Oil prices soared Thursday, briefly trading above $100, and stock markets extended losses as fresh attacks against Gulf energy targets offset the release of crude reserves by major economies.
The escalating Middle East war has raised concerns over the safety of masterpieces on loan from France to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, sparking questions about the security of the famed museum's only foreign branch.
The US military is currently "not ready" to escort tankers through the critical Strait of Hormuz because all its assets are focused on striking Iran, Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Thursday.
- 'One war too many': Lebanese angry with Hezbollah for attacking Israel
- Scotland make three changes for crucial Six Nations clash against Ireland
Politics
A Russian court on Thursday handed life sentences to four gunmen from Tajikistan, and 11 others it said were their accomplices, for the 2024 Crocus concert hall attack that left 150 people dead.
March 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
France coach Fabien Galthie has opted for a sturdier second row against England in their final Six Nations match on Saturday, bringing in Emmanuel Meafou and Thibaud Flament.
March 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
A passenger train from China arrived in the North Korean capital on Thursday, state media said, after a six-year hiatus since the service was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic.
March 12, 2026
Danish chef Rene Redzepi, co-founder of the world renowned Noma restaurant, said on Thursday he was quitting following allegations of abuse of staff.
March 12, 2026
China's leaders wrapped up nine days of annual legislative meetings in Beijing on Thursday, projecting an image of domestic stability seemingly unaffected by the war in key trading partner Iran.
March 12, 2026
Politics
An Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed eight people early on Thursday, Lebanon's health ministry said, another attack in the heart of the capital, as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.
March 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Wales coach Steve Tandy has urged his players to "go up another level" after naming an unchanged starting side for their Six Nations finale against Italy as they seek to end a painful losing streak.
Tens of thousands have fled the Gulf to escape the Middle East war, but Bangladeshi migrant workers say they have little choice but to return to earn a living.
Russia on Thursday sentenced 15 men -- including four gunmen -- to life in prison over the Crocus concert hall attack which left 150 people dead, the deadliest onslaught in Russia in more than two decades.
Reeling from their six-goal mauling at the hands of Champions League heavyweights Bayern Munich, Atalanta take the short trip to Serie A leaders Inter Milan on Saturday trying to boost their waning top-four hopes.
March 12, 2026
Economy
Since entering politics in 2011, Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis has been grappling with a conflict of interest as a billionaire businessman and politician, and his latest stint in power is no exception.
March 12, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Indian restaurant MadCo took the tough call this week to remove some menu favourites, including bone marrow -- a beef bone cut in half and slowly roasted, in an attempt to save cooking gas as the Iran war disrupts supply chains.
It all started off as a joke, a French researcher told AFP.
World champion Lando Norris said Thursday that McLaren have made some progress since a disappointing opening to the season in Australia but warned they still need to "improve in all areas".
George Russell said Thursday the "championship means nothing at this point" as the Mercedes ace enters the second weekend of the Formula One season top of the pile following victory in Melbourne.
March 12, 2026
- Ferrari's Leclerc hopes year of the horse a good omen in China
- Cathay Pacific roughly doubles fuel surcharge on most routes
- China approves 'ethnic unity' law condemned by rights groups
- BMW profit holds up despite Trump tariffs, China woes
- Electric vehicle rethink to cost Honda almost $16 billion
- Bangladesh parliament reconvenes after uprising and polls
- Verstappen jokes new F1 cars 'more like Mario Kart'
- North Korea vow no more protests in Women's Asian Cup