Iranian Armed Forces Restore Military Control Over Strait of Hormuz - Command
TEHRAN (Sputnik) - The Iranian armed forces have restored military control over the Strait of Hormuz due to the US blockade, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, a spokesman for the Khatam Al-Anbiya central headquarters of the Iranian military command, said on Saturday. "Unfortunately, the US … continues to engage »»»
Iran Partially Reopens Airspace After Security Review
Iran’s Civil Aviation Organization has announced the partial reopening of the country’s airspace from 7:00 a.m. on April 18, following security and safety assessments. International transit routes through Iran's eastern airspace have now reopened, allowing foreign flights to pass through Iranian sk»»»
Turkiye says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire 'more land'
Antalya, Turkiye: Turkiye's foreign minister on Saturday accused Israel of using security as a pretext to acquire "more land". "Israel is not after its own security. Israel is after more land. Security is being used by the Netanyahu government as an excuse to occupy more land," Hakan Fidan told the»»»
‘If Blockade Continues, The Strait Will Not Remain Open’: Qalibaf Dismisses Trump’s Hormuz Claims
Iran’s parliament speaker has categorically refuted successive false claims made by US President Donald Trump regarding the Strait of Hormuz and the rules set by the Islamic Republic concerning transit through the strategic waterway. In a post on X on Friday, Mohammad-Baqer Qalibaf wrote, “The US p»»»
Sharaa: Golan is Syrian Land, Any Other Status is Invalid
Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa said the Golan Heights are “occupied Syrian land” and that any recognition of Israeli sovereignty there would be “null and void,” stressing that the international community does not accept Israel’s claim. Speaking at the fifth Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Sharaa said Is»»»
Libya’s Ras Jedir crossing is a strategic crossing into the depth of African markets: Tunisia’s Chargé d'affaires
Speaking to Tunisian media last Tuesday (14 April), Mohamed Habib Sassi, Chargé d’affaires a.i. at the Embassy of Tunisia in Tripoli highlighted the strategic importance of the Ras Jedir crossing, as a pivotal crossing point as a transit corridor for transit towards the depth of landlocked Africa. »»»
No campus yet, AUS and Middlesex students stay online
Sharjah: The American University of Sharjah has announced that faculty and staff will return to campus from April 20, while classes and assignment submissions for students will continue online throughout the spring term, in a hybrid approach aligned with current sector flexibility. Middlesex Univer»»»
Explainer: What to know about Strait of Hormuz reopening?
Tehran: Although the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for the world's oil supply, has been declared fully open for commercial vessels, its operational status remains contested. Both Washington and Tehran confirmed on Friday that the strait had been completely open for all commercial vessels. Howe»»»
Man beaten to death in Kemin, three young men detained - | 24.KG
Three young men have been detained in Kemin district of Chui region on suspicion of inflicting grievous bodily harm resulting in death, the Main Internal Affairs Department of the region reported. At approximately 9:42 p.m. on April 15, police received a call about the discovery of a man’s body at »»»
Audio guides installed for tourists at Sulaiman-Too in Osh - | 24.KG
Audio guide systems have been installed at the national historical and archaeological museum complex Sulaiman-Too in Osh. The complex’s director, Mederbek Aparkhanov, reported. He said that QR code signs have been placed at each cultural site, including the main and cave museums, as well as key loc»»»
Eid Al Adha 2026: Dhu Al Qadah crescent spotted in UAE daylight skies
The crescent moon marking the start of Dhu Al Qadah 1447 AH was photographed from Abu Dhabi on Saturday morning by the International Astronomy Center. The image was captured at 10:00am UAE time on April 18, 2026, from the Khatm Astronomical Observatory, with the moon located 11.7 degrees from the s»»»
Global Markets Regain Momentum after Strait of Hormuz Reopening Announcement
Global markets moved sharply on Friday after Iran said it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all commercial vessels, prompting investors to rapidly reassess geopolitical supply risks. Iran’s foreign minister said the strait was fully open to all commercial shipping for the duration of the ceasefi»»»
Dubai Police outline plans to strengthen financial efficiency
Dubai: Dubai Police has reviewed its financial sustainability plans as part of ongoing efforts to improve efficiency, strengthen governance and support long-term stability. The discussion took place during the second meeting of the Financial Sustainability Council, chaired by Dr Major General Ahmad»»»
Minister of Economy Abushiha approves creation of new foreign companies – signalling internationally that Libya is improving its business climate
The Ministry of Economy and Trade announced last Thursday (16 April) that its Minister, Suhail Abushiha, had approved the decisions for the formation of four foreign and joint venture (JV) companies to support the investment climate in several vital sectors. The Ministry said this comes within the »»»
Israeli Military Says Suspect Neutralized in West Bank
Israel's military said Saturday that a suspected militant carrying a knife had been "neutralized" at a settlement in the occupied West Bank. "Following the alert that was activated regarding a suspected terrorist infiltration in the community of Negohot, a terrorist armed with a knife was identifie»»»
Dubai Police distribute UAE flags to boost community spirit
Dubai: Dubai Police have launched a community drive to celebrate national identity by distributing UAE flags to residents across several neighbourhoods. The initiative is part of the “Proud of UAE” campaign, introduced under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice»»»
Will Israel Observe Ceasefire With Lebanon?
A 10-day ceasefire follows six weeks of fighting between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that has killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than a million more from their homes in Lebanon. Much as the previous truce clinched in 2024, Israel can interpret or reinterpret the c»»»
Paramount's CinemaCon charm offensive gets lukewarm reception
Las Vegas: Paramount Skydance was on a charm offensive at CinemaCon this week, trying to convince theater owners that its megabucks deal to swallow Warner Bros. would be good for the industry. A glitzy promotional film narrated by Tom Cruise ended with the world's most bankable movie star sitting a»»»
Sadyr Japarov receives over 1,800 complaints in Osh region - | 24.KG
During President Sadyr Japarov’s visit to Osh region, he received over 1,800 complaints from residents. Their implementation has been taken under control, the Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the region reported. Following the visit, a meeting was held with the heads of law enforcemen»»»
Georgieva: Venezuela Likely to Get IMF Loan Support after Necessary Groundwork
The International Monetary Fund will likely provide Venezuela with a financial support program as part of its re-engagement with the South American oil exporter provided that certain conditions can be met, IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said on Friday. Georgieva told a press conference »»»
PM Aldabaiba appoints Mohamed Ben Ghalboun as his new Minister of State for Cabinet and Prime Ministerial Affairs to replace the infirmed Adel Juma
Tripoli based Libyan Prime Minister, Abdel Hamid Aldabaiba, has appointed Mohamed Omar Ben Ghalboun as his new Minister of State for Cabinet Prime Ministerial Affairs, replacing Adel Juma. The confirmation of the appointment came in the way of a post by the Tripoli government on one of its social m»»»
On This Day, April 18: Patriot Paul Revere begins midnight ride - UPI.com
On April 18, 1775, U.S. patriot Paul Revere began his famous ride through the Massachusetts countryside, crying out "The British are coming!" to rally the minutemen. 1 of 5 | On April 18, 1775, U.S. patriot Paul Revere began his famous ride through the Massachusetts countryside, crying out "The Bri»»»
Pakistan PM, military chief complete three-country diplomatic tour aimed at Iran peace
Pakistan's powerful military chief and prime minister on Saturday concluded separate visits aimed at ending the Iran war, with Field Marshal Asim Munir leaving Tehran and premier Shehbaz Sharif headed home from Turkey. Munir met Iran's top leadership and peace negotiators during a three-day visit t»»»
Classroom return or remote learning? Inside Abu Dhabi’s school reopening plan
The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has conducted extensive field inspections across private schools in the emirate to assess their readiness for either a return to in-person learning or the continuation of remote education. The move underscores the authority’s commitment to »»»
Two dead in apartment fire in Athens
A man and a woman have died in a fire at an apartment in the Athens district of Kolonos. The fire service said the fire broke out around 5.20 a.m. in a third-floor apartment on Argous and Platonos streets. Both were found inside the apartment by firefighters. Officials said two other women from a h»»»
Easing Sanctions on Russian Oil Will Affect Over 100 Million Barrels in Transit - Dmitriev
MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The easing of sanctions on Russian oil will affect over 100 million barrels of oil in transit, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) head and Russian special presidential envoy for investment and economic cooperation with foreign countries Kirill Dmitriev said. On Saturday, comme»»»
Myanmar release of Suu Kyi top ally spurs small democracy hope
Yangon, Myanmar: The release of Myanmar's putsch-ousted former president has piqued speculation about the fate of detained leader Aung San Suu Kyi, but little optimism among citizens and analysts watching for a democracy comeback. "I don't expect much from this release," said one 50-year-old Yangon»»»
Dubai Police issue urgent alert over fake QR code scams: What residents should know
Dubai Police have warned residents about a growing cyber fraud tactic involving fake QR codes being circulated through text messages, emails and even public spaces. Authorities said scammers are creating codes that appear legitimate, often luring users with offers such as prizes, discounts and excl»»»
Trump says Iran peace deal could be reached ‘soon’ after Tehran reopens Hormuz Strait
Tehran's announcement on Friday that the critical Strait of Hormuz was reopen to commercial shipping for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was followed by a flurry of social media posts by US President Donald Trump suggesting that a peace deal could be reached "soon". But Iranian offici»»»
Spotlight - Tale of two truces: Lebanon 'steps up' alongside Israel as Tehran and Washington edge toward a deal
Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome Robert B. Murrett, retired Vice Admiral in the US Navy, Professor of Practice and Deputy Director of the Syracuse University's Institute for Security Policy and Law. The Israel-Lebanon and US-Iran ceasefires are at a critical juncture In the evolving geopolitical dyn»»»
Cisco to Asharq Al-Awsat: AI Boosts Wireless Network Value in Saudi Arabia
A new report by Cisco shows wireless networks in Saudi Arabia are no longer just a connectivity layer. They are a direct driver of performance and growth. The study draws on responses from 6,098 decision-makers and technical specialists across 30 markets, including 106 organizations in the Kingdom,»»»
Trump says US blockade of Iranian ports will 'remain' if no deal reached
Aboard Air Force One: President Donald Trump said late Friday he planned to maintain a US blockade of Iranian ports if a peace deal with Tehran is not reached, adding that he may not extend the ceasefire after its expiration. Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz on Friday in the wake of a ceasefire d»»»
Business - European airlines could run out of jet fuel 'in six weeks'
European airlines could run out of jet fuel in six weeks' time. That's the stark warning from the head of the International Energy Agency, Fatih Birol, who says passengers should expect fewer flights and higher prices. Carriers are already reducing their flight schedules ahead of the summer holiday»»»
Trump Hints at Resuming Attacks if Ceasefire with Iran Expires Without Deal
US President Donald Trump said the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will remain and attacks will resume if no agreement is reached with Iran, after Tehran said it had fully reopened the strait to commercial vessels but threatened to close it again over the US blockade. Asked by a reporter Friday ni»»»
Farmers, cheese-makers leave talks empty-handed
Livestock farmers and cheese producers from the island of Lesvos walked out of an emergency government meeting on Friday, furious over vague assurances as a foot-and-mouth disease crisis entered its second month with no clear resolution. Representatives of both groups had traveled to Athens to meet»»»
US Would Extract Iran’s Enriched Uranium 'With Excavators' — Trump
President Donald Trump said the US could work “with Iran” to retrieve enriched uranium, suggesting it would be removed using “the biggest excavators you can imagine” and taken to the United States. Iran has rejected such a possibility.Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said Iran’s en»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Syria takes control of all former US military bases
Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition, SANA reported on April 16 citing a statement issued by the Syrian defence ministry. »»»
Anthropic's Mythos AI model triggers crisis meetings among top global officials
A recently announced powerful AI model built by Anthropic has prompted emergency meetings among finance ministers, central bankers and Wall Street chief executives after it demonstrated the ability to discover and exploit cybersecurity weaknesses across major banking systems, operating systems and »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Syria takes control of all former US military bases
Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition, SANA reported on April 16 citing a statement issued by the Syrian defence ministry. »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping under ceasefire terms
Iran has reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial vessels for the remainder of the two-week ceasefire with the United States, Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said in a post on X on April 17. "In line with the cease»»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Kuwait citizenship purge tops 50,000 as new decree tightens revocation rules
Kuwait has stripped more than 50,000 people of their citizenship since September 2024, with campaigners saying the total could be as high as 250,000, as the government continues its sweeping nationality crackdown under a new decree published this week. »»»
Iran hardliners attack Araghchi's Hormuz tweet as 'incomplete and misleading'
Hardline voices in Iran have criticised Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi for posting what they called an incomplete and poorly framed tweet announcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, Tasnim News Agency reported on April 17. »»»
Ankara proposes grand rewiring of Middle East energy export map amid Hormuz blockade
Turkey is proposing a slew of new overland pipelines running out of the Gulf so that the world, currently hit by the Hormuz crisis, will never again be cut off from sufficient oil and gas supplies. As things stand, the onl»»»
Syria takes control of all former US military bases
Syrian government forces have taken control of Qasrak air base in the northeastern province of Hasakah following the withdrawal of the US-led international coalition, SANA reported on April 16 citing a statement issued by the Syrian defence ministry. »»»