France24 35m

Iran asserts leverage in Hormuz ahead of new round of talks

Iran has partially reopened the Strait of Hormuz, but only under strict authorisation and designated routes, as tensions with the US continue. While Pakistan tries to organise new talks, Iranian officials insist sanctions must be lifted and reject US demands to end nuclear activities, even as both »»»

france24.com
Sputnik 41m

'No Red Lines': The Real Secret of Iran's Newfound Geographic Power

Iran’s leverage over Hormuz Strait and the ~20% of global energy that flows through it was made possible “not by drawing red lines,” but “immediately hitting the heads and wallets of the global elite, hitting where it hurts most,” Institute of Middle East Studies expert Sergei Balmasov says. Washin»»»

sputniknews.com
Middle East Observer 44m

Egypt’s current infrastructure is capable to serve as grounds for hosting International tournaments

With Egypt hosting an important match for the World Cup Qualifiers 2022 with its counterpart Senegal on March 25th, MEO, is glad to review with its readers the history of Egypt in hosting football tournaments like AFCON. MEO also had the pleasure to chit chat with Mr. Adel Koraiem CAF media officer»»»

Gulf News 1h

Hormuz, not nukes, now defines Iran’s deterrence strategy

Dubai: Iran may not have a nuclear weapon — but it has shown it can disrupt the world’s most critical energy chokepoint, even as international bodies insist such waterways must remain open to global navigation. That tension — between capability and legitimacy — is now at the heart of how deterrence»»»

gulfnews.com
Naharnet 1h

Macron to meet with Salam in Paris on Tuesday

French President Emmanuel Macron will on Tuesday meet with Prime Minister Nawaf Salam in Paris, the Elysee said, as a fragile 10-day truce holds between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah. The visit highlights Macron's commitment to seeing "full and complete respect for the ceasefire in Lebanon" as w»»»

Naharnet 1h

Turkey FM accuses Israel of trying to create 'fait accompli' in Lebanon

Turkey on Sunday accused Israel of seeking to create a "fait accompli" in Lebanon despite an agreed ceasefire, with the foreign minister denouncing "Israeli expansionism". "The ongoing Iran–United States negotiations seem to be overshadowing this situation (in Lebanon). Israel appears to be trying »»»

France24 1h

The week in pictures: Orban ousted in Hungary, Pope Leo's Africa tour and Trump as Jesus

Hungary ended 16 years of Viktor Orban’s rule, Pope Leo XIV began his first African tour with a historic first papal visit to Algeria and US President Donald Trump shared an AI-generated image depicting himself as Jesus. Here is a look back at some of the week’s most striking images.  »»»

france24.com
RT 1h

Trump lied seven times in one hour – Iran’s top negotiator

US President Donald Trump made seven claims in one hour after Tehran announced the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, and all of them are untrue, Iranian parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has said. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi declar»»»

rt.com
Sputnik 1h

Trump Renews Threat of Strikes on Iran Infrastructure

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Donald Trump has again threatened to strike Iran’s bridges and power plants if Tehran refuses a deal with Washington on unresolved disputes. US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that his representatives are heading to Islamabad to participate in negotiations on Iran. "My Repr»»»

sputniknews.com
Gulf News 1h

Watch: Dubai launches 'Work from Park' initiative with tech-enabled environments breaking office mould

Dubai: Subsequent to the recent "Work from Hotel" trend, Dubai has launched the “Work from Park” initiative that is said to provide tech-enabled environments that will break the traditional office mould. Dubai Municipality on Sunday announced the initiative, marking a strategic step towards redefin»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 2h

Dubai rents stay stable in Q1 as demand holds firm

Dubai: Dubai’s rental market remained steady in the first quarter of 2026, with fresh data pointing to stable demand, fewer contract cancellations and continued investor confidence. Figures from the Dubai Land Department show that rental contracts worth Dh32.2 billion were signed between January an»»»

gulfnews.com
MIA 2h

US issues new waiver allowing Russian oil sales

Washington, 18 April 2026 (dpa/MIA) - The United States issued another temporary sanctions waiver for Russian oil amid higher energy prices linked to the Iran war, the US Treasury Department said on Friday. The waiver authorizes the delivery and sale of Russian-origin crude oil and petroleum produc»»»

mia.mk
France24 2h

India launches world's largest census

With an estimated population of 1.4 billion, India—the world’s most populous nation—is launching the first phase of what is set to be the largest census ever conducted. More than three million officials are involved in updating figures from the last count in 2011, when the population stood at 1.21 »»»

france24.com
France24 2h

'They are stealing the election': How Armenia became the next Russia-EU battlefield

Armenians are set to head to the polls in June for their parliamentary elections, which the EU and Russia are closely watching. With support for joining the bloc at an all-time high, this could be a sign that the former Soviet country is moving away from Moscow, one of its closest allies. But forei»»»

france24.com
RT 2h

Prof. Schlevogt’s Compass No. 54: Vance’s VP dilemma – the poisoned chalice and taint of power

US Vice President J.D. Vance faces a classic bind: Loyalty to President Donald Trump ties him to a presidency that is bound to fail, yet distancing himself invites charges of disloyalty. Either course imperils his prospects of becoming the next president. His latest assignment as chief negotiator w»»»

rt.com
France24 2h

Bulgaria heads to the polls for eighth general election in five years

Voters in Bulgaria headed to the polls Sunday for an eighth general election in five years, with ex-president Rumen Radev tipped to win on anti-corruption pledges. The election comes after unrest toppled Boyko Borissov’s rule and left the pro-European GERB party trailing. Bulgarians began head»»»

france24.com
France24 2h

People & Profit - What Magyar's election win means for Hungary's economy and Europe

Hungary is preparing for a new era, after the centre-right Tisza party of Peter Magyar won a landslide victory over longtime nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Magyar says he'll seek to repair Hungary's confrontational relationship with the European Union, something that could unlock much-nee»»»

france24.com
Gulf News 2h

Video: UAE flag-raising unites faiths at BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi: People of different faiths including Emirati officials joined hands at the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi on Sunday to showcase their deep gratitude, unity, and solidarity with the leadership and people of the UAE in a special UAE flag-raising ceremony. The BAPS Hindu Mandir officially r»»»

gulfnews.com
The Peninsula 2h

Amir receives message from Rwanda President

Doha, Qatar: The Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani received a written message from HE Paul Kagame, President of the Republic of Rwanda, concerning the bilateral relations between the two countries and ways to support and develop them. The message was received by Minister of Interior and Comma»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
The Peninsula 3h

Fit in fatigues: German army presses recruitment drive

Cologne, Germany: Wearing a gas mask, a young man performs a rapid series of push-ups, jumps and squats at the German military's recruiting booth at FIBO, the world's largest fitness expo, held in Cologne. Germany hopes to grow its armed forces, winning tens of thousands of new volunteers -- a toug»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 3h

Türkiye ‘Optimistic’ Middle East Ceasefire Will Be Extended, Says FM

Türkiye said it remained "optimistic" that a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States set to expire on Wednesday would be extended. "No one wants to see a new war break out when the ceasefire expires next week. We hope ... the parties will extend the ceasefire," Foreign Minister Hakan »»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 3h

Syria Foils Hezbollah Missile-Launching Operation

Syrian state media said Sunday that security forces thwarted a missile-launching operation by Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah from its territory. From March 2 until a 10-day ceasefire went into force on April 17, Hezbollah was battling Israel after drawing Lebanon into the Middle East war with»»»

english.aawsat.com
Gulf News 3h

Sharjah Police expand traffic services with new plate centre

Sharjah: Sharjah Police General Command has launched a specialised vehicle licence plate printing facility at the Al Ehsan Vehicle Inspection Centre in Al Suyoh (Al Mawrada 2), in a move aimed at enhancing service efficiency and accessibility for motorists. The facility was inaugurated in the prese»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 3h

UAE growth accelerates in early 2026 driven by banking and trade gains

Dubai: UAE economic growth accelerated in the early months of 2026, driven by expanding banking activity, rising foreign trade flows, and sustained investment momentum, according to official data and international reports. Get updated faster and for FREE: Download the Gulf News app now - simply cli»»»

gulfnews.com
Sana 3h

Syria officials discuss financial sector reforms with IMF, World Bank

Washington, April 19 (SANA) Syria’s finance minister and central bank governor held talks with international financial institutions on steps to support reforms and develop the country’s financial and banking sectors. Finance Minister Mohammed Yasser Barnieh and Central Bank Governor Abdulkader Husr»»»

sana.sy
Sputnik 3h

Trump Calls Israel Great US Ally That Knows How to Win

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - US President Donald Trump said Israel had proven itself to be a great US ally that knew how to win. "Whether people like Israel or not, they have proven to be a GREAT Ally of the United States of America," Trump said on TruthSocial. He said Israel knows how to win, "unlike some" »»»

sputniknews.com
The Peninsula 4h

US Blue Origin launches New Glenn rocket to transport satellite into orbit

Washington: US based company Blue Origin announced on Sunday, April 19, 2026, a mission to launch its New Glenn rocket, its third flight since becoming operational, as part of testing technologies for reusing orbital rockets. The rocket is scheduled to launch from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
MIA 4h

Dimitrieska-Kochoska meets World Bank officials: Support for reforms and development priorities confirmed

Skopje, 18 April 2026 (MIA) - Finance Minister Gordana Dimitrieska-Kochoska during the 2026 Spring Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group (WBG) met with WB Vice President of the Europe and Central Asia region, Antonella Bassani, WB Group Executive Director repres»»»

mia.mk
Bulgarian News Agency 4h

GERB Rules Out Coalition Participation, Sees Low Chances for Government, Says Leader Boyko Borissov

After voting in Sofia's Bankya neighbourhood, GERB leader Boyko Borissov said his party will not take part in coalitions and will instead engage in talks on specific issues, particularly in geopolitics and defence, where it will act as a constructive opposition. According to him, the chances of for»»»

bta.bg
Gulf News 4h

Security lockdown in Islamabad, Rawalpindi as US-Iran talks expected

Dubai: Pakistan has placed its twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad on high security alert, deploying tens of thousands of personnel and suspending transport services ahead of a possible second round of high-stakes talks between the United States and Iran, according to reports. More than 10,000 »»»

gulfnews.com
Naharnet 4h

Qassem says truce can't be one-sided, vows to respond to Israel attacks

Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem said overnight that the ongoing 10-day truce with Israel cannot be one-sided, vowing that his fighters would respond to Israeli attacks on Lebanon. "A ceasefire means a complete cessation of all hostilities. Because we do not trust this enemy, the resistance fighters wi»»»

The Peninsula 4h

Crisis-hit Bulgaria votes in eighth election in five years

Sofia: Bulgaria on Sunday, April 19, 2026, held its eighth legislative election in five years, with ex-president Rumen Radev's grouping tipped to win on a pledge to fight corruption, after an anti-graft movement triggered a long political crisis. The European Union's poorest member has been through»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Al Awsat 4h

UK Ministers Back Starmer Amid Fresh Calls to Quit

British government ministers on Sunday backed embattled premier Keir Starmer as he struggles to shake off a scandal over long-time Jeffrey Epstein associate Peter Mandelson. Starmer is due to face lawmakers in parliament on Monday to explain how Mandelson was appointed Britain's ambassador to the U»»»

english.aawsat.com
Al Awsat 4h

IMF, World Bank Meetings Show Limits in Mitigating Shocks, Reliance on US for Solutions

Global finance leaders, whipsawed by Middle East war news, came to grips this past week with their inability to mitigate the economic damage from increasingly frequent geopolitical shocks, and a realization that counting on US leadership to resolve crises is no longer the guarantee it had long been»»»

english.aawsat.com
MIA 4h

Nikoloski: Skopje and Ohrid airports regional leaders, confirmed by international media

Skopje, 18 April 2026 (MIA) - The Skopje and Ohrid airports are leaders in the region, as confirmed by international media. Skopje International Airport remains the regional leader with a 32 percent increase compared to the same period last year, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Alek»»»

mia.mk
Gulf News 5h

13 new mosques open in Dubai, serving 10,000+ worshippers

Dubai: Dubai Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department has expanded the emirate’s religious infrastructure in the first quarter of 2026, with the opening of 13 new mosques at a total cost of Dh162 million, in an effortto meet growing demand in newly developed communities. The new mosques»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 5h

Representing the UAE abroad, new ambassadors sworn in

Abu Dhabi: UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan witnessed the swearing-in of a number of newly appointed UAE ambassadors. During the ceremony, Sheikh Mohamed wished the ambassadors success in carrying out their duties and in strengthening bilateral relations in line with th»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 5h

Who qualifies? Oman reveals rules as 226 gain citizenship

Dubai: Oman’s Sultan Haitham bin Tariq has issued a royal decree granting Omani citizenship to 226 individuals. The decree, No. 46/2026, was published in the Official Gazette on April 19, listing the names of those approved for citizenship. The decision comes within the framework of Oman’s national»»»

gulfnews.com
Gulf News 5h

Hormuz turns into gunboat bargaining table as escalation risks mount

Dubai: The Strait of Hormuz is no longer a shipping lane — it is now a gunboat-enforced negotiating table. What unfolded over the past 36 hours has stripped away any lingering illusion that the waterway is returning to normal. A brief window of optimism — sparked by Iran’s signal that the strait wa»»»

gulfnews.com
Libya Herald 5h

Jumhuria bank announces its Palm Payment service

Jumhouria Bank, Libya’s biggest bank, has announced its Palm-scan Payment service. The launch was announced during the bank’s participation at the 52 Tripoli International Fair, which is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Jumhouria bank said the launch comes as part of its wider policy and the Cent»»»

libyaherald.com
Middle East Observer 5h

Malawi’s Minister of Health visits EIPICO Pharmaceuticals factories

•• Malawi Minister of Health: A new phase of cooperation with EIPICO has now begun, because what we saw in the company exceeds any expectation or perception. •• Dr. Olfat Ghorab: Acdima companies are the strong arm of the state in providing medicine to Africa as well. •• Dr. Ahmed Kilani: An import»»»

Al Awsat 5h

Barghouti Remains Central Figure in Palestinian Politics After 24 Years in Prison

Twenty-four years after the arrest of Palestinian leader Marwan Barghouti, now 67, and after long stretches in solitary confinement, he remains a central figure in Palestinian politics. His influence has outpaced that of other officials in decision-making roles, and he has topped Fatah elections in»»»

english.aawsat.com
Bulgarian News Agency 5h

President Iotova Votes "to Have Working Parliament Soon, and for Strong Government"

As she wen to cast her vote in the April 19 snap parliamentary elections Sunday, President Iliana Iotova said her vote went "to have a working Parliament soon, and a strong government". "I voted so that Bulgaria has a working National Assembly soon, which will elect a leadership swiftly and skip th»»»

bta.bg
Naharnet 5h

Aoun, Salam discuss readiness for Israel talks

Lebanon's president and prime minister have discussed preparations for the first direct negotiations with Israel in decades. In a statement, the office of President Joseph Aoun said he and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam conducted "an assessment of the post-ceasefire phase and the ongoing efforts to con»»»

Al Manar 5h

Iran Stands Firm: No Concessions in War Talks, Sovereignty Over Hormuz Non-Negotiable

The Supreme National Security Council of Iran affirmed that Iran’s negotiating delegation will make no concessions in talks aimed at ending the war, underscoring its full commitment to safeguarding national rights and defending the interests of the Iranian people. In a statement, the council said T»»»

english.almanar.com.lb
Al Awsat 5h

Zelensky Says Oil Sanctions Relief Provides Billions for Russian Military

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Sunday condemned the easing of sanctions on Russian oil after the United States extended a waiver meant to soften surging energy prices driven by the Middle East war. "Every dollar paid for Russian oil is money for the war" and is used for devastating strik»»»

english.aawsat.com
Naharnet 5h

Iran says final deal still far off as Hormuz Strait shuttered

The strategic Strait of Hormuz was again closed on Sunday in the stand-off between Iran and the United States, with Iran's powerful parliament speaker signalling a final peace deal remained "far" off despite some movement in negotiations. As mediation efforts continued following high-level talks in»»»

Bulgarian News Agency 5h

Progressive Bulgaria Leader Rumen Radev: Today Bulgaria Has Historic Chance to Break with Oligarchic Model

Having cast his ballot in Sofia, Progressive Bulgaria leader Rumen Radev said: "Today Bulgaria has a historic chance to break once and for all with the Peevski-Borissov oligarchic model, and this is an opportunity we must not miss." He was referring to Movement for Rights and Freedoms leader Delyan»»»

bta.bg
The Peninsula 6h

Next generation shines as FEI Group VII Finals end

Doha, Qatar: The FEI Regional Group VII Finals for Juniors, Cadets, and Young Riders, featuring qualifiers from the 2025-2026 equestrian season, concluded with thrilling action at the Longines Arena in Al Shaqab after four days of competition. The event brought together more than 100 riders represe»»»

thepeninsulaqatar.com
Naharnet 6h

Trump says Iran cannot 'blackmail us' with Strait of Hormuz

U.S. President Donald Trump on Saturday warned Iran not to "blackmail" Washington with its flip-flopping on the fate of the Strait of Hormuz, after Tehran declared the strategic waterway once again closed. "We're talking to them. They wanted to close up the strait again -- you know, as they've been»»»