Foreign policy
European stocks soar amid growing optimism for Gulf peace deal
European stocks soared on Wednesday as traders responded to reports that the U.S. and Iran are close to an agreement that will bring an end to the war. The White House expects an Iranian response on “several key points”, including a moratorium on nuclear enrichment, in the next 48 hours, Axios reported. The countries are […]
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China hosts Iran’s top diplomat just days ahead of Trump’s high-stakes visit
BEIJING, CHINA – JULY 15: Iran’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyed Abbas Araghchi and Russia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Lavrov (not seen) hold a meeting on the sidelines of the 2025 meeting of the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers in Beijing, China on July 15, 2025. Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs | Anadolu | […]
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Oil prices fall as Trump pauses Hormuz escort effort
This photo shows a view of LyondellBasell refinery near the Houston Ship Channel, part of the Port of Houston, on April 29, 2026. Ronaldo Schemidt | AFP | Getty Images Oil prices fell on Wednesday after President Donald Trump said the U.S. would pause its naval escort effort in the Strait of Hormuz, raising hopes […]
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Trump pauses U.S. bid to guide ships out of Strait of Hormuz, cites Iran deal progress
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran, May 4, 2026. Amirhosein Khorgooi | ISNA | WANA | Via Reuters President Donald Trump said Tuesday he is pausing “Project Freedom,” the U.S. military’s effort to guide commercial ships out of the Strait of Hormuz, one day after the operation began. Trump, in a […]
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U.S. says ‘Project Freedom’ will reopen Hormuz Strait for commerce. Experts are skeptical
Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz near Bandar Abbas, Iran, May 4, 2026. Amirhosein Khorgooi | ISNA | WANA | Via Reuters Defense and geopolitical experts are skeptical that “Project Freedom,” the Trump administration’s new effort to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to commercial traffic, will succeed. “In my view, it’s not a solution at […]
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Oil prices slide as new attacks in Strait of Hormuz threaten fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire
In an aerial view, the Marathon Petroleum Corp’s Los Angeles Refinery is seen on April 2, 2026 in Carson, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Oil prices declined on Tuesday as traders assessed the risk of immediate supply disruptions amid renewed tensions between the U.S. and Iran. International benchmark Brent crude futures dipped 1.6% to $112.67 […]
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Markets on edge as fresh U.S.-Iran attacks dent optimism over a peace deal
Veiled pro-government supporters stand in a line under a banner depicting portraits of Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, as they wait to receive donated meals during a state-run religious rally in downtown Tehran, Iran, on April 29, 2026. Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Up until the weekend, global […]
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Maersk says ship passed through Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military protection
The container ship Gunde Maersk sits docked at the Port of Oakland on June 24, 2024 in Oakland, California. Justin Sullivan | Getty Images Danish shipping giant Maersk said one of its commercial vessels successfully transited through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz under U.S. military protection. The Alliance Fairfax, a U.S.-flagged ship operated by […]
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India’s Modi tightens political grip with historic state victory — but can it usher in reforms and draw investors?
NEW DELHI, INDIA – MAY 04: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (C) greets people as he arrives at the party headquarters to deliver a victory speech, in New Delhi, India on May 04, 2026. The BJP has emerged victorious in the tally of the West Bengal and Assam state […]
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CNBC Daily Open: Ceasefire at risk of collapse
U.S. forces patrol the Arabian Sea near the M/V Touska ship on April 20, 2026, after firing upon the Iranian-flagged vessel that the U.S. accused of attempting to violate the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports near the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. Navy | Getty Images Hello, this is Leonie Kidd writing to you from […]
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