Armed conflicts and attacks
Middle Eastern crisis
Chinese supertanker Yuan Hua Hu, which carries 2 million barrels of Iraqi crude, crosses the Strait of Hormuz after previously being stranded in the Gulf for two months following the Iran war. (Jerusalem Post)
Four other vessels from China cross the Strait of Hormuz within the past 24 hours, including vehicle carrier Xian Jiang Kou and oil chemical tanker Starway. (AA)
At least 22 people, including eight children, are killed by Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon. (AFP via RTÉ)
Russo-Ukrainian war
Russian attacks on civilians in the Russo-Ukrainian war
Nine people are killed and at least 28 others are injured in the latest Russian drone strikes across Ukraine. (BBC News)
Sudanese civil war
At least two people are killed and several others are injured in a drone strike by the Sudanese Armed Forces in El Geneina, West Darfur, Sudan. (Sudan Tribune)
Insurgency in Balochistan
Clashes between Pakistani forces and the Balochistan Liberation Army in Balochistan, Pakistan, kill five soldiers, including an army major, and seven insurgents. (AP)
Business and economy
Germany approves reforms to its heating law and adopts new electricity supply legislation that enables support for 9 GW of new gas-fired power plants. (S&P Global)
The Ocean Dream Diamond sells for US$17 million at a Christie's auction, setting a record price for a blue-green diamond sold at auction. (AFP via France 24)
The United States-based Allegiant Travel Company completes its acquisition of Sun Country Airlines, successfully merging it with Allegiant Air to combine the 14th and 17th largest airlines in North America. (WDAY)
Economic impact of the 2026 Iran war
The U.S. Energy Information Administration reports that the oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz has fallen to 30% in the first quarter of 2026 as compared to the previous quarter. (AA)
Merger of Korean Air and Asiana Airlines
Korean Air announces plans to launch an integrated flag carrier for South Korea on 17 December following the completion of legal procedures for its acquisition of Asiana Airlines. (AA)