South Korea, Iran discuss Strait of Hormuz in phone talks

17 min agoThe International Energy Agency said the Strait of Hormuz will not reopen this year, warning of a sharp drop in global oil demand. Goldman Sachs and Commerzbank raised their crude price forecasts, citing expectations that Middle East shipping disruptions will persist into 2027. China has returned to the oil market as prices climb.

1 h agoMedical unions across Spain have called for an open-ended strike beginning 28 October to protest a government reform of the framework statute governing physicians' working conditions. The statute, already sent to Congress, has been rejected by doctors who demand their own separate statute and real negotiations with the Health Ministry.

1 h agoEmma Bonino, a historic figure of the Italian Radical Party who served as foreign minister and European commissioner, died on Friday at 78. A lifelong defender of human rights and women's rights, she championed causes including divorce and abortion rights throughout her political career.

2 h agoHouthi forces seized the port city of Mocha and advanced along the Red Sea coast to capture strategic islands near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. Yemeni government forces withdrew from Miyon Island at the centre of the critical waterway, and Houthis captured it along with the city of Zabab on the Red Sea coast. Iran called Friday for the resumption of dialogue in Yemen.

3 h agoThe inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship begins Friday in Budapest with a record prize pot of $10 million. Olympic Games champions will compete across three days of competition, with no medals awarded—only one trophy and the prize money.

3 h agoSouth Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi discussed the Middle East and Strait of Hormuz freedom of navigation in a Friday call at Iran's request. South Korea said it is reviewing options, including military measures, to support maritime security in the strait.

4 h agoOil prices are on track to end the week above $100 a barrel for the first time since mid-May. Increasing attacks along key shipping routes in the Middle East are fueling concerns about prolonged supply disruption.

4 h agoThe UK economy grew by 0.4% in July, according to official figures. Economists had predicted no growth for the month.

4 h agoAn Israeli official said dozens of bodies of Hezbollah militants were found in the destroyed tunnels. Israel conveyed a message to Tehran and Beirut that it would respond disproportionately to any response to the tunnel explosion.

4 h agoRussian officials hosted a screening of the 81-year-old Soviet documentary "Smashing Militarist Japan" for about 20 Taiwanese guests in a small Taipei office building. Taiwan's government said Russia was helping China push a narrative about rising military threats from Japan and seeking to sow discord between Taipei and Tokyo.