Economy
IEA warns of historic oil supply shock as Iran war disruption persists
The International Energy Agency (IEA) has warned of an unprecedented energy shock, with global oil production plunging by over 10 million barrels per day in March, as diplomatic efforts between Washington and Tehran fail.
USA
Trump refuses to apologise after clash with Pope Leo XIV over Iran war
Despite widespread criticism including Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni's rare rebuke after the US president lambasted the US-born pontiff for being "weak on crime," Trump said no to an apology to the Catholic Church's Holy Father while reiterating his claims.
Iran
Hormuz standoff turns into cautious waiting game as US blockade begins
Trump claims Iran made new contact for a deal, as the first hours of the US blockade in the Strait of Hormuz show an apparent cautious approach from all sides as the fragile ceasefire is still holding. But China announces its own shipping transit agreement with Iran, warning the US not to interfere.
Europe Today
Risk of ‘serious’ economic shock if Iran war drags on, EBRD chief says
Odile Renaud-Basso says the current scenario will dampen growth and push up inflation in the countries where her institution operates, but that the economic repercussions of a drawn-out war will be “much more serious.”
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Iran
Trump says US military blockaded Iranian ports to pressure Tehran
The US blockade comes in an attempt to economically pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic after its six-week closure caused global oil prices to surge. Roughly 40 vessels have passed through since the start of the ceasefire, down from 100 or more per day before the war.
World News
Pope Leo XIV says he has 'no fear' of Trump administration
Pope Leo XIV said he has no intention to debate with Donald Trump after the US president criticised him over his comments on the Iran war. "I have no fear of the Trump administration nor of speaking out loudly about the message of the gospel," the pope told reporters aboard the papal plane.
Qatar
Trump says US Navy will blockade Hormuz after stalled Iran talks
U.S. President Donald Trump ordered a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz after talks with Iran in Islamabad ended without a deal. The move ramps up pressure as both sides blame each other, while Pakistan urges restraint and the ceasefire hangs in the balance.
World News
Trump threatens Strait of Hormuz blockade after US-Iran talks fail
Trump said in a social media post he has “instructed our Navy to seek and interdict every vessel in International Waters that has paid a toll to Iran. No one who pays an illegal toll will have safe passage on the high seas”.
Europe News
'Enough of war!' says Pope Leo XIV who grows increasingly frustrated
Leaders have used religion to defend their actions in the war. US officials, especially Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, have spoken about their Christian faith and described the US as a Christian nation fighting its enemies.
The Iran war refers to the ongoing military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States, with fighting and tensions spreading across the region — stay up to date on the latest developments as the situation unfolds