The first attack targeting an Arab nuclear site has sent a symbolic warning to the United Arab Emirates and its allies, even as Iran and the US remain in negotiations to end the Middle East war, analysts say.
Stock markets diverged Monday as investors worried about borrowing costs, while oil prices rose as US President Donald Trump ratcheted up pressure on Iran.
Traffic through the Strait of Hormuz was slightly higher last week, returning to levels in line with the average recorded since the start of the Middle East conflict after hitting a wartime low.
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Economy
Europeans are choosing to vacation closer to home as the war in the Middle East has amplified security concerns and made long-haul flights more expensive.
May 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
France said Monday that it had selected an international team of architects to transform the Louvre, which has been hit by a litany of problems including a $100 million jewellery robbery.
May 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
A wonky mosaic in the shape of Nigeria plays a subtly telling role in Arie and Chuko Esiri's Cannes Film Festival break-out hit "Clarissa".
May 18, 2026
A former Google executive took over as the BBC's new director-general on Monday amid proposed job cuts and a $10-billion lawsuit brought by US President Donald Trump, arguing that the world now "needs the BBC more than ever".
May 18, 2026
Swiss watch giant Swatch said Monday insufficient organisation by shopping centres contributed to scuffles at around 20 stores worldwide over the weekend as clients raced to buy a limited-edition timepiece.
May 18, 2026
Sports
Real Madrid captain Dani Carvajal will leave the club at the end of the season, Los Blancos said Monday.
May 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Stock markets mostly retreated and oil prices gained Monday after US President Donald Trump issued a new warning to Tehran, saying it must move quickly towards a peace deal or "there won't be anything left of them".
Acclaimed director Na Hong-jin has unveiled South Korea's biggest budget film ever: a blood-splattered sci-fi thriller featuring killer extraterrestrials played by real-life couple Michael Fassbender and Alicia Vikander.
The Lagos of Arie and Chuko Esiri's Cannes Film Festival hit "Clarissa" is not one that has ever been seen on the big screen.
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo believed to have killed more than 90 people has been declared an international health emergency by the World Health Organization (WHO).
May 18, 2026
Politics
Iranian Nobel peace prize winner Narges Mohammadi has returned to her home in Tehran after being discharged from hospital in the wake of her release on bail, her family and supporters said Monday.
May 18, 2026
RECENT NEWS
A Spanish court has ordered the tax authority to refund Colombian pop star Shakira more than 55 million euros ($64 million) improperly collected in a dispute over her 2011 taxes, according to a ruling seen Monday.
Irish no-frills carrier Ryanair reported Monday a sharply higher annual profit but warned that the Middle East war has clouded its outlook for the year ahead.
Hearts boss Derek McInnes said there had been "so much positivity" that would inspire his team even though they fell agonisingly short of clinching a first Scottish Premiership title since 1960.
Bruno Fernandes said he was proud to match the Premier League assists record jointly held by "main names" Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne and is now targeting top spot on the charts.
May 18, 2026
- Germany set to miss 2030 climate goal: experts
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- Hantavirus-hit cruise ship docks in Rotterdam at voyage end
- Philippines swears in senators for VP Duterte's impeachment trial
- Iran's World Cup football team leaves for Turkey: media
- Hantavirus-hit cruise ship steams towards Rotterdam at voyage end
- Japan arrests Americans over stunt at baby monkey Punch's zoo