Here’s why the Iran talks were doomed to fail
The US-Iran talks in Islamabad ended exactly as they were bound to end under the current balance of power – without a deal, without a handshake, without even the faintest sense that the two sides have moved closer to a durable peace. Nearly 21 hours of talks, an unprecedented level of representatio»»»
Abdullah bin Zayed, Ayman Safadi discuss regional stability
Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, has received Ayman Safadi, Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, to discuss regional developments and security challenges. The meeting addressed regional development»»»
Colombia to cull up to 80 hippos tied to late drug lord Pablo Escobar - UPI.com
According to official data, the population in Colombia could reach 500 hippos by 2030 if control measures are not implemented. A scientific study cited by the government recommends removing at least 33 animals per year to achieve a significant reduction. File Photo by Daniel Irungu/EPA April 13 (UP»»»
Qatari beach volleyball team qualify for round of 16 in Asian Open Tour
BANGKOK: The Qatari beach volleyball team, consisting of the duo Cherif Younousse and Ahmed Tijan (Qatar Team 1), qualified for the round of 16 of the Samila Asian Open Tour Championship. The championship started on Sunday in Thailand with the participation of 27 teams representing 15 countries. Qa»»»
Qassem asks Lebanese state to cancel Tuesday meeting with Israel
Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem on Monday urged the Lebanese state to cancel a planned meeting with Israel in Washington the following day, reiterating his group's rejection of direct negotiations with Israel. "We reject negotiations with the usurping Israeli entity... We call for a historic and heroi»»»
Safa says Hezbollah won't abide by any agreements from Lebanon-Israel talks
Hezbollah will not abide by any agreements that may result from the direct Lebanon-Israel talks in the United States, negotiations it firmly opposes, a senior Hezbollah official said Monday. Wafiq Safa, a high-ranking member of Hezbollah's political council, spoke on the eve of the talks expected i»»»
IEA Is Ready to Further Tap Global Oil Reserves if Needed, Chief Says
The head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, said on Monday he hopes another oil stockpile release is not needed but "we stand ready to act" if the energy shock resulting from the war with Iran requires it. The 32-member IEA agreed last month to release 400 million barrels of oil »»»
Russian Satellite Internet System Takes Shape
Russia is developing a global satellite internet network to provide high-speed connectivity worldwide. The Rassvet constellation launched its first 16 satellites in March 2026, with hundreds more planned. The network aims to deliver up to 1 Gbps speeds and low latency, creating a sovereign digital »»»
EU's Military Buildup Signals It Prepares for Large-Scale War Against Russia - Russian Envoy to UN
UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) - Increased military preparations of the European Union make it obvious that it is getting ready for a major war against Russia, Russian Permanent Representative to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia said on Monday. "These large-scale military preparations leave no doubt a»»»
Sheikh Khaled meets Premier Li Qiang in Beijing
Beijing: Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, and Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China, have discussed ways to further strengthen the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries and advance cooperation across»»»
FAO warns Strait of Hormuz closure could disrupt current and next agricultural seasons
Rome, Italy: The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) warned on Monday, April 13, 206, that the current and upcoming agricultural seasons could be affected if the Strait of Hormuz remains closed and fertilizer shipments are disrupted. According to FAO estimates, between 20 »»»
Trump vows US will sink any Iran boats that challenge blockade
Washington, United States: US President Donald Trump warned Monday that any Iranian attack boats that approach the naval blockade he has ordered around the country's ports will be destroyed, despite international calls for a ceasefire to be respected and negotiations to resume. The US military said»»»
Minister of State for International Cooperation meets Swiss Ambassador
Doha, Qatar: Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Monday with Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to the State of Qatar HE Florence Tinguely. The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and»»»
Minister of State for International Cooperation meets Lebanon's Ambassador
Doha, Qatar: Minister of State for International Cooperation HE Dr. Maryam bint Ali bin Nasser Al Misnad met on Monday with Ambassador of the Republic of Lebanon to the State of Qatar HE Bilal Kabalan. The meeting discussed cooperation relations between the two countries and ways to support and enh»»»
Israel Presses Assault on Lebanon Border Town Ahead of US-Hosted Talks
Israeli troops launched an attack on Monday to seize a key town in south Lebanon from Hezbollah fighters holed up there, pressing the war on the Iran-backed group on the eve of rare talks between Israeli and Lebanese government envoys. With the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors to the United States »»»
Syria, Türkiye agree on steps to boost economic integration and exports
Damascus, April 13 (SANA) – President of the Syrian Exporters Union Abdul Qader Tahan said talks held with the Turkish Exporters Assembly (TİM) during the Syrian economic delegation’s visit to Istanbul last week resulted in strategic understandings aimed at moving from coordination to practical imp»»»
Qatar’s national pavilion at Giardini della Biennale to participate in Venice Biennale next month
Doha, Qatar: The National Pavilion of Qatar at the Giardini della Biennale in Venice, Italy, announced today, April 13, 2026, details of its participation in the 61st International Art Exhibition - La Biennale di Venezia, to be held next month. The pavilion will present the art exhibition 'untitled»»»
UN warns Middle East conflict could push 32 million more into poverty
New York: The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that more than 32 million people worldwide could be pushed into poverty due to the economic fallout of the conflict in the Middle East, with developing countries expected to bear the brunt. In a report issued on Monday, the agency sai»»»
Israel Army Ups Hezbollah Death Toll from April 8 Strikes to Over 250
Israel's military said Monday that a massive wave of strikes in Lebanon last week killed five Hezbollah commanders, as well as more than 250 of the Iran-backed group's fighters. The Lebanese health ministry has said Wednesday's attacks killed more than 350 people in total and wounded more than 1,20»»»
How different will Magyar be from Orbán? We analyse his views on EU, Russia, Ukraine, and Trump
Péter Magyar promised during the election campaign that he would dismantle Viktor Orbán’s entire political system “brick by brick” — a system with which he had close ties until very recently. Over the past two years, Magyar has travelled almost constantly around the country, saying he would curb co»»»
Saudi Arabia launches e-permits for Mecca entry
Dubai: Saudi Arabia has begun issuing electronic entry permits for Mecca ahead of the 2026 Hajj season, with authorities enabling residents and workers to apply online as part of tighter access controls to the holy city. The General Directorate of Passports said applications for Mecca entry permits»»»
Aoun hopes Tuesday talks will lead to ceasefire, sustainable solution
President Joseph Aoun on Monday told visiting Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani that "Lebanon hopes that the upcoming meeting tomorrow in Washington between the ambassadors of Lebanon, the United States, and Israel will result in an agreement on a ceasefire in Lebanon, paving the way for dire»»»
Blockade of Strait of Hormuz will send oil prices to record levels
A potential U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports could trigger an unprecedented shock in global energy markets. Oil prices have already surged, with Brent crude exceeding $103 per barrel after failed diplomatic talks between Washington and Tehran. Experts warn that current prices do not reflect a w»»»
Magyar beats Orban in battle for Hungary: What happens now?
Hungarian opposition leader Peter Magyar has pulled off a stunning victory in the country’s parliamentary election, with his Tisza party beating Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz by more than 16 points. The result is set to dramatically change Hungary’s relations with the EU, Russia, and Ukraine»»»
What US refusing to escalate against Iran means for allies and global order
What will be the consequences for the United States of refraining from taking extreme measures against Iran? It is too early to say what kind of lasting order, if any, will emerge in the Middle East after the failure of the US and Israel’s campaign against Tehran. Yet the decision to avoid escalati»»»
Keiko Fujimori leads Peru vote count after delayed balloting - UPI.com
Peruvian presidential candidate Keiko Fujimori speaks at a press conference in Lima on Monday. Fujimori, the daughter of former President Alberto Fujimori, is the frontrunner to compete for the Peruvian presidency in a runoff election scheduled June 7. Photo by Renato Pajuelo/EPA April 13 (UPI) -- »»»
UAE President, King of Bahrain discuss regional developments
Manama, Bahrain: King of Bahrain HM Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa met in Manama on Monday, April 13, 2026, with UAE President HH Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. The two sides discussed the latest developments in the Middle East and their repercussions on regional and international security and stability, i»»»
Strait or canal: Who can charge ships - and who can’t?
A dispute over shipping in the Strait of Hormuz is fast becoming a global economic concern. Iran’s threat to charge vessels for passing through the narrow waterway — combined with ongoing disruptions to traffic — has unsettled energy markets and raised fresh questions about the rules governing inte»»»
Qatar's NHRC launches schools campaign to boost human rights awareness
Doha, Qatar: Qatar's National Human Rights Committee (NHRC) has launched its annual awareness campaign aimed at promoting a culture of human rights among students, as part of broader efforts to strengthen public understanding of rights and responsibilities. The initiative targets primary, preparato»»»
‘El Nas Lel Nas’ launches UAE community movement to boost home-grown SMEs
Dubai: Publsh Group and the news platform Lana have launched El Nas Lel Nas, meaning “People for People”, a new community-driven initiative designed to shine a spotlight on small and medium-sized businesses across the UAE by mobilising the country’s most influential public figures. The initiative b»»»
US’s 'Very Foolish' Double Blockade of Hormuz Strait Makes Absolutely No Sense: Here’s Why
Every step Washington has taken in the conflict with Iran to date has worsened its own strategic position, and the blockade of Iranian oil exports is no exception, says Center for Contemporary Iranian Studies director Rajab Safarov. "This is a very foolish move on the part of the United States. Wit»»»
“No response”: Pope Leo XIV brushes off Trump, focuses on peace call
Dubai: Pope Leo XIV has declined to engage directly with criticism from Donald Trump, emphasizing that the Church’s stance on global conflicts is guided by moral responsibility rather than politics. Speaking to reporters aboard the papal plane en route to Algeria for his first visit to Africa as po»»»
Indonesia can outlast MidEast conflict fallout to year end: minister
Jakarta: Indonesia's economy minister said Monday the Southeast Asian nation can outlast the impacts of Middle East conflict-fuelled oil price hikes for as many as 10 months without cutting fuel subsidies. Minister Airlangga Hartarto told foreign media in Jakarta his government "is ready for five, »»»
Abu Dhabi Judiciary records 8,886 civil marriage and will transactions
Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has announced that it completed 8,886 civil marriage and will transactions during the first quarter of 2026, reflecting strong demand for its services. The figures, recorded between early January and March 25, were processed through the Civil Family Court and highlight»»»
Advisor to the Prime Minister meets Director-General of Political Affairs and Security at French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs
Doha, Qatar: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari met today in Doha, with HE Frédéric Mondoloni, Director-General of Political Affairs and Security for the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs of France. Duri»»»
UN: Iran War Could Plunge 32 million into Poverty
More than 32 million people worldwide could be plunged into poverty by the economic fallout from the Iran war, with developing countries expected to be hit hardest, the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) warned. In a report issued amid doubts over a fragile ceasefire, the UNDP said the world»»»
‘My Love, My King’: How an AI chatbot relationship led to a man’s death
Dubai: A Florida man’s death after an intense and increasingly delusional relationship with Google’s AI chatbot Gemini is raising urgent questions about the psychological risks of human-like artificial intelligence. At the centre of the case is 36-year-old Jonathan Gavalas, described by his family »»»
Multiple bills highlight challenge protecting children online - UPI.com
1 of 2 | Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tenn., introduced the Kids Online Safety Act in 2022. It is endorsed by 62 senators. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 13 (UPI) -- Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are considering more than a dozen bill proposals to »»»
Germany unveils 1.6 bn euro fuel price relief to tackle energy shock
Berlin: Germany on Monday unveiled 1.6 billion euros ($1.9 billion) in fuel price relief for households and businesses struggling with the energy shock unleashed by the Middle East war. The announcement came after oil prices surged again following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks and US Presiden»»»
Crans-Montana mayor quizzed for first time over fire disaster
Sion, Switzerland: Crans-Montana mayor Nicolas Feraud was questioned for the first time on Monday by public prosecutors investigating the New Year fire disaster in the Swiss ski resort. The mayor is one of nine people under criminal investigation over the January 1 tragedy, which killed 41 people a»»»
What is ‘Drive Like Your Mum is in the Car’ campaign in Dubai
Dubai: The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Dubai Police, has launched a new road safety campaign aimed at addressing everyday driving behaviours that contribute to congestion and road safety risks across Dubai. Rather than focusing solely on major traffic violations, the »»»
Qatar Shura Council backs US-Iran ceasefire, advances key legislation
Doha, Qatar: The Shura Council held its regular weekly sitting on Monday at the Tamim bin Hamad Hall, under the chairmanship of HE the Speaker Hassan bin Abdullah Al Ghanim. The Council welcomed a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran, expressing its hope the deal underpin stabilit»»»
UAE President and King of Bahrain discuss fraternal relations
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan met King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain during a fraternal visit to the country. The two sides discussed the close ties and cooperation between the UAE and Bahrain, as well as ways to further strengthen relations in a»»»
UAE-China ties deepen with 24 agreements signed in Beijing
Dubai: The UAE and China have signed 24 agreements to expand trade, investment and sector collaboration, marking a further step in strengthening economic ties between the two countries. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The agreements were announced during the UAE-China »»»
Strait of Hormuz: Between noise and the clarity of international law
The Strait of Hormuz has once again returned to the centre of regional and international attention, not only because of the renewed media debate surrounding its legal status, but also due to the broader geopolitical tensions shaping discussions around it. A key point of dispute remains the strait i»»»
Explainer: Qatar’s new excise tax mechanism on sweetened drinks
Doha, Qatar: The General Tax Authority has recently announced the new law on excise tax, introducing new measures targeting sugary drinks and revising how taxes on sweetened beverages are calculated. The authority stated that the changes aim to curb the consumption of high-sugar products and promot»»»
Dubai upgrades 5 marine stations with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi and smart features
Dubai: Dubai's Roads and Transport Authority has upgraded five more marine transport stations across the emirate, bringing air-conditioning, digital amenities and improved accessibility to some of the city's busiest waterfront transit points. The second phase of the marine station upgrade programme»»»
Netanyahu Says Israel Supports Trump's Iran Naval Blockade
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday that Israel supports US President Donald Trump's decision to impose a naval blockade on Iran, adding that his government is in full coordination with Washington on the matter. "Iran violated the rules (of the peace talks in Pakistan), President Trump de»»»
Mideast war could push 30m people into poverty: UNDP
Ongoing military escalation in the Middle East puts tens of millions of people at risk of falling into poverty across 162 countries, according to new projections released today by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). While the impacts are concentrated in countries directly affected by t»»»
Putin Says Russia, Indonesia Will Be Able to Find Solution to Maintain Stable Trade
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia and Indonesia will be able to find a solution to maintain a stable trade situation, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Monday. "Unfortunately, there was some adjustment at the beginning of this year, but the intergovernmental commission is actively working with us, a»»»