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First loaded Iranian oil tankers exit Gulf since US blockade: Kpler
Three Iranian oil tankers carrying a total of five million barrels of crude have become the first such loaded vessels to leave the Gulf through the Strait of Hormuz since a US blockade came into force, the tracking firm Kpler told AFP on Friday.
Lebanese civilians head home despite Israel warning on truce
Thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians took to the road on Friday, hoping a 10-day ceasefire with Israel would allow them to return to their homes in southern Beirut and the country's war-torn south.
Oil drops, stocks mixed amid US-Iran peace hopes
Stock markets diverged and oil prices fell Friday as investors awaited news of a possible extension to the Iran-US ceasefire, with a first passing of Iranian oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz in weeks bolstering hopes.
Video game voice star Troy Baker says 'only humans' can make art
Millions of gamers around the world may not know Troy Baker's face but would recognise his voice -- perhaps as the heartbroken father Joel in "The Last of Us" or an intrepid Indiana Jones in "The Great Circle".
Lebanese civilians head home as truce with Israel takes effect
Thousands of displaced Lebanese civilians took to the road on Friday, hoping that a 10-day ceasefire with Israel would allow them to return to their homes in southern Beirut and the country's war-torn south.
War with Pakistan halts school for Afghan border children
There are no children in the Afghan border village of Barikot, where the school has been smashed by shells and the playground sits deserted after weeks of war with Pakistan.
In Belgium, prime minister's wife shares anorexia struggle
Just weeks after her husband won Belgium's national elections in 2024, Veerle Hegge found herself in hospital for an eating disorder that almost claimed her life.
Stocks reverse as investors await news on US-Iran peace talks
Stock markets fell Friday as investors awaited news of an extension to the Iran-US ceasefire, while crude prices edged back down following the previous day's rally.
Netflix shares dive as co-founder Reed Hastings steps away
Netflix shares plummeted more than nine percent Thursday as the TV streaming titan's quarterly earnings failed to impress investors and co-founder Reed Hastings announced he is leaving.
IMF warns of war's human impact far from Middle East
IMF economists warned Thursday that the war in Iran could have “very, certainly severe” consequences far outside the region – especially for energy-importing countries.
Spain VP says IMF could recognize Venezuela soon, hastening reengagement
Spain's Vice President Carlos Cuerpo said Thursday that the resumption of relations between the International Monetary Fund and Venezuela should take place shortly.
Australian tycoon battles Meta over fake ads
Australian mining magnate Andrew Forrest is asking a US federal court in Silicon Valley to hold Meta accountable for scam ads using his likeness without permission.
Trump says Iran deal 'very close,' may go to Pakistan to sign
President Donald Trump said Thursday that the United States and Iran were "very close" to a peace deal and that he would consider going to Pakistan to sign an agreement.
Saudi wealth fund sells football club Al-Hilal
Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund announced Thursday the sale of its majority stake in Saudi Pro League football club Al-Hilal, where French striker Karim Benzema plays.
Pernod says Brown-Forman talks 'ongoing' after reported rival offer
French drinks giant Pernod Ricard said Thursday that talks to buy Brown-Forman, the US owner of Jack Daniel's whiskey, were continuing after reports of a rival American offer by Sazerac.
UK PM tells social media bosses to step up child online safety
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Thursday hinted at possible measures limiting children's access to social media, as he met senior tech figures and warned: "Things can't go on like this."
Luxury group Kering seeks to make flagging Gucci 'unmissable' again
French luxury group Kering promised Thursday to make its flagship Gucci brand once again "unmissable" and boost production of leather goods as it seeks to turn around its financial performance.
French billionaire Bollore sparks turmoil at top publisher Grasset
French conservative billionaire Vincent Bollore came under attack from dozens of authors on Thursday at one of his flagship publishing brands, as he continues to reshape the country's media landscape.
Repsol taking back control of Venezuelan oil assets
Spanish energy group Repsol said on Thursday it has reached an agreement with the Venezuelan government to regain control of its oil business in the country and sharply increase production over the coming years.
TotalEnergies says was able to maintain production despite war
French oil and gas giant TotalEnergies said Thursday its production in the first quarter of the year was expected to have remained stable despite the Middle East war hitting its output in the region.
UK supermarket Tesco says Mideast war hits profit outlook
Britain's biggest supermarket chain Tesco warned Thursday that its profits could be impacted by the Mideast war lifting food costs, as it posted higher earnings for its last financial year.
EasyJet says first-half loss to deepen on Mideast war
British no-frills airline EasyJet on Thursday said it expects to post a deeper first-half loss compared with one year earlier after the Middle East war sent jet fuel prices soaring.
AI demand drives chipmaker TSMC's net profit to fresh record
Taiwanese chip manufacturer TSMC said Thursday that net profit for January-March leaped to a fresh quarterly record, boosted by the race to develop artificial intelligence technology.
Chatbots at the ballot box: AI skirts Brazil election rules
"Chat, who is the best candidate?": Six months out from Brazil's presidential election, AI chatbots are still answering such questions in defiance of new electoral rules banning them from giving voting tips.
Threat of grounded planes nears as jet fuel supplies dwindle
Could planes soon be stuck on the ground due to a lack of fuel? The risk of jet fuel shortages is growing each day the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, although it isn't certain when exactly supplies will run out.
Val Kilmer returns via AI as filmmakers test Hollywood's red line
The first images of late American film star Val Kilmer returning to the big screen courtesy of artificial intelligence were unveiled Wednesday in Las Vegas, in what will likely stir debate over the technology's role in Hollywood.
China's economy beats forecasts, but war darkens outlook
China's economy expanded more than expected in the first three months of the year, with official data Thursday indicating resilience in the face of a Middle East crisis that threatens to hit global growth.
Tokyo record leads Asia stocks higher as Iran peace hopes grow
Japanese stocks hit a record high as Asian equities extended the week's rally Thursday on heightened optimism the United States and Iran will extend their ceasefire for further talks to end their war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Fuel supply fears after blaze tears through crucial Australian refinery
Towering columns of fire have engulfed a crucial Australian oil refinery after a chain of explosions, authorities said Thursday as they warned of disruptions to domestic fuel supply.
BBC to cut up to 2,000 jobs under 'financial pressures'
The BBC said on Wednesday that the British broadcasting corporation is set to cut up to 2,000 jobs amid a challenging media landscape.
Hormuz shipping muted as US blockade takes hold: tracking data
A trickle of ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday and Wednesday as a US blockade appeared to further curb traffic in the trade route already paralysed by Iranian forces, marine tracking data showed.
Swiss watchmakers say time will tell on effects of Mideast conflict
The Middle East war has plunged Swiss watchmakers into uncertainty, testing the resilience of an iconic national industry already shaken by several crises.