/2026

Europe News

Gaza-bound aid flotilla says Israel intercepted fleet off Cyprus

The Israeli foreign ministry said the aim of the flotilla was to "serve Hamas, to divert attention from Hamas's refusal to disarm and to obstruct progress on President Trump's peace plan."

18/05/2026