live Iran expands attacks on Gulf states after U.S. strikes, says Strait of Hormuz is closed
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claim...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 16 March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Kazakh voters have overwhelmingly approved a new constitution, with exit polls indicating 87 per cent backing for reforms that analysts warn will allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to bypass his current 2029 term limit. The overhaul, which comes into effect on 1 July following the dissolution of the current parliament, condenses the legislature into a single chamber and dramatically expands the president’s power to appoint key officials. Whilst the 72-year-old leader insists he will step down at the end of his current term, the reintroduction of the Vice President post has sparked widespread speculation that he is quietly orchestrating a controlled succession plan or preparing to extend his grip on the nation of 20 million.
Commercial flights at Dubai International Airport were temporarily halted on Monday morning following a drone strike in the vicinity of the transport hub, as the Middle East conflict enters its sixteenth day. The United Arab Emirates’ National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority confirmed it was actively responding to a missile threat, whilst the Defence Ministry announced on social media that air defences were actively intercepting incoming Iranian drones and missiles aimed at the emirate.
One Battle After Another swept the 2026 Academy Awards with six wins, including Best Picture, Best Director for Paul Thomas Anderson, and Best Supporting Actor for Sean Penn. The ceremony was marked by historic milestones, notably Autumn Durald Arkapaw becoming the first woman of colour to win Best Cinematography for Sinners, which secured four awards overall, including a surprise Best Actor win for Michael B. Jordan. The night also featured a rare tie in the Best Live Action Short category—the first since 2013—whilst Netflix's global phenomenon KPop Demon Hunters took home Best Animated Feature and Best Original Song.
Twenty Thai crew members have safely returned to Bangkok after their cargo ship, the Mayuree Naree, was struck by projectiles whilst navigating the highly contested Strait of Hormuz last week. The Thai-flagged vessel was reportedly fired upon by Iranian forces, leaving three crew members still missing at sea. Thailand's Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that the rescued sailors are in good health but declined to provide further details regarding ongoing, high-level rescue negotiations with Omani and Iranian authorities due to the extreme sensitivity of the situation.
U.S. President Donald Trump is actively attempting to assemble an international naval coalition to force the reopening of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to reports from Axios. The critical maritime chokepoint, which usually handles approximately 20 per cent of the world's oil supply, has been effectively shut down by Tehran since the Middle East conflict erupted on 28 February. With multiple commercial vessels having already fallen victim to Iranian attacks in the past week. The White House is reportedly hoping to formally announce the joint international task force later this week.
The 4th Shusha Global Media Forum will bring together nearly 160 media leaders, experts and officials from 54 countries in Azerbaijan's historic city of Shusha on 13-14 July, to discuss journalism’s role in peacebuilding, restoring public trust and tackling challenges.
The U.S. has launched fresh strikes on Iran after Tehran targeted a container ship and said it had again closed the Strait of Hormuz. Iran also claimed to have expanded attacks on U.S. military facilities across the Gulf.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has promised to avenge the killing of his father, while U.S. President Donald Trump said Tehran and Washington had agreed to continue talks despite an escalation of hostilities this week.
Typhoon Bavi, the strongest storm to hit the eastern coast of mainland China this year, brought heavy rain, strong winds, flooding and landslides after making landfall in Zhejiang province on Sunday. More than 2.8 million people were evacuated to safety ahead of the storm.
China has maintained its highest-level rainstorm warning after Typhoon Bavi made landfall on the country's eastern coast, urging large-scale evacuations and emergency preparations across several provinces amid fears of severe flooding and landslides
A 93-year-old British woman has died after being injured in wildfires that swept through southeastern Spain's Almeria province, regional authorities said, bringing the confirmed death toll to 13 people.
More than 10,000 excess deaths were recorded across 27 European countries during a record-breaking heatwave in late June, with older people accounting for the vast majority of the toll, according to official mortality data.
An overnight fire at a popular bar in Bangkok has killed at least 27 people and injured 63 others, making it one of the deadliest pub disasters in the Thai capital in recent years. Authorities say the venue quickly filled with thick smoke, trapping patrons inside.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 13th of July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United States and Iran have significantly escalated their conflict, exchanging heavy missile and drone strikes across the Gulf region. Iran claims it has once again closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.
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