World - Friday, March 13, 2026

The strikes on Kharg Island hit military sites, including those storing missiles and mines, a U.S. military official said, adding that economic infrastructure was not targeted. Oil prices have risen by more than 40 percent since the start of the war.

This blog has now closed. Follow our Middle East blog here Both Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine were asked today about energy secretary Chris Wright’s comments to CNBC on Thursday, where he said that the US Navy cannot escort ships through the strait of Hormuz now but it was “quite likely” that could happen by the end of the month. Gen Caine appeared to agree with Wright’s assessment, calling the waterway a “tactically complex environment” . Continue reading...

The FBI said the suspect had large quantities of fireworks and petrol in his vehicle when it caught fire after ramming a synagogue on Thursday.

Iranian military said in a statement that oil and energy infrastructure belonging to firms that cooperated with the US would ‘immediately be destroyed’ How have you been affected by the latest Middle East events? Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry is saying that two drones have been intercepted and destroyed in the eastern region. More now after reports of explosions in Dubai on Friday morning: thick black smoke rose over the financial hub’s skyline after what authorities described as a fire in an industrial area of the city-state . Continue reading...

Critics say Xi's purges reveal a ruthless drive for absolute loyalty and total control of the military.

Iranian suicide skiffs threaten global shipping as Supreme Leader vows to keep Strait of Hormuz closed, prompting U.S. Navy escort discussions and surging oil price

The black Fender Stratocaster, played by David Gilmour on six of the band’s albums including “The Dark Side of the Moon,” broke the record for the most expensive guitar sold at auction.

Tehran residents report relentless bombing with US and Israeli planes launching wave of attacks Middle East crisis – live updates Donald Trump has said Iran will be hit “very hard” in the coming days, describing leaders of the regime as “deranged scumbags” who it was a “great honor” to kill, as Tehran residents reported relentless bombing and violence continued to spiral across the Middle East. The US president’s comments, which signaled an intensification of the US-Israeli campaign, came as Israeli and US warplanes launched successive waves of attacks on the Iranian capital and elsewhere on Friday. One strike reportedly hit close to a square near Tehran University where crowds were gathered in support of Iran’s regime. The area is home to many government buildings. Continue reading...

President thanks Grenell for ‘outstanding work’ and says Matt Floca, vice-president of operations, will take over Donald Trump has announced that Ric Grenell, the longtime Republican foreign policy adviser who oversaw far-reaching changes at the Kennedy Center, which prompted many artists to abandon the performing arts venue, will be replaced by Matt Floca, vice-president of operations at the center. Trump made the announcement on social media that he has replaced Grenell, thanking him for the “outstanding work he has done”. Floca was photographed in December personally overseeing the addition of Trump’s name to the center’s facade. Grenell’s departure comes as the Kennedy Center prepares to close this summer for a two-year renovation. Continue reading...

A new report claims Iran's IRGC moved hundreds of millions in cryptocurrency during an internet blackout, suggesting sophisticated sanctions evasion operations.