Latest News and Breaking Stories

live Australia confirms evacuation of nationals from hantavirus-hit cruise ship; U.S. passengers isolated after outbreak

Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Spain, France are evacuating nationals as three deaths are confirmed. In the U.S., two passengers have been isolated after testing positive for the virus.

14:37

Middle East Conflict

live Iran pushes for end to blockade and war in Lebanon in U.S. proposal response - Middle East conflict on 11 May

U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” amid talks over ending the war and securing shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A cargo vessel near Qatar was hit by a projectile as Kuwait reported hostile drones in its airspace.

Trump rejects Iran's response to U.S. peace proposal, Qatar condemns hit on cargo ship, oil prices jump amid stalemate

08:15

Middle East conflict

Trump rejects Iran's response to U.S. peace proposal, Qatar condemns hit on cargo ship, oil prices jump amid stalemate

President Donald Trump's swift rejection of Iran's response to a U.S. peace proposal sent oil prices surging higher on Monday amid concerns the 10-week-old conflict will drag on, keeping shipping through the Strait of Hormuz paralysed.

Netanyahu says Israel aims to end reliance on U.S. military

10:19

Israel-U.S.

Netanyahu says Israel aims to end reliance on U.S. military

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel aims to eventually end its reliance on U.S. financial military support within the next decade. The decision signals a long-term shift in the country’s defence policy as it seeks to deepen ties with Gulf states.

'Adolescence' breaks record with four BAFTA wins, as 'Celebrity Traitors' and 'Last One Laughing' shine

11:08

2026 BAFTA's

'Adolescence' breaks record with four BAFTA wins, as 'Celebrity Traitors' and 'Last One Laughing' shine

Netflix drama 'Adolescence' was the standout winner at the Bafta Television Awards in London on Sunday (10 May), breaking records with four wins and dominating the night alongside 'The Celebrity Traitors' and 'Last One Laughing', which each took home two prizes.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

Fico cites Azerbaijan’s sovereign policy as Aliyev thanks Slovak leader for support

12:09

Azerbaijan-Slovakia

Fico cites Azerbaijan’s sovereign policy as Aliyev thanks Slovak leader for support

Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cited Azerbaijan as an example of what he described as a sovereign foreign policy, recalling remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev during talks in Yerevan, where he sharply criticised resolutions adopted against his country by the European Parliament.

Baku State University and AnewZ sign cooperation memorandum

12:03

AnewZ-BSU cooperation

Baku State University and AnewZ sign cooperation memorandum

A memorandum of understanding has been signed between Baku State University (BSU) and the international television channel AnewZ, marking a new stage of cooperation in journalism education and media development.

Buddhist temple complex uncovered at ancient Silk Road city in Kyrgyzstan

13:51

View from Kyrgyzstan

Buddhist temple complex uncovered at ancient Silk Road city in Kyrgyzstan

A Kyrgyz–Japanese archaeological expedition has uncovered the remains of a Buddhist temple complex at the medieval settlement of Ak-Beshim, also known as Suyab, in Kyrgyzstan’s Chui Region.

08:47

ASEAN summit

Southeast Asian leaders seek strategy to ease impacts of Iran war at ASEAN summit

Leaders of Southeast Asian nations gathered in the Philippines on 8 May for an ASEAN summit focused heavily on the economic fallout from the Middle East conflict, with member states seeking a coordinated response to rising energy and food security risks.

3min ago

Hantavirus

live Australia confirms evacuation of nationals from hantavirus-hit cruise ship; U.S. passengers isolated after outbreak

Australia confirmed it will repatriate citizens from the MV Hondius cruise ship hit by a deadly hantavirus outbreak, with quarantine on arrival. Sp...

21min ago

Middle East Conflict

live Iran pushes for end to blockade and war in Lebanon in U.S. proposal response - Middle East conflict on 11 May

U.S. President Donald Trump called Iran’s response to Washington’s latest peace proposal “totally unacceptable” a...

Afghanistan signs five-year, $20m gold mining deal, including with Azerbaijan

43min ago

View from Afghanistan

Afghanistan signs five-year, $20m gold mining deal, including with Azerbaijan

Afghanistan has signed a five-year gold mining contract with Afghan and Azerbaijani companies in a deal worth more...

Macron opens first French business summit in English-speaking African nation

1h ago

France

Macron opens first French business summit in English-speaking African nation

French President Emmanuel Macron opened France’s first-ever business summit in...

UK PM Starmer vows EU reset after Labour suffers crushing local election losses

2h ago

World News

UK PM Starmer vows EU reset after Labour suffers crushing local election losses

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will attempt a political fightback on Monday (11 May) with a speech promising closer ties...

Azerbaijan-Türkiye alignment at centre of Macron border controversy

23:04

Peace Process

Azerbaijan-Türkiye alignment at centre of Macron border controversy

Reports that Emmanuel Macron planned to cross from Armenia into Türkiye via their closed border - and was reportedly blocked following consultations with Azerbaijan - have sparked renewed debate on South Caucasus diplomacy.

World

World News

Trump hails prisoner release from Belarusian and Russian detention, as ceasefire falters

12:17

Russia-Ukraine War

Trump hails prisoner release from Belarusian and Russian detention, as ceasefire falters

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that three Polish nationals and two Moldovan citizens had been released from detention in Belarus and Russia, highlighting what he described as growing diplomatic cooperation with Minsk.

Jailed Thai ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra released after sentence cut

09:31

Thailand

Jailed Thai ex-PM Thaksin Shinawatra released after sentence cut

Thaksin Shinawatra, Thailand’s billionaire former prime minister, has been released on parole from prison on Monday (11 May). Shinawatra served part of an eight-month sentence that capped years of legal battles, political turmoil and controversy surrounding his return from exile.

13:58

Somalia

WFP warns Somalia faces worsening malnutrition crisis without urgent aid

Somalia is facing a severe malnutrition crisis and urgently needs additional humanitarian funding to prevent conditions deteriorating further, the World Food Programme has warned.

Starmer under pressure as Labour suffers heavy local election losses

09:38

Elections

Starmer under pressure as Labour suffers heavy local election losses

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer suffered heavy early losses in local elections on 8 May 2026, as results pointed to significant voter backlash against his Labour government and renewed questions over his leadership just two years after a landslide general election win.

Business

Business Economy Markets

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

10:43

Markets

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

08:42

China Export

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

10:30

Markets

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.

Global stocks surge and oil prices slide on hopes of Iran deal

01:36

Markets

Global stocks surge and oil prices slide on hopes of Iran deal

Stocks around the world climbed to fresh record highs on Wednesday (6 May), while oil prices fell sharply, after reports suggested the United States and Iran were nearing an agreement to end conflict.

Trump plans to raise tariffs on EU car imports to 25%

13:38

U.S.-EU Trade Tariff

Trump plans to raise tariffs on EU car imports to 25%

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will raise tariffs on cars and trucks imported from the European Union to 25% next week, up from the 15% level agreed last year, accusing the bloc of failing to comply with its trade commitments.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

08:28

Visual arts

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

19:25

Kanye West Europe tour

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

Ye will perform in Tbilisi on 12 June as part of a Georgian government-funded programme, despite being barred from entering the U.K. and facing mounting concert cancellations across Europe.

Singer Katy Perry to perform at 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku

13:19

Formula 1

Singer Katy Perry to perform at 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 will mark its 10th anniversary with a major entertainment programme in Baku, headlined by global pop star Katy Perry.

08:57

Fashion

'Fashion is Art': Celebrity guests stun on the 2026 MET Gala red carpet in New York

The steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art were transformed once again into the world's most prestigious runway for the 2026 Met Gala. This year’s theme, 'Costume Art,' invited guests to explore the intersection of nature, history, and the surreal under the official dress code 'Fashion Is Art'.

Most viewed

14:55

Hantavirus

live Australia confirms evacuation of nationals from hantavirus-hit cruise ship; U.S. passengers isolated after outbreak

14:37

Middle East Conflict

live Iran pushes for end to blockade and war in Lebanon in U.S. proposal response - Middle East conflict on 11 May

How China turned a tech ban into a research revolution

18:55

View from China

How China turned a tech ban into a research revolution

China’s leading chipmakers are funnelling unprecedented sums into research and development as Beijing accelerates efforts to reduce reliance on foreign technology amid intensifying U.S. export restrictions.

16:35

SOCAR

SOCAR completes acquisition of Italy’s Italiana Petroli

SOCAR has completed the acquisition of a 99.82% stake in Italiana Petroli (IP) from API Holding after receiving all required regulatory approvals.

UN committee warns France over Kanak self-determination rights in New Caledonia

19:35

Kanak rights warning

UN committee warns France over Kanak self-determination rights in New Caledonia

The United Nations Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) has warned that France risks undermining the self-determination rights of the Kanak Indigenous People in New Caledonia amid proposed political and constitutional reforms.

Health

Health news Healthcare

13:09

Hantavirus

WHO: 'This is not COVID' as countries track passengers of Hantavirus-hit cruise ship

Countries worldwide sought to prevent the further spread of the hantavirus on Thursday, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone who had close contact with them since.

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

21:02

Haiti Hunger Crisis

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

20:46

meningitis Outbreak

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.

12:08

Hantavirus

Singapore isolates cruise passengers linked to deadly hantavirus outbreak

Singapore has isolated and is testing two of its residents who travelled aboard a cruise ship linked to a deadly hantavirus outbreak, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Thursday.

Argentinian authorities reconstructing journeys of luxury cruise passengers who presented with hantavirus symptoms

19:40

Hantavirus Update

Argentinian authorities reconstructing journeys of luxury cruise passengers who presented with hantavirus symptoms

Argentinian authorities are reconstructing the journeys of Dutch citizens who presented with symptoms of deadly hantavirus after visiting Argentina and Chile as part of a luxury cruise trip, the country's Health Ministry said in a statement on Wednesday (6 May)

Travel

Travel News Destinations

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

13:23

Fuel crisis

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

ITA Airways is preparing to raise ticket prices by between 5% and 10% this year as soaring fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the U.S. continue to pressure airlines worldwide.

12:14

Tourism

Dubai's tourism, revenues and restaurants shrink as Iran war impacts travel

Dubai chef Shaw Lash at Mexican restaurant Lila Molino flies in her avocados and tomatillos, small, tart green fruits native to Central America that are a staple of Mexican cuisine and key for her colourful and spicy dishes.

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

11:58

Travel Restrictions

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.

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

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.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

Tropical forest loss declines in 2025 from record high, report finds

01:28

Climate change

Tropical forest loss declines in 2025 from record high, report finds

Destruction of the world's tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing despite pressures from a warmer climate and expanding agricultural frontiers.

Kazakhstan ratifies green energy partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

11:41

View from Kazakhstan

Kazakhstan ratifies green energy partnership with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

Kazakhstan has ratified a regional green energy agreement with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, signalling Central Asia’s ambition to become a key supplier of renewable energy to international markets.

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

23:33

Green Transport

Beijing Auto Show 2026 highlights China’s eco-friendly vehicle push

China’s growing use of electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles took centre stage at the Beijing Auto Show 2026, which opened on 24 April, highlighting the country’s expanding clean transport ambitions.

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

09:45

Climate

Mexicans protest as activists say Gulf of Mexico oil spill has killed wildlife and destroyed reefs

Communities in Mexico have taken to the streets to protest against an ongoing oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico that has killed wildlife and damaged coral reefs over several weeks.

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.

Browse today's tags

News Politics Donald Trump Azerbaijan United States Iran Israel Strait of Hormuz