[2026-06-18 19:45 UTC+10:00] [World / Middle East] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Age

Title: Declaring the Strait of Hormuz open is easy. Restarting shipping traffic is not

Snippet: Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed a preliminary deal to end the war in Iran, but the world may suffer high petrol prices and shortages of fertiliser and other crucial cargo for months to come.

Read full article: https://www.theage.com.au/world/middle-east/declaring-the-strait-of-hormuz-open-is-easy-restarting-shipping-traffic-is-not-20260618-p6082s.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-06-18 19:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: N.K. leader's sister calls nuclear arsenal 'core interests,' denuclearization 'line of no retreat': KCNA

Snippet: SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- The powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Thursday denounced international calls for denuclearization, describing the country's nuclear weapons as its "core interests" and denuclearization as a "line of no retreat that can never be crossed," Pyongyang's state media reported.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260618010151315

[2026-06-18 19:34 UTC+10:00] [War in Ukraine] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Politico

Title: Ukrainian drones strike Moscow, setting oil refinery ablaze

Snippet: Ukrainian drones struck several targets around Moscow on Wednesday night, setting an oil refinery on fire and forcing the Russian capital’s airports to suspend flights.

Read full article: https://www.politico.eu/article/ukrainian-drones-strike-moscow-setting-oil-refinery-ablaze/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication

[2026-06-18 19:23 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: CNBC

Title: Hegseth warns NATO allies that some nations will 'fail' U.S. defense review

Snippet: Defense Secretary ​Pete Hegseth announced a Pentagon-led review of American forces in Europe on Thursday, and criticized some NATO allies over defense spending and reluctance to participate in the Iran war.

Read full article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/06/18/hegseth-nato-defense-review-fail-europe.html

[2026-06-18 19:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (URGENT) Sister of N. Korean leader calls nuclear arsenal 'core interests,' denuclearization 'line of no retreat': KCNA

Snippet: Defense chief to propose target year for wartime OPCON transfer to S. Korean, U.S. presidents at year-end

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260618010100315

[2026-06-18 19:12 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: Philippines central bank hikes rate to contain inflation

Snippet: Recent inflation in the Philippines is driven largely by high fuel prices brought on by the Iran war. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/economy/philippines-central-bank-hikes-rate-to-contain-inflation

[2026-06-18 19:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AfricaNews

Title: Detained Ugandan lawyer charged with complicity in treason

Snippet: A Ugandan opposition lawyer appeared in court Wednesday charged with complicity in treason, after the powerful army chief boasted of his abduction.

Read full article: http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/18/detained-ugandan-lawyer-charged-with-complicity-in-treason/

[2026-06-18 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: More in Taiwan favour goodwill to Beijing over defence ties with US, poll shows

Snippet: Self-reliance was most preferred when Taiwanese were asked for best approach to safeguarding island security and peace across the strait

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3357551/more-taiwan-favour-goodwill-beijing-over-defence-ties-us-poll-shows?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-06-18 19:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: More in Taiwan favour goodwill to Beijing over defence ties with US, poll shows

Snippet: Self-reliance was most preferred when Taiwanese were asked for best approach to safeguarding island security and peace across the strait

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/politics/article/3357551/more-taiwan-favour-goodwill-beijing-over-defence-ties-us-poll-shows

[2026-06-18 19:00 UTC+10:00] [US-Israel war on Iran] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: Trump’s war accomplished nothing – the Iran deal is proof | Kenneth Roth

Snippet: A leaked version of the agreement shows the US is in a weaker position than before the war

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2026/jun/18/trump-iran-war-deal

[2026-06-18 19:00 UTC+10:00] [Regulation] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ProPublica

Title: Before SpaceX IPO, Investors in China Secretly Acquired Stakes

Snippet: A businessman with ties to Chinese military contractors was among the overseas investors who acquired stakes in SpaceX while it was still a private company. An entity linked to the Qatari royal family also took a stake.

Read full article: https://www.propublica.org/article/spacex-elon-musk-ipo-foreign-investors-china

[2026-06-18 18:45 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Lawmaker calls for fixes amid overcrowding in off-post military exchanges

Snippet: A South Korean lawmaker called for improvements in military post exchanges located outside military bases, as the increase in the number of people authorized to shop there has triggered overcrowding in such installations.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10776535

[2026-06-18 18:44 UTC+10:00] [World / North America] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Age

Title: Pentagon chief lashes out at NATO allies, announces review of US forces in Europe

Snippet: Brussels: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth lashed out at NATO allies on Thursday, announcing a six-month Pentagon review of American forces in Europe that will depend on how fast they take responsibility for their own security.

Read full article: https://www.theage.com.au/world/north-america/pentagon-chief-lashes-out-at-nato-allies-announces-review-of-us-forces-in-europe-20260618-p6087m.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-06-18 18:39 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong court jails man for 14 years over ‘evil’ bomb plot

Snippet: 35-year-old admitted making explosives as part of a plot against authorities to plunge the city into ‘maximum chaos’ during 2019 unrest

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3357554/hong-kong-court-jails-man-14-years-over-evil-bomb-plot?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-06-18 18:39 UTC+10:00] [Tung Tau II Estate] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Hong Kong court jails man for 14 years over ‘evil’ bomb plot

Snippet: 35-year-old admitted making explosives as part of a plot against authorities to plunge the city into ‘maximum chaos’ during 2019 unrest

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/hong-kong/law-and-crime/article/3357554/hong-kong-court-jails-man-14-years-over-evil-bomb-plot

[2026-06-18 18:36 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AfricaNews

Title: Mass protest by ultra-Orthodox Jews in Israel over army conscription

Snippet: Israel witnessed a large demonstration on 17 June as thousands of ultra-Orthodox Jews gathered outside Prison 10 at the Beit Lid military base near Netanya. Protesters opposed mandatory military enlistment and demanded the release of men detained for refusing to serve. The rally comes as Israel faces growing military demands across several fronts, making the question of conscription increasingly significant for the government, the armed forces and the wider public.

Read full article: http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/18/mass-protest-by-ultra-orthodox-jews-in-israel-over-army-conscription/

[2026-06-18 18:28 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AfricaNews

Title: Zimbabwe court ruling on constitutional amendments sparks divided reactions

Snippet: In Zimbabwe, a court ruling dismissing a legal challenge by war veterans against proposed constitutional amendments has sparked divided reactions.

Read full article: http://www.africanews.com/2026/06/18/zimbabwe-court-ruling-on-constitutional-amendments-sparks-divided-reactions/

[2026-06-18 18:21 UTC+10:00] [United States Politics and Government] [Factuality: 95]

Source: The New York Times

Title: Taiwan’s President Says He Trusts Trump to Approve Arms Sales

Snippet: President Lai Ching-te of Taiwan voiced “high hopes” on Thursday that President Trump would approve $14 billion in arms orders for the island, downplaying concerns raised last month when Mr. Trump suggested U.S. military support for Taiwan was negotiable, unsettling longstanding American policy.

Read full article: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/18/world/asia/taiwan-trump-china-arms-weapons.html

[2026-06-18 18:15 UTC+10:00] [World news] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: Ukraine hits Moscow oil refinery in response to strikes on Ukraine – Europe live

Snippet: Ukraine hit an oil refinery near Moscow and other targets in Russia overnight in what president Volodymyr Zelenskyy called “a justified response” to recent strikes on Ukraine.

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2026/jun/18/ukraine-russia-moscow-strikes-nato-defence-ministers-hegseth-rutte-latest-news-updates

[2026-06-18 18:11 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Al Jazeera

Title: Ukraine hits Moscow refinery as Zelenskyy seeks Trump support to end war

Snippet: Ukrainian drones have hit a Moscow oil refinery for the second time ⁠this week while Russia fired missiles at Kyiv, as President Volodymyr Zelenskyy seeks support from the United States and Europe to reach a deal to end the war.

Read full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/18/ukraine-hits-moscow-refinery-as-zelenskyy-seeks-trump-support-to-end-war

[2026-06-18 18:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: No formal request made to S. Korea for participation in Iran reconstruction fund: sources

Snippet: SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- South Korea has not formally received any request from the United States or other parties regarding participation in a proposed post-war reconstruction fund for Iran, sources familiar with the matter said Thursday.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260618009500315

[2026-06-18 18:03 UTC+10:00] [Gina Rinehart] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: Gina Rinehart says Australia should give Elon Musk islands to launch satellites into space

Snippet: Billionaire also tells summit land could be given to skilled Israelis to build ‘advanced war drones’, according to Hancock Prospecting notes

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/18/gina-rinehart-elon-musk-space-satellites-australia-islands-ntwnfb

[2026-06-18 18:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Defense ministry pushes to establish housing complexes for service members

Snippet: SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- The defense ministry said Thursday it will push to establish housing complexes for service members across the nation in a bid to help improve their living conditions.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260618008700315

[2026-06-18 18:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Vice defense chief visits Army's 2nd Corps to inspect readiness ahead of summer season

Snippet: SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- Vice Defense Minister Lee Doo-hee on Thursday visited an Army unit in the northeastern city of Chuncheon to inspect its readiness posture ahead of the rainy summer season, the defense ministry said.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260618009300315

[2026-06-18 17:56 UTC+10:00] [Economic sanctions] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Politico

Title: Trump signs deal in Versailles to end war with Iran

Snippet: Iran and the United States have signed the preliminary agreement aimed at ending hostilities between the two countries, initially announced Sunday.

Read full article: https://www.politico.eu/article/iran-us-sign-preliminary-peace-agreement/?utm_source=RSS_Feed&utm_medium=RSS&utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication

[2026-06-18 17:54 UTC+10:00] [BUSINESS] [Factuality: 95]

Source: The Japan Times

Title: Europe tries to take on China without launching a new trade war

Snippet: The Group of Seven industrial nations this week pledged an ambitious target to diversify away from China, adding momentum to the European Union’s own push to counter a growing trade imbalance with the world’s biggest export engine.

Read full article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/06/18/economy/europe-china-trade-war/

[2026-06-18 17:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: World Cup 2026: Bosnia's diaspora generation unites a nation still healing from war

Snippet: After training with the Bosnian national team on a hot, humid afternoon ahead of their match against Canada, 40-year-old veteran Edin Dzeko strolled over to a metal fence lined with dozens of fans calling out for a photo or autograph.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/news/world-cup-2026-bosnia-diaspora-generation-unites-nation-still-healing-war

[2026-06-18 17:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Al Jazeera

Title: Iran war day 111: Tehran warns US as 14-point plan takes effect

Snippet: Ghalibaf says talks delivered more results than war

Read full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/6/18/iran-war-day-111-tehran-warns-us-as-14-point-plan-takes-effect

[2026-06-18 17:24 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Ukraine hits Moscow oil refinery, disrupting commercial flights in major drone attack

Snippet: Ukraine hit a Moscow oil refinery for a second time in a week and disrupted commercial flights at Moscow airports in one of its biggest drone attacks since Russia’s invasion more than four years ago, Russian officials said Thursday.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/russia-ukraine-war-moscow-refinery-attack-oil-0ee97c720e770c392067418f9cabcbba

[2026-06-18 17:14 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The National (UAE)

Title: US-Iran pact signed, Lebanon unresolved and Khamenei's funeral | The National

Snippet: In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the US and Iran formally sign an interim agreement aimed at ending the war and reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The deal includes sanctions relief, a $300 billion reconstruction fund and a commitment by Tehran not to pursue nuclear weapons, while negotiations on a broader settlement continue.

Read full article: https://www.thenationalnews.com/podcasts/trending-middle-east/2026/06/18/us-iran-pact-signed-lebanon-unresolved-and-khameneis-funeral/

[2026-06-18 17:04 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: Nikkei closes above 70,000 and KOSPI eclipses 9,000 for first time

Snippet: Stock markets in Japan and South Korea closed at record highs on June 18, buoyed by the signing of a deal to end the war in Iran and AI-fueled optimism. (Nikkei montage)

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/markets/nikkei-closes-above-70-000-and-kospi-eclipses-9-000-for-first-time

[2026-06-18 17:03 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Title: US Air Force awards production contracts to Anduril for drone wingmen

Snippet: The US Air Force on Wednesday awarded production contracts to General Atomics and Anduril Industries to build its first fleet of semi-autonomous Collaborative Combat Aircraft (CCA), moving a program that began just over two years ago from prototype to full-scale manufacturing.

Read full article: https://www.jpost.com/defense-and-tech/article-899781

[2026-06-18 17:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: Philippines central bank hike rates to contain inflation

Snippet: Recent inflation in the Philippines is driven largely by high fuel prices brought on by the Iran war. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/economy/philippines-central-bank-hike-rates-to-contain-inflation

[2026-06-18 16:55 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Hegseth calls for Europe to take lead in revamping NATO

Snippet: United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a press statement on arrival for a meeting of NATO defense ministers at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Thursday, June 18, 2026. (AP Photo/Virginia Mayo)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/nato-trump-hegseth-forces-europe-security-3a550c72f0470de26b619d22b17935b6

[2026-06-18 16:55 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Trump signals renewed interest in North Korea, but Tehran playbook may not apply: experts

Snippet: Since 2017, I have covered South Korea’s political and economic landscape as a reporter, with a focus on foreign affairs, inter-Korean relations and security.As a foreign affairs reporter, I closely follow developments from the Ministry of Unification, the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry, tracking shifts in diplomacy, military policy and North Korea’s evolving posture.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10776066

[2026-06-18 16:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Zero Hedge

Title: Poland Moves To Tax Fuel Windfalls Earned During Iran War

Snippet: Authored by Michael Kern via OilPrice.com,

Read full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/energy/poland-moves-tax-fuel-windfalls-earned-during-iran-war

[2026-06-18 16:45 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Moscow Times

Title: Ukraine Sets Major Oil Refinery Ablaze in Largest-Ever Drone Attack on Moscow

Snippet: Black smoke blanketed the skies of southern Moscow on Thursday morning after Ukrainian drones struck and set fire to a major oil refinery, in what was the largest-ever attack on the Russian capital since the start of the war.

Read full article: https://www.themoscowtimes.com/2026/06/18/ukraine-sets-major-oil-refinery-ablaze-in-largest-ever-drone-attack-on-moscow-a93043

[2026-06-18 16:33 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (URGENT) Seoul stocks end at new peak of above 9,000 on chip rally

Snippet: Defense chief to propose target year for wartime OPCON transfer to S. Korean, U.S. presidents at year-end

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260618007300320

[2026-06-18 16:24 UTC+10:00] [World Cup 2026] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: Mexico military brings down ‘unfortunate’ drone near South Korea World Cup training camp

Snippet: Unclear if drone was spying on training session or if arrests made

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jun/18/mexico-south-korea-drone-training-world-cup-2026

[2026-06-18 16:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: Invitation to Ben Roberts-Smith was 'standard practice', war memorial director says

Snippet: Topic:Unrest, Conflict and War

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-06-18/invite-ben-roberts-smith-standard-practice-war-memorial-director/106812236

[2026-06-18 16:05 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: New York Post

Title: Taiwan needs US weapons for self-defense as threat from China grows, diplomat says

Snippet: See more of our coverage in your search results.

Read full article: https://nypost.com/2026/06/18/world-news/taiwan-needs-us-weapons-for-self-defense-as-threat-from-china-grows-diplomat-tells-ap/

[2026-06-18 16:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China urged to strengthen navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Snippet: Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3357511/china-urged-strengthen-navy-escorts-and-find-other-routes-secure-energy-supply?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-06-18 16:00 UTC+10:00] [Pakistan] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: China urged to strengthen navy escorts and find other routes to secure energy supply

Snippet: Closure of Strait of Hormuz has exposed fragility of maritime chokepoints and more should be done to protect shipments, analysts say

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3357511/china-urged-strengthen-navy-escorts-and-find-other-routes-secure-energy-supply

[2026-06-18 15:54 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Korean War volunteer veterans from Japan to be honored in Busan ceremony

Snippet: SEOUL, June 18 (Yonhap) -- A veterans group representing past ethnic Korean students from Japan who volunteered to fight in the 1950-53 Korean War will hold an event to commemorate the sacrifices of those who failed to return home following the three-year conflict, officials said Thursday.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260618007100315

[2026-06-18 15:52 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Lee returns from Europe with Trump rapport, trade and defense deals in focus

Snippet: Staff reporter at The Korea Herald’s National Desk, based in Seoul. Covers South Korea’s national security and foreign policy, with a focus on the Defense, Foreign and Unification Ministries, as well as the National Assembly.Before entering journalism, served as an Air Force officer. Experience includes providing translation and interpretation, as well as strategic input for planning efforts, at the ROK-US Combined Forces Command.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10775859

[2026-06-18 15:52 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Military moves to harden key facilities against drone swarms

Snippet: Staff reporter at The Korea Herald’s National Desk, based in Seoul. Covers South Korea’s national security and foreign policy, with a focus on the Defense, Foreign and Unification Ministries, as well as the National Assembly.Before entering journalism, served as an Air Force officer. Experience includes providing translation and interpretation, as well as strategic input for planning efforts, at the ROK-US Combined Forces Command.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10775858

[2026-06-18 15:31 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Drones hit Moscow oil refinery as Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes

Snippet: Moscow fends off drone attack, Kyiv targeted in second air strike this week, as Zelensky seeks Trump’s support for a peace deal

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3357515/drones-hit-moscow-oil-refinery-russia-and-ukraine-exchange-strikes?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-06-18 15:31 UTC+10:00] [Enerhodar] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Drones hit Moscow oil refinery as Russia and Ukraine exchange strikes

Snippet: Moscow fends off drone attack, Kyiv targeted in second air strike this week, as Zelensky seeks Trump’s support for a peace deal

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/world/europe/article/3357515/drones-hit-moscow-oil-refinery-russia-and-ukraine-exchange-strikes

[2026-06-18 15:30 UTC+10:00] [Sport / Soccer] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Age

Title: How the US v Socceroos clash could trigger an actual earthquake

Snippet: San Francisco: The Socceroos arrive at Seattle’s Lumen Field for their crunch Group D clash against a US national team which is unbeaten at the venue – thanks in large part to a not-so-secret weapon.

Read full article: https://www.theage.com.au/sport/soccer/how-the-us-v-socceroos-clash-could-trigger-an-actual-earthquake-20260618-p607xl.html?ref=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-06-18 15:26 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Nikkei Asia

Title: India's regional aviation ambitions stall on Iran war disruption

Snippet: IndiGo is scheduled to fly 56,652 domestic flights in June, a 5% drop from March, according to aviation analytics company Cirium. (Photo by Ken Kobayashi)

Read full article: https://asia.nikkei.com/business/transportation/india-s-regional-aviation-ambitions-stall-on-iran-war-disruption