Gold rush: Hong Kong sees sudden jump in bullion imports from Dubai amid US-Iran war
Gold traders from the Middle East and Russia have been selling physical gold in Hong Kong at a discount of 15 to 20 per cent since early April
· Enoch Yiu
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Newest first · UTC+11:00Gold rush: Hong Kong sees sudden jump in bullion imports from Dubai amid US-Iran war
Gold traders from the Middle East and Russia have been selling physical gold in Hong Kong at a discount of 15 to 20 per cent since early April
· Enoch Yiu
U.S.-led task force tells ships to reroute in the Strait of Hormuz
Cargo ships are seen at sea near the Strait of Hormuz, as viewed from a rocky shoreline near Khor Fakkan, United Arab Emirates, Friday, May 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Fatima Shbair)
· Adam Schreck
Seoul shares spike over 5 pct to approach 7,000 on chip rally; won sharply up
SEOUL, May 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks shot up by more than 5 percent to close at a fresh high Monday, approaching the 7,000-point mark, as investors scooped up semiconductor shares while awaiting developments in U.S.-Iran peace talks. The Korean won rose sharply against the U.S. dollar.
· Kim Boram
Iran threatens action against US presence in Hormuz
Iran’s army warned that all ships must coordinate with its forces when transiting the Strait of Hormuz, saying, “The security of the Strait of Hormuz is in the hands of the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran."
· Middleeasteye
Iran warns of ceasefire violation as US plans to escort Hormuz ships
WASHINGTON, United States — Iran warned on Monday that it would consider any US attempt to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz a breach of the Mideast ceasefire, as President Donald Trump said the United States would begin escorting ships through the blocked waterway.
· Agence France-Presse
Iran warns of ceasefire violation as US plans to escort Hormuz ships
WASHINGTON, United States — Iran warned on Monday that it would consider any US attempt to interfere in the Strait of Hormuz a breach of the Mideast ceasefire, as President Donald Trump said the United States would begin escorting ships through the blocked waterway.
· Agence France-Presse
Top diplomats from Iran and Pakistan stress on regional stability
Pakistan’s foreign minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar and his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi discussed the “regional situation” and Islamabad’s mediation efforts in a phone call, according to a statement from Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
· Middleeasteye
India is burning more coal as extreme heat and the Iran war squeeze energy supplies
India, the world's third-largest carbon dioxide emitter, is burning more coal as energy supply disruptions due to the Iran war and a nationwide heatwave have boosted demand for the dirty fuel.
· Priyanka Salve
European markets set to open lower as Trump threatens new auto tariffs
LONDON — European markets looked set to begin the new week in negative territory as investors continue to monitor developments in the Middle East and a potential renewal of transatlantic trade tensions.
· Hugh Leask
Iran war latest: US to begin 'Operation Freedom' to guide ships out of Hormuz | The National
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· The National
Iran war latest: World leaders condemn 'unacceptable' Iranian attacks on UAE | The National
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· The National
Iran: US Hormuz escort plan would breach ceasefire
Iranian officials warned Monday that a US proposal to escort and guide commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz would constitute a violation of the ceasefire.
· TOBIAS SIEGAL
Para los migrantes en Oriente Medio, el riesgo de la guerra con Irán se suma a la crisis en casa
Maruf Hasan, hermano de Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun, consuela a su madre, Shahida Khatun, mientras llora en su casa del poblado de Rasulpur, en el distrito de Mymensingh, Bangladesh, el viernes 17 de abril de 2026. (AP Foto/Rajib Dhar)
· Aniruddha Ghosal
Iran and the Revolution by Homa Katouzian review – how the Islamic Republic was born
A landmark new account of the 1979 revolution sets current events in context
· John Simpson
Middle East crisis live: tanker hit by ‘projectiles’ in strait of Hormuz after Trump says US will help ‘guide’ stranded ships
Trump warns any interference with US operation in Hormuz will ‘have to be dealt with forcefully’ while providing few details about how the plan will work
· Adam Fulton
Make it in the Emirates starts, US to escort ships in strait, Iran receives response on peace plan - Trending | The National
In today’s episode of Trending Middle East, the US prepares to begin escorting foreign vessels through the Strait of Hormuz under a new initiative aimed at easing pressure on global shipping.
· The National
US transfers crew of seized Iranian ship to Pakistan
US Central Command said 22 crew members of the seized Iranian-linked vessel M/V Touska have been transferred to Pakistan for repatriation to Iran.
· Middleeasteye
The nuclear option: Atomic energy could offer Europe hope, say analysts — but it won't be easy
Hefty upfront costs, issues disposing of radiation and waste, and memories of terrible accidents have all contributed to Europe's reluctance to embrace nuclear energy in recent decades.
· Joseph Wilkins
Seoul, Taipei hit records as Asian stocks track Wall St tech rally
HONGKONG, China — Tech firms led a rally across most Asian markets Monday following another healthy day on Wall Street fuelled by more strong earnings, while investors were also cheered by news that Iran had submitted fresh proposals to end its war with the United States.
· Agence France-Presse
Seoul, Taipei hit records as Asian stocks track Wall St tech rally
HONGKONG, China — Tech firms led a rally across most Asian markets Monday following another healthy day on Wall Street fuelled by more strong earnings, while investors were also cheered by news that Iran had submitted fresh proposals to end its war with the United States.
· Agence France-Presse
Iran executes three men accused of collaborating with Israeli Mossad
Fars News Agency reported that Iran has executed three men accused of collaborating with Mossad and inciting unrest in the city of Mashhad during protests in January. The agency identified them as Mehdi Rasouli, Mohammadreza Miri and Ebrahim Dolatabadi.
· Middleeasteye
Medicine prices surge in Iran after war, shortages reported
Doctors Without Borders said medicine prices in Iran have risen sharply due to disruptions from the war and ongoing supply constraints, Al Jazeera reported.
· Middleeasteye
Iran war sharpens the dilemmas faced by foreign workers in the Mideast
Maruf Hasan, brother of Mohammad Abdullah Al Mamun comforts his mother, Shahida Khatun, as she weeps at their home in Rasulpur village in Mymensingh district, Bangladesh, Friday, April 17, 2026. (AP Photo/Rajib Dhar)
· Aniruddha Ghosal
IMO says 20,000 seafarers stranded in Hormuz crisis
The International Maritime Organization said up to 20,000 seafarers have been stranded on about 2,000 vessels in the Strait of Hormuz since the war on Iran began.
· Middleeasteye
In "Watershed Moment" China Orders Companies To Defy US Sanctions
China ordered companies in the country not to comply with US sanctions on five domestic refiners linked to the Iranian oil trade, deploying for the first time a blocking measure introduced in 2021 that was aimed at protecting its firms from foreign laws it deemed unjustified.
· Tyler Durden
Iranian oil tankers reach Indonesian waters despite blockade
TankerTrackers.com said a second Very Large Crude Carrier linked to Iran has entered the Lombok Strait and is heading towards the Riau Archipelago.
· Middleeasteye
Iranian diplomat says ‘satisfactory’ deal must include compensation
Former Iranian ambassador to Lebanon Mojtaba Amani said Iran will only accept a “satisfactory deal” and will not enter negotiations with preconditions.
· Middleeasteye
Don't confuse the UAE’s prudence with protectionism | The National
It isn’t surprising that the emphasis at this year’s Make it in the Emirates summit, starting in Abu Dhabi on Monday, is to further develop industrial and economic resilience in the UAE as it continues to adapt to an increasingly unpredictable world.
· The National Editorial
Asian markets are mixed and oil holds steady
Trader Derek Orth works on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange, Thursday, April 30, 2026. (AP Photo/Richard Drew)
· Elaine Kurtenbach
US Senator Graham rejects Iran offer, backs diplomacy with pressure
US Senator Lindsey Graham said Iran’s latest proposal to end the conflict is “utterly ridiculous”, accusing Tehran of stalling in negotiations.
· Middleeasteye
White House posts Trump's photo with ‘I have all the cards’ message
The White House posted an image of Donald Trump holding Uno cards with the caption, “I have all the cards,” in what appeared to be a message amid tensions with Iran.
· Middleeasteye
Iran says 37,000 buildings repaired after war damage
Mehr News Agency reported that the Iran Housing Foundation has repaired about 37,000 homes and commercial buildings damaged during the war involving Iran.
· Middleeasteye
(LEAD) Trump says U.S. to help free ships stranded in Strait of Hormuz
(ATTN: ADDS comments from U.S. military, Iran in paras 5-7)
· Oh Seok-min
Oil prices fall in choppy trade as Trump plans to 'free' ships stranded due to Mideast conflict
Oil prices fell in choppy trade Monday, as market participants assess U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement to "free" ships that have been trapped due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, amid lingering tensions between Tehran and Washington.
· Justina Lee
Trump calls Iran talks 'very positive,' US to 'guide' ships through Hormuz
WASHINGTON, United States — President Donald Trump said Sunday that "very positive discussions" were underway with Iran on finding a solution to the war, but nevertheless added US forces will soon start escorting ships out of the blocked Strait of Hormuz.
· Agence France-Presse
Woman receives Jewish divorce after three year struggle following financial pressure on husband
A woman in the US received a get, a Jewish divorce document, from her husband, after three years, following financial sanctions imposed by Israeli rabbinical authorities on his assets in Israel.
· TZVI JASPER
Seoul shares open at fresh record high on eased Middle East tensions
South Korean stocks opened at a fresh high of over 6,700 on Monday as US President Donald Trump announced plans to free ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington and Tehran exchanged their proposals for peace talks.
· Yonhap
Seoul shares open at fresh record high on eased Middle East tensions
SEOUL, May 4 (Yonhap) -- South Korean stocks opened at a fresh high of over 6,700 on Monday as U.S. President Donald Trump announced plans to free ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, while Washington and Tehran exchanged their proposals for peace talks.
· Kim Boram
Asia markets set to open mixed after Trump unveils plan to free ships in Hormuz
Asia-Pacific markets were set to open mixed Monday as investors assess President Donald Trump's plan to "free" ships stranded in the Strait of Hormuz, amid lingering tensions between Iran and the U.S.
· Justina Lee
Federal Reserve official says Iran war limits central bank’s ability to provide rate guidance
Federal Reserve Bank of Minneapolis President Neel Kashkari said Sunday that the longer the Iran war goes on, the greater the risks of higher inflation and economic damage, all of which limit how much guidance the central bank should provide on rate policy right now.
· Reuters
'Perfect storm': Global conflict brings surge of interest in agriculture
The agriculture sector hopes Australians will have a greater understanding of where their food comes from. (ABC Mid West Wheatbelt: Jo Prendergast)
· Olivia Thorn
Iran warns US over Hormuz escort plan, says interference breaks ceasefire
A senior Iranian lawmaker has warned that any US involvement in managing traffic through the Strait of Hormuz would breach the ceasefire.
· Middleeasteye
OPEC+ agrees on third oil output quota hike since Hormuz closure
OPEC+ agreed on Sunday a modest oil output hike for June, an increase that will remain largely on paper as long as the Iran war continues to disrupt Gulf oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz.
· Reuters
Donald Trump announces plan to escort ships out of Strait of Hormuz
Topic:Unrest, Conflict and War
· Rudi Maxwell
Jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize Winner Hospitalized In Critical Condition
Narges Mohammadi, the 2023 Nobel Peace Prize laureate and prominent Iranian human rights activist, remains in critical condition in a hospital in Zanjan, northwestern Iran, after collapsing in prison last week with severe cardiac distress. She was transferred by ambulance to the local hospital’s coronary care unit o…
· Tyler Durden
Trump says U.S. will 'free' ships trapped in Persian Gulf by Strait of Hormuz closure
President Donald Trump said Sunday that the U.S. will attempt to "free" stranded cargo ships that have been trapped by the Strait of Hormuz closure since the war with Iran began.
· Garrett Downs
Iran daily briefing: Details on Iran's 14-point peace plan, and what else you should know now
Topic:Unrest, Conflict and War
· Laura Tingle
Hong Kong's new listing pipeline undeterred by Iran war volatility
According to the Hong Kong exchange, 409 listing applications from companies are currently “under processing”.
· Staff Writer