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Oil prices rallied and equities mostly dropped Wednesday as traders assessed the latest developments affecting global markets as a result of the Middle East war.

A French aid worker for the UN children's agency has been killed in an air strike in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo in a city controlled by the Rwanda-backed M23 militia.

Japan and Germany said Wednesday they would tap into their oil reserves to tackle the rise in crude prices due to the Middle East war, with Berlin saying the IEA global energy body had asked member states to release 400 million barrels.

German arms maker Rheinmetall said Wednesday the Middle East war offered new business opportunities, especially for its air defence systems, as it forecast continued strong growth this year.

A Malawi High Court has dismissed a wrongful‑termination case against US pop star Madonna brought by the sister of a former president, in one of the country's longest-running NGO disputes.

New attacks hit three commercial ships in the Gulf on Wednesday, with one of the vessels in flames as Iran pressed its campaign against its oil-exporting neighbours, threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and plunging the global energy economy into crisis.

Global airlines are grappling with the effects of the war in the Middle East, as fuel prices soar and customers reassess their travel plans.

Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei is injured but "safe and sound", the son of the president said Wednesday, offering the first official explanation for why the 56-year-old has not been seen since his appointment at the weekend.

A Thai bulk carrier travelling in the crucial Strait of Hormuz was attacked Wednesday, with 20 crew members rescued so far, the Thai navy said.

Polish prosecutors said Wednesday they were investigating human trafficking tied to Jeffrey Epstein they suspect took place in the country.

The Group of Seven advanced economies inched closer Wednesday to tapping strategic oil reserves to tackle the rise in crude oil prices due to the Middle East war as energy ministers said they stood ready to take "all necessary measures".

Airlines in the Asia-Pacific region, including Qantas, Air India and Cathay Pacific, have hiked fares -- or will soon -- to factor in surging jet fuel prices spurred by war in the Mideast.

Britain's government was due Wednesday to publish the first tranche of documents relating to Prime Minister Keir Starmer's controversial appointment of a Jeffrey Epstein associate as UK ambassador to Washington.

On a former derelict dock in the British port city of Liverpool, fans of Everton throng eateries and bars at the football club's new stadium ahead of a Premier League match.

US President Donald Trump has said that Iran is "welcome" to participate at the upcoming World Cup in North America, despite the ongoing Middle East war, FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday.

Exhausted Afghans cross the border from Iran in a sandstorm, leaving behind a country in the grip of war to return to a homeland that is battered by conflict and humanitarian crisis.

Asian equities rose Wednesday while oil resumed its gains as traders weighed growing supply concerns against a report that the International Energy Agency was considering the release of a record amount of its reserves.

Hong Kong aviation giant Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday that fuel surcharges would rise as prices soared in March after war broke out in the Middle East.

Three commercial ships took fire in the Gulf on Wednesday as Iran launched strikes against its oil-exporting neighbours, threatening shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and plunging the global energy economy into crisis.

Energy ministers of the G7 said on Wednesday they stood ready to take "all necessary measures" in coordination with the International Energy Agency (IEA) to tackle the rise in crude oil prices due to the Middle East war.

A Japanese zoo caring for a baby monkey who has become an internet sensation was forced to issue a statement denying he was being bullied, following an outpouring of concern online.

German defence giant Rheinmetall Wednesday forecast even faster growth this year after record earnings in 2025, with Europe racing to re-arm as it contends with a hostile Russia and turmoil in transatlantic ties.

Tanker drivers in Pakistan said they were facing long waits at depots due to a shortage of fuel, as the government played down fears of another rise in prices.

Asian equities extended gains Wednesday while oil stabilised after a report said the International Energy Agency was considering the release of a record amount of its reserves to counter soaring prices.

Hong Kong carrier Cathay Pacific said on Wednesday it expected to boost its capacity to carry passengers by around 10 percent this year despite a "volatile" geopolitical environment.

Dozens of white yaks frolicked in the pristine snow of the vast Kyrgyz mountains, butting heads and locking horns as their herders watched on from their horses.

Iranian women footballers claiming asylum in Australia evacuated from their safe house on Wednesday after one team member changed her mind and revealed their location to the Iranian embassy, Canberra said.

Italy pulled off a stunning 8-6 upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, leaving the star-studded hosts facing possible elimination from the tournament.

Graffiti defaces tattered clay walls and trash piles up in Japan's oldest student dormitory, but Masako Ueda is savouring every last moment in the mice-infested building slated for temporary closure.

South Korea said Wednesday it could deter threats from the North even if the United States relocated some of its military assets to the Middle East amid the war in Iran.

Italy pulled off a stunning 8-6 upset over the United States in the World Baseball Classic on Tuesday, leaving the star-studded hosts facing possible elimination from the tournament.

Iran unleashed a wave of attacks against Israel and Gulf nations on Wednesday, including targeting a Saudi oilfield, as reports of a proposed record release of oil reserves helped calm markets and prices.