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Oil surges, stocks sink on jitters over US plans in Iran war
Oil prices soared Thursday following reports that the United States could launch fresh attacks on Iran before next month's midterm elections, risking further supply disruptions.
Madrid mourns evicted retiree, 'icon' of Spain housing protests
Tens of thousands of mourners marched through Madrid on Thursday in tribute to a Spanish pensioner whose eviction sparked national housing protests that culminated in the calling of early elections.
US, Ukrainians, Europeans to discuss 'new ideas' to end war
President Donald Trump's envoys will meet Ukrainian and European officials in Miami on Friday to discuss "new ideas" and seek a unified proposal to end the war with Russia, two US sources told AFP.
France pledges more teachers after school students vow no let-up
France's education minister on Thursday promised 3,000 substitute teachers for the country's worst-off high schools, after tens of thousands took to the streets nationwide to demand better education and less police brutality.
Two Latvians arrested inside UK military base: police
UK police said Thursday they had arrested two Latvians inside a military base in southeast England housing US and NATO intelligence hubs after the perimeter fence was breached.
Russian data centre hit by drone in first for Ukraine war
A drone attack caused a fire at a data centre belonging to Russian technology giant Yandex, the company told AFP Thursday, in the first strike of its kind on Russia.
'Fighting for our future': France high school students vow no let-up
Tens of thousands of people thronged a Paris square on Thursday demanding better education and less police brutality, as students protested nationwide despite government attempts to ease a crisis that has rocked the country for more than a week.
Kyiv entering 'survival' mode amid Russian strikes surge: mayor tells AFP
Mounting Russian strikes that have pummelled the Ukrainian capital, hitting bridges and key infrastructure, have plunged Kyiv into survival mode ahead of the winter, the city's mayor told AFP on Thursday.
Russia forcing Kyiv into 'survival' mode before winter, mayor tells AFP
The wave of Russian strikes that have pummelled the Ukrainian capital, hitting bridges and key infrastructure in recent weeks have pushed Kyiv into survival mode ahead of the winter, the city's mayor told AFP on Thursday.
High school students turn out for new protests across France
High school pupils across France launched a fresh day of protests on Thursday, despite government attempts to ease a crisis that has rocked the country for days.
Oil surges, stocks sink as US reportedly eyes new Iran strikes
Oil prices soared more than five percent Thursday following reports that the United States could launch fresh attacks on Iran before next month's midterm elections, risking further supply disruptions.
EU top diplomat says bloc in favour of UN Lebanon peacekeepers' extension
Visiting EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas told AFP on Thursday that the bloc favoured avoiding a security vacuum and extending a UN peacekeeping mandate in south Lebanon, where Israel invaded while fighting Hezbollah.
WTO hikes 2026 trade growth forecast on AI boom
The WTO on Thursday sharply raised its global trade growth forecast for 2026, with merchandise trade riding the AI boom and proving more resilient than expected amid the Middle East crisis.
G.Bissau moves towards postponement of December general election
Guinea-Bissau's electoral commission announced Thursday that conditions had not been met to organise its December 6 presidential and legislative vote, which was meant to restore civilian rule after a coup last November.
China announces candidate for WHO chief
China announced Thursday it had put forward a candidate to lead the World Health Organization -- a move that could signal intent to expand its influence at the WHO after the United States quit, even though questions persist about Beijing's transparency over the Covid-19 pandemic.
South Korea test-fires its first homegrown hypersonic weapon: presidency
South Korea test-fired its first homegrown hypersonic weapon on Thursday, the presidential office said, days after Pyongyang announced the AI-assisted launch of an intermediate-range hypersonic missile.
Thailand opens extradition process for reporter sought by China
Thai authorities began extradition proceedings on Thursday against a Chinese investigative reporter wanted by Beijing and detained for months in Thailand, his lawyer and an official told AFP.
Ethiopia drones hit Eritrean troops in Tigray
Ethiopian drone strikes have targeted Eritrean forces who had reached a northern Tigrayan city, a conflict monitor and witnesses said on Thursday, amid fears of a wider regional war.
Russian strike on buses kills 30 in frontline Ukrainian city
Ukraine on Thursday accused Russia of deliberately targeting civilians after 30 people were killed when two buses were blown up in the frontline city of Kramatorsk, in one of the deadliest single attacks for weeks.
Thailand begins extradition process against Chinese journalist
Thai authorities began extradition proceedings on Thursday against a Chinese investigative reporter wanted by Beijing and detained for months in Thailand, his lawyer and an official told AFP.
In Beijing, EU trade envoy says deficit with China 'unsustainable'
The European Union's top commerce official said Thursday that the bloc's trade deficit with China was "unsustainable", as he kicked off two days of talks in Beijing aimed at averting a trade war.
Drone hits Yandex data centre, in first such attack on Russia
A drone caused a fire at a data centre belonging to Russian technology company Yandex, the company told AFP Thursday, in the first such strike of its kind on Russia.
Oil prices surge and stocks sink on fresh inflation worries
Oil prices soared Thursday and equities tumbled on fresh inflation fears following a report that said President Donald Trump was considering more strikes on Iran ahead of next month's US midterm elections.
Israel drastically reduces British diplomatic presence in Jerusalem
Israel said the British consulate in Jerusalem ended its functions on Thursday but that seven diplomats would be allowed to remain in a limited capacity, with the UK saying it would continue to offer "vital services".
North Korea demands South show 'utmost respect' to restore relations
The powerful sister of North Korea's leader said Thursday that Seoul must show the "utmost respect" to mend ties, after Pyongyang denied responsibility for a DMZ mine blast that wounded South Korean soldiers.
Saudi says three dead in airport attacks claimed by Houthis
Saudi authorities said Wednesday three people were killed in attacks on two of the kingdom's international airports, including in the capital Riyadh, after Yemen's Houthis claimed to have fired on both transport hubs.
The growing protests against India's poll body - and PM Modi
India's election commission is facing mounting pressure after a newspaper investigation alleged misconduct during a nationwide voter-roll revision.
Stocks fall further as oil spike fans fresh inflation worries
Equities extended losses Thursday as inflation fears were stoked by a fresh jump in oil prices following a report that said Donald Trump was considering more Iran strikes ahead of next month's US midterm elections.
Bad COP, worse COP? EU tempers hopes for UN climate summit
After having its hopes dashed for a more ambitious deal last year in Brazil, the European Union is setting its sights low for next month's COP31 climate summit in Turkey.
Housing crisis set to dominate Spain's snap election
After simmering below the surface for years, anger at unaffordable housing in Spain has bubbled over and precipitated a general election that will be dominated by the crisis.
Guinea-Bissau junta urges military unit loyal to ex-president to disarm
Guinea-Bissau's junta leader General Horta N'Tam urged members of the presidential guard loyal to exiled former president Umaro Sissoco Embalo to voluntarily lay down their weapons on Wednesday.
Saudi Arabia says 3 dead at airports after Houthis claim attacks
Saudi authorities said Wednesday that three people were killed in attacks on two of the kingdom's international airports, including in the capital Riyadh, after Yemen's Houthis claimed to have fired on both transport hubs.