UN launches task force on Strait of Hormuz

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has created a task force to address humanitarian challenges amid rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.

The UN rights chief has urged the United States to swiftly conclude its investigation into a fatal strike on a primary school in Iran at the start of last month's U.S.-Israeli attacks.

China's Ministry of Commerce says it has launched two reciprocal trade barrier investigations in response to recent U.S. Section 301 probes, targeting U.S. practices that disrupt global supply chains and hinder green trade.

China has successfully launched the Shiyan-33 test satellite from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center, placing it into its designated orbit.

Profits of China's major industrial firms increased 15.2 percent in the first two months of 2026 compared with the same period last year. The National Bureau of Statistics attributed the growth to proactive macro policies.

In a social media post, Trump says the U.S. will pause planned strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, adding that talks with Tehran are “going very well.”

The International Olympic Committee has approved new rules limiting female-category events to biological females, starting from the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

Officials say heavy rains and strong winds battered the Gaza Strip on Thursday, flooding hundreds of tents sheltering displaced people. The Civil Defense in Gaza described the situation as "catastrophic."

The OECD forecasts global growth slowing to 2.9% in 2026, down from 3.3% in 2025, with a slight rebound to 3.0% in 2027. High energy prices may boost costs, inflation, and constrain growth.

The suspect, identified as Kodai Murata, is accused of illegal entry after scaling the embassy wall on Tuesday. Police say he carried a knife and uttered threats.