
Trump Says Iran Talks Halted as Hormuz Dispute Pushes Oil Higher
Aug 18, 2026 22:08 pm UTC| Politics
U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that no negotiations with Iran were taking place and insisted the Strait of Hormuz remained open, contradicting Tehrans claim that the strategic waterway was still closed to...

Israeli Airstrike Kills Six Palestinians in Gaza as Trump Peace Plan Stalls
Aug 18, 2026 22:06 pm UTC| Politics
An Israeli airstrike in Gaza City killed at least six Palestinians and wounded 14 others on Tuesday, according to Gaza health officials, as efforts to advance U.S. President Donald Trumps Gaza peace plan remained stalled....

Pentagon Weighs Permanent U.S. Military Drawdown in Persian Gulf
Aug 18, 2026 22:05 pm UTC| Politics
The U.S. Department of Defense is assessing whether to permanently reduce its military presence in the Persian Gulfonce the Iran conflict ends, potentially reshaping Washingtons long-standing security posture in the Middle...

Philippines Confident in U.S. Defense Commitment Despite Middle East Redeployment
Aug 18, 2026 07:46 am UTC| Politics
The Philippines does not expect a slowdown in military cooperation with the United States despite the redeployment of some American defense assets from the Indo-Pacific to the Middle East, a Philippine military official...

Gaza Zoo Struggles to Save Animals Amid War
Aug 18, 2026 07:44 am UTC| Politics
Children visiting a zoo near Gazas Nuseirat refugee camp are greeted by a heartbreaking sight: lions, chimpanzees and other animals weakened by hunger, stress and years of conflict. Despite severe shortages of food,...

Trump Approval Rating Hits Presidency Low as Iran War Concerns Grow
Aug 18, 2026 03:15 am UTC| Politics
President Donald Trumps approval rating has fallen to the lowest point of his presidency as Americans grow increasingly concerned about the prolonged U.S. conflict with Iran and rising gasoline prices, according to a...

South Korea’s Lee Calls for Stronger Defence as US Eyes Reduced Joint Drills
Aug 18, 2026 03:03 am UTC| Politics
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called for stronger independent defence capabilities on Tuesday, stressing that Seoul must enhance its military readiness while maintaining its alliance with the United States. Lees...
Diesel Dilemma: U.S. Considers Export Ban Amidst Record Prices