Conflict in the Middle East dominated world attention, with Iran-aligned Houthi forces claiming attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, opening fears of a new maritime chokepoint alongside pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. Reports of at least one tanker ablaze and other vess...
Conflict in the Middle East dominated world attention, with Iran-aligned Houthi forces claiming attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea, opening fears of a new maritime chokepoint alongside pressure on the Strait of Hormuz. Reports of at least one tanker ablaze and other vessels rerouting around Bab el-Mandeb have sharpened concerns over global energy supplies, shipping costs and the wider risk of escalation as US strikes on Iran continue. In Britain, former River City actor Iain Robertson was jailed for nine years after being convicted of rape and sexual assaults, closing a high-profile criminal case that spanned allegations over many years. Away from harder headlines, Australia’s food scene drew notice as Good Food unveiled its 2026 essential cafe and bakery picks, with venues in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth all earning spots on the annual list.






Top World stories
- Houthis claim they attacked Saudi tankers, raising Red Sea chokepoint fears (27 sources)
- Iain Robertson jailed for rape and assault following conviction (11 sources)
- King Charles and Queen Camilla emerge from TARDIS to open Commonwealth Games in Glasgow (11 sources)
- Landslide in southwestern China kills 11 as 50 remain missing (7 sources)
- Teen girl and woman die after group gets into difficulty in water at West Mersea beach (6 sources)
- Orcas observed ramming sunfish carcasses in coordinated “explosion” behaviour (6 sources)
- Woodside loses bid to compel ‘stench gas’ activists to hand over protest documents (6 sources)
- Paul Rowley steps down as St Helens head coach with immediate effect (6 sources)
Drew Drafton
Author at IfHighLow