Year: 2026

Oil prices have surged over $100 per barrel amid escalating conflict in Iran, posing significant risks for the UK. With only 1.5 days of demand in reserve, the country faces potential petrol shortages reminiscent of the 1973 crisis. Prepare for potential market impacts as the situation develops.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

NATO forces intercepted another Iranian missile targeting Türkiye this morning, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The Turkish government has formally rebuked Iran following these incidents.

What’s going on?

Two teens were charged after ignited devices were thrown during a protest outside Gracie Mansion in New York City. This incident is being investigated as “ISIS-inspired terrorism.” Mayor Mamdani was not at the residence during the protest.

In this case, NBC New York has the highest intensity score with the headline, “Explosives thrown during protest near Gracie Mansion in NYC investigated as ‘ISIS-inspired terrorism.'” In contrast, The Guardian has the lowest intensity score with, “Two teens charged over ‘Islamic State-inspired’ attack outside Mamdani home.” The emphasis on potential terrorism in NBC New York’s framing puts the spotlight on the incident’s immediate impact, while The Guardian’s focus leans more toward the charges against the teens involved.

Coverage analysed: The Guardian | NBC10 Philadelphia | ABC7 New York | NBC New York

Daniel and Christy Kinahan, notorious figures from the Kinahan Cartel, were recently spotted at an MMA championship in Dubai, marking their first public appearance in years. Despite a US bounty of £5,000,000 on them, they continue their lavish lifestyle, with the UAE reportedly having frozen their assets.

Police are investigating homemade bombs thrown at a protest outside Mayor Mamdani’s home as terrorism linked to ISIS.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Ministers are meeting in Brussels this morning to discuss measures to curb energy prices and inflation.
Germany supports considering the release of oil reserves but emphasises that now is not the right time to proceed.

A tightly packed chamber has unveiled 22 intact painted coffins of Singer Priestesses in Luxor’s Asasif Necropolis. Dating to Egypt’s Third Intermediate Period, the discovery includes rare papyri. Urgent restoration work on the coffins will now commence by the archaeological team.

Professor Xueqin Jiang, dubbed the ‘Chinese Nostradamus’, predicts a potential US invasion of Iran as tensions escalate. His insights, shared through YouTube and Substack, suggest that a military action could occur as early as March 2027 with support from allies. Explore his forecasts further.

EUROPE MORNING BRIEFING

Energy-intensive industries are urging the European Union to address surging electricity and gas prices. Key discussions on tax adjustments and network charges are slated for the council meeting on 19 and 20 March.

An improvised explosive device was hurled during protests outside New York Mayor Mamdani’s house, but it did not explode, police say.