Saturday Mornings International News Review: War Shockwaves, New US Tariffs & a World Cup Standoff

On MoneyFM 89.3’s International News Review, Steve Okun joins Saturday Mornings Show host Glenn van Zutphen and co-host Neil Humphreys break down a turbulent week in global affairs — one with direct implications for Singapore and Southeast Asia. We begin with the widening Middle East war, now triggering what analysts call the largest supply disruption in oil markets in history, sending crude above US$100 and rattling global supply chains. For Singapore and the region, the impact is immediate: rising energy costs, inflationary pressure, and heightened vulnerability as the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. ASEAN ministers have already warned of economic shocks, with governments scrambling to conserve energy and stabilise markets. Next, we examine the new US Section 301 investigations, which could lead to steep tariffs on major trading partners — including Singapore. These probes into “excess capacity” and forced‑labour concerns raise the risk of higher duties and supply‑chain uncertainty across Asia, just as the region grapples with energy shocks. Finally, we turn to the unexpected geopolitical twist in sport: world leaders — including President Trump — can’t agree on whether Iran should play in the 2026 World Cup, sparking global backlash and raising questions about politics overshadowing the world’s biggest tournament.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.