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• The United States has struck 90 targets on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export terminal, marking an escalation in the conflict now in its third week of operations. • The strikes are intensifying global economic concerns, with energy markets rattled, supply chains disrupted, and fears of a potential food crisis as oil supplies face unprecedented pressure. • Iran has threatened to blockade the Strait of Hormuz and destroy tankers in response, prompting President Trump to request U.S. allies deploy warships to the region to maintain maritime access.

In comments to NBC News, US presidents also deflates hope of deal with Tehran, saying ‘terms aren’t good enough’Donald Trump said on Saturday that the United States may carry out more strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub “just for fun”, saying that while Tehran appears ready to make a deal to end the conflict, “the terms aren’t good enough yet”.He said the US strikes had “totally demolished” most of Kharg Island, telling NBC News that “we may hit it a few more times just for fun.” Continue reading...

The US announced partial rollback of AI semiconductor export restrictions on March 13, 2026, targeting key technologies amid global competition. This move is poised to boost domestic chipmakers ahead of Nvidia's GTC event next week. Nvidia, HBM, and related AI plays face heightened focus with potential upside. Policy shift aims to balance national security and industry growth.

The US Commerce Department withdrew a planned rule on artificial-intelligence chip exports on Friday, marking the latest policy reversal by the Trump administration regarding technology trade controls. The withdrawal represents a significant shift in the administration's approach to regulating AI semiconductor exports, which had been a contentious issue affecting companies like Nvidia and other chipmakers. This decision follows earlier statements from administration officials indicating a more flexible stance on AI chip distribution policies compared to previous regulatory frameworks. The reversal signals potential changes in how the US will manage competition with foreign nations in advanced semiconductor and AI technology sectors.

This blog is now closedAustralia to release nearly 20% of fuel stockpile as Bowen insists country ‘nowhere near’ running outGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJoyce says surge in support for One Nation reflects will of the people, not political jostlingBarnaby Joyce spoke to RN Breakfast this morning about One Nation’s targets in the next federal election.We want to win seats wherever they are. We have no real target against National seats or Liberal seats, but we want to give people the option to vote for us in Labor seats, in National seats, and Liberal seats, and in teal seats.If people choose to vote for One Nation, then you must respect that choice. You must understand. You do not own their vote. You earn their vote. Continue reading...

President says forces ‘obliterated’ military targets on Kharg Island and warned its oil infrastructure could be nextMiddle East crisis – live updatesDonald Trump said Friday that US forces have “obliterated” military targets on Iran’s Kharg Island and warned that the oil infrastructure there could be next.“For reasons of decency, I have chosen NOT to wipe out the Oil Infrastructure on the Island,” Trump wrote on social media. “However, should Iran, or anyone else, do anything to interfere with the Free and Safe Passage of Ships through the Strait of Hormuz, I will immediately reconsider this decision.” Continue reading...

The US Commerce Department withdrew a planned rule on Friday that would have required permits for exports of advanced AI chips from companies like Nvidia and AMD to global customers. The abandoned Trump administration proposal aimed to involve case-by-case reviews by the Commerce Department's licensing office, contingent on factors such as government agreements and end-user computing power needs. Commerce officials rejected returning to the prior administration's 'burdensome, overreaching and disastrous' AI diffusion framework. This decision eases restrictions on the semiconductor industry amid ongoing trade tensions.