• G7 Meets to Discuss Iran War
  • Israel Warns Attacks on Iran Will Expand
  • Iran's Chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz
  • China Investigates US Trade Practices
  • Astronaut Suddenly Couldn't Speak in Space
S&P 500 closes out its worst week since Iran war started

NEW YORK (AP) - U.S. stocks closed out their worst week since the Iran war began and their fifth losing week in a row. The S&P 500 fell 1.6% and is now 8.7% below the all-time high it reached in January. The Dow Jones dropped 1.7%, and the Nasdaq composite sank 2.1%. Crude oil prices rose again with no clear end in sight for the conflict.

Top Asia Pacific Breaking News: Latest Updates

ISLAMABAD (AP) – As fears of a wider regional conflict escalate following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that began in late February, Pakistan has emerged as an unexpected mediator, offering to help bring Washington and Tehran to the negotiating table. Islamabad isn’t often called on to act as an intermediary in high-stakes diplomacy.

House considers whether to approve funding for TSA and most of Homeland Security

The House is considering whether to approve funds to pay Transportation Security Administration agents and most other Homeland Security agencies after the Senate unanimously passed the measure early Friday morning. The deal does not include funding for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, but the package puts no new limits on immigration enforcement.

China's BYD sees first profit drop since 2021

HONG KONG (AP) – Chinese automaker BYD said Friday its annual sales rose to a record $116 billion, outpacing Tesla’s, but its profit fell for the first time since 2021 under pressure from cutthroat competition. BYD, the largest electric vehicle maker, has been expanding into global markets including Latin America and Europe.

Yahoo turns to AI engine Scout to lead it back it its roots in online search

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) – Internet trailblazer Yahoo is exploring technology’s next frontier with Scout, an answer engine powered by artificial intelligence. Scout seems insightful, based on its response to a question posed by The Associated Press about why one of Silicon Valley’s brightest stars faded away a decade ago.

Austria plans to ban social media use for under-14s

VIENNA (AP) – Austria’s governing coalition on Friday announced plans to ban social media use for children under 14, joining a string of other countries in drawing up restrictions for young people. Alexander Pröll, the official in Chancellor Christian Stocker’s office responsible for digitization, said that draft legislation will be drawn up by the end of June.

G7 meets on the Iran war as Rubio tries to sell US strategy to skeptical allies

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France (AP) – Top diplomats from the Group of Seven countries showed divisions over the Iran war but agreed to call for an immediate halt to attacks against civilian populations and infrastructure after meeting Friday in France. Marco Rubio joined his G7 counterparts a day after President Donald Trump lobbed his latest round of insults at NATO countries.

Iran starts to formalize its chokehold on the Strait of Hormuz with a 'toll booth' regime

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) – Iran appears to be setting itself up as the gatekeeper for the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most important artery for oil shipments. The move could cement Tehran’s de facto chokehold over the crucial waterway and formalize its ability to keep its own oil flowing to China.

Iranian attack on Saudi base wounds at least 10 US troops

WASHINGTON (AP) – An Iranian missile attack Friday wounded at least 10 U.S. service members and damaged several planes at a military base in Saudi Arabia, according to two U.S. officials familiar with the situation.

JERUSALEM (AP) – The Hamas militant group is weighing a new proposal for disarming its fighters in Gaza, a major concession that would clear the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for rebuilding the war-ravaged territory.