Trump Mulls Kharg Island Takeover to Force Iran to Open Hormuz Strait, Axios Reports
The Trump administration is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, Axios reported on Friday, citing four sources with knowledge of the issue. Amid the ongoing US-Israeli war against Iran, the confrontation has expand»»»
Aoun calls for truce as French minister visits Lebanon and Israel
President Joseph Aoun said a proposed framework to halt fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah was "still on the table", as he hosted French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Thursday. Lebanon was pulled into the regional war on March 2, when Hezbollah fired rockets toward neighboring»»»
Bulgaria: Peevski Blasts Caretaker Government over Board of Peace Participation
Delyan Peevski, chairman of the “DPS-New Beginning” party, issued a sharp statement criticizing Bulgaria’s caretaker government and Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov over the country’s position on the Board of Peace led by US President Donald Trump. Gyurov had previously described Bulgaria’s involvement»»»
Russian Central Bank Cuts Key Interest Rate as Growth Slows
Russia's central bank on Friday cut its key interest rate to 15 percent from 15.5 percent as the economy slows under pressure from Moscow's protracted and expensive war in Ukraine and Western sanctions. Huge spending on its forces in Ukraine had initially spurred growth and helped Moscow buck predi»»»
'War has aged us': Lebanon's kids aren't alright
Forced by yet another war in Lebanon to flee his home for the second time in just two years, and mourning lost relatives and friends, Hassan Kiki said he feels much older than 16. "War has aged us... We have lived through what no one else has," the tall teen from south Lebanon told AFP in Beirut. "»»»
Media Review: March 20
OVERVIEW The launch of the election campaign and the rising fuel prices are the dominant topics in the media on Friday. ELECTIONS In an interview for Bulgarian National Radio, Iva Lazarova, from the Institute for Public Environment Development, part of the Public Council of the Central Election Com»»»
Pearl Harbor shadow: Trump remark rattles Japan ties
A remark by US President Donald Trump invoking the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor has sparked unease in Japan, overshadowing high-level talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. During an Oval Office meeting focused on the ongoing Iran conflict and »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
Iran’s permits-for-passage through Hormuz system is developing fast
Iran has begun extracting payments of up to $2mn per tanker for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as the informal permits-for-passage system allowing only tankers from “friendly countries” through develops quickly, according to The Financial Times citing shipping data. »»»
TEHRAN BLOG: Iran's new year Nowruz is not the same this year
For three millennia, nothing has stopped the Persian New Year, called Nowruz. Not the Arab conquest of Persia in the seventh century, not the Mongol destruction of entire cities, not the eight-year war with Iraq, not the Islamist revolutionary fervour of 1979. Every March, Iranians celebrate, »»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
Iran begins charging vessels to transit Strait of Hormuz through IRGC-controlled 'safe corridor'
Iran has begun charging shipping companies for passage through the Strait of Hormuz, establishing a "safe corridor" for pre-approved vessels through its territorial waters, Newsbase reported, citing Lloyd's List on March 20. »»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
African food security threats spike as Iran war strangles fertiliser supplies, prices soar
Conflict-driven disruption to fertiliser supply chains in the Middle East is raising the risk of price shocks across Africa, with analysts warning that benchmark urea prices could approach levels seen after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, when global prices roughly doubled, impacting»»»
Ex-president Radev declares war on oligarchs in Bulgaria election bid
Bulgaria’s former president Rumen Radev launched his party’s election programme on March 19, vowing to dismantle entrenched oligarchic influence and drive faster economic growth ahead of April’s snap parliamentary vote. Pr»»»
EU Council meeting
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
Bulgaria Faces Uncertain Elections: Challenges in Forming a Stable Government
As Bulgaria approaches the parliamentary elections on April 19, the prospect of forming a stable government is looking increasingly complex. Political scientist Georgi Prodanov, speaking on the National Radio, emphasizes that the balance of power between former President Rumen Radev’s formation (Pr»»»
Deputy Foreign Minister, Italian Ambassador Discuss Bilateral Relations
Bulgaria's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Radi Naydenov and Italian Ambassador Marcello Apicella conducted a meeting at the Foreign Ministry on Thursday to discuss the bilateral relations, the Ministry reported on Friday. The two discussed the excellent bilateral relations, based on shared Euro»»»
QSL heads for thrilling finish as title rivals stumble
DOHA: Closest title rivals Al Sadd, Al Shamal and Al Gharafa suffered shock defeats in Round 19, leaving the Qatar Stars League (QSL) title race wide open with just three rounds remaining in the top flight. Defending champions Al Sadd missed the opportunity to extend their lead at the top of the ta»»»
Vucic, Reshetnikov discuss strategic issues for Serbia's energy stability
BELGRADE - Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic met with Russian Minister of Economic Development Maxim Reshetnikov in Belgrade on Friday to discuss bilateral cooperation and key strategic issues for energy stability and economic stability in Serbia. "With Minister Reshetnikov (I spoke) about bilater»»»
EU Council meeting
EU leaders had a heavy agenda at a summit in Brussels on March 19. They had to deal with a mushrooming energy crisis, a Ukraine funding fiasco and the stalled passage of twentieth sanctions on Russia. Little progress was made on solving any of these issues. »»»
Oil prices fall as Europe, Japan move to secure Strait of Hormuz
London, March 20 (SANA) Oil prices fell on Friday after major European countries and Japan signaled readiness to help secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, easing concerns over potential supply disruptions. Brent crude futures dropped $1.24, or 1.1 percent, to $107.41 a barrel, while U.S. W»»»
MRF-New Beginning Leader Says PM Gurov's Comments about Bulgaria Not Joining Board of Peace Is “Media Smoke and Mirrors”
Delyan Peevski, leader of the Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) - New Beginning, has dismissed caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gurov’s comments about Bulgaria not joining the Board of Peace as “media smoke and mirrors.” “I want to remind this man [Gurov] that Bulgaria’s security and future can»»»
UAE air defences intercept 4 ballistic missiles and 26 drones
Abu Dhabi: The UAE air defence systems on 20th March 2026 engaged 4 ballistic missiles and 26 UAVs launched from Iran. Since the onset of the blatant Iranian aggression, UAE air defences have engaged 338 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles and 1,740 UAVs. These attacks have resulted in the marty»»»
'War Has Aged Us': Lebanon's Kids Aren't Alright
Forced by yet another war in Lebanon to flee his home for the second time in just two years, and mourning lost relatives and friends, Hassan Kiki said he feels much older than 16. "War has aged us... We have lived through what no one else has," the tall teen from south Lebanon told AFP in Beirut. "»»»
10 smart ways to save money as oil prices surge above $100
Dubai: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined 10 immediate ways households, businesses and governments can save money as oil prices surge above $100 per barrel following what it calls the largest supply disruption in global oil market history. The crisis stems from the US-Israel war on »»»
Early Southwest Heat is Latest in Parade of Weather Extremes as Earth Warms
The dangerous heat wave shattering March records all over the US Southwest is more than just another extreme weather blip. It’s the latest next-level weather wildness that is occurring ever more frequently as Earth’s warming builds. Experts said unprecedented and deadly weather extremes that someti»»»
Progressive Bulgaria: Radev's Blueprint for Dismantling the Oligarchy
After weeks of calculated silence, Rumen Radev finally unveiled his political vehicle on the eve of Bulgaria's April 2025 election campaign. "Progressive Bulgaria" represents Radev's calculated response to a decade of political chaos, positioning itself as the force that will finally break the olig»»»
US State Department Seeking Procurement Manager for Drones for Ukrainian Security Forces
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The US State Department has announced a search for a specialist to coordinate the procurement of drones and other high-tech equipment for Ukrainian security forces, Sputnik revealed after reviewing government documents. The position is titled "Emerging Technology Advisor and Cont»»»