Latest News and Breaking Stories

Italian man, 25, tested for suspected hantavirus; WHO chief says 'no signs' of larger outbreak

Biological samples from an Italian man were transferred to a specialist hospital for testing on Tuesday, after he was suspected of contracting hantavirus. Meanwhile, World Health Organization boss Tedros Ghebreyesus said there were “no sign” of a larger outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise.

03:03

Middle East Conflict

Kuwait arrests IRGC-linked agents; Iran widens definition of Strait of Hormuz - Middle East conflict 12 May

Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf state's KUNA news agency reported on Tuesday. Meanwhile, a senior IRGC officer said Iran had expanded its definition of the Strait of Hormuz to include a far wider area.

Dozens killed in market blast in northwest Pakistan, near Afghanistan border

15:51

Deadly Blast

Dozens killed in market blast in northwest Pakistan, near Afghanistan border

Dozens of people, including two police officers, were killed and dozens more injured in a bomb blast at a market in north-western Pakistan on Tuesday (12 May), authorities said, in the second deadly attack in the region within four days.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuses to resign despite 89 of his own MPs telling him to step down

15:44

UK politics

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer refuses to resign despite 89 of his own MPs telling him to step down

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer laid down the gauntlet to challengers on Tuesday (12 May), as he defied calls to resign at a meeting of Cabinet, telling ministers that there had been no official move to trigger a leadership contest.

'Every day matters': Inside the protest over Duchenne treatment in Georgia

16:30

View from Georgia

'Every day matters': Inside the protest over Duchenne treatment in Georgia

This is the second of three articles examining Georgia’s growing crisis over access to treatment for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), a fatal genetic disease affecting around 100 children in the country.

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

France in Armenia: Flight records raise questions over diplomacy and defence logistics

15:00

Exclusive records

France in Armenia: Flight records raise questions over diplomacy and defence logistics

Exclusive flight-tracking material obtained by AnewZ has raised new questions about French military aircraft movements linked to President Emmanuel Macron’s recent diplomacy with Armenia and the wider scope of France’s defence cooperation with Yerevan.

Japan turns to Azerbaijani crude as energy vulnerabilities deepen

19:02

Azerbaijan-Japan Trade

Japan turns to Azerbaijani crude as energy vulnerabilities deepen

Japan’s first import of crude oil from Azerbaijan has highlighted the country’s energy vulnerability and renewed efforts to diversify supply chains beyond the Middle East, according to Professor Sejiro Takeshita of the University of Shizuoka.

EU official welcomes arrest of police officers accused of violence against anti-government protesters in Georgia

13:10

View from Georgia

EU official welcomes arrest of police officers accused of violence against anti-government protesters in Georgia

The arrest of several Georgian police officers accused of violence during anti government protests last week has placed renewed focus on police accountability, democratic standards and Georgia’s European Union ambitions.

Tajikistan and China sign $8 billion in new cooperation deals

14:33

View from Kazakhstan

Tajikistan and China sign $8 billion in new cooperation deals

Tajikistan and China signed more than 50 agreements worth more than $8 billion during President Emomali Rahmon’s visit to Beijing, deepening economic ties and reinforcing China’s role as Tajikistan’s leading investor and creditor.

4h ago

Hantavirus

Italian man, 25, tested for suspected hantavirus; WHO chief says 'no signs' of larger outbreak

Biological samples from an Italian man were transferred to a specialist hospital for testing on Tuesday, after he was suspected of contra...

4h ago

Middle East Conflict

Kuwait arrests IRGC-linked agents; Iran widens definition of Strait of Hormuz - Middle East conflict 12 May

Kuwait arrested four members of an IRGC-linked group as they tried to enter the country by sea, the Gulf s...

Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026 opens in Tashkent

7h ago

View from Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026 opens in Tashkent

Uzbekistan Energy Week 2026 has opened in Tashkent, bringing together international ...

7h ago

Shadow Of The Cross

AnewZ premieres investigative documentary Shadow of the Cross

AnewZ has premiered its new investigative documentary, Shadow of the Cross, examining the power, history and co...

China and Uzbekistan reaffirm strategic ties and rail ambitions in Beijing

11h ago

View from China

China and Uzbekistan reaffirm strategic ties and rail ambitions in Beijing

Senior officials from China and Uzbekistan met in Beijing this week for talks on tra...

16:06

Georgia

Metropolitan Shio elected 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia

Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.

World

World News

09:24

Tribunal

Israel passes law creating military tribunal for Hamas accused in 7 October attack

Israel’s parliament, the Knesset, has passed a law establishing a special military tribunal to try hundreds of Palestinian's accused of taking part in the 7 October 2023 attack on Israel, in a move lawmakers say is aimed at addressing national trauma.

12:57

Malaysia

Malaysia searches for 14 missing people after migrant boat capsizes

Malaysia's Maritime Enforcement Agency has launched a search and rescue operation for 14 people missing at sea after a wooden boat, strongly believed to be illegally transporting undocumented Indonesian migrants, capsized and sank off the country's western coast on Monday morning.

Brussels meeting signals renewed EU engagement with Syria

22:02

EU-Syria

Brussels meeting signals renewed EU engagement with Syria

After years of limited engagement, relations between Syria and the European Union are drawing renewed diplomatic attention as both sides explore cooperation on migration, security and regional stability..

19:57

View from China

China and Uzbekistan reaffirm strategic ties and rail ambitions in Beijing

Senior officials from China and Uzbekistan met in Beijing this week for talks on trade, infrastructure and bilateral cooperation, underscoring a relationship that has continued to deepen steadily in recent years.

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

07:57

Lawsuit

Dua Lipa files $15m lawsuit against Samsung over alleged copyright infringement

British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $15 million in damages over allegations that her image was used without permission to promote television sets.

23:11

Eurovision

Eurovision under pressure over voting rules amid debate around Israel’s participation

The Eurovision Song Contest is again under pressure over Israel’s participation, but this year attention is also turning to changes in the competition’s public voting system.

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.

Most viewed

03:03

Middle East Conflict

Kuwait arrests IRGC-linked agents; Iran widens definition of Strait of Hormuz - Middle East conflict 12 May

08:06

Hantavirus

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.

16:06

Georgia

Metropolitan Shio elected 142nd Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia

Metropolitan Shio of Senaki and Chkhorotsku has been elected the 142nd head of the Georgian Orthodox Church at a meeting of clergy in Tbilisi following the death of longtime Patriarch Ilia II.

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

14:15

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 than $20m, the Ministry of Mines and Petroleum has said.

03:03

Hantavirus

Italian man, 25, tested for suspected hantavirus; WHO chief says 'no signs' of larger outbreak

Health

Health news Healthcare

16:54

EU Social Media Use

EU plans sweeping crackdown on TikTok, Meta and X over youth mental health

The European Union is preparing sweeping new regulations targeting the addictive design features of major social media platforms, including TikTok, Meta and X, amid mounting evidence linking their use to serious mental health harm among children and teenagers.

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.

Travel

Travel News Destinations

11:59

Travel

Mediterranean destinations and rail travel benefit as Iran war disrupts summer holiday plans

Travellers worried about costs and flights by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are changing their summer holiday plans, with lastminute bookings, safer destinations such as Spain, and rail travel all growing in popularity.

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.

Green

Green News Climate Nature

10:15

Climate Change

Climate change and El Niño fuel unprecedented global wildfire surge, researchers warn

Climate change has driven a record surge in wildfires across Africa, Asia and other regions this year, with scientists warning that conditions are likely to worsen further as the northern hemisphere enters summer and El Niño weather patterns intensify.

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.

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