Who wants what from the Iran war?
Most people, although not everybody, want this war to end as quickly as possible. But on what terms? That is where positions diverge. President Donald Trump's war aims have been somewhat opaque, appearing to vacillate between a simple curtailment of Iran's nuclear programme, to capitulation to all »»»
Trump may delay state visit if China doesn't help defend Hormuz Strait - UPI.com
U.S. President Donald Trump warned he may postpone an upcoming trip to China for a summit with President Xi Jinping if China doesn't agree to help defend the Strait of Hormuz. Photo by Samuel Corum/UPI | License Photo March 16 (UPI) -- U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to postpone an upcoming »»»
Iran hits key UAE oil port and Dubai airport
The United Arab Emirates' (UAE) biggest port and oil storage facility, Fujairah, and Dubai's international airport have come under further drone attacks as Iran continues to target Gulf transport and oil infrastructure. Flights were temporarily suspended on Monday after a fire broke out near the ai»»»
Flights disrupted at DXB — airlines restarted services in matter of hours. Here’s the latest.
Dubai: Flights across the UAE are gradually resuming after a disruption early Monday near Dubai International Airport (DXB). The Dubai Civil Aviation Authority announced the gradual resumption of some flights to and from DXB to selected destinations following a temporary suspension implemented as a»»»
Is this product 'human-made'? The race to establish an AI-free logo
Organisations worldwide are racing to develop a universally recognised label for "human-made" products and services as part of the growing backlash against AI use. Declarations like "Proudly Human", "Human-made", '"No A.I" and "AI-free" are appearing across films, marketing, books and websites. It »»»
Race for Paris mayor looks uncertain after first round
Paris, France: The race for Paris mayor looked uncertain on Monday as a right-wing former minister hoping to wrest control of the French capital from the left claimed she had gained key support for second-round mayoral polls. Rachida Dati, until recently culture minister, hopes to become the capita»»»
Fears of energy crisis rise as Iran keeps stranglehold on shipping and hits Dubai airport
Fears of a global energy crisis rose Monday as the war in the Middle East raged on, with more U.S.-Israeli strikes on the Iranian capital and Israel's bombardment of Lebanon. An Iranian drone strike temporarily shut Dubai's airport, a crucial global travel hub, underscoring the threats to the world»»»
Zakat Al Fitr explained: How much to pay, when to pay and who must pay
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Council for Fatwa has confirmed that Zakat Al Fitr may be paid in cash, saying the measure is intended to ease the process for donors while ensuring support reaches those in need ahead of Eid Al Fitr. In a statement issued ahead of Eid Al Fitr holiday, the council outlined the re»»»
What if Eid falls on a Friday? UAE Fatwa Council clarifies prayer rules
Abu Dhabi: The UAE Council For Fatwa has clarified that both Eid and Friday prayers should be performed if they fall on the same day, stating that each prayer should be observed at its prescribed time in line with established religious practice. In a ruling issued in response to public inquiries, t»»»
Lavrov Says Fate of Nuclear Nonproliferation Regime of Serious Concern
Russia sees no signs of improvement in the US-Israeli military conflict with Iran, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said on Monday."We shared our assessments of the situation in the Middle East, including in relation to the US and Israeli armed aggression against Iran, and the deep crisis in »»»
Israeli Forces Kill 16 People in Gaza and West Bank
Israeli forces killed 16 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, health officials said, in one of the heaviest death tolls in a single day in weeks. Medics and the interior ministry of the Hamas-run Gaza said an Israeli airstrike killed a senior police official and eight other officers wh»»»
Sheikh Mohammed issues decree establishing grievance committee for Dubai government staff
Dubai: In his capacity as the Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, issued Decree No. (5) of 2026 on the Central Grievances Committee for Dubai Government employees. The Decree aims to strengthen justice, transparency, and »»»
Bulgaria’s Elections Poised for High Turnout: Six Parties Likely to Enter Parliament, Survey Shows
A recent survey by the Sova Harris Agency, conducted between March 7 and 12, 2026 and commissioned by Bulgarian media Trud, indicates a potential surge in voter turnout for Bulgaria’s upcoming parliamentary elections, reversing the downward trend seen in previous years. If the vote were held today,»»»
Far-left and far-right gains throw French mainstream parties into a quandary
The emerging strength of the far left and far right is creating awkward choices for mainstream parties after the first round of French mayoral elections. In many big towns and cities, Socialists and centre-right Republicans are tempted to make electoral pacts on their outside flanks in order to bea»»»
'One Battle After Another' dominates Oscars
Hollywood, United States: "One Battle After Another" triumphed at the Oscars on Sunday, winning six awards, including the coveted best picture statuette, besting "Sinners" in a thrilling finale to one of the most competitive awards seasons in recent years. Director Paul Thomas Anderson personally w»»»
Media Review: March 16
HEADLINES Monday’s print media highlight rising living costs, political developments and economic trends. 24 Chasa leads with a report that food prices are expected to increase ahead of Easter, warning of a more expensive traditional holiday salad followed by broader price pressures in food and tra»»»
Trump claims Iran victory but warns Nato on Hormuz security
Dubai: Just a week ago, US President Donald Trump suggested Britain did not need to send ships to the Middle East, saying the United States had already “won” the war with Iran. Now the tone appears to have shifted. Trump is urging allies — including Nato partners, Britain and even China — to help r»»»
Eid Al Fitr 2026: Dubai RTA announces free parking, metro, tram and public transport timings
The Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced revised schedules for all its services during Eid Al Fitr from Thursday, 19 March, to Saturday, 21 March. The updates cover public parking, Customer Happiness Centres, Metro and Tram, buses, marine transport, and service provider centres (»»»
France bolsters military presence in Middle East, prepares for postwar talks
France's government is bolstering the country's military presence in the Middle East, dispatching its aircraft carrier and other warships, while President Emmanuel Macron engages with key players in the conflict, including Iran, in a bid to position Paris for future diplomatic talks. Macron said th»»»
Poorest to Receive EUR 20 Fuel Aid by End of March, Social Minister Says
The EUR 20 fuel aid for the poorest people should be transferred to the accounts of those entitled to it by the end of the month, caretaker Labour and Social Policy Minister Hasan Ademov said on bTV's morning show on Monday. Ademov explained that all individuals with an average monthly income of up»»»
Deadly hospital blaze in Odisha: 10 ICU patients killed in Cuttack fire
At least 10 critically ill patients died after a fire broke out in the trauma care intensive care unit of a government-run hospital in eastern India early Monday, officials said. The blaze erupted on the first floor of the SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, in Odisha state, where patients»»»
Six Parties, Coalitions Would Enter Next Parliament if Elections Were Held Monday - Survey
A survey by the polling agency Sova Harris, published on Monday, shows that six parties and coalitions would enter Bulgaria's Parliament if elections were held on this day. These are Progressive Bulgaria, GERB-UDF, Continue the Change – Democratic Bulgaria, the Movement for Rights and Freedoms – Ne»»»
Netanyahu mocks social media rumors about his death
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu published a short video on Sunday making light of rumors on social media that he was dead. "I'm dead for coffee," he said sarcastically on his official X account as he received a steaming cup at a cafe outside Jerusalem, employing a colloquial Hebrew expres»»»
EU's Kallas Floats Black Sea Model to Unblock Strait of Hormuz
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said on Monday she had discussed with the United Nations the idea of freeing up transport of oil and gas through the Strait of Hormuz by replicating a deal that gets grain out of Ukraine during wartime. Arriving at a meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, K»»»
flydubai gradually restoring flights after disruptions at Dubai Airport
Dubai: flydubai will gradually resume flight operations with a reduced schedule, following a temporary suspension that disrupted several services. The airline said that some scheduled flights have been affected by the earlier halt in operations, and passengers will be notified if their flights are »»»
Qatar positions itself for rapid growth in global battery market
Doha, Qatar: Following successful pilot projects and increasing international interest in the growth potential of its domestic alternative energy market, Qatar is forecasted to be one of the leaders in the adoption of batteries in the MENA region. Increasing battery storage capabilities is a strate»»»
S. Korean currency slips to fresh 17-yr low against U.S. dollar amid Iran crisis - UPI.com
This photo, taken Monday, shows the trading room of Hana Bank in central Seoul as the South Korean won fell to a 17-year low against the U.S. dollar amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. Photo by Yonhap The South Korean currency fell to a 17-year low against the U.S. dollar Monday as global »»»
War uncertainty lifts dollar as investors seek safety
Damascus, March 16 (SANA) Rising tensions in the Middle East have boosted the U.S. dollar as investors shift away from riskier assets toward safer, more liquid holdings. The currency has gained about 2.5 percent, driven by growing geopolitical uncertainty and concerns that fighting could disrupt ke»»»
Security Protocols and Responsible Gaming Practices in Online Casinos
In an age where digital interaction is the norm, the integrity and safety of online platforms have become paramount. From banking to social media, we entrust our sensitive information to myriad websites and applications daily. The online casino industry is no exception, facing the dual challenge of»»»
MOI announces evacuation guidelines for workplace
Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Interior, MOI, has given precautionary evacuation guidelines manual for workplace during emergency and exceptional situations. The Ministry in a post on social media warned that when evacuation alert is issued, employees must evacuate the danger location immediately, mo»»»
Buzz, Unease as UK Crowds Watch US Bombers Head to War
Hidden behind a tall hedgerow in the English countryside, Charlie Cumming stood at the fence of an air force base, camera raised towards a US B-1 Lancer bomber parked nearby. He was one of hundreds of curious onlookers who flocked to the airfield at RAF Fairford in the southwestern county of Glouce»»»
TikTok and Meta risked safety to win algorithm arms race, whistleblowers say
Social media giants made decisions which allowed more harmful content on people's feeds, after internal research into their algorithms showed how outrage fuelled engagement, whistleblowers told the BBC. More than a dozen whistleblowers and insiders have laid bare how the companies took risks with s»»»
AI is already answering your bank and telecom queries in the UAE
Dubai: Artificial intelligence is already playing a major role in how customers interact with banks, telecom providers and airlines in the UAE, often operating quietly behind the scenes while human agents step in only when necessary. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.Ind»»»
India pushes diplomacy to reopen Hormuz Strait as Trump urges naval escort
Direct talks with Iran have proven the most effective way to restart shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a senior Indian official said, even as calls grow for a multinational naval effort to secure the critical waterway amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. The comments came after Donald »»»
Trump pressures NATO, China over Iran's closure of key waterway
Tehran: President Donald Trump urged NATO partners and China to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the critical conduit for crude that Iran has effectively closed, as major economic players began releasing oil reserves on Monday to ward off supply disruptions. Global oil prices have surged by 40 to »»»
Experts urge caution on Trump call for Hormuz deployment - UPI.com
The Dae Jo Yeong, a 4,400-ton South Korean destroyer, departs a naval base for the Gulf of Aden; in Busan, South Korea. File. Photo YONHAP / EPA March 15 (Asia Today) -- South Korean experts said Sunday that any response to U.S. President Donald Trump's call for allied naval deployments to the Stra»»»
Evidence shows US behind missile attack on Iran’s Minab girls’ school
The US-Israeli war on Iran opened with massive strikes on urban centers, the assassination of the country’s supreme leader and his family, and the brutal slaying of more than 160 children at a girls’ elementary school in Minab. As more information about the bombing has come to light, discussion has»»»
FinMin Nazare: With 2026 budget we're getting closer to exiting excessive deficit procedure
Through the 2026 budget we are taking the first decisive step towards exiting the excessive deficit procedure, and by the end of the year we will be on the trajectory agreed with the European Commission, of 6.2% of GDP, the Minister of Finance, Alexandru Nazare, informed on Thursday evening.'At the»»»
Japan ruling party urges caution over possible Middle East deployment
A senior figure in Japan’s ruling party has called for caution over any decision to deploy the Japan Self-Defense Forces to the conflict-hit Middle East to escort vessels and ensure safe passage, according to Kyodo News. T»»»
London Boasts 12 of Top 100 Cinemas in the World
The cinema might feel like a relic to some – a moment from before films were available at the press of a button at home – but those interested in cinemas never turn their back on an afternoon spent sitting in complete darkness with total strangers in front of a booming big screen. According to METR»»»
Fuel Price Surge Puts Bulgaria’s Transport Sector Under Pressure, Industry Warns of Possible Bankruptcies
International transport companies in Bulgaria are coming under growing pressure as fuel prices continue to rise following the outbreak of war in the Middle East. Representatives of the sector warn that if the conflict drags on, some smaller firms could be pushed into bankruptcy, while consumers may»»»
Oil Hovers around $100, Stocks Mixed as Iran War Rages
Oil prices hovered around $100 a barrel Monday and stocks fluctuated as the Iran war moved into a third week with both sides showing no sign of backing down and diplomats trying to ensure safe passage for tankers through the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Crude shot up in the opening minutes after the U»»»
Fidesz and Tisza flex muscles, mobilise hundreds of thousands in last big rallies before election
Hungary’s two leading political blocs, Fidesz and the Tisza Party, held mass rallies on March 15 in a prominent display of power, widely seen as a measure of their capacity to rally voters ahead of the April 12 elections. Prime Minister Viktor Orban vowed to keep Hungary "an island of security and »»»
Orbán: “We will preserve Hungary as an island of peace and security even in a turbulent world”
At Hungary’s March 15 national commemoration, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán delivered a speech centered on the country’s security, sovereignty, and the coming election. According to the prime minister, Europe is entering a dangerous period as Brussels prepares for deeper involvement in the war in Ukr»»»
US Marines Sent to Middle East, Join 2-Week-Old War in Iran
By Thomas Gibbons-Neff and Eric Schmitt The deployment of about 2,500 Marines to the Middle East represents a new phase in the two-week-old war in Iran, as Iranian forces increase their attacks on the Strait of Hormuz. The unit, officially known as the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, according to t»»»
France stands as ‘reliable, predictable and determined’ partner to Qatar: Envoy
Doha, Qatar: France has reaffirmed its strong strategic partnership with Qatar, highlighting deep diplomatic ties, and the defence dimension of the partnership has taken on heightened importance as the region navigates a complex geopolitical situation. In an exclusive interview with The Peninsula y»»»
Why France is Bolstering Military Presence in the Middle East, as Macron Prepares for Postwar Talks
France's government is bolstering the country's military presence in the Middle East, dispatching its aircraft carrier and other warships, while President Emmanuel Macron engages with key players in the conflict, including Iran, in a bid to position Paris for future diplomatic talks. Macron said th»»»
Peso hits record low against UAE dirham as oil shock rattles currency
Dubai: The Philippine peso fell to a record low against the UAE dirham on Monday morning, reflecting mounting pressure on emerging market currencies amid volatile energy markets and growing global uncertainty. (Check live forex rates here) Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balanc»»»
Top looks as stars bring glamour to Oscars red carpet
Hollywood, United States: Hollywood's best and brightest stars on Sunday hit the red carpet for the 98th Academy Awards, the movie industry's biggest night. Here are some of the top looks: Spring hues Pops of spring color were a welcome sight on the red carpet. Jessie Buckley at the 98th Oscars at »»»