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Iran struck the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia’s capital with a drone early on Tuesday as it kept hitting targets around the region, while the United States and Israel pounded Iran with airstrikes in what
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Giorgio Armani’s niece Silvana Armani took up her uncle’s mantle with quiet confidence, presenting the first signature collection without the input of the iconic founding designer to close Milan Fashion Week on Sunday. Actor Andie
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Hometown favorite Peyton Stearns battled past Taylor Townsend 7-6 (10/8), 7-5 on Sunday to capture her second WTA title in the Austin Open in Austin, Texas.Fourth-seeded Stearns, who played two years of collegiate tennis for
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Passengers wait amid flights disruptions as a result of the Israeli-US strikes on Iran, at Ngurah Rai International Airport , Bali, on Monday. (AFP) Passengers stranded on the Indonesian resort island of Bali clamoured for flight news Tuesday as the outbreak of war in the Middle East grounded planes and turned a tropical holiday dream into an ordeal for many.Hundreds were crowded at Ngurah Rai International Airport, many dressed in shorts, flip-flops and summer dresses, their expressions dour.Many sat on the floor, exhausted, and one man repeatedly hit a wall in frustration."I just kind of want to see my family.... right now it's a bit stressful," British tourist Adam Woo, transiting through Bali after holidaying on the neighbouring island of Lombok, told AFP.The 23-year-old student said he saw the missiles start flying on the news "and I was a bit worried about my flight" — especially after Dubai International Airport was hit in Iran's response to a US-Israeli attack."Obviously, everyone around the world at the moment is kind of stuck," said Woo."All the travel agencies are swamped with people calling in. So, it's literally impossible to even get on the phone with someone."He said he was looking for an alternative flight via China.Around Woo, many at the airport were lugging around heavy luggage with slumped shoulders, frustration etched on many a face.Many queued on foot and on chairs outside information centres hoping for news on replacement flights, receiving occasional briefings with little news.The airport's immigration office said in a statement at least 4,400 people had flights to Doha, Dubai and Abu Dhabi cancelled between Saturday and Monday.With would-be passengers at risk of overstaying their visas, the Bali immigration office introduced a same-day emergency stay permit free of charge for affected foreigners.Thirty-five have applied so far, according to immigration head Felucia Sengky Ratna.Airports company Angkasa Pura said 15 flights from Bali to Doha and Abu Dhabi, and vice versa, have been cancelled between Saturday and Monday.National carrier Garuda Indonesia has grounded all flights to Doha until further notice. Related Story
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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos met South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Manila Tuesday, where they discussed ways to deepen economic and security ties.Lee was in Manila on a state visit.Marcos said both sides 'recognise growing uncertainty in geopolitical developments,' and agreed on the need to uphold a rules-based international order, including in the maritime domain.The Philippines and South Korea agreed to expand cooperation in shipbuilding, nuclear energy and artificial intelligence.Lee said the two countries will also cooperate in infrastructure and defence industries.Lee added that South Korea and the Philippines plan to work together on critical minerals and supply chains.The two leaders also discussed the situation in the Middle East during their talks.South Korean companies will help the modernisation of the Philippine military, Lee saidThe countries signed MoUs in various sectors, including digital technology, procurement of specific defence equipment, agriculture, intellectual property, foreign language education, culture, and police investigations.
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South Africa have hardly put a foot wrong in their march to the Twenty20 World Cup semi-finals, but complacency can have no place against a New Zealand side famed for punching above their weight when the teams meet at Eden Gardens Wednesday. The Proteas are the tournament’s only unbeaten side and look a far more rounded T20 unit than the one that fell at the last hurdle in 2024. They beat New Zealand in the group stage and have earned the favourites’ tag that rested with defending champions India before the start of the tournament. India face England in the other semi-final on Thursday. “I’m glad that we’re favourites, because I’ve always felt that as a South African team you want to be able to play as a favourite,” head coach Shukri Conrad said, suggesting they were enjoying the spotlight. Since surviving a double Super Over against Afghanistan, Aiden Markram’s side have not taken their foot off the pedal. In Quinton de Kock, Markram and Ryan Rickelton, they field a top order capable of banking a powerplay head-start, with an explosive middle order offering little respite when the openers do not fire. South Africa complement it with a varied bowling attack. Kagiso Rabada’s hard, Test-match lengths and Marco Jansen’s left-arm bounce have cramped batters, while Lungi Ngidi’s change-ups have been a revelation across phases. Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj provides control if conditions grip, with Markram holding himself back for match-ups. South Africa have looked ominous so far but the knockout stage brings its own challenge. Besides, New Zealand can be a tricky opponent. New Zealand opener Finn Allen’s ultra aggression is often the powerplay disruptor alongside a rotating partner - Devon Conway or Tim Seifert. All-rounder Rachin Ravindra’s ability to change gears sets a platform for Glenn Phillips and Daryl Mitchell to attack the back end. Their pace attack does not have a settled look though. The Black Caps are likely to miss the services of fast bowler Matt Henry, who is back home on paternity leave. Jacob Duffy or Kyle Jamieson could replace him. Their spin unit looks well covered however. Captain Mitchell Santner’s stump-to-stump trajectory is a key match-up against de Kock and Markram, and Ish Sodhi’s leg-spin could trouble South Africa’s right-hand middle. “We faced them in Ahmedabad, which I think is a venue that they’ve grown pretty used to given that they’ve spent a fair bit of time there,” New Zealand’s head coach Rob Walter said. “The semi-finals will be in a different venue. It will provide a different challenge.” Related Story
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FILE PHOTO: Paris 2024 Olympics - Badminton - Women's Singles Group play stage - Porte de La Chapelle Arena, Paris, France - July 28, 2024. V. Sindhu Pusarla of India gestures as she leaves the
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta (right) with midfielders Eberechi Eze and Martín Zubimendi during a training session. Mikel Arteta has hit back at critics of Arsenal's dependence on set-pieces, saying he is disappointed the Premier League leaders do not score even more goals from dead-ball situations.Arteta's side have established a five-point lead at the top of the league thanks in large part to their success from set-pieces. They equalled the Premier League single-season record for goals from corners with two in Sunday's 2-1 win over Chelsea to reach 16 for the campaign.But Arsenal's excellence since Nicolas Jover took over as set-piece coach has sparked criticism of their reliance on the tactic. The debate on whether set-pieces are ruining football as a spectacle is raging, with Liverpool boss Arne Slot revealing he no longer enjoys watching some Premier League matches.Former Chelsea striker Chris Sutton, a Premier League title winner with Blackburn, said Arsenal will be the "ugliest" Premier League champions if they go on to clinch the title.Arteta is unrepentant, insisting his only concern about the use of set-pieces is making sure Arsenal are even more efficient with them. "I'm upset that we don't score more, and that we concede as well," he told reporters, on the eve of a trip to Brighton. "We want to be the best and the most dominant team in every aspect of the game, and that's the trajectory and the aim of this team, and as a club, we want to be the same. So we try to do that."Asked if he was surprised at the criticism aimed at his side, Arteta replied: "Part of the job."City manager Pep Guardiola believes teams should focus on adapting to the set-piece strategy rather than complaining about the issue. Arteta, who worked under Guardiola at City before joining Arsenal, agrees with his fellow Spaniard's assessment."Now teams are adapting. Chelsea, look at the quality that they have, the amount of set-pieces they score. Manchester United as well. I was at Man City, I used to work a lot on them," he said.Undeterred by the claims that Arsenal will be "ugly" champions, Arteta said: "I don't know how you celebrate one goal different to another one. Maybe for YouTube it's nicer one or another. I don't know."I would like to play with three players extra in my own half to get some beautiful football. This is not the reality of football. If you want to watch that football, you have to go to a different country because in the Premier League, for the last two seasons or three seasons, this is not the case." Related Story
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With a diverse population from around 180 nationalities living in peace and harmony together, Qatar has always maintained an excellent and well-deserved reputation as safe, secure, stable, and a global peace maker, actively engaged in de-escalating tensions and restoring reconciliation. The country has won such a reputation through constant and diligent work to maintain regional and international stability out of a steadfast belief that people should resolve their differences through talks and negotiations, and avoid conflicts and clashes, as peace and stability build a better life for people who should work together for the good of humanity. Accordingly, the recent missile and drone attacks by Iran are considered a flagrant and completely unjustifiable assault on a peace-making nations that hosts people from around the world and help them build their dreams, opening for them and their families in their own home countries, excellent work opportunities that help improve their lives. The estimates for personal remittance of the expatriates living in Qatar received by other world countries from Qatar amounted to over $1.44bn in 2024, and the figures keep constantly increasing as it keeps expanding its excellent and robust economy. The attack on Qatar, even though the country is well-prepared and highly-equipped to fend it off with the minimum losses, has caused concern to many people around the world, who have their support and source of income living in Qatar. According to some strategic and political experts and analysts, such attacks on Qatar and other countries in the region would only weaken the Iranian regime and deplete its military capabilities, as these are considered reckless and would only worsen the already collapsing Iranian military for no use. Qatar has stressed that there is no way out but immediate return to dialogue and diplomatic issues to resolve the pending issues. Qatar has always called for de-escalating tensions in the region and has worked to facilitate talks between Iran and the West, maintaining a neutral stance while exerting intensive efforts to promote peace, stability, and keep talks and negotiations going. Qatar has mediated between the USA and Iran over the past years, with proven positive outcomes, including prisoner swap deals and the release of frozen Iranian assets in 2023. Over the past years, Qatar has established its global position as a trusted and active mediator to end wars and conflicts, facilitate the exchange of prisoners of war and freeing hostages, and bridge the gap between adversaries, while hosting peace talks of conflicting parties in Doha and being a generous donor for humanitarian relief efforts and development funds in the areas torn by conflicts and disasters. Among the few recent examples of peacemaking efforts of the country: Gaza ceasefire and humanitarian agreements, Chad Peace Agreement in 2022, Libya tribal conflicts reconciliation agreement in 2015, Darfur peace process in 2011, the ongoing efforts to resolve the M23 crisis between Rwanda and Congo, the ongoing humanitarian efforts to reunite Ukrainian and Russian children separated by war with their families with many recorded successes, key role in helping resolve Kenya-Somalia dispute and restoration of diplomatic relations between them in 2021. The peacemaking efforts of Qatar’s diplomacy have extended from the Middle East to Africa, Europe, Latin America, and other regions around the world. Besides, Qatar’s economic power is key to the world and regional stability as the country is considered the world’s largest exporter of LNG, securing a steady supply of energy to many major world economies, with world’s largest LNG shipping fleet that include more than 70 vessels and more are being added at steady rate to enhance global delivery systems. Further, Qatar is considered the second-largest fertiliser exporter internationally and is well-positioned to be the largest urea exporter globally by 2030.
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From being just a fringe risk, conflict in the Middle East has become a top worry for investors unsettled by the prospect of a power struggle in Iran and a protracted regional war, with ramifications for everything from global trade to inflation. US-Israel strikes killed Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, sowing chaos as Iran struck back at Gulf cities, airlines halted flights and tankers carrying oil and other products suspended transit through the key Strait of Hormuz. The first risk for markets is the uncertainty over what happens next in Iran, given the complexities of the Islamic Republic’s ruling system, the ideological nature of its support base, and the power of its Revolutionary Guards. That then complicates the outlook for oil prices which have been rising for weeks, but are now hostage to what oil-producing countries do and how passage of tankers through the Middle East is affected, with big implications for inflation worldwide and even the safety of bonds hitherto deemed havens. “Middle East tail risks have increased. Markets will reprice from geopolitical shock to regime risk shock, prolonged conflict, not just retaliation, unless Iran says it wants to negotiate,” said Rong Ren Goh, a portfolio manager in the fixed income team at Eastspring Investments in Singapore. A bigger risk, analysts said, is complacency in markets that have assumed the fallout would be limited, like it was during last June’s “12-Day War” in Iran or during Russia’s numerous attacks on Ukraine, and dismissive of any comparisons to Iran’s 1979 regime change. Brent crude jumped around 8% on Monday for a gain of nearly 30% so far this year, and investors have already purchased US Treasuries and gold as hedges for a variety of risks, including Middle East tensions and President Donald Trump’s erratic policies. Gold had a record run last year and is up 24% so far in 2026. The main US stock index is up just 0.5%. “History argues strongly in favour of selling geopolitical risk premium when hostilities start,” Barclays analysts said in a note on Saturday. “What worries us is that investors have now learned this pattern and might be underpricing a scenario where containment fails.” Barclays analysts point to other factors that could exacerbate a selloff should the conflict escalate, such as existing concerns around the artificial intelligence boom and private credit markets. “We would recommend not buying any immediate dip — risk-reward doesn’t seem compelling. If equities pull back enough, say over 10% in the S&P 500, there is likely to come a time to buy. But not yet,” they wrote. Early on Monday, as oil gained, safe assets rose — with the dollar broadly higher, gold up about 1.6% and a bid for Treasuries. Benchmark Brent crude futures were up about 8.5% at $79.05 a barrel and S&P 500 futures fell 1%. “The markets are prepared for a limited surgical strike. What is not priced in is a major strike to decapitate the regime,” said Charles Myers, chairman and founder of Signum Global Advisors, a geopolitical investment consulting firm. He was speaking before the weekend US-Israel strikes. William Jackson, chief emerging markets economist at Capital Economics, expects a prolonged conflict affecting supply could cause oil prices to jump to around $100, potentially adding 0.6-0.7 percentage points to global inflation. “In my view, the market has already been overestimating inflationary forces, so I don’t think this will change much. There will be more impact on Europe than US given the closer proximity of Hormuz oil and gas post-Russia,” said Tariq Dennison, a wealth adviser at Zurich-based GFM Asset Management. “Maybe a slight short term uptick on gold, but gold has already priced in maximum geopolitical uncertainty.” Eastspring’s Goh pointed to the steady drop in US yields, which has brought 10-year yields to below 4%. “I’m not sure if buying US Treasuries here is a good trade, especially if oil prices spike and induce inflation, if this thing drags,” he said. On the other hand, some analysts expect Iran will not be able to disrupt trade in the Gulf region and the impact on oil prices will be contained.
