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As of early April 2026, mortgage rates in the US have climbed to 6.46%, the highest in seven months, driven by the Iran war's impact on energy prices and inflation fears. This rise is slowing home sales and mortgage applications during the spring buying season. In the UK, house prices rose 0.9% in March but higher mortgage rates above 5% and inflation concerns are expected to slow market activity.
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Russia's Rosatom is evacuating staff from Iran's Bushehr nuclear plant following recent attacks. Over 200 personnel are leaving for Armenia, with some volunteers remaining to maintain operations. The plant has been targeted multiple times during escalating regional tensions, raising nuclear safety concerns.
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The US has sent 5,000 Marines to the Gulf as tensions with Iran escalate. Iran denies negotiations, calling US claims 'fake news.' Oil prices surge, and the risk of conflict increases. The situation remains uncertain, with global security and energy supplies at stake.
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U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he would demand that the journalist who first reported that an airman in Iran had been rescued reveal how they got that information, and threatened to jail them if they refused.
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Stock markets in Asia and Europe rose as tensions in the Middle East escalated, with fears of a prolonged conflict affecting oil prices. The US issued a deadline for Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, raising concerns of escalation. Oil prices surged, and markets remain volatile today.
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Pope Leo, the first US-born pontiff, delivered a message of hope and peace during Easter, urging dialogue over conflict. He addressed ongoing wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, called for a peace prayer vigil, and emphasized Jesus' rejection of violence. The Pope also renewed traditional Holy Week practices.
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Multiple senior Iranian military figures, including IRGC commanders, have been killed in Israeli airstrikes over the past days. The strikes targeted Iran's naval and intelligence leadership, with Iran confirming the deaths of Alireza Tangsiri and others. The conflict has escalated with missile attacks and infrastructure damage across the region.
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The annual conservative conference CPAC in Texas saw notable absences, including Donald Trump, amid shifting dynamics within the Republican Party. Discussions focus on future leadership, Iran, and the party’s direction post-Trump, with new figures like Liz Truss making appearances and debates about the party's ideological future.
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Australia is experiencing fuel shortages and rising prices due to the conflict in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The government has announced measures including halving fuel excise taxes and releasing reserves to support supply, but concerns about inflation and long-term impacts persist.
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The Houthis in Yemen have issued warnings of potential military intervention if new alliances oppose Iran or if the Red Sea is used for hostile operations. They have signaled readiness to act if escalation continues, raising fears of broader regional conflict amid ongoing Yemen and Gaza conflicts.
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The US reports ongoing military success against Iran, including the destruction of its navy and air force, with continued strikes and political tensions. President Trump states the US is winning but hints at possible winding down. The conflict remains unresolved after a month of fighting.
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Following the assassination of Supreme Leader Khamenei, his son Mojtaba inherits power, but remains unseen and wounded. The Revolutionary Guards and political figures continue to operate, highlighting Iran's complex power structure and resilience during ongoing conflict.
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On April 5, 2026, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City killed four Palestinian policemen, marking the latest breach of the ceasefire established in October 2025. Despite the truce, Israeli strikes continue almost daily, killing over 715 Palestinians since October. Violence also persists in the West Bank, with settler attacks and Israeli military actions escalating amid Israel's broader conflicts with Iran and Hezbollah.
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Security measures due to ongoing conflict have severely limited Easter celebrations in Jerusalem. Worshippers faced restrictions, closures, and delays at holy sites, with some clergy prevented from entering. The situation reflects heightened tensions linked to the war with Iran, impacting religious observances and access to sacred locations.
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On March 29-30, 2026, three Indonesian UN peacekeepers were killed in two separate explosions in southern Lebanon during escalating Israeli military operations against Hezbollah. UNIFIL is investigating the blasts of unknown origin that struck peacekeeper convoys and positions. Indonesia condemned the attacks and demanded a transparent UN-led inquiry. The conflict has intensified with Israeli ground advances and Hezbollah rocket fire.
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As of early April 2026, the US added 178,000 jobs in March, reversing February's losses, but overall job growth remains sluggish due to slowed population and labor force expansion. Rising gas prices from the Iran conflict threaten to increase inflation, prompting Federal Reserve officials to consider holding or raising interest rates to balance inflation and employment goals.
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Manufacturing activity in the UK, UAE, Kuwait, and Egypt has declined or slowed in March and April due to regional conflicts and supply chain disruptions. The war in the Middle East has caused rising costs, delays, and contraction in production, with economic outlooks turning pessimistic in some countries.
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Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have killed at least 15 people and displaced over a million since March 2. The attacks target Hezbollah infrastructure and border crossings, with ongoing clashes and evacuations across southern Lebanon and Beirut. The conflict continues to intensify, causing widespread destruction and casualties.
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The Biden and Trump administrations marked Easter with contrasting messages. The Biden administration maintained a traditional tone, while Trump and his allies emphasized Christian themes, with some officials and figures invoking faith to justify policies and personal beliefs. The controversy highlights ongoing debates over religion in government.
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The Iran conflict has caused a surge in oil and jet fuel prices, disrupting supply chains across Europe and the US. Airlines face cancellations, route cuts, and higher costs, with the UK most vulnerable due to reliance on Middle Eastern imports. The situation is expected to worsen in April and May.
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Mohamed al-Mousawi, a Bahraini Shiite activist, died in custody with injuries suggesting torture. His family disputes official claims, and his death has heightened tensions in Bahrain, where authorities have intensified repression since the start of regional conflict linked to Iran. The government denies sectarian targeting.
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President Trump has issued threats to attack Iran’s energy infrastructure, including power plants and the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions rise following US and Israeli strikes. Iran has responded by blocking the vital waterway, disrupting global oil shipments. The US considers further military action, while diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.
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Italian Prime Minister Meloni visited Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE to strengthen regional ties and address energy security amid ongoing Middle East conflicts. She discussed supporting Qatar’s energy infrastructure and emphasized diplomacy to de-escalate regional tensions, with a focus on mitigating disruptions to oil and gas supplies.
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The Biden administration has submitted a proposal to increase Pentagon spending by over 40% in a single year, the largest jump since WWII. The plan aims to fund military operations and replenish stockpiles, sparking a political debate over fiscal priorities and national security.
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Retired Brig. Gen. Houston Cantwell discusses the procedures and challenges of rescuing downed pilots in enemy territory, emphasizing the importance of training, intelligence, and coordinated rescue efforts. The story highlights ongoing efforts to locate a missing US aviator in Iran, with hope for a successful rescue.
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Military personnel at Faslane and overseas bases have shared GPS data on Strava, revealing locations within sensitive sites. An investigation found 110 personnel at Faslane logged runs, with some routes in restricted areas, raising concerns about operational security. The MoD states the threat is minimal.
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Recent airstrikes near Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant have prompted warnings from the IAEA about potential radiological risks. The plant, built with Russian assistance, has been targeted four times since the US-Israeli war on Iran began. Evacuations and concerns over safety escalate amid ongoing conflict.
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President Trump issued a 48-hour deadline to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences. The US is searching for a missing pilot after Iran shot down an F-15, with ongoing military and diplomatic tensions escalating in the region amid recent attacks and negotiations.
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President Trump issued a deadline for Iran to make a deal, warning of military action as US and Iranian forces search for a missing pilot. The conflict has expanded with strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, retaliation in the Gulf, and regional missile exchanges, heightening global energy fears.
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The US has revoked the green cards of Hamideh Soleimani Afshar and her daughter, citing their support for Iran's regime and pro-regime social media activity. They were detained in Los Angeles after their legal status was rescinded, following recent US actions targeting Iranian officials and supporters.
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Planet Labs has announced an indefinite restriction on satellite imagery of the Middle East at the request of the US government. The move follows the escalation of the US-Israel military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28. The restriction aims to prevent adversaries from using imagery for attacks, with images now released only on a case-by-case basis during the ongoing conflict. The conflict has seen Iran retaliate with missile and drone attacks targeting Israel and Gulf states, with significant damage reported at military sites and strategic locations across the region.
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Israeli officials report Hezbollah has rebuilt its military strength despite recent strikes. The IDF acknowledges a gap between previous assessments and current capabilities, with Hezbollah firing hundreds of rockets daily. Israel has targeted Lebanese infrastructure and increased efforts to establish a security zone in southern Lebanon.
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Rumours were swirling that President Donald Trump was being treated at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, after the White House announced he would not be making any public appearances on Saturday
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The US military conducted a daring operation to rescue a US airman after his F-15 was shot down over Iran. The rescue involved multiple aircraft and a firefight with Iranian forces. The second crew member, a colonel, was recovered safely after two days of intense search, with no US casualties reported. The incident escalates tensions between the US and Iran.
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The ongoing conflict has severed key shipping routes, causing a global energy crisis and delaying aid supplies. Aid organizations face higher costs and longer routes, risking shortages of food and medicine in vulnerable regions. The disruption could persist for months, worsening humanitarian emergencies worldwide.
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Multiple drone and missile strikes have damaged key energy and government facilities across Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, and Saudi Arabia. The attacks caused fires, shutdowns, and structural damage, with no casualties reported. Iran is blamed for the strikes, escalating regional tensions.
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President Trump has issued threats to attack Iran's infrastructure if it does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has effectively blocked, disrupting global oil supplies. Iran has warned of retaliation, and negotiations for a ceasefire are ongoing without resolution. The situation has heightened fears of escalation and energy shocks.
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President Trump has issued a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening strikes on infrastructure if ignored. Iran has responded with attacks on Gulf energy facilities and rejected US demands. The situation escalates as rescue operations and diplomatic efforts continue.
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On April 5 and 6, 2026, President Trump issued threats to Iran, warning of potential attacks on power plants and bridges if Iran does not open the Strait of Hormuz by Tuesday evening. The threats follow previous warnings and suggest possible military action targeting civilian infrastructure, raising concerns about international law and civilian suffering.
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Iran has experienced its longest nationwide internet shutdown since the war began, now entering its 37th day. The blackout severely restricts access to the global internet, leaving most Iranians with only limited local connectivity and raising economic and social concerns. Some use VPNs or satellite services, but these are risky and limited.
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Iran launched multiple missile attacks on Israel, targeting Haifa and northern regions, causing casualties and building damage. Rescue efforts are ongoing for missing persons trapped under rubble. The strikes follow Iran's retaliation for US and Israeli actions since late February.
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US special forces conducted a daring rescue deep inside Iran to retrieve a stranded American weapons specialist. The operation faced setbacks when two aircraft suffered mechanical failures, leading to a staged extraction and destruction of equipment. The mission highlights ongoing US-Iran tensions and military risks.
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Ukrainian President Zelensky has arrived in Istanbul for security discussions with Turkey's President Erdogan. The talks focus on strengthening partnerships, regional stability, and Ukraine's efforts to leverage its drone defense expertise. Zelensky also met with Orthodox Church leader Patriarch Bartholomew amid broader regional diplomacy.
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Iran rejects US proposals for a temporary ceasefire, citing its own demands, while diplomatic efforts continue. The US, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing a potential 45-day ceasefire, but trust remains low. Escalating military actions and threats threaten regional stability.
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North Korea has not sent weapons or supplies to Iran since late February, according to Seoul's NIS. It also refrained from public condolences on Khamenei's death or congratulatory messages for his successor. The NIS suggests this restraint aims to preserve diplomatic space with the US and manage economic strains.
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Multiple sources report ongoing diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire between Iran and the US, with Pakistan leading negotiations. Proposals include a 45-day ceasefire and a comprehensive settlement, but Iran refuses to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or accept deadlines, complicating peace efforts.
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UAE official Anwar Gargash stated that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be weaponized and must remain open for global trade. He highlighted the importance of securing navigation rights in any US-Iran conflict settlement, warning that unresolved issues like Iran's nuclear program threaten regional stability.
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US forces rescued two American pilots shot down over Iran, with one airman hiding in the mountains for over a day. The operation involved complex coordination, diversion tactics, and the destruction of aircraft to prevent enemy capture. The rescue marks the first US aircraft loss in Iran during the current conflict.
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Fuel prices are rising sharply worldwide, driven by geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. The US faces higher gas prices, with California experiencing record diesel costs. Experts warn of ongoing shortages in Asia and Africa, while the US is less vulnerable to immediate physical scarcity. The situation impacts consumers and the economy.
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President Trump claimed the US sent guns to Iranian protesters and Kurdish intermediaries, alleging they kept the weapons. The US is involved in efforts to destabilise Iran, with recent protests and military strikes intensifying tensions. The story highlights US claims of foreign-backed unrest in Iran.