Oil prices surged after President Trump said Iran would "get a beating" in response to a missile attack. Following this, Saudi Arabia joined US strikes targeting Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

In Japan, Takaichi warned of a "race against time" to rescue survivors of a recent earthquake.

In business news, Microsoft shares rose 7% after the company increased its capital spending plans, citing strong demand. Meanwhile, Meta's shares fell nearly 10% as CEO Mark Zuckerberg promoted his vision for AI "agents," but the company also issued disappointing guidance and reported dwindling free cash flow.

The UK retail industry is being transformed by a growing presence of Chinese-made robots. In response to national security concerns, the US has banned foreign-made humanoid robots, specifically targeting China.

In Australia, a milestone was welcomed by McCarthy as one Closing the Gap target was reached, while three people died in a house fire in Sydney.

During a tense US Senate hearing about Covid origins, Anthony Fauci refused to answer questions.

Starbucks stock increased after the company raised its full-year outlook.

In Athens, the body found in a suitcase was identified as that of a 38-year-old British woman.