Iran internet blackout enters 68th day, NetBlocks says

China said on Wednesday that a complete cessation of hostilities was of “utmost urgency” and that continuing negotiations remained “of paramount importance” after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met China’s top diplomat Wang Yi in Beijing.

China’s foreign ministry said Wang told Araghchi that China was “a reliable strategic partner of Iran” and expressed hope that parties involved would respond to international calls to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. The meeting came shortly before US President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Araghchi said China was a “close friend” of Iran and that bilateral cooperation “will even become stronger under current circumstances,” according to Iran’s state media. Referring to talks with Washington, he said: “We will do our best to protect our legitimate rights and interests in the negotiations ... We only accept a fair and comprehensive agreement.”

French shipping group CMA CGM said on Wednesday one of its vessels, the San Antonio, was attacked while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, leaving crew members injured and the ship damaged.

The attack took place on Tuesday, and injured crew have been evacuated and are receiving medical care, the company said.

“CMA CGM is closely monitoring the situation and remains fully mobilized alongside the crew,” the company said in a statement.

UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed praised the country’s armed forces on Wednesday as the United Arab Emirates marked 50 years since their unification.

He thanked service members for safeguarding the country’s security and stability and protecting its people.

“Their dedication and sacrifice is a source of endless pride to everyone who calls the UAE home,” he said.

Pakistan is urgently seeking liquefied natural gas cargoes for May delivery as hot weather strains its power grid and the Iran war disrupts Persian Gulf supply, Bloomberg reported on Wednesday.

State-owned Pakistan LNG Ltd. issued a tender for shipments to be delivered on May 12-14 and May 24-26, the report said.

It added that Pakistan bought a spot cargo last month for the first time in more than two years as the war in Iran choked supply from the Persian Gulf, which produces about a fifth of the world’s LNG.

Four in five people in Britain are worried the Iran war will make food more expensive, The Guardian reported on Wednesday, citing an Opinium poll.

The survey found 80% of respondents were concerned about rising grocery prices as retailers pass higher costs on to consumers.

It also found 73% expected the conflict to push up prices of other products.

Businesses warned that the “window is closing” for ministers to cut energy costs for UK retailers, according to the report.