Iran expands claimed military control over Strait of Hormuz
Iran has said it is significantly expanding the area around the Strait of Hormuz over which it claims military control, in a move that has drawn a sharp rejection from the United Arab Emirates and renewed warnings from the United States. A map published by Iran's newly created Persian Gulf Strait Authority claims Iranian armed forces oversight across more than 22,000 sq km, extending into the territorial waters of Oman and the UAE. The strait is one of the world's most important shipping routes, making any claim over transit there closely watched by governments and shipping companies.The authority said all... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 May 2026 15:30 LONDON
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Wall Street opens lower as oil slumps, chips and small caps retreat, and energy outperforms
Executive summary: U.S. markets opened under pressure, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Russell 2000 all lower in early trade. The sharpest move was in WTI crude, which fell nearly 5.8%, while U.S. energy stocks rose 3.7% and natural gas jumped more than 5%. The setup points to a market led by commodity swings, a softer risk tone in growth shares, and a mixed read-through for inflation-sensitive assets and the dollar. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine says it struck Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara region
Ukraine says it carried out a long-range drone strike on the Syzran oil refinery in Russia's Samara region, causing a large fire at the site. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the facility had been hit and shared video showing flames and black smoke rising from what appeared to be the refinery. The attack was reported on Thursday and is the latest in a series of Ukrainian strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.Zelenskyy said he thanked the Unmanned Systems Forces and the Special Operations Forces for what he described as a precise operation. The Special Operations Forces said they had worked with... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 May 2026 12:29 LONDON
Venezuela's oil infrastructure clouds post-Maduro economic hopes
Venezuela's oil sector is under fresh scrutiny after a report said its crumbling infrastructure is casting doubt on hopes of a post-Maduro economic recovery. The story centres on the country's vast crude reserves and the question of whether they can be turned into reliable output and investment. It also comes as Donald Trump said shipments were already inbound to the United States.The report said Trump has been highlighting what he described as the benefits of forging new deals with Venezuela after the removal of Nicolas Maduro earlier this year. It also said the shipments he referred to were already on... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 21 May 2026 11:32 LONDON
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Europe opens mixed as stocks climb, oil slides and FX steadies in a risk-on start
Executive summary: European equities opened higher, led by the Euro Stoxx 50, CAC 40 and DAX, while the FTSE 100 also edged up. The standout move was in energy, with Brent crude falling more than 5%, alongside weaker palladium, silver and platinum. The euro softened against the dollar, sterling firmed, and USD/JPY moved higher, pointing to a market that is still sensitive to oil, yields and currency shifts. [Continue Reading]
Tokyo closes higher as Nikkei extends gains while oil and Asia risk assets slide on crude shock
Executive summary: Tokyo finished higher, with the Nikkei 225 and Nikkei ETF both advancing, even as broader Asia-Pacific sentiment weakened. The sharpest moves were in energy and risk-sensitive assets, with WTI crude tumbling -8.6%, Hang Seng dropping -3.5%, and Kospi falling -2.2%. The yen weakened against the dollar, gold eased, and industrial metals were softer, pointing to a session shaped by lower oil, firmer USD/JPY, and a broad de-risking across parts of the region. [Continue Reading]
UNCTAD forecasts global growth slowdown to 2.6 percent in 2026
UNCTAD has projected that global economic growth will slow from 2.9 percent in 2025 to 2.6 percent in 2026. In its report, "Trade and Development Foresights 2026: Global economy faces a geopolitical challenge," the organisation said geopolitical risks have become the primary source of instability in the world economy. The report says developing economies remain the most vulnerable to pressure from high energy, food and fertiliser prices. It also cites transport disruptions, market volatility and tightening financing conditions as persistent strains. UNCTAD said global trade retained some momentum in early 2026, supported by artificial intelligence-related products. It added that growth... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 21 May 2026 02:00 LONDON
Tokyo Opens Lower as Asia-Pacific Sells Off on Oil Slide, Stronger Dollar and Korea Shock
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific markets opened under pressure in Tokyo trade, with the Nikkei 225 down -1.7%, the ASX 200 off -1.7%, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng lower by -2.8%. The sharpest move came in Korea, where the Kospi was marked down -9.7%, a rout that dominated regional sentiment. Commodities were mixed but mostly softer, with WTI crude sliding -6.1% and gold easing -0.3%, while natural gas rose +2.8%. The yen weakened modestly against the dollar, adding another layer of FX pressure for import-sensitive markets. [Continue Reading]
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Wall Street closes mixed as oil slumps, Tesla slides and Microsoft leads a tech rebound
Executive summary: U.S. markets finished mixed, with the Dow Jones setting the pace higher while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slipped. The sharpest move came in WTI crude, which fell -6.6%, helping ease pressure on some rate-sensitive assets and supporting energy equities. Microsoft rose +3.9% and Apple gained +1.1%, but Tesla dropped -6.3% and several AI and mega-cap names weakened. The session points to a market still balancing growth optimism, commodity volatility and sector rotation. [Continue Reading]
Fed minutes signal openness to higher rates as Iran war upends outlook
Minutes from the Federal Reserve's April meeting show that most officials were open to the possibility of higher interest rates, according to the record of the session. The meeting took place as the war with Iran was already reshaping the outlook for the US economy. It was also Jerome H.Powell's last meeting as chair, giving the record added significance for markets watching the central bank's next move. The minutes indicate that the discussion among policymakers was influenced by a rapidly changing external environment rather than by a single domestic data point. The war with Iran was described as having upended... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 20:00 LONDON
Putin and Xi fail to reach deal on Power of Siberia 2 pipeline
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping signalled unity during a meeting in Beijing on Wednesday, but did not finalise a deal on the Power of Siberia 2 gas pipeline sought by Moscow. The visit featured public displays of closeness between the two leaders, including a red-carpet walk to the Great Hall of the People and remarks about strategic co-operation, partnership, mutual respect, friendship and trust. But the talks ended without the pipeline agreement Russia had hoped to secure.The supplied material says the Kremlin later described the two sides as having reached a "general understanding on the parameters"... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 18:00 LONDON
US surveillance flights tracked near Cuba as tensions rise
The US military has been publicly broadcasting the location of surveillance flights near Cuba on plane-tracking websites, in a move that appears to signal pressure on Havana. Flight-tracking data shows multiple US Navy P-8A Poseidon aircraft and MQ-4C Triton drones operating in the Caribbean near the island since 11 May. Some of the aircraft have flown as close as 50 miles from Cuba, according to the analysis.The data reviewed shows at least five P-8A Poseidon surveillance aircraft and three MQ-4C Triton surveillance drones involved in the activity. The aircraft have not been continuously visible, and the tracking data does not... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 17:00 LONDON
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Europe closes mixed as DAX and Euro Stoxx 50 lead gains, oil and autos slide
Executive summary: European equities finished higher overall, led by a sharp DAX advance and a solid rise in the Euro Stoxx 50, while the FTSE 100 and CAC 40 also gained. The session was marked by a broad drop in Brent crude, weakness in global autos and palladium, and a softer euro and pound against the dollar. The move points to a market still balancing growth optimism in parts of Europe against pressure from lower oil, firmer natural gas, and a stronger dollar backdrop. [Continue Reading]
High gas prices are squeezing US food banks
Food banks across the United States are facing pressure from higher fuel costs as they try to keep food moving to people who rely on emergency assistance. The immediate strain comes as organisations that feed millions were already dealing with cuts, inflation and rising demand. According to the supplied material, the war in Iran is now forcing these groups to make hard choices about how they operate.The confirmed detail in the source is limited, but it points to a widening cost problem for the charitable food network. Fuel is a core expense for food banks because it affects deliveries, collection... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 16:00 LONDON
Wall Street Opens Lower as Yields, Oil and Risk-Off Rotation Pressure Tech and Small Caps
Executive summary: US equities opened weaker, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow all in the red as investors leaned toward energy and away from rate-sensitive growth, small caps and metals. The sharpest moves in the supplied tape were a 6.49% jump in US energy stocks and declines of 3% or more in AI/chips, crude oil, palladium and global autos, while Bitcoin, gold and silver also slipped. The pattern points to a market still wrestling with higher-rate pressure, firmer dollar dynamics and a broad rotation inside equities rather than a single-stock story. [Continue Reading]
Xi and Putin hold Beijing talks on energy and security
Chinese President Xi Jinping has met Russia's Vladimir Putin in Beijing for talks focused on energy and security. The meeting comes less than a week after US President Donald Trump visited Xi, adding to the diplomatic significance of the timing. The leaders also praised the relationship between China and Russia, describing it in positive terms during the visit.The supplied reporting says Putin is visiting China, which it describes as Russia's most important partner since the start of the war in Ukraine. It also says the two leaders are mainly set to discuss energy and security, but it does not provide... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 12:30 LONDON
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Anger in the Philippines as war with Iran pushes oil prices higher
Rising oil prices linked to the war with Iran are fuelling public anger in the Philippines, where frustration over the cost impact has spilled into the streets. The report says the effects of the conflict are being felt far beyond the Middle East, with Manila among the places seeing the pressure most directly. It also links the situation to efforts by Washington to reach an agreement with Iran that would permanently keep the Strait of Hormuz open.The immediate trigger described is the continuing disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for global energy supplies. According to the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 11:30 LONDON
Italy and India set out expanded strategic agenda on technology, AI, energy and trade
Italy and India have set out a wide-ranging strategic agenda covering technology, artificial intelligence, trade, energy, defense, space and digital cooperation. The intervention is presented as a joint text by Giorgia Meloni and Narendra Modi and says the relationship has reached a decisive phase, moving from cordial friendship to a special strategic partnership based on freedom, democracy and a shared vision of the future. The source says the partnership is being driven by frequent meetings at the highest political and institutional levels. It states that Italy and India are seeking a new and higher dimension of cooperation that combines Italy's... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 10:31 LONDON
Europe Opens Mixed as DAX Rallies, Gold and Silver Slip, and Energy Prices Firm
Executive summary: European markets opened with a split tone, as Germany’s DAX rose +1.1% while France’s CAC 40 fell -1.2% and the FTSE 100 was essentially flat. The move came alongside firmer Brent crude and natural gas, a softer euro and pound against the dollar, and broad pressure in precious metals and autos. The pattern points to a market still balancing higher energy costs, bond-yield sensitivity, and a stronger dollar backdrop. [Continue Reading]
UAE says drones targeting Barakah nuclear plant were launched from Iraq
The United Arab Emirates has said drones that targeted the Barakah nuclear plant were launched from Iraq, sharpening its attribution of an attack on one of the Gulf state's most sensitive energy sites. The statement marks a clearer assessment than earlier official comments, which had only said the drone came from the country's western border. The incident remains significant because it involved a nuclear facility, even though no casualties or radiological release have been reported.According to the latest confirmed account, the drones targeted Barakah last week and the UAE now says they were launched from Iraq. The new attribution links... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 06:59 LONDON
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Iran leverage in war centred on Gulf pressure and Strait of Hormuz
Iran used what the analysis describes as "triangular coercion" during the war, combining pressure on Gulf states with threats around the Strait of Hormuz. The piece says this allowed Tehran to gain leverage even though it was outmatched militarily. It frames the strategy as part of a wider contest over energy security and regional influence.The report says Iran attacked Gulf states and moved to close the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway through which a large share of the world's seaborne oil passes. It argues that this created a strategic dilemma for Iran's opponents, who faced the risk of wider... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 05:30 LONDON
Russia launches major nighttime barrage on Ukraine
Russia has launched one of its largest recent nighttime barrages against Ukraine, with Kyiv saying more than 500 drones and dozens of missiles were fired into the country. The overnight attack targeted multiple cities, according to the latest confirmed report, and formed part of a continuing pattern of long-range strikes in the war. The scale of the assault suggests a broad operation rather than a single isolated strike.Ukraine's aerial defences reported the figures after the attack, which was described as one of the biggest in recent days. The available report does not give a full breakdown of where each drone... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 05:29 LONDON
UK loosens sanctions on Russian-refined fuel as prices rise
The UK has loosened sanctions on Russian oil products refined in third countries, in a move that affects diesel and jet fuel imports. The waiver begins on Wednesday and comes as fuel prices rise and supply concerns grow. The government also lifted some sanctions on the transport of Russian liquefied natural gas, or LNG.Officials said the overall sanctions regime remained tougher, but that extra flexibility was needed. The change applies to processed oil products made from Russian crude outside Russia, including fuel refined in places such as India and Turkey. The new rules for sanctioned processed oil products will run... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 03:30 LONDON
Japan and South Korea launch new energy cooperation framework
Japan and South Korea agreed Tuesday to launch a new energy cooperation framework and establish a policy dialogue on supply security, according to Kyodo News. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said they will deepen cooperation on crude oil, petroleum products and liquefied natural gas. The meeting took place in Andong in southeastern South Korea, Lee's hometown. Takaichi said the two countries will jointly work to secure robust supply chains for critical minerals. Lee told a joint event that the possibilities for bilateral cooperation are "limitless." Under the envisaged Japan-South Korea policy dialogue scheme,... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 20 May 2026 01:30 LONDON
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Tokyo Opens Lower as Asia-Pacific Risk Appetite Fades on Stronger Dollar, Higher Oil and Broad Commodity Pressure
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific markets opened under pressure in Tokyo trade, with the Nikkei 225 down -3.4%, the Hang Seng off -2.1% and the Kospi sliding -7.3%. The move came alongside a firmer USD/JPY, higher WTI crude and sharp declines in gold, silver and platinum, a mix that points to a risk-off tone and renewed inflation sensitivity across the region. [Continue Reading]
IAEA says attack on Barakah nuclear plant threatened nuclear safety in UAE
The International Atomic Energy Agency's Director General told the United Nations Security Council that an attack on the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant in the United Arab Emirates threatened nuclear safety in the country. The statement was delivered as prepared for delivery. The source does not identify who carried out the attack, when it occurred, or what specific damage, if any, was caused at the plant. It also does not state whether operations at Barakah were disrupted. The only verified impact in the source is the threat to nuclear safety in the UAE. No casualties, arrests, or follow-up actions are mentioned.... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 21:31 LONDON
Wall Street closes lower as oil and yields pressure stocks, while energy and Microsoft buck the slide
Executive summary: U.S. equities finished lower in a broad risk-off session, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow all retreating. The move came alongside a sharp jump in WTI crude, a stronger dollar against the yen, and notable weakness in metals, small caps, crypto and several high-beta growth names. Energy stocks outperformed, while Microsoft and Apple held up better than the rest of mega-cap tech. [Continue Reading]
G7 finance ministers meet in Paris amid Iran tensions and tariff concerns
Finance ministers and officials from the G7 gathered in Paris on Tuesday for a second day of high-level economic talks. The meeting brought together representatives from the group's major advanced economies, with images showing leaders arriving for a family photo alongside flags representing the G7 nations and the European Union. Among those attending were French Finance Minister Roland Lescure and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent.The talks were taking place in the French capital as governments weighed the economic effects of rising tensions linked to Iran, US tariffs and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. The confirmed agenda included oil prices,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 19:29 LONDON
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Trump Endorses Ken Paxton for Texas Senate, Tying Race to MAGA Agenda
President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social at 19 May 2026 at 17:30 BST: "The Highly Respected Attorney General of Texas, Ken Paxton, an America First Patriot, and someone who has always been extremely loyal to me and our AMAZING MAGA MOVEMENT, is running for the United States Senate, to represent a place I love and WON, BIG, three times, with 6.4 Million Votes in 2024 (The Most Votes in the History of the State, BY FAR)!I know Ken well, have seen him tested at the highest and most difficult levels, and he is a WINNER! Ken is a Strong... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 19:00 LONDON
G7 economic agenda strained by inflation fears and US-EU split over Russia oil sanctions
Inflation concerns are clouding the Group of Seven economic agenda as finance ministers prepare to discuss energy prices and sanctions policy. The immediate dispute centres on the Trump administration's decision to ease oil sanctions on Russia, which has put the United States at odds with Europe. The tension comes as the Iran war continues to unsettle markets and complicate the policy outlook for major advanced economies.The only confirmed detail in the supplied material is that the United States and Europe are at odds over the sanctions move. The report does not give a date for any formal G7 decision, but... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 18:00 LONDON
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EU launches fertiliser action plan after Hormuz closure and Iran war disrupt supply
The European Commission has proposed an action plan on fertilisers in response to soaring prices and scarcity linked to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iran war. The plan is aimed at supporting farmers facing higher input costs and at reinforcing domestic fertiliser production. It was launched in Strasbourg on Tuesday by agriculture commissioner Christoph Hansen and cohesion and reform commissioner Raffaele Fitto.The Commission said recent supply disruptions and price volatility had put farmers across Europe under increasing pressure. It said the measures were intended to help ensure food security and strengthen Europe's strategic autonomy while maintaining... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 18:00 LONDON
NextEra Dominion bid framed by rising electricity costs and data-centre demand
NextEra's proposed acquisition of Dominion Energy is being discussed against a backdrop of higher electricity prices in the United States and rapidly rising demand from data centres. The latest reporting says those two pressures are central to how the bid is being viewed. The transaction remains a proposed acquisition rather than a completed deal.The confirmed detail is limited, but the report says Americans are paying a lot more for electricity and that data centres are demanding much more power from utilities. That combination is shaping the context for the deal and helping explain why the utility sector is drawing attention.... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 17:00 LONDON
Russia looks to deepen energy ties with China amid Persian Gulf disruption
Russia is seeking to deepen its energy ties with China as upheaval in the Persian Gulf disrupts oil and gas supplies. The development comes as the wider energy market faces fresh uncertainty, with supply flows affected by instability in a region central to global exports. The reported opening is being framed as a strategic opportunity for Moscow at a time of shifting demand and geopolitical pressure.The confirmed detail in the supplied material is limited, but it points to a direct link between disruption in the Persian Gulf and Russia's efforts to strengthen its position with Beijing. The report says the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 17:00 LONDON
Europe closes mixed as DAX leads gains, energy and FX swings reshape the tape
Executive summary: European equities ended mixed, with Germany’s DAX out front and the FTSE 100 also higher, while the CAC 40 slipped. The session was defined by a sharp move in Brent crude, a stronger dollar against the euro and sterling, and heavy losses in precious metals and several risk-sensitive assets. The DAX rose 1.98%, the FTSE 100 gained 0.62%, the Euro Stoxx 50 added 0.86%, and the CAC 40 fell 0.26%. [Continue Reading]
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Wall Street Opens Mixed as Energy Surges, Chips, Gold and Small Caps Slide on Risk-Off Tone
Executive summary: US stocks opened under pressure, with the S&P 500, Nasdaq and Russell 2000 all lower while energy shares outperformed on a jump in crude and natural gas. The move came alongside sharp declines in gold, silver, platinum and several cyclical pockets, suggesting investors were rotating toward energy and away from rate-sensitive and growth-linked assets at the open. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine says new drones are reaching targets deeper inside Russia
Ukraine says it is increasingly able to use mid- and long-range drones to strike targets inside Russia, in a development that appears to widen the reach of the war. The latest update says hundreds of drones were sent towards multiple Russian regions over the weekend. Ukraine says the attacks have been successful in hitting targets and are now affecting Russian capacities.The confirmed details are limited, but the account points to a growing use of drones that can travel further than earlier systems. The strikes were described as taking place over the weekend and involving multiple regions inside Russia. No specific... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 14:30 LONDON
UK petrol prices hit highest level since start of Iran war
The average price of unleaded petrol in the UK has risen to 158.52p a litre, its highest level since the start of the Iran war, according to the RAC. The motoring organisation said the increase comes after fuel prices surged when the conflict began on 28 February, with energy production and transport across parts of the Middle East slowing or stopping because of missile strikes and drone attacks. Diesel has also remained elevated, with the average price now at 185.92p a litre.The RAC said petrol had previously peaked at 158.31p a litre on 15 April, before easing by more than... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 13:01 LONDON
Ukraine strikes Russian oil sites as environmental damage unfolds in Tuapse
Ukraine's strikes on Russian oil sites are being linked to an unfolding environmental disaster, according to the supplied report. The attacks are described as part of Kyiv's effort to cut into Kremlin oil revenue, while also creating visible ecological damage. The incident is tied to Tuapse, on Russia's Black Sea coast, where the effects of the strikes are being felt.The confirmed reporting says Moscow has usually been the side causing ecological disaster since the full-scale invasion began more than four years ago. In this case, the strikes are presented as reversing that pattern, with damage now associated with Ukrainian attacks... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 11:30 LONDON
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Iranian attack on cargo ship reported in Strait of Hormuz
An Iranian attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz has been reported, according to a retrospective account of the incident. The account places the episode in one of the world's most sensitive shipping lanes, where commercial traffic moves through waters that are central to global trade. The report focuses on the experience of seafarers caught up in wider international conflict at sea.The supplied material gives no operational details about the vessel, the timing of the attack, or the method used. It does not identify casualties, damage, or whether the ship was able to continue its voyage. The... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 11:00 LONDON
Oil prices ease as Trump postpones planned strike on Iran
US President Donald Trump has said he is postponing a planned attack on Iran after requests from Gulf leaders and amid what he described as serious negotiations with Tehran. The announcement, made on social media on Monday, came as traders reacted to the reduced risk of an immediate military escalation in the Gulf. Brent crude and West Texas Intermediate both fell after the comments, reflecting a quick market response to the change in tone.According to the supplied material, Brent crude dropped 1.33% to $110.61 a barrel, while West Texas Intermediate futures fell 0.91% to $103.43. Trump said the strike had... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 08:29 LONDON
Europe opens mixed as energy spikes, metals slide and DAX leads regional gains
Executive summary: European markets opened with a split tone, as the DAX outperformed, the FTSE 100 edged higher and the CAC 40 slipped. The biggest cross-asset move was in commodities, where Brent crude jumped more than 4.6% and natural gas rose over 4%, while gold, silver, platinum and palladium all fell sharply. FX also reflected a firmer dollar, with sterling and the euro both weaker against the US currency. [Continue Reading]
Tokyo and Asia-Pacific Close Sharply Lower as Nikkei Slides, Gold Softens and Oil Extends Gains
Executive summary: Asia-Pacific equities ended broadly lower in Tokyo trade, led by a sharp drop in Japan and South Korea, while crude oil firmed and the yen weakened against the dollar. The Nikkei 225 fell -4.3%, the Kospi lost -4.7%, and the Hang Seng slipped -2.1%. In commodities, WTI crude rose +2.4% even as gold, silver and platinum all fell, a mix that points to a risk-off tone with inflation and geopolitics still in focus. [Continue Reading]
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Oil slick reaches protected Shidvar island in Iran
Tar from an oil slick has reached Shidvar island in Iran, a protected wildlife sanctuary in the Persian Gulf. Videos from the island show birds, turtles and crabs trapped inside mounds of tar along the shoreline. The contamination has affected an area known for turquoise waters and white sand beaches.The supporting material confirms that the incident was reported on 19 May 2026 and that the tar was visible around the island at that time. The island is identified as a protected sanctuary, which makes the spread of oil pollution there especially significant. No official cause for the slick is given... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 May 2026 05:30 LONDON
Iran announces new body to manage Strait of Hormuz
Iran's top security body has announced the formation of a new authority to manage the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that carries a large share of global oil and gas shipments. The announcement was made on Monday and was shared on the official account of the Supreme National Security Council. The new body is called the Persian Gulf Strait Authority, or PGSA, and it is intended to oversee operations in the strait.According to the announcement, the PGSA will provide real-time updates on developments in the Strait of Hormuz. The move comes amid reporting that Tehran has effectively closed the waterway... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 20:29 LONDON
Pakistan relays fresh Iranian peace proposal to the United States
Pakistan has conveyed a new Iranian peace proposal to the United States as efforts to stabilise the Middle East war continue to stall. The proposal was passed on through Islamabad, which has been carrying messages between Tehran and Washington since hosting the only round of peace talks last month. The latest exchange comes as a fragile ceasefire remains in place after six weeks of war following US-Israeli airstrikes on Iran.A Pakistani source said the sides were still struggling to narrow their differences and warned that time was short. The source said the two sides "keep changing their goalposts", adding: "We... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 17:01 LONDON
Iran says it has responded to latest US peace proposal as talks continue through Pakistani mediator
Iran says it has responded to a new US proposal aimed at ending the war, with exchanges continuing through a Pakistani mediator. The development comes as Washington and Tehran continue a negotiation process that has so far produced only one round of talks and has taken place under a fragile ceasefire in force since 8 April. Foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said the concerns of the Iranian side had been conveyed to the American side, but he did not give details of the reply.Baqaei said the discussions were still under way through the Pakistani mediator, indicating that the two sides... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 12:30 LONDON
US-Iran truce under strain as talks stall and attacks continue
Washington and Tehran are exchanging proposals in an effort to end the conflict that broke out on 28 February, but the diplomatic track remains stalled. The two sides have held only one round of talks so far, and the fragile ceasefire in place since 8 April is under renewed pressure. The latest strain follows a likely-Iranian attack near a power plant in the United Arab Emirates, according to the supplied material.The confirmed details point to a continuing cycle of proposals and counter-proposals rather than a breakthrough. The material says Iran has responded to a new US proposal, while talks are... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 11:59 LONDON
Anglo American sells central Queensland coal mines to Dhilmar in deal worth up to $5.43bn
Anglo American says it has sold its five steelmaking coal mines in central Queensland to UK miner Dhilmar Ltd for up to $5.43bn. The transaction covers interests in Moranbah North and Grosvenor mines, as well as Capcoal, Roper Creek, Dawson South and Theodore South joint ventures. It also includes the town of Middlemount, where the company provides housing and community facilities.The company said the sale is subject to conditions including competition and regulatory approvals. Anglo American chief executive Duncan Wanblad said Dhilmar had experience operating major mining assets, including steelmaking coal operations in South East Asia and Canada. He said... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 08:30 LONDON
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Ryanair says fuel-shortage risk is receding as suppliers adapt to Strait of Hormuz closure
Ryanair says the risk of jet-fuel shortages is receding as suppliers adapt to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, easing one of the main concerns hanging over the airline's summer outlook. The comments came as Europe's largest airline by passenger numbers reported annual results and warned that consumer anxiety linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran could still weigh on fares. The company said pricing for the July-to-September period is now trending broadly flat, rather than rising as it had previously expected.Chief financial officer Neil Sorahan said the airline is increasingly confident there will be no disruption to jet-fuel... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 08:00 LONDON
Oil prices edge higher after Trump warning to Iran raises cease-fire doubts
Oil prices moved higher after President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Iran, adding to uncertainty around a cease-fire described as tenuous. The move came as markets reacted to the possibility that the truce in the war could prove fragile. The development has immediate significance for energy traders because tensions involving Iran can quickly affect expectations for supply and risk.The only confirmed detail in the supplied material is that prices rose after the warning, with the warning itself directed at Iran. The cease-fire is described as tenuous, but no further terms of the truce are provided in the source... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 May 2026 06:59 LONDON
Australia's ASX set to open lower as Wall Street falls and oil rises
Australian shares are set to start the week lower, with futures pointing to a 0.4% fall in the ASX 200 on Monday. The weaker opening comes after sharp declines on Wall Street in the previous session, when both major US indexes fell from record highs. The Australian dollar is also down, adding to the cautious tone in early trading.The move in futures was reported ahead of the local market open on 18 May, with the ASX 200 described as having had a difficult May so far. The index is said to be virtually flat for the year to date, down... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 May 2026 22:29 LONDON
UAE investigates drone strike near Barakah nuclear power plant
The United Arab Emirates is investigating a drone strike that hit a generator near the Barakah nuclear power plant west of Abu Dhabi. Officials said the incident involved three drones entering from the western border direction on Sunday, with two intercepted and a third striking near the site. The strike caused a fire, but authorities said there were no injuries and no effect on radiological safety.The defence ministry said it was working to determine the source of the attack. It said the drones were dealt with "successfully" and that the third drone hit a generator outside the inner perimeter of... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 May 2026 22:29 LONDON
Iranian attacks disrupt Qatar's gas exports and economic plans
Iranian attacks have disrupted Qatar's vital gas exports, according to the supplied material, and are also stalling the country's planned shift towards tourism and business-led growth. The incident is described as part of a wider war involving Iran, with immediate effects centred on Qatar's economy. The available information says the impact is severe enough to be described as paralyzing a key export sector.The confirmed detail in the source material is limited but clear: Qatar's gas exports are being affected, and the country's future growth strategy is under pressure. The report links the disruption to Iranian attacks and says the damage... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 May 2026 11:01 LONDON
Russia reports three killed in large Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow region
Russia says a large Ukrainian drone attack overnight killed three people in the Moscow region and injured 12 in the capital, in one of the biggest such barrages reported since the start of the war. Russian officials said drones were intercepted across multiple regions, with the Moscow area among the worst affected. The attack also led to damage at a city oil refinery and reports of drone wreckage at Sheremetyevo Airport.Regional governor Andrei Vorobiev said air defences had been repelling a large-scale UAV attack on the capital region since around 03:00 local time. He said a woman was killed in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 May 2026 09:30 LONDON
Iran plans Strait of Hormuz tolls as regional fighting intensifies
Iran is preparing to reveal a plan for tolls in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a live update on the developing regional conflict. The reported move comes as fighting involving Israel in Lebanon and Gaza is said to be killing and wounding dozens. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic shipping route, so any change to access or costs there would be watched closely by energy markets and governments.The update said Tehran would disclose its plan soon, but did not give a timetable or detail how the tolls would work. It also linked the development to wider regional tensions,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 May 2026 02:00 LONDON
Oil export data points to winners and losers after Iran war shock
An analysis of oil export data has identified which countries appear to be benefiting from higher prices linked to the Iran war shock, and which are losing revenue. The piece focuses on the market effects of the price move rather than on a new military or diplomatic development. It says the data offers clues about the scale of the gains and losses across oil-exporting nations.The analysis was published on 16 May 2026 and draws on oil export data to assess the impact of the price rise. It does not name specific countries in the supplied material, but it frames the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 May 2026 11:31 LONDON
Michigan challenges Trump order to keep coal plant running
Michigan and other parties have told a court that the Trump administration broke the law by declaring an "energy emergency" and ordering an aging coal-burning plant to keep operating.The dispute centres on a single plant in Michigan, which was directed to remain open under the emergency order.The supporting material does not identify the plant by name.The challenge raises immediate questions about the administration's use of emergency powers in energy policy and the continued operation of older coal generation assets.It also puts the legality of the order before the courts.The case matters because it could affect how far federal authorities can... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 May 2026 20:30 LONDON
Oil prices rise as hopes fade over Strait of Hormuz reopening
Oil prices rose after hopes for an end to the war in Iran faded, following reports that President Donald Trump did not secure a commitment from China to help persuade Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route for global energy supplies, and any disruption there can quickly affect oil markets.The latest development has added to concerns about a broader energy crunch.The move comes as traders weigh the risk of further strain on supplies and the possibility of higher fuel costs.The report did not give details of any immediate change on the ground... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 May 2026 13:00 LONDON
US seeks indictment of Cuba's ex-president Raul Castro
The United States is seeking to indict Raul Castro, Cuba's former president, according to reports cited on Thursday.The move would mark a sharp escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against the communist-run island.Castro is 94 and the brother of Cuba's late leader Fidel Castro.The reported indictment comes as the island continues to face constant power outages.The reports link the worsening situation to a fuel blockade imposed under President Donald Trump.No indictment has been announced publicly, and the precise legal basis for the reported move was not given.The development matters because it adds a legal and political dimension to already strained US-Cuba... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 May 2026 11:01 LONDON
CIA director visits Cuba amid reported oil shortage
The head of the CIA has visited Cuba, in what was described as an extraordinary step-up in contact between Washington and Havana.The visit comes as the communist-run island says it is out of oil.The Central Intelligence Agency confirmed a Cuban government statement about Director John Ratcliffe's trip on Thursday.The supporting row does not give further details of the meetings or any public outcome.The development matters because it points to a notable increase in direct contact between the two governments, which have had decades of strained relations.It also comes against the backdrop of Cuba's worsening energy crisis.An earlier statement from Cuban... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 May 2026 22:30 LONDON
Cuba says it has run out of oil amid energy crisis
Cuba's long-running energy crisis has reached a new stage after government officials said the country has run out of oil reserves.The confirmation came this week, according to the supplied report, which says the shortage marks a breaking point for the island nation.No casualty figures or immediate disruption details were provided in the available material.The report attributes the statement to government officials but does not give further official measures or a timeline for relief.The development matters because oil shortages can affect power generation, transport and wider economic activity in a country already facing a prolonged energy crisis.The supplied material describes the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 May 2026 22:00 LONDON
Cuba plunges into darkness after U.S. cuts off oil supply
Cuba has been pushed into a fresh energy crisis after the United States cut off the island's fuel supply, according to the supplied report.The row says the move has plunged the already impoverished country into acute darkness, but gives no further detail on the timing or scale of the disruption.No casualty figures or official Cuban response are included in the supplied material.The development matters because it points to an immediate external shock to Cuba's energy system, rather than only a longer-running domestic shortage.That makes the supply cutoff a potentially significant escalation for an island already described as struggling with fuel... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 May 2026 20:00 LONDON
Iran allows some Chinese ships through Strait of Hormuz after Beijing outreach
Iranian news agencies said some Chinese ships were being allowed through the Strait of Hormuz after diplomatic outreach from Beijing.The development was reported amid rising tensions in the waterway following a vessel seizure.The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most important shipping routes, linking the Gulf to the Arabian Sea.Any disruption there can affect commercial traffic well beyond the region.The reported move suggests a limited easing for some vessels, but the available information does not say how many ships were involved or whether the arrangement applies to other countries' shipping.No casualties or damage were reported in the row... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 May 2026 19:30 LONDON
Bo French challenges Texas oil regulator in GOP runoff
Bo French is seeking the Republican runoff for Texas oil regulator, in a contest that has drawn opposition from major oil companies and top officials including Greg Abbott.French is described as a hard-line candidate, and the race is being framed as a bid for a bigger megaphone in a strategic energy office.The contest matters because the Texas oil regulator role carries influence over energy policy in a state central to the US oil industry.Supporters and opponents are treating the runoff as a test of the strength of the hard right.The available reporting does not give the runoff date, the vote... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 May 2026 16:00 LONDON
GAS, GOD, AND GUNS: The Secret Agenda Behind the Washington Talks and the Death of the Maritime Border
The mahogany tables of the U.S. State Department are hosting a ghost today. As official delegations from Israel and Lebanon convene for a third round of high-stakes negotiations this Friday, May 8, 2026, the air in Washington is thick with the scent of a "peace" that looks increasingly like a strategic ambush. While the world watches the diplomatic theatre, the reality on the ground in Southern Lebanon tells a story of a predatory recalibration. Prime Minister Netanyahu isn’t just looking for a ceasefire; he is aiming to hit three birds with one single, devastating stone: the annexation of land, the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 08 May 2026 12:29 LONDON
The Great Uncoupling: Abu Dhabi’s Sovereign Gambit
The UAE’s decision to cut ties with OPEC is far more than a mere adjustment of energy policy, for it functions as a political telegram written in barrels and sent directly to the heart of the global order. For nearly six decades, Abu Dhabi operated within the rigid architecture of producer discipline, where it accepted the rituals of quotas, the formality of communiqués, and the heavy burden of collective restraint. It played the long game of oil diplomacy with a patient hand, balancing its own massive national ambitions against the gravity of cartel discipline and the delicate logic of Gulf... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 30 Apr 2026 09:50 LONDON
The Mirage of the Umbrella: The Shifting Sands of the U.S.-Israel-GCC Alliance
As I sat in a recent debate at the historic Carlton Club in London, listening to Faisal Abbas, the Editor-in-Chief of Arab News, I felt a tangible shift in the room, not because a new fact had been revealed, but because an old illusion had finally lost its last breath. The old-world order has not merely changed, it has evaporated, leaving the Gulf to realize it is no longer watching a distant fire from the safety of marble towers and air-conditioned ministries, but is instead standing directly inside the smoke. The GCC today is caught in a lethal crossfire between... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 29 Apr 2026 21:40 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
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 19 Feb 2026 08:49 LONDON
