International
World Heritage site in danger as South Korea wildfires continue to rage
The wildfires plaguing South Korea’s southeast region continued to rage on Tuesday, threatening a world heritage site and forcing thousands more residents to evacuate their homes.
With a population of 150,000 people, the city of Andong, home to Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, issued an alert to its residents to evacuate to safe areas.
Deadly wildfires continued to rage across the region as authorities designated the affected counties ‘special disaster zones’.
No fewer than four people have been killed and hundreds forced to flee their homes since blazes broke out in several areas on Saturday, stoked by strong winds and dry weather.
It was gathered that the wildfires have already gutted local landmarks including ancient Buddhist temples.
“Because this is such an old temple, it is so regrettable and heartbreaking that it has been burned down,” said Jeung Meung-suk, a 55-year-old Buddhist follower at Unramsa, a thousands-year old temple whose most buildings were burnt.
Meanwhile, acting President Han Duck-soo on Tuesday vowed to deploy resources from helicopters to workers on the ground to put out the fires as quickly as possible.
International
Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz following two-week cease-fire agreement with Trump
Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, said that an immediate ceasefire between Iran and the US had taken effect.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be possible for two weeks in coordination with Iran’s armed forces “and with due consideration of technical limitations.”
The development follows a two-week ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, the Tasnim news agency, which is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), reported early on Wednesday.
Pakistan, which has mediated between Tehran and Washington, said that an immediate ceasefire between Iran and the US had taken effect.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote on X that the Islamic Republic of Iran and the U.S., along with their allies, had agreed to an “immediate ceasefire everywhere,” including in Lebanon.“
Trump had made reopening the waterway a condition for the ceasefire and had threatened to target Iran’s energy sector and infrastructure, including bridges, if Tehran failed to comply, setting a deadline of 0000 GMT.
The Strait of Hormuz, crucial to global oil and gas trade, has been largely closed since the United States and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Feb. 28.
According to a senior U.S. official, Israel will also adhere to what Trump described as a “double sided CEASEFIRE.”
International
Oil Prices Rise, Stocks Fall as Trump’s Iran Deadline Looms
Oil prices climbed sharply while global stocks wavered and mostly declined on Tuesday as President Donald Trump’s looming deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face escalated U.S. strikes heightened geopolitical tensions and investor anxiety.
Brent crude futures rose about 1% to trade near $111 per barrel, with U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude also pushing higher amid fears that prolonged disruption to the critical waterway through which a significant portion of global oil supplies passes could worsen energy shortages. Oil has surged more than 50% since the conflict intensified.
Meanwhile, major U.S. stock indexes showed mixed but largely cautious trading, with many shares slipping as investors weighed the risk of further military escalation, including potential strikes on Iranian power plants and infrastructure.
European and Asian markets were similarly tentative, reflecting broader concerns over inflation, energy costs, and economic fallout from the ongoing Middle East conflict.
Trump has set a firm deadline of 8 p.m. ET Tuesday (1 a.m. GMT Wednesday) for Iran to reach a deal and reopen the strait, warning of decisive action if unmet. He has threatened to “decimate” Iranian bridges and power plants, stating the country “could be taken out in one night.
”Iran has rejected recent ceasefire proposals, calling instead for a permanent end to hostilities, while markets remain on edge with no clear resolution in sight.
Analysts warn that sustained high oil prices could fuel global inflation and slow economic growth, though some investors still hope for a last-minute diplomatic breakthrough.
The developments come as the International Energy Agency has described the current oil and gas crisis linked to the Hormuz blockade as potentially more severe than previous major shocks combined.
International
Trump warns Entire Iran could be ‘taken out’ Tuesday night
” The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be Tuesday night,” he said.
US President Donald Trump says Iran could be “taken out” in one night as the deadline set for the country to open the Strait of Hormuz to shipping traffic approaches.
On Saturday, Trump gave Iran 48 hours to comply or risk facing “hell”.
He later threatened that the US would blow up Iran’s power plants and bridges if Tehran failed to adhere to his warning.
The US president said Iran had until Tuesday at 8 p.m. ET (1 am WAT) to make a deal.
In a press conference on Monday, Trump reiterated and intensified his threats.
“The entire country could be taken out in one night, and that night might be Tuesday night,” he said.
-
Politics3 days agoADC will resist imposing a one-party system on Nigerians – Mark
-
Sports2 days agoCAF confirms 16 teams for U-17 AFCON 2026
-
Sports2 days agoSeven Eritrean players fail to return home after AFCON qualifier
-
Politics3 days ago2027: Atiku Vows To Support Whoever Emerges ADC Presidential Candidate
-
News2 days agoAbiodun Presents Ceremonial Sword to Tinubu, Urges Sustained War on Crime
-
Politics2 days agoADC youths give INEC 72-hour ultimatum to restore David Mark -led leadership
-
International2 days agoOil Prices Rise, Stocks Fall as Trump’s Iran Deadline Looms
-
Politics2 days agoFG earmarks N135bn for 2027 post election disputes
