Politics

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Briefing: Iran, US harden positions as Tehran tightens grip on Strait of Hormuz

Strategic angle: Iran and the United States appeared at an impasse Thursday, with each side hardening its position over talks and setting the stage for another potential escalation in the Middle East war.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: War in the Mideast: Iranian cluster ballistic missiles test Israel’s defences

Strategic angle: As the regional conflict between Israel and Iran enters a volatile new phase, a banned weapon of war is reappearing over civilian centers.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Dutch skeleton discovery could be the real remains of French musketeer d'Artagnan

Strategic angle: The Gascon nobleman was the inspiration for Alexandre Dumas' 19th-century hero in "The Three Musketeers", a character who is now known the world over thanks to the novel and its many film adaptations.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: European Parliament backs EU-US tariff deal with safeguards

Strategic angle: The vote clears the way for tariff cuts on some American imports but includes safeguards as the European bloc accelerates efforts to reduce reliance on Washington.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Residents injured after blast in Israeli home amid new Iranian barrage

Strategic angle: Medics rushed to a blasted residential area in Kafr Qasim, central Israel, as Iran launched further projectiles, injuring five people and heightening fears of more strikes.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Oil prices and markets look for direction amid conflicting messages from Iran and the US

Strategic angle: As the prospect of de-escalation in the Iran war remains uncertain, oil prices are rising, with the international benchmark Brent trading above $106 a barrel on Thursday morning.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: EU set to vote on migrant 'return hubs'

Strategic angle: Human rights groups have warned of asylum seekers disappearing into 'legal black holes' beyond the borders of the European Union.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Facing European cold shoulder, Ukraine turns to Middle East partners

Strategic angle: Amid blocked EU aid and stalled diplomatic talks, Ukraine seeks new alliances in the Middle East.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Iran war: How many European citizens has the EU repatriated?

Strategic angle: Thousands of Europeans have been evacuated from the Middle East amid ongoing conflict. How are EU countries coordinating these operations, and what role is Brussels playing?

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Turkey-operated tanker carrying Russian oil struck by naval drone in Black Sea

Strategic angle: A crude oil tanker sailing from Russia to Istanbul was hit by a naval drone, raising tensions in the region.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Meta, YouTube Found Liable in US Social Media Addiction Case

A California jury has ruled that Meta and YouTube are responsible for the addictive nature of their platforms, potentially setting a precedent for future cases.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Trump's Attacks on Offshore Wind Could Hurt Infrastructure Spending

Strategic angle: President Trump's efforts to undermine offshore wind may negatively impact business confidence and infrastructure investment across the U.S. economy.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Bundeswehr could help secure Hormuz but once war ends, German defence minister says

Strategic angle: The Bundeswehr could take on a role in securing one of the world's most important trade routes after the end of the war, but now is not the time to discuss that.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: New India bill to amend transgender rights sparks protests

Strategic angle: The bill seeks to change how transgender people are legally recognised and their right to self-identify.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: World Cup 2026: Cost, Trump and travel give world fans pause

Strategic angle: As teams battle it out for the final six spots, loyal fans are making plans for World Cup 2026 amidst concerns over costs, visa issues, and safety.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: India news: Andhra Pradesh bus fire leaves 13 dead

Strategic angle: A bus burst into flames after colliding with a truck in India's Andhra Pradesh, resulting in at least 13 fatalities and 20 injuries.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: France is 'more and more keen' on Australia critical minerals investment, minister says

Strategic angle: Australia's Resources Minister highlights France's growing interest in critical minerals projects amid global competition.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: Bangladesh: Several killed after bus plunges into river

Strategic angle: The bus, mostly carrying workers returning to Dhaka after Eid, fell into River Padma while attempting to board a ferry.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

Briefing: UN pushes emergency plan for Cuba aid amid US talks

Strategic angle: The UN has presented an aid action plan for Cuba to US officials, including fuel tracking models, as former President Raul Castro engages in discussions with the US.

Editorial Staff Mar 26

Politics

EU and Australia strike free trade deal after years of talks

Ursula von der Leyen and Anthony Albanese announced a compromise in Canberra aimed at boosting exports and strengthening economic ties amid global trade uncertainty.

Editorial Staff Mar 26