Middle East
Kuwaiti exiled journalist criticizes UN Human Rights Council’s standing scrutiny of Israel
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Jasem Aljuraid, a Kuwaiti journalist and dissident living in Canada, addressed the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on March 26, criticizing the council’s standing agenda item on Israel and urging members to end what he called a recurring “ritual” of condemnation.
Trump's Hormuz Ultimatum and Cease-Fire Rejection Deepen South Pars Conflict's Water and Energy Toll
One week after Israel's strike on Iran's South Pars gas field sparked retaliatory attacks on Gulf energy facilities, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Iran rejected a cease-fire offer on March 25. The escalating conflict is crippling water security, with strikes damaging desalination plants vital to Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait.
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The South African Reserve Bank kept its repo rate unchanged at 6.75% on Thursday, citing the ongoing Iran war and rising oil prices. Governor Lesetja Kganyago said inflation remains on target but could accelerate if the conflict persists. The bank warned of potential rate hikes later this year.
Following the early March escalation in the US-Israel-Iran conflict, South Africa's financial markets continue to reel, with 10-year bond yields hitting 9.5% and the JSE All Share Index down 20% this month. US President Donald Trump's announcement of productive talks with Iran on 23 March 2026, postponing strikes, provided brief relief, but oil shocks persist, heightening stagflation risks for emerging markets like South Africa.
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Philippine fuel supply may last until the second week of May with one million barrels expected soon, according to the Department of Energy. Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the average supply stood at 45 days as of March 20, down from 55-57 days when the Middle East war began nearly a month ago.
Egypt has called for urgent de-escalation in the Middle East amid military escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States, while U.S. President Donald Trump signalled a possible diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran. Cairo condemned attacks targeting Gulf states and Jordan, warning of serious consequences for regional stability.
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Global fertilizer prices are up 22.57% since before the Middle East war began on February 28—building on an initial 7.5% rise through early March—according to Bloomberg's Green Markets index. The Strait of Hormuz closure disrupts 45% of world fertilizer trade. Colombia's farmers face escalating costs, prompting a government subsidy.
CNOOC plans up to 3% oil and gas output increase in 2026
March 25, 2026 21:35Bank of France lowers growth forecasts for 2026 and 2027
March 25, 2026 19:49Mexican peso closes stronger amid Middle East de-escalation
March 25, 2026 06:42Takaichi asks IEA chief for additional oil stockpile release
March 25, 2026 03:25Egypt Advances US-Iran Mediation with New Calls and Briefing
March 24, 2026 03:44Recto: Oil crisis committee will sustain government efforts
March 24, 2026 00:00Egypt leads diplomatic push for US-Iran dialogue to avert chaos
March 23, 2026 22:13Egypt warns of total chaos in regional de-escalation talks
March 23, 2026 15:37Middle East tourism faces $600 million daily losses from war
March 23, 2026 04:28Korean won rebounds from 17-year low on Middle East de-escalation hopes