The National Times - News around the clock from Sydney, Australia and around the world

Iran launched a new wave of attacks against Gulf energy targets on Thursday, hours after two oil tankers were hit, sending crude prices soaring again despite record reserve releases.

Novak Djokovic was dumped out by Jack Draper in a slugfest Wednesday as the defending champion won 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) to reach the quarter-finals at Indian Wells.

Lebanon said an Israeli strike on central Beirut's seafront killed at least seven people early on Thursday, another attack in the heart of the capital as Iran-backed Hezbollah launched more missiles at Israel.

Australia will adjust fuel quality standards to allow higher sulfur levels for around two months in a move that will release 100 million litres into the domestic supply, officials said Thursday.

Uber announced Thursday its first robotaxi partnership in Japan, teaming up with Nissan and British artificial intelligence autonomous driving startup Wayve for a trial this year in Tokyo.

Three crew members were "believed to be trapped" aboard a Thai bulk carrier that was hit by two projectiles on Wednesday while travelling through the crucial Strait of Hormuz, the vessel's owner said.

Oil prices soared back above $100 Thursday as Iran's fresh attempts to hit supplies in the Middle East and threats to bring down the global economy overshadowed a record release of strategic crude by the International Energy Agency.

Desmond Bane scored 35 points, including a crucial late three-pointer, to spark Orlando's 128-122 victory over visiting Cleveland on Wednesday, stretching the Magic win streak to five games.

Rubbing his hands together to warm them, Iranian truck driver Reza curses the more than 300-kilometre detour he was forced to make to enter Iraq after the war closed most of the usually busy border crossings.

The co-founder of Noma, several times crowned the best restaurant in the world, Danish chef Rene Redzepi said Thursday that he was stepping down, following reports of past abuse at his fabled restaurant.

Oil prices soared Thursday and stocks sank as Iran struck two tankers in Iraq and threatened to bring down the global economy, overshadowing a record release of strategic crude by the International Energy Agency.

Western Force are banking on veterans Kurtley Beale and George Bridge to help turn around their Super Rugby season, with the pair charged with running a daunting game on Friday against the Wellington Hurricanes.

A Russian court will on Thursday sentence the gunmen of a Moscow concert hall attack that killed 150 people two years ago -- the country's deadliest in 20 years -- with 15 men facing possible life terms.

Unbeaten Italy advanced to the World Baseball Classic quarter-finals by routing Mexico 9-1 on Wednesday, allowing the fancied collection of United States stars into the last eight as well.

Two years ago he was a videographer at a small‑town Russian school, filming patriotic lessons and morning drills in the wake of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Filipino sailor George Miranda was racing to help a stricken vessel aboard the tugboat Mussafah 2 when he last spoke to his wife and young daughter.

Former international winger Jonny May believes that England could still win the World Cup under Steve Borthwick despite the team's Six Nations struggles.

Ireland backrow forward Jack Conan is as quick with his tongue as he is on his feet.

Tommaso Allan has seen first-hand Italy's remarkable rise as a rugby union nation and the the Perpignan fly-half is bursting with pride about last weekend's first-ever win over England which has given the Azzurri another chance to break new ground.

Lionel Messi was denied his 900th career goal on Wednesday as reigning MLS champion Inter Miami played a 0-0 draw at Nashville in the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

With "Sinners" and "One Battle After Another" neck-and-neck for best picture and several acting races far too close to call, this Sunday's Oscars gala is shaping up to be the most unpredictable in years.

Life has not always been easy for Maryse Balthazar since she relocated to the United States from Haiti, but she felt peace of mind before Donald Trump returned to office.

James Slipper will have to wait another week for his record-breaking 203rd Super Rugby appearance after he was left out of the table-topping ACT Brumbies' squad to face Fijian Drua.

Since the war in the Middle East began nearly two weeks ago, the phone at Ron Hubbard's bomb shelter company in Texas hasn't stopped ringing.

King Charles and global cricket royalty have been invited to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the first Test match in Melbourne, officials said Thursday, with ticket sales through the roof a year before a ball is bowled.

Iran warned it could wage a prolonged war with the United States and Israel that would "destroy" the world economy, even as US President Donald Trump said late Wednesday the Islamic republic was facing imminent defeat.

Australia coach Tony Popovic has tapped former Wallabies and England rugby supremo Eddie Jones for advice ahead of the World Cup, gleaning "a lot of information" from him.

North Korea released an image on Thursday of leader Kim Jong Un's teenage daughter firing a pistol, weeks after photos showed her shooting a rifle — once again stoking speculation she is being groomed as heir.

With production in the Gulf countries at a standstill and gas prices rising, the war in the Middle East is disrupting the supply of fertilisers and posing risks for food security.

Carlos Alcaraz reached the Indian Wells quarter-finals for a fifth straight year with a sparkling 6-1, 7-6 (7/2) victory over Casper Ruud on Wednesday, extending his perfect start to 2026.

Norwegian police said Wednesday three brothers had been arrested on suspicion of a "terrorist bombing" over a weekend explosion at the US embassy in Oslo, which caused minor damage but no injuries.

Chelsea coach Liam Rosenior defended Filip Jorgensen after the Danish goalkeeper's mistake sparked a late collapse which saw his side lose 5-2 to a rampant Paris Saint-Germain in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie on Wednesday.

The United States announced new investigations Wednesday into what it considers unfair trade practices by dozens of countries, opening the door to penalties such as further tariffs as President Donald Trump seeks to replace duties struck down by the Supreme Court.

Iran warned it could wage a prolonged war with the United States and Israel that would "destroy" the world economy, even as US President Donald Trump vowed Thursday to "finish the job", saying there was little left for American forces to strike.

A gift by Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and two late goals by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave title holders Paris Saint-Germain a stunning 5-2 win over the English side in a thrilling Champions League last 16, first leg on Wednesday.

Federico Valverde scored an unlikely hat-trick as Real Madrid trounced Manchester City 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League last-16 tie Wednesday, while holders Paris Saint-Germain beat Chelsea 5-2.

Senegal's parliament on Wednesday passed legislation doubling the maximum penalty for same-sex relations, making them punishable by up to 10 years in prison amid a crackdown on the country's gay community.

A gift by Chelsea goalkeeper Filip Jorgensen and two late goals by Khvicha Kvaratskhelia gave title holders Paris Saint-Germain a stunning 5-2 win over the English side in a thrilling Champions League last 16, first leg on Wednesday.

Two-time champion Iga Swiatek barreled into the Indian Wells quarter-finals on Wednesday, beating in-form Czech Karolina Muchova 6-2, 6-0.