US Postpones Vance's Switzerland Trip – Iran Signing Ceremony Off for Now
US Vice President JD Vance will not travel to Switzerland on Friday for the planned signing of a memorandum of understanding with Iran, a White House spokesperson said, citing unresolved logistical issues. “The plans for the upcoming technical talks have not been finalized, and the US delegation ha»»»
Israel Says It Remains Committed to Lebanon Ceasefire Amid Ongoing Strikes
Israel's ambassador to the United States has affirmed that Israel remains committed to the US‑brokered ceasefire with Lebanon, while warning that any violation by Hezbollah would be met with force. Ambassador Yechiel Leiter stated that Israel retains its right to respond to attacks and thwart threa»»»
TIIF 2026: Uzbekistan looks beyond tax breaks as special economic zones become engines of industrialisation
Uzbekistan is seeking to transform its network of special economic zones (SEZs) from tax-friendly investment destinations into platforms for industrialisation, as policymakers and investors increasingly focus on how Central Asia can convert abundant natural resources into higher-value economic acti»»»
Friday Sermon, June 19 2026: Caring for Our Elders
First Sermon (Khutbah One) All praise is due to Allah, the Possessor of Might and Majesty, who has made honouring the elderly one of the noblest qualities. I bear witness that there is no god but Allah, and I bear witness that our Prophet Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah and the Seal of the Proph»»»
Residents return to war-ravaged southern Lebanon with hope and sorrow after the US-Iran deal
TYRE, Lebanon: Adnan Kaour returned on Thursday to check on his home in southern Lebanon ‘s coastal city of Tyre — once known as an idyllic summer getaway spot — just a week after Israel issued warnings for all of its residents to evacuate.The warnings were followed by sweeping airstrikes, which Is»»»
Heading to Dubai? Where traffic is worst this Friday morning
Dubai: Traffic is building across several of Dubai’s main roads on Friday morning as commuters head to work, with the busiest stretches reported on routes from Sharjah into the emirate, according to Google Maps. Heavy traffic is building on Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) from Al Nadha towards Abu Hail. Sl»»»
World Cup 2026: Mexico reach World Cup knockout stage first after beating South Korea
Co-hosts Mexico became the first team to secure a place in the World Cup knockout stage after a 1-0 victory over South Korea at a jubilant Guadalajara Stadium on Thursday. Luis Romo scored shortly after halftime, capitalising on a goalkeeping error, to seal Mexico's second straight win and confirm »»»
US forces lift Iran ports blockade as uncertainty clouds planned Switzerland talks
The US lifted its blockade of Iranian ports on Thursday after US President Donald Trump and Iran President Masoud Pezeshkian signed an interim peace deal to end the US-Israeli war on Iran. But uncertainty surrounded Friday's planned talks in Switzerland as both sides prepared for negotiations on Te»»»
AI, creative industry, Aitmatov: Cabinet Chairman speaks in St. Petersburg - | 24.KG
Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Kyrgyzstan Adylbek Kasymaliev spoke at an international conference in St. Petersburg on strengthening cultural ties and developing creative and cultural industries. He noted that issues of cultural cooperation and support for creative industries now go far be»»»
US Treasury sanctions Hezbollah-aligned officials including Franjieh as it intensifies pressure to disarm the Iran-backed militia – Ya Libnan
Share: File – Suleiman Frangieh (L) is shown with former slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah . Franjieh was Hezbollah’s presidential candidate but was unable to secure the votes needed to be elected by the Lebanese Parliament WASHINGTON—Today, the U.S. Department of the Treasury’s Office of For»»»
Saudi transportation sector earns global recognition for rail safety and air traffic management
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s transportation sector has received fresh international recognition after Saudi Arabia Railways (SAR) won two prestigious global awards for safety and risk management, while the International Air Transport Association (IATA) commended the Kingdom’s air traffic management perfo»»»
National Bank tightens oversight of banks amid sanctions risks — Baketaev - | 24.KG
The National Bank of the Kyrgyz Republic is maintaining constant contact with commercial banks and monitoring their compliance with sanctions requirements. National Bank Chairman Almaz Baketaev announced during a session of the Zhogorku Kenesh on June 18. According to him, the regulator has prepare»»»
Israel cuts ‘all contacts’ with EU’s Kallas
West Jerusalem will cut “all contact” with EU top diplomat Kaja Kallas over her reported comparison of the country to apartheid-era South Africa, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has announced. Relations between the bloc and Israel’s far-right government have steadily deteriorated in the past »»»
U.S. kills 3 in suspected drug boat strike; toll hits 211 - UPI.com
The Senate Armed Services Committee advanced a fiscal year 2027 military spending bill that directs Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth to submit information, including unedited videos, related to the strikes to the Senators. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo June 18 (UPI) -- The U.S. military»»»
Syria reports new Israeli incursion into Quneitra village amid ongoing border tensions
QUNEITRA, Syria: Israeli forces carried out an overnight incursion into a village in Syria’s southern Quneitra province, raiding several homes before withdrawing, Syrian state media reported on Thursday, in the latest incident highlighting ongoing tensions along the frontier. According to the Syria»»»
Zelensky: Best way to guarantee Europe’s future would be fast-track EU membership for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky told an EU summit on Thursday the future of Europe was being shaped by the defense of Ukraine and the best security guarantee for the bloc’s future would be to grant Kyiv fast-track membership. Zelensky said he told member states that Ukraine wanted the war a»»»
US-Iran MoU arrested the oil spike — but raised the floor: Why Brent isn't going back to $60/barrel
The US-Iran memorandum aimed at ending months of conflict across the Middle East has triggered a dramatic shift in global oil markets. Traders have rushed to unwind the geopolitical risk premium that sent crude prices soaring during the crisis, betting that millions of barrels of Middle Eastern oil»»»
46°C ahead: UAE set for another hot weekend
Dubai: The UAE is set for another hot day on Friday, with temperatures expected to climb to as high as 46°C in inland areas, while generally fair conditions prevail across the country, according to the National Center of Meteorology (NCM). The weather forecast indicates clear to partly fair skies f»»»
Ukraine hits Moscow oil refinery in 'justified response' to Russia attacks: Zelensky
Ukraine hit a refinery near Moscow and other targets in Russia and occupied territories overnight, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday, calling the strikes a "justified response" to Russia's own attacks. "For the second time this week, the Moscow oil refinery was hit. Targets we»»»
Canada thrash 9-man Qatar for first-ever World Cup win
DUBAI: It took them two matches on home soil to get the result, but for the thousands of home fans packed into the BC Place stadium in Vancouver, Canada’s first-ever win at the World Cup was well worth the wait. A comprehensive 6-0 win over 9-man Qatar catapulted the host nation to the top of Group»»»
Syria launches media code to combat hate speech, set professional standards
DAMASCUS: Syria is intensifying efforts to combat hate speech and promote responsible journalism, marking the UN’s International Day for Countering Hate Speech on June 18 with a series of measures anchored in a newly introduced media code of conduct. The Professional and Ethical Code of Conduct for»»»
He won the divorce case — but still had to pay the dowry
Dubai: The Court of Cassation has ruled that a husband who proves serious marital harm may be exempt from paying certain divorce-related financial entitlements, such as waiting-period maintenance and compensation, but remains legally obligated to pay the deferred dowry unless it has already been se»»»
After draw vs. Brazil, Morocco face Scotland as favorites
BOSTON, Massachusetts: Scotland have hit the ground running in the World Cup with an opening 1-0 victory over Haiti in Group C and with their Tartan Army of fans winning hearts in Boston, but their return to the city on Saturday to face Morocco could dampen their spirits. The North Africans, surpr»»»
Comedian ‘tortured’ in California prison ‘because he’s Arab and Muslim,’ attorney tells Arab News
CHICAGO: An attorney for Hollywood actor and comedian Ahmed Ahmed, 56 — who was seriously injured after being detained and beaten by police in California last year — told Arab News on Thursday that he was singled out and targeted “because he’s Arab and Muslim.” The Egyptian American is best known f»»»
Trump presents the Medal of Honor to 3 veterans for heroism in Vietnam and Afghanistan
WASHINGTON: President Donald Trump gave the Medal of Award to three veterans on Thursday, honoring acts of heroism that saved lives and repelled enemy forces in Vietnam and Afghanistan. Trump bestowed the military’s highest honor on Marine Corps Maj. James Capers Jr. and Army Maj. Nicholas Dockery.»»»
Knicks fans flood New York for massive NBA Finals championship parade
Tens of thousands of New Yorkers packed Manhattan on Thursday for a heavily secured victory parade celebrating the New York Knicks' NBA Finals triumph, turning the city into a sea of blue and orange. Fans chanted "Let's go Knicks" as the procession moved through packed streets, with some paying hun»»»
Nine-man Qatar fall 6-0 to Canada at World Cup 2026
DOHA: Qatar’s second World Cup 2026 group stage game saw them fall to host nation Canada 6-0 at BC Place in Vancouver on Friday. Qatar showed early promising signs when Homam Al Amin lobbed a well-weighted cross into the Canadian penalty box, but Edmilson’s follow-up effort ended up missing the net»»»
Sweden picks Rolls-Royce modular reactor, first new nuclear power plants in 40+ years
Sweden has selected Rolls-Royce SMR to supply three small modular reactors (SMRs) for a new nuclear power project at the Varo Peninsula next to the Ringhals site. The decision was announced by Videberg Kraft — a nuclear venture backed by utility giant Vattenfall and industrial partner Industrikraft»»»
Uzbekistan’s growth ambitions collide with shrinking water supplies
Uzbekistan’s plans to expand agricultural production, industrial output and exports are running into an increasingly uncomfortable reality: the country is running out of water. Officials, international organisations and industry executives gathered at the fifth annual Tashkent International Investm»»»
New York mayor, other leaders push to ban horse-drawn carriage rides after Indian teen's death
NEW YORK: The death of a young tourist who jumped from a runaway horse carriage in Central Park has intensified calls to ban the old-time attraction from one of New York City’s most recognisable destinations. Romanch Mahajan, 18, died after he got off of the four-wheeled carriage as its horse sprin»»»
Trump, Vance urge Hezbollah and Israel to respect ceasefire
The United States is "committed to PEACE," and we "encourage everyone in the Middle East Region to maintain their commitment to allowing our negotiations to beautifully unfold," U.S. President Donald Trump said overnight. "The Markets are loving what is happening with Oil Prices way down, and Stock»»»
Police shooting of a 1-year-old Mississippi boy ignites tension between police and Black residents
JACKSON, Mississippi: The fatal shooting of a 1-year-old boy by police who were responding to a shoplifting call this week has ignited simmering tensions between police and Black residents in the small town of Senatobia, Mississippi. The death of Kohen Wiley is the latest in a series of troubling e»»»
Gaza ceasefire ‘failing’ as hunger, rats and rubble define daily life, UN humanitarian chief warns
NEW YORK CITY: Seven months after the Security Council adopted Resolution 2803 in support of the US peace plan for Gaza, the ceasefire in the territory remains fragile and the humanitarian recovery is dangerously incomplete, the UN’s aid chief warned council members on Thursday. Palestinians are st»»»
A look at how World Cup stars young and old are faring after first week
NEW YORK: Cape Verde’s 40-year-old goalkeeper has become a star at this World Cup, and a Senegal teenager scored in his tournament debut. Here’s a look at some of the oldest and youngest players as the 48-team tournament enters its second week. Elder statesmen No better place to begin than the 41-y»»»
Defiant Raad says Israel's war failed to crush Hezbollah
The head of Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc, Mohammad Raad, said on Thursday that Israel's war in Lebanon had "failed" to eliminate the Iran-backed group. Raad said in a statement that "the enemy's war aimed at crushing the resistance in Lebanon has failed and will not achieve its objectives". He al»»»
Lebanon arrests man in Hezbollah drone case
Lebanese authorities have arrested a citizen suspected of having imported parts used to manufacture Hezbollah drones, a judicial source told AFP on Thursday. Hezbollah has been using fiber optic drones, which are resistant to jamming, in their fight against Israel since early March. The judicial so»»»
Saudi women lead the charge at the intersection of AI and cybersecurity
DHAHRAN: In a quiet corner of King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, a group of Ph.D. candidates is working to solve some of the most pressing technological challenges of the modern era. Among them are Asma Yamani and Linah Ali Abuhajar, two researchers operating at the intersection of art»»»
Substitutes make the difference as Swiss sink Bosnia & Herzegovina 4-1
DPA Inglewood (California) Substitutes Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas were on fire as Switzerland stunned 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina 4-1 at the World Cup on Thursday to boost their hopes of reaching the knock-out stages. The pair came on in the 72nd minute with the score 0-0 and were an instant hit»»»
QF expands access to arts across Education City with online space
Tribune News Network Doha Within Education City, the arts are embedded across galleries, public spaces, academic institutions, architecture and everyday experiences to inspire learning, spark connection and deepen understanding of the world. As this landscape continues to grow, Qatar Foundation (QF»»»
Qatar emerges as key diplomatic power broker as US–Iran agreement signals shift in regional order
Khaled Al Hameidi Doha In a region repeatedly shaped by cycles of escalation and fragile de-escalation, Qatar has once again positioned itself at the centre of high-stakes diplomacy playing a pivotal role in facilitating understanding between the United States and Iran. The recent agreement on a me»»»
Shooting triggers panic at Times Square (VIDEOS)
Panic broke out in the heart of Manhattan on Thursday afternoon after gunfire erupted in Times Square, sending tourists, commuters, and street vendors scrambling for cover in one of the world’s busiest tourist destinations. The shots were fired shortly before 4pm near West 44th Street and Seventh A»»»
Hezbollah reports fresh clashes as Raad says no need for direct negotiations
Hezbollah said its fighters were engaged in fresh clashes with the Israeli military on Thursday, hours after Lebanese state media reported that Israeli strikes in the south killed three people. The fighting came a day after the United States and Iran signed an agreement to end the Middle East war o»»»
How OFWs can buy retail Treasury bonds (RTBs)
For Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs), Retail Treasury Bonds (RTBs) are among the safest ways to build long-term peso savings. Another upside, it supports the Philippine government's infrastructure and development programmes. Because they are backed by the National Government, RTBs carry very low de»»»
Qatar attends 64th session of UNFCCC
QNA Bonn The State of Qatar participated in the 64th session of the two United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Subsidiary Body meetings held in Bonn, Germany, as part of the preparations for the 31st Conference of the Parties (COP31), scheduled to be held in Antalya, Turkiye»»»
Subs send Swiss to rout of Bosnia-Herzegovina
Los Angeles,: Super subs Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas fired Switzerland to a 4-1 win over 10-man Bosnia-Herzegovina in a late rush of goals in Los Angeles on Thursday. The result gave the Swiss a strong chance of reaching the knockout round as one of the top two teams in Group B. They had been c»»»
US‑Iran deal leaves the future of Lebanon uncertain – Ya Libnan
Share: File- Smoke billows from southern Lebanon, following Israeli strikes, as seen from Nabatieh, Lebanon, June 4, 2026. REUTERS/Stringer The United States and Iran inked a long-awaited provisional ceasefire deal on June 17, 2026. After months of uncertainty, the people of the Gulf region can, po»»»
US Fed chair Warsh vows reforms as central bank signals rate hikes on horizon
WASHINGTON, United States — US Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh recently vowed wide-ranging reforms at the central bank, as its rate-setting committee held rates steady but projected a rate hike by year-end to counter surging inflation.The Fed decided to hold rates steady at 3.50 to 3.75 per cent »»»
Deaths in ICE detention more than double under Trump, analysis finds
The death rate in US immigration detention centres have more than doubled during President Donald Trump's second term, a Reuters analysis found, as authorities expanded arrests. Advocates linked the rise to overcrowding and strained medical services. A Vietnamese man with cardiovascular problems co»»»
US-Iran war concludes with massive toll
The US-Iran war appears to have ended after 108 days, costing American taxpayers over $100 billion, according to estimates gathered by the independent Iran War Cost Tracker. On Tuesday, US President Donald Trump signed a memorandum of understanding with Iran, with Tehran also confirming the electro»»»
Tête à tête - Iran deal is 'a major setback for the United States', ex-adviser to State Department says
In an interview with FRANCE 24, Vali Nasr, professor of Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University and former adviser to the US State Department, explained that "the war is ending in Iran's favour" and that "the outcome is definitely not favourable to Israel". "It's very difficult not to »»»