Pakistan cast itself as an unlikely diplomatic broker on Wednesday, saying it had helped secure a two-week ceasefire between Iran and the United States. Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also said he would host talks in Islamabad aimed at ending the Middle East war beginning on April 10. Pak»»»

Iran proposed a 10-point plan for ending the war with the US and Israel early Wednesday after the establishment of a two-week ceasefire just before a US-imposed deadline and threats to destroy Iranian "civilisation". US President Donald Trump said the plan was "workable", despite several points whi»»»

The US and Iran on Wednesday agreed to a two-week ceasefire, reaching a deal just hours before President Donald Trump's deadline and threatened destruction of Iranian "civilisation" if Tehran failed to unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Details of the Pakistan-brokered agreement are set to be negotiated»»»

Reporting from Doha for FRANCE 24, Hoda Abdel-Hamid explains that Iran's demands regarding the control over the Strait of Hormuz and the departure of US combat troops from the region are unlikely to be acceptable to Gulf countries.»»»

Air defense systems were activated in Tehran and in some areas of Alborz province in Iran less than 24 hours after the announcement of a ceasefire with the United States and Israel. FRANCE 24's correspondent in Tehran Reza Sayah says that "we are seeing the first signs of the fragility and the comp»»»

Speaking with FRANCE 24's Jennie Shin, Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, says that "the Trump administration is desperately seeking a way to end the war and declare victory. The US can stop its attacks for a while but its claims of victory are really quite hollow".»»»

François Picard is pleased to welcome Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Ambassador of Pakistan to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. According to Ambassador Zahra Baloch, this is less about victory in the conventional sense and more about the survival and recalibration of power. What we are witnessing is »»»

No apocalypse. Instead an eleventh hour ceasefire between Iran and the United States, one that is still being tested, two sides that are both claiming victory, and five and-a-half weeks of a war that may change the way the rest of the world looks at both Iran and the United States.  Meanwhile,»»»

François Picard is pleased to welcome Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Ambassador of Pakistan to France and Permanent Delegate to UNESCO. According to Ambassador Zahra Baloch, this is less about victory in the conventional sense and more about the survival and recalibration of power. What we are witnessing is »»»

Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Ali Vaez, Director of Iran Project & Senior Advisor at the International Crisis Group. While the US sees the outcome as a decisive military victory, Vaez argues that the more consequential story lies in the reconfiguration of power within Iran. From Tehran’s p»»»

Lebanon’s health ministry said that Israeli strikes on Wednesday killed 182 people, the highest single-day death toll in the Israel-Hezbollah war. Israel launched a barrage of strikes in central Beirut and elsewhere in the country as a shaky ceasefire took effect between the U.S. and Iran. Iranian »»»

A fragile two-week truce between Iran and the United States hung in the balance on Wednesday as Tehran threatened renewed hostilities and Israel launched heavy strikes on Lebanon. Both sides claimed victory, but at least 182 people were killed and nearly 900 wounded, Lebanese authorities said. The »»»

In tonight's edition: As leaders gather for the “One Health” summit in France, antimicrobial resistance has emerged as a bigger killer in Africa than malaria, HIV or TB. Also, in Kinshasa, a woman seeking care was beaten by her doctor. The video has gone viral, sparking outrage in the DRC»»»

More than a month after being hit by an explosion, the Arctic Metagaz, a liquid natural gas (LNG) carrier belonging to Russia’s "shadow fleet", is adrift in the Mediterranean following a failed Libyan towing operation. The incident underscores the risks and crisis management challenges posed by the»»»

Fuel shortages are affecting nearly one in five petrol stations across France as surging global oil prices stoke pressure at the pump. The government blames logistical strains and heavy demand at discounted outlets but frustration is mounting, with road blockades hinting at wider unease while house»»»

Measures to combat cybercrime were discussed at the Main Department of Internal Affairs of Chui region, the department’s press service reported. According to the statement, leadership of the Main Department of Internal Affairs, prosecutor’s office and court of the region held a roundtable on preven»»»

Najla Saif Al Shamsi, Chair of the Board of Directors of Research Science Investment, announced the upcoming launch of the “Cultured Teacher” Award across the Arab world at the “Teachers’ National Forum” ceremony. The award aims to recognise the role of teachers in fostering reading, developing awa»»»

Islamabad, Pakistan: Pakistan has declared two days of local holidays in the capital at short notice from Thursday, authorities said, ahead of talks between the United States and Iran due to take place in Islamabad. No reason was given in the notification issued by the Islamabad district administra»»»

Today's Focus looks into fraud on social contributions in France. There are many ways to bypass the system, including undeclared work, or fake sick leave forms. Authorities are tracking down these abuses, which cost billions every year. This report specifically looks into undeclared work: employing»»»

Two French nationals released after nearly four years in Iranian detention returned home on Wednesday, vowing to speak out about the “daily horror” of their imprisonment, as President Emmanuel Macron hailed the end of their ordeal. Two French nationals who returned home Wednesday after being held f»»»

French nationals Cécile Kohler and Jacques Paris returned home on Wednesday after more than three and a half years in Tehran's most notorious jail and a perilous journey through a country at war. Their release, which Iran views as a “prisoner swap”, comes as France has»»»

France will sharply increase its stockpiles of explosive drones – by as much as 400 percent by 2030 – under sweeping new defence plans unveiled Wednesday. Paris is accelerating rearmament in response to what it sees as a growing threat from Russia. France is to ramp up explosive drone sto»»»

Peter Magyar’s centre-right Tisza Party might be comfortably ahead in Hungary’s parliamentary election polls but he is far from guaranteed victory in Sunday’s vote. The country’s electoral system has been designed to support ruling Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party – and any institutions t»»»

France plans to double jail terms for owners and operators of ships that fail to fly the correct flag or refuse to comply with orders to stop, according to a draft update to the country's military planning law, in a move aimed at vessels suspected of transporting Russian oil in violation of Western»»»

France plans to ⁠add a further 36 ​billion euros to its defence spending between now and 2030 under an updated military planning law that expands its nuclear ​arsenal and boosts missile and drone stocks. The increase reflects mounting security pressures from wars in Ukraine and the Middle East and »»»

Consumer prices were 1.8% higher on average in March 2026 than a year earlier. Over one month, consumer prices rose by 0.4% on average. In 12 months, compared to March 2025: Food prices stagnated (and decreased by 3.2% excluding food and beverage serving services), within which the price of other b»»»

Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan have topped the list of the most affordable destinations for Russians during the May holidays. Prime media outlet reported, citing a study by Yandex Travel service. The average cost of a hotel stay in Kazakhstan has decreased by 15 percent compared to 2025. In Kyrgyzstan, »»»

Head of the National Investment Agency of Kyrgyzstan, Ravshanbek Sabirov, met with representatives of A-CAR (Chuan Yi LLC), the agency’s press service reported. According to the statement, the parties discussed prospects for investment cooperation in the automotive sector, including the supply and »»»

In an interview with Ultrahang host Tamás Király, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said the upcoming election remains an open contest and argued that it is disrespectful to voters to speak as if the outcome were already settled. “To say that an election is already decided is an unforgivable disrespect t»»»

In February 2026, the volume of retail trade in both raw and calendar-adjusted data was 3.8% higher than in the same month of the previous year. Compared to the same period of the previous year, calendar-adjusted sale volumes expanded by 2.2% in specialized and non-specialized food shops, by 5.0% i»»»

ARIZONA: Two people were killed in a plane crash after an aircraft caught fire at a small airport in the US state of Arizona. John Post, Mayor of the town of Marana, said the aircraft veered off the runway before catching fire. Marana Police Department stated in a press release that the National Tr»»»

Bill Gates will testify before a US congressional committee about his interactions with the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, according to media reports. The Microsoft co-founder is set to sit for a transcribed interview on June 10, multiple outlets said on Wednesday, citing anonymous so»»»

SEOUL: North Korea on Thursday said its testing spree this week involved various new weapons systems, including ballistic missiles armed with cluster-bomb warheads, as it pushes to expand nuclear-capable forces aimed at rival South Korea. The report by North Korean state media came a day after Sout»»»

The Vectra Group has secured nearly PLN 3 billion in long-term financing from a six-bank consortium, led by Bank Pekao, which contributed PLN 1 billion—the largest share. The package includes refinancing existing debt and fresh capital for growth. Funds will support expansion of FTTH access network»»»

Polish Airports (PPL) estimates the Middle East conflict has reduced Warsaw Chopin Airport revenue by 8–10% since its outbreak, with connections down about 9%, said board member Adam Sanocki. Around 80 weekly summer 2026 rotations linked to affected regions were planned. PPL sees long-term upside, »»»

April 8 (UPI) -- Authorities in the Bahamas detained a 59-year-old American man in connection with last weekend's disappearance of an American woman while out at sea. The woman has been identified by Hope Town Volunteer Fire and Rescue as 55-year-old Lynette Hooker. According to the Royal Bahamas P»»»

ABUJA: At least 60 people were killed in armed attacks in northwestern Nigeria. According to local authorities, at least 20 people were killed in the town of Irina in Shiroro area of Niger State, while gunmen carried out deadly raids on several towns in Kebbi State, killing more than 40 others. The»»»

Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, on Wednesday promised a hike in wages, which have been eroded by years of inflation and economic collapse. The minimum hourly wage in Venezuela is currently equivalent to 27 US cents, with annual inflation exceeding 600 percent. For ordinary Venezuela»»»

At 54 Grzybowska Street in Warsaw, construction has begun on Liberty Tower by Cavatina, with 60 top-floor apartments sold even before the sales office opened in February. The 43-story, 140-meter tower—developed by Resi Capital—will offer 587 units, ranging from compact apartments to 100+ sqm pentho»»»

Israel has stepped up air strikes across Lebanon, pounding central Beirut, just hours after the US and Iran announced a two-week ceasefire, according to RT correspondent Steve Sweeney, who was caught up in the attack with his cameraman Ali Rida Sbeity. The escalation comes in an apparent violation »»»

Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah said Thursday it had fired rockets towards Israel in response to its "violation" of the US-Iran truce. It came a day after the Lebanese group said it has a "right" to respond to a deadly wave of Israeli strikes across Lebanon. "In response to the enemy's violati»»»

Share: Smoke rises from the sites of Israeli air strikes on Beirut and its southern suburbs [AFP]. Hundreds were killed and over a thousand were wounded within 10 minutes of Israel strikes a day after a ceasefire was reached between US and Iran. This was the largest ever attack by Israel in one day»»»

MANAMA: Dr. Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Bahrain, received a telephone call from José Manuel Albares, Minister for Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain. Bahrain News Agency (BNA) reported that during the call, the two ministers r»»»

Share: Photo- A fireball rises from a high-rise building hit by an Israeli airstrike in the area of Abbasiyeh, on the outskirts of the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, on April 8, 2026. Lebanon’s army warned people against returning to the country’s south on April 8, where the Israeli military is st»»»

ABU DHABI: The United Arab Emirates is closely following the announcement by US President Donald Trump regarding the two-week ceasefire between the United States and Iran. The UAE is also is seeking further clarification on the agreement’s provisions to ensure Iran’s full commitment to an immediate»»»

ABU DHABI: Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, discussed regional developments during phone calls with a number of foreign ministers from fraternal and friendly countries, following the unprovoked and terrorist Iranian missile attacks that tar»»»

DUBAI: The Islamic Affairs and Charitable Activities Department in Dubai (IACAD) has signed a framework agreement granting temporary site occupation licences to develop and operate an integrated infrastructure for electric vehicle charging in mosque parking areas across the Emirate, in partnership »»»

Share: Rescuers work at the site of an Israeli strike in Beirut, Lebanon, April 8, 2026. A ceasefire deal to pause the war in Iran appeared to hang by a thread Wednesday after the Islamic Republic closed the Strait of Hormuz again in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon. The White House demanded »»»