Latest News and Breaking Stories

live U.S. launches 'retaliatory strikes' against Iran as Tehran accuses U.S. of breaching ceasefire - 7 May

The U.S military said it carried out retaliatory strikes on Iran on Thursday (7 May). Meanwhile, Iran's Joint Military Command accused the U.S. of breaching the ceasefire, by striking an Iranian oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz and launching attacks on several Iranian cities.

20:47

U.S.-Iran

How a U.S.–Iran deal could reshape Israel’s regional security strategy

As diplomatic talks over a possible U.S.–Iran framework agreement continue, analysts are assessing how any deal could alter security dynamics across the Middle East.

Chinese-British dual nationals guilty of spying for China in London

20:03

Espionage

Chinese-British dual nationals guilty of spying for China in London

Two Chinese-British dual nationals have been found guilty by a London court of spying for China. Chung Biu “Bill” Yuen, 65, and Chi Leung “Peter” Wai, 40, targeted prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy activists living in the UK, whom they referred to as “cockroaches.”

18:54

Hantavirus

WHO confirms five hantavirus cases linked to MV Hondius cruise outbreak

The World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed five of eight suspected hantavirus cases linked to the luxury cruise ship MV Hondius. The U.N. health agency warned on Thursday (7 May) that more infections could emerge because of the virus’s long incubation period.

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.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

Iran warns of possible attacks despite reports of imminent U.S. peace deal

18:02

Middle East conflict

Iran warns of possible attacks despite reports of imminent U.S. peace deal

Iran’s parliamentary speaker has warned that Tehran still faces the risk of military or terrorist attacks, despite reports that a peace agreement with the U.S. could be announced this week.

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.

Baykar signs first export deal for Kizilelma drone at SAHA 2026

21:21

View from Türkiye

Baykar signs first export deal for Kizilelma drone at SAHA 2026

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar signed its first export agreement on Wednesday for the newly unveiled Bayraktar Kızılelma unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Approximately $8 billion in contracts set to be signed at SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul

00:04

Defence

Approximately $8 billion in contracts set to be signed at SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul

Approximately $8 billion worth of contracts are expected to be signed at SAHA Expo 2026 in Istanbul, Türkiye. The major international defence, aerospace and space industry exhibition is being held over five days from 5 - 6 May.

U.S. launches 'retaliatory strikes' against Iran as Tehran accuses U.S. of breaching ceasefire - 7 May

1 min ago

Middle East Conflict

live U.S. launches 'retaliatory strikes' against Iran as Tehran accuses U.S. of breaching ceasefire - 7 May

The U.S military said it carried out retaliatory strikes on Iran on Thursday (7 May). Meanwhile, Iran's Joint Military Command accused the U.S....

China’s Belt and Road Initiative hits record $213bn in 2025

2h ago

View from China

China’s Belt and Road Initiative hits record $213bn in 2025

China’s Belt and Road Initiative recorded its strongest year since launch in 2025, with Chinese investment a...

2h ago

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 co...

4h ago

View from Türkiye

Baykar signs first export deal for Kizilelma drone at SAHA 2026

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar signed its first export agreement on Wednesday for...

5h ago

U.S.-Iran

How a U.S.–Iran deal could reshape Israel’s regional security strategy

As diplomatic talks over a possible U.S.–Iran framework agreement continue, analysts are assessing how any deal could alter security dynamics...

Türkiye–Armenia relations hit 'turning point' after landmark Yerevan visit

15:09

View from Türkiye

Türkiye–Armenia relations hit 'turning point' after landmark Yerevan visit

The Turkish Vice President’s visit to Yerevan this week marked a “turning point” in bilateral ties, Türkiye’s special envoy for normalisation with Armenia has said.

World

World News

17:06

Australian women

Australian women and children return from Syrian IS detention camps

A group of Australian women and children detained for years in Kurdish-run camps in northeastern Syria due to links to Islamic State are expected to arrive in Australia on Thursday evening.

23:04

View from China

China’s Belt and Road Initiative hits record $213bn in 2025

China’s Belt and Road Initiative recorded its strongest year since launch in 2025, with Chinese investment and construction activity surging across Asia, Africa and the Middle East despite years of criticism that the programme was losing momentum.

Latvia reports Russian drone incursion and oil tank damage

10:05

Drones

Latvia reports Russian drone incursion and oil tank damage

Latvian authorities said two drones entered NATO member Latvia from Russian territory and crashed on Thursday morning, with officials linking them to Ukraine’s wider drone operations against targets in Russia.

Middle East conflict looms over ASEAN leaders’ talks in Philippines, energy and food security high on agenda

08:22

ASEAN Philippines Summit

Middle East conflict looms over ASEAN leaders’ talks in Philippines, energy and food security high on agenda

Conflicts well beyond Southeast Asia are set to dominate talks as leaders from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) regional bloc gather in the Philippines, with the crisis in the Middle East looming large over fuel‑import‑dependent economies.

Business

Business Economy Markets

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.

Renewables in focus as Iran war pushes up Europe’s power prices

01:47

Renewable energy

Renewables in focus as Iran war pushes up Europe’s power prices

As the Iran war disrupts global flows of oil and gas and energy prices skyrocket, the Drin River, which descends through the mountains of northern Albania, is acting as a kind of shield.

China orders Meta to unwind $2bn Manus acquisition

18:40

Artificial Intelligence

China orders Meta to unwind $2bn Manus acquisition

China has ordered Meta to unwind its more than $2 billion acquisition of artificial intelligence start-up Manus, marking a major escalation in Beijing’s scrutiny of foreign investment in sensitive technology sectors. The order was issued on Monday by the National Development and Reform Commission.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

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.

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.

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'.

Taylor Swift Vienna terror plot suspect pleads guilty in part