International relations, geopolitics, wars, major global shifts
Crude oil hit nearly $115 per barrel, the highest since June 2022, as Iran conflict tensions rise and talks stay stalled. Analysts warn prices could reach $150 if the Strait of Hormuz faces disruption. The move raises fuel and inflation risks for import-dependent economies.
Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are traveling to Pakistan to meet with Iran's foreign minister, who has arrived carrying a written Iranian response to a U.S. nuclear proposal. The exchange signals the talks have moved into a more formal stage. No deal has been announced yet.
U.S. and Iranian delegations are both heading to Pakistan amid ongoing efforts to end a two-month war, though Iran says no direct meeting is planned. The Strait of Hormuz, still largely closed to maritime traffic, is a central issue in any potential deal.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent says the US is planning currency swap lines with Gulf and Asian partner countries. Swap lines give these nations easier access to dollars, reducing currency stress and signaling deeper US financial ties in key regions. Specific countries and timelines have not yet been confirmed.
Brent crude surpassed $115 per barrel as Trump issued fresh threats against Iran and reports emerged of a planned expansion of the U.S. blockade on Iranian ports. Restricted Iranian exports reduce global oil supply, pushing prices higher and raising fuel and inflation risks worldwide.
The US has blockaded Iran's Strait of Hormuz, with the Pentagon claiming 34 ships turned back, while shipping firm Hapag-Lloyd says one vessel got through. The move is disrupting global fuel supply and drawing urgent calls from EU leaders for the strait to reopen. Switzerland is gradually reopening its Tehran embassy
The US Federal Reserve announces its April policy decision on Wednesday, April 29, after a two-day meeting. Markets expect rates to stay unchanged, but Jerome Powell's press conference tone will be closely watched for signals on the growth and inflation outlook. Any dovish shift could support emerging market assets
The US cancelled a diplomatic trip to Iran after President Trump said Tehran's offer was unsatisfactory. Iran rejected talks it called negotiations held under siege. The breakdown removes the nearest opportunity for direct contact between the two sides.
JPMorgan CEO Jamie Dimon warned that rising government debt and geopolitical risks, including the Iran-US conflict, could spark a global bond market crisis. He expects a sharp rise in bond yields, which could pull investors away from equities. US Treasury yields are already elevated on inflation and Middle East
US President Donald Trump was evacuated from a dinner after an unspecified security threat. The nature of the threat and the location have not been publicly disclosed. No injuries were reported and the situation is under review.
President Trump and Melania Trump were evacuated by the Secret Service from the White House Correspondents' Dinner at the Washington Hilton after gunshots were reported. The annual event was halted mid-gala, with other administration officials also removed from the venue. Details on the cause and any injuries remain
Secret Service evacuated President Trump from the White House Correspondents' Dinner after gunshots were reported near the event. Trump later said the shooter was caught. No injuries to the president or first lady Melania Trump were reported.
Trump declared the US will not permit Iran to obtain a nuclear weapon, speaking at a state dinner alongside King Charles III. The comments come as US-Iran nuclear talks have stalled despite a new proposal from Tehran. No breakthrough has been reported and gaps over enrichment and sanctions persist.
Shots were heard near the White House Correspondents' Dinner, causing guests to scramble for cover. President Trump was not harmed. Details on the source of the gunfire remain unconfirmed.
A California man opened fire at a hotel hosting the White House Correspondents Dinner, where President Trump was present. Secret Service agents brought down the lone gunman. Details on casualties and motive are not yet confirmed.
The UAE has announced its withdrawal from OPEC, citing national interests. The departure weakens the oil cartel's production coordination at a time of regional conflict involving Iran. A less unified OPEC may struggle to defend oil price levels.
A gunman was detained outside the White House Correspondents Association dinner in Washington on Saturday while President Trump and Melania Trump were inside. Law enforcement sources identified the suspect as Cole Allen, 31, of Torrance, California. No further details on injuries or motive have been reported.
President Trump has pledged that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons, while US Marines have boarded a merchant ship in the Arabian Sea. The moves signal heightened US military and diplomatic pressure on Iran across both land and sea. Details on the boarded vessel have not yet been disclosed.
A man held in a gala shooting case wrote notes naming Trump administration officials as targets, authorities say. The writings suggest political motivation, elevating the case beyond a simple violent incident. Investigators are working to determine if he acted alone.
The UAE said Tuesday it will exit OPEC on May 1, 2026, removing the cartel's third-largest producer and weakening its pricing power. Crude oil rose to a near three-week high as markets factored in reduced OPEC coordination. US-Iran tensions and Strait of Hormuz disruption risk add further pressure on supply.