Brent crude sheds 5% to near $99 a barrel as reports of US peace proposal lift cautious hopes across global markets

Private think tank index shows hanami food, drink costs have surged 25% since base year of 2020

Iran's drones, mines and mountain coastline make Strait of Hormuz far more treacherous battleground

Two people were killed and 12 injured, including a five-year-old child

In all, 12 parties are contesting the ballot

No decision yet to send troops into Iran, but buildup continues for possible future operations

Talks could boost Pakistan’s global standing, echoing its role in Nixon’s 1972 China visit

Americans sour on Trump’s cost‑of‑living handling as gas prices surge after US‑Israel strikes

NASA MoonBase plans robotic landings, rovers and infrastructure for sustained human presence

Tehran would seek guarantees against future attacks, refuse limits on missile programme, they add