US Bans Canadian Alcohol, Motorcycles as Trade War Escalates 
Canada Retaliatory Tariffs on U.S. Goods Take Effect 
Asian Currencies Subdued as Yen Weakens Ahead of Fed, BOJ Decisions 
Taiwan Flags Russian Film Screening as China-Japan Influence Push 
Iraq Seeks 6 Million Bpd OPEC+ Oil Quota 
Trump Promises $5,000 Dividend if Republicans Win Midterms 
Chris Hipkins Targets Cost-of-Living Relief in New Zealand Election 
Oil Prices Surge as Middle East Shipping Attacks Threaten Supply 
Gulf Ministers to Meet Iran in Oman Over Hormuz Shipping Deal 
Russian Drone Strikes Hit Ukraine-Moldova Border, Kyiv and Sumy 
Kim Jong Un Praises North Korean Troops Fighting Overseas 
Trump’s Iran War Draws ‘Forever War’ Comparisons 
Israel Destroys Hezbollah Underground Network in Southern Lebanon 
Asian Stocks Slide as Oil Surge Fuels Rate Hike Fears 
Iran Attacks 10 Ships as Hormuz Conflict Escalates 
ECB Rate Hike in Focus as Oil Tops $100 
US Caribbean Vessel Strike Kills Three 
Add as a preferred source on Google
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio held separate discussions on Monday with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong and British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper regarding the escalating Iran conflict and the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, according to the U.S. State Department.
The talks focused on Iran and international efforts to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy route that has been heavily impacted by the ongoing conflict. The strategic waterway previously handled nearly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it one of the most important energy corridors globally.
The Iran war has caused severe instability in the energy market, with analysts describing the disruption as one of the largest in modern history. Iran has reportedly blocked most foreign vessels from passing through the Strait of Hormuz while allowing primarily Iranian ships to continue operations. At the same time, President Donald Trump has enforced a separate blockade targeting Iranian ports, further intensifying pressure on Tehran.
The conflict began on February 28 after coordinated U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran. Tehran responded with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf nations hosting American military bases. Continued military operations in Iran and Lebanon have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions across the region.
Trump stated Monday that the ceasefire reached with Iran more than a month ago was now “on life support,” raising fears of renewed fighting and deeper disruptions to global oil supplies. Crude oil prices remained volatile following the developments, with WTI crude trading near $98.89 per barrel.
The United States, United Kingdom, and Australia have also continued imposing sanctions on Iranian individuals and networks linked to the conflict, signaling ongoing Western pressure against Tehran amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
