Pope Leo Downplays Feud with Trump, Says ‘Not in My Interest’ to Debate Him
Pope Leo sought to downplay his feud with US President Donald Trump on Saturday, saying reporting about comments he has made so far during his Africa tour "has not been accurate in all its aspects". Speaking to reporters in English aboard his flight to Angola for the third leg of his ambitious 10-d»»»
Ceasefire clock ticks as Iran declares victory over US
Tehran: Iran had been "victorious in the field" during weeks of war and had only agreed to a temporary truce with the United States because its demands had been met, the Iranian parliamentary speaker said on Saturday. The two-week ceasefire is set to end Wednesday unless it is renewed, with a perma»»»
British Royals Choose Historian to Write Queen Biography
Britain's royal family said Sunday that historian Anna Keay would write an official biography of queen Elizabeth II, who died in September 2022 after over 70 years on the throne. King Charles III had wanted a woman to write the definitive account of his mother's life, according to British media. Ke»»»
Iran Says Final Deal Still Far off as Hormuz Strait Shuttered
The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level talks in»»»
Why Iran’s ‘Mosquito Fleet’ Remains a Potent Threat in the Strait of Hormuz
Iranian warships sunk by US and Israeli attacks litter naval harbors along the Gulf coast, but what is sometimes called a “mosquito fleet” lurks in the shadows. It is a flotilla of small, fast, agile boats designed to harass shipping, and it forms the heart of the naval forces deployed by the Irani»»»
Iran says final deal still far off as Hormuz Strait shuttered
Tehran: The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level »»»
Ambassadors of Korea, Japan visit ice rink at Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah arena
Doha: Ambassador of Korea H E Yun Hyunsoo and Ambassador of Japan H E Naoto Hisajima visited the ice rink at the Ali Bin Hamad Al Attiyah Arena, located at Al Sadd Sports Club, to review the facilities dedicated to ice sports. The visit came in response to an invitation from the Qatar Winter Sports»»»
Qatar stresses trust, dialogue in global mediation efforts at Antalya Forum
Antalya: Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs H E Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi participated in a high-level session on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF) titled, “Emerging Partnerships in International Mediation for Peace.” In remarks delive»»»
Has Iran's ideology actually hardened?
Israel’s killings of Ali Larijani and Kamal Kharazi were meant to do more than remove two senior figures from the Islamic Republic’s political landscape. Within Tehran’s political and analytical circles, they were interpreted as an attempt to erase something less visible but more consequential: the»»»
How a tiny waterway put the global economy into a chokehold
In a 2020 survey of Americans, just over one in five could locate Iran on a map. With such a poor result for a Middle Eastern country that is roughly the size of the state of Alaska and twice the size of Texas, it is a safe wager that an even lower percentage of Americans would have ever heard of t»»»
Europe's far right leaders gather in Milan rally against immigration
Several thousand people gathered in Milan on Saturday for a large rally attended by several European far-right leaders who spoke on immigration, security, and against EU regulations. Far-right leaders from Europe gathered in Milan Saturday for a rally attended by thousands against irregular immigra»»»
'Global South Pays the Price for Wars It Didn't Start' – Lula
During a speech at the 1st Progressive Mobilization Meeting in Barcelona, Spain, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva criticized the global order under US hegemony and its impact on the Global South, which he said is “treated as the backyard of the great powers.” He said that while "warlor»»»
Adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at IPU reflects growing parliamentary diplomacy impact
Doha, Qatar: Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements »»»
UN condemns killing of French soldier in Lebanon attack
New York: The United Nations strongly condemned the attack that resulted in the death of a French soldier from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the injury of three others during an incident that occurred yesterday, Saturday, in southern Lebanon. UN spokesperson Stephane Duja»»»
Brazil, Mexico, Spain Voice Concern Over Cuba Crisis, Call for Relief Measures
MEXICO CITY (Sputnik) - Brazil, Spain and Mexico have expressed concern over the humanitarian situation in Cuba and called for measures to improve it, as well as to avoid actions that worsen the living conditions of the Cubans, a joint statement published on the Spanish Foreign Ministry's website o»»»
Iran Warns of Response to US Moves in Hormuz — Parliament Speaker
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran's armed forces are on full combat readiness despite ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran to resolve the conflict in the Middle East, Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said. “If they don’t lift the blockade, traffic through the strait will defi»»»
US Renews Russian Oil Waiver for a Month to Curb Global Energy Prices
Washington renewed on Friday a waiver allowing countries to buy sanctioned Russian oil at sea for about a month, even as lawmakers accused the government of going easy on Moscow as its war on Ukraine grinds on. The Treasury Department's waiver lets countries purchase Russian oil and petroleum prod»»»
Strait of Hormuz to Stay Closed Until Port Blockade Lifts, Iran Says
The crucial Strait of Hormuz will not reopen until the United States lifts its naval blockade on Iranian ports, Tehran said Saturday, as a top official warned that a final peace deal remained "far" off. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, said in a televised address that th»»»
North Korea Fires Multiple Ballistic Missiles into Sea
North Korea test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday, South Korea's military said, the latest in a recent flurry of launches by the nuclear-armed state. The Sunday launches add to a series of weapons tests Pyongyang has carried out in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, »»»
Israeli Army Says Soldier Killed in Southern Lebanon
Israel's military said on Sunday that a soldier died during combat in southern Lebanon, where a temporary ceasefire had come into effect this week. "Lidor Porat, aged 31, from Ashdod, a soldier in the 7106th Battalion, 769th Regional Brigade, fell during combat in southern Lebanon," the Israeli mil»»»
Obama joins NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani for playful Bronx reading session
Former US President Barack Obama and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani shared a light-hearted moment on Saturday during a visit to a child care centre in Bronx, where they read to children and joined a singalong. The pair met for the first time at the Learning Through Play Pre-K Center, engaging w»»»
Voting Abroad for Bulgarian Parliament Began Saturday - Foreign Ministry
Voting abroad for Bulgaria's 52nd National Assembly began at 10 pm Bulgarian time on Saturday and will conclude on the morning of April 20, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Due to the nine-hour time difference, Bulgarian citizens in Auckland and Christchurch, New Zealand, were the first to cas»»»
North Korea fires multiple ballistic missiles into sea: Seoul
North Korea test-fired multiple short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday, South Korea's military said, the latest in a recent flurry of launches by the nuclear-armed state. The Sunday launches add to a series of weapons tests Pyongyang has carried out in recent weeks, including ballistic missiles, »»»
Live Updates: Iran fires on ships in Strait of Hormuz as it closes the critical chokepoint again – Ya Libnan
Share: A French contingent of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) patrols the area as displaced residents waving Hezbollah flags make their way back to their homes on a makeshift road on April 18, 2026.(photo credit: Mahmoud ZAYYAT / AFP via Getty Images). French president Macron b»»»
FAA accepting bids for AI system to assist air traffic controllers - UPI.com
The FAA is considering bids to develop an artificial intelligence system that could help air traffic controllers predict and correct potential issues hours earlier than they currently can. File Photo by Caroline Brehman/EPA April 18 (UPI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration is working with three»»»
India to benefit from US extension of Russian oil waiver
The United States has opted to extend a waiver permitting limited transactions involving Russian oil, despite sustained political opposition from within Washington, Russia’s special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries says. »»»
Iran's shadow oil trade endures near Singapore despite war
PARIS, France — Near Singapore, thousands of miles from the Strait of Hormuz, ship-to-ship transfers of Iranian oil have continued during the Middle East war, helping Tehran evade sanctions and maintain trade with China.Nearly 400 tankers are sanctioned by the United States, the European Union or B»»»
Could it be Goodbye Dubai, Hello Istanbul?
In many respects, despite three years of “orthodox” treatment, Turkey’s economy remains a basket case. But worse than that, from the point of view of the international investor, is that after 23 years of the Erdogan regime, no one trusts the Turkish courts. Make a major investment in Turkey and you»»»
Could it be Goodbye Dubai, Hello Istanbul?
In many respects, despite three years of “orthodox” treatment, Turkey’s economy remains a basket case. But worse than that, from the point of view of the international investor, is that after 23 years of the Erdogan regime, no one trusts the Turkish courts. Make a major investment in Turkey and you»»»
Could it be Goodbye Dubai, Hello Istanbul?
In many respects, despite three years of “orthodox” treatment, Turkey’s economy remains a basket case. But worse than that, from the point of view of the international investor, is that after 23 years of the Erdogan regime, no one trusts the Turkish courts. Make a major investment in Turkey and you»»»
Could it be Goodbye Dubai, Hello Istanbul?
In many respects, despite three years of “orthodox” treatment, Turkey’s economy remains a basket case. But worse than that, from the point of view of the international investor, is that after 23 years of the Erdogan regime, no one trusts the Turkish courts. Make a major investment in Turkey and you»»»
Could it be Goodbye Dubai, Hello Istanbul?
In many respects, despite three years of “orthodox” treatment, Turkey’s economy remains a basket case. But worse than that, from the point of view of the international investor, is that after 23 years of the Erdogan regime, no one trusts the Turkish courts. Make a major investment in Turkey and you»»»
French UNIFIL soldier killed in Lebanon, Hezbollah responsible, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron announced the death of a French UN peacekeeping soldier Saturday following an attack that also left three people wounded in southern Lebanon, saying that "everything suggests" Hezbollah being responsible for the attack. The Iran-backed group denied involve»»»
Aqaba Railway project: a transformational venture for Jordan’s economy
AMMAN — Jordan’s ambitious Aqaba Railway is not just a transportation initiative, it is a defining moment in the country's future economic growth, experts said, highlighting the mega project’s pivotal role in Jordan's broader economic strategy.Prime Minister Jafar Hassan and UAE Vice President, Dep»»»
Annaliza Diet: Building bridges through education and empowerment
Darlene Regis Doha A Filipina entrepreneur, educator, and community leader based in Qatar, Annaliza Diet (MA, MBA, CIPT, PhD Candidate) has emerged as a formidable force in global education and women’s empowerment. With influence that spans continents, she has built more than institutions — she has»»»
Mediation a responsibility and effective tool for conflict resolution: Dr Al Khulaifi
QNA Antalya Mediation is not viewed as a matter of media visibility or international competition, but rather as a responsibility and an effective tool for conflict resolution, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has said. Speaking »»»
PM meets Turkish FM, head of Libya’s National Unity Govt, stresses positive response to mediation efforts
QNA Antalya Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkiye Hakan Fidan, on the sidelines of the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, on Saturday. During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations a»»»
Replay : Donald Trump holds briefing amid Hormuz tension
Rewatch Donald Trump’s live briefing from the White House on Saturday, April 18, as Iran announced it was re-closing the Strait of Hormuz while the US maintains its port blockade. FRANCE 24's Andrew Hilliar has the analysis.»»»
Qatar condemns attack on UNIFIL Patrol in southern Lebanon
Amir greets Benin’spresident-elect The Amir His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani sent a cable of congratulations to Romuald Wadagni on his victory in the presidential elections in the Republic of Benin, wishing him success in his duties and further progress and development in the bilateral »»»
Adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at IPU reflects growing impact: Shura officials
QNA Doha Officials and members of the Shura Council stated that the adoption of Qatar’s emergency item at the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) reflects the growing impact of Qatari parliamentary diplomacy and its role in supporting national, Arab, and Islamic positions. They noted in statements to Q»»»
Qatar Charity inaugurates its newservice complex in eastern Ghana
QNA Accra Qatar Charity (QC) inaugurated a new service complex in North Tongu District in eastern Ghana, comprising a school, mosque, teachers’ accommodation and a borehole providing clean drinking water, benefiting more than 2,000 people, with support from donors in Qatar. The inauguration took pl»»»
Qatar strengthens global role through strategic diplomacy
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a period defined by geopolitical tension, shifting alliances, and complex security challenges, Qatar has emerged as a central diplomatic force guided by the vision and leadership of His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. Through calm d»»»
Qatar, others issue joint statement on DRC-M23 humanitarian access, judicial protection protocol
Tribune News Network DOHA The governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Congo River Alliance (March 23 Movement), have issued a joint statement regarding the meetings »»»
Trust remains ‘essential currency’ of effective mediation: Al Khulaifi
QNA Antalya Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has underscored that trust remains the cornerstone of effective mediation, describing it as the “essential currency” required to advance peace efforts and resolve conflicts. Speaking »»»
ICE detainee deaths skyrocket amid immigration crackdown - UPI.com
There were 33 deaths of ICE detainees in 2025, with 17 so far in 2026 The number of deaths of Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees over the last year has skyrocketed amid the Trump administration's immigration crackdown, which has led to the agency detaining more people that it has since i»»»
Joint statement on progress on protocol on humanitarian access and judicial protection between the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo and the AFC/M23, the operationalization of the ceasefire oversight and verification mechanism, and the releas
Doha: The following statement was released by the Governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the Alliance Fleuve Congo/March 23 Movement, on the meetings held Ap»»»
Qatar and other parties issue joint statement on progress made in humanitarian access, judicial protection protocol between DRC and M23 Movement
DOHA: The the governments of the State of Qatar, the United States of America, the Republic of Togo (as the African Union mediator), Switzerland, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Congo River Alliance (March 23 Movement), have issued a joint statement regarding the meetings held from April »»»
EU must be ready to fight Russia without US by 2030 – Belgian defense chief
European nations have around four years to build up their defenses enough to deter a Russian attack without US backing, Frederic Vansina, Belgium’s Chief of the General Staff, has said. Moscow has dismissed speculation that it plans to attack NATO as nonsense. In an interview with Le Soir published»»»
Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu was tunned when Donald Trump “prohibited” strikes in Lebanon, Axios says
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers were caught off guard and “stunned” when US President Donald Trump said he would not allow Israel to conduct further strikes in Lebanon, Axios reports, citing two people familiar with the matter. On Friday, Trump said the US had “prohibited»»»
Slovakia said it will sue the EU over a ban on Russian gas imports
Slovakia will file a lawsuit with the EU’s Court of Justice challenging the bloc’s decision to ban imports of Russian gas, Prime Minister Robert Fico has said. In January, the EU formally approved a plan to phase out Russian pipeline gas by 2027, overriding vetoes from Slovakia and Hungary. “We obj»»»