China to Scrap Tariffs on Imports from 53 African Countries
China has announced that it will remove tariffs on 100 per cent of imports from 53 African countries beginning May 1, 2026, in a move expected to significantly expand Africa’s access to the Chinese market. The announcement was made by Wang Yi, China’s Foreign Minister, during a press conference held
Oil prices surge above $100 as Hormuz closure rattles global markets
Global oil prices have surged past the $100 per barrel mark following escalating tensions between the United States, Israel and Iran, with the closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz triggering widespread disruptions in energy markets and global trade. As of March 9, Brent crude was trading at about $106
Putin Congratulates Mojtaba Khamenei on Becoming Iran’s Supreme Leader
Vladimir Putin has congratulated Mojtaba Khamenei following his election as the new Supreme Leader of Iran. In a message sent on March 9, 2026, the Russian president extended his sincere congratulations to the cleric, formally addressing him as the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. “Please accept my
Mojtaba Khamenei appointed Iran’s new Supreme Leader
Iran has appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader following the death of his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to an official statement broadcast by Iranian state television and carried by state media. The announcement was made by the Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible
Qatar Warns Middle East War Could Trigger Global Energy Shock
Qatar’s energy minister, Saad Sherida Al-Kaabi, has warned that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could unleash a severe global economic shock, potentially pushing oil prices to as high as $150 per barrel if energy exports from the Gulf are disrupted. According to remarks reported by the Financial Times,
Russia Warns of Nuclear Arms Race After France Signals Arsenal Expansion
Russia has criticised France over plans to expand its nuclear arsenal, warning that the move could trigger a new nuclear arms race and further destabilise global security. In a statement released on March 4, Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, said remarks by Emmanuel Macron about increasing France’s
Lavrov Calls for End to Middle East ‘Aggression’, Criticizes Double Standards
Russia has called for an immediate end to the escalating conflict in the Middle East, with Sergey Lavrov criticizing what he described as double standards in the international response to the war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Speaking during an ambassadorial round-table meeting in Moscow, Lavrov questioned why
China’s Wang Yi Speaks With Iran’s Araghchi as Beijing Backs Tehran Amid Rising Tensions
China has stepped into the intensifying Middle East crisis, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi holding telephone talks with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi following reports of the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader. According to Iranian readouts of the call, Wang conveyed condolences on behalf of Beijing over what Tehran described
Inside abrupt postponement of Ayatollah Khamenei’s State Funeral
Iran has abruptly postponed the state funeral of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, pointing to exceptional security concerns and fears that unprecedented crowds could overwhelm the capital. The announcement, delivered by state broadcaster Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, confirmed that the ceremony planned in Tehran would not proceed as scheduled. Officials
Why Seyyed Ali Khamenei will be Laid to Rest in Mashhad
The body of Seyyed Ali Khamenei will be buried in the northeastern city of Mashhad following state-organised mourning and farewell ceremonies, according to Fars News Agency. Funeral committee officials are preparing a large public ceremony in Tehran, where citizens are expected to gather for a final tribute. Authorities said details
