Iraq Pushes to Centralize War Powers Under State Control
Iraqi security sources reported a breakthrough in investigations into rocket and drone attacks on diplomatic and security sites, as political and legal pressure intensifies to confine decisions of war and peace to the state. A security source familiar with the probe told Asharq Al-Awsat that author»»»
Rubio tells allies Iran war will continue 2-4 more weeks
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio told G7 foreign ministers on Friday that the war with Iran will continue for another two to four weeks, three sources with direct knowledge told U.S. news portal Axios. This is the first time a senior U.S. official suggested the war would continue beyond the four»»»
Government Unveils Measures to Cushion Effect of Middle East Conflict
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov and his ministers announced Friday a package of measures aiming to Cushion the effect of the Middle East crisis. At a news briefing in the Council of Ministers' headquarters, he said that the package of measures aims to prevent the transmission of tensions alon»»»
NOC signs MoU with Chevron to conduct technical study of offshore block NC 146
Libya’s National Oil Corporation (NOC) Chairman, Masoud Suleiman, announced yesterday the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with US energy giant Chevron to conduct a comprehensive technical study of offshore Block NC 146. Block NC 146 – exploring promising offshore potentialThe NOC Chairman »»»
British Foreign Secretary announces additional £2m humanitarian funding to Lebanon
At the G7 Foreign Ministers’ meeting in France, the UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper announced an additional £2 million in UK humanitarian funding to Lebanon bringing the British total contribution to £9.5 million since the beginning of the conflict. This funding will support U.N. OCHA’s Lebanon »»»
U.S. pressures Uruguay to break trade ties with China, minister says - UPI.com
Uruguay's Minister of Economy and Finance Gabriel Oddone said the pressure by the United States to break trade ties with China is applied daily and channeled through different areas of the bilateral relationship. File Photo by Federico Gutierrez/EPA March 27 (UPI) -- Uruguayan Minister of Economy a»»»
Israeli Military Kills Two in Raid, Says Palestinian Ministry
Israeli forces killed two Palestinian men on Friday during a raid north of Jerusalem, the Ramallah-based health ministry and relatives said, while the army said troops had shot at instigators of stone throwing. "The young man Mustafa Asaad Hamad (22 years old) was killed by Israeli gunfire in Kufr »»»
Iran Says Nuclear Facilities Have Been Targeted After Israel Says Attacks ‘Will Escalate and Expand’
Iran state media says its nuclear facilities were attacked Friday, just hours after Israel threatened to “escalate and expand” its campaign against Tehran. IRNA reports that a heavy-water plant and a yellowcake production plant were struck. Yellowcake is a concentrated form of uranium after impurit»»»
G7 Ministers Urge End to Attacks Against Civilians in Middle East War
G7 foreign ministers Friday urged a stop to attacks against civilians in the Middle East war and urged Iran to immediately restore freedom of navigation in the strategic Strait of Hormuz. A joint statement, released in the name of all G7 members, including the United States, called for "an immediat»»»
Blue Bulgaria Presents Lovech 11th Constituency Candidates
Blue Bulgaria coalition held a campaign event in Lovech, North Central Bulgaria, on Friday. Conservative Alliance of the Right (KOD) Regional head for Lovech Tsvetan Georgiev presented the coalition's candidates for the Lovech 11th constituency. Top-of-the-list candidate Georgi Georgiev said that h»»»
G7 urges safe navigation in Strait of Hormuz
Paris: Foreign ministers from the Group of Seven have called for the restoration of safe freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East. In a joint statement issued after a meeting in France on Friday, the ministers stressed the need to limit the impact of th»»»
Bulgarian and UK Naval Special Forces Hold Joint Training
A joint training exercise between servicepersons from the Naval Special Forces unit of the Bulgarian Navy and personnel from 42 Commando of the United Kingdom's Royal Marines took place from March 18 to 27, 2026, the Bulgarian Defence Ministry's press service said on Friday. During the exercises, h»»»
France Hits Back at Lavrov, Says Russia Does Not Defend International Law
France's Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said on Friday that Russia does not defend international law either in Ukraine or Iran with its actions, in response to comments made by his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov in an interview on French TV. "Mr. Lavrov was able to calmly spread his propagand»»»
Qatar reaffirms support for OHCHR to meet its mandate
Geneva: The State of Qatar reaffirmed its continued role as a key supporter of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in fulfilling its mandate, including by hosting the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, p»»»
Tunisia–Germany: Ways to boost cooperation with North Rhine-Westphalia discussed
Tunis, March 27 (TAP) - Ways to bolster parliamentary and economic cooperation between Tunisia and the North Rhine-Westphalia's State Parliament (also named Landtag Nordrhein-Westfalen) took centre stage at a meeting held between Tunisia's Consul...»»»
Oslo steps up defence plan, strengthens control in border region
A new Finnmark Brigade will be fully operational two years ahead of the previous schedule, and investments are being made in electronic warfare, short-range air defence and drone defence, according to an updated Norwegian defence plan. Just two years after the Norwegian Parliament, the Storting, ap»»»
Djedovic Handanovic, World Bank delegation discuss new support programme
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Mining and Energy Dubravka Djedovic Handanovic met with a World Bank delegation on Friday to discuss a new multi-year support programme for projects in the Serbian energy sector, which would include financing the development of gas infrastructure and continued investm»»»
Qatar reaffirms support for OHCHR to meet its mandate
GENEVA: The State of Qatar reaffirmed its continued role as a key supporter of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in fulfilling its mandate, including by hosting the UN Human Rights Training and Documentation Centre for South-West Asia and the Arab Region, p»»»
Hezbollah Says Clashed with Israeli Forces in Two South Lebanon Villages
Hezbollah said Friday its members had clashed directly with Israeli forces in two south Lebanon villages, as Israeli airstrikes on several areas killed at least six people, according to the health ministry. In a statement, Hezbollah said its fighters had clashed with "Israeli enemy army forces in t»»»
Dubai sends 21.5 tonnes of medical aid to Lebanon
Dubai: Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, Dubai Humanitarian (DXBH) facilitated the dispatch of critical humanitarian assistance from the World Health Organisation (WHO) to support communities displaced in L»»»
Judge strikes down Trump administration attempt to ban Anthropic - UPI.com
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth and President Donald Trump ordered all government agencies to stop using Anthropic products last month after the company refused to allow its AI model to be used for autonomous weapons and mass domestic surveillance. Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo March 2»»»
Rubio demands G7 partners 'step up' and deal with Hormuz Strait crisis - UPI.com
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) flanked by French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Jean-Noel Barrot (R) and Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar on Friday at a meeting of the G7 in Vaux-de-Cernay near Paris. Photo by Philemon Henry/EPA March 27 (UPI) -- U.S. Secretary of S»»»
Bassil warns against civil strife, calls for unity and awareness
Free Patriotic Movement chief Jebran Bassil visited Friday President Joseph Aoun, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, Speaker Nabih Berri and Maronite Patriarch Beshara al-Rahi, in a series of meetings aimed at averting civil strife. Bassil urged all Lebanese to maintain a patriotic stance and spare their »»»
Egypt Imposes Business Curfew to Counter Soaring Fuel Costs
Egypt has ordered shops, restaurants and shopping malls to close from 9:00 pm from Saturday, hoping to curb energy bills that have more than doubled because of the Iran war. Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly announced the curfew and said it would last for a month initially. "Shops, shopping centers, »»»
SwissCham North Macedonia established as platform for promoting economic cooperation, investments
Skopje, 25 March 2026 (MIA) - The Swiss Chamber of North Macedonia (SwissCham MK) was promoted Wednesday as a new platform for advancing economic cooperation, investments, and corporate networking between North Macedonia and Switzerland. The Chamber is being established as the result of a long-stan»»»
Iran War Could Mean Stagflation for EU, Dombrovskis Says
The European Union economy is at risk of stagflation as a result of the surge in energy prices caused by the Iran war, European Economic Commissioner Valdis Dombrovskis said. "The outlook is clouded by profound uncertainty, but it is clear that we are at the risk of a stagflationary shock, that is »»»
Russian Delegation Expects Frank Dialogue on Second Day of Talks in US - Lawmaker
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The Russian parliamentary delegation expects a frank dialogue during the second day of negotiations in the US, First Deputy Chair of the State Duma Committee on International Affairs Svetlana Zhurova told Sputnik on Friday. On Thursday, a meeting took place between the Russia»»»
Senate votes to fund Homeland Security, but not ICE or deportation - UPI.com
The Senate voted early Friday morning to fund the Department of Homeland Security, but it left out immigration enforcement and deportation. This will, hopefully, ease airport constrataints. Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Photo March 27 (UPI) -- The Senate unanimously voted to reopen the Depa»»»
Oil prices surpass $110 per barrel despite Trump claim of Iran talks - UPI.com
1 of 2 | President Donald Trump told his cabinet on Thursday that Iran has granted passage to 10 oil tankers this week. He called it a “present” to the United States. Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo March 27 (UPI) -- Brent crude oil reached $111.41 per barrel Friday morning after two Chine»»»
Erdogan calls to counter misleading narratives, boost cooperation
Istanbul, March 27 (SANA) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said the international order established after World War II is facing a deep legitimacy crisis amid rapid global shifts and mounting challenges, calling for enhanced cooperation to address them. In a video message delivered on Friday »»»
12,800-Plus Claims for Compensation Payment Due to High Fuel Prices Submitted
Caretaker Minister of Labour and Social Policy Hasan Ademov told reporters in Samuil municipality, Northeastern Bulgaria, on Friday that more than 12,800 claims for a EUR 20 compensation payment related to rising fuel prices had been submitted by midday on Friday. He reported that caretaker Prime M»»»
Patmos Aktis: The sacred island’s best-kept secret just got better
There is a particular frequency to Patmos, a vibration that seems to hum from the very bedrock of the Dodecanese. It is the “Jerusalem of the Aegean,” the island where St. John the Theologian penned the Book of Revelation in a cave that still breathes history. Yet, beyond its spiritual gravity, Pat»»»
How UAE Lottery winners are changing lives by giving back
Dubai: Winning a major lottery prize is a life-changing moment and for some UAE-based winners, the excitement is followed by a deeper question of how this windfall can help others. In a reel that has been posted by The UAE Lottery, several winners have chosen to use their prize money not just for t»»»
UN Resolution Declaring Slavery 'Gravest Crime Against Humanity' Sends Strong Moral Message – Expert
While the General Assembly's decision does not carry the "binding power" of the Security Council, it marks a major shift in global politics, said Dirk Kotze, an international politics analyst from South Africa. Through this resolution, Ghana and other African Union member states have successfully b»»»
Mickoski to launch regional initiative on joint energy investments
Skopje, 25 March 2026 (MIA) - Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski says he will initiate a regional initiative for joint energy investments potentially worth several billions of euros. PM Mickoski told Alfa that the region could work together on attracting future energy investments, recalling on his r»»»
Trump’s war, allies wary: What’s unfolding at the G7?
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio faced an uphill task on Friday as he sought to convince sceptical allies of Washington’s strategy on Iran, with deep divisions surfacing at a Group of Seven (G7) meeting in France. The gathering comes amid the fourth week of the Iran war and growing instability in »»»
Mawani Adds Marsa Ocean Shipping's RSX Service to Jeddah Islamic Port
The Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) has announced the addition of the RSX service by Marsa Ocean Shipping to Jeddah Islamic Port, featuring a capacity of up to 372 TEUs and connecting Jeddah with the regional ports of Aden, Hodeidah, and Djibouti, SPA reported. This expansion aligns with the Nationa»»»
Adylbek Kasymaliev at Digital Qazaqstan: AI is already changing Kyrgyzstan - | 24.KG
As part of a working visit to Kazakhstan, Adylbek Kasymaliev, Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan, participated in the International Digital Forum Digital Qazaqstan — 2026. Before the event, the heads of government of the EAEU countries and delegations from invited countries viewed a»»»
Authorities boost security measures in capital Beirut
Unprecedented security measures have started to be taken in the capital Beirut, reinforced by the deployment of additional army and Internal Security Forces units, and the deployment of military and plainclothes intelligence patrols, media reports said. "These measures, implemented by all security »»»
Rumen Radev Promises: No Money for Wars, Stronger State Control and Tough Anti-Graft Measures Needed
Rumen Radev, speaking at a pre-election gathering in Burgas, said that a central priority for “Progressive Bulgaria” is to keep the country out of ongoing armed conflicts in the region and beyond. The party position, according to a statement from its press center, frames this as a core national sec»»»
Saudi Arabia Reaffirms Commitment to Environmental Action on Saudi Green Initiative Day
The Saudi Green Initiative (SGI) Day, observed annually on March 27 following a Cabinet decision, reflects the Kingdom's commitment to establishing a culture of sustainability, enhancing national environmental efforts, and encouraging all sectors to achieve sustainable development goals in line wit»»»
UN Slave Trade Resolution a ‘Victory for All of Africa’ - Malian Media Leader
By recognizing the transatlantic slave trade as "the gravest crime against humanity," the UN has paved the way for reparations, Abdoulaye Diallo, president of the Network of Communicators, Bloggers, and Professional Activists of Mali, said in an interview with Sputnik. “This will calm people’s spir»»»
Iran starts to formalize chokehold on Hormuz Strait with 'toll booth' regime
Iran appears to be setting itself up as the gatekeeper for the Strait of Hormuz, the world's most important artery for oil shipments. The move could cement Tehran's de facto chokehold over the crucial waterway and formalize its ability to keep its own oil flowing to China. Iranian communications to»»»
Heard an emergency alert while shopping, driving, or out in public? How to respond immediately
Abu Dhabi: Heard an emergency alert while shopping, driving, or out in public? Staying calm and acting quickly can make all the difference. In response to evolving regional developments, the Abu Dhabi Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Centre (ADCMC) has stepped up its nationwide awareness c»»»
Sofronijevic, Konrad discuss infrastructure projects in Serbia backed by KfW
BELGRADE - Serbian Minister of Construction, Transport and Infrastructure Aleksandra Sofronijevic met with German Ambassador to Belgrade Anke Konrad on Friday to discuss current infrastructure projects in Serbia that were supported by the German development bank KfW. "During the meeting, special em»»»
Russia's Relations With European Countries in Crisis, Not at Moscow's Fault - Putin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's relations with European countries are in crisis, and through no fault of Moscow, Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Friday. "It is clear that Russia's relations with European countries are in crisis, and through no fault of ours," Putin said at a meeting with perma»»»
European States Betray Intellectual Integrity by Abstaining on UN Slavery Resolution
Countries like France, the United Kingdom, and Germany, which abstained from the UN resolution, continue to uphold a neo-colonial mindset based on dominance over Africa, Oumar MC Kone, former head of Mali’s State Refoundation Support Mission, told Sputnik. The legacy of slavery and the ongoing expl»»»
Ulta Beauty debuts in Dubai Mall: 'We’re doubling down and it's perfect time, perfect place'
Dubai: A young woman with a sleeping baby in a pram carefully made her way through the aisles of the newly opened Ulta Beauty store at Dubai Mall on Friday morning, pausing to inspect makeup and skincare displays. Around Clodagh Cooke from Ireland, a modest but steady line of early visitors waited »»»
Strategic partnership launched to modernise Techirghiol Pediatric Recovery Section
The Life@Teki project, launched on 25 March, aims to raise funds for specialised medical equipment at the Pediatric Neuro-Psychomotor Recovery Section in Techirghiol, Constanta county, which stands as the only balneary centre of its kind in Romania. At the launch event, Health Minister Alexandru Ro»»»