Trump claims US 'winning' against Iran ahead of 2nd talks in Islamabad — enemy 'confused'
Washington DC: US President Donald Trump on Monday (local time) claimed that the United States is in a strong position in its ongoing conflict with Iran, asserting that American military actions have weakened Tehran, even as fresh diplomatic talks are set to begin. He said the US was "winning" and »»»
FBI Director Kash Patel sues the Atlantic claiming false reporting about drinking, absences
FBI Director Kash Patel filed a defamation lawsuit against the Atlantic and its reporter Sarah Fitzpatrick following the publication of an article on Friday alleging the director had a drinking problem that could pose a threat to national security. The magazine’s story, initially titled “Kash Pate»»»
US Air Force says key Iran warplane, the A-10 Warthog, will live on to 2030
WASHINGTON: The US Air Force secretary extended the life of the A-10 “Warthog” attack plane until 2030, sparing the aging but beloved close air support aircraft that has played an important role in Iran from an earlier retirement deadline of 2026. “We will EXTEND the A-10 ‘Warthog’ platform to 203»»»
Ceasefire opens window for selective bets, volatility risks remain
Dubai: A fragile ceasefire in the US-Israel-Iran conflict is giving investors a brief window to reassess positions, with analysts pointing to a more selective and cautious approach. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Market behaviour in recent days reflects a reset in sen»»»
Embassy of India honours volunteers for unwavering diaspora support
Tribune News Network Doha In a heartfelt gesture recognising community spirit and resilience, the Embassy of India, Doha, along with leading Indian community organisations in Qatar, expressed deep appreciation for the dedicated volunteers who have been tirelessly supporting the Indian diaspora duri»»»
US-Iran talks in limbo as Trump vows no let-up in blockade
Iran said Monday it had not decided whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States, while President Donald Trump vowed no let-up in a blockade and threatened to start bombing again when ceasefire ends on Wednesday night. The White House said Vice President JD Vance was r»»»
France investigating transfers of $15 Bil in stolen money by 2 Lebanese banks – Ya Libnan
Share: File – Lebanese bank customers hold pictures of the owners of Lebanese banks and caretaker PM Najib Mikati and Central bank chief calling them “the enemies of society”, during a protest in downtown Beirut, Lebanon, 11 June 2022. (EPA) France is investigating allegations that two Lebanese ban»»»
Paris Saint-Germain named ‘World Team of the Year’ at the Laureus World Sports Awards
On Monday 20 April 2026 in Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain was crowned ‘World Team of the Year’ at the 2026 Laureus World Sports Awards ceremony. The award recognises the capital club’s historic 2024–2025 season, praised for its team spirit and high-quality performances. This trophy, which is awarded a»»»
US envoy defends Trump’s threat to destroy Iran’s power plants and bridges
US President Donald Trump’s threat to destroy Iranian power plants and bridges is “perfectly acceptable,” Washington’s envoy to the UN Mike Waltz has said, dismissing accusations of potential war crimes. Speaking on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday, Waltz insisted that “all options are on the table” reg»»»
Oil shock 2.0? Houthis threaten Bab Al- Mandab shutdown as Hormuz drama reignites, crude prices rebound
As tensions in the Middle East surged again over the weekend, the Iran-backed Houthis threatened to close the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a crucial oil shipping lane that still serves crude flows from the Middle East through Red Sea ports. A Houthis statement gives a hint of the risks to global shipping.»»»
Philippines, US and allies start military exercises testing ‘real world’ readiness
MANILA: Philippine and US forces will carry out maritime strike drills on a remote Philippine island near Taiwan during annual exercises that started on Monday, which Manila’s military chief said would test their readiness under “real‑world conditions.” The April 20 to May 8 exercises known as “Bal»»»
Israel hindering Gaza aid access despite court ruling, says NGO
PARIS: Foreign aid groups are struggling to work in the occupied Palestinian territories including in war-torn Gaza despite Israel’s top court lifting a ban against them, a director at one of the charities said Monday. Israel in December said it was banning 37 non-governmental organizations unless »»»
Musician D4vd charged with first-degree murder in killing of 14-year-old - UPI.com
Singer D4vd was charged with first-degree murder Monday in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez last year. File Photo by Cyril Zingaro/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Singer D4vd was charged with first-degree murder Monday in the death of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez last year. Celeste's b»»»
Is petrodollar starting to crack? How Iran war puts world oil trade at risk
Dubai: The global financial system’s reliance on the US dollar for oil trade is being tested in real time as the Iran war approaches the two-month mark, with a fragile two-week ceasefire window now in focus. What began as a geopolitical shock has evolved into a deeper market shift, forcing investor»»»
When it Comes to the War and Negotiations With the US, IRGC is in Charge and Here’s Why
After Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other top leaders and commanders were killed on February 28, “it took Iran 10 minutes to retaliate” and start targeting US bases across the Gulf and in Israel, says veteran war correspondent Elijah Magnier. “Therefore, the IRGC is the one running the show,” Mag»»»
Superbrands Romania launches the 2026–2027 edition, dedicated to architects of progress in branding
The new Superbrands Honorary Council has also been established, bringing together 30 leaders from the business environment and specialists from the marketing and communication industry, whose mission, as in every edition, is to evaluate the reputational performance of the brands listed in the progr»»»
Northern Fleet re-establishes helicopter regiment
Helicopters are vital for countering drones and protecting shipping, says Andrei Vrublevsky, commander of the Northern Fleet’s new helicopter regiment. According to the lieutenant colonel, a major refurbishment of the regiment’s air base on the Kola Peninsula is due to be completed in 2027. Lieuten»»»
Syria’s return as a regional transport hub gains momentum
Damascus, April 20 (SANA) A series of recent diplomatic and economic developments is refocusing attention on Syria’s strategic location, as regional and international actors increasingly view the country not only through the lens of politics and reconstruction, but also as a potential hub for trans»»»
Brunei showcases diverse tourism experiences
Bandar Seri Begawan: Brunei highlighted its rich and diverse tourism offerings at the recent NATAS Travel Fair in neighboring Singapore, according to a press release issued by the Brunei Tourism Development Department on Monday. The showcase featured a wide range of experiences, from rainforest adv»»»
Sharjah Police promote safety as school reopen
Sharjah: Sharjah Police marked students’ return to in-person classrooms following a period of online learning with a series of outreach visits aimed at reinforcing national values and strengthening community engagement. Officers visited several educational institutions across the emirate, alongside»»»
Iran says 'no decision' on joining new talks, with US delegation set to depart
Iran said it had yet to decide whether to attend a new round of peace negotiations with the United States, as Washington's delegation prepared to depart for Pakistan on Monday. The uncertainty over the talks on ending the war that engulfed the region and rattled global markets came as U.S. Presiden»»»
France probes alleged illicit cash flight from Lebanon
France is investigating allegations that two Lebanese banks transferred billions of dollars out of the country despite strict capital controls during a financial crisis, a source close to the case and lawyers said Monday. The probe is the latest in France to look into alleged corruption linked to t»»»
Venezuela in talks with Siemens, GE over power crisis - UPI.com
Avilio Troconiz (C), regional president of the Primero Justicia party in Zulia, speaks at a press conference in front of the Las Tarabas electrical substation in Maracaibo, Zulia state, Venezuela, on March 26. The party denounced the the electricity crisis, which has worsened in recent months. Phot»»»
Journalists urge WHCA not to 'normalize' Trump ahead at press dinner - UPI.com
1 of 3 | A coalition of journalists are calling on the White House Correspondents’ Association to push back on President Donald Trump’s attacks on the press ahead of his attendance at Saturday’s correspondents’ dinner. Photo by Graeme Sloan/UPI | License Photo April 20 (UPI) -- A coalition of journ»»»
School safety in focus as Sharjah classes restart
Sharjah: Sharjah Civil Defence calls for strict safety compliance as students return to classrooms Officials urge schools, students and staff to build a culture of prevention and emergency readiness As students across Sharjah return to in-person classes, the Sharjah Civil Defence Authority has unde»»»
Did the Pope change — or did the world finally listen?
Luanda: And in Africa, the lion roared. There is a case to be made that Pope Leo XIV, the careful, reserved, Midwestern Augustinian, found his voice on his epic trip through Africa, blasting the “handful of tyrants” and “chains of corruption” that have held the continent hostage for centuries. But »»»
Libya’s agricultural sector is moving from planning to execution: Ahmed Ghazali at the Paris Libya-France Business Forum 2026
During the “Promoting Food Sovereignty” panel of the Libya France Business Forum held in Paris on 16 April, organised by Business France and the National Development Agency (NDA), Ahmed Al-Ghazali emphasised the fact that Libya’s agricultural sector is gaining momentum, underscoring growing coopera»»»
Who will make up Magyar’s new Hungarian government? Meet the team shaping up to be Tisza’s first cabinet
Originally published at Napunk The soon-to-be-formed Tisza government in Budapest will differ from Viktor Orbán’s governments not only in personnel but also in structure. Over the four terms since 2010, Viktor Orbán has repeatedly reshaped his governments, abolishing traditional ministries and fold»»»
Real Madrid coach Arbeloa launches stout defence of Mbappe
Madrid: Real Madrid coach Alvaro Arbeloa mounted a strong defence of French superstar Kylian Mbappe, who was criticised for what some perceived as ignoring his defensive responsibilities in last week's Champions League defeat by Bayern Munich. Arbeloa, who himself is under fire with Real all but ce»»»
Kosovo deadly attack trial nears end, defence rejects charges
Pristina: The trial in Pristina over an alleged secession attempt in northern Kosovo entered its final phase Monday, April 20, 2026, with the defence rejecting charges against three Serbs accused of "terrorist acts". In September 2023, a group of dozens of heavily armed men led by Serb Milan Radoic»»»
Durov backs Musk in French criminal probe, accuses Paris of free speech suppression
France is weaponizing criminal prosecution in an attempt to suppress free speech, Telegram founder Pavel Durov has said, as he backed X owner Elon Musk in the social media platform’s legal case in the country. Durov made the remarks on Sunday after the Wall Street Journal reported that the US Depar»»»
RAKBANK posts record Q1 profit of Dh1 billion on strong lending, one-off gains
Dubai: The National Bank of Ras Al Khaimah (RAKBANK) reported a record quarterly profit after tax of Dh1 billion for the first quarter of 2026, marking a 43% increase year-on-year, driven by strong balance sheet growth and a one-off gain from a business divestment. Get updated faster and for FREE: »»»
Bulgaria's Progressive Party wins election amid fears of Russia meddling - UPI.com
Bulgarian Prime Minister-elect, Rumen Radev (C), leader of the Progressive Bulgaria coalition, addresses the media on Sunday night after the first exit polls indicated he was on track to win. Photo by Borislav Troshev/EPA April 20 (UPI) -- Former president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria Party h»»»
Global Village Season 30 reopening: New attractions, expanded spaces, and upgraded experiences
Global Village has officially reopened its door today continuing its milestone 30th season, and it's bringing more than just nostalgia. Since first welcoming visitors in 1997, the beloved shopper's attraction has grown into one of the UAE's most beloved destinations, drawing a record-breaking 10.5 »»»
Residents return to ravaged homes months after Hong Kong fire
Hong Kong: Hong Kong residents who lost their homes in a massive fire at an apartment complex last year began returning on Monday for the first time to collect what is left of their belongings. The city's deadliest fire in decades killed 168 people when it ripped through seven of the eight apartmen»»»
Transport minister highlights seamless Hajj travel as Makkah Route flights arrive
JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Transport and Logistic Services Saleh Al-Jasser visited the dedicated terminal for the Makkah Route initiative at King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah, where he welcomed a flight of beneficiaries arriving from Bangladesh. The minister was briefed on proc»»»
Graphic storytelling gains attention in Saudi creative scene
DAMMAM: Saudi comic writer Abdullah Al-Otaibi outlined the fundamental differences between graphic novels and traditional fiction during a public discussion hosted at the Saudi Arabian Society for Culture and Arts in Dammam on Sunday. The session, part of the Literary Partner initiative launched by»»»
adidas and Saudia roll travel wear line across MENA
Dubai: Airlines are no longer just flying passengers — they’re now dressing them too. Sports apparel giant Adidas and Saudi Arabia’s national carrier Saudia have launched a new travel-focused clothing line across the Middle East and North Africa, starting April 20. The aim, according to the airline»»»
First ‘Itmam’ centre for judicial services opens Sharjah
Sharjah :The Sharjah Judicial Department has launched the first centre under its “Itmam” judicial services initiative, marking a key step in enhancing service delivery and improving access to judicial processes in the emirate. Announcing the launch, Judge Dr Mohammed Obaid Al Kaabi, Chairman of the»»»
Dubai Police welcome students with UAE flags as schools reopen
Dubai: Dubai Police marked the return of in-person learning with a series of field events aimed at welcoming students and fostering national pride. Through the “School Security” initiative, officers distributed UAE flags to students across schools, reinforcing a sense of belonging and identity from»»»
Romania’s real estate investment volume reached approximately EUR 152 million in Q1 2026
A distant second place was taken by the retail sector, with 8% of the total, followed by hotels (2%) and the industrial segment, with just 1%. The investment volume in the first three months of 2026 is approximately 7% above the quarterly average of 2025 but remains 2.5% below the level recorded in»»»
Laguna Medical SPA in St. Vlas Revives Traditions of Climatotherapy
The unique maritime climate of the St. Vlas resort can help treat chronic pulmonary diseases. This was established in the 1960s, when St. Vlas was recognized as one of Bulgaria's most favourable locations for climatotherapy and rehabilitation, Daniela Dineva of hotel owner Dinevi Group told BTA. Th»»»
New programme to turn 1,000 UAE families into entrepreneurs over 5 years
Dubai: The UAE is aiming to turn 1,000 Emirati families into entrepreneurs over the next five years, as part of a wider push to reduce reliance on state support and build a more self-sufficient economy. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Announced under the national campa»»»
UAE forecast for Tuesday: Wind, dust and rain
Dubai: The UAE is set for a stretch of cooler and unsettled weather beginning Tuesday and continuing through the end of the week, with dusty conditions, shifting winds and intermittent chances of light rainfall, according to the latest forecast, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM)»»»
fydubai expands Thailand network with second destination
Dubai: UAE carrier flydubai has announced it will start daily flights to Don Mueang International Airport in Bangkok from 1 July 2026, marking its second destination in Thailand after Krabi. The service will operate from Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport and will strengthen travel links bet»»»
How Bahrain is supporting private-sector workers as Gulf businesses feel Iran war strain
LONDON: Reverberations of the conflict in the Middle East are being felt across the region both physically and metaphorically. The booms and jolts of missile interceptions over Gulf cities and industrial sites may have halted since President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire on April 8, b»»»
UNIFIL chief leads tribute to slain French peacekeeper in Beirut
BEIRUT: The head of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon on Monday led a solemn tribute to a French soldier killed in a shooting incident in the country’s south, praising his “service and sacrifice” and urging an investigation into the attack. Major General Diodato Abagnara, commander of the Unit»»»
UK foreign minister to end tour early amid Iran ceasefire push
TOKYO/LONDON: British foreign minister Yvette Cooper will cut short an intensive diplomatic tour designed to build consensus around making a ceasefire in the Iran war permanent and on the next steps to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Cooper's department is at the centre of a new crisis over Peter Ma»»»
Nora Attal stars in Dolce&Gabbana Beauty campaign
DUBAI: British Moroccan model Nora Attal stars in a new campaign for Italian label Dolce&Gabbana Beauty, showcasing a new lip product by the Italian luxury label. In the advert, which Attal shared on social media, the model can be seen posing with a red, glossy lip courtesy of the new Rose Dew Lip »»»
Startup wrap — Funding momentum continues amid Iran conflict
RIYADH: Startups in the Middle East and North Africa region secured multiple funding rounds across different sectors across the beginning of April, despite ongoing market uncertainty caused by the conflict in Iran. This positive momentum continues from the record $7.5 billion raised by MENA startup»»»