Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed as US disputes claim amid ceasefire tensions
Iran said on Saturday that it had closed the Strait of Hormuz again, citing what it described as a breach of the ceasefire memorandum linked to fighting in Lebanon. The claim immediately drew a denial from the United States military, which said traffic continued to move through the waterway. The dispute has sharpened concern around one of the world's most important energy chokepoints at a moment when talks between Washington and Tehran are still under way.Iran's military said the closure was a response to Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, which it said violated the agreement reached with the United States.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Jun 2026 23:29 LONDON
Sponsored
Iran says Strait of Hormuz closed again amid ceasefire dispute and US denial
Iran's Revolutionary Guard has said the Strait of Hormuz is closed again, escalating a dispute that has already unsettled one of the world's most important shipping lanes. The announcement was linked by Tehran to Israeli strikes in Lebanon and to what it described as violations of a ceasefire arrangement involving the United States. US officials, however, said there was no evidence that the waterway had actually been blocked.The latest statement came as Donald Trump said there would be no toll on passage through the strait unless it was imposed by the United States. He also suggested that any charge could... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Jun 2026 21:01 LONDON
United States and Iran sign 14-point truce memorandum as nuclear terms remain unresolved
The United States and Iran have signed an initial 14-point memorandum of understanding that sets out a ceasefire window and leaves the nuclear question as the main unresolved issue. The document was signed this week and is described as an initial peace agreement rather than a final settlement. It gives both sides 60 days to negotiate the remaining details, with the possibility of extending that period by another 60 days if no deal is reached.According to the row, the memorandum includes guarantees that Tehran will never obtain nuclear weapons, the suspension of US sanctions against Iran, and financial compensation for... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Jun 2026 08:30 LONDON
Oil prices ease after Middle East peace deal as Strait of Hormuz disruption lingers
Oil prices have fallen after a shaky peace deal was announced in the Middle East, easing some of the immediate pressure on consumers and markets. The move comes after months of disruption linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important energy shipping routes. Shipping is expected to resume only gradually, and the effects of the disruption are still being felt across fuel and utility costs.At the start of this year, oil was priced at about $60 per barrel, before the outbreak of war pushed it to $118 on 31 March. Since mid-May, repeated... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Jun 2026 07:29 LONDON
Sponsored
Pentagon seeks $80 billion funding package tied to Iran war costs
The Pentagon is preparing an $80 billion supplemental funding request that would cover costs linked to the Iran war and other non-war items, according to people familiar with the matter. The package is expected to be sent to lawmakers soon, as Congress continues to press the administration for a fuller accounting of the conflict's price tag. The reported request would add to an already contentious debate over how much the war is costing the United States and what should be included in the bill.Deputy Defence Secretary Stephen Feinberg told lawmakers in phone calls this week that the Department of Defense... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Jun 2026 07:02 LONDON
Wall Street closes higher as tech surge offsets broad commodity slump, Nasdaq jumps 2.7%
Executive summary: U.S. equities finished sharply higher, led by a powerful rebound in technology and chip shares. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.7%, the S&P 500 gained 1.4%, and the Dow added 1.4%, while the Russell 2000 climbed 2.0%. The standout move was in SOXX, which jumped 8.9% as Nvidia and the broader tech sector advanced. Outside equities, the session was marked by heavy selling in metals, energy, and crypto, with gold, silver, platinum, WTI crude, Bitcoin, and Ether all lower. The mix points to a market rotating toward growth and away from inflation-sensitive and commodity-linked assets. [Continue Reading]
Europe closes mixed as DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 extend gains while FTSE 100 slips, metals and Brent retreat
Executive summary: European equities finished mixed, with Germany and the broader euro area higher while the UK lagged. The DAX rose 1.584% and the Euro Stoxx 50 gained 1.176%, but the FTSE 100 fell 1.096%. The sharpest moves came in commodities, where gold, silver, platinum and palladium all dropped hard, while Brent crude also weakened. FX moves showed a softer euro and pound against the dollar, alongside a stronger USD/JPY. [Continue Reading]
Trump says Iran will receive no money as US-Iran peace deal faces friction over Hormuz access
US President Donald Trump has said Iran will not receive any money, sharpening tensions just days after Washington and Tehran signed a peace agreement that includes a reconstruction and economic development plan for Iran. His remarks came amid confusion over how the deal will be financed and whether the Strait of Hormuz remains open to normal traffic. Maritime reporting also suggested the waterway may have been reclosed or restricted, adding to uncertainty around one of the world's most important energy chokepoints.The agreement was signed on Wednesday, 17 June, by Trump and Iranian President Masou Pezeshkian, according to the supplied material.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Jun 2026 14:00 LONDON
Sponsored
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific Close Mixed as Nikkei Extends Rally, Kospi Surges, and Metals Sell Off
Executive summary: Tokyo and broader Asia-Pacific trading ended with a sharp split in risk appetite. Japan’s Nikkei 225 rose +2.4% and the Kospi jumped +11.7%, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng fell -1.3%. Commodities were under pressure, with gold, silver, platinum, palladium and WTI crude all lower, even as natural gas edged higher. The dollar was firmer against the yen and slightly stronger versus the yuan, adding another layer to the cross-asset tone. [Continue Reading]
Vance publicly rebukes Israel from White House podium amid US-Iran deal fallout
United States Vice President JD Vance has delivered unusually blunt public criticism of Israel from a White House podium, sharpening tensions already exposed by the US-Iran deal. Speaking on Thursday local time, he said Israel should be grateful for American support and warned Israeli leaders to reassess their stance toward Washington. His remarks came as debate over the agreement continued to widen and as relations between the two allies appeared to be under strain.Vance said President Donald Trump was the only head of state in the world sympathetic to Israel at this moment, and argued that Israeli officials should not... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Jun 2026 06:29 LONDON
JD Vance cancels Switzerland trip as US-Iran ceasefire talks stall
Switzerland has confirmed that planned talks between the United States and Iran, due to take place on Friday, will not go ahead. The meeting was expected to begin work on implementing the newly signed truce agreement between Washington and Tehran. It had been scheduled for the mountain resort of Burgenstock, but the Swiss foreign ministry said the encounter would not happen.The cancellation followed a White House statement late on Thursday saying US Vice President JD Vance had dropped a planned trip to meet Iranian negotiators. The talks were meant to move the process forward after the two sides signed an... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Jun 2026 05:59 LONDON
US reviews force presence in Europe as NATO tensions deepen in Brussels
US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has announced a six-month Pentagon review of the American force posture in Europe, sharpening pressure on NATO allies during a meeting in Brussels. He told counterparts the review would test whether Europe is moving quickly enough to take primary responsibility for its own defence. The remarks came as Washington continues to send mixed signals about the future size of its military footprint on the continent.Hegseth said the review would be a "real review" and suggested that some countries would "fail" while others would "pass with flying colours". He also criticised allies for not giving US... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Jun 2026 05:31 LONDON
Sponsored
Senator among six Irish invited to secretive Dialog event in Wicklow
At least six Irish people, including one member of the Oireachtas, have been invited to an upcoming event in Wicklow organised by Dialog, a network co-founded by billionaire investor Peter Thiel. The event is due to take place at The Powerscourt Hotel in Wicklow in August. The invitation list has drawn attention because Dialog has been described by critics as secretive and elitist.The reported invitees include independent senator Lynn Ruane, two senior lawyers working in technology law, a barrister who works internationally, a senior public servant in the energy sector and an Irish content writer. Senator Ruane said she had... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Jun 2026 21:35 LONDON
Wall Street closes higher as tech and chips lead, oil, gold and bitcoin slide on a sharp cross-asset reset
Executive summary: US stocks finished broadly higher, led by a powerful rebound in technology and semiconductor shares, while energy, precious metals and bitcoin fell sharply. The Nasdaq Composite rose 2.7%, the S&P 500 gained 1.4% and the Russell 2000 added 2.0%, with the SOXX chip ETF surging nearly 9% and Nvidia climbing 2.8%. The move came alongside a steep drop in WTI crude, weaker gold and silver, and a firmer dollar against the yen, pointing to a market rotation away from inflation-sensitive assets and toward growth and AI-linked equities. [Continue Reading]
Pakistan signals fuel price cuts as oil falls after US-Iran peace framework
Pakistan's petroleum minister has said the government is considering reducing fuel prices after the announcement of a peace framework between the United States and Iran. Ali Pervaiz Malik said the administration would "bring good news regarding a reduction in petroleum prices" after the two sides agreed on a plan to end hostilities. The comments came as global oil markets reacted to the prospect of a wider easing in Middle East tensions.Malik said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif had already assured the public that any fall in global oil prices would be passed on to consumers. The reported deal is expected to... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Jun 2026 18:01 LONDON
Europe closes higher as DAX jumps past 25,000, oil and metals slide on easing supply fears
Executive summary: European equities finished firmly higher, led by Germany’s DAX and the Euro Stoxx 50, while Brent crude, gold and several industrial metals fell sharply. The move points to a session dominated by lower energy prices, a stronger dollar and a broad rotation into cyclicals, with autos standing out as a major winner. [Continue Reading]
Sponsored
Iranian rial rebounds sharply after US-Iran agreement
Iran's rial has risen by more than 15% against the US dollar after an initial agreement between Tehran and Washington, while the country's stock market has also surged to record levels. The move came after the memorandum of understanding announced on Sunday and was reflected most visibly in Tehran's foreign exchange market on Ferdowsi Street. Exchange offices reported a rapid fall in the dollar and a sharp change in trading conditions compared with the panic seen in recent months.According to the supplied report, the dollar fell from 1.8 million rials to 1.54 million rials at one exchange office within hours... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Jun 2026 15:02 LONDON
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific markets surge as Nikkei jumps 7.6%, oil slumps and autos lead the rally
Executive summary: Tokyo led a broad Asia-Pacific session with the Nikkei 225 and Nikkei ETF both up more than 7%, while Australian shares also advanced. The move was reinforced by a sharp drop in WTI crude, strength in global auto stocks, and a softer tone in several precious metals. Hong Kong lagged, with the Hang Seng falling, while the yen weakened modestly against the dollar. [Continue Reading]
G7 closes in France with united pressure on Russia over Ukraine
French President Emmanuel Macron said the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains had ended as a success, describing the three-day meeting as a moment of unity and real cooperation among the leaders. He said the group had agreed that Russia had shown no serious willingness to make peace in Ukraine. Macron also said the G7 was remobilising to increase pressure on Moscow.The remarks came as the summit closed on Wednesday after discussions that also covered the Middle East and artificial intelligence. Macron said the talks had moved beyond months of disagreements and fragmentation, and he framed the outcome as a sign that... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 16:59 LONDON
Strait of Hormuz expected to reopen after US-Iran agreement
The Strait of Hormuz is expected to reopen on Friday after nearly four months of disruption, following a US-Iran agreement aimed at ending the Middle East war. The shipping lane is one of the world's most important energy routes, and its reopening is likely to be watched closely by oil markets, ship operators and insurers. The closure had left vessels stranded in Gulf waters and forced maritime traffic to slow or stop.The strait normally carries about 20% of global crude oil supply, according to the supporting material. About 500 ships and 20,000 seafarers were stranded during the shutdown, according to... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 16:33 LONDON
Sponsored
Strait of Hormuz remains largely blocked after US-Iran deal announcement as shipping stays cautious
Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz remains far below normal three days after a preliminary Iran-US deal was announced, with operators and insurers still waiting for signs that the route is safe and stable. Ship-tracking data cited in the supplied material shows only seven vessels have passed through since Sunday, despite the agreement being described by both sides as reopening the waterway. The narrow passage, which links the Gulf to the Gulf of Oman, is one of the world's most sensitive maritime chokepoints and the latest figures suggest traffic has not yet recovered.The material says that before the war, between... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 15:59 LONDON
Finland lifts ban on nuclear weapons under new defence law
Finland has passed legislation removing a long-standing ban on nuclear weapons, in a move that broadens what the country can legally allow on its territory for national defence. The change means nuclear arms can now be imported, transported, supplied and possessed under Finnish law. The government has said Finland will not host any nuclear weapons at present.The legislation replaces restrictions linked to the 1987 Nuclear Energy Act, which had prohibited nuclear weapons on Finnish soil. Defence Minister Antti Häkkänen said the earlier law created an awkward situation for Finland, which became a NATO member in April 2023. The new rules... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 14:01 LONDON
US uses ship-to-ship transfers to keep Gulf oil exports moving amid Hormuz disruption
The United States has been using a large network of ship-to-ship oil transfers to keep Gulf crude exports moving amid disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. The operation has involved moving cargoes away from the most vulnerable parts of the waterway and into larger vessels outside the strait. It has taken place near Sohar in Oman and Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates, according to the supplied material.Reuters-reviewed data cited in the report says at least 116 vessels have taken part since early May. The cargoes have included crude oil, condensates and petroleum products. The transfers are said to be... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Jun 2026 08:00 LONDON
China backs Myanmar leadership during Min Aung Hlaing visit to Beijing
China has publicly backed Myanmar's political leadership during a state visit by Min Aung Hlaing to Beijing, where the two sides signed 18 cooperation documents. The agreements covered areas including free trade, disaster assistance, cross-border transport, health and media. The meeting took place at the Great Hall of the People and was preceded by a state welcoming ceremony.Chinese President Xi Jinping told Min Aung Hlaing that he wanted to carry forward what he described as the brotherly friendship between the two peoples and deepen comprehensive strategic cooperation. Xi also said China supports all parties in Myanmar advancing peace and reconciliation... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Jun 2026 11:32 LONDON
Sponsored
US B-52 crash at Edwards Air Force Base as eight aboard are confirmed dead
Officials at Edwards Air Force Base in California have now confirmed that all eight people aboard a US Air Force B-52 bomber were killed when the aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff. The crash happened at about 11:20am local time on Monday during a routine test mission, and the aircraft burst into flames as it hit the ground. Military officials said the scene was heavily charred, with very little left of the bomber visible after the fire.Colonel James Hayes, the deputy commander for the 412 Test Wing at Edwards, said the military had reviewed footage of the accident and concluded there... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Jun 2026 10:05 LONDON
The Glass Elevator to Nowhere: A World Trapped in a Chocolate Factory
As a journalist in my mid-fifties, I thought my skin had thickened to the point of being impenetrable. I have covered the rise and fall of regimes, the grinding gears of the Cold War's leftovers, and the digital revolutions that promised to unite us. I thought I had seen every trick in the political playbook. Then came Donald Trump’s 2026 foreign policy, and I realized I was not watching a statesman; I was watching a child play with a chemistry set he does not understand. The Willy Wonka of the West: Rule by Whim Walking into a press briefing lately... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 02 Apr 2026 09:44 LONDON
The Madness of Power, From Balfour to the Edge of World War Three
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 06 Mar 2026 17:20 LONDON
The Proving Ground, When “Decent” Reporting Meets High-Tech Warfare
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 02 Mar 2026 09:36 LONDON
Sponsored
The role of community policing in nurturing acceptance
In a highly polarized world and a highly volatile situation, many wars are perturbing the lives of many, forcing governments to take real measures to protect their citizens. Away from the geopolitical analysis and speculation, I would like to highlight one of many important aspects related to war preparation, which is the protocol of living in community shelters, historically comparable to the use of air raid shelters during major conflicts. During the war in Lebanon in the mid-eighties, I published an article about this protocol, and it seems very relevant to these days. 1- This is not your house: A... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 19 Feb 2026 07:35 LONDON
