UPI 4h

British foreign office official fired for not disclosing ambassador failed security check - UPI.com

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fired the most senior civil servant in the Foreign Office for failing to disclose that former ambassador to the United States Peter Mandelson failed his security check. Pool Photo by Betty Laura Zapata/EPA April 17 (UPI) -- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer fir»»»

upi.com
RT 5h

MAGA vs the Vatican: Republicans rally behind Trump in feud with Pope Leo

US President Donald Trump’s war of words with Pope Leo XIV appears to have split his own MAGA movement. While a number of prominent Republicans have distanced themselves from the exchange, others have stepped in to reassure him of their continued support. Read more Trump casts himself as Jesus afte»»»

rt.com
UPI 5h

Analysis: Lebanon set for complex post-truce negotiations with Israel - UPI.com

Heavy traffic develops before the Qasmiyeh Bridge as displaced residents return to their homes near Tyre, southern Lebanon, on Friday. Israel and Lebanon have agreed to a 10-day cease-fire, Photo by Wael Hamzeh/EPA BEIRUT, Lebanon, April 17 (UPI) -- The Israel-Hezbollah war, temporarily halted by a»»»

upi.com
RT 6h

US officials intercept secret Cuban letter to Trump – WSJ

The Cuban government attempted to open a direct back-channel with US President Donald Trump last week, tapping a private businessman to hand-deliver a sealed letter to the White House, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing sources. The reported message, which was ultimately intercept»»»

rt.com
Ya Libnan 6h

Live Updates: Iran says Strait of Hormuz “completely open” to all ships after Israel-Lebanon ceasefire – Ya Libnan

Share: Here is the latest about Lebanon and the war in Iran today: Iran’s foreign minister says in light of the ceasefire that has halted fighting between Israel and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, “passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is declared completely open,” via a desi»»»

RT 7h

US to go after Iran-linked ships worldwide – top general

The US has expanded its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, telling its military to pursue Iran-linked vessels everywhere around the globe, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, has said. Washington announced it would stop ships from accessing Iranian ports on Monday after talks with »»»

rt.com
Al Awsat 8h

Hezbollah Tallies Its Dead from Israel War, Estimates Exceed 1,000

Hezbollah said its fighters would “keep their fingers on the trigger” hours after a ceasefire took effect between Lebanon and Israel, warning it would not stay silent over any Israeli violations and would not repeat its past restraint under the October 2024 ceasefire, when Israel continued attacks »»»

english.aawsat.com
UPI 8h

Chile study finds area with 30 years of nonstop tremors - UPI.com

Research identified 1,389 seismic events in southern Santiago, Chile, between 2017 and 2025. Additional records suggest the activity has persisted for more than 30 years. Photo by Alisha Lubben/Pexels SANTIAGO, Chile, April 17 (UPI) -- Researchers in Chile have identified a persistent cluster of mi»»»

upi.com
Al Awsat 8h

In Final Moments Before Truce, Israeli Strike Kills Lebanese Man’s Family

Hassan Abu Khalil's family miraculously survived six weeks of war in southern Lebanon, but tragedy struck in the final minutes before a ceasefire came into force. An Israeli strike late on Thursday killed 13 of his relatives, leaving him the sole survivor. Abu Khalil, 36, stepped out to see friends»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 8h

Starmer Rejects Calls to Resign Over Mandelson Appointment as Pressure Builds

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday resisted demands he resign over revelations that his scandal-tainted pick for UK ambassador to Washington was appointed despite failing security checks. Starmer says he was not informed that the Foreign Office had overruled the recommendation of securit»»»

english.aawsat.com
Sputnik 8h

US, Iran May Conclude Deal in Next Day or Two - Trump

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The United States and Iran may conclude a deal within the next day or two, US President Donald Trump said on Friday. "The Iranians want to meet. They want to make a deal. I think a meeting will probably take place over the weekend. I think we will get a deal in the next day o»»»

sputniknews.com
Al Awsat 8h

Trump Says ‘No Sticking Points’ for Iran Deal

US President Donald Trump told AFP on Friday there were "no sticking points" left for a peace deal with Iran, adding that an agreement was "very close." Trump's comments came after a series of social media posts in which he touted progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nuclear»»»

english.aawsat.com
UPI 9h

Bolivia drafts hydrocarbons law to attract foreign capital - UPI.com

The draft of a new Bolivian hydrocarbons law prioritizes the reactivation of mature fields and traditional wells to maximize recovery of remaining reserves. File Photo by Martin Alipaz/EPA April 17 (UPI) -- The government of Rodrigo Paz has finalized the draft of a new hydrocarbons law, marking a k»»»

upi.com
Naharnet 9h

Trump says 'no sticking points' left for Iran deal

U.S. President Donald Trump told AFP on Friday there were "no sticking points" left for a peace deal with Iran, adding that an agreement was "very close." Trump's comments came after a series of social media posts in which he touted progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Iran's nucle»»»

Al Awsat 9h

Oil Falls by 13% After Iran Declares Strait of Hormuz Open

Oil prices plunged by about 13% on Friday after Iran's foreign minister said passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period and US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to never close the strait again. Brent crude futures fell $12.8»»»

english.aawsat.com
The Peninsula 9h

EU updates age-check app after vulnerabilities found

Brussels, Belgium: The European Union said Friday that it was updating an age verification app unveiled this week after independent developers pointed to vulnerabilities. EU chief Ursula von der Leyen said Wednesday that the app, which aims to better protect children from online harm, was "technica»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 9h

UN: Average of 47 Women and Girls Killed Daily During Gaza War

An average of at least 47 women and girls were killed each day during the war in Gaza, according to figures published by UN Women on Friday, and the agency warned that deaths have continued six months into a fragile ceasefire. More than 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza between October 202»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 10h

Ex-govt civil engineer-turned-state witness: Only ₱35 used for project for every ₱100 allocated, ₱65 rest goes to corruption

Manila: A state witness told the an ati-graft court (known as "Sandiganbayan") that for every ₱100 million allocated to flood control projects under the Bulacan 1st District Engineering Office (DEO), only about ₱35 million was actually used for implementation. Henry Alcantara, former district engin»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 10h

Association Rejects "Misinterpretation" of Data on Supply of Unregistered Medicines

The Association of Importers of Unregistered Medicinal Products for Rare Diseases Treatment has issued a statement objecting to what it describes as a misinterpretation of data on the supply of unregistered medicines. The statement was sent to the media in response to information presented by Deput»»»

bta.bg
Sputnik 10h

Mediation as a Lifeline: Can Pakistan Use the Strait of Hormuz Crisis to Save Its Economy?

For Pakistan, it's critically important not only to serve as a peacemaker, but also to succeed as a peacemaker, economic policy analyst Syed Ali Ehsan told Sputnik. As the world watches the US-Iran conflict de-escalate, Pakistan finds itself trapped in a paradox. It is both one of the crisis' most »»»

sputniknews.com
Kathimerini 10h

Lesvos livestock breeders told to keep calm amid foot-and-mouth outbreak

The government will partially lift a ban on the sale of cheese from the foot-and-mouth disease-hit island of Lesvos, Rural Development Minister Margaritis Schinas promised Friday following a meeting with local livestock breeders. Schinas also stressed the need for strict adherence to other restrict»»»

ekathimerini.com
Bulgarian News Agency 10h

SPA Complex Alexander Expands Services with Signature Therapy and Summer Packages in Greece

SPA Complex Alexander in Zlatograd, Southern Bulgaria, is expanding its spa and tourism services by combining balneotherapy, signature treatments, and cultural-historical tourism, the owner and manager Alexander Mitushev told BTA. The complex is located in the heart of the Zlatograd Ethnographic Co»»»

bta.bg
Sputnik 11h

Beirut Residents Return to Southern Suburbs After Lebanon-Israel Ceasefire Takes Effect

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Residents of Beirut's heavily populated southern suburb were returning to their homes on Friday following the entry into force of a ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a Sputnik correspondent said. US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that Lebanese President Joseph Aoun a»»»

sputniknews.com
The Peninsula 11h

UN: More than 38,000 women, girls killed in Gaza war by end of 2025

Geneva: Over 38,000 women and girls were killed in the Gaza war by the end of 2025, the UN estimated Friday, amounting to over half of the 71,000 deaths recorded by the territory's health ministry. "Between October 2023 and December 2025, more than 38,000 women and girls were killed in Gaza -- the »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 11h

Australia's Most Decorated Veteran Walks Free on Bail on War Crimes Charges

Australia’s most decorated living veteran, Ben Roberts-Smith, walked free on bail from a Sydney prison on Friday, 10 days after he was charged with war crimes in the killings of five people while serving in Afghanistan. Judge Greg Grogin granted Roberts-Smith bail in a Sydney court around five hour»»»

english.aawsat.com
RT 12h

Cuban envoy to India cites Russia’s huge message to the world amid US blockade

Russia has sent an important message to the world by sending a ship with oil to Cuba last month as the US blockades the island, Havana’s envoy to New Delhi has said. Moscow shipped 100,000 tons of oil required for Cuba’s normal functioning after the US imposed restrictions, Juan Carlos Marsan Aguil»»»

rt.com
Bulgarian News Agency 12h

Belchinski Izvor SPA Complex with Nearly 40,000 Guests in 2025, Some 93% Bulgarians

Belchinski Izvor SPA Complex, located near the village of Belchin, hosted 39,486 guests in 2025. Some 93% were from Bulgaria, while the rest were foreigners, the complex told BTA. The Gala Placidia spa centre features a large indoor mineral pool, an indoor children’s pool, outdoor hot tubs and jacu»»»

bta.bg
Gulf News 12h

Dubai: Is distance learning still an option? KHDA explains flexible return to schools

Dubai: Most schools across the UAE are set to welcome students back to classrooms from Monday, ending more than 40 days of distance learning introduced in response to regional conflict linked to the US-Israel Iran war. However, while campuses reopen, the Ministry of Education (MOE) said school tran»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 12h

“PM and I don’t have wife issues”: Rahul Gandhi’s jibe draws laughter in India's Lok Sabha

New Delhi: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi struck a light-hearted note in the Lok Sabha on Friday during a debate on the Women’s Reservation Amendment Bill and delimitation, drawing laughter when he remarked that both he and Prime Minister Narendra Modi do not have “wife issues”. The Leader of the Opposit»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 12h

St. Regis, The Palm scales back operations as Dubai hotel begins refurbishment

Dubai: St. Regis, The Palm in Dubai confirmed Friday that parts of the property will be unavailable from mid-April as it begins refurbishment works. “As part of our ongoing commitment to delivering an exceptional luxury experience, we have embarked on a refurbishment project,” the hotel said in a m»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 13h

Global waterways must never be controlled or weaponised: UAE

The UAE has called for firm international action to safeguard sovereignty and protect global trade routes, warning that threats to maritime security and regional stability cannot be addressed through rhetoric alone. Speaking at the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Istanbul, Saqr G»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 13h

Royal Grand Hotel and Spa Introduces Sea Mud Therapies with Calcium and Magnesium

Royal Grand Hotel and Spa in Kavarna has introduced therapies using sea mud enriched with calcium and magnesium, which have anti-stress and restorative effects, the hotel’s marketing manager Teodora Chaneva told BTA. "We offer combined packages for relaxation and recovery, weekend programmes, and t»»»

bta.bg
Naharnet 13h

Iran informed Hezbollah leadership about truce hours before Trump calls, MP says

Senior Hezbollah lawmaker Hassan Fadlallah praised Friday Iran as he spoke to reporters in the battered Beirut southern suburb of Haret Hreik. “Yesterday, before the ceasefire, Hezbollah’s leadership was formally informed around 4am from the Iranian ambassador that there will be a ceasefire at nigh»»»

Gulf News 13h

Wizz Air says had problems with jet fuel supply in Italy

Milan: Hungarian low-cost airline Wizz Air has encountered some jet fuel shortages at three airports in Italy, its chief executive said Friday, following warnings about supplies because of the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz. "We had problems because of a shortage of jet fuel in three Italian airp»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 13h

British PM says 'furious' after fresh revelations over sacked US envoy

London: UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer said Friday he was "furious" after it emerged his sacked US ambassador Peter Mandelson was appointed despite failing security vetting, as the scandal again threatens his hold on power. The beleaguered British leader, who has been dogged for months by the contr»»»

gulfnews.com
Bulgarian News Agency 13h

Alliance for Rights and Freedoms MP Candidate Duganov: "We Have Chance to End Oligarchic State"

Borislav Duganov, MP candidate from the Alliance for Rights and Freedoms (ARF) in Smolyan, told voters in his hometown of Nedelino, Smolyan Region, that "with our vote on April 19, we have the chance to change the government and put an end to this oligarchic state," the coalition announced in a sta»»»

bta.bg
RT 13h

Lula says Trump policy creates problems for Americans

US President Donald Trump’s policy has ended up creating problems for Americans, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has said, citing soaring energy prices linked to the war on Iran. Lula made the remarks in an interview with El Pais published on Thursday. “[Trump] is playing a very dange»»»

rt.com
The Peninsula 14h

Japanese fans gather to welcome BTS on world tour

Tokyo: Tens of thousands of excited fans gathered at a landmark Tokyo stadium Friday to watch K-pop megastars BTS, in concert outside South Korea for the first time on their new world tour. The seven-member group -- widely regarded as the world's biggest boy band -- took to the stage together for t»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Naharnet 14h

Russia says welcomes Lebanon ceasefire, hopes for long-term deal

Moscow on Friday backed the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon and said it hoped the pause in fighting could pave the way for a longer-term agreement, as the fragile 10-day truce took hold. "We certainly welcome the decision on a truce and hope that in these few days it will indeed be p»»»

Sputnik 14h

Russian Foreign Minister Says Ukrainian Peace Process Lacks Concrete Initiatives

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - There are currently no concrete initiatives for ending the Ukrainian conflict, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Friday. "We have informed our colleagues about the recent developments regarding efforts to address the Ukrainian crisis. No concrete initiatives are on t»»»

sputniknews.com
Sputnik 14h

US Currently Not Interested in Russian Proposal to Export Iran's Enriched Uranium- Kremlin

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's proposal to export enriched uranium from Iran is currently not in demand from the United States, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Friday. "Now this proposal is not in demand from the United States," Peskov told reporters. At the same time, Russia remains open to a»»»

sputniknews.com
The Peninsula 14h

UN: Nearly 900 Rohingya refugees dead, missing in shipwrecks in 2025

Geneva: Last year was the deadliest on record for Rohingya refugees fleeing by sea, with deaths continuing to soar in 2026, the UN said Friday, after hundreds were lost in a shipwreck earlier this month. "In 2025, nearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea and Bay»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Sputnik 15h

Oil Prices to Swing Wildly In $95-$120 Loop Amid US-Iran Standoff - Investor

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - Global oil prices will fluctuate between $95 and $120 per barrel in the near future due to the Middle East conflict, Kyle Shostak, director of Navigator Principal Investors, told RIA Novosti. "My reading of the situation is that the Trump administration is hopeful that the bl»»»

sputniknews.com
Sputnik 15h

Mideast Chaos May Boost Northern Sea Route's Value - Korea Arctic Shipping Association

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The conflict in the Middle East, combined with the United States' blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, may ramp up interest in the Northern Sea Route, Subeom Choi, secretary general of the Korea Arctic Shipping Association, told RIA Novosti. "This crisis may strengthen global in»»»

sputniknews.com
Naharnet 15h

Fragile calm in Lebanon as truce holds and families head home

A fragile calm settled over parts of Lebanon on Friday as a 10-day ceasefire brokered by the United States took hold between Israel and Hezbollah, prompting thousands of displaced families to begin the journey home — even as uncertainty, destruction and Israeli warnings against going back to parts »»»

MIA 16h

Oil prices to remain as they are or go down: PM

Skopje, 15 April 2026 (MIA) - The situation with the oil derivatives is stable and unchanged, with not a liter from the oil reserves spent, said Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski on Wednesday, adding that fuel prices would remain as they are or go down considering oil stock prices. Regarding the pi»»»

mia.mk
Naharnet 16h

US envoy Barrack says ceasefire with Hezbollah is 'beginning of a road'

Tom Barrack, the U.S. special envoy to Syria and ambassador to Turkey, told a diplomacy conference Friday that the “brilliance” of the Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire in Lebanon was that it ended “senseless killing.” “The brilliance of what happened yesterday is it stopped senseless killing and Presiden»»»

The Peninsula 16h

South Korea unveils plan to bring back Formula One

Seoul: South Korea wants to host a Formula One race for the first time since 2013 after unveiling a new circuit design that officials say is financially viable. The plan would see races held on a five-kilometre street circuit in the city of Incheon, just outside the capital Seoul. The Korean Grand »»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Bulgarian News Agency 16h

Pirin Golf and Country Club Eyes More Golfers From Across Europe

Pirin Golf and Country Club in Razlog expects stronger interest from golfers from across Europe in the coming months as the golf season gets under way at the complex, Sales and Marketing Manager Koicho Koev told BTA. He added that alongside its sports facilities, the hotel complex remains focused o»»»

bta.bg
Sputnik 16h

US House Extends Controversial Surveillance Powers to April 30

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - The US House of Representatives has approved an extension of a controversial provision in the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) until April 30. "We were very close tonight. There is some nuances with the language, and some questions that need to be answered, and we»»»

sputniknews.com