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live Iran military: Expect much more 'devastating and widespread' retaliation if civilians are hit - Monday, 6 April

Iran's military vows more "devastation" over U.S. President Donald Trump's threat over the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, as two people are reportedly killed in Israel after an Iranian a missile strike on Sunday as Trump praised the resuce of an airman in a high-risk mission from inside Iran.

Trump vows 'hell' for Iran if Strait stays shut, says a deal is possible

08:31

Middle East confict

Trump vows 'hell' for Iran if Strait stays shut, says a deal is possible

President Donald Trump threatened to rain "hell" on Tehran if it did not make a deal and reopen the Strait of Hormuz by his Tuesday deadline, as he praised U.S. special forces who rescued an airman in a high-risk mission from deep inside Iran.

07:18

Security

Ukraine and Syria pledge greater security cooperation in Damascus talks with Türkiye

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus in a visit that underscores Kyiv’s push to strengthen military ties across the Middle East and promote its military expertise following the outbreak of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

Hamas rejects disarmament calls as tensions rise over fragile Gaza ceasefire talks

08:36

Israel-Gaza

Hamas rejects disarmament calls as tensions rise over fragile Gaza ceasefire talks

The armed wing of Hamas has said it will not accept calls to disarm while key conditions of the Gaza ceasefire remain unmet, highlighting growing tensions around efforts to extend the ceasefire.

Artemis II astronauts near historic Moon flyby, set to travel further than any humans before

07:52

Space

Artemis II astronauts near historic Moon flyby, set to travel further than any humans before

The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back towards Earth. Now on the fifth day of their 10-day mission, the four astronauts are already witnessing views no human has ever seen.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

In photos: Iranians celebrate 13th day of Novruz, as war rages

15:34

View from Iran

In photos: Iranians celebrate 13th day of Novruz, as war rages

People in Tehran celebrated Sizdah Be-dar, the 13th day of Novruz, on Thursday. They picknicked with their families and friends in a park, as the war raged towards the end of its fifth week. Exclusive photos by Touraj Shiralilou.

IOM says 1,492 Afghans died or went missing on migration routes in 2025

17:40

Missing Afghan Migrants

IOM says 1,492 Afghans died or went missing on migration routes in 2025

At least 1,492 Afghans died or went missing during migration journeys worldwide in 2025, most on the Afghanistan–Iran route, according to a new International Organization for Migration (IOM) report.

Afghanistan and Pakistan hold talks in China as Beijing seeks to ease rising tensions

17:30

View from Afghanistan

Afghanistan and Pakistan hold talks in China as Beijing seeks to ease rising tensions

Afghanistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs says it has sent a mid-level delegation to China for formal talks with Pakistan, as both sides meet in Urumqi amid efforts by Beijing to ease tensions between the neighbours.

Apartment block collapses and man missing in landslide as Dagestan floods enter second week

21:43

Weather

Apartment block collapses and man missing in landslide as Dagestan floods enter second week

A landslide has left one man missing while an apartment block has collapsed in Russia’s southern region of Dagestan, as flooding and heavy rain continue to batter the North Caucasus for a second week.

Oil prices rise sharply as conflict in Middle East and threats over Hormuz continue to disrupt supply

55min ago

Middle East conflict

Oil prices rise sharply as conflict in Middle East and threats over Hormuz continue to disrupt supply

Oil prices rose sharply on Monday as fears deepened over potential supply shortages caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, unsettling g...

1h ago

Israel-Gaza

Hamas rejects disarmament calls as tensions rise over fragile Gaza ceasefire talks

The armed wing of Hamas has said it will not accept calls to disarm while key conditions of the Gaza ceasefire remain unmet, highlight...

1h ago

Middle East confict

Trump vows 'hell' for Iran if Strait stays shut, says a deal is possible

President Donald Trump threatened to rain "hell" on Tehran if it did not make a d...

2h ago

Space

Artemis II astronauts near historic Moon flyby, set to travel further than any humans before

The crew of Artemis II mission are entering a pivotal phase of their journey, as they prepare to swing around the Moon and head back t...

2h ago

Security

Ukraine and Syria pledge greater security cooperation in Damascus talks with Türkiye

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has met Syria’s new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, in Damascus in a visit that un...

15:52

Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan - Uzbekistan trade rises 16.2% to nearly $5bn

Trade between Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan rose by 16.2% in 2025 to nearly $5 billion, underscoring deepening economic ties highlighted during a visit by Kazakhstan’s Foreign Minister Yerlan Kosherbayev.

World

World News

U.S. hands over Chinese fugitive in rare extradition to Beijing

12:25

Drug Fugitive

U.S. hands over Chinese fugitive in rare extradition to Beijing

In a highly unusual move highlighting shifting narcotics diplomacy, the U.S. has handed over a Chinese fugitive accused of serious drug crimes to authorities in Beijing.

Russian drone barrage hits Kharkiv, injures civilians and sparks fires

12:01

Drone Strikes

Russian drone barrage hits Kharkiv, injures civilians and sparks fires

Russian forces launched a day-long barrage of drone strikes on Ukraine’s second-largest city on Thursday (2 April), injuring at least two people and sparking fires across several districts, local officials said.

French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan to be tried in July over post on X

22:21

Politics

French-Palestinian MEP Rima Hassan to be tried in July over post on X

French police detained European Parliament member Rima Hassan in Paris for several hours on Thursday as part of an investigation into an alleged “apology for terrorism”, following a social media post linked to a deadly attack in Israel in the 1970s.

FIFA World Cup final ticket price $11,000: Is it still for fans?

22:26

Sport

FIFA World Cup final ticket price $11,000: Is it still for fans?

The 2026 World Cup final is setting new records for sports ticketing costs, characterised by unprecedented price hikes and the debut of controversial sales models.

Business

Business Economy Markets

07:34

EV Transition

EV transition slows as U.S.-China competition impacts regional markets

Major automakers showcased new electric vehicles at the New York Auto Show this week, under the slogan “electrification is the future." However, weakening demand in the United States and intense competition with China are raising questions for markets across the globe, including the South Caucasus.

U.S. petrol prices top $4 a gallon amid Iran conflict and energy market turmoil

14:48

Energy supply

U.S. petrol prices top $4 a gallon amid Iran conflict and energy market turmoil

The U.S. national average retail price of petrol rose above $4 a gallon for the first time in over three years on Monday (30 March), according to GasBuddy data, as the U.S.–Israeli war with Iran continued to roil global energy markets.

Japan, Indonesia step up energy ties as U.S.-Israeli Iran war strains supplies

14:16

Energy crisis

Japan, Indonesia step up energy ties as U.S.-Israeli Iran war strains supplies

Japan and Indonesia will deepen coordination on energy security, Tokyo said, as the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran disrupts vital oil and gas flows to Asia.

China's top airlines cautious on financial outlook as impact of Iran war raises fuel costs

11:28

Aviation

China's top airlines cautious on financial outlook as impact of Iran war raises fuel costs

China's three largest state-owned airlines have issued warnings regarding their financial outlook for the current year, acknowledging that the eruption of war involving Iran has driven jet fuel prices to unsustainable highs.

Global markets slide as Iran conflict drives oil surge and recession fears

13:31

Prices Surge

Global markets slide as Iran conflict drives oil surge and recession fears

Stock markets across Asia fell on Monday as escalating conflict involving Iran drove oil prices sharply higher, fuelling fears of inflation and a potential global recession, with investors reacting to disruption risks in the Strait of Hormuz and prolonged hostilities.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion hospitalised after falling ill on Broadway during Moulin Rouge performance

08:18

Entertainment

Rapper Megan Thee Stallion hospitalised after falling ill on Broadway during Moulin Rouge performance

Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion was hospitalised in New York City after she fell ill mid-performance during a Broadway production of 'Moulin Rouge! The Musical'.

Eurovision expands to Asia with first contest set for 2026

14:07

Culture

Eurovision expands to Asia with first contest set for 2026

The European Broadcasting Union and global entertainment company Voxovation have announced that the first-ever Eurovision Song Contest Asia will take place in 2026, with Bangkok selected to host the inaugural edition.

Taylor Swift and 'Showgirl' dominate iHeartRadio Music Awards

07:56

Entertainment

Taylor Swift and 'Showgirl' dominate iHeartRadio Music Awards

Music superstar Taylor Swift scored a leading seven trophies at the iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday including artist of the year and best pop album for the upbeat record "The Life of a Showgirl."

AI to recreate Val Kilmer's performance in film after actor’s death

15:40

Film Innovation

AI to recreate Val Kilmer's performance in film after actor’s death

Late Hollywood actor Val Kilmer will appear posthumously in the upcoming film "As Deep as the Grave" through the use of generative artificial intelligence, in what producers describe as a first-of-its-kind performance.

Most viewed

UN Security Council to vote next week on reopening Strait of Hormuz

10:48

Middle East Conflict

UN Security Council to vote next week on reopening Strait of Hormuz

The U.N. Security Council is expected to vote next week on a Bahraini resolution to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and protect commercial shipping, diplomats said on Friday, amid opposition from China to any authorisation of force.

15:05

Middle East Conflict

Trump threatens Iran's power plants and bridges in expletive-ridden statement - Middle East conflict on 5 April

U.S. President Donald Trump threatened Iran's energy and transport infrastructure in a social media post containing expletives on Sunday (5 April), as he seperately gave Iran a deadline of Tuesday to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

07:52

Space

Artemis II astronauts near historic Moon flyby, set to travel further than any humans before

King Charles urged to meet Epstein survivors during U.S. visit, Giuffre family says

20:02

Epstein files

King Charles urged to meet Epstein survivors during U.S. visit, Giuffre family says

The family of the late Virginia Giuffre have urged King Charles III to meet survivors of sexual abuse during his upcoming state visit to the United States.

Senegal halts ministers’ foreign travel as oil price surge strains national budget

15:54

Middle East conflict

Senegal halts ministers’ foreign travel as oil price surge strains national budget

Senegal has taken steps to curb government spending by banning non-essential foreign travel for ministers, as rising global oil prices place increasing pressure on the country’s finances.

Health

Health news Healthcare

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

18:14

Mingitis Outbreak UK

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of Wednesday evening, it has identified six new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to at least 27.

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

10:40

Middle East Conflict

WHO maps out $2m for Lebanon, Iraq and Syria, warns of health crisis as conflict escalates

The World Health Organization (WHO) has released $2m in emergency funding to support health responses in Lebanon, Iraq and Syria as escalating regional conflict strains hospitals, raises displacement and increases pressure on already fragile health systems.

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

10:54

View from China

China turns to AI and IVF tech as falling birth rates raise alarm

A Chinese biotechnology company is stepping up efforts to combine artificial intelligence (AI) with advanced genetic testing in a bid to improve the success rates of in vitro fertilization (IVF), while also tapping into growing demand for fertility services.

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

11:54

Europe tech rules

Austria moves to ban social media for children under 14

Austria’s government on Friday approved plans to introduce a nationwide ban on social media use for children under the age of 14, alongside reforms to upper secondary school curricula aimed at boosting media literacy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) education from the 2027/28 academic year.

Scottish lawmakers vote against bill legalising assisted dying

12:17

Health news

Scottish lawmakers vote against bill legalising assisted dying

The Scottish Parliament has voted against legalising assisted dying, ending a years-long campaign to make Scotland the first part of the UK to allow the practice.

War in Middle East disrupts medicine shipments to Gulf, raising concerns over cancer drug supply

15:37

Middle East conflict

War in Middle East disrupts medicine shipments to Gulf, raising concerns over cancer drug supply

The war in the Middle East is beginning to disrupt the flow of critical medicines to Gulf countries, raising concerns about the supply of cancer treatments and other temperature-sensitive drugs, according to pharmaceutical industry executives.

Travel

Travel News Destinations

20:52

Tourism Impact

Middle East crisis disrupts travel flows, $56B loss and millions of trips at risk

The ongoing conflict involving Iran is set to disrupt global travel on a massive scale, with nearly 28 million outbound trips from the Middle East at risk this year, according to Oxford Economics.

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

15:45

Historic Reopening

Rome opens Colosseum’s southern walkways as public square for tourists

The Colosseum in Rome has reopened its southern corridors as a public square following a four-year restoration, giving visitors free access to a long-lost part of the ancient monument. The newly restored area was unveiled on Tuesday (17 March).

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

16:20

Middle East Conflict

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran is already hitting the Middle East travel and tourism sector hard, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating losses of at least $600 million per day in international visitor spending.

Vietnam Airlines to cut domestic routes due to jet fuel shortage

07:42

Middle East conflict

Vietnam Airlines to cut domestic routes due to jet fuel shortage

Flag carrier Vietnam Airlines plans to cancel 23 flights per week across several domestic routes from April because of looming jet fuel shortages, Vietnam's aviation authority said.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

16:15

Climate risks

Central Asia steps up action on rapid glacier melt and climate risks

Central Asia is stepping up efforts to address rapid glacier melt, following United Nations warnings of unprecedented climate pressure on mountain ecosystems.

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

09:13

European Aviation

European airlines likely beat 2% green jet fuel target last year

Europe's aviation sector hit - and may well have surpassed - a 2% mandate for green jet fuel use in 2025, a regulatory official and a source told Reuters, bolstering airlines' green credentials as the region seeks to cut reliance on hydrocarbons.

WMO warns Earth’s climate imbalance accelerating as key indicators hit record extremes

22:16

Climate Change

WMO warns Earth’s climate imbalance accelerating as key indicators hit record extremes

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has warned that the Earth’s climate system is becoming increasingly unstable, with new evidence showing a growing imbalance in how the planet absorbs and releases energy.

China braces for severe floods and drought in 2026

18:51

China Floods and Drought

China braces for severe floods and drought in 2026

China is preparing for a year of extreme weather in 2026, with authorities warning the country could face both severe flooding and widespread drought, underscoring mounting climate pressures.

15:04

Afghanistan

Floods and storms kill 28 and destroy homes across Afghanistan

Heavy rain, flash floods and lightning strikes across Afghanistan have killed 28 people and destroyed hundreds of homes in Kabul, Herat and other provinces.

Program more

13:28

Board of Peace

Can the Board of Peace deliver on promises to rebuild Gaza - and reshape diplomacy?

In a special edition of Context, Orkhan Amashov reports from Washington on the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, examining plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, a proposed stabilisation force, and the wider diplomatic impact of the U.S.-led initiative.

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