Sunday, March 15, 2026

World

Trump Threatens More Iran Strikes, Seeks Naval Coalition

Trump has said the US may bomb Iran's Kharg Island oil hub 'just for fun' while simultaneously calling on the UK, China, and other allies to send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Iran has declared the strait closed to US ships, and a US military refueling aircraft crash over Iraq has killed six service members. The Strait handles roughly 20% of the world's oil supply, and tankers are already backing up near Ras Al Khaimah.

Economy

Gulf Crisis Delivers $63bn Windfall to US Oil Producers

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has sent crude prices surging, and American oil companies stand to pocket an estimated $63 billion in extra revenue if prices average $100 a barrel through 2026. Gas at one Los Angeles Chevron station has already hit $8 a gallon, nearly $3 above the city average.

Politics

FCC Threatens Broadcasters Over Iran War Coverage

FCC chair Brendan Carr has warned US television and radio broadcasters they risk losing their spectrum licences if they air what he calls 'hoaxes and distortions' about the Iran war, in the Trump administration's most direct threat yet against critical news coverage. The move has drawn immediate condemnation from press freedom advocates, who note that spectrum revocation would effectively silence entire networks.

World

Pakistan Strikes Afghan Base as Taliban Conflict Escalates

Pakistan has launched airstrikes on a Taliban military facility in Kandahar after drone attacks by Taliban forces hit Pakistani civilian areas and military sites. The strike marks a sharp escalation in cross-border hostilities that Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari had previously warned would cross a 'red line.'

Politics

Russia Exploits Iran War as Ukraine Peace Talks Stall

Zelensky has accused Russia of using the world's distraction over Iran to intensify attacks on Ukraine, with overnight strikes killing at least five people and depleting Ukrainian air-defence missile stocks. The US has paused ceasefire mediation between Kyiv and Moscow, and the EU has simultaneously renewed sanctions on Russia while criticising Washington for lifting restrictions on Russian oil exports.