WASHINGTON, United States — Financial markets rallied this week after US officials and President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested that an agreement with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz could be imminent, even though no deal materialised and Tehran continued to deny that it was negotiating directly with Washington.
Royce White Says He Plans to Enter 2027 WNBA Draft
MINNEAPOLIS, United States — Former NBA player Royce White says he plans to declare for the 2027 WNBA Draft after announcing that he identifies as transgender, adding another unusual development to the ongoing debate over eligibility and transgender participation in women’s sports.
US Intelligence Warns Putin Could Test NATO Unity
WASHINGTON, United States — Recent US intelligence assessments indicate that Russian President Vladimir Putin could attempt to test NATO’s resolve by launching a limited attack against a member country within the next few years, according to three people familiar with the assessments.
Colombia’s New President Backs Oil and Gas in Energy Shift
BOGOTA, Colombia — Colombia’s newly inaugurated President Abelardo de la Espriella has pledged to revive the country’s oil and gas industry, restore state-owned energy company Ecopetrol and strengthen the electricity system, signalling a significant change in energy policy after the administration of former President Gustavo Petro.
Taiwan Calls China’s Taiwan Strait Traffic Order ‘Ridiculous’
TAIPEI, Taiwan — Taiwan has criticised China’s attempt to impose traffic-control measures on ships entering the Taiwan Strait during Typhoon Dolphin, calling the move “ridiculous” and saying Beijing has no authority to restrict access to international waters.
Typhoon Dolphin Hits Japan, China Shuts Ports Ahead of Landfall
TOKYO/BEIJING, Japan/China — Typhoon Dolphin battered Japan’s southern Okinawa prefecture on Saturday, August 8, 2026, injuring six people and disrupting power supplies to more than 50,000 buildings, while authorities in eastern China closed ports, suspended ferry services and prepared for the storm’s expected landfall.




