Qatar urges de-escalation, rejects threats to regional security
Doha, Qatar: Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari affirmed that the State of Qatar has called, from day one, for de-escalation in the region, stressing that its position remains firm in rejecting any steps that »»»
President Iotova Calls Security Agreement with Ukraine "Inadequate", Given Caretaker Government's "Limited Horizon"
The signing of the security agreement between Bulgaria and Ukraine is inadequate, as a caretaker cabinet has a very limited horizon, said President Iliana Iotova to journalists on Tuesday before a gala concert marking the 45th anniversary of the National Palace of Culture (NDK). On Monday, caretake»»»
UN warns war could cost Arab region up to $194 billion
New York, March 31 (SANA) – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) warned that the ongoing war between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other could inflict economic losses of $120 billion to $194 billion across the Arab region, equivalent to 3.7% to 6% of total regi»»»
Putin, UAE Leader Express Concern About Deteriorating Situation in Middle East - Kremlin
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russian President Vladimir Putin held a phone call with his UAE counterpart, Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, during which they expressed serious concern about the degradation of the military-political situation in the Middle East and the death of people, the Kremlin said on Tuesday»»»
Q1 2026 results reinforce Abu Dhabi’s leadership in the healthcare sector
During the first quarter of 2026, Abu Dhabi achieved a series of landmark medical and scientific breakthroughs, reflecting the rapid advancement of its healthcare ecosystem and reinforcing its position as a regional and global hub for medical innovation and the adoption of cutting-edge therapeutic »»»
Hate Speech Can Be Suppressed by Teaching Children About Human Values, President Tells Jewish Community
The holiday of Passover symbolizes the exodus from slavery to freedom, but to be truly free, a person must carry in their heart love for others, justice and tolerance, a willingness to listen and to help others – values embraced by all people, regardless of religion. "We will overcome the growing l»»»
Germany’s Merz expects 80% of Syrian migrants to return home over the next three years
The vast majority of Syrian migrants currently residing in Germany should return to their home country over the next three years, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz has said. The influx of asylum seekers from war-torn Syria to the European Union peaked in 2014–2015, with Germany being one of the top »»»
US seeks coalition to secure Strait of Hormuz
Restoring free shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, currently blockaded by Iran, is not among American military objectives, according to statements by US officials and media reports. Instead, Washington has indicated it expects other nations to tackle the issue. Tehran throttled maritime traffic »»»
Trump Says US Operation Against Iran Will Not Last Too Much Longer
WASHINGTON (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that the military operation against Iran will not last too much longer. "We're not going to be there too much longer. We're obliterating the s–t out of them right now, it's a total obliteration," Trump said in an interview with the Ne»»»
Hamas Sources Acknowledge Differences with Mediators on Disarmament Plan
At a time when Palestinian sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye helped draft a plan submitted by the Board of Peace to disarm factions in Gaza, Hamas sources acknowledged “differences” with mediators over the proposal. Sources familiar with the Gaza Administration Committee s»»»
Israeli strike hits apartment in Mansourieh north of Beirut
An Israeli strike hit an apartment in Christian-majority Mansourieh, north of Beirut, on Tuesday, state media reported, in the first attack on the area since the outbreak of the Israel-Hezbollah war. "An enemy air raid targeted a ground-floor apartment in a building in Mansourieh," Lebanon's state-»»»
Spain closes airspace and bases to US-Israeli war on Iran
Spain has closed its airspace to aircraft linked to the US-Israeli war on Iran, deepening a rift with Washington over the month-long conflict sweeping the Middle East. On Monday, Spanish Defense Minister Margarita Robles said that aircraft taking part in operations against Iran will not be allowed »»»
US Leverages Japan Against China, Echoing Its Ukraine Playbook – Ex-US Marine
Japan fortifying its islands near China and the island of Taiwan is part of a broader US strategy, former US Marine and veteran geopolitical analyst Brian Berletic tells Sputnik. "Just as the US encroached along Russia’s borders in Eastern Europe and Iran’s borders in both the Middle East and Centr»»»
Trump says Iran war won't last 'much longer', Hormuz will reopen 'automatically' after US exit
U.S. President Donald Trump told The New York Post on Tuesday that he believes the Iran war is likely to end soon and that other nations can reopen the Strait of Hormuz themselves — after he posted to social media a video of huge explosions near Isfahan that he said hit “a lot of stuff.” “We’re not»»»
Hegseth says days ahead ‘will be decisive’ in Iran war - UPI.com
Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called on other countries to help the United States on the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday as the Iran war enters its second month. Photo by Will Oliver/UPI | License Photo March 31 (UPI) -- Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth called on other countries to help the United St»»»
UAE school group waives transport fee during distance learning
Dubai: A UAE education group on Tuesday announced a waiver of transport fees across all its institutions in the country, describing it as “a compassionate and timely measure to support families during the current situation.” The Woodlem Education announced the waiver with effect from April 2026. Th»»»
Israel parliament approves death penalty bill for Palestinians
Jerusalem: Israel’s parliament approved a bill on Monday that would allow the execution of Palestinians convicted on terror charges for deadly attacks, a move that has been criticised as discriminatory and immediately drew a court challenge. Sixty-two lawmakers, including Prime Minister Benjamin Ne»»»
US power vs Iran leverage: The real battle in the war
Dubai: The war with Iran is exposing a hard truth for Washington — overwhelming military power does not always translate into control. On paper, the United States and its ally Israel hold a decisive advantage. With unmatched military capability, global reach and economic weight, the balance of powe»»»
Aoun says negotiation remains the only solution
President Joseph Aoun affirmed Tuesday that Lebanon welcomes the support offered by French President Emmanuel Macron to "help it confront the ongoing Israeli escalation against Lebanese territory and to reach a ceasefire and begin negotiations based on the negotiating initiative announced a few day»»»
Netanyahu reportedly says any US-Iran deal won't end Lebanon war
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told senior U.S. officials that any future agreement between Washington and Tehran would not stop Israel's war in Lebanon, according to a report published Monday. The Israel Hayom daily said Netanyahu conveyed the message during recent closed-door talks»»»
Tomahawk Stockpiles Drying up as US Stands Alone in Iran Quagmire – Military Analyst
US conventional military power is being stretched to the breaking point in its war against Iran, Russian military observer Igor Korotchenko tells Sputnik. It’s not just about fast-depleting Tomahawks - every missile fired at Iran chips away at the broader air- and missile-defense reserves simultane»»»
UAE extends distance learning for universities with one exemption
Dubai: The Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research (MoHESR), in coordination with the Education, Human Development and Community Development Council, on Tuesday announced the extension of remote learning at higher education institutions until April 17, 2026. "In-person classes will res»»»
Bulgaria Parliament Chair Calls for Justice, Peace and Ukraine Recovery at Bucha Summit
Bulgaria’s National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan has called for stronger international accountability mechanisms, accelerated reconstruction efforts, and a durable peace settlement for Ukraine during the Second Bucha Parliamentary Summit held in Kyiv. According to the National Assembly press servic»»»
Average gallon of gas passes $4 in United States - UPI.com
1 of 2 | The price for 87 octane gasoline is set at over $7 a gallon with some fuel grades just short of $8 per gallon at a gas station open for business on Monday in New York City. Gas prices have surged past $4 per gallon on average in the United States with the significant increase driven by the»»»
Key Russian oil export hub ablaze after Ukrainian drone strikes - UPI.com
Ukrainian drones hit one of Russia's largest oil terminals overnight, adding to fires still raging from a string of attacks that began almost a week targeting the country's ability to export oil, gas and other energy products via the Baltic Sea. File Photo by Russian Emergencies Ministry/EPA-EFE Ma»»»
UAE President receives Emir of Qatar on fraternal visit
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar, who is on a fraternal visit to the UAE. During the meeting, the two leaders discussed developments in the region amid ongoing military escalation and their impli»»»
Putin discusses energy supplies with Serbia’s Vucic
Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to extend a gas supply contract with Serbia amid the worsening global energy crisis due to the war in the Middle East, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has announced after his phone call with Putin on Monday. The US-Israeli war on Iran has sent global g»»»
Euro Zone Inflation Surges Past ECB Target on Oil Shock
Euro zone inflation soared past the European Central Bank's 2% target this month due to surging oil and gas prices, heightening a policy dilemma as expensive energy drags growth and risks generating a self-reinforcing inflation spiral. Oil prices have nearly doubled as a result of the Iran war and »»»
Israel strikes Dahieh, warns residents of Bir Hassan building
A strike hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Tuesday, AFPTV's live broadcast showed, after the Israeli military renewed its warning for residents to leave as it attacks the area. The strike came shortly after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military would occupy a swathe of southern Leba»»»
More than 200,000 people crossed from Lebanon into Syria in March
UN’s refugee agency said more than 200,000 people crossed from Lebanon into Syria in March after the Israeli war. The vast majority – nearly 180,000 – were Syrians returning to their war-battered country, in addition to more than 28,000 Lebanese. "Most are people fleeing the intense Israeli bombard»»»
Distance learning: Dubai's KHDA issues new update
Dubai: In a new update posted on Tuesday, Dubai's Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) has confirmed that distance learning will continue across all private educational institutions in the emirate for an additional two weeks, from Monday, April 6 until Friday, April 17, 2026. The extens»»»
Qatar hopes Pakistan's mediation efforts bring peace and stability to region: Al Ansari
Doha, Qatar: Qatar is not involved in the ongoing mediation efforts, the country's Foreign Ministry spokesperson confirmed in a press conference, adding that it supports mediation efforts by Pakistan. Advisor to the Prime Minister and Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. M»»»
Parliament Chair Nazaryan Urges Accountability, Recovery and Lasting Peace for Ukraine at Bucha Summit
Bulgaria's National Assembly Chair Raya Nazaryan called for stronger international accountability, accelerated postwar recovery efforts, and a lasting peace for Ukraine during the Second Bucha Parliamentary Summit, held in the Ukrainian capital, as quoted by the National Assebmly's press office on »»»
From pumps to power grids: Oil surge jolts global economy
The global economy is beginning to feel the full force of surging oil prices as conflict in the Middle East disrupts supply routes and drives up energy costs worldwide. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively blocked — a chokepoint that carries around a fifth of global oil supply — markets have react»»»
Trump weighs ground raid on Iran nuclear sites to seize uranium, WSJ reports
US President Donald Trump is considering a military operation to seize the enriched uranium held at Iranian nuclear sites, the Wall Street Journal has reported, citing sources. No decision has been made, but Trump remains “generally open” to the option while weighing the risks to US troops, the rep»»»
Who's winning under Trump's tariff policy?
TradeUnited States of AmericaWho's winning under Trump's tariff policy? Kira SchachtOne year after Trump's "Liberation Day" tariffs, global trade flows have shifted. Trade data shows which countries gained, which lost — and who is footing the bill. https://p.dw.com/p/5AA3FWhen the tariffs were anno»»»
No: 58, 31 March 2026, Regarding the Attacks on the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL)
We condemn the attacks that resulted in the killing of three Indonesian peacekeepers serving under UNIFIL and left many personnel injured, and extend our condolences to the Government and people of Indonesia. These attacks on UN entities and UN peacekeeping personnel constitute a grave violation of»»»
11 killed, 188 injured since the start of Iranian attacks on the UAE
Abu Dhabi: UAE Air Defence Systems intercepted a new wave of missiles and drones on March 31, with the Ministry of Defence engaging eight ballistic missiles, four cruise missiles and 36 unmanned aerial vehicles launched from Iran. The latest incident brings the total number of projectiles intercept»»»
Bulgarian News Agency Highlights Bulgaria’s Tourism Messaging and Unique Attractions at Annual “BG Tourism” Forums
The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) has organized the “BG TOURISM” forums eight times, held twice yearly at the start of the summer and winter tourist seasons. These gatherings bring together state and municipal officials, tourism industry representatives, NGOs, academics, and experts to discuss media »»»
US-Israel war on Iran: 8 Indians killed, 1 missing as West Asia conflict escalates
Amid the escalating West Asia conflict, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said eight Indian nationals have lost their lives while one person remains missing in “various incidents” across the region. At an inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi, Additional Secretary (Gulf) Aseem R. Mahajan»»»
Israeli strike hits Beirut's southern suburbs minutes after warning
A strike hit Beirut's southern suburbs on Tuesday, AFPTV's live broadcast showed, after the Israeli military renewed its warning for residents to leave as it attacks the area. The strike came shortly after Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said the military would occupy a swathe of southern Leba»»»
US Will Not Provide Aid to Protect Those That Refused to Support Iran Operation - Trump
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The United States will no longer provide assistance to protect the interests of those countries that refused to support the military operation against Iran, US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday. "All of those countries that can't get jet fuel because of the Strait of Hormuz,»»»
COMMENT: An Iran embargo won't send oil to $200
A chorus of analysts and traders have spent recent weeks warning that oil prices will drift inexorably higher as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Robin J Brooks, Former IMF economist, begs to differ — and he has the data to make his case. »»»
UPDATE: Drone strike hits Kuwaiti oil tanker off Dubai coast
Authorities in Dubai announced that emergency teams successfully extinguished a fire aboard a Kuwaiti oil tanker following a reported drone strike on March 30, state news KUNA reported. Earlier statements i»»»
COMMENT: An Iran embargo won't send oil to $200
A chorus of analysts and traders have spent recent weeks warning that oil prices will drift inexorably higher as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Robin J Brooks, Former IMF economist, begs to differ — and he has the data to make his case. »»»
COMMENT: An Iran embargo won't send oil to $200
A chorus of analysts and traders have spent recent weeks warning that oil prices will drift inexorably higher as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Robin J Brooks, Former IMF economist, begs to differ — and he has the data to make his case. »»»
COMMENT: An Iran embargo won't send oil to $200
A chorus of analysts and traders have spent recent weeks warning that oil prices will drift inexorably higher as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Robin J Brooks, Former IMF economist, begs to differ — and he has the data to make his case. »»»
COMMENT: An Iran embargo won't send oil to $200
A chorus of analysts and traders have spent recent weeks warning that oil prices will drift inexorably higher as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Robin J Brooks, Former IMF economist, begs to differ — and he has the data to make his case. »»»
Iranian missile debris damages buildings near Ukrainian embassy in Tel Aviv
Debris from an Iranian missile strike landed near the Ukrainian embassy in Tel Aviv on March 31, damaging vehicles and shattering shop windows, RIA Novosti reported. Six people were injured after missile fragments fell in »»»
COMMENT: An Iran embargo won't send oil to $200
A chorus of analysts and traders have spent recent weeks warning that oil prices will drift inexorably higher as tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Robin J Brooks, Former IMF economist, begs to differ — and he has the data to make his case. »»»