Around the Globe

U.S. Central Command said Wednesday that no vessels have passed through the U.S. naval blockade of Iran in the 48 hours since it took effect, as tensions continue in the region.

Attorney General’s Office of Indonesia said authorities arrested Indonesia’s chief ombudsman Hery Susanto on Wednesday in Jakarta over bribery allegations, five days after his appointment by Prabowo Subianto.

Sanae Takaichi said Thursday that Japan will distribute 50 million medical gloves starting in May to healthcare facilities facing shortages, as the country responds to supply disruptions caused by the Middle East conflict.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Tuesday that United States peace negotiators have shifted focus away from Ukraine due to the war involving Iran, and warned of delays in U.S. arms deliveries.

A Paris resident won a Head of a Woman by Pablo Picasso valued at about $1 million after purchasing a €100 ($117) raffle ticket, organizers announced Tuesday following a draw at Christie’s.

Company after-work drinking culture in South Korea is declining as younger workers reduce participation in late-night corporate gatherings and heavy alcohol consumption.

Pakistan is working to facilitate renewed talks between Iran and the United States and to extend a ceasefire to allow more time for diplomatic negotiations, a senior Pakistani official said.

Electric vehicle sales increased across Southeast Asia as consumers shifted away from gasoline-powered vehicles amid higher fuel prices linked to disruptions in global oil supply.

U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Pope Leo XIV as “terrible” and “weak on crime” in a social media post, prompting the pontiff to respond that he would continue speaking out against war without fear of the U.S. administration.