The Latest Breaking News from Middle East

Oil prices rise as US and Iran exchange fire in Strait of Hormuz

Asian stocks head for stellar weekly gains despite pulling back slightly on Friday

The Independent UK · May 8

Global Market Today: Asian stocks drop, oil climbs on Iran tensions

Asian stocks retreated from record highs as Middle East tensions escalated, impacting crude oil prices and reviving concerns over energy supplies. US forces responded to Iranian attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, while President Trump issued a stern warning. Despite volatility, investors remain focused on de-escalation efforts and the AI…

The Economic Times · May 8

Shopping visits fall as Middle East conflict takes toll on consumer confidence

UK footfall fell 3.9% year-on-year over March and April, according to latest figures.

Evening Standard · May 7

AI boom keeping markets elevated despite geopolitical noise: Mark Matthews

Financial markets are increasingly prioritizing artificial intelligence-driven growth and corporate earnings over geopolitical tensions, according to Mark Matthews. He highlights extraordinary earnings, particularly in tech, fueling market highs despite Middle East uncertainty. Matthews also sees India as attractive due to improving valuations and continued FII buying.

The Economic Times · May 7

Southeast Asian leaders will reaffirm core values in veiled Mideast war rebuke

Southeast Asian leaders plan to issue a contingency plan that upholds international law, sovereignty and freedom of navigation in what could be seen as a veiled rebuke to the United States, Israel and Iran over the Middle East war which has impacted their region, according to a draft declaration seen…

The Independent UK · May 7

Strong gold and copper prices support explosive demand

Blasting solutions company Orica has banked record returns thanks to strong commodity prices and largely dodging supply impacts from the Middles East conflict.

AAP · May 6

Lower speed limits could help stop Iran war damaging UK economy, think tank says

Inflation could soar and conflict in the Middle East could cost the Treasury £8bn a year, new modelling indicates

The Independent UK · May 6

Israel Strikes Beirut After Almost a Month, Says It Targeted Hezbollah Commander

Israel carried out its first attack in Beirut after almost a month amid a fragile ceasefire in the Middle East, the IDF said in a statement on Wednesday.

International Business Times · May 6

Iranian Attacks Reportedly Hit More U.S. Bases Than Previously Disclosed

Iranian attacks against U.S. bases in the Middle East have caused more damaged than initially disclosed, according to a new report.

International Business Times · May 6

This children’s village stays cool without air conditioning in one of the world’s hottest regions — here’s how

In the coastal city of Tadjourah in Djibouti, where extreme heat and dry desert conditions dominate much of the year, architects designed a children’s village that functions without conventional air conditioning. The project, known as the SOS Children’s Village Tadjourah, was created by Urko Sanchez Architects for SOS Children’s Villages…

The Times of India · May 6