Global Pulse

标签： Oceania

大洋洲

  • 17 killed at pro-Iran protests across Pakistan

    17 killed at pro-Iran protests across Pakistan

    Pakistan witnessed violent nationwide demonstrations on Sunday as protests erupted over the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in US-Israel strikes, resulting in at least 17 fatalities and numerous injuries across multiple cities.

    In Karachi, hundreds of pro-Iranian protesters attempted to storm the US consulate, leading to intense clashes with security forces. Medical authorities confirmed at least 10 deaths and over 70 injuries in the city, with hospital records indicating many victims suffered fatal gunshot wounds. AFP journalists witnessed demonstrators scaling the consulate’s main gate, smashing windows before police dispersed crowds with tear gas.

    The northern city of Gilgit experienced similarly deadly confrontations, where rescue official Zaheer Shah reported at least seven fatalities and multiple injuries during protests. In the capital Islamabad, thousands gathered bearing images of the deceased Iranian leader, prompting security forces to deploy tear gas and audible gunfire to control crowds near US diplomatic compounds.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif condemned Khamenei’s killing as a ‘violation of international law,’ stating on social media platform X that ‘Heads of State/Government should not be targeted.’ While expressing solidarity with Iran, Sharif’s statements notably characterized the offensive as an Israeli operation, omitting significant US involvement.

    The protests revealed deep anti-American sentiment among demonstrators. ‘We don’t need anything in Pakistan that is linked with the US,’ protester Sabir Hussain told AFP. Another participant, Zahra Mumtaz, accused Pakistani leadership of being ‘stooges of the Americans’ while demanding the right to grieve openly.

    The violence extended to international organizations as protesters in Skardu stormed and set fire to a United Nations office, with nearby vehicles completely burned according to AFP correspondents. The US and British embassies subsequently issued security alerts urging citizens to exercise extreme caution throughout Pakistan.

  • Maersk suspends vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz

    Maersk suspends vessel transit through Strait of Hormuz

    In a significant escalation of maritime security concerns, global shipping giant Maersk has suspended all vessel transits through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait leading to the Suez Canal. The Danish container shipping company announced the precautionary measure Sunday following declarations from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards that the strait was closed and multiple security incidents reported in the region.

    The decision comes as part of a broader industry response to heightened risks, with Maersk stating that ‘the safety of our crews, vessels and customers’ cargo remains our key priority.’ The company has implemented rerouting strategies that will send vessels around the Cape of Good Hope at Africa’s southern tip, adding substantial distance and time to traditional shipping routes between Europe and Asia.

    Simultaneously, Maersk has temporarily closed its regional offices in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Oman as a security precaution. The shipping conglomerate joins other major industry players including MSC, Hapag-Lloyd, and CMA CGM in implementing similar safety measures across the affected waterways.

    The security situation intensified Sunday with reports from Omani state media indicating an oil tanker off its coast had been targeted, resulting in injuries to four crew members. Separately, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations Centre documented another vessel near the UAE coast reporting impact ‘by an unknown projectile causing a fire.’

    International Maritime Organization Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez issued a statement urging ‘maximum caution’ among shipping companies and recommending vessels avoid the affected region ‘until conditions improve.’ The collective industry response underscores the critical nature of these waterways, with the Strait of Hormuz alone facilitating nearly a quarter of global seaborne oil shipments alongside substantial commercial cargo volumes.

  • Capital city property prices defy RBA as median value soars

    Capital city property prices defy RBA as median value soars

    Australia’s capital city housing market has achieved an unprecedented milestone, with the median house price exceeding $1 million for the first time in February. This remarkable surge occurred despite the Reserve Bank of Australia’s recent decision to implement a 25 basis point interest rate increase, bringing the official cash rate to 3.85%.

    According to the latest PropTrack data analysis, capital city house prices experienced a 0.5% monthly increase, pushing the national median to a record $1,004,000. The market demonstrated broad-based strength with every capital city registering price growth during February.

    Hobart emerged as the standout performer with a robust 1% monthly increase, reaching a median price of $718,000. Brisbane and Adelaide followed closely, both recording 0.7% gains. Brisbane’s annual performance has been particularly impressive, with prices surging $153,500 over the past year to establish a new median of $1,046,000. Adelaide similarly appreciated by $118,600 to reach $929,000.

    Major markets Sydney and Melbourne maintained steady growth with increases of 0.5% and 0.3% respectively. Sydney’s median house price now stands at $1,255,000. Regional markets outperformed capital cities with a 0.6% monthly increase and a striking 10.5% annual growth rate, continuing a five-year trend of regional outperformance.

    REA Group senior economist Eleanor Creagh noted that the national increase represents the fastest annual pace of growth since June 2022. She highlighted Hobart’s reacceleration, attributing it to significantly reduced market inventory, with total stock down approximately 30% over the past year.

    The market dynamics show an interesting shift, with capital city unit growth outperforming houses both quarterly and annually across most markets, indicating buyer preference for more affordable options amid rising interest rates.

  • Penny Wong lashed as Coalition, Greens vote to suspend Senate for Iran vote

    Penny Wong lashed as Coalition, Greens vote to suspend Senate for Iran vote

    Australia’s parliamentary proceedings descended into political turmoil as lawmakers clashed over a controversial motion concerning recent US-Israeli military actions against Iran. The Coalition and Greens parties forced an unexpected suspension of standing orders, temporarily halting government business to introduce a contentious resolution.

    Coalition Senator Michaelia Cash introduced the motion expressing support for US strikes against Iran and welcoming the death of Iranian leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, whom she characterized as ‘the most evil person in history.’ The resolution further sought to affirm Australia’s opposition to Iran’s alleged nuclear weapons program and condemn attacks on US allies in the Gulf region.

    Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong opposed the procedural motion while supporting the substantive motion with amendments. Wong emphasized prioritizing the safety of approximately 115,000 Australians in the region and criticized the opposition for their previous inaction on Iranian sanctions during their tenure.

    The debate grew increasingly acrimonious as senators exchanged heated remarks across party lines. One Nation Leader Pauline Hanson endorsed the motion, claiming Iranians were ‘dancing in the streets’ following the Ayatollah’s death. Tensions escalated when independent Senator Lidia Thorpe accused Hanson of using derogatory language, resulting in a personal confrontation.

    Greens senators criticized both major parties for supporting what they termed an ‘illegal war,’ with Senator David Shoebridge accusing Labor and Liberals of forming ‘the three war parties.’ The discussion also touched on concerns about regional stability, international law violations, and potential repercussions from other global powers.

    The parliamentary interruption delayed scheduled debates on Indigenous affairs, specifically the Closing the Gap initiative, highlighting the competing priorities facing Australian lawmakers amid international crises.

  • Hollywood’s finest gather for guild’s Actor Awards

    Hollywood’s finest gather for guild’s Actor Awards

    The entertainment industry’s spotlight shifted to Los Angeles as Hollywood’s elite convened for the prestigious Screen Actors Guild Awards, the final major ceremony before the Academy Awards. The newly rebranded Actor Awards ceremony saw film and television luminaries gracing the red carpet, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s political thriller ‘One Battle After Another’ leading nominations with seven nods, closely followed by Ryan Coogler’s vampire allegory ‘Sinners’ with five nominations.

    The evening’s central drama revolved around the top honor for outstanding ensemble cast, a category that industry analysts watched closely for potential Oscars forecasting. According to Scott Feinberg, awards columnist for The Hollywood Reporter, ‘Sinners’ appeared positioned for victory in the ensemble category, though he noted the SAG Awards and Oscars have frequently diverged in their best picture preferences in recent years.

    In individual performance categories, Timothée Chalamet emerged as the clear frontrunner for best male actor for his transformative portrayal of a obsessive 1950s table tennis star in ‘Marty Supreme.’ The rising star, who previously won for his Bob Dylan biopic performance, faced formidable competition from Leonardo DiCaprio (‘One Battle After Another’), Michael B. Jordan (‘Sinners’), Ethan Hawke (‘Blue Moon’), and Jesse Plemons (‘Bugonia’).

    The best female actor category saw Jessie Buckley (‘Hamnet’) as the presumptive favorite after dominating the awards season circuit, though she competed against Rose Byrne, Kate Hudson, Chase Infiniti, and Emma Stone in what remained technically contested categories.

    Supporting role nominations presented greater unpredictability, with Feinberg noting significant divergence among previous awards ceremonies. Teyana Taylor, fresh from her Golden Globe win for ‘One Battle After Another,’ competed against Critics Choice winner Amy Madigan and BAFTA recipient Wunmi Mosaku, alongside Ariana Grande and Odessa A’zion.

    Television categories promised to extend the success of Netflix’s ‘Adolescence,’ medical drama ‘The Pitt,’ and Apple TV’s Hollywood satire ‘The Studio,’ with potential posthumous recognition for Catherine O’Hara in the comedy series category. The ceremony, hosted by Kristen Bell and streaming live on Netflix, also honored Harrison Ford with a lifetime achievement award during what many consider the most predictive event for Oscar success.

  • Trump vows to avenge first US deaths as Iran war intensifies

    Trump vows to avenge first US deaths as Iran war intensifies

    The Middle East conflict initiated by the United States has entered a dangerous new phase with the confirmation of the first American military fatalities. President Donald Trump, speaking from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida, pledged severe retaliation against Iranian forces following a coordinated US-Israeli offensive that eliminated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and decimated the headquarters of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

    The Pentagon confirmed three US service members killed and five seriously wounded in Operation ‘Epic Fury’ – the joint military campaign targeting Iranian leadership and military infrastructure. President Trump warned of additional casualties while promising ‘the most punishing blow to the terrorists who have waged war against civilization.’

    Iran’s response has been immediate and widespread, launching missile and drone attacks across the Middle East that have caused significant casualties in Israel and the United Arab Emirates. The conflict has transformed glittering Gulf economic centers into conflict zones, with explosions reported in previously secure urban areas.

    In Israel, Beit Shemesh suffered a devastating missile strike that killed nine civilians and injured dozens. The Iran-backed Hezbollah movement in Lebanon also entered the conflict, launching projectiles into northern Israel despite being weakened by previous Israeli military actions.

    Political fallout within the United States has been immediate, with House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries condemning the operation as a ‘reckless decision’ lacking sufficient justification. The casualties present a particular political challenge for President Trump, who built his political career criticizing foreign military interventions.

    Iran’s interim leadership, including President Masoud Pezeshkian and newly appointed Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, has vowed severe retaliation, characterizing Khamenei’s assassination as ‘a declaration of war against Muslims.’ Ali Larijani, head of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, promised unprecedented counterstrikes against American and Israeli targets.

    The international response remains divided, with the attack occurring just two days after reportedly productive nuclear negotiations between US and Iranian officials in Oman. The sultanate itself became a casualty of the conflict when its commercial port at Duqm suffered drone strikes that injured a foreign worker.

    Maritime security has deteriorated dramatically, with three commercial vessels attacked in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz and global oil prices spiking after Iran declared the waterway closed to navigation. While Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed successful strikes against the USS Abraham Lincoln, Pentagon officials dismissed these assertions as ‘not even close’ to accurate.

    Humanitarian organizations report significant casualties within Iran, with the Red Crescent documenting 201 fatalities and hundreds injured from the initial strikes. Among the confirmed deaths are Ali Shamkhani, a senior adviser to Khamenei, and General Mohammad Pakpour, commander of the Revolutionary Guards ground forces.

    The UAE has taken diplomatic action against Iran, recalling its ambassador and closing its embassy in response to attacks that killed three of its citizens. The conflict has sparked both celebration and anger across the region, with protests outside the US consulate in Karachi, Pakistan resulting in 17 fatalities.

  • ‘I couldn’t say no’: Phil Gould’s son makes name for himself as Storm eyes major milestone

    ‘I couldn’t say no’: Phil Gould’s son makes name for himself as Storm eyes major milestone

    A new chapter in one of rugby league’s most storied family legacies is being written in Melbourne, far from the familiar Sydney spotlight. Jack Gould, son of league immortal Phil Gould, is spearheading a groundbreaking initiative as the coaching director for the Melbourne Storm’s burgeoning women’s pathways program.

    While his father, Phil, continues his transformative work with the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs, Jack is carving his own distinct identity in the sport. His journey began with a five-year tenure at the Cronulla-Sutherland Sharks, where his role as female pathways coordinator earned him the prestigious Andrew Ettingshausen Club Person of the Year Award in 2025. This experience laid the foundation for his current ambitious project with the Storm.

    Jack’s appointment marks a strategic move by Melbourne to build a sustainable future in women’s rugby league. He is working in close partnership with female pathways manager Pauline Poloai to establish the club’s first-ever entries in the Tarsha Gale Cup (U19s) and Lisa Fiaola Cup (U17s). A key architect of this development, Gould has also assumed head coaching duties for the Tarsha Gale side, balancing this with his oversight of the academy programs.

    The philosophy driving this initiative, endorsed by football director Frank Ponissi’s ‘Road to AAMI Park’ program, emphasizes cultivating homegrown talent. This focus is yielding impressive results, with the U17s squad comprising 100% Victorian players and the U19s team featuring 90% local talent—a point of immense pride for the club.

    The long-term vision, as outlined by Gould, is a methodical ascent to the NRLW. The strategy involves patiently strengthening the current junior foundations before establishing a reserve grade team in the Harvey Norman Women’s Premiership by 2027 or 2028. This deliberate, bottom-up approach aims to ensure the future NRLW side is built on a robust and competitive local player base, ready to excel from its inception.

  • ‘Consistency’: Stephen Crichton dodges charge for high shot as Cowboys winger faces ban

    ‘Consistency’: Stephen Crichton dodges charge for high shot as Cowboys winger faces ban

    The National Rugby League’s match review committee has issued its disciplinary findings from the historic Las Vegas double-header, generating significant controversy over perceived inconsistencies in judicial outcomes. While Bulldogs captain Stephen Crichton escaped any sanction for his high tackle on Dragons rookie Setu Tu, Cowboys winger Braidon Burns faces a potential two-match suspension for his challenge on Knights superstar Kalyn Ponga.

    The committee’s decision regarding Crichton has raised eyebrows across the league, particularly given that the Bulldogs skipper was penalized during the match for direct contact to Tu’s head while the rookie was in a vulnerable position catching a high ball. The absence of any subsequent charge stands in stark contrast to Burns’ situation, who received a grade 2 careless high tackle charge and was sin-binned during the match for his challenge on Ponga.

    Dragons coach Shane Flanagan expressed frank bewilderment at the disciplinary inconsistencies, telling reporters: ‘Seriously mate, there was about six or seven of them. I’m disappointed.’ His frustration echoed sentiments shared by several analysts who questioned the application of consistent standards across both matches.

    Meanwhile, North Queensland faces additional concerns with forward Tom Mikaele potentially sidelined for six weeks with medial knee damage following a cannonball tackle from Knights veteran Tyson Frizell, who only faces a $1,000 fine for a grade 1 dangerous contact charge. Cowboys coach Todd Payten voiced his dissatisfaction, stating: ‘I’d just like a bit of consistency, but we’ll see what happens through the week.’

    The contrasting outcomes have ignited debate about judicial consistency in the NRL, particularly regarding high tackles and dangerous contact, as the league continues its international expansion efforts through the American showcase games.

  • ‘Not priced in’: ASX falls on US-Iran war

    ‘Not priced in’: ASX falls on US-Iran war

    Financial markets worldwide have been thrown into turmoil following a decisive US-Israel military operation that eliminated Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials. The coordinated strikes, described by US President Donald Trump as “pre-emptive,” have triggered a dramatic 15.13% surge in oil prices to $US77.44 per barrel, with projections indicating potential spikes beyond $US100.

    Australia’s ASX 200 index dropped 0.42% to 9,160.10 points by midday Monday, reflecting widespread investor anxiety over escalating Middle East tensions. The market decline was partially mitigated by a substantial 3.78% rally in energy stocks, which benefited from the crude price surge.

    Analysts from Capital.com warn that markets had not priced in comprehensive strikes against Iran, drawing parallels to the initial market shock following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, though noting Iran’s more limited integration into the global economy might moderate the ultimate economic impact.

    The commodity shock extended beyond oil, with gold futures jumping 2% to a four-week high of $US5,200 per ounce and silver rallying 8% to $US112.03 per ounce. The Australian dollar simultaneously fell 1.1% to a four-day low of 70.36 US cents.

    Energy experts from Wood Mackenzie highlight additional risks to global supply chains, predicting dramatic increases in tanker rates and insurance costs that would compound the inflationary pressure from elevated oil prices. Major net energy importers including Japan, China and India face particular vulnerability to sustained price increases.

  • Arsenal corner Chelsea into submission, Man Utd climb to third

    Arsenal corner Chelsea into submission, Man Utd climb to third

    The Premier League landscape witnessed significant shifts this weekend, headlined by Arsenal fortifying their championship credentials with a tactical masterclass against London rivals Chelsea. The Gunners secured a 2-1 victory, a win heavily influenced by their set-piece supremacy and Chelsea’s recurring disciplinary woes.

    The match’s narrative was defined by defensive contributions. William Saliba broke the deadlock in the 21st minute, capitalizing on a rehearsed corner routine that saw Gabriel Magalhaes nod the ball back across goal. Chelsea momentarily found parity, albeit through an unfortunate Pedro Hincapie own goal from another corner. The decisive blow came just after the hour mark from an unlikely source. Dutch defender Jurrien Timber headed into an unguarded net after Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez misjudged Declan Rice’s in-swinging delivery. The Blues’ frustrations culminated in a red card for Pedro Neto, his dismissal marking the ninth instance of a Chelsea player being sent off this season. A late disallowed equalizer for offside sealed a defeat that severely dents Chelsea’s top-five aspirations.

    Meanwhile, at Old Trafford, Benjamin Sesko emerged as the hero for Manchester United, vindicating manager Michael Carrick’s decision to reinstate him to the starting lineup. United overcame an early deficit against Crystal Palace, who had taken the lead through Maxence Lacroix. The game’s pivotal moment arrived just before the hour mark when Lacroix was dismissed for a professional foul on Matheus Cunha, conceding a penalty in the process. Bruno Fernandes converted from the spot and later turned provider, delivering a precise cross for Sesko to power home his seventh goal in eight appearances, sealing a 2-1 comeback.

    In contrast, Tottenham Hotspur’s crisis deepened under interim manager Igor Tudor. A 2-1 defeat at Fulham, with goals from Harry Wilson and Alex Iwobi, extended their winless run in 2026, making them the only Premier League side without a victory this calendar year. A late Richarlison header proved a mere consolation, leaving Spurs hovering just four points above the relegation zone amidst what Tudor described as ‘big problems’ within the squad.