World News
Pope Leo says he's not afraid of Trump after clash over Iran conflict
Speaking to other reporters, he added: "I have no fear of the Trump administration"
 "Pope Leo says he's not afraid of Trump after clash over Iran conflict")
EU launches critical minerals platform to reduce reliance on China
The EU's Energy and Raw Materials Platform opened to submissions from buyers on Monday in the first phase of a multi-month process, an EU spokesperson told Reuters
 "EU launches critical minerals platform to reduce reliance on China")
'Right people' from Iran reached out: Trump as Hormuz blockade begins
Shortly before addressing reporters, Trump wrote on Truth Social that maritime activity in the strait had surged
 "'Right people' from Iran reached out: Trump as Hormuz blockade begins")
China's Wang Yi urges talks to sustain 'fragile' Iran-US ceasefire
The top Chinese envoy made the remarks during a call with his Pakistani counterpart Ishaq Dar on Monday, according to a readout from China's Foreign Ministry
 "China's Wang Yi urges talks to sustain 'fragile' Iran-US ceasefire")
Lufthansa faces deeper disruption as cabin crew joins pilots' strike
Flights from Germany to several Middle Eastern destinations are exempt due to the current conflict in the region, the union said
 "Lufthansa faces deeper disruption as cabin crew joins pilots' strike")
Iran conflict disrupts fluoride supply, some US utilities face shortages
Fluoride is used in water systems as a public health measure to prevent tooth decay
 "Iran conflict disrupts fluoride supply, some US utilities face shortages")
Meta poised to surpass Google in digital ad revenue for first time: Report
The Instagram-owner's global net ad revenues are expected to reach $243.46 billion in 2026, ahead of Google's projected $239.54 billion, the market research firm said
 "Meta poised to surpass Google in digital ad revenue for first time: Report")
Trump warns Iranian 'fast-attack' ships near US blockade will be eliminated
He issued a stark warning that any such vessels approaching a US "blockade" would be "immediately eliminated," describing the response as "quick and brutal"
 "Trump warns Iranian 'fast-attack' ships near US blockade will be eliminated")
US judge dismisses Trump's $10 bn defamation suit against WSJ, Murdoch
The letter was subsequently released publicly by Congress, which subpoenaed the records from Epstein's estate
 "US judge dismisses Trump's $10 bn defamation suit against WSJ, Murdoch")
Opec cuts Q2 global oil demand forecast by 500,000 bpd on Iran war
Global oil demand is projected to average 105.07 million bpd in the second quarter, OPEC's report said, down from the 105.57 million bpd forecast in last month's report
 "Opec cuts Q2 global oil demand forecast by 500,000 bpd on Iran war")
US aware of Iran's capabilities, says Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali
The envoy said the US side made "unlawful" demands during the talks that led to the negotiations ending without results
 "US aware of Iran's capabilities, says Iranian envoy Mohammad Fathali")
Goldman Sachs profit jumps 18% on strong dealmaking, equities trading
Global markets have been roiled by the Iran war as rising crude oil prices fan inflation fears and exacerbate worries about a recession
 "Goldman Sachs profit jumps 18% on strong dealmaking, equities trading")
US to block Iranian ports along Strait of Hormuz: Decoding the impact
US forces will begin restricting Iran-linked ships in the Strait of Hormuz starting today. While others can pass, the move puts focus on key Gulf ports and risks to global oil supply routes
 "US to block Iranian ports along Strait of Hormuz: Decoding the impact")
UK, France to soon hold conference on Hormuz safe navigation, says Macron
France and UK will hold a conference in the coming days to build support for a multinational mission to ensure safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, Macron said, amid US-Iran tensions
 "UK, France to soon hold conference on Hormuz safe navigation, says Macron")
Ships with Iran oil anchor off India as Donald Trump announces blockade
The US had allowed the temporary sale of Iranian oil and petrochemical products already loaded on tankers in late March, as it sought to put a lid on rising oil prices due to the West Asia war
 "Ships with Iran oil anchor off India as Donald Trump announces blockade")
Three tankers attempt Strait of Hormuz transit after US flags blockade
The New Future, which has no clear links to Iran, and the US-sanctioned Auroura, began moving northeast early Monday from waters off the United Arab Emirates
 "Three tankers attempt Strait of Hormuz transit after US flags blockade")
'No port in Gulf will be safe', warns Iran after US declares blockade
Earlier, US President Donald Trump said the US Navy would swiftly begin a blockade of ships entering or leaving the Strait of Hormuz
 "'No port in Gulf will be safe', warns Iran after US declares blockade")
Asean urges US, Iran to sustain ceasefire, ensure safe passage via Hormuz
The foreign ministers of Asean made urgent plea as they held an emergency video conference to assess the impact of Iran war, including soaring fuel prices
 "Asean urges US, Iran to sustain ceasefire, ensure safe passage via Hormuz")
China denies arms supply to Iran, rejects US claims as 'ill-intended'
Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun rejected reports that Beijing is set to supply military hardware to Tehran
 "China denies arms supply to Iran, rejects US claims as 'ill-intended'")
World Bank chief warns of looming jobs crisis even after Iran war ends
World Bank chief said governments must balance immediate crises with long-term priorities including job creation, clean water access and electrification
 "World Bank chief warns of looming jobs crisis even after Iran war ends")