Albania on alert after US warning of potential Iran-linked threats
Albania has security measures in place after the United States Embassy in Tirana warned that groups linked to Iran may target Americans and US-associated entities in the country. In a security alert issued on April 1, the »»»
Armenian PM strikes combative tone in talks with Putin
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan adopted an assertive tone during talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on April 1, with sharp differences emerging over elections, security ties and Armenia’s geopolitical direction. »»»
Paris police ban French Muslim gathering
The Paris police on Thursday banned an annual gathering of French Muslims north of the capital, citing a "major terrorist risk" that it might be targeted. The Annual Gathering of the Muslims of France had been due to take place at Bourget, just north of Paris, from Friday until Monday. The order ba»»»
How to plan your Hajj 2026 journey, from registration and health to spiritual readiness
Dubai: With less than two months remaining until the start of Hajj 2026, preparations are accelerating across the Muslim world as millions prepare for the annual pilgrimage to Mecca, one of the largest religious gatherings on Earth. Hajj, the fifth pillar of Islam, is an obligation upon every Musli»»»
Oil price: Urals crude surges to $123.45, Brent crude at $109.03
The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz — amid the US-Israel war with Iran — is fast turning into a windfall for Russia, blunting Washington’s sanctions strategy and forcing a quiet recalibration of pressure on Moscow. As strikes ripple across the Gulf and threatening passage through the world’s most »»»
GCC Secretary General calls on Security Council to ensure immediate end to unprovoked Iranian attacks on Gulf states
NEW YORK: Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC), has called on the Security Council to take all necessary measures to ensure an immediate end to Iran's unprovoked attacks on GCC states. He further urged the Council to protect wat»»»
PM reviews regional security with Kurdistan Regional Government PM, German FM
QNA Doha Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani on Thursday received a phone call from Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Regional Government in Iraq, Masrour Barzani. During the call, they reviewed the developments of the military escalat»»»
Qatar sends letters to UN, Security Council on Iranian aggression
QNA New York The State of Qatar has sent a 10th identical letter to Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of April, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, regarding t»»»
Al Khulaifi calls for consensus on Strait of Hormuz security to ensure freedom of navigation, preserve regional stability
QNA Doha The security of the Strait of Hormuz is an international issue, given its close link to global energy security and the safety of international supply chains, Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs HE Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz bin Saleh Al Khulaifi has said. Speaking during a»»»
Unrealistic to liberate Strait of Hormuz through force: French President Macron
Seoul: Calling for resumption of talks to resolve the ongoing conflict in West Asia, French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday that it would be "unrealistic" to conduct military operation to liberate the Strait of Hormuz. "There are those who advocate for the liberation of the Strait of Hor»»»
ICC accuses Italy of non-compliance in Libyan general's torture case - UPI.com
The International Criminal Court is alleging that Italy is not complying with the rules of the Rome statute. File Photo by Robin Utrecht/EPA-EFE April 2 (UPI) -- The International Criminal Court on Thursday referred Italy to the Assembly of States Parties over a case in which it alleges the country»»»
UK police set up national hub to cut illegal knife sales
London: British police on Thursday launched a new national hub aimed at cracking down on the sale of banned knives and machetes, often to children, on an online "grey market". In the year ending September 2025 there were about 50,000 knife crimes in England and Wales, according to the Office for Na»»»
Yemeni Ballistic Missiles Hit Tel Aviv, Armed Forces Consider Updating Strikes - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Yemeni Ballistic Missiles Hit Tel Aviv, Armed Forces Consider Updating Strikes 02-04-2026 22:07 PM The Yemeni Armed Forces carried out on T»»»
European nations say Israel-Hezbollah fighting 'must cease'
Eighteen European countries on Thursday urged Israel and Hezbollah to stop fighting as their latest conflict reached one month and with fears over Israeli plans to control part of southern Lebanon post-war. "Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah's attacks must cease," the foreign min»»»
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»»»
Chinese delegation in Tunisia as part of promotional campaign targeting Chinese market
Tunis, April 2 (TAP) - A Chinese delegation comprising several influencers, alongside two of China's most prominent tour operators, and the Luxury Times media group, arrived to Tunisia on April 1.The visit (April 1-7) is part of a promotional...»»»
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»»»
Capital planning commission to vote on White House ballroom plans - UPI.com
The East Wing of the White House was demolished in October. The National Planning Commission will meet today to vote on the ballroom plans. File Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo April 2 (UPI) -- The National Capital Planning Commission is scheduled to vote Thursday on President Donald Trump»»»
Jordan announces interception of Iranian missile
Amman: The Jordanian Armed Forces announced Thursday that its air defenses intercepted and destroyed an Iranian missile targeting a site within the kingdom, with four incidents over the past 24 hours, involving falling debris and projectiles, with no casualties, according to Jordan's Public Securit»»»
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»»»
Qatar participates in ministerial meeting on developments related to Strait of Hormuz
Doha: The State of Qatar participated in a ministerial meeting on developments related to the Strait of Hormuz, held on Thursday via videoconference at the invitation of the United Kingdom's Foreign Office. Qatar was represented at the meeting by Minister of State at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs»»»
Danish warship sunk by Nelson's British fleet discovered after 225 years
Copenhagen: More than 200 years after being sunk by Adm. Horatio Nelson and the British fleet, a Danish warship has been discovered on the seabed of Copenhagen Harbor by marine archaeologists. Working in thick sediment and almost zero visibility 15 meters (49 feet) beneath the waves, divers are in »»»
Interior Minister Sees Increased Public Trust in Ministry’s New Leadership as Police Target Vote Buying across Bulgaria
Caretaker Interior Minister Emil Dechev Thursday said that public trust in the Ministry’s new leadership has increased. He pointed to what he described as a several-fold increase in alerts about election-related crimes compared to the October 2024 parliamentary elections. Dechev noted that the Mini»»»
Iran Fires on Israel as Trump Claims Threat from Tehran Nearly Eliminated
Iran fired more missiles at Israel and Gulf Arab states Thursday, demonstrating Tehran’s continued ability to strike its neighbors even as US President Donald Trump claimed the threat from the country was nearly eliminated. Iran’s attacks on Gulf states along with its chokehold on the Strait of Hor»»»
Gojkovic meets with governor of China's Hebei province
NOVI SAD - The head of the Vojvodina provincial government Maja Gojkovic met on Thursday in Novi Sad with a delegation of China's Hebei province, headed by Governor Wang Zhengpu. The parties noted that firm foundations were in place for strengthening the cooperation in areas of mutual interest. In »»»
European Nations Say Israel, Hezbollah Fighting ‘Must Cease’
Eighteen European countries on Thursday urged Israel and Hezbollah to stop fighting as their latest conflict reached one month and with fears over Israeli plans to occupy part of southern Lebanon post-war. "Israeli military operations in Lebanon and Hezbollah's attacks must cease," the foreign mini»»»
Court issues more fines over hotel floor demolition delays
Greece’s top administrative court has ordered the state to pay €10,000 in compensation to four residents over delays in enforcing a ruling to demolish upper floors of a controversial hotel in central Athens. The case concerns the Coco-Mat Athens BC in the Makriyianni district, a 10-storey building »»»
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»»»
War Crimes Complaint Filed in France Over 2024 Deadly Israeli Strike in Beirut
A complaint filed Thursday in France seeks a war crimes investigation into an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment building in November 2024 said to have killed seven civilians including the parents of a French-Lebanese artist, a human rights group said. The artist, Ali Cherri, and the Internationa»»»
Philippines secures from Iran 'safe passage' of its ships, seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz
Manila: The Philippines has secured assurances from Iran for the safe passage of its ships and seafarers through the Strait of Hormuz, following high-level diplomatic outreach ordered by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said she held a “very productive” phone call o»»»
Macron Says it is Unrealistic to Open Hormuz Strait by Force
French President Emmanuel Macron said on Thursday it would be unrealistic to launch a military operation to force open the Strait of Hormuz, after US President Donald Trump challenged US allies to work towards reopening it. Thousands of people have been killed across the Middle East since February »»»
Iran Almost Finalized Draft of New Navigation Regime in Strait of Hormuz
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Iran has nearly completed its draft protocol, which would establish a new navigation regime in the Strait of Hormuz, and plans to begin talks with Oman to develop a joint solution, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi said in an interview with Sputnik. "The draft of »»»
10 days to election: Campaign in Hungary resembles political spy movie
In our ongoing weekly digest, award-winning journalist Veronika Munk summarises and explains the most important political developments in Hungary. We guide readers on the route to the crunch 12 April 2026 election — a poll without precedent in the region over the past 15 years. This week, we cover:»»»
Hezbollah 'Addresses Its Supporters'...Reveals Using Surface-to-Air Missiles
Hezbollah has, in recent days, activated the use of surface-to-air missiles to target Israeli drones, in addition to firing them at helicopters and fighter jets, according to statements it issued. It reported the downing of several drones in southern Lebanon and damage to a helicopter, while expert»»»
Was the crashed Batroun drone headed to Hamat airbase?
MP Ghayath Yazbek of the Lebanese Forces said Thursday that an "Iranian-made" drone that crashed earlier in the day in the Batroun district had been headed to the nearby Hamat airbase, which is used by U.S. forces, suggesting that Hezbollah and Iran were behind it. "They have lost their political a»»»
Which countries' ships are hit by Hormuz crisis?
London: Shipping companies from Greece, the UAE and China are most affected by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, according to data from Bloomberg and marine traffic organisations. Around 670 commodity vessels sent signals from west of the Strait of Hormuz over the last day, with companies from t»»»
UAE President and King of Jordan discuss regional developments
UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan today received a phone call from King Abdullah II bin Al Hussein of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, during which they discussed regional developments and their serious implications for regional and international security and stability. »»»
Lebanese Health Ministry reports 1,345 martyred and 4,040 wounded since the onset of Israeli aggression - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Lebanese Health Ministry reports 1,345 martyred and 4,040 wounded since the onset of Israeli aggression 02-04-2026 17:22 PM Latest News Urg»»»
Qatar sends 10th identical letter to UN, Security Council regarding latest developments of Iranian attack on its territories
NEW YORK: The State of Qatar has sent a 10th identical letter to Secretary-General of the United Nations HE Antonio Guterres, and Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for April, HE Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, regarding the latest »»»
Qatar sends 10th identical letter to UN, UNSC regarding Iranian attack on its territories
New York: The State of Qatar has sent a 10th identical letter to HE Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres, and HE Permanent Representative of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the United Nations and President of the Security Council for the month of April, Jamal Fares Alrowaiei, regardin»»»
Bulgarian Authorities Seize Over Half a Million Euros in Crackdown on Vote Buying
Caretaker Prime Minister Andrey Gyurov has announced that authorities have seized more than half a million euros in what he described as funds intended to influence or distort the outcome of the upcoming elections in Bulgaria. In a recorded video message distributed on social media, he said the gov»»»
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 »»»
A Month into War, Lebanon's Prime Minister Says No End in Sight
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said on Thursday there was no end in sight to a war that had already displaced a million people over the last month, as families fleeing Israeli strikes said they were exhausted by repeated rounds of conflict. Lebanon is entering the second month of conflict betw»»»
Iran accuses US and Israel of genocide over school strikes killing children
Iran has accused the US and Israel of genocide over the “deliberate” targeting of schools and education facilities in strikes on the country. In a post on X on Wednesday, Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei said more than 600 schools and educational facilities across Iran have been targeted i»»»
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»»»
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»»»
South Asian Journalists Join In-Person SputnikPro Session
The Rossiya Segodnya media group has launched a new SputnikPro internship for nine specialists from leading media in South Asia at its headquarters in Moscow. The project is part of the InteRussia programme of the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Fund.The event was opened by Director for Intern»»»
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»»»