Fresh strikes rocked Iran and several Gulf countries Friday, as Israel and the Islamic republic unleashed a new wave of attacks in a war that has ignited the Middle East and threatens to torpedo the world economy.
Oil prices held gains above $100 Friday and most equity markets dropped after Iran's leader called for the blocking of the crucial Strait of Hormuz and the opening up of new fronts in the war against the United States and Israel.
China coach Ante Milicic urged his players on Friday to remain "calm and confident" in a charged Women's Asian Cup quarter-final against Taiwan.
- China says vice premier to leave Saturday for US economic talks in France
- South Africa's livestock farmers reel from foot-and-mouth disaster
Culture
Heels click on cracked paving stones as fantastically long-limbed men and women practice moves they hope will whisk them away from South Sudan, one of the fashion world's favourite scouting locations.
March 13, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Moscow piles pressure on US over oil sanctions
Politics
March 13, 2026
Japan is hurting from the Iran war ahead of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to Washington next week. She has promised to be "candid" with the US president.
March 13, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Saudi forces intercepted more than two dozen drones on Friday after renewed Iranian threats against oil facilities, as the regional conflict killed a French soldier in Iraqi Kurdistan.
March 13, 2026
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander broke the NBA record for consecutive 20-point games by recording his 127th in a row on Thursday in an Oklahoma City Thunder home match against the Boston Celtics.
March 13, 2026
Head coach Fabien Galthie says France have a Six Nations to win and that is motivation enough for their clash with fierce rivals England in the tournament finale on Saturday.
March 13, 2026
Sports
Robert Baloucoune is nicknamed the 'Cat' and the Ireland wing thought he had used up his nine lives with regard to Test rugby until Andy Farrell gave him another chance in this season's Six Nations match with Italy.
March 13, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Barcelona welcome Sevilla on Sunday aiming to maintain their La Liga lead on Real Madrid, but the stakes are even higher off the field with the club's next president to be named that night.
Wales may be on a 15-game losing streak in the Six Nations but it would sum up an unpredictable 2026 Championship were they to beat Italy in their tournament finale.
Oil prices held around $100 Friday and most equity markets dropped after Iran's leader called for the blocking of the crucial Strait of Hormuz and opening up of new fronts in the war against the United States and Israel.
Lens are enjoying a remarkable season in France and can seize top spot in Ligue 1 this weekend as they look to take the title fight to a Paris Saint-Germain side whose main focus is the Champions League.
March 13, 2026
Sports
Unpredictable Bayer Leverkusen host Bundesliga leaders Bayern Munich on Saturday, still battling the inconsistency which threatens to derail their top-four hopes.
March 13, 2026
RECENT NEWS
Elina Svitolina sent two-time champion Iga Swiatek spinning out at Indian Wells on Thursday to line up a semi-final meeting with Australian Open champion Elena Rybakina.
A French soldier was killed in an attack in Iraq's autonomous Kurdistan region, President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday, confirming the first French military death in the Middle East war.
Canadian, German and Norwegian leaders will meet in the Norwegian Arctic on Friday to discuss the region's fragile security situation, against the backdrop of a large NATO exercise.
Troubled Tottenham head to Liverpool on Sunday searching for salvation in their increasingly desperate fight against relegation.
March 13, 2026
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