Oil prices rise sharply after US, Israeli attacks on Iran
Brent crude is up by 9 percent amid supply concerns as Trump says strikes on Iran could last weeks.

Brent crude is up by 9 percent amid supply concerns as Trump says strikes on Iran could last weeks.








![Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), places a red paper rose on the name of an elected candidate at the LDP headquarters on general election day in Tokyo, Japan, February 8, 2026 [Kim Kyung-Hoon/Pool/EPA]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/AFP__20260208__96KU69G__v1__HighRes__JapanPoliticsVote-1770564308.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)

Struggling with loneliness, people in Japan use an online chat service for mental health support and social connection.
Opinion polls suggest Takaichi’s conservative coalition could win more than 300 of the 465 seats in the lower house.
Japanese households are finding it harder than ever to make ends meet as wages fail to keep pace with rising prices.
Japanese are voting on issues ranging from cost of living to constitutional reform.
Japan deploys troops to help residents and warns people to watch for avalanches and snow falling from roofs.
Tokyo proclaims Pacific Ocean mission world’s first attempt to tap rare earths at such a depth.
Facing the prospect of US strikes, Iran has intensified diplomatic efforts with countries including Turkiye.

Thousands gathered in Tokyo to bid farewell to Japan’s last two pandas as they began their return to China.
Japanese prime minister’s pledge to suspend consumption tax prompts turmoil in bond markets.