[2026-08-18 14:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: US Democrats set to push for resolutions to stomp out Trump's war powers

Snippet: Axios reported that Congressional Democrats are planning to push for new resolutions in order to restrict US President Donald Trump's war powers, after he threatened to "bomb the shit" out of Oman.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/us-democrats-set-push-resolutions-stomp-out-trumps-war-powers

[2026-08-18 14:49 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: CNBC

Title: South Korea must brace for ‘worst-case scenario,’ President Lee says, as Trump cuts military drills

Snippet: South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said Tuesday that maintaining peace was "most important" for the country, but it needs to prepare for the "worst case scenario." His comments come after U.S. President Donald Trump ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to "substantially reduce" joint drills with Seoul so as to not "send a signal that is totally inappropriate and hostile" to North Korea.In a Truth Social post Sunday stateside, Trump cited his "very good" relationship with North Korean leader Kim

Read full article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/18/trump-south-korea-military-exercises-iran-north-korea.html

[2026-08-18 14:22 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: Israeli forces carry out artillery shelling, strikes in south Lebanon

Snippet: The Israeli military targeted the outskirts of Majdal Zoun with artillery shelling early on Tuesday, Lebanese state media.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/israeli-forces-carry-out-artillery-shelling-strikes-south-lebanon

[2026-08-18 14:12 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: Four strikes hit military airport in Syria’s Idlib: Report

Snippet: Four air strikes have hit the Abu al-Zuhour military airport in the eastern countryside of Idlib, northern Syria, Al Jazeera reported.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/four-strikes-hit-military-airport-syrias-idlib-report

[2026-08-18 14:09 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Global demining work is strained by rising conflicts and shrinking aid

Snippet: Sun Theary, a member of an explosive ordnance disposal team, picks-up a 60mm mortar round in Siem Reap, Cambodia on Thursday, July 2, 2026. (AP Photo/Anton L. Delgado)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/asia-war-mines-funding-iran-ukraine-17aef27ad6383313ef788fa2362f7c55

[2026-08-18 14:04 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The National (UAE)

Title: Iran war latest: Kushner says Iran ‘not showing any interest’ in a deal | The National

Snippet: CloseGet news alerts fromYou can manage notifications at any time by clicking the notifications icon.SubscribeMaybe later

Read full article: https://www.thenationalnews.com/news/mena/2026/08/18/live-kushner-us-iran-deal/

[2026-08-18 14:01 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: CNBC

Title: Ship attacked in Hormuz Strait as U.S.-Iran ceasefire expiry risks prolonged conflict

Snippet: A cargo vessel was struck by a projectile while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the U.K. Maritime Trade Operations agency said Tuesday, signaling persisting navigation risks in the waterway as Washington and Tehran harden their positions.

Read full article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/18/us-iran-war-trump-hormuz-trump-ceasefire-expires-extension-.html

[2026-08-18 13:36 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: ABC News

Title: A driveway shooting that could spark trouble in Melbourne's 'big war'

Snippet: Fadi Haddara (centre), pictured in 2020, remains in hospital after he was shot multiple times during an attempt on his life. (AAP)

Read full article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-18/fadi-haddara-shooting-tobacco-underworld-violence/107046822

[2026-08-18 13:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Title: Smotrich calls on Netanyahu to conquer Gaza, establish military government and settlements

Snippet: Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to order the IDF's complete takeover of the Gaza Strip and permit settlements in the area, speaking to students at the Sderot Yeshiva on Sunday.

Read full article: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-905837

[2026-08-18 13:20 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: Yemen’s armed forces say 133 operations carried out against Houthis

Snippet: Yemen’s armed forces announced that they carried out 133 military operations against Houthis over the past day.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/yemens-armed-forces-say-133-operations-carried-out-against-houthis

[2026-08-18 13:19 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Asian shares dip as oil prices rise and inflation worries persist

Snippet: People look at an electronic stock chart board showing Japan’s Nikkei index at a securities firm Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/stock-markets-oil-war-iran-trump-a805333e767251279e68e0686b28a8c9

[2026-08-18 12:51 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (2nd LD) Lee reaffirms push to retake wartime operational control of troops during his term

Snippet: (ATTN: UPDATES with additional remarks in last 2 paras; ADDS photo)

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818003952315

[2026-08-18 12:38 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: Iranian official warns shipping companies against backing US

Snippet: An Iranian military official has warned that shipping companies involved in "meeting US military needs" against the country will face consequences, Nournews reported.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/iranian-official-warns-shipping-companies-against-backing-us

[2026-08-18 12:36 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Seoul shares trim earlier gains late Tue. morning as investors lock in gains

Snippet: SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- Seoul shares trimmed earlier gains late Tuesday morning on profit-taking amid fading hopes for a deal to end the war between the United States and Iran.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818005000320

[2026-08-18 12:29 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 90]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Lee reaffirms push to retake wartime operational control of troops during his term

Snippet: President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to regaining wartime operational control of troops from the United States before his term ends, stressing the importance of self-reliant defense capabilities.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10843899

[2026-08-18 12:23 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (LEAD) Lee reaffirms push to retake wartime operational control of troops during his term

Snippet: (ATTN: UPDATES with additional details in last 5 paras; RECASTS 2nd para)

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818003951315

[2026-08-18 12:21 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Trump blames vandals for damaged grass at National Mall

Snippet: WASHINGTON (AP) -- US President Donald Trump says vandals are to blame for large swaths of dead grass on the National Mall near the World War II Memorial -- in the spot where he had a stage built and hosted crowds for his July 4 celebration.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10843857

[2026-08-18 12:15 UTC+10:00] [BUSINESS] [Factuality: 95]

Source: The Japan Times

Title: German drone maker Helsing enlists Rakuten to broker Japan military deal

Snippet: German drone maker Helsing has enlisted Japanese e-commerce and finance firm Rakuten to help finalize a deal to sell its unmanned systems to Japan’s army, a spokesperson for Rakuten said on Monday.

Read full article: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2026/08/18/companies/rakuten-germany-drones/

[2026-08-18 12:10 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Zero Hedge

Title: US Navy Destroyer Suffered 4-Day Power Outage In Sweltering South China Sea

Snippet: Large US naval battleships continue to suffer problems at sea. While there have been many headlines of late detailing the problems of the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier connected to its extended deployment amid the Iran war, a separate warship is having serious problems in Pacific waters, quite apart from the crisis in the Persian Gulf.

Read full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/military/us-navy-destroyer-suffered-4-day-power-outage-sweltering-south-china-sea

[2026-08-18 12:07 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 92]

Source: The Manila Times

Title: House prosecutors mull calling former Duterte security officers to testify on confidential funds

Snippet: MANILA, Philippines — The prosecution panel of the House of Representatives is considering calling two military officers who were identified as recipients of the confidential funds from the Office of the Vice President and Department of Education.

Read full article: https://www.manilatimes.net/2026/08/18/news/house-prosecutors-mull-calling-former-duterte-security-officers-to-testify-on-confidential-funds/2407230

[2026-08-18 11:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Lee reaffirms push to retake wartime operational control of troops during his term

Snippet: SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- President Lee Jae Myung on Tuesday reaffirmed his commitment to regaining wartime operational control (OPCON) of troops from the United States before his term ends, stressing the importance of self-reliant defense capabilities.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818003900315

[2026-08-18 11:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Trump’s decision to scale back South Korea drills unsettles Asian allies: ‘makes no sense’

Snippet: The decision threatens to undermine the South Koreans and Japanese, unnerve Nato and embolden the Chinese and North Koreans, one expert says

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3364352/trumps-decision-scale-back-south-korea-drills-unsettles-asian-allies-makes-no-sense?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-08-18 11:32 UTC+10:00] [Asia Society Policy Institute] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Trump’s decision to scale back South Korea drills unsettles Asian allies: ‘makes no sense’

Snippet: The decision threatens to undermine the South Koreans and Japanese, unnerve Nato and embolden the Chinese and North Koreans, one expert says

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/asia/east-asia/article/3364352/trumps-decision-scale-back-south-korea-drills-unsettles-asian-allies-makes-no-sense

[2026-08-18 11:19 UTC+10:00] [News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Michael West Media

Title: Oil prices climb as US-Iran ceasefire expires

Snippet: August 18, 2026 11:19 | News

Read full article: https://michaelwest.com.au/oil-prices-climb-as-us-iran-ceasefire-expires/

[2026-08-18 11:17 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (URGENT) Lee calls for strong alliance with U.S., speedy implementation of nuclear-powered submarine project

Snippet: (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818002800315

[2026-08-18 11:16 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: BBC News

Title: Russia warns UK over supplying drones to Ukraine

Snippet: Smoke rises above a Wildberries facility following a reported Ukrainian drone strike at the Koledino Industrial Park near Podolsk in Russia on Sunday

Read full article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cy5dz0kkn0wo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

[2026-08-18 11:14 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Middle East Eye

Title: Report: Kushner opposes Netanyahu's plans for ongoing targeted killings in Gaza

Snippet: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US President Donald Trump’s envoy Jared Kushner that the army will continue targeted killings in the Gaza Strip, according to Israeli channel Channel 15.

Read full article: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/report-kushner-opposes-netanyahus-plans-ongoing-targeted-killings-gaza

[2026-08-18 11:14 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (URGENT) Lee calls for push to retake wartime operational control of troops during his term, as planned

Snippet: (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818002700315

[2026-08-18 11:13 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: CNBC

Title: CNBC Daily Open: Markets caught between Mideast worries and AI optimism

Snippet: Hello, this is Hui Jie writing to you from Singapore. Welcome to another edition of CNBC's Daily Open.

Read full article: https://www.cnbc.com/2026/08/18/cnbc-daily-open-trump-iran-war-nvidia-oil-markets.html

[2026-08-18 10:58 UTC+10:00] [Ukraine] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Guardian Australia

Title: Ukraine war briefing: Russian campaign to ‘weaponise winter’ under way

Snippet: Ukrainian energy companies Naftogaz and DTEK report string of attacks; pictures show success of strike on Russian rocket fuel maker. What we know on day 1,637

Read full article: https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/aug/18/ukraine-war-briefing-russian-campaign-to-weaponise-winter-under-way

[2026-08-18 10:46 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Container shipping costs to Middle East continue rising in July amid conflict

Snippet: Container shipping costs from South Korea to the Middle East continued rising in July, the customs agency said Tuesday, amid protracted geopolitical tensions in the region.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10843593

[2026-08-18 10:41 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Container shipping costs to Middle East continue rising in July amid conflict

Snippet: SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- Container shipping costs from South Korea to the Middle East continued rising in July, the customs agency said Tuesday, amid protracted geopolitical tensions in the region.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818002200320

[2026-08-18 10:30 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Seoul shares open higher on tech gains amid Middle East concerns

Snippet: Seoul shares opened higher Tuesday, led by gains by major chipmakers, despite overnight losses on Wall Street, as hopes for a deal to end the war with Iran fade.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10843538

[2026-08-18 10:18 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: AP News

Title: Trump's slight of South Korea raises broader US security concerns

Snippet: President Donald Trump said Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un treats him with “great respect,” a day after ordering the Pentagon to scale back annual joint military exercises with South Korea, which he criticized for not joining the U.S. war in Iran.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/trump-south-korea-military-exercises-american-interests-c602b29c49f56f2acdcca96bb6df08f3

[2026-08-18 10:09 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Pentagon says it is 'actively working on executing' Trump's directive on S. Korea-US military drills

Snippet: A Pentagon official said Monday that the US Defense Department is "actively" working on executing US President Donald Trump's directive on South Korea-US military exercises, a day after Trump said he has ordered the Pentagon to "substantially" reduce the allies' drills.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10843478

[2026-08-18 10:05 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Seoul shares open higher on tech gains amid Middle East concerns

Snippet: SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- Seoul shares opened higher Tuesday, led by gains by major chipmakers, despite overnight losses on Wall Street, as hopes for a deal to end the war with Iran fade.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818001600320

[2026-08-18 10:05 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: Zero Hedge

Title: Iran War Pushes Middle Eastern Airlines Towards $4.3BN Loss In 2026

Snippet: As the US and Israel launched air strikes on Iran on February 28 2026, Iran struck back near US military installations in the Gulf, including in Qatar and the UAE. Several international airports were hit by Iranian strikes, including Dubai, the world's busiest for international passengers, as well as Abu Dhabi, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Read full article: https://www.zerohedge.com/markets/iran-war-pushes-middle-eastern-airlines-towards-43bn-loss-2026

[2026-08-18 10:02 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: (URGENT) Seoul shares open higher on tech gains amid Middle East concerns

Snippet: (2nd LD) Lee proposes dialogue with N. Korea to officially end Korean War, halt Pyongyang's nuclear program

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818001500320

[2026-08-18 09:46 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: Russian FM lauds N. Korea's troop deployment, pledges closer ties in Liberation Day letter

Snippet: SEOUL, Aug. 18 (Yonhap) -- Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has lauded North Korea's military support for Russia's war against Ukraine and vowed to further deepen bilateral ties, Pyongyang's state media said Tuesday.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818001400315

[2026-08-18 09:42 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: BBC News

Title: BBC breaks down Trump's latest shift on North and South Korea

Snippet: President Donald Trump has said that the US will "substantially reduce" joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his "very good relationship" with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.

Read full article: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/videos/cy45zjw424xo?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss

[2026-08-18 09:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: Al Jazeera

Title: ‘We will not allow Gaza to be rebuilt’ until Hamas disarms, Kushner says

Snippet: United States envoy Jared Kushner has stressed that the administration of President Donald Trump will not allow reconstruction in the devastated Gaza Strip until Hamas gives up its weapons.

Read full article: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/8/17/we-will-not-allow-gaza-to-be-rebuilt-until-hamas-disarms-kushner-says

[2026-08-18 09:22 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: Trump says North Korea's Kim has responded to his overtures

Snippet: A day after he ordered the United States to scale back military exercises with South Korea and called North Korea "unthreatening and respectful,"US President Donald Trump said on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong-un had responded to his outreach.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10843408

[2026-08-18 09:14 UTC+10:00] [All News] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Korea Herald

Title: US remains open to dialogue with N. Korea 'without preconditions': Washington

Snippet: The Department of State reiterated Monday that the United States remains open to talks with North Korea "without preconditions," a day after President Donald Trump said he has ordered the Pentagon to reduce South Korea-US military exercises in what appears to be a conciliatory gesture toward Pyongyang.

Read full article: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10843385

[2026-08-18 08:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Title: Trump approval drops as majority of Americans fear prolonged Iran conflict - poll

Snippet: US President Donald Trump's approval rating fell to the lowest level of his presidency with an overwhelming majority of Americans concerned the US war with Iran will last a long time, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll that concluded on Monday.

Read full article: https://www.jpost.com/american-politics/article-905825

[2026-08-18 08:50 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: The Jerusalem Post

Title: WATCH: IDF arrests two terrorists, raids 100 sites in Duvdevan West Bank counterterror operation

Snippet: IDF soldiers detained two terrorists and raided more than 100 houses near Jenin in the West Bank during a Monday operation, the military said.

Read full article: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-905821

[2026-08-18 08:00 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Claims Hegseth ‘on verge of losing job’ raise questions about future US-China defence ties

Snippet: Donald Trump is losing patience with the Pentagon chief because of the stalled Iran war, according to several sources

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3364313/claims-hegseth-verge-losing-job-raise-questions-about-future-us-china-defence-ties?utm_source=rss_feed

[2026-08-18 08:00 UTC+10:00] [US] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South China Morning Post

Title: Claims Hegseth ‘on verge of losing job’ raise questions about future US-China defence ties

Snippet: Donald Trump is losing patience with the Pentagon chief because of the stalled Iran war, according to several sources

Read full article: https://www.scmp.com/news/china/diplomacy/article/3364313/claims-hegseth-verge-losing-job-raise-questions-about-future-us-china-defence-ties

[2026-08-18 07:34 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 90]

Source: AP News

Title: Nevada ranchers fight the Navy over grazing land

Snippet: Nevada cattle ranchers are taking on the highest reaches of the federal government over their rights to graze cows on public lands. They’re fighting this battle not with guns, but with the help of Nevada leaders across the political spectrum.

Read full article: https://apnews.com/article/nevada-cattle-ranchers-grazing-land-navy-expansion-0af4b0c0d1aff6f2688e387bbd0c2826

[2026-08-18 07:32 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: New York Post

Title: US Navy blockade has caused Iran’s oil exports to crater — and could finally destablile regime: expert

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

Read full article: https://nypost.com/2026/08/17/world-news/us-blockade-has-caused-irans-oil-exports-to-crater-and-could-finally-destablile-regime-expert/

[2026-08-18 07:25 UTC+10:00] [General] [Factuality: 100]

Source: South Korea

Title: State Dept. reiterates U.S. remains open to dialogue with N. Korea 'without preconditions'

Snippet: WASHINGTON, Aug. 17 (Yonhap) -- The State Department reiterated Monday that the United States remains open to talks with North Korea "without preconditions," a day after President Donald Trump said he has ordered the Pentagon to reduce South Korea-U.S. military exercises in what appears to be a conciliatory gesture toward Pyongyang.

Read full article: https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20260818000900315