Author: EchoAsiaNews

Oil prices edged lower on Tuesday as reports of diplomatic mediation between the United States and Iran eased concerns over continued military exchanges in the Middle East. Brent crude futures fell 35 cents, or 0.4%, to $88.87 per barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude for September delivery held steady at $82.47 per barrel. Both benchmarks remained below the more than one-month highs reached during the previous trading session. Why did prices decline despite continued fighting? Markets weighed reports that Iran had received a proposal from international mediators for a 10-day ceasefire against another night of military strikes between…

The United States and Iran exchanged military strikes for a 10th consecutive night on Tuesday, with both sides targeting military assets as tensions continued to escalate across the Middle East. The latest exchanges came as Iran warned of stronger attacks against US forces, while Washington said it had carried out fresh strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. What targets did Iran strike? Iran said it targeted US radar and air defence installations in the Gulf, including assets in Kuwait and Bahrain, following a new round of US military operations. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) also claimed it had intercepted two…

Argentina captain Lionel Messi reflected on what could be his final FIFA World Cup appearance after his side lost to Spain in the 2026 final, saying the disappointment of defeat would take time to overcome. “The pain is immense, and this wound will take time to heal,” Messi wrote in an Instagram post on Monday, while thanking supporters for their backing throughout the tournament. How did Argentina’s World Cup campaign end? Argentina finished runners-up after losing to Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final in East Rutherford, New Jersey, on Sunday. The defending champions reached a second consecutive World…

India’s Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) movement said on Tuesday it would continue nationwide protests until Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan is removed from office, a day after clashes between demonstrators and security forces left at least 178 people injured in New Delhi. Why are protesters demanding Pradhan’s resignation? Thousands of protesters gathered at Jantar Mantar in central New Delhi on Monday, demanding Pradhan’s resignation and broader reforms to India’s examination system following a series of exam-related scandals. “We won’t stop. Pradhan has to be sacked,” CJP leader Ashutosh Ranka said in a social media post. How did the clashes with police…

A Southwest Airlines flight en route from Orlando, Florida, to Manchester, New Hampshire, was forced to divert after the flight crew detected signs of a suspected fuel leak while cruising at 37,000 feet. Flight WN4761, operated by a Boeing 737-800, departed Orlando International Airport at 8:54 a.m. EDT on July 20. Approximately one hour into the journey, while flying over South Carolina, the crew identified indications of a possible fuel leak and initiated emergency procedures. Why was the aircraft diverted? Following standard aviation safety protocols, the pilots declared an airborne emergency and transmitted the internationally recognized “Squawk 7700” emergency transponder…

WASHINGTON/TEHRAN: The United States carried out a ninth consecutive night of military strikes on Iran early Monday, targeting military command centres, air defence systems, missile and drone launch sites, coastal surveillance facilities and communications networks, according to US Central Command (CENTCOM). CENTCOM said the operation, conducted at 02:00 GMT, was aimed at further degrading Iran’s capability to threaten commercial shipping and civilian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz. The US military did not disclose the specific locations targeted. The strikes came after a US service member was killed in northern Iraq during the controlled detonation of unexploded ordnance recovered from…

NEW YORK: Singer Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner surprised a fan by joining an impromptu birthday celebration on a New York City street, with videos of the encounter widely shared on social media. The moment occurred as celebrities gathered in New York for the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. What happened? Video footage circulating online showed Dua Lipa and Callum Turner singing “Happy Birthday” and applauding as a fan celebrated with a tray of lit cupcakes. The clip, first shared by a fan account on social media, captured the couple joining the brief street-side celebration alongside other attendees. Where…

MADRID: Spain’s royal family congratulated the national football team after its victory over Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, describing the achievement as the result of dedication, perseverance and teamwork. King Felipe VI, Queen Letizia, Princess Leonor and Infanta Sofía attended the final at New York New Jersey Stadium, where Spain defeated Argentina to win the World Cup. What did the royal family say? Following the match, the Spanish royal household issued a congratulatory message praising the team’s performance throughout the tournament. The statement described the World Cup title as the reward for a demanding journey marked by…

SINGAPORE: Oil prices climbed about 3% on Monday, with Brent crude rising above $90 per barrel, as escalating military exchanges between the United States and Iran heightened concerns over oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The gains followed another weekend of attacks in the Middle East, raising fears of potential disruptions to one of the world’s most important energy shipping routes. How did oil prices move? Brent crude futures rose $2.77, or 3.14%, to $90.87 per barrel, reaching their highest level since June 11. US West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude gained $2.35, or 2.85%, to $84.84 per barrel, marking…

LONDON: Andy Burnham officially became the United Kingdom’s prime minister on Monday after Labour leader Keir Starmer stepped down, pledging to “rewire” Britain by tackling the cost-of-living crisis, boosting economic growth and improving public services. Burnham met King Charles III after Starmer formally submitted his resignation, completing the constitutional process for forming a new government. How did Burnham become prime minister? Burnham assumed office after being elected leader of the Labour Party during a special party conference. His appointment follows Starmer’s resignation as prime minister and Labour leader. The former Mayor of Greater Manchester becomes Britain’s seventh prime minister in…