World News

Blast at fireworks factory in China's Hunan kills 26

Chinese President Xi Jinping is calling for a speedy investigation after a blast at a fireworks plant killed at least 26 people and injured more than 60 others.

Clare Jim and Anne Marie Roantree

An explosion at a fireworks factory in the Chinese city of Liuyang has killed 26 people. Photo: AP PHOTO

Blast at fireworks factory in China's Hunan kills 26

Chinese President Xi Jinping is calling for a speedy investigation after a blast at a fireworks plant killed at least 26 people and injured more than 60 others.

Clare Jim and Anne Marie Roantree

Truce in doubt as US, Iran fight for control of strait

The US is trying to force open the Strait of Hormuz while the UAE has come under attack by Iran in a test of a ceasefire with no sign of a peace deal.

The US and Iran trade attacks as the stand-off over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz continues. Photo: AP PHOTO

Truce in doubt as US, Iran fight for control of strait

The US is trying to force open the Strait of Hormuz while the UAE has come under attack by Iran in a test of a ceasefire with no sign of a peace deal.

Shares slide, oil prices up as US-Iran truce hopes dim

Asian markets have edged down while oil prices remain elevated as US-Iran tensions increase in the Middle East, dimming hopes for an end to the stand-off.

Rae Wee

Stocks in Asia are lower as the US and Iran launched new attacks in the Gulf. Photo: AP PHOTO

Shares slide, oil prices up as US-Iran truce hopes dim

Asian markets have edged down while oil prices remain elevated as US-Iran tensions increase in the Middle East, dimming hopes for an end to the stand-off.

Rae Wee

Putin, Zelenskiy proclaim rival two-day ceasefires

Russia's defence ministry has threatened a massive attack on Kyiv if Ukrainian forces don't comply with a two-day ceasefire to mark its World War II victory.

Both Russia and Ukraine have proposed a two-day pause in attacks, but on different dates. Photo: EPA PHOTO

Putin, Zelenskiy proclaim rival two-day ceasefires

Russia's defence ministry has threatened a massive attack on Kyiv if Ukrainian forces don't comply with a two-day ceasefire to mark its World War II victory.

IMF chief warns of 'much worse outcome' if war drags on

The head of the International Monetary Fund warns a prolonged war in the Middle East would have a much more serious impact on the global economy.

Andrea Shalal

The IMF expects a severe hit to the global economy if the war drags on and oil hits $US125 a barrel. Photo: Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS

IMF chief warns of 'much worse outcome' if war drags on

The head of the International Monetary Fund warns a prolonged war in the Middle East would have a much more serious impact on the global economy.

Andrea Shalal

Trump message on military bases received: NATO chief

NATO countries such as Britain, France and Germany are implementing requests for logistical support in the Iran war, Secretary General Mark Rutte says.

Andrew Gray

NATO chief Mark Rutte says more European ‌nations are pre-positioning assets close to the Gulf. Photo: EPA PHOTO

Trump message on military bases received: NATO chief

NATO countries such as Britain, France and Germany are implementing requests for logistical support in the Iran war, Secretary General Mark Rutte says.

Andrew Gray