War Related

London-headquartered bank’s shares slide as it sets aside an extra $300m to cover effects of Middle East conflictBusiness live – latest updatesHSBC has suffered a $1.3bn (£961m) hit to profits, fuelled by the fallout from the US-Israel war on Iran and fraud in the troubled private credit sector.The London-headquartered bank said profits fell 4% in the first three months of the year, dropping $100m to $9.4bn, compared with the same period in 2025. Revenue increased 6% to $18.6bn. Continue reading...

Air pollution caused by wildfires is another blow to northern Thailand’s tourism industry as businesses suffer amid war in IranThe Doi Suthep temple in northern Thailand is known for its spectacular views of Chiang Mai and the lush forested mountains that surround it. Over recent weeks, though, visitors can see little of the city beyond a thick cloud of grey haze.Persistent wildfires have caused intense air pollution across the north of Thailand, forcing three provinces to declare emergencies and triggering spikes in pollution-related illnesses. Continue reading...

The United Arab Emirates detained 10 foreigners accused of spreading disinformation through social media videos depicting missile and drone attacks on UAE landmarks, including AI-generated content. UAE General Prosecutor Hamad Al Shamsi ordered their detention, stating the acts are punishable by at least one year in prison and a 100,000 dirham fine (€23,744). This crackdown highlights regional efforts to curb panic and false narratives amid escalating Middle East conflicts involving US forces. Further investigations are underway as authorities monitor online activity.

The United Arab Emirates detained 10 foreigners on March 14, 2026, for allegedly spreading missile and drone attack footage on social media amid regional conflicts. Authorities cited national security risks from content depicting strikes on UAE sites. The detentions highlight Gulf states' crackdown on disinformation during heightened tensions with Iran-backed groups. Human rights groups call for transparency in legal proceedings.