US war on Iran is investment in children’s future – Trump
US President Donald Trump has called the war on Iran an investment in the future of American children as he delivered his first address to the nation since the start of the conflict a month ago. In his speech on Wednesday, Trump claimed that Washington was never looking for regime change in Tehran,»»»
UN aid chief worried about lengthy Israel-Hezbollah conflict
U.N. aid chief Tom Fletcher on Thursday expressed concern that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon could be long-lasting, potentially resulting in a "fresh occupation." "One depressing impression I had, and I think it's shared by so many people in Lebanon -- there was a se»»»
IOM warns of 'alarming' risk of long-term mass displacement in Lebanon
International Organization for Migration chief Amy Pope told AFP on Thursday in Beirut that the prospects for prolonged mass displacement in Lebanon, where Israel and Hezbollah are at war, were "very alarming". "I think those prospects are very alarming because you look right now at the level of de»»»
War Hits Lebanon Dollar Lifeline, Remittances Fall Sharply
A Lebanese mother described the sharp decline in one of her last sources of income, once a pillar of her financial stability, as remittances from her son abroad dwindled in the wake of the war. “My son used to send me $600 a month. I lived on it, covered my medication and basic needs. After the war»»»
Trump announces destruction of Iran's tallest bridge
U.S. President Donald Trump said Thursday the tallest bridge in Iran had been destroyed, hours after threatening to bomb the country "back to the Stone Ages." Trump posted footage on social media of smoke rising from the B1 bridge in Karaj, around 20 miles (35 kilometers) southwest of Tehran -- and»»»
Appeals court tosses sentence of Colorado elections clerk Tina Peters - UPI.com
An appeals court overturned the sentence of Tina Peters, convicted for stealing elections data in Colorado. File Photo by Mike Theiler/UPI | License Photo April 2 (UPI) -- A Colorado appeals court on Thursday threw out the sentence of Tina Peters, a former elections clerk, who was convicted in an e»»»
Arab League Urges Action to Force Israel to Repeal Prisoner Execution Law
The Arab League strongly condemned on Thursday the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law allowing the execution of Palestinian prisoners. It urged the international community, particularly the United Nations Security Council and the United Nations Human Rights Council, to act urgently to compel Israe»»»
Back to Israeli Occupation of South Lebanon?
A month into Israel's war against Hezbollah, invading Israeli troops are gradually advancing in south Lebanon, raising fears for the area's fate following the last Israeli occupation that lasted nearly two decades. Since war erupted last month, Israeli officials have said Israel intends to establis»»»
US lifts sanctions on Delcy Rodriguez as ties with Venezuela shift after Maduro raid
The US has removed the sanctions on interim Venezuelan President Delcy Rodriguez, according to the Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control. The move was announced on Wednesday and marks a significant policy shift as Washington builds closer ties with Caracas after kidnapping Venezuel»»»
Syria’s al-Sharaa pushes back on German Chancellor Merz’s 80% refugee repatriation claim
Syrian leader Ahmed al-Sharaa has denied claims that he told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that up to 80% of Syrians living in Germany could be convinced to return home within three years. Merz cited the figure and timeline on Monday during a joint press conference with al-Sharaa, a former jihad»»»
Medical Needs Surging in Iran and Supplies Under Threat, Red Cross Warns
Emergency medical needs in Iran are rising exponentially, and stocks of trauma kits and other gear could run low if the war persists, the head of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation there said on Thursday. More than 1,900 people have been killed since the»»»
Germany Limits Polling Station Locations to 40, Says CEC Spokesperson
Germany does not allow the establishment of polling stations in more than 40 locations, although more than one voting section may be set up at some of them, Central Election Commission (CEC) spokesperson Rositsa Mateva said on Thursday at a regular weekly briefing on the April 19 elections. On Wedn»»»
Flights are getting expensive again — here’s what’s driving it and what UAE travellers should know
Dubai: Airfares from the UAE are climbing sharply as airlines grapple with a surge in jet fuel prices, tighter capacity and operational disruptions linked to the ongoing geopolitical situation in the Middle East. For travellers planning summer holidays or last-minute trips, the message is becoming »»»
Could a Maidan-style coup happen in Hungary?
Polls ahead of the Hungarian elections point to an opposition victory, but players behind the scenes expect Prime Minister Viktor Orban to come out on top. Others say it’s a scenario ripe for a Kiev-style ‘color revolution’. READ MORE: Battle for Hungary: EU attacks on Orban are a sign of worse thi»»»
'Extraordinary news': Dutch recover stolen gold Romanian helmet
The Hague: Dutch authorities on Thursday showed off a recovered priceless gold 2,500-year-old helmet from Romania that was stolen last year during a brazen heist in the Netherlands. Flanked by balaclava-clad police officers, a spokesman for Dutch prosecutors unveiled the 5th-century BC golden Helme»»»
Senate sends DHS funding bill back to the House - UPI.com
The Senate Thursday sent a bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security back to the House of Representatives. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 2 (UPI) -- The Senate sent its bill to fund most of the Department of Homeland Security back to the House Thursday morning after t»»»
Al-Tanf Crossing Opens Iraqi Energy Lifeline to Counter Hormuz Disruption
In a step reflecting a strategic shift in regional energy routes, Baghdad has officially begun exporting crude oil via Syria, in an effort to bypass the paralysis that has affected traditional maritime trade corridors. The move, which Damascus described as a return to its role as a “transit compass»»»
7 ways Dubai’s AI-powered government will change your daily life in the UAE
Dubai: Dubai is accelerating its push toward an AI-driven government, with all public services set to be integrated into a single digital ecosystem within one year. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply click here.The directive was issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Moha»»»
UAE parents welcome distance learning extension: 'Our children's safety comes first'
Dubai: The UAE government's decision to extend distance learning until April 17 amid regional tensions has been met with relief and gratitude by parents, who say their children's safety outweighs any disruption to routine. For Praseetha Rajesh, a mother of two whose elder daughter Anushka is a univ»»»
Iran War as a New Catalyst...China Secretly Enters Nuclear Arms Race
When three villagers from China’s Sichuan Province wrote to local officials in 2022 questioning why the government was confiscating their land and evicting them from their homes, they received a brief response: "It is a state secret." An investigation by CNN revealed that this secret centers on Chi»»»
Trump’s War Rhetoric Faces Mounting Scrutiny as Contradictions, Casualty Questions Deepen
US President Donald Trump addressed the nation in a speech that resembled political theater more than presidential leadership, offering remarks that reflected less a coherent strategy than a projection of self-crafted illusion. Claiming sweeping military triumphs—including the destruction of Iran’s»»»
Dubai's luxury stores take hit as Mideast war drags on
Dubai: Rows of luxury boutiques line an upmarket Dubai mall, yet a month into the Middle East war their sales staff sit idly, phones in hand, watching for the rare customer. Salespeople in immaculate suits say they have been told not to speak to reporters, but one briefly described the mood. "Of co»»»
Israel slowly crawls into south Lebanon amid stiff resistance and occupation fears
A month into Israel's war against Hezbollah, invading Israeli troops are gradually advancing in south Lebanon, raising fears for the area's fate following the last Israeli occupation that lasted nearly two decades. Since war erupted last month, Israeli officials have said Israel intends to establis»»»
President Yotova Urges Bulgaria to Promote Itself as Safe Destination to Save Tourist Season
President Iliana Yotova has called for Bulgaria to be actively promoted as a safe and competitively priced destination in order to secure a strong tourist season, during a meeting with caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva. The discussion was part of a broader series of consultations initiated»»»
Macron says military operation to 'liberate' Strait of Hormuz 'unrealistic'
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran will not provide a durable solution to the issue of Tehran's nuclear program and that Trump cannot keep "contradicting" himself every day on Iran. "A targeted military action, even for a few weeks, will not allo»»»
Egypt Unveils Initiative to Simplify Banking for Citizens Abroad
In a groundbreaking move to support its diaspora, Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in collaboration with the Central Bank of Egypt (CBE), has announced a new initiative designed to streamline banking processes for Egyptians living overseas. This initiative enables expatriates to open bank accou»»»
More questions than answers: What Trump left unsaid on Iran
President Donald Trump used his national address to project confidence in the US campaign against Iran — but left some of the most critical questions unanswered. While he spoke of military progress and suggested that objectives are “nearing completion,” the speech offered little clarity on what com»»»
Cabinet's Actions Are Putting Bulgaria's National Security at Risk, Vazrazhdane Leader Says in Haskovo
The government’s actions are putting Bulgaria’s national security at risk, Vazrazhdane leader Kostadin Kostadinov said during a meeting with party members and supporters in Haskovo on Thursday. He added that the Cabinet “is turning Bulgaria into a military target in a conflict that could escalate i»»»
Bulgaria Must Present Itself as Safe Destination with Competitive Prices for Successful Tourism Season, President Says
With sound policies and good organization, Bulgaria can achieve a successful tourism season by presenting itself as a safe destination offering quality services at competitive prices, President Iliana Iotova said at a meeting with caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva and her team, President's»»»
Trump wanted to stop Iran's bomb — but left uranium behind
Dubai: US President Donald Trump’s claim that he no longer “cares” about Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile is raising fresh doubts about why the war was launched at all. For weeks, Trump had framed the conflict as an urgent bid to stop Tehran from building a nuclear bomb, warning Iran was ju»»»
Tourism Sector Ready to Keep Summer Package Prices, Minister Georgieva Says
Talks with the tourism sector show readiness to maintain the prices of already agreed tourist packages for the summer season, provided there is no sharp increase in fuel and electricity prices, caretaker Tourism Minister Irena Georgieva told journalists on Thursday after a meeting with President Il»»»
Brnabic: SNS to speak with Vucic about his candidacy for PM
BELGRADE - Serbian Parliament Speaker Ana Brnabic said on Thursday that, as always, President Aleksandar Vucic would call all political factors to social dialogue and that the leadership of the ruling Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) would speak with Vucic to ask him to be its candidate for PM. In a»»»
Fameloop startup launches platform enhancing AI-driven brand discovery, attracts SanoPass founders as investors
Fameloop AI, a new technology startup developed in Romania and the United Kingdom, has launched its platform designed to help companies secure their presence within artificial intelligence recommendations. The venture has attracted significant backing from Andrei Vasile and Mihai Vădan, the serial »»»
Energy Market Could Collapse Due to Iran War – Expert
"The world has come close to the point where it will be necessary to significantly reduce energy consumption," Turkish expert Mehmet Dogan told Sputnik. Individual purchasing power will continue to decline amid rising energy prices, Dogan warned.US attacks on Iranian energy facilities could lead to»»»
Between war and peace: will Iraq cross the Rubicon?
Since October 2023, the Middle East and North Africa have been set ablaze, with war coming to Gaza, Israel, Lebanon, Yemen, Sudan, Syria, and Iran, to name but a few. In large part, Iraqis felt that they had been dodging bullets, miraculously emerging mainly unscathed amidst the mayhem. In recent w»»»
Tensions mark second day of Tempe rail crash trial
An improved courtroom layout and tighter security did not produce the calm sought on the second day of the trial over the Tempe rail disaster. Proceedings at the Larissa Mixed Jury Court of Appeal unfolded with fewer tensions than the opening session, but disputes persisted over seating arrangement»»»
Iraq's internal battle for influence comes to a head
For Iraq, this is a strange moment both politically and militarily. The state of Iraq has proximity to—but no direct connection to—the fierce battle raging between Iran on one side and Israel and the United States on the other, with Gulf states becoming Iranian targets as a result. That is the stat»»»
Wind, fog or more rain? UAE's weekend weather explained
Dubai: The National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) has forecast a notable weather shift across the UAE this weekend, with fog alerts, rising temperatures, and a chance of rain set to affect residents and travellers from Friday through Sunday. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app»»»
Stolen Dacian helmet reportedly recovered after 2025 museum heist
The Dacian golden helmet of Coțofenești, one of Romania’s most significant archaeological treasures, reportedly stolen during the 2025 heist at the Drents Museum in Assen, the Netherlands, may have been recovered, according to sources close to the investigation. The development was first signaled b»»»
Media Review: April 2
OVERVIEW No single issue dominates Thursday’s media, but the note sent by Iran to Bulgaria, the security agreement signed between Bulgaria and Ukraine, and the justice minister’s request for the disciplinary dismissal of the acting prosecutor general, are among the main topics. POLITICS Speaking on»»»
China’s bid to host High Seas Treaty secretariat raises global stakes - UPI.com
Delegates stand and applaud after the adoption of the text of the High Seas Treaty at the United Nations headquarters in New York on June 19, 2023. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA April 2 (UPI) -- Delegates were gathered in the busy corridors at United Nations headquarters in New York this week for a»»»
US Embassy in Baghdad Urges US Citizens to Leave Iraq Immediately
DOHA (Sputnik) - The US Embassy in Baghdad called on US citizens in Iraq on Thursday to leave the country immediately due to threats by pro-Iranian groups to attack central Baghdad, where foreign diplomatic missions are located, according to a statement from the diplomatic mission. "Iraqi terrorist»»»
SpaceX eyes biggest IPO ever as Musk expands tech empire
Dubai: Elon Musk’s SpaceX has taken a key step toward what could become the largest stock market debut in history, after confidentially filing for an initial public offering in the US. Sign up for our daily business newsletter, Cheques & Balances.The company submitted draft registration documents t»»»
Seoul stocks drop nearly 4.5 pct amid dashed hope for swift end to Middle East war - UPI.com
This photo, taken Thursday, shows the trading room of Hana Bank in central Seoul as U.S. President Donald Trump gives a televised address. South Korean stocks plunged more than 4 percent on Trump's renewed threat of strikes against Iran. Photo by Yonhap Seoul stocks fell sharply Thursday, as U.S. P»»»
Dos and don’ts for OFWs: Why sharing unverified posts can land you in trouble
Dubai: Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE and across the Middle East have been reminded to stay vigilant online, as authorities have warned that sharing unverified information can carry serious consequences. The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) has issued a new advisory urgin»»»
Erdogan Warns of Iran War Spillover, Stresses Türkiye’s Neutrality
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Wednesday warned of the risk of a widening war in Iran, stressing that his government’s priority is to steer the country through the current regional turmoil unharmed and keep it away from escalating conflict. Erdogan placed primary responsibility for the w»»»
Iran Note Normal Diplomatic Practice, Foreign Minister Neynsky Says
Speaking on Nova TV on Thursday, Bulgaria’s caretaker Foreign Minister Nadezhda Neynsky said that a note is a normal diplomatic practice in a period of tensions and crises. "It is not a threat but a warning," she added, regarding a note sent by Iran to Bulgaria. "In such diplomatic notes during war»»»
How Artemis II astronauts could change how we see Earth forever
NASA’s Artemis II crewed mission lifted off late on Wednesday (April 1) on the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket to begin their journey around the Moon. The SLS rocket lifted the Orion spacecraft and its four‑person crew — Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Jeremy Hanson — from Nasa's »»»
Astronauts begin NASA lunar mission after climactic blast-off
Kennedy Space Center, United States: Four astronauts blasted off aboard a massive NASA rocket Wednesday on a long-anticipated journey around the moon, the first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. With a thunderous roar that reverberated far beyond the launchpad, the enormous orange-and-white»»»
Strong undersea earthquake hits off Indonesia, killing one - UPI.com
People inspect a damaged building following an earthquake in Manado, North Sulawesi, Indonesia, on Thursday, April a, 2026. A 7.6-magnitude earthquake hit Molucca Sea between the Sulawesi and Maluku island in Eastern Indonesia, triggering a tsunami warning, Indonesia's BMKG geological agency said. »»»