International
Oil prices hit highest since 2022
Global oil prices have reached their highest level since 2022 after the outbreak of war involving United States and Israel against Iran. On Monday, prices of crude oil rose above $119 per barrel. The oil market has become highly volatile as oil-producing countries reduced supply and Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters, Brent crude futures rose by $12.77, or 14 percent, to $105.46 per barrel on Monday. Meanwhile, West Texas Intermediate crude futures increased by $12.66, or 14 percent, to $103.56 per barrel. During the extremely volatile trading session, Brent crude prices at one point climbed to $119.50 per barrel, marking the largest single-day price surge on record. WTI prices also rose to as high as $119.48 per barrel during the session. Since February 28, when the United States and Israel launched attacks on Iran, Brent crude prices have increased by 66 percent and WTI prices by 77 percent. Data from London Stock Exchange Group shows that oil prices previously reached a record high of $147 per barrel in 2008.
Iran did not attack Turkey, Cyprus or Azerbaijan: Iranian Foreign Ministry
In response to reports of Iranian attacks towards Turkey, Cyprus and Azerbaijan last week, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Ismail Baghaei said "no attacks were launched from Iranian territory" towards these countries. Al Jazeera reported this.
Mojtaba Khamenei orders first missile strike after becoming new supreme leader
On the directive of Iran's new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, the country's defence forces have launched a missile strike. Iranian state television reported that a volley of missiles was fired towards Israel in the early hours of Monday.
83 children killed in Lebanon in one week: UN
UNICEF, the United Nations children's agency, has reported that at least 83 children have been killed and 254 injured in Lebanon since March 2. The number of child casualties has been rising alarmingly since the war between Israel and Hezbollah began in Lebanon.
Chinese envoy meets Saudi leaders to seek end to Iran conflict
As part of diplomatic efforts to reduce ongoing tensions in the Middle East, China's special envoy for Middle East affairs, Zhai Jun, has visited Saudi Arabia. The visit is part of Beijing's mediation efforts to halt the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
Iran launches fresh drone strike on Saudi oil field despite warning
Iran has launched another drone attack targeting Saudi Arabia’s major Shaybah Oil Field despite a recent warning from Saudi Arabia, reports BBC.
1,255 killed in US-Israeli strikes, mostly civilians: Iran
Iranian Deputy Health Minister Ali Jafarian has said United States-Israeli attacks across his country have killed and wounded mostly civilians and the bombardment on oil facilities has caused toxic smoke to spread across the capital, Tehran.
Iran enters 10th day of internet blackout
Iran's state-imposed internet blackout has entered its tenth day. As of Monday, March 9, nearly 90 million people in the country have been effectively cut off from global communication networks.
Crude oil prices exceeds $100 as Middle East war rages
Global oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel, reaching their highest levels in nearly four years amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.
Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new Supreme Leader
Mojtaba Khamenei has been named Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country's new Supreme Leader, following the death of his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a recent attack, according to state media.