Author: EchoAsiaNews

Global oil prices rose by around 1% on Tuesday, extending gains from the previous session, as the ongoing standoff between the United States and Iran shows no signs of easing and continues to disrupt energy supply expectations. The continued closure of the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for global oil shipments, has restricted flows from the Middle East, tightening supply in international markets and supporting prices. Benchmark Brent crude futures for June rose $1.41, or 1.3%, to $109.64 per barrel by 0400 GMT, following a 2.8% surge in the previous session. The contract has now posted gains…

The United States has clarified that its maritime blockade in the Strait of Hormuz is aimed specifically at Iranian shipping rather than global trade, as tensions with Iran continue to escalate. Speaking on Tuesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the measures are not intended to disrupt international maritime traffic. “The blockade is not a blockade against shipping, it’s a blockade against Iranian shipping,” Rubio stated, adding that Tehran cannot be allowed to dominate what he described as an “unlawful” system of control and tolling in the strategic waterway. Separately, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed that a US…

A strong earthquake measuring 6.2 magnitude struck Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido early Monday, according to the US Geological Survey and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA), marking the latest in a series of seismic events affecting the region. The quake hit at 5:23 am local time (2123 GMT Sunday) in southern Hokkaido at a depth of 83 kilometres, with authorities later revising the magnitude from an initial estimate of 6.1. No tsunami warning was issued. The US Geological Survey said the risk of widespread damage and casualties was low due to the depth of the quake and the relatively sparse…

US President Donald Trump has described the suspect accused of attempting to attack administration officials at a black-tie gala in Washington as a “pretty sick guy,” saying the individual had previously been flagged to law enforcement by family members. Speaking in television interviews on Sunday, Trump said the suspect, identified by an official as 31-year-old Cole Tomas Allen of Torrance, California, had authored what he called an “anti-Christian manifesto” and showed signs of significant ideological and behavioural shifts. “He was a Christian believer, and then he became an anti-Christian… He was probably a pretty sick guy,” Trump said during CBS’s…

Global military expenditure reached nearly $2.9 trillion in 2025, marking an 11th consecutive year of increase as rising insecurity and ongoing conflicts continue to drive defence budgets worldwide, according to researchers cited by AFP and data from the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI). The report shows that the United States, China and Russia remained the top three military spenders, together accounting for approximately $1.48 trillion, slightly more than half of total global military spending. Overall defence expenditure rose by 2.9 percent compared to 2024, despite a decline in spending by the United States, which remains the world’s largest military…

Iran has reportedly put forward a new diplomatic proposal through Pakistani and other regional mediators aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and moving toward ending the ongoing conflict, while postponing nuclear negotiations to a later stage, according to a report by Axios citing US officials and sources familiar with the matter. The report said the initiative was discussed through mediators in Pakistan, Oman, Egypt, Turkey and Qatar, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi held a series of meetings over the weekend before travelling to Russia. The proposal reflects continued gaps between Tehran and Washington over nuclear enrichment, sanctions relief,…

A new survey on workplace cyber risks has highlighted significant gaps in employee awareness and corporate cybersecurity enforcement in Pakistan, pointing to rising concerns over “shadow IT” and unmanaged device usage. The report, titled “Cybersecurity in the Workplace: Employee Knowledge and Behaviour” and conducted by cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, found that 39 percent of professionals in Pakistan view their organisation’s cybersecurity policies as excessive or not fully appropriate. Meanwhile, 8 percent said their workplaces either lack formal cybersecurity rules or employees are unaware of them. The survey underscores a growing disconnect between corporate cybersecurity frameworks and employee behaviour. It notes that…

US President Donald Trump has praised Pakistan’s political and military leadership, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, for their role in facilitating dialogue between Washington and Tehran, according to remarks made in a television interview. Speaking during a conversation with Fox News, Trump described the Pakistani leadership as “great people” and said he held “great respect” for their efforts in mediating US-Iran contacts amid ongoing regional tensions. He said he cancelled a planned visit by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing logistical concerns and the cost of travel, and suggested…

A cargo truck caught fire on the Indus Highway in Dera Ismail Khan on Monday, forcing authorities to suspend traffic and causing long queues of vehicles on both sides of the road. According to rescue officials, the incident occurred near Dhora Solahn Adda in Paroa tehsil, where a trailer carrying cloth suddenly ignited. The fire spread rapidly, sending thick plumes of smoke into the air and triggering panic among commuters and nearby residents. Traffic on the Indus Highway remained completely blocked as emergency teams reached the scene and began efforts to contain the blaze. Rescue authorities confirmed that no casualties…

North Korea has intensified its weapons development efforts in recent weeks, leveraging global instability linked to the Middle East conflict to advance its nuclear ambitions and reinforce its strategic position, analysts say. Since US-Israeli strikes on Iran began in late February, Pyongyang has conducted five missile launches, including four in April alone—the highest monthly total since early 2024, according to compiled data. The tests follow a pledge by leader Kim Jong Un to strengthen the country’s nuclear forces. Experts suggest the launches reflect a calculated strategy to accelerate military upgrades while major powers, including the United States, Russia, and China,…