Shipping companies from Greece, the UAE and China are most affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from Bloomberg and marine traffic organisations.
Oil surged and stocks fell on Thursday after Donald Trump threatened more heavy strikes on Iran and offered no solution to reopening the key Strait of Hormuz.
The head of Italy's football federation (FIGC) resigned on Thursday, falling on his sword after the men's national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup.
- Edoardo Molinari named European vice-captain for Ryder Cup
- 'Extraordinary news': Dutch recover stolen gold Romanian helmet
Politics
France's parliament on Thursday rejected a law to grant New Caledonia partial statehood, a reform the government hoped would bring stability to the overseas territory.
April 02, 2026
RECENT NEWS
- Japan axe coach Nielsen 12 days after winning Women's Asian Cup
- French President Macron lands in South Korea after Japan visit
- India's says defence exports hit 'all-time high' of $4 bn
- Nielsen leaves as Japan coach weeks after winning Women's Asian Cup
French President Emmanuel Macron left Japan on Thursday bound for fellow US ally South Korea, a day after praising Europe's "predictability" in an apparent swipe at Donald Trump over the Iran war.
April 02, 2026
RECENT NEWS
A mining cage drops deep beneath the Armenian capital, carrying asthma patients in helmets down into a salt cave clinic -- an alternative treatment centre whose future is now at risk.
April 02, 2026
While recent restrictions by a number of African nations on LGBTQ rights have elicited fierce criticism, international reaction has been more tepid as Senegal doubled its penalty for same-sex relations this week.
April 02, 2026
It's Friday night and the port in Nuuk is a hive of activity. Passengers loaded down with heavy bags hurry aboard a rusty red and white ship -- Greenland's last ferry.
April 02, 2026
Sports
Victor Wembanyama powered the relentless San Antonio Spurs to a 10th straight win Wednesday with his second consecutive 41-point game, brushing aside the Golden State Warriors 127-113.
April 02, 2026
RECENT NEWS
A singer emerges from the grave, his beard covered in mud, head bowed and fist raised as he extends a Ukrainian flag towards the audience: this is his entrance onstage.
Israel said it came under Iranian missile fire on Thursday after US President Donald Trump threatened to bomb the Islamic republic into the "Stone Ages" with heavy strikes in the next two to three weeks.
Violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank has reached unprecedented levels since the start of the war with Iran, with NGOs and opposition figures denouncing an environment of impunity.
England white-ball captain Harry Brook and team-mate Jacob Bethell have been warned about their future conduct after a nightclub incident on the pre-Ashes tour of New Zealand last year.
April 02, 2026
Boulevard
A major 7.4-magnitude quake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia on Thursday, killing one person, damaging buildings and sending people running into the streets in panic.
April 02, 2026
RECENT NEWS
"Is Netanyahu real or AI?" an internet headline blared, pointing to a video that supposedly showed the Israeli prime minister with six fingers.
The European Space Agency will negotiate future participation in NASA missions after the US space agency revamped its lunar program, the ESA head told AFP Wednesday.
President Donald Trump insisted Wednesday that the United States was nearing victory in Iran as he laid out his case more than a month into a war that has sent his approval rating tumbling.
When wildfires raged around Los Angeles last year, Rene Amy’s home was razed to a pile of toxic ash.
April 02, 2026
- Trump says Iran war almost over, warns of weeks more heavy strikes
- Oil rallies, stocks tumble as Trump says US to hammer Iran further
- US Republicans announce deal to end partial government shutdown
- Trump tells Americans that Iran war ending as popularity dips
- 7.4-magnitude quake off Indonesia kills one, tsunami warning lifted
- Bordeaux-Begles' Van Rensburg 'not thinking' about Champions Cup double
- Todd H. Lanman to Present First Full U.S. IDE Trial Results for FDA-Approved Synergy Disc(R) at ISASS 2026
- TGI Group Launches DURTEQ(TM) Mycorefinery Protocol to Transform 2026 Global Sargassum Crisis into Sustainable Opportunity