Media Review: April 3
ECONOMY – ENERGY The media cover the requested price increases by heating utilities. Trud: Bulgarian district heating companies have requested significant price increases for heating and hot water starting July 1, 2026, with Toplofikatsia Sofia seeking a nearly 30% hike and Toplofikatsia Veliko Tar»»»
Trump’s ‘Stone Age’ threat to Iran: A war phrase with a long past
US President Donald Trump’s threat to bomb Iran “into the Stone Age” has revived one of the most stark and controversial phrases in the language of modern warfare, drawing sharp reactions from Tehran and renewed scrutiny of what such rhetoric signals. In a televised address, Trump said the US would»»»
Human Remains Found on Thai Ship Attacked in Hormuz Strait
Human remains have been found aboard a cargo ship struck by Iran while transiting the Strait of Hormuz last month, the vessel's owner said Friday, after three crew members were reported missing following the attack. US-Israeli strikes on Iran late February prompted Tehran to respond by effectively »»»
Trump mocks European leaders over Iran stance
US President Donald Trump has lashed out at NATO and key European leaders, deepening tensions within the bloc over the war against Iran. According to the Financial Times, Washington has also threatened to curb weapons supplies to Ukraine to pressure European countries into involvement in the war in»»»
Iran Strikes US Military Sites in Gulf with Missiles and Drones
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that its naval forces targeted US military sites and infrastructure in the southern Gulf region on Thursday, using a large number of ballistic missiles, Qadir cruise missiles, and attack drones. In a statement, the IRGC’s Public Relations Of»»»
Pro-Palestinian Flotilla’s New Gaza Mission to Start in Spain on April 12
A flotilla of pro-Palestinian activists who attempted to reach Gaza last year said on Thursday they would launch a new mission to the devastated territory from Barcelona on April 12. The Global Sumud Flotilla's first weeks-long journey across the Mediterranean Sea to Gaza, blockaded by Israel durin»»»
US Warning on Iraq's Militias Deepens Tensions with Baghdad
Relations between Baghdad and Washington have entered a more tense phase after the US embassy issued sharp security warnings and questioned Iraq’s ability to prevent attacks on American interests. The US embassy in Baghdad said Thursday that Iran-aligned Iraqi militias could carry out attacks in ce»»»
Israel Wary of Sudden Trump Shift Despite War Pledge
Despite reassurances in Israel after US President Donald Trump said the war on Iran would continue for another two to three weeks, Israeli assessments still warn of a possible abrupt policy shift that could halt the conflict “before its objectives are complete.” Security sources say Iran’s Revoluti»»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Saudi Sadara petrochemical giant closed down creating a new plastics chokepoint
Sadara Chemical Company, the $20bn joint venture between Saudi Aramco (Tadawul: 2222) and Dow Chemical Company (DOW), has halted all production at its Jubail complex in eastern Saudi Arabia indefinitely without a shot being fired by Iran. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Iran president Pezeshkian issues public letter to US public condemning US aggression
Iran’s president Masoud Pezeshkian has issued a public letter addressed to the American people, defending Tehran’s actions in the face of what he called, “US unprovoked aggression” and warned that further attacks on Iranian infrastructure would be met in kind. »»»
Israel Says It Has Struck Over 3,500 Targets in Lebanon in Past Month
The Israeli military said Friday it had struck more than 3,500 targets across Lebanon in the month since fighting with the Hezbollah group began. Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East war on March 2 after Iran-backed Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel to avenge the US-Israeli attack that killed »»»
Moldovan parliament votes to leave CIS in final break with Russia-led bloc
Moldova’s parliament has approved the country’s withdrawal from the Russia-led Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), in a move described by officials as a key step towards European Union integration, a parliament statement said. »»»
US Warning on Iraqi Militias Deepens Tensions with Baghdad
Relations between Baghdad and Washington have entered a more tense phase after the US embassy issued sharp security warnings and questioned Iraq’s ability to prevent attacks on American interests. The US embassy in Baghdad said Thursday that Iran-aligned Iraqi militias could carry out attacks in ce»»»
Ships crossing Strait of Hormuz rises; Iran continues missile strikes on Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia
Doha, Qatar: More ships are passing through the Strait of Hormuz, says the maritime intelligence firm Windward. It said the number of transits through the critical waterway increased to 16 on Wednesday – the third consecutive daily rise. Meanwhile, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have»»»
Israeli Army Sets Gaza-style ‘Yellow Line’ in Lebanon amid Differences with Govt
Israeli forces have advanced into Lebanon’s Ras al-Bayada area, a hilly region about 14 kilometers from the Galilee border overlooking the Litani River, with the army saying it plans to remain there for an extended, though temporary, period. The move comes as tensions emerge between the military an»»»
On This Day, April 3: Police capture Theodore Kaczynski, the 'Unabomber' - UPI.com
On April 3, 1996, the FBI raided a Montana cabin and arrested Theodore Kaczynski, a former college professor, accusing him of being the "Unabomber" whose mail bombs had killed three people and injured 23 since the 1970s. 1 of 5 | On April 3, 1996, the FBI raided a Montana cabin and arrested Theodor»»»
Pressure builds as Qatar SC chase top four, Al Rayyan brace for Al Sadd test
Doha, Qatar: There is little room left for hesitation in the top-flight Qatar Stars League (QSL). With three rounds remaining, every point now carries weight for places in the top four, for survival and for momentum heading into the closing days of the season. That urgency frames today’s meeting be»»»
Aneed Al Shahania, Basalt shine at Al Rayyan
Doha, Qatar: Aneed Al Shahania clinched the H H Sheikh Mohammed Bin Khalifa Al Thani Trophy while Basalt emerged the Ebraz Cup winner to light up the Al Rayyan Racecourse, which hosted major races last evening. Competing in the Local Purebred Arabians, Aneed Al Shahania returned to winning form for»»»
Trump’s Anger Over Iran Thrusts NATO into Fresh Crisis
The NATO alliance has in recent years survived existential challenges - ranging from the war in Ukraine to multiple bouts of pressure and insults from US President Donald Trump, who has questioned its core mission and threatened to seize Greenland. But it is the US-Israeli war with Iran, thousands »»»
Lee says S. Korea, France agree to cooperate on safe passage through Strait of Hormuz - UPI.com
French President Emmanuel Macron (L) and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung (R) enter a welcome luncheon at the presidential Blue House in Seoul Friday. Photo by Yonhap President Lee Jae Myung said Friday he and French President Emmanuel Macron agreed to work together to secure the safe passage t»»»
Seminar on educational leadership in crises and recovery strategies held
Doha, Qatar: The Doha-based Arab Centre for Educational Training for the Gulf States organised a virtual symposium yesterday on educational leadership in crises, with the participation of a select group of educational leaders and specialists from Gulf and Arab countries. The seminar, held as a cont»»»
South Korea, France Agree to Deepen Defense Cooperation Amid Middle East Conflict
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday they planned to boost defense cooperation and work together to address the economic and energy crises triggered by the war in Iran. Macron arrived in South Korea on Thursday for a two-day state visit after also»»»
Hegseth Asked US Army Chief of Staff to Step Down
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth has asked General Randy George to step down as chief of staff of the US Army, an official said Thursday. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed a report from US broadcaster CBS that said George had been asked to take immediate retirement. The »»»
Russia, Egypt Discuss Means to Secure Energy, Food Supplies
Egypt stressed on Thursday its keenness on developing its bilateral ties and strategic partnership with Russia, along with coordinating over regional and international affairs, most notably the impact of the war on Iran. Russian President Vladimir Putin received in Moscow on Thursday Egyptian Forei»»»
Seminar discusses role of volunteering in building student character
Doha, Qatar: The Core Curriculum Programme at the Deanship of General Studies at Qatar University (QU) organised a virtual seminar titled ‘How Does Volunteering Enhance Your Character?’ which was attended by more than 150 students from various colleges across the university. The seminar was held vi»»»
UN Resumes Operations in Sudanese Capital after 3 Years of War
The United Nations announced on Thursday that it was officially resuming operations in the Sudanese capital Khartoum after three years of war. UN Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian and Development Coordinator in Sudan Denise Brown said the move was significant and allows UN agencies to reach all»»»
No Threat to Bulgaria From Iran, Analyst Says Amid Diplomatic Note Row
Journalist Hristo Rimpopov told Bulgarian National Radio that there is no basis to assume Bulgaria could become a target of Iranian attacks, following confirmation by the Foreign Ministry that Tehran had sent a diplomatic note concerning the presence of US aircraft at a Bulgarian airport. The clari»»»
Trump pledges to 'finish the job' in Iran in national address but offers no exit plan
President Donald Trump said US forces would keep hitting Iran "very hard" in the next two or three weeks and bring the country "back to the Stone Ages" in a televised address on Wednesday night, even as he argued that Washington had accomplished its goals but offered no clear timeline for ending th»»»
Dubai’s Dh1bn support plan eases costs, boosts business confidence
Dubai: Dubai’s Dh1 billion economic support package is being interpreted by business leaders and economists as a pre-emptive move to protect growth momentum, with authorities stepping in early to ease pressure on companies facing tighter liquidity and rising operating costs. Sign up for our daily b»»»
'An eye for an eye': Israel’s death penalty law is retaliatory and electorally motivated
The Israeli parliament's adoption of a law establishing "the death penalty for terrorists" – which in practice will only apply to Palestinians – has provoked an international outcry. The reasons for it passing are not just retaliatory, but politically motivated. "This is historic! With Go»»»
Europe, NATO under pressure over Iran war: 'Trump strong with the weak and weak with the strong'
François Picard is pleased to welcome Hélène Conway-Mouret, French Senator, Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee. According to Conway-Mouret, Donald Trump’s Iran war strategy is creating incredible volatility for European security, transatlantic relations, and even domestic politics in the U»»»
Burkina Faso army, jihadists have killed more than 1,800 civilians since 2023, HRW says
More than 1,800 civilians have been killed in violence-wracked Burkina Faso since 2023, Human Rights Watch said in a report released on Thursday that accuses the army and civilian militias of killing more civilians than jihadists do. The NGO called on prosecutors at the International Criminal Court»»»
Eye on Africa - South Africa deploys troops to tackle crime in Cape Town townships
In tonight’s edition: South Africa ramps up its fight against crime with the deployment of soldiers in Cape Town. Also, the Democratic Republic of Congo gets a chance at World Cup glory for the first time in over half a century. And top African leaders and changemakers gather in Paris for the Chang»»»
India’s new digital rules tighten the noose on freedom of speech
Journalists, news outlets, satirists and cartoonists are among the spate of citizens targeted by India’s increasingly strict laws on digital censorship. Critics say that a new set of rules will further expand executive power over the internet and signal a growing digital authoritaria»»»
France to Fund Rafale F5 Project Independently Following Rift With UAE - Reports
France will be forced to independently finance its Rafale F5 fighter jet project due to disagreements with the United Arab Emirates over participation in the development, French newspaper La Tribune reported. At France's request, the UAE was prepared to finance 3.5 billion euros ($4 billion) of the»»»
IOM Warns of 'Alarming' Risk of Long-term Mass Displacement in Lebanon
International Organization for Migration chief Amy Pope told AFP on Thursday in Beirut that the prospects for prolonged mass displacement in Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah are at war, were "very alarming". "I think those prospects are very alarming because you look right now at the level of de»»»
IntelliNews launches IntelliNews Reputation Leaders Awards
April 2, 2026. bne IntelliNews, a leading provider of business news and data about emerging markets, today announces the launch of the IntelliNews Reputation Leaders Awards – an independent, annual awards programme that recognises companies whose leadership and public reputation stand out across ke»»»
IntelliNews launches IntelliNews Reputation Leaders Awards
April 2, 2026. bne IntelliNews, a leading provider of business news and data about emerging markets, today announces the launch of the IntelliNews Reputation Leaders Awards – an independent, annual awards programme that recognises companies whose leadership and public reputation stand out across ke»»»
IntelliNews launches IntelliNews Reputation Leaders Awards
April 2, 2026. bne IntelliNews, a leading provider of business news and data about emerging markets, today announces the launch of the IntelliNews Reputation Leaders Awards – an independent, annual awards programme that recognises companies whose leadership and public reputation stand out across ke»»»