Absolutely Baseless: Iran Dismisses ‘Interim Deal’ Rumors as Talks with US Loom
Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has firmly dismissed speculation regarding an interim agreement between Tehran and Washington, clarifying that such claims have no basis in reality. The senior Iranian diplomat made the remarks during a press conference on Monday morning, addressin»»»
UAE: Former Indian expat journalist and literary giant dies
Abu Dhabi: Members of the Indian expat community from Kerala have paid rich tributes to a former journalist and author in the UAE who died in the south Indian state on Monday at the age of 70. Born Erayath Jaleel, the veteran writer, known widely by his pen name Jaleel Ramanthaly, complained of che»»»
MRF Central Council Decides on Party's Independent Run in Snap Parliamentary Elections
The Movement for Rights and Freedoms (MRF) will run independently in the upcoming early parliamentary elections scheduled for April 19, party leader Delyan Peevski said on Monday. He was speaking at the opening of the MRF Central Council meeting, which appointed a central campaign headquarters and »»»
President of Balkan Federation of Apicultural Associations: Lack of Pasture, High Bee Mortality Among Main Problems of Beekeepers
Diseases, lack of natural pasture and high mortality among bees are among the main problems facing beekeepers, Assoc. Prof. Julian Stanchev, President of the Balkan Federation of Apicultural Associations (BFAA), told BTA on Monday. Stanchev, who is also the chair of the Regional Beekeepers' Union i»»»
Zelensky's Push for Extended Conflict Tied to ‘Personal Survival’ – Report
Media reports earlier said that Zelensky is poised to continue fighting despite the Ukrainian military’s huge losses and the Russian army’s ongoing advance on all front lines. Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly announced Ukraine’s readiness to fight Russia “for another three years" just as “the repercus»»»
Strait of Hormuz back in focus as Iran-US tensions rise: What’s at stake for oil
Dubai: The Strait of Hormuz has once again returned to the centre of global energy markets as renewed tensions between Iran and the United States raise the risk of disruption at the world’s most important oil chokepoint. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In the latest up»»»
EU diplomats scramble to overcome Hungary's threat to derail new sanctions on Russia
European Union diplomats scrambled Monday to overcome Hungary's veto threats as they seek to finalize new sanctions on Russia and a massive new loan for Ukraine. EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the bloc's 27 foreign ministers gathering in Brussels would likely not agree on the 20th package»»»
GERB Leader Borissov Names Three Sources of Influence in Caretaker Government
The caretaker government of Bulgaria, which took office on February 19, is a government of Assen Vassilev and his Continue the Change party, Ahmed Dogan and his Alliance for Rights and Freedoms, and former President Rumen Radev, said GERB leader Boyko Borissov on Monday in Stara Zagora, where he me»»»
US tariff policy 'hasn't changed', says Trump's trade representative
Donald Trump's tariff policy "hasn't changed", the US president's trade representative has insisted, despite the Supreme Court moving on Friday to strike down a legal justification used by Trump to impose many such tariffs. "The legal tool to implement it - that might change, but the policy hasn't »»»
Supreme Court decision against Trump tariffs raises uncertainty, but markets stay calm
The Supreme Court's ruling against U.S. President Donald Trump's tariffs has countries like China and South Korea watching for Washington's next steps, while financial markets took the news in stride. The decision announced Friday could potentially disrupt arrangements worked out in trade negotiati»»»
Former Caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Tzitzelkov: I Will Not Quit CEC Public Council
Former caretaker Deputy Prime Minister Stoil Tzitzelkov said on Sunday he will not resign from the Public Council with the Central Election Commission (CEC), speaking on bTV. Tzitzelkov, who stepped down as deputy prime minister on Friday, said there was no legal or moral reason for him not to work»»»
4 Years into Russia’s Full-Scale Invasion of Ukraine, a Look at the War by the Numbers
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine four years ago launched Europe’s biggest conflict since World War II, causing immense suffering for civilians and harrowing ordeals for soldiers while rewriting the post-Cold War security order. The fighting enters its fifth year on Tuesday, and it shows no signs of sto»»»
Newly appointed SCNS Chairman of Kyrgyzstan promoted to Lieutenant General - | 24.KG
President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov signed decrees conferring military and special ranks to individual leaders of law enforcement and security agencies. In accordance with the decrees of the head of state, Ulan Niyazbekov was awarded the highest special rank of Colonel General of Police. The high»»»
EU lawmakers say will freeze US trade deal after Supreme Court ruling
EU lawmakers said on Monday they would put on hold a key trade deal with the United States after a Supreme Court ruling struck down President Donald Trump's tariffs. European Parliament negotiators will meet later on Monday to formally agree to freeze plans to approve the deal agreed last year. The»»»
Former top diplomat Vladislav Jovanovic dies aged 92
BELGRADE - Former FM and one-time ambassador to the UN Vladislav Jovanovic died on Saturday at the age of 92, his family has announced. Born in Zitni Potok, southern Serbia, in 1933, Jovanovic graduated from a grammar school in Belgrade in 1951 and went on to obtain a degree from the Belgrade Facul»»»
Speaker discusses key issues with Russian Ambassador: Migrants, partnership - | 24.KG
Speaker of the Zhogorku Kenesh of Kyrgyzstan Marlen Mamataliev received the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Kyrgyzstan, Sergei Vakunov. The parties discussed the development of Kyrgyzstan — Russia cooperation and exchanged views on a number of pressing issues. The parliame»»»
Berri rejects elections postponement, says Quintet in favor of move
Speaker Nabih Berri on Monday clarified that he has said that “the atmosphere of the five-nation group for Lebanon is in favor of postponing the elections.” Berri added that he has not at all mentioned “any ambassador, neither from the Quintet, nor from other sides.” In remarks to Asharq al-Awsat n»»»
Media Review: February 23
The topics of the newly appointed caretaker government and the Petrohan case dominate Monday’s press. POLITICS 24 Chasa presents the results of a Trend opinion poll, according to which if elections were held today, the coalition of former president Rumen Radev would win 32.7% of the votes, followed»»»
FTSE Russell keeps 12 Romanian companies in global indices after semi-annual review
At the end of last week, global stock market index provider FTSE Russell announced the indicative results of its semi-annual review, which will take effect starting 23 March 2026. According to a statement by the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB), eight Romanian companies included in the FTSE Global Al»»»
EU Reportedly Set to Freeze US Trade Deal Approval Over Trump Tariff Risk
The European Union is poised to freeze the ratification process of its trade deal with the US and is seeking more details from President Donald Trump’s administration on its new tariff program, Bloomberg News reported on Monday. Zeljana Zovko, the lead trade negotiator in the European Peop»»»
Foreign Ministry Issues Travel Advisory for Mexico
As tensions and public order disturbances are reported in parts of Mexico, Bulgarian citizens – tourists or permanent residents in the country – are advised to avoid all travel to the affected Mexican states for the time being, minimize their movements, refrain from visiting public places, and foll»»»
Lebanese Speaker Berri: Quintet Committee Supports Election Delay, No Envoy Referenced
The media office of Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri issued a clarification on Monday addressing reports by Asharq Al-Awsat about postponing parliamentary elections scheduled for May 2026. In a statement, the office said Berri’s remarks were confined to describing a general atmosphere within»»»
Govt finalized post-IMF deal’s economic vision – PM
CAIRO, Feb 22 (MENA) – Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development plays a central role in shaping Egypt’s economic direction, noting that the government has finalized a post-IMF agreement national economic program based on the National Narrative for Compr»»»
“How Will Radev Compete with Me?” Borissov Claims GERB Has Done More for Bulgaria Than Anyone
During a gathering in Stara Zagora with nearly 1,000 mayors from villages, municipalities, and regional cities, GERB leader Boyko Borissov spoke candidly about the party’s achievements and the upcoming electoral challenges. He questioned how President Rumen Radev could compete with him after ten ye»»»
Norofert acquires majority stake in Romanian seed producer Expert Agribusiness
Norofert, the leading producer of organic agricultural inputs and biotechnology provider for agriculture in Romania, listed on the AeRO market of the Bucharest Stock Exchange (BVB symbol: NRF), has announced the signing of an agreement for the acquisition of a 60% stake in Expert Agribusiness SRL, »»»
Lee, Brazil's Lula agree to elevate bilateral ties to strategic partnership - UPI.com
President Lee Jae Myung (R) and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva enter a state welcome dinner at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul on Monday. Photo by Yonhap President Lee Jae Myung and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva agreed to elevate bilateral ties during their summit Monday and e»»»
N. Korea's Kim reelected as general secretary of ruling party for reinforcing nuclear power - UPI.com
In this photo released Monday, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un (C) and officials applaud during the fourth day of the Ninth Congress of the Workers' Party of Korea in Pyongyang. According to KCNA, Kim was re-elected Sunday as the general secretary of the ruling Workers' Party. Photo by KCNA/EPA Nor»»»
Iran: Any US Attack Including Limited Strikes Would be 'Act of Aggression'
Iran said Monday that any US attack, including limited strikes, would be an "act of aggression" that would precipitate a response, after President Donald Trump said he was considering a limited strike on Iran. "With respect to your first question concerning the limited strike, I think there is no l»»»
Oil falls, gold rises as dollar weakens
Washington, Feb. 23 (SANA) Oil prices declined Monday amid concerns about slowing global growth and ongoing debate over US tariffs, while gold rose to its highest level in weeks as the US dollar weakened. According to CNBC, Brent crude futures declined 1.05% to $71.02 a barrel, while U.S. West Texa»»»
India Tells Citizens to Leave Iran
India's foreign ministry urged its citizens Monday to leave Iran, against a backdrop of fears of a possible US strike on Tehran. "In view of the evolving situation in Iran, Indian nationals who are currently in Iran... are advised to leave Iran by available means of transport, including commercial »»»
Iran’s Larijani heading to Muscat for diplomatic talks, Omani media reports - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Iran’s Larijani heading to Muscat for diplomatic talks, Omani media reports 23-02-2026 11:58 AM Latest News Urgent News ‘Defeat Is Certain »»»
Hezbollah S.G. Sheikh Naim Qassem: Last year’s funeral procession of Sayyed Nasrallah, Sayyed Safieddine carries a clear political message that the resistance endures, through its leadership, its fighters, and its people - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Hezbollah S.G. Sheikh Naim Qassem: Last year’s funeral procession of Sayyed Nasrallah, Sayyed Safieddine carries a clear political message »»»
‘Defeat Is Certain for Them’: Iran Army Chief Dismisses Enemy ‘Invincibility’ as US Warships Deploy - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe ‘Defeat Is Certain for Them’: Iran Army Chief Dismisses Enemy ‘Invincibility’ as US Warships Deploy 23-02-2026 12:14 PM The Iranian Army’s »»»
Zayed Education Foundation launches Ruwwad Zayed programme to empower next generation leaders
The Zayed Education Foundation has announced the launch of the Ruwwad Zayedprogram, a flagship scholarship and leadership initiative designed to support exceptional young Emiratis and Arab residents of the UAE. Also Read: Mariam bint Mohamed bin Zayed named chairperson of Zayed Education Foundation»»»
ICC Opens Hearings Into Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte
The International Criminal Court began pre-trial hearings on Monday for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is facing three counts of crimes against humanity for deadly anti-drugs crackdowns he oversaw while in office. Duterte, 80, was not in The Hague courtroom, having waived his righ»»»
Zambians pay price amid Copperbelt mining boom
GlobalizationAfricaZambians pay price amid Copperbelt mining boomKathy ShortAs mining companies scour Zambia's Copperbelt for metals used in sustainable energy, locals are dealing with unchecked pollution and contamination. https://p.dw.com/p/58xtxCopper refineries in Zambia have been busy as globa»»»
Xbox gets Indian-origin CEO as Satya Nadella says he is ‘long on gaming’
Dubai: For UAE gamers who grew up on Xbox consoles and late-night multiplayer sessions, here’s big news: Xbox now has an Indian-origin chief at the helm. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.In a major leadership shake-up, Satya Nadella, Microsoft’s chairman and CEO, announ»»»
DHS: TSA PreCheck remains operational amid partial shutdown - UPI.com
The Department of Homeland Security on Sunday said the PreCheck program was still operational. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo Feb. 23 (UPI) -- The Transportation Security Administration's PreCheck program that allows travelers a quicker security experience at airports is still opera»»»
UN Chief Decries Global Rise of ‘Rule of Force’
The United Nations leader warned Monday that "the rule of force" was spreading, as the powerful trample on international law and wield artificial intelligence and other technologies to attack human rights. "Human rights are under a full-scale attack around the world," Antonio Guterres told the open»»»
Russian Attack on Ukraine’s Odesa Region Killed Two People, Injured Three
A Russian attack on Ukraine's southern Odesa region killed two people and injured three overnight, Ukraine's emergency service and a government official said on Monday. The two people died when a Russian drone fell on a truck stop causing a fire, the service said on the Telegram messenger. Infrastr»»»
Wave of Nightly Abductions: Dozens of Palestinians Arrested in Israeli Sweeping West Bank Crackdown - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Wave of Nightly Abductions: Dozens of Palestinians Arrested in Israeli Sweeping West Bank Crackdown 23-02-2026 11:27 AM Israeli occupation »»»
Greek winemakers are trying to go ‘green’
Reducing its environmental footprint is one of the biggest and most complex challenges for any modern winery. It is not just about changes in individual production stages, but about a holistic transition that touches the entire chain of production: from vineyard cultivation and water resource manag»»»
Report: Trump Considers Targeted Strike Against Iran, Followed by Larger Attack
US President Donald Trump has told advisers that if diplomacy or any initial targeted US attack does not lead Iran to give in to his demands that it give up its nuclear program, he will consider a much bigger attack in coming months intended to drive that country’s leaders from power, people briefe»»»
Sadyr Japarov reveals Shirshov's role: Main thing is benefit to state - | 24.KG
The issue of Alexey Shirshov’s participation in a recent meeting between the Kyrgyz delegation and the Russian Ministry of Energy has sparked renewed debate on social media. Discussions intensified after users recalled President Sadyr Japarov’s earlier statement that Shirshov «would not hold any pu»»»
Israeli Team in Peace Council Reveals Vision for Gaza Reconstruction
While many observers remain skeptical about the chances of success for President Donald Trump’s comprehensive Middle East peace plan, figures close to the US administration are projecting confidence. Among them are three Israelis selected for key roles in the project, though they do not formally re»»»
Iran says any US attack including limited strikes would be 'act of aggression'
Iran said Monday that any U.S. attack, including limited strikes, would be an "act of aggression" that would precipitate a response, after President Donald Trump said he was considering a limited strike on Iran. "And with respect to your first question concerning the limited strike, I think there i»»»
Iran to Consider Even 'Limited Strike' by US as Act of Aggression - Foreign Ministry
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - Iran will consider even a "limited strike" by the United States as an act of aggression, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said on Monday. "An act of aggression will remain an act of aggression," Baghaei told a briefing, answering a question about a possible "limi»»»
Bulgaria's Rumen Radev Calls for Diplomacy on Ukraine and Safeguards over Euro Adoption
Former president Rumen Radev, who left office before completing his second term, says his decision to enter parliamentary politics comes in response to public expectations for deeper democratic change and faster European integration. In an interview with Berliner Zeitung, later published on his Fac»»»
What makes the 1986 Philippine people power revolution still relevant in 2026?
Dubai: It has been 40 years since the Philippines has demonstrated its historic, peaceful revolution along the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue (EDSA). Until now, Filipinos remember and hope to hold the same power for the common good of the nation. From February 22 to 25 in 1986, millions of Filipinos »»»
South Korea Tells Nationals to Leave Iran
South Korea on Monday advised its nationals in Iran to leave when flights are available as tensions are growing over a possible US military strike on the country. "We advise (Korean nationals) to leave Iran when available flights are in operation," the South Korean Embassy said in a safety notice p»»»