Argentina reach World Cup semi-finals with 3-1 extra-time win over 10-man Switzerland · Pollar

Today’s Brief

Hormuz shuts, France bakes again

Iran closes Hormuz as disasters stretch governments and Trump targets reporters at home

The sharpest market risk came from the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran declared the waterway closed after a damaged container ship and another round of US strikes. Heat, fire and flood meanwhile forced governments from Paris to Beijing to choose between public safety and normal life.

Reader-supported

Free to read, and staying that way

No ads. Membership keeps Pollar independent.

Live now

All live coverage

In the spotlight

World · Updated 5h ago

Important

The Middle East after Gaza

Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz and direct attack on a merchant ship, followed by US retaliatory airstrikes, constitutes a significant military escalation between the two powers.

Argentina reach World Cup semi-finals with 3-1 extra-time win over 10-man Switzerland · Pollar