How China’s Weapons Transfers to Iran Have Evolved Over Decades
Washington: David Pierson For much of the last two decades, China has maintained a delicate balance in its military relationship with Iran, offering often indirect assistance instead of arms sales. That approach is now drawing renewed attention after US officials said intelligence agencies were ass»»»
California high court disbars John Eastman over fake electors scheme - UPI.com
John Eastman, a former lawyer to President Donald Trump, was disbarred in California on Wednesday over his efforts to overturn the 2020 election. File Photo by Michael Reynolds/EPA April 16 (UPI) -- The California Supreme Court has disbarred John Eastman, President Donald Trump's former lawyer, ove»»»
Dispute over solidarity contribution threatens capital’s finances
“If the Treasury continues its current practice regarding the solidarity contribution, salaries for 27,000 municipal employees may not be paid in May.” As Mayor Gergely Karácsony said at a press conference in Budapest on Tuesday, he has asked the Treasury in a letter to refrain from “placing anothe»»»
Primark opens second Dubai store at City Centre Mirdif in partnership with Alshaya Group
Kuwait: Primark, the international fashion retailer known for its affordable fashion and everyday essentials, has officially opened its second store in Dubai in partnership with Alshaya Group, at City Centre Mirdif. Arriving just two weeks after Primark’s highly anticipated UAE debut at Dubai Mall,»»»
Court overturns property gifts to daughter in Dh19m embezzlement case
The Dubai Civil Court of First Instance has ruled that property gifts made by a convicted embezzler to his daughter cannot be enforced against creditors, ordering the assets to be restored to his name to allow recovery of funds. The court found that the defendant, previously convicted of embezzling»»»
Kyrgyzstan launches e-queuing system for obtaining preferential loans - | 24.KG
The Ministry of Water Resources, Agriculture, and Processing Industry of the Kyrgyz Republic, together with ABank OJSC and Eldik Bank OJSC, announces the launch of an electronic queuing system for obtaining preferential loans. A tripartite agreement was signed between the ministry and partner banks»»»
Partnership with US EXIM Bank key to turning major projects into concrete investments
Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare held talks in Washington with the leadership of US EXIM Bank on financing new strategic projects in energy and infrastructure, aimed at accelerating investments and strengthening Romania's role in regional energy security."I had another meeting in Washington with J»»»
Bogdan Ivan, in Washington: Talks with president of World Bank Group
Bogdan Ivan, the energy minister, who is on an official visit to the US, announced on Tuesday night that the main target was to make Romania the first country in the world where the World Bank finances the production of nuclear energy. “My task in Washington is clear: Romania must be the first coun»»»
PM Bolojan, Hungary's PM-elect Magyar have phone conversation
The president of the Hungarian Democratic Union of Romania (UDMR), Kelemen Hunor, said that maintaining a solid collaboration between the governments of Romania and Hungary was important, and pointed out that the presentation of the future Budapest ruling program was expected, following the electio»»»
Trump's Triumphal Arch Gets Official Name
It's been dubbed the "Arc de Trump." But now President Donald Trump's latest building project has an official name -- the "United States Triumphal Arch." White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt revealed the formal title on Wednesday, saying the giant structure was being built to mark the 250th»»»
Much-hyped Alzheimer's Drugs Do Not Help Patients, Review Finds
Drugs once hailed as a breakthrough in the fight against Alzheimer's disease do not meaningfully help patients, a major review found Thursday, however some experts criticized the research. The review by the Cochrane organization -- which is considered the gold standard for analyzing existing eviden»»»
GERB–UDF Leading Candidate Hristov Calls on Voters in Montana Region to Support “Secure Future”
GERB–UDF top-of-the-list candidate for Montana's multimember-constituency, Rumen Hristov, has urged voters in the Montana region to vote for their “well-being and secure future” in an address to voters, the coalition’s press office said Thursday. “In the upcoming Sunday elections, vote not for part»»»
Russian strikes kill three, including child, as drones and missiles hit Kyiv
Russia launched overnight drone and missile attacks on Ukraine, killing three people, including a child, and triggering air alerts in Kyiv, officials said Thursday. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said a 12-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman were among the dead as strikes intensified after months of »»»
Syria's Kurds Register for Citizenship after Decades of Marginalization
In a packed hall in Qamishli's sports stadium in northeast Syria, Firas Ahmad is one of dozens of Kurds waiting to apply for citizenship after many in the minority were barred from doing so for decades. Since last week, "unregistered" Kurds, who have been stateless since a controversial 1962 census»»»
Judiciary highlights reconciliation efforts to back family stability
Doha, Qatar: Qatar’s Supreme Judiciary Council (SJC) reaffirmed its ongoing efforts to support the family as a cornerstone of society and a driver of stability and balanced development. In a statement marking Qatar Family Day on April 15, the SJC said it strengthens family ties through the Family C»»»
Fatal Arrogance Doomed US Multi-Domain Operations Doctrine in Iran War - Ex-Pentagon Analyst
The fundamental vulnerability of the US Multi-Domain Operations doctrine is “centralization and the idea that the entire battle space can be effectively managed from the top,” retired USAF Lt. Col. Karen Kwiatkowski, a former DoD analyst, tells Sputnik. Kwiatkowski calls it “a kind of arrogance and»»»
Gold is climbing again in Dubai — here’s why Iran war tensions are pushing prices higher today
Dubai: Dubai gold prices rebounded on Thursday morning as renewed caution over the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict pushed investors back toward bullion. This reversed Wednesday’s softer trend when easing ceasefire hopes had briefly cooled safe-haven demand. (Check latest UAE gold prices here, along»»»
Spain's Repsol Reportedly Wins Back Control of Venezuelan Oil Operations
Spanish energy group Repsol is poised to take back operational control of its Venezuelan oil assets and boost production following a deal signed with the South American government, the Financial Times reported on Thursday. Repsol is expected to announce the agreement as early as Thursday, FT added,»»»
Qatar participates in the third International Conference on Sudan
Berlin: The State of Qatar participated in the Third International Conference on Sudan, currently being held in the German capital, Berlin. The State of Qatar was represented at the conference by His Excellency Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al-Khulaifi, Minister of State at the Ministry of F»»»
China's Economy Beats Forecasts, but War Darkens Outlook
China's economy expanded more than expected in the first three months of the year, with official data Thursday indicating resilience in the face of a Middle East crisis that threatens to hit global growth. The figures came despite a surge in world energy prices caused by the US-Israel war on Iran, »»»
Saudi Arabia, US Sign Tax Information Exchange Agreement
Saudi Minister of Finance Mohammed Al-Jadaan has held a series of meetings in Washington, D.C. to discuss strengthening bilateral economic cooperation and addressing challenges facing the global economy. Al-Jadaan began his meetings on Wednesday by holding talks with US Treasury Secretary Scott Bes»»»
Qatar rejects claims over Iran tensions at IPU meetings
Istanbul, Turkiye: The State of Qatar has reiterated its commitment to diplomacy and regional stability during high-level parliamentary meetings held in Istanbul, as part of the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU). A delegation from Qatar’s Shura Council, led by Speaker H »»»
Critically Endangered Orangutan Born at Madrid Zoo
A critically endangered Borneo orangutan has been born at Madrid's zoo, described by keepers as strong and developing normally. After an eight-and-a-half-month pregnancy, mother Surya gave birth to a male weighing about 1.5 kilos (3.3 pounds) on April 2, the Madrid Zoo Aquarium said in a statement.»»»
KAUST Stem Cell Research Advances Understanding of Early Human Development
Researchers at King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), through the university’s Center of Excellence for Smart Health (KCSH), have developed a new method to improve the formation and control of stem cell-derived embryo models, enabling unprecedented insights into the early stage»»»
U.S. kills three in fifth suspected drug boat attack in five days - UPI.com
The U.S. military struck a suspected drug-smuggling boat in the eastern Pacific on Wednesday, killing three people. Image courtesy of U.S. Southern Command/X April 16 (UPI) -- The U.S. military killed three people Wednesday in its fifth strike in five days targeting suspected drug-trafficking boats»»»
Qatar emerges as key player in next-gen financial infrastructure
Doha, Qatar: Venture capital investment across the Gulf, especially Qatar, is undergoing a significant transformation, moving away from opportunistic funding toward more strategic, long-term deployment aligned with national economic agendas, according to market experts. Speaking to The Peninsula on»»»
European Council President reaffirms solidarity with Qatar, Gulf states
Doha, Qatar: European Council President António Costa (pictured) yesterday underscored the European Union’s unwavering support for Qatar and other Gulf nations amid regional tensions, stressing the need for a stable ceasefire and the restoration of freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Spe»»»
Speaker represents Kyrgyzstan at IPU Assembly attended by 157 countries - | 24.KG
On April 15, Marlen Mamataliev, Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan, participated in the opening session of the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Istanbul. The event, which is taking place from April 15 to 19 under the motto «Cultivating Hope, Ensuring Peace and Justice for Future Gene»»»
Jordan, Syria sign MoU to enhance cooperation in postal services
AMMAN — Jordanian Minister of Digital Economy and Entrepreneurship, Sami Smirat, and Syrian Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Abdul Salam Haikal, on Wednesday signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral cooperation in the postal services sector.The agreement»»»
AIG celebrates QAIA’s entry into Skytrax World’s Top 100 Airports
AMMAN — Airport International Group (AIG), the Jordanian company operating Queen Alia International Airport (QAIA), announced a major milestone in its journey, with QAIA ranking among the Skytrax World’s Top 100 Airports 2026 for the first time in its history.This reflects the airport’s commitment »»»
Senate Blocks Move to Halt US War Against Iran
The US Senate on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have blocked any further US strikes on Iran without approval from Congress. The initiative was opposed by 52 senators and supported by 47 senators. The vote marks the fourth time this year lawmakers have effectively allowed the US-Israeli war of»»»
Peru’s Sanchez to face Fujimori in runoff as rival signals protests over fraud
Left-wing candidate Roberto Sanchez moved into second place in Peru’s presidential election, setting up a June runoff with conservative Keiko Fujimori, as a rival threatened protests over alleged fraud. With over 90% counted, Fujimori led with about 17%, followed by Sanchez on 12% and Rafael Lopez »»»
No, south Lebanon towns haven’t disappeared from Apple Maps
Social media users are claiming that Apple has intentionally removed towns in southern Lebanon from its Maps app, sparking allegations of a link to the ongoing Israel-Lebanon conflict. Apple has denied the claims, stating the locations were never indexed to begin with and citing longstanding covera»»»
Tête à tête - 'If we don't divide the land we're heading to apartheid': Ex-head of Israel's Shin Bet
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Ami Ayalon, former head of Israel's domestic intelligence agency Shin Bet, warned that Israel is "heading to apartheid" unless it divides the land with the Palestinians. He argued that "there is a limit to what we can achieve by the use of military power" in Iran and»»»
US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz: What do the numbers show?
Between Tehran and Washington's blockades of the Strait of Hormuz, the number of ships passing through the critical waterway has slowed to a trickle. Here's what marine tracking data tells us about the situation. A trickle of ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday and Wednesday as a US blockade»»»
The Debate - Will the Gulf ever be the same? Trump, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula
Iran proving that missiles don't need to travel thousands of kilometres. Across the Gulf is all it takes to force the world’s mightiest army to the bargaining table. Pressure on the choke point for one-fifth of the planet’s oil and gas exposing the vulnerability of Arabian peninsula monarchies. The»»»
Jailed Iranian Nobel laureate Narges Mohammadi in critical condition, supporters say
The health of jailed Iranian Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi is critical after she suffered a heart attack last month, supporters said on Wednesday. Her family and lawyers, allowed a second prison visit, reported a sharp deterioration in her condition, with her physical state now descri»»»
Pakistani Army Chief Visits Tehran in Bid to Broker Renewed Talks between US and Iran
Pakistan’s army chief is set to meet with Iranian officials in Tehran on Thursday in a bid to ease tensions in the Middle East and arrange a second round of negotiations between the United States and Iran after almost seven weeks of war. The White House said any further talks would likely take plac»»»
US Seeking to Engage Automakers in Weapons Production - Reports
The administration of US President Donald Trump wants automakers to play a greater role in the production of weapons and military equipment, American media reported. The US is urging major manufacturers, including General Motors and Ford, to expand their role in weapons production as conflicts in U»»»
Sudan slams Berlin donor conference as ‘unacceptable’ as devastating war enters fourth year
Sudan’s government on Wednesday slammed a donor conference hosted by Germany as “surprising and unacceptable”, saying the event meddles in the country’s internal affairs and was organised without consulting Khartoum. The conference is being held as the brutal war between the army and the paramilita»»»
Perspective - 'At every single step there is death and danger': The struggle to get food in Sudan
On the third anniversary of the start of the war in Sudan, which has killed tens of thousands of people, an aid worker from one of the main NGOs still there has spoken to FRANCE 24 about the starvation of the people. She also spoke about the incredible way the Sudanese come together to try to help »»»
Pope Leo lands in Cameroon with message of peace as separatists announce 3-day truce
Pope Leo XIV arrived in Cameroon Wednesday for the next stop on his 11-day apostolic journey across Africa. Separatist groups in the English-speaking west declared a three-day ceasefire to allow the pontiff to travel to the conflicted region. Crowds lined the roads to welcome Pope Leo XIV to »»»
Sudan's forgotten war: three years on, humanitarian catastrophe has no end in sight
Three years into a war that has displaced 11 million people and killed tens of thousands, Sudan’s conflict remains deadlocked, with civilians trapped in a cycle of violence and deprivation and no viable path to peace. On the third anniversary of fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and »»»
French minister seeks to ban Kanye West concert in Marseille over anti-Semitic remarks
Controversial US rapper Kanye West is facing the possible cancellation of his planned June concert in Marseille as France’s Interior Minister Laurent Nunez moves to block the performance over the artist’s anti-Semitic remarks. France's interior minister is seeking to block US rapper Kanye Wes»»»
Entre Nous - The rising popularity of tea in France
When you think of a steaming hot drink in France, you probably think of coffee. French cafés are indeed everywhere. But in this edition we're focusing on a hot drink that's less associated with France: tea! We speak to Erika Le Noan, the CEO of French tea maker Dammann Frères. She tells us how to m»»»
France in focus - Montparnasse Tower: Paris's most unpopular landmark gets a facelift
France's controversial Montparnasse Tower is entering a new era. A stark symbol of post-war modernism in the heart of Paris, the skyscraper inaugurated in 1973 is set to get a facelift. Work is expected to begin this summer and continue until at least 2030. We tak»»»
Riyadh Backs Seoul with 250 Million Barrels of Crude Oil
South Korea has secured 273 million barrels of crude oil from the Middle East and Kazakhstan through the end of the year, with supplies routed outside the Strait of Hormuz, presidential chief of staff Kang Hoon-sik said on Wednesday. Asia's fourth-largest economy has also secured 2.1 million metric»»»
Back to school UAE: How parents are navigating the 'separation anxiety reset’ after distance learning
How do you tell your three-year-old that it’s time to go back to school, just after she’s grown comfortable being at home? Swaleha Madani, assistant professor, cardiac rehabilitation specialist based in Al Ain, knows the challenge that lies ahead, as schools gear up to open after weeks of distance »»»
Italy suspends defence agreement with Israel as Lebanon attacks stoke tensions
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has suspended Italy's defence cooperation agreement with Israel amid rising tensions between the two countries after Rome accused Israeli forces of firing warning shots at a convoy of Italian UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Italy has suspended its defence agre»»»
Spain launches programme to offer amnesty to 500,000 undocumented migrants
As countries on both sides of the Atlantic ramp up deportations of undocumented migrants, Spain’s left-wing government on Tuesday prepared to give legal status to hundreds of thousands of irregular workers. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has championed the amnesty as a way to not only give informal w»»»