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Here's today's free edition.

This is the World In Brief from The Economist.

Our top stories.

Oil prices surged dramatically when market opened in Asia as traders reacted to the war in Iran that began over the weekend.

Brent Crude, the global benchmark, jumped to $82 a barrel from $73 on Friday.

European diesel futures rose by 10% to the highest level in two years.

Wood McKenzie, a research firm, reckons oil prices could surpass $100 if conflict around the Persian Gulf continues.

Israel carried out strikes on parts of Lebanon, including Beirut, the capital, after

Hezbollah launched missiles at Israel.

The Iran-backed militant group said its strikes were in response to repeated Israeli

aggressions. A senior Israeli official warned Hisbola that it would be fully responsible for

any escalation. The two sides signed a ceasefire in November 2024.

President Donald Trump planned to speak with Iran's new leadership, according to comments he

gave to the Atlantic magazine.

They want to talk, he said, though declined to say when a conversation would happen.

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