Advanced Search Close Search
The Latest: Iran launches missiles at Israel and Gulf states as explosions heard around Tehran
World News
AP

The Latest: Iran launches missiles at Israel and Gulf states as explosions heard around Tehran

  • By The Associated Press
  • Updated

Iran fired missiles at Israel and some Gulf nations while explosions could be heard around Tehran and  the central Iranian city of Isfahan. The United States is preparing to reinforce its already significant military forces in the Middle East. Iran’s attacks on Gulf region energy infrastructure and its tight grip on the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and natural gas transits in peacetime, has sent oil prices skyrocketing. The impact has been detrimental to global economies and caused a serious crisis in some Asian countries heavily dependent on oil from the Gulf.

Oil prices surge while Asian share prices rise moderately
National News
AP

Oil prices surge while Asian share prices rise moderately

  • By YURI KAGEYAMA - AP Business Writer
  • Updated

Oil prices are surging on worries of a prolonged Iran war while most Asian financial markets are rising moderately during cautious trading. Benchmark U.S. crude rose 11.4% to $111.54 a barrel. The price of Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 7.8% to $109.03 per barrel. Stocks rose in Japan and South Korea, while declining in Shanghai. Markets were closed for the Good Friday holiday in several places including Wall Street, which finished its first winning week since the start of the Iran war. Crude oil prices have been driving sharp swings for stocks globally. Shipping traffic has been severely curtailed in the Strait of Hormuz.

Myanmar President
World News
AP

Myanmar President

  • Aung Shine Oo - AP
  • Updated

FILE - Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, head of Myanmar's military council, inspects officers during a parade to commemorate Myanmar's 78th Armed Forces Day in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, March 27, 2023. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo, File)