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The UK is on the brink of a medicine shortage crisis, with experts warning that the country is just weeks away from feeling the effects of the ongoing conflict in Iran. The war has already disrupted the supply of essential raw materials, including oil, gas, crop fertiliser, and helium.The pharmaceutical industry, which relies heavily on imports, is particularly vulnerable to these disruptions. India, known as the 'pharmacy of the world', produces a significant proportion of generic drugs and active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used globally. However, with the Strait of Hormuz largely closed due to the conflict, the transportation of these vital supplies is becoming increasingly difficult.Medicine prices are also expected to rise as a result of the conflict. The US-Israel war on Iran has doubled air freight costs, which could make some medicines loss-making to supply to the NHS. While suppliers have long-term pricing agreements with NHS hospitals, they have more flexibility to increase prices for drugs supplied to GP practices and pharmacies.The UK's reliance on imported medicines is significant, with about half of its medicines produced domestically, a third coming from India, and another chunk from the EU. During the Covid pandemic, paracetamol and other painkillers were in short supply in Britain and elsewhere, as drugmakers in India struggled to keep up with demand.Medical distributors typically stock six to eight weeks of supplies to avoid shortfalls, but if the conflict drags on, drug shortages could emerge in only a few weeks' time. Experts warn that the overall ripple effect on the industry is significant, with the patient ultimately picking up the tab, either directly or via public health systems like the NHS.

Israel's military is facing a severe crisis, according to the country's opposition. The opposition has made a startling assertion that the military forces are 'in collapse,' raising alarms about the nation's defense capabilities and overall stability.The claims have significant implications for Israel's national security and could potentially impact the country's stance on various geopolitical issues. However, details about the specific challenges facing the military and the evidence supporting these claims remain unclear.The situation underscores the complexities and challenges Israel faces in maintaining its military strength and ensuring national security in a volatile region.

In a groundbreaking development, US President Donald Trump's signature will soon be featured on US currency as part of plans to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the country's Independence Day on July 4. This move, announced by the US Department of the Treasury on Thursday, marks a significant departure from tradition, as Trump becomes the first sitting president to have his signature on US banknotes.Currently, US banknotes, which come in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20, $50, and $100, feature the signatures of the Treasury secretary and the treasurer. The decision to include Trump's signature is seen as a recognition of his 'historic achievements,' according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who noted that Trump has put the country on a path towards 'unprecedented economic growth' and 'fiscal strength and stability.'The economic growth under Trump has been largely in line with the post-pandemic trend overseen by his predecessor, Joe Biden. Specifically, US GDP grew 2.2 percent in 2025, slightly below the 2.5 percent average expansion from 2022-2024. This move has not been without criticism, with California Governor Gavin Newsom mocking the announcement, suggesting that Americans will now know exactly who to blame for rising costs of living expenses.This development comes on the heels of the US Commission of Fine Arts approving the minting of a commemorative gold coin bearing Trump's image, a move that also drew backlash. Critics have likened these actions to the behavior of dictators and monarchs. Trump, known for aggressively pushing his personal brand, has attached his name to various institutions and projects, including the John F Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts and an upcoming class of battle ships.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim revealed in a televised address that Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has allowed Malaysian vessels to pass through the Strait of Hormuz with 'early clearance'. This development comes as the global energy market faces significant disruptions due to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.Anwar expressed gratitude to Pezeshkian for the clearance, which will enable Malaysian oil tankers and their crews to continue their journey home. While he did not specify the number of vessels cleared or the conditions for safe passage, he emphasized that Malaysia is working to secure the release of its ships and personnel.The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway, facilitating about one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies. Iran has claimed the right to control the strait and has been responsible for several attacks on commercial vessels in the region. Despite Iran's assertion that the strait is open to non-aligned ships, there have been reports of Iranian authorities demanding tolls of up to $2 million for safe passage.Malaysia, a net energy exporter and one of the world's top LNG suppliers, imports nearly 70% of its crude oil from the Gulf region. Anwar noted that while Malaysia is better positioned than other nations due to its state-run oil and gas company Petronas, the country will still face impacts from the energy supply disruptions. To mitigate these effects, the government plans to implement fuel conservation measures, including reducing subsidized petrol quotas and encouraging civil servants to work from home.Anwar warned that food, fertilizer, and oil prices are likely to rise due to the disruptions. He emphasized that Malaysia is taking steps to address these challenges, adding that some countries are experiencing far worse impacts than Malaysia.

Israel's main opposition leader Yair Lapid has issued a stern warning that the ongoing war with Iran and Hezbollah in Lebanon is taking a devastating toll on the country. In a video address, Lapid accused the government of recklessly pushing the military into a 'multi-front war without a strategy, without the necessary means, and with far too few soldiers.'Lapid's comments echo concerns raised by military chief Eyal Zamir, who reportedly warned of the military being 'stretched to the limit and beyond' in a security cabinet meeting. This criticism comes as Israel's military continues its operations in Lebanon, with plans to establish a buffer zone up to the Litani River, about 30km from the border.The conflict has already resulted in significant casualties, with almost 2,000 people killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran since February 28, and at least 19 people killed and over 5,229 wounded in Iranian attacks in Israel. The situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire, with Israeli forces continuing near-daily attacks, killing more than 700 Palestinians since October 2025.Lapid, a centrist figure in Israeli politics, has consistently criticized the government's handling of the war while supporting Israel's military campaigns in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and elsewhere. He has also expressed support for Israeli expansion as far as Iraq, citing Zionist and biblical foundations.The international community is watching closely, with Lebanon planning to complain to the United Nations Security Council over Israeli attacks, which it views as a threat to its sovereignty. As the conflict escalates, many analysts and politicians, especially in the Israeli opposition, question the effectiveness of the current government's strategy.

Balendra Shah, Nepal's youngest prime minister, has been officially sworn in following his party's decisive election victory that came after months of youth-led protests which resulted in the government's collapse in September.The rapper-turned-politician was appointed prime minister by President Ram Chandra Paudel on Friday, after his three-year-old Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) secured 182 seats in the 275-member parliament during the March 5 election. This vote marked Nepal's first election since the anticorruption Gen Z-led demonstrations that tragically claimed 76 lives.The 35-year-old leader made a distinctive appearance during his swearing-in ceremony at the President House, wearing black trousers, a matching jacket, his signature black Nepali cloth cap, and sunglasses, in the presence of diplomats and senior government officials.A day prior to his formal appointment, the new premier, better known as Balen, released his first public statement since the historic election through a rap song shared on social media platforms. Titled Jay Mahakaali (Victory to Goddess Mahakali), the song features lyrics such as 'Nepal is not scared this time, the heart is full of red blood … Laughter and happiness will reach every household this time.' The accompanying music video, showcasing large crowds cheering during his campaign, has garnered nearly three million views.'The strength of unity is my national power,' Shah raps in the track that emphasizes his political message of national cohesion.A former mayor of Kathmandu, Shah holds the distinction of being Nepal's first Madhesi premier – representing people from the southern plains bordering India – to lead the Himalayan nation.China extended its official congratulations to Nepal on Shah's swearing-in, with the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressing support for its Himalayan neighbor in safeguarding its independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.The political transition follows months of protests driven by widespread discontent over unemployment and systemic corruption in the nation of 30 million people. Approximately one-fifth of Nepal's population lives in poverty, with an estimated 1,500 citizens leaving the country daily for work abroad.Although Shah did not directly participate in the demonstrations, he publicly expressed solidarity with the largely Generation Z protesters who spearheaded the movement that brought down the previous administration.Political instability has long plagued Nepal, with 32 governments taking office since 1990, none of which have completed a full five-year term. The Nepali Congress party, the country's oldest political organization, secured only 38 seats in the recent election, placing it a distant second. The Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist) of KP Sharma Oli, who resigned following the Gen Z unrest, now controls 25 parliamentary seats.Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki had been leading the nation through the interim period preceding the parliamentary election that brought Shah to power.

Al Jazeera recently had the opportunity to visit a historic palace in Iran that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The palace, which suffered significant damage during a war, offers a glimpse into the country's rich cultural heritage and the impact of conflict on its architectural treasures.The palace, a testament to Iran's architectural prowess, stands as a symbol of resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges posed by war, the site continues to attract visitors and serve as a reminder of the importance of preserving cultural heritage.Al Jazeera's visit to the palace provides a unique perspective on the intersection of history, culture, and conflict in the region. The palace's story serves as a powerful reminder of the need to protect and preserve cultural sites for future generations.

Manila, Philippines, is experiencing a rare phenomenon - empty streets. For years, the city's transport congestion has been notorious, ranking worst globally in 2024, according to the TomTom traffic index. However, a 26km drive from the Manila airport to the Quezon City Hall now takes just 45 minutes, instead of the typical two hours, according to Google Maps.The reason behind this sudden change is the surge in fuel prices following the United States and Israel's joint military operation against Iran almost a month ago. This has resulted in a significant decrease in vehicular traffic, with fewer buses, jeepneys, and ride-hailing vehicles plying the streets.The impact is being felt by vendors and transport workers, such as Ruben, a 27-year-old parking attendant, who earned less than half his usual collection on a typical Wednesday. Emily Ruado, a 59-year-old paper napkin vendor, also reported a decline in her daily income from $10 to $5.The financial difficulties faced by individuals like Ruben and Emily reflect a bigger headache for the Philippines, as worries of a sharp increase in prices of basic goods and sudden loss of employment for thousands of people could quickly lead to a stagnating economy. The country's GDP growth rate of 5 percent is now becoming more unlikely.The surge in fuel prices has also exposed the acute insufficiency of Manila's limited railway network, with commuters swelling during rush hour at metro stations. This highlights the need for improved infrastructure and the multibillion-dollar infrastructure corruption scandal still roiling the country.

A devastating boat sinking incident has occurred off the coast of Djibouti, claiming the lives of at least nine people and leaving 45 others missing. The boat, carrying over 300 migrants and refugees, sank near Guehere in the north of the country on Tuesday.The Djiboutian coastguard launched an emergency operation, rescuing 266 survivors, all of whom were identified as Ethiopian nationals. They are currently receiving support at the International Organization for Migration's (IOM) Migrant Response Centre in Obock.The incident is a grim reminder of the risks faced by migrants attempting to cross the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a notorious migration route that separates Djibouti and Yemen. Tens of thousands of people from the Horn of Africa region attempt to make this perilous journey each year, often facing arbitrary arrest, trafficking, violence, and detention.According to IOM data, 506,000 people moved along this route in 2025, an 18% increase from the previous year. The agency also reported that 922 people died or went missing on this route in 2025, nearly double the number recorded the year before.The IOM has expressed concern that the hot season in Djibouti, which brings rougher seas and strong winds, will place migrants at even greater risk. The agency's chief of mission in Djibouti, Tanja Pacifico, warned that this tragic shipwreck may sadly mark the first of many incidents this year.