Author: Admin

A coalition of eight Muslim-majority nations has issued a joint declaration criticizing Israel’s recent legislation that establishes execution by hanging as the standard punishment for Palestinians convicted of fatal attacks in military tribunals, according to a statement released Thursday by Pakistan.

The countries participating in the joint declaration – Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, Indonesia, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates – expressed their opposition to the new law and called for restraint from actions that could worsen regional tensions. The nations emphasized the “urgent need to refrain from measures” that risk further inflaming tensions on the ground.

The statement was issued from Islamabad on Thursday, marking a coordinated diplomatic response to Israel’s controversial new death penalty legislation targeting Palestinians convicted in military court proceedings.

Officials in Lithuania are planning to formally request assistance from the United States as they continue investigating suspected human trafficking activities connected to the late Jeffrey Epstein, according to the Baltic nation’s top prosecutor.

Prosecutor General Vita Grunskiene announced Thursday that her office is working on submitting an official request for legal assistance from American authorities. “We are preparing to send a request for legal aid to the U.S.,” Grunskiene stated during an interview with Lithuania’s Ziniu radio station.

The investigation has involved questioning approximately 20 individuals so far, though no criminal charges have been filed against anyone at this time, Grunskiene explained. She also made a public appeal encouraging any potential victims of the alleged trafficking operations to contact law enforcement officials.

Iran’s top military commander has issued orders for the nation’s armed forces to closely watch adversary activities and prepare for potential hostile actions, according to reports from Iranian state media on Thursday.

Army Commander-in-Chief Amir Hatami instructed military operational centers to observe “enemy movements with utmost pessimism and accuracy” while maintaining readiness to defend against any form of assault, state outlets reported.

The directive comes as tensions continue in the region, with President Donald Trump recently stating that the Iran conflict is “nearing completion” and could conclude in the coming weeks. However, the deployment of additional American forces to the Gulf area has sparked speculation about possible ground military action.

“No enemy troops should survive if adversaries attempt a ground operation,” Hatami was quoted as saying by state media.

Iranian state television broadcast silent video showing Hatami meeting with three fellow army commanders in person while conducting a video conference with approximately twelve other military officials. Reuters was unable to immediately confirm when the recording was made.

Military officials in Moscow announced Thursday that Russian strategic nuclear forces completed training exercises in Siberia featuring Yars intercontinental ballistic missiles designed to carry nuclear warheads.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, military personnel practiced various tactical maneuvers, including concealing and disguising the movement of land-based missile systems during field operations.

The training also included exercises simulating responses to enemy attacks and defending against aerial assault weapons. Defense officials noted that no actual missile launches occurred during these drills.

These military exercises are part of Russia’s routine testing of its strategic nuclear capabilities, designed to evaluate combat readiness while sending messages to Western nations amid ongoing tensions with NATO allies regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

A frustrated mother in Athens has exhausted every strategy she can think of to reduce her teenage son’s obsession with social media platforms. Georgia Efstathiou, 43, has attempted intimate conversations, designated screen-free periods, and even taking away her 14-year-old’s device entirely, but battles continue to erupt over his attachment to online videos and messaging.

Relief may soon arrive for Efstathiou and countless other struggling parents. Greece’s government is preparing to implement a social media prohibition for youth under 15, adding the country to a growing list of nations attempting to protect children from digital dependency and online harm.

“Ban them, shut them down. We’ve reached our limits… We parents need help,” Efstathiou stated while clutching her son’s device in her Athens home.

The overwhelmed mother represents a widespread sentiment across Greece. A February survey conducted by ALCO revealed approximately 80% of respondents supported such restrictions. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ administration has previously prohibited mobile devices in educational settings and established parental oversight systems to restrict adolescent screen exposure.

Government officials have refused to discuss specifics about the proposed ban or reveal implementation details and timing.

Reuters initially covered the proposal in February, with sources indicating an official announcement remains forthcoming. Mitsotakis recently informed a Greek-Australian publication that Greece would proceed “in a similar direction to that of Australia,” referencing December legislation requiring social media corporations to exclude users under 16 or face financial penalties.

Greece confronts the same challenges with platforms like Meta’s Instagram, TikTok, and gaming websites that nations worldwide are grappling with.

The EU-supported Greek Safer Internet Centre in Athens has documented alarming trends. George Kormas, who operates their support hotline for young cyberbullying victims, reported that calls more than doubled from 2024 to 2025. Additional concerns include minor exploitation, false information distribution, and hostile online communication.

Center statistics show 75% of Greek children accessing social media are elementary school age.

“This undoubtedly worries us, because they cannot handle social media or protect themselves,” Kormas explained.

Athanasios Theocharis, director of the National Organization for the Prevention and Treatment of Addictions, noted that roughly 48% of teenagers have experienced harmful effects from social media usage.

“Clearly (the ban) has the potential to provide a significant degree of protection,” Theocharis stated.

However, parents interviewed by Reuters expressed mixed feelings about losing oversight of their children’s online activities and worry that youth will circumvent restrictions. Some oppose any government involvement entirely.

“I’d prefer a different approach, limiting mobile phone use within the family,” explained Dimitris, 44. “But where that’s not possible, perhaps a ban would work as the extreme remedy.”

His 14-year-old daughter Catherine represents a generation that has never experienced life without digital connectivity.

“It is the way we learned since we were born,” she shared while playing basketball near the Acropolis with her father.

“I can control it — but then again I usually get carried away.”

In the small Hungarian village of Malyinka, 72-year-old Sandor Toth operates a local pub where he’s served customers for over four decades, watching his country transform from communist rule through multiple election cycles that have consistently favored Viktor Orban’s Fidesz party.

Toth’s establishment recently benefited from Orban’s village pub initiative, receiving 3 million forints (approximately $9,000) in government funding that enabled him to upgrade with new windows and air conditioning systems. This program distributed grants to hundreds of rural pubs under the government’s philosophy that these establishments represent “the soul of the villages.”

Rural communities like Malyinka have formed the backbone of support for Fidesz, the ruling nationalist and socially conservative party, largely through community development programs funded by party-controlled local governments. In many regions, the distinction between Fidesz and government services has become blurred, with the party serving as the primary source of employment and financial assistance.

Media landscape considerations also play a role, as Fidesz supporters control significant portions of Hungary’s private news outlets, while state media functions primarily as a government communications tool. Officials reject claims that press freedom has been compromised.

Orban’s messaging emphasizing “Hungarian interests” in opposition to European Union policies and his stance against providing aid to war-affected Ukraine has found particular resonance among older, more traditional voters in countryside areas.

The upcoming April 12 election presents Orban with his most challenging re-election campaign in over a decade and a half. Rural constituencies hold decisive importance, comprising 88 of 106 total districts, with these constituency races determining 106 of parliament’s 199 seats.

While serving sour cherry beer at 800 forints ($2.38) per pint—roughly half the cost found in Budapest—Toth expressed confidence that most residents in his village of 450 would continue supporting Orban.

“I believe generally here people vote for Fidesz as they help pensioners and also young people,” he explained, noting that “not all parties” would have provided the financial assistance his pub received.

Toth’s establishment, called Sanyi pub and decorated with 1980s memorabilia and featuring a 1990s jukebox, has evolved into Malyinka’s social hub, strategically positioned beside the soccer field and licensed for tobacco sales.

“The village, our direct connection to nature, the land … these are essential parts of human life that must be preserved,” Orban stated during a January campaign appearance.

In the electoral district encompassing Malyinka and 81 additional villages, Fidesz representative Zoltan Demeter secured victory in 2022 with more than 54% of votes cast. However, this election cycle presents increased competition.

Orban now faces opposition from the center-right Tisza party, established in 2024 under Peter Magyar’s leadership. Magyar, who previously admired Orban, now seeks to remove him from the prime minister’s office.

Current polling data indicates Tisza holds a national advantage, though significant numbers of voters remain uncommitted. Research conducted by the 21 Research Institute in early March showed Tisza leading among all voter demographics under age 50, while Fidesz maintained clear support among those over 65.

Tisza has intensified rural campaigning efforts, attempting to address a 16-year pattern of opposition parties struggling to present viable alternatives to Fidesz in countryside areas.

Magyar has spent two years traveling to towns and villages, pledging employment opportunities, infrastructure improvements, and enhanced healthcare access. Leading up to election day, his campaign schedule includes events in 5-6 different locations daily across the nation.

The 21 Research Institute survey indicated Fidesz maintained a 37% to 33% advantage over Tisza in village areas.

“The mood in small rural towns and villages is different from earlier elections, when the public quickly lost interest at events. Now they turn up and listen to what Magyar has to say,” noted Eurasia Group analysts, suggesting Magyar was gaining ground in rural districts.

Tisza’s local representative and campaign workers conduct door-to-door outreach throughout villages in Toth’s constituency, attempting to attract voters by proposing support for road repairs and improvements to healthcare facilities and educational institutions.

“This is key, I think this was missing badly from previous campaigns, that we must go to each street,” stated Tisza candidate Csaba Hatala-Orosz.

“We can promise to support local small- and medium-sized businesses, rebuild roads … I’ve been doing field work here for almost two years, and I got to know these 82 villages, and I have really put my heart into this.”

Military forces in two West African nations have caused more civilian casualties than the terrorist groups they’re fighting, according to new research from Human Rights Watch released Thursday.

Data compiled by the human rights organization reveals that since 2023, government troops and their allies in Burkina Faso have been responsible for more than double the civilian deaths caused by Islamic extremist groups.

Similar patterns emerge in neighboring Mali, where Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED) statistics show government forces and their partners have killed three to four times more civilians than jihadist fighters over the past two years.

Both countries are currently under military rule following recent coups, and both have experienced escalating violence from terrorist organizations since 2021, transforming the Sahel region into a major global terrorism concern.

Experts warn that extensive civilian killings by government troops may strengthen terrorist groups politically and help them recruit new members. These developments could also hinder U.S. efforts to rebuild relationships with Sahel governments that removed French and other Western military forces after their coups.

Ilaria Allegrozzi, Human Rights Watch’s senior Sahel researcher, stated that Burkina Faso’s security forces and allied militias “appear to be more brutal and violent” than extremist organizations like the regional al Qaeda branch, Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM).

She explained that the behavior of Burkinabe forces reflects a broader regional trend that raises serious questions about military discipline and its impact on anti-insurgency operations.

Neither Mali nor Burkina Faso government representatives immediately responded to requests for comment. Both nations have previously rejected accusations of unlawful killings, claiming their forces have eliminated “terrorists.”

The Human Rights Watch investigation examined the timeframe from January 2023 through August 2025, recording 57 incidents that resulted in at least 1,837 civilian fatalities. Government forces and their allies carried out 33 of these incidents, causing 1,255 civilian deaths.

ACLED figures show that in 2025 alone, Burkina Faso’s military and the pro-government Homeland Defence Volunteers militia killed 523 civilians, while JNIM and Islamic State Sahel Province killed 339.

In Mali during 2025, the military working alongside Russian paramilitary units Wagner and Africa Corps killed 918 civilians, compared to 232 killed by JNIM and Islamic State Sahel Province.

Russia’s defense ministry, which oversees Wagner and Africa Corps, did not respond to comment requests. JNIM representatives could not be contacted.

ACLED gathers information from social media, news reports, and official statements from governments, armed groups, and non-governmental organizations. The organization acknowledges its fatality counts are conservative estimates. Human Rights Watch based its findings on 450 interviews and verified social media content and satellite images, noting their documented incidents don’t represent the complete picture.

Allegrozzi explained that because JNIM controls extensive territory, security forces often escort humanitarian and supply convoys through rural areas, but frequently kill civilians they encounter during these operations.

An eastern Burkina Faso resident, speaking anonymously due to safety concerns, described witnessing such an incident while traveling in a civilian convoy with military protection in July 2024. Many villages they passed appeared deserted until they reached Sakoani village, located 30 kilometers west of Kantchari town.

“When the army arrived in this village and saw that it was populated, they surrounded the entire village and they exterminated everything – every living being,” the witness told Reuters. “People tried to flee, but if you run, they shoot at you.”

The witness estimated seeing at least 100 bodies.

Mali has increasingly relied on drone attacks for many civilian killings, according to ACLED data. Drone operations expanded dramatically after the government started buying Turkish-manufactured drones in 2022. Civilian casualties from Mali’s drone or air attacks increased from four incidents in 2022 to 66 incidents in 2025, killing 155 people.

Government drone strikes in July 2024 killed at least 50 civilians at the Inatiyara artisanal gold mining location in northern Mali, ACLED reported. Three eyewitnesses provided accounts to Reuters.

A 30-year-old gold miner from Niger who worked at Inatiyara and requested anonymity said, “We were surprised by the strikes, we were so scared.”

“It was pure panic… I’m still reeling from the shock,” he added.

Human Rights Watch and ACLED also documented serious crimes by JNIM, including the deaths of at least 133 civilians in Barsalogho, Burkina Faso, during August 2024 and 19 civilians in Diallassagou, Mali, in May 2024.

Despite these actions, the group has successfully presented itself as a protector of marginalized communities like the Fulani, a nomadic herding group whose members are frequently suspected of JNIM connections, according to analysts.

Heni Nsaibia, ACLED’s senior West Africa analyst, noted, “As state responses increasingly rely on retaliation and collective punishment, more civilians find themselves trapped in areas under jihadist control, where JNIM is consolidating its influence through coercion and strategic engagement with local populations.”

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Tehran launched fresh missile strikes against Israel and Gulf Arab nations Thursday as President Donald Trump delivered remarks about concluding the Middle East conflict, demonstrating Iran’s rejection of Washington’s ceasefire overtures while continuing to control the Strait of Hormuz.

British officials scheduled a Thursday conference call with nearly three dozen nations to address reopening the strategic waterway, which handles 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments during normal operations. The 35 participating countries, encompassing all G7 developed nations except America, plus the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, endorsed a declaration last month calling on Iran to stop obstructing the strait. Thursday’s discussion will focus on “diplomatic and political measures” to restore maritime traffic after hostilities end.

While Washington demands Iran permit unrestricted vessel passage through the strait, Trump recently stated America shouldn’t be responsible for forcing compliance, urging nations dependent on Hormuz oil shipments to “build some delayed courage” and “take it.”

During his remarks, Trump declared the U.S. would strike Iran “extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” while claiming American “core strategic objectives are nearing completion.”

Iranian military officials responded defiantly Thursday, asserting their weapons facilities remain concealed and beyond reach of Israeli or American strikes.

“The centers you think you have targeted are insignificant,” declared Lt. Col. Ebrahim Zolfaghari, spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya Central Headquarters.

Explosions echoed through Dubai just before Trump’s nearly 20-minute Wednesday address as air defense systems engaged incoming Iranian missiles. Within 30 minutes of the president’s conclusion, Israel reported intercepting additional incoming projectiles.

Warning sirens activated in Bahrain, headquarters of the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet, immediately following the speech.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosted Thursday’s virtual meeting among the 35 signatories who issued a March joint statement condemning Iranian attacks on civilian commercial ships and demanding Tehran “cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the strait.”

Despite most Strait of Hormuz oil and gas typically serving Asian markets, only Japan and South Korea from that region participated in the discussions.

“Trump’s message was that the United States can sustain its own economic and energy ecosystem, while countries dependent on regional exports will either have to buy from the United States or manage the Strait themselves,” analyzed the New York-based Soufan Center think tank following the address.

“While Trump explicitly thanked U.S. allies in the Persian Gulf for their cooperation and allyship, an expedited U.S. withdrawal without securing the strait will leave many of these countries, whose economies are dependent on energy exports, in the lurch.”

No nation appears prepared to forcibly reopen the strait during ongoing warfare. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the coalition “will assess all viable diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and to resume the movement of vital commodities.”

Bahrain, currently holding the UN Security Council presidency, has worked to bring the crisis before the international body.

While Iran permits limited vessel transit through the strait, the passage remains mostly blocked. Tehran continues targeting Gulf Arab energy infrastructure, driving oil prices higher and creating widespread economic disruption.

After Trump’s address, Brent crude prices climbed to $108 in early trading, representing a nearly 50% increase since February 28 when Israel and America initiated military action against Iran.

Rising energy costs and market volatility have intensified domestic pressure on Trump, who used his address to defend the military campaign while suggesting its conclusion approaches.

Acknowledging fallen American service members, he stated: “We are going to finish the job, and we’re going to finish it very fast. We’re getting very close.”

Washington has presented Tehran with a 15-point ceasefire proposal, though Trump made no mention of diplomatic efforts or his April 6 deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face severe American retaliation.

Combat casualties include more than 1,900 Iranian deaths and 19 Israeli fatalities. Over two dozen people have perished in Gulf states and the occupied West Bank, with 13 U.S. service members killed.

Lebanese authorities report more than 1,200 deaths and over one million displaced residents, while ten Israeli soldiers have died in that country.

Pakistan has undergone a stunning diplomatic reversal, transforming from an isolated nation just twelve months ago into a key regional power broker mediating between the United States and Iran in efforts to resolve Middle East conflicts. This dramatic shift has been orchestrated primarily by the country’s influential military leader, Field Marshal Asim Munir.

Munir has established close relationships with President Donald Trump, including an extraordinary private lunch meeting at the White House. Additionally, Pakistani authorities captured and transferred to U.S. custody an Islamic State operative responsible for attacks on American military personnel.

The Islamic republic has launched an extensive diplomatic campaign, with officials reaching out to global leaders while simultaneously strengthening bonds with key ally China.

“Pakistan’s civil-military leadership has been on a charm offensive primarily balancing relations between the U.S. and China as it seeks to employ a diversified foreign policy,” explained Arsla Jawaid, a global risk analyst at Control Risks, in comments to Reuters.

“All these efforts are beginning to show some signs of success.”

Relations between Pakistan and Western nations had deteriorated significantly after U.S. Navy SEALs eliminated Osama bin Laden on Pakistani soil in 2011. The situation worsened with the imprisonment of former Prime Minister Imran Khan and Washington’s allegations that Pakistan secretly aided the Taliban throughout the two-decade Afghanistan conflict.

Economically, the country teetered on the brink of defaulting on its debts until securing a new International Monetary Fund agreement following difficult negotiations approximately 18 months ago.

Government officials and experts point to two pivotal moments that helped Pakistan regain Washington’s confidence.

The initial breakthrough occurred in March of the previous year when Pakistan assisted in apprehending an individual connected to the 2021 Kabul airport attack that claimed the lives of 170 Afghan civilians and 13 American service members. This cooperation earned public recognition from Trump and restored intelligence cooperation between the nations.

Former Pakistani ambassador to the United States Maleeha Lodhi described this collaboration as “critical” in overcoming decades of mutual suspicion.

The second turning point came in May during a confrontation with longtime rival India.

Foreign ministry spokesman Tahir Andrabi noted that the 90-hour military engagement significantly enhanced Pakistan’s international standing because the nation’s “military leadership showed tremendous restraint after successfully downing Indian fighter jets.”

Pakistan promptly involved the United States in diplomatic efforts to resolve the dispute between the nuclear-armed neighbors. Subsequently, both Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif put forward Trump’s name for Nobel Peace Prize consideration.

Throughout Pakistan’s history, military leaders have wielded significant influence even during civilian rule, making Munir’s support crucial for any governmental policy decisions.

The unprecedented White House meeting between Trump and Pakistan’s military commander, conducted without civilian officials present, demonstrated Trump’s understanding of Pakistan’s actual power dynamics.

Pakistani military officials declined to provide comments for this report. Government representatives attribute the country’s diplomatic renaissance to effective cooperation between civilian and military leadership and skillful management of relationships spanning Gulf nations, the United States, and China.

“If there is one factor above all that has fuelled the widening of diplomatic opportunity for Pakistan, it is the trust and symbiosis between the field marshal and prime minister,” stated Mosharraf Zaidi, Sharif’s spokesperson, in remarks to Reuters.

Both Zaidi and Andrabi emphasized their offices’ diplomatic initiatives, including numerous meetings and near-daily communications with international leaders.

This past Sunday, Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar welcomed his counterparts from Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt for discussions centered on ending the Iranian conflict.

“Because of Mr. Dar’s frequent interactions with these foreign ministers, they can share intimate comments as well as a solemn moment,” Andrabi observed.

Washington’s relationship with Pakistan has strengthened through regular engagement between Pakistani civilian and military officials and the White House.

Munir and Sharif have conducted discussions with U.S. officials covering investment possibilities, cryptocurrency agreements involving Trump family-associated enterprises, and Middle Eastern security matters, establishing Pakistan’s diplomatic comeback through a combination of commercial partnerships and strategic alliances.

Trump has referred to Munir as his “favourite field marshal,” and the Pakistani leader was the sole active military commander attending this year’s World Economic Forum in Davos. Sources indicate he conducted additional meetings with Trump at the event and has maintained regular contact with Vice President JD Vance since the Iranian conflict commenced.

As recently as Tuesday, Vance communicated through Pakistani intermediaries regarding the Iranian situation, with a source familiar with the discussions confirming Trump’s openness to a ceasefire under specific conditions.

Prime Minister Sharif has maintained ongoing dialogue with Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Pakistan formalized a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia in the previous year.

Pakistan’s growing international prominence has created concerns in India, which traditionally maintained superior diplomatic standing between the two adversaries. Indian opposition politicians have criticized their government’s passive stance regarding the Middle East crisis, while analysts suggest Pakistan’s emergence threatens to marginalize New Delhi in regional diplomatic efforts.

“I have been calling for almost three weeks now for India to take a leading stand, leveraging its good relations with both sides into a peace initiative,” stated opposition legislator Shashi Tharoor. “Now, apparently, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey have done it. Good luck to them…but India gets no credit while Pakistan is holding the peace talks.”

Despite diplomatic gains, Pakistan’s economy continues struggling, and experts warn the nation risks military involvement due to its defense treaty with Saudi Arabia, potentially triggering domestic unrest among Pakistan’s Shiite population, the world’s second-largest after Iran.

Pakistan also faces ongoing tensions with neighboring Afghanistan, which intensified shortly before U.S. and Israeli military actions against Tehran.

“Pakistan has to continue to look inwards to bolster its own pillars of national power, especially its economy,” advised Uzair Yunus from strategic consulting firm The Asia Group.

“It also needs to build an integrated defence industrial complex in partnership with Saudi Arabia and Turkey.”

Pakistan requires a comprehensive long-term approach to manage relationships with Iran, its defense partnership with Saudi Arabia, and ties with Washington during an uncertain and potentially extended conflict, according to Control Risks analyst Jawaid.

“The civil-military leadership will need to be very careful of the role and extent of Pakistan’s involvement. Overplaying the mediator card could prove to be more damaging if not managed astutely.”

TULKARM, West Bank – The Ghanem family huddles in a makeshift shelter with only thin metal sheeting overhead as Iranian missiles streak across the sky above them, a stark reminder of their vulnerability since being forced from their longtime home in a Palestinian refugee camp.

This family represents thousands among approximately 32,000 residents whom Israeli forces removed from their homes across three established refugee settlements in the occupied West Bank during the past year.

Their dangerous circumstances intensified following the February 28 strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran, which left the West Bank exposed to falling wreckage from Iranian missiles destroyed by Israeli defense systems.

“The children were terrified by the sound of the rockets,” explained Madleen Ghanem, who shares a single-room shelter with her four youngest children ages three, eight, 11 and 14, while her older offspring live in separate locations.

Palestinian Civil Defence rescue services report that more than 270 fragments of missile wreckage have crashed into the West Bank since hostilities began.

The contrast with Israel is stark – while bomb shelters are commonplace there, the West Bank offers virtually no protective facilities, leaving families like the Ghanems with nowhere to seek safety.

Although Iran has not been documented as intentionally striking Palestinian areas, four Palestinian women died last month when an Iranian missile struck the West Bank city of Hebron.

“We don’t have shelters, the space where we stay is the same space we hide in. There are no shelters and no place to run to,” Madleen stated.

Israeli military officials did not provide immediate responses to requests for comment.

During early 2025, as a temporary ceasefire with Hamas in Gaza took effect, Israeli forces initiated demolition operations targeting homes and infrastructure in the Tulkarm camp, the adjacent Nur Shams camp, and the Jenin refugee camp throughout the northern West Bank.

Israeli officials justified these operations as necessary to eliminate civilian infrastructure that could potentially be used by militant groups. Human Rights Watch condemned these forced relocations as war crimes and crimes against humanity in a displacement report released last year.

Several members of Israel’s governing coalition have repeatedly advocated for annexing the West Bank, a territory spanning roughly 100 kilometers that Palestinians envision as central to their future sovereign state, alongside Gaza.

Israel points to historical and biblical connections to the West Bank territory, which it occupied during the 1967 conflict.

Before their displacement, the Ghanems occupied a three-story residence within the densely populated Tulkarm camp, where the family’s women had cultivated trees, flowers and climbing vines that adorned their porches for decades.

Areej Ghanem, Madleen’s sister-in-law, recalls Israeli troops forcing entry into their family residence without advance notice during nighttime hours last year.

“We didn’t take clothes, nothing at all. They made us leave. Our father can’t get up or down…He’s an old man, he can’t walk. We left, dragging him,” Areej recounted.

Israeli military representatives did not respond to inquiries regarding the Ghanem family’s specific situation.

Following the destruction of their home along with numerous others in the camp, Areej relocated with her sister, niece and their 89-year-old father Mahmoud Ghanem to a cramped rented room in nearby Tulkarm town.

As the sole income earner working as a domestic worker, Areej supports the family in their small quarters that lack kitchen facilities, forcing her to wash dishes in the bathroom. Financial constraints have prevented them from purchasing meat for over a year.

“Honestly I have no hope for the future. We can’t even provide basic food,” Areej shared.

Separately, Madleen relocated with her husband Ibrahim – Areej’s brother – and their children to another section of Tulkarm, where they had purchased a small parcel of land in 2023, shortly before the Gaza conflict erupted.

Ibrahim previously worked in construction, joining thousands of Palestinians authorized to enter Israel for employment. However, following the Hamas-led attacks in 2023 that triggered the Gaza war, Israel revoked work permits for most Palestinians, leaving Ibrahim without employment since then.

Ibrahim explains that he and his wife sometimes cannot afford cooking gas, instead preparing meals over outdoor fires.

Despite living approximately an hour’s walk from each other, the family attempts weekly gatherings to maintain some sense of normalcy.

During a recent Friday afternoon at a dusty roadside playground, Areej and Madleen laid out a picnic blanket over worn synthetic grass while their children played nearby.

Madleen expressed her dream of completing the house construction they began and hopes the family can eventually reunite in a single home. Areej emphasized that staying together remains the priority.

“Either we die together or we live joyfully together,” she concluded.

BASRA, Iraq — What were once bustling Iraqi oil facilities filled with workers have become nearly empty landscapes. Shipping terminals that formerly hummed with commercial activity now sit quiet, with only the gentle sound of water lapping against empty docks.

Four weeks into the Iranian conflict, employees at petroleum facilities and shipping terminals throughout Basra province—which handles nearly all of Iraq’s crude oil production and shipments—have become familiar with missiles flying overhead toward American military installations and other strategic targets.

The conflict, which started with strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces, is severely damaging Iraq’s financial foundation. The nation depends on petroleum income for approximately 90% of its government funding, and the majority of its crude oil moves through the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial Persian Gulf passage where Iran has essentially blocked commercial shipping during the fighting. The conflict has also dramatically reduced imported merchandise arriving at Iraq’s southern shipping facilities, while military strikes have shut down movement along the Iranian border.

Iraq finds itself in a unique position among Middle Eastern nations affected by the war, hosting both deeply embedded pro-Iranian forces and substantial American interests, making it vulnerable to strikes from either side. Since hostilities began, petroleum output in Iraq’s southern region has plummeted more than 70%, while imported goods reaching the nation’s ports have been reduced by half. Unmanned aircraft and rocket strikes have hit American corporations and military installations. Iranian-backed Iraqi militias have also attacked petroleum facilities and energy infrastructure. Numerous international workers have evacuated.

Financial experts believe the Iraqi government has sufficient reserves to operate until mid-May without fresh oil income, but will need to seek loans after that point.

“After that, the government would resort to issuing bonds,” said Ahmed Tabaqchali, an expert in Iraq’s economy. “But not without consequences.”

Throughout southern Iraq, the Strait of Hormuz blockade has forced petroleum facilities to reduce output and prioritize domestic requirements, while global oil costs have increased. The Zubair oil field near Basra, previously generating approximately 400,000 barrels daily, has experienced production falling to about 250,000, according to officials.

Iran has provided guarantees that Iraqi petroleum can move safely through the strait, according to Bassem Abdul Karim, who leads the government-operated Basra Oil Company overseeing provincial production. Nevertheless, since Iraq doesn’t own its shipping vessels and relies on leased tankers, deliveries depend entirely on whether ship operators will accept the increased dangers of the voyage. Most refuse.

At a processing facility in Zubair where crude oil is refined, operations have also slowed significantly. “It’s quiet now because of the reductions,” said chief engineer Ammar Hashim. “Of course we are worried.”

The slowdown at Zubair mirrors a widespread decline throughout Basra. Production has fallen from 3.1 million barrels daily to approximately 900,000 across the entire province, Abdul Karim reported.

“Exports are currently completely halted. At the moment, we are considering alternative loading areas, but none are fully operational,” he told The Associated Press.

That same day, an unmanned aircraft crashed at the Majnoon oil field north of Basra without exploding. A security official described this as an increasingly frequent event, noting the drone was probably targeting American bases in Kuwait. Operations at the facility have been suspended because of how often these incidents occur. The official requested anonymity since he wasn’t authorized to speak with reporters.

Hundreds of workers from American, British, Italian, French and other international petroleum companies have departed Iraq because of the war. The exodus intensified following a March 6 drone attack on the Burjisiya complex in Basra, a vital logistics center for Iraq’s oil sector used by multiple companies. The assault targeted American oil services firm KBR, hitting its chemical storage area.

Another drone hit the British Petroleum-managed Rumaila oil field, causing some foreign personnel to evacuate, Abdul Karim said. The facility continues operating, he noted. On Wednesday, several drones struck a fuel storage facility connected to BP in northern Iraq.

Attempts to redirect Iraq’s oil face significant obstacles: The nation lacks capacity to increase shipments through its northern pipeline, and truck transport through Jordan and Syria is expensive and ineffective, Abdul Karim explained.

Umm Qasr, Iraq’s main deep-water shipping facility, was previously so loud with cargo operations that it could cause headaches, workers recalled.

Currently, with the Strait of Hormuz blocked, large cargo vessels bringing supplies to Iraq cannot reach the port. Instead, they dock in the United Arab Emirates, where merchandise is transported by trucks and smaller vessels to reach Umm Qasr—an expensive alternative.

The facility’s loading areas are operating far below previous levels, with cargo volumes cut in half by the war, according to port director Mohammed Tahir Fadhil.

During the AP’s visit, only one cargo vessel from the U.A.E. was docked.

The danger to shipping routes increased after Iran sank two tankers on March 11 in Iraqi waters—the Marshall Islands-registered Safesea Vishnu and the Malta-registered Zefyros.

“Today, our only gateway for goods is the United Arab Emirates,” said Farhan Fartousi, director of the Iraqi Ports Company.

Sunday morning found Haidar Abdul-Samad, assistant director of Basra’s Shalamcha border crossing with Iran, speaking by phone with an Iranian official, protesting power outages that had stopped trade and requesting immediate repairs. The electrical failures followed an airstrike that damaged the Iranian side of the crossing.

Local officials say such interruptions have become commonplace.

Before the conflict, the crossing experienced continuous activity, reflecting strong family and business connections between Iranians and Iraqis in the region. It also serves as an important route for merchants and religious pilgrims traveling to Shiite sacred sites in central Iraq.

That morning, trucks were lined up for miles.

“Priority is given to food supplies to prevent price increases,” Abdul-Samad said. “Passenger movement is not at the same level as before; activity has declined due to the war in Iran.”

After power was restored, 30-year-old Iranian merchant Atefa Al-Fatlawi arrived with her husband and young son. She purchases merchandise at reduced prices in Basra to sell back home.

“We are scared because of the bombings,” she said. “Shalamcha was targeted. Today, there were no transport vehicles at the garage because of the attack.”

COPENHAGEN, Denmark (AP) — Marine archaeologists working in Copenhagen Harbor have located the remains of a Danish warship that went down more than two centuries ago during a fierce battle with Admiral Horatio Nelson’s British naval forces.

Divers are racing against time to excavate the wreckage of the Dannebroge, working through thick mud and near-zero visibility conditions 49 feet below the surface. The excavation site will soon become part of a massive housing development project along Denmark’s coastline.

Denmark’s Viking Ship Museum, overseeing the extensive underwater dig, revealed their discovery on Thursday – marking exactly 225 years since the 1801 Battle of Copenhagen took place.

“It’s a big part of the Danish national feeling,” said Morten Johansen, the museum’s head of maritime archaeology.

While much has been documented about the historic confrontation “by very enthusiastic spectators, but we actually don’t know how it was to be onboard a ship being shot to pieces by English warships and some of that story we can probably learn from seeing the wreck,” Johansen explained.

During the Battle of Copenhagen, Nelson’s British forces launched an assault on Denmark’s naval defenses that had formed a protective barrier around the harbor entrance.

The devastating maritime confrontation lasted several hours and resulted in thousands of casualties, earning recognition as one of Nelson’s most significant victories. Britain’s goal was to break up Denmark’s participation in a coalition that included Russia, Prussia and Sweden.

The Danish flagship Dannebroge, under the command of Commodore Olfert Fischer, found itself at the heart of the intense fighting.

Nelson’s forces concentrated their attack on the 157-foot vessel. Artillery bombardment devastated the ship’s upper sections before explosive rounds ignited fires throughout the vessel.

“(It was) a nightmare to be on board one of these ships,” Johansen noted. “When a cannonball hits a ship, it’s not the cannonball that does the most damage to the crew, it’s wooden splinters flying everywhere, very much like grenade debris.”

The confrontation reportedly gave rise to the expression “to turn a blind eye.” Nelson, who had lost vision in his right eye, allegedly stated after choosing to disregard orders from a commanding officer: “I have only one eye, I have a right to be blind sometimes.”

Nelson ultimately proposed a temporary halt to fighting, and Denmark’s Crown Prince Frederik later agreed to end hostilities.

The badly damaged Dannebroge floated northward before a massive explosion destroyed what remained. Historical accounts describe the blast as creating thunderous noise that echoed throughout Copenhagen.

Underwater excavation teams have recovered two artillery pieces, military clothing, rank insignia, footwear, glass containers and even a portion of a sailor’s jawbone – possibly belonging to one of 19 crew members still listed as missing from that fateful day.

The archaeological site will eventually be covered by construction activities for Lynetteholm, an ambitious development plan to create a new residential area within Copenhagen Harbor, with completion scheduled for 2070.

Maritime archaeology teams started surveying the location in late 2023, focusing on an area believed to correspond with historical records of the flagship’s final resting place.

Researchers confirm that recovered timber dimensions align with historical ship blueprints. Tree ring analysis of the wood samples corresponds to the vessel’s original construction date. The excavation area contains numerous cannonballs, creating additional challenges for divers working through murky water filled with disturbed sediment.

“Sometimes you can’t see anything, and then you really have to just feel your way, look with your fingers instead of with your eyes,” explained diver and maritime archaeologist Marie Jonsson.

The 1801 naval engagement has become a cornerstone of Danish historical identity, documented extensively in literature and artwork.

Research teams believe their findings could provide fresh perspectives on this pivotal moment in Scandinavian history while revealing intimate details about the individuals who participated in the battle two and a quarter centuries ago.

“There are bottles, there are ceramics, and even pieces of basketry,” Jonsson observed. “You get closer to the people onboard.”

KAJIADO, Kenya — During her school break, 19-year-old Valerie Wairimu doesn’t have a moment to spare. She quickly grabs something to eat before heading to the on-campus nursery that sets Kenya’s Greenland Girls School apart from any other educational institution in the country.

At the nursery, a group of caregivers hand over her baby son Kayden, allowing Wairimu to nurse him before returning to her afternoon classes.

Greenland Girls School stands as Kenya’s sole educational facility specifically designed for teenage mothers, providing care for their children while the young women pursue their studies. The institution serves 310 students and more than 80 children ranging from newborns to toddlers, offering these families an opportunity to continue their education in an environment free from judgment — something education specialists view as an exemplary approach to bringing young mothers back into the classroom.

“When I found that I was pregnant, I didn’t have anywhere else to go,” said Wairimu, who has placed near the top of her class in exams at Greenland and hopes to become a doctor.

Established in 2015 as a residential facility, the institution has successfully guided hundreds of young women through their secondary education while providing support for their children. Many graduates have advanced to prominent careers in fields such as government service and healthcare.

The nonprofit organization Shining Hope for Communities operates the facility, with numerous students receiving financial assistance through scholarship programs.

Most enrolled students originate from Kajiado County, located south of Nairobi, where the school maintains a team of community outreach workers who identify and refer expectant mothers to the program.

The institution has also established connections with social service agencies and educators throughout Kenya, including remote western regions like Wairimu’s hometown. Coming from a household led by a single father with a younger sibling, she lacked the resources to support a newborn. Her grandmother learned about the school and arranged for Wairimu’s enrollment.

A significant portion of the student body comes from challenging circumstances, with some pregnancies resulting from sexual violence or arranged marriages.

According to Paul Mukilya, the school’s administrative manager, families frequently withhold support, leaving outreach staff to negotiate with local community leaders for permission to enroll students.

“Some of the challenges which the students encounter are the family and the community. Most of them have failed to accept them the way they are,” Mukilya said. “When they come here, we take them through psychological counseling and mentorship.”

Kenyan law prohibits sexual activity involving anyone under 18, though the legal framework only holds males criminally responsible. Underage pregnancies frequently result in court proceedings, and Greenland assists its students while coordinating with law enforcement, particularly in situations involving child marriage.

During classroom hours, the school’s staff assumes responsibility for childcare while providing guidance and support to the young mothers.

“Some of the mothers view their children as a burden,” said Caroline Mumbai, a caregiver at Greenland who has two children of her own. “So we also teach them how to mother.”

Ensuring educational access for teenage mothers presents a significant challenge in Kenya, particularly as the nation grapples with a rapidly expanding youth demographic. Government statistics indicate that more than 125,000 babies born in 2024 were delivered by mothers under 19 years old.

Research conducted by the Population Council, a health and development organization, revealed in 2015 that two-thirds of teenage mothers identified pregnancy as their primary reason for leaving school. More recent 2022 findings by research group IDinsight showed that unplanned pregnancy ranked as the second-leading factor preventing girls from returning to education, surpassed only by financial constraints.

To address growing demand from Kenya’s coastal areas, Greenland Girls School plans to launch a second location in Kilifi County.

“Every girl who gets pregnant and drops out during their school time must be allowed reentry,” said Dr. Githinji Gitahi, chief executive of development agency Amref Health Africa. “Special schools are important in supplementing the general scalable policy framework. We should focus on these schools that are helping to close the equity gap.”

Students at Greenland express gratitude for an atmosphere that eliminates social stigma and promotes academic achievement.

“People used to judge me because I got pregnant,” said Mary Wanjiku, 20, whose son is almost 18 months old. She now hopes to become a lawyer.

“The moment I came here, I was received with love,” she said.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand — A defense and security agreement signed Thursday between New Zealand and Cook Islands has resolved more than a year of diplomatic friction stemming from the smaller nation’s growing relationship with China.

The diplomatic dispute that led Wellington to temporarily halt millions in aid funding to Avarua may have involved nations of vastly different sizes — New Zealand’s 5 million residents versus Cook Islands’ 15,000 — but Pacific region watchers closely followed the standoff as it highlighted the challenging position facing small island nations. These countries must navigate between longstanding Western partnerships with nations like New Zealand and Australia while considering new opportunities from Beijing.

Under the newly signed declaration, Cook Islands committed to making New Zealand its “partner of choice regarding defense and security matters,” effectively eliminating Wellington’s concerns about China potentially filling that role. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters stated the agreement addressed “ambiguity” in the two nations’ existing relationship.

The tensions began in February 2025 when Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China during a Beijing visit, causing concern in Wellington after Brown declined to share the agreement’s details beforehand. New Zealand officials worried this refusal could create security risks. Cook Islands operates as a self-governing territory under a 60-year free association arrangement with New Zealand, meaning New Zealand provides military protection while Cook Islands citizens can freely live and work in New Zealand.

This relationship requires Cook Islands leadership to consult Wellington on international agreements that might impact New Zealand’s interests. Brown justified his decision to keep the China deal private, arguing disclosure wasn’t required under existing agreements with Wellington.

New Zealand, serving as Cook Islands’ primary financial supporter, suspended millions in aid during the dispute, though this represented only a portion of total Wellington funding. Peters announced during his Thursday visit to Cook Islands that this assistance would resume following the signing of the new accord.

“This declaration seeks to remove previous ambiguity about the nature of the relationship between New Zealand and the Cook Islands, especially as it pertains to defense and security,” Peters stated.

Cook Islands, consisting of 15 islands scattered across the South Pacific, represents one of numerous small regional nations receiving attention from Beijing through aid offers, loans, and development deals designed to expand Chinese influence. The sparsely inhabited South Pacific holds strategic significance, and many countries there, including Cook Islands, control extensive and valuable exclusive economic zones where Brown is investigating deep-sea mineral extraction possibilities.

“The strategic environment we face is more complex and contested today than at any other point since New Zealand and the Cook Islands formed our free association relationship in 1965,” Peters said Thursday.

The China agreements particularly troubled Wellington because Cook Islanders carry New Zealand passports, raising security concerns. In October 2024, Brown suggested creating separate Cook Islands passports, though he later abandoned this idea after stating New Zealand had “bared its teeth” over the proposal.

“It’s no secret that our two governments have had a series of serious disagreements since late 2024,” Peters acknowledged Thursday.

When questioned about how the New Zealand-Cook Islands declaration affects the earlier Beijing agreement — which addressed deep-sea mining, infrastructure development, and educational scholarships without explicit security components — both leaders deflected. Brown told reporters the New Zealand agreement wouldn’t impact his country’s other international partnerships.

However, New Zealand would serve as “our first port of call on anything to do with defense and security,” Brown confirmed.

Eastern Libya’s military commander Khalifa Haftar has obtained what experts identify as Chinese and Turkish combat drones, violating a United Nations weapons embargo that has been in effect since 2011, according to new Reuters reporting.

Satellite imagery reveals at least three unmanned aircraft stationed at Al Khadim airbase, positioned approximately 62 miles east of Benghazi in the desert. The drones appeared at the facility between late April and December, marking the first time their presence has been disclosed publicly.

Three weapons specialists who examined the satellite photographs confirmed that ground control equipment for operating the aircraft remained visible into this year.

During Libya’s civil conflict from 2014 to 2020, drone warfare became a defining feature as Haftar’s Libyan National Army attempted to remove the UN-backed government in Tripoli. Haftar justified his campaign by claiming the western administration was sheltering armed militias and extremist groups, allegations the government rejected.

The conflict drew international involvement, with UAE, Egypt and Russia backing Haftar’s forces while Turkey supported the Tripoli administration, according to UN investigators. China maintained neutrality during the fighting.

Although the opposing sides reached a ceasefire agreement in 2020, Libya continues to operate under divided rule, with Haftar controlling the east and Prime Minister Abdulhamid Dbeibah’s government governing from Tripoli in the west.

Anas El Gomati, director of the Sadeq Institute, a Libyan research organization, described the new drone acquisitions as potentially “a huge symbolic win” for Haftar. The weapons would strengthen his control over eastern Libya and significant southern oil facilities while enhancing his position in talks aimed at establishing a unified national government.

El Gomati suggested the drones could also protect supply routes to Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces militia, though Haftar has rejected claims of supporting that group.

A critical question remains unanswered, according to Gomati, who noted that Haftar’s forces lack the technical knowledge to operate such advanced equipment. “The question remains: who’s operating them?” he told Reuters.

Weapons experts who analyzed the satellite images identified one drone as likely being a Chinese-manufactured Feilong-1, an advanced surveillance and attack aircraft. The remaining two appear to be less powerful Turkish-made Bayraktar TB2 drones, though experts acknowledged other models couldn’t be completely ruled out.

Reuters was unable to determine the source of the drones or their delivery timeline. The Libyan National Army, Chinese and Turkish governments, and the manufacturers – Xi’an-based Zhongtian Feilong and Istanbul-based Baykar – did not respond to detailed inquiries. The Tripoli government also declined to comment.

The news organization could not confirm whether China, Turkey or other UN member nations requested exemptions to supply drones to eastern Libya. The Security Council committee responsible for handling such requests did not answer questions about the aircraft.

The UN peacekeeping department referenced a Security Council resolution from last year expressing serious concerns about ongoing embargo violations. The embargo requires UN approval for all weapons transfers to Libya.

The arms restrictions were implemented in 2011 following a NATO-supported uprising that removed longtime leader Muammar Gaddafi. However, sophisticated military equipment continued flowing into the country during subsequent fighting, with UN monitors noting that Libya became Africa’s first major battlefield for drone warfare.

While current tensions have decreased, evidence suggests both sides are working to strengthen their air capabilities, according to five Libya analysts, weapons experts and UN investigators.

In December, the LNA signed a $4 billion military equipment agreement with Pakistan, including JF-17 fighter aircraft developed in partnership with China, as Reuters previously reported.

Pakistani officials maintained the agreement didn’t violate the embargo, though UN sanctions officials and Pakistan’s foreign and defense ministries haven’t responded to questions about these claims.

The new Chinese and Turkish drones would significantly enhance LNA capabilities following the 2020 removal of Chinese-made Wing Loong II drones that had been stationed at Al Khadim, as documented by UN investigators.

The UAE, viewing Haftar as protection against Islamist organizations, assisted in building LNA air power, including supplying and “most probably” operating the Wing Loong aircraft, according to a 2017 UN panel report.

Abu Dhabi has consistently denied providing military assistance to the LNA. The UAE foreign ministry didn’t respond to questions regarding the new drones.

Turkey provided the UN-recognized government with TB2 drones and air defense systems that helped repel Haftar’s 2020 Tripoli offensive, creating a stalemate that largely continues today.

The air power balance shifted further toward Tripoli in October 2022 when the western government agreed to acquire more advanced Turkish Bayraktar Akinci drones, capable of carrying nearly triple the payload and reaching higher altitudes than Wing Loong II aircraft.

However, Turkish-Haftar relations have recently improved as Ankara seeks to protect economic and energy interests in Libya and secure eastern parliament approval of a controversial 2019 maritime boundaries agreement with western authorities.

Ibrahim Kalin, Turkey’s National Intelligence Organization chief, met with Haftar and his son Saddam in Benghazi last August to explore enhanced cooperation on intelligence and security issues, according to an LNA statement.

Saddam, serving as LNA deputy commander, visited Ankara three times last year for meetings with senior officials including Defense Minister Yasar Guler. Turkey’s defense ministry characterized its LNA engagement as progress toward a “unified Libya.”

Reuters couldn’t establish whether these discussions included drone provisions.

Satellite imagery shows a previously unseen drone type appeared at Al Khadim between late April and July last year, parked outside a hangar on the northern section. The same aircraft also appeared on the runway in a May 3 image from Vantor, a U.S. satellite company, suggesting active use, according to Wim Zwijnenburg, a military technology expert with Dutch peace organization PAX.

While the aircraft’s dimensions and shape resemble a Wing Loong II, the wing configuration suggests it’s more likely a Feilong-1, Zwijnenburg explained. Jeremy Binnie from defense intelligence firm Janes and Joseph Dempsey from London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies agreed with this assessment.

Limited available photographs and lack of previous satellite imagery make definitive identification challenging.

A new protective shelter was constructed in November over the drone’s parking location, which Binnie suggested might explain its absence from later imagery. A truck carrying satellite equipment, likely used for aircraft control, remained near the area as recently as January 12.

Justyna Gudzowska, executive director of watchdog organization The Sentry, said Haftar has apparently sought Chinese military drones for years, citing international law enforcement operations targeting sanctions violations.

Chinese drones were connected to two alleged attempts to smuggle unauthorized military equipment into eastern Libya since 2019, according to U.S., Canadian and Italian investigators.

In June 2024, Italian authorities acting on U.S. intelligence seized drone components traveling from China to Benghazi. UN experts who examined the parts determined they matched components from two Feilong-1 drones, concluding the model falls under embargo restrictions, according to a draft 2025 panel report reviewed by Reuters.

China has disputed the parts’ military classification, previously informing the UN panel they appeared to come from a discontinued model used for emergency rescue and disaster response operations.

Two smaller drones appeared on the same Al Khadim section in a December 17 Vantor image. Their length, wingspan and twin-boom tail configuration match Turkish TB2 drones, said Dempsey, who brought the image to Reuters’ attention.

The model gained recognition when Ukraine deployed them against Russian invasion forces and has been exported to numerous countries, including the UAE.

Defense manufacturers in China, UAE and Belarus have also produced similar-appearing models. However, two ground control units with distinctive double-antenna configurations, visible in satellite imagery between July and March, strongly indicate TB2 operations in the area, all three experts agreed.

California-based Planet Labs satellite images show Al Khadim has undergone extensive renovations since early last year, including addition of at least three new hangars in the area where drones were observed.

Another structure under construction in the analyzed images is likely designed for “stationing and launching of Turkish Bayraktar UAVs,” according to the UN panel’s draft report.

Russian forces, who use Libya as a base for operations across West and Central Africa, maintain a presence at Al Khadim. However, experts who spoke with Reuters don’t believe they’re operating the drones in the imagery.

Baykar CEO Haluk Bayraktar told CNN in a 2022 interview that his company would never provide drones to Russia because “we support Ukraine, support its sovereignty.”

While Moscow is known to use some Chinese-made surveillance drones and components, there’s no record of it deploying fully assembled Chinese combat drones, military expert Zwijnenburg noted.

Russia’s defense and foreign ministries didn’t respond to comment requests.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung called on lawmakers Thursday to swiftly approve an emergency spending package worth 26.2 trillion won, equivalent to $17.3 billion, as the nation faces what he described as an unprecedented energy security crisis stemming from Middle East conflicts.

Speaking to parliament in a nationally broadcast address, Lee warned that energy supply disruptions will persist long after current hostilities end. “Even if the war ends tomorrow, it will take a considerable period of time for the destroyed energy infrastructure facilities in the Middle East to be restored and supplies to run as smoothly as before,” the president stated.

Legislative leaders anticipate the emergency budget will receive parliamentary approval by April 10th. Once lawmakers give their backing, government officials plan to begin implementing the economic support measures immediately.

NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) — In the early morning hours within the cramped pathways of Mathare, a sprawling settlement in Kenya’s capital city, Agnes Mbesa switches on a lone light bulb suspended from her metal ceiling. The mother of three previously depended on smoky kerosene lamps for years. Today, electrical power illuminates her dwelling and operates the modest retail business she operates from her front porch.

“Before the power came, we closed early because it was too dark,” Mbesa said. “Now people come even at night, and I can earn something.”

Several hundred kilometers away in the western Kenyan village of Sori, fisherman Samuel Oketch shares a comparable account. When a solar mini-grid system arrived in his community, he purchased a freezer to preserve his daily catch. Fish that previously required immediate sale at reduced prices can now be kept fresh and transported to neighboring markets.

“These small changes mean a lot,” Oketch said. “Electricity gives us options. My wife can now sell (fish) without being taken advantage of by brokers who had the freezers.”

These stories of electrification supported by charitable organizations and government funding demonstrate how expanding energy access can revolutionize daily life and enhance economic opportunities. Over 730 million individuals globally remain without electrical power, with approximately 600 million residing in Africa. Insufficient access limits healthcare delivery, educational advancement, digital connections and employment opportunities.

Fresh financial commitments seek to speed up advancement. In March, the European Investment Bank committed over $1.15 billion toward renewable energy developments throughout sub-Saharan Africa, encompassing hydroelectric, solar, wind and electrical grid expansion projects.

“This funding is Europe’s commitment to provide cleaner, more affordable, and reliable energy for hundreds of millions of people in Africa,” said European Investment Bank President Nadia Calviño.

The Rockefeller Foundation also revealed in March during the Africa Energy Indaba conference in Cape Town, South Africa, its plan to contribute an additional $10 million supporting electrification efforts in no fewer than 15 African nations. These funds will be distributed through the Global Energy Alliance for People and Planet to bolster national programs and assist government policy changes.

“African governments are choosing to transform their energy sectors by committing to national energy compacts and investing in African-led solutions,” said William Asiko, senior vice president at the Rockefeller Foundation.

These investments back the Mission 300 program spearheaded by the World Bank and African Development Bank, targeting electrical connections for 300 million sub-Saharan African residents by 2030 using grid extensions and decentralized approaches like mini-grids and independent solar systems. Throughout much of Africa, where national power grids frequently prove unreliable, mini-grids have become a crucial alternative. These compact, community-based networks, usually solar or hybrid-powered, produce and deliver electricity within local areas.

Independent systems, in contrast, function autonomously at individual household levels. These encompass standalone solar packages that supply direct power access, helping close electricity shortfalls in distant and underserved regions.

The program provides governments in Malawi and Liberia with technical guidance to advance national energy strategies, extend transmission infrastructure and enhance distribution system reliability and effectiveness. Work in Côte d’Ivoire, Nigeria, and Senegal incorporates local currency funding and collective purchasing assistance.

Andrew Herscowitz, CEO of the Mission 300 Accelerator at RF Catalytic Capital, emphasized that expanding access requires ongoing funding and enhanced implementation capabilities, including better monitoring and more coordinated support to speed connections.

“Energy access is key to unlocking human potential and economic development,” Herscowitz said.

Kenya has obtained funding since 2017 from the World Bank, African Development Bank and partners through Mission 300 to advance its Last Mile Connectivity initiative, which focuses on households near existing electrical equipment, especially in countryside areas and informal communities, while working toward complete electricity coverage by 2030. Countryside access increased to roughly 68% in 2023 from slightly under 7% in 2010.

Throughout eastern and southern Africa, where only approximately 48% of residents and 26% in rural regions have electrical access, World Bank initiatives plan to expand coverage in up to 20 nations over the coming seven years through renewable energy developments.

Mbesa, the Mathare shop owner, received electrical service in 2021 through the Last Mile Connectivity Project. The program offered no-cost connections to households and small enterprises situated near transformers, with sponsors covering the typical $115 connection charge. In more isolated locations like Oketch’s village, the project included independent solutions, such as mini-grids and solar installations, to serve communities outside the national grid.

For Mbesa, the transformation is unmistakable. The single light fixture over her shop has lengthened her business day and enabled her children to complete homework after dark.

“Electricity changes everything,” she said. “Once you have it, life starts moving forward.”

Myanmar’s legislative chambers will convene on Friday for a combined parliamentary session to select the country’s next president, according to an announcement made Thursday by house speaker Aung Lin Dwe.

Among the candidates vying for the nation’s highest office is Min Aung Hlaing, the Southeast Asian country’s former top military commander who previously served as the leader of Myanmar’s ruling junta.

The announcement comes as Myanmar continues to navigate its complex political landscape following years of military rule and ongoing internal conflicts.

Authorities in Singapore have filed fraud charges against an additional suspect in connection with an alleged scheme to deceive U.S. technology company Dell Technologies about artificial intelligence servers.

Prosecutors charged Jenny Lim on Thursday with participating in fraudulent activities alongside Alan Wei Zhaolun and Aaron Woon Guo Jie, who faced similar charges in February of last year. According to police documentation, the three individuals allegedly worked together in 2024 to deceive Dell by falsely claiming that Aperia International would be the final recipient of servers purchased from the company.

Singapore’s Home Affairs Minister K Shanmugam revealed in March of last year that investigators determined the servers in question likely contained Nvidia computer chips. These servers were originally provided by Dell and artificial intelligence server manufacturer Super Micro Computer to Singapore-based businesses before being forwarded to Malaysia, though officials remain uncertain whether Malaysia was their ultimate destination.

The charges come amid ongoing tensions over technology exports, as the United States implemented restrictions on exporting advanced Nvidia chips to China in 2022 due to concerns about potential military applications. Earlier this year in January, the U.S. government gave conditional approval for sales of Nvidia’s H200 chips, which rank as the company’s second-most powerful processors.

According to Nvidia’s February 2025 financial disclosure, Singapore represented the chip manufacturer’s second-largest market during 2024, generating 18% of total revenue behind only the United States. However, Singapore officials stated last year that merely 1% of Nvidia’s chips actually arrived in Singapore for use in local data centers.

Nvidia’s revenue classification system is based on the headquarters locations of their customers rather than where products are physically delivered. The company’s 2026 financial year filing shows that sales to customers in the United States, Taiwan, and China comprised 98% of total revenue.

In a related development, U.S. authorities filed charges in March against three individuals connected to Super Micro, including one of the company’s co-founders, alleging they facilitated the illegal export of at least $2.5 billion worth of American AI technology to China in violation of export regulations.

LONDON (AP) — Nearly three dozen nations will convene Thursday in a diplomatic push to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime corridor that Iranian aggression has effectively closed amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that the virtual summit, led by Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, “will assess all viable diplomatic and political measures we can take to restore freedom of navigation, guarantee the safety of trapped ships and seafarers and to resume the movement of vital commodities.”

Commercial vessel traffic through the strategic waterway linking the Persian Gulf to international waters has ground to a near-complete halt following Iranian strikes on merchant ships and continued threats of additional attacks. The blockade has severed a crucial artery for global oil transport, causing petroleum costs to spike worldwide.

Notably absent from Thursday’s gathering will be the United States. President Trump has declared that protecting the shipping lane falls outside American responsibilities and advised U.S. partners to “go get your own oil.”

With active hostilities continuing and Iran’s capability to deploy anti-ship missiles, unmanned drones, naval vessels and sea mines, no nation appears prepared to attempt a military solution to force the strait open. However, Starmer revealed Wednesday that defense officials from several unnamed countries will convene separately to develop security protocols for merchant shipping “after the fighting has stopped.”

Meanwhile, 35 nations—including Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Canada, Japan and the United Arab Emirates—have endorsed a declaration calling on Iran to cease its blockade efforts while committing to “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage” through the vital channel.

Officials describe Thursday’s virtual conference as an initial step, with follow-up “working-level meetings” planned to develop specific implementation strategies.

Starmer acknowledged that restoring commercial navigation “will not be easy,” requiring “a united front of military strength and diplomatic activity” combined with collaboration from the shipping industry.

The multinational initiative mirrors the international “coalition of the willing” spearheaded by Britain and France to support Ukraine’s long-term security following any future ceasefire in that conflict. The coalition partly serves to demonstrate to the Trump administration that European allies are taking greater responsibility for regional security matters.

The importance of enhanced continental defense capabilities has gained added significance following Trump’s repeated suggestions that America might withdraw from NATO.

During his first televised address to the nation since military operations against Iran commenced, President Donald Trump announced that American forces will continue launching intensive strikes against the country over the coming weeks, promising to send Iran “back to the Stone Ages.”

In his primetime speech, Trump declared that Washington has achieved or surpassed all its military goals while warning of sustained attacks ahead.

“We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks,” Trump said. “We’re going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.”

The president made no mention of potential diplomatic talks with Iran or his previously established April 6 deadline for reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital passage for global energy shipments. Trump had earlier threatened strikes on Iran’s energy facilities if the waterway remained closed.

Trump’s address provided no concrete strategy for ending supply chain disruptions that have caused energy costs to skyrocket. He also avoided discussing the potential deployment of American ground forces or involvement from NATO allies, despite his past criticism of the alliance for not assisting with securing the strategic waterway.

Financial markets reacted swiftly to the president’s comments, with oil prices climbing more than 4% and Asian stock markets declining. Brent crude, the global benchmark, surged 4.9% to reach $106.16 per barrel, while U.S. crude increased 4% to $104.15 per barrel.

American gasoline prices exceeded an average of $4 per gallon on Tuesday for the first time since 2022, as the ongoing conflict continues driving fuel costs upward globally. Economic experts warn these elevated fuel expenses will impact grocery prices as companies face higher transportation and packaging expenses.

Congressional Democrats have sharply criticized Trump’s national address, with multiple lawmakers issuing statements Wednesday calling the speech “incoherent” and inadequate in addressing fundamental concerns from the American public.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner stated that Trump failed to provide sufficient explanations for a conflict that has inflated gasoline costs “alongside rising prices for diesel, fertilizer, aluminum, and other essentials, with consequences that will continue to ripple through the economy for a long time to come.”

Connecticut Senator Chris Murphy released his own statement describing the address as being “grounded in a reality that only exists in Donald Trump’s mind.”

Murphy added that “no one in America, after listening to that speech, knows whether we are escalating or deescalating.”

Asian financial markets opened Thursday with significant losses following Trump’s remarks. Tokyo’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.4% to 53,004.81, while South Korea’s Kospi fell 3.4% to 5,292.36. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng declined 0.8% to 25,082.59.

U.S. stock futures also showed declines of more than 0.7%. Oil prices continued their upward trajectory, with Brent crude jumping 5% to $106.22 per barrel and U.S. crude rising 4.2% to $104.36 per barrel.

Trump indicated during his address that the United States would “finish the job” in Iran and suggested military operations could conclude in the near future.

JAKARTA, April 2 – Twelve people sustained injuries when flames erupted at a propane gas facility located close to homes in Bekasi regency, situated east of Indonesia’s capital city Jakarta, according to reports from the state news service Antara on Thursday.

The intense blaze occurred Wednesday evening, creating an orange glow that illuminated the nighttime sky, as reported by local television stations.

Idham Kholid, an official with Bekasi’s disaster mitigation agency, confirmed to Antara that while no fatalities occurred during the incident, a dozen individuals were hurt in the fire. According to Idham, the flames also caused damage to residential properties and motor vehicles in the surrounding area.

Authorities have not yet determined what sparked the fire at the liquefied petroleum gas station.

Taiwan’s defense officials are raising alarm bells over legislative gridlock that could derail billions in critical military spending, according to statements made Thursday in Taipei.

Yen Ming-teh, who oversees the defense ministry’s budget operations, warned that parliamentary delays threaten to block T$78 billion ($2.44 billion) in essential weapons purchases, equipment maintenance, and military training programs.

The budget standoff means defense officials cannot move forward with 21% of this year’s planned military expenditures according to their original timeline, Yen explained during a press briefing.

President Lai Ching-te’s government had proposed boosting defense spending by 22.9% to reach T$949.5 billion in 2026. This would mark the first time since 2009 that Taiwan’s military budget would exceed 3% of the nation’s economic output, hitting 3.32% of gross domestic product.

Officials justify the increased spending as necessary to counter Beijing’s growing military aggression. China maintains territorial claims over Taiwan and has intensified pressure through military exercises and other displays of force. Washington has expressed support for Taiwan’s defense budget expansion.

However, opposition lawmakers controlling parliament have blocked both the main budget and an additional $40 billion military spending package. While opposition members say they back stronger defense capabilities, they refuse to approve what they call “blank cheques.”

The spending freeze directly impacts several major weapons programs, including the acquisition of U.S.-manufactured HIMARS rocket systems and Javelin missile purchases and restocking, according to Yen’s briefing.

Additional training for pilots flying Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter aircraft will also face delays due to the budget impasse, he noted.

“In response to the enemy threat, strengthening national defence capabilities cannot be delayed,” Yen stated. “Any delay in timing will cause irreversible negative effects.”

The budget dispute comes as President Trump has repeatedly urged international partners to increase their defense investments – a position Taiwan’s current leadership has embraced.

Meanwhile, Taiwan is preparing for its yearly Han Kuang military exercises, with planning sessions scheduled from April 11-24 and field exercises expected in July.

Tung Chi-hsing, who heads joint operations planning for the defense ministry, said the upcoming exercises will draw lessons from “recent international military operations as important references.”

These include studying U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, as well as the recent U.S. operation that captured Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro in January, Tung explained.

Taiwan’s military is focusing on improving early warning systems, rapid response protocols, drone countermeasures, multi-layered air defense networks, and anti-infiltration tactics based on these international examples, Tung added.

Beijing has never ruled out using military force to bring Taiwan under Chinese control, while Taiwan’s democratically chosen government maintains that only the island’s residents can determine their political future.

Financial markets worldwide experienced dramatic shifts following President Donald Trump’s national television address Wednesday evening, where he declared the United States would continue aggressive military action against Iran.

During his first televised speech since military operations began, Trump stated the U.S. would “finish the job” in Iran as “core strategic objectives are nearing completion,” suggesting the conflict could conclude in the near future.

The president’s remarks immediately impacted global energy markets, with oil prices climbing sharply. International benchmark Brent crude surged 5% to reach $106.22 per barrel, while domestic crude prices increased 4.2% to $104.36 per barrel.

Asian financial markets opened Thursday with significant losses across major indices. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 1.4% to 53,004.81, while South Korea’s Kospi experienced a steeper decline of 3.4% to 5,292.36. Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index fell 0.8% to 25,082.59.

American market futures also pointed to continued volatility, with contracts down more than 0.9% ahead of Thursday’s opening bell.

Notably absent from Trump’s address was any reference to his previous ultimatum regarding Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping channel for global energy transport. The president also did not outline specific measures to address ongoing supply chain disruptions that have contributed to rising energy costs.

Gold prices moved in the opposite direction, falling 2% to $4,718.90 per ounce as investors adjusted their portfolios.

Wednesday’s domestic trading session had shown positive momentum before Trump’s evening remarks, with renewed speculation about a potential conflict resolution. The S&P 500 gained 0.7% to close at 6,575.32, the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 0.5% to 46,565.74, and the technology-heavy Nasdaq composite rose 1.2% to 21,840.95.

This optimism followed Trump’s Tuesday comments suggesting military operations could conclude within two to three weeks.

SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced sweeping new restrictions on gambling promotions Thursday, marking what he described as the world’s most comprehensive betting reform initiative.

The Prime Minister characterized the upcoming changes as “the most significant reform on gambling that has ever been implemented” for a country that leads globally in both gambling participation and individual betting losses.

“The government is taking decisive action to tackle the community and public health concerns associated with gambling,” Albanese stated during the announcement.

Starting in 2027, the new regulations will specifically target protecting minors from what Albanese termed the “deluge of advertisements” currently reaching young people.

Under the updated framework, television gambling commercials will be limited to three per hour during the timeframe of 6 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with complete prohibition during live sporting events within those hours.

Radio gambling promotions will be forbidden during morning and afternoon school transportation periods, while digital advertisements will only reach logged-in users who have verified they are 18 or older and can choose to disable such content.

The legislation will completely eliminate celebrity and athlete participation in gambling marketing campaigns, while also removing betting company branding from sporting facilities and all team uniforms worn by players and referees.

Major international gambling corporations are expected to feel the impact, including London-based Flutter Entertainment PLC, which operates Australia’s leading betting application Sportsbet, and Entain PLC, which runs the third-largest platform Ladbrokes.

Market reactions were immediate, with Tabcorp Holdings, Australia’s second-largest gambling company, experiencing a 2.4% stock decline during afternoon trading, significantly outpacing the broader ASX200 index drop of 0.8%.

The United Nations announced Wednesday that Garry Conille, who formerly held the position of Prime Minister in Haiti, has been selected by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to serve as the organization’s resident coordinator in Kenya.

According to the UN announcement, Conille began his new duties immediately upon the Wednesday appointment. The move comes as international security arrangements continue to evolve in the region.

WASHINGTON — During his inaugural national television address since military operations commenced more than a month ago, President Donald Trump declared Wednesday evening that American forces would complete their mission in Iran within the coming weeks, stating that “core strategic objectives are nearing completion.”

The prime-time speech provided Trump with a platform to clarify war objectives after weeks of shifting goals and conflicting statements about whether military operations would wind down or escalate — all while Iran continued launching attacks against Israel and Persian Gulf nations amid ongoing airstrikes on Tehran.

However, much of the president’s remarks echoed previous statements from recent weeks, while indicating the United States was approaching completion of its primary military goals within an estimated two to three week timeframe. He vowed American forces would maintain intense pressure on Iran.

“For years, everyone has said that Iran cannot have nuclear weapons. But in the end, those are just words if you’re not willing to take action when the time comes,” Trump said.

The commander-in-chief stated, “In these past four weeks our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield” and criticized decades of previous U.S. foreign policy, declaring that former presidents “made mistakes and I am correcting them.”

“The situation has been going on for 47 years and should’ve been handled long before I arrived in office,” he said.

Trump also recognized increasing oil costs and unstable financial markets, but maintained these effects would be short-lived.

Current polling indicates many Americans believe U.S. military actions in Iran have exceeded appropriate limits — despite additional American troops deploying to the region for a potential ground campaign. Trump chose not to deliver such remarks closer to when the U.S. and Israel initially launched their offensive, raising questions about whether his message can now effectively reach the public.

Iranian missiles struck Dubai in the United Arab Emirates and Israel shortly before Trump’s televised remarks.

During an Easter lunch Wednesday afternoon, the president commented about Iran: “We could just take their oil. But you know, I’m not sure that the people in our country have the patience to do that, which is unfortunate.”

“Yeah, they want to see it end. If we stayed there, I prefer just to take the oil,” Trump said. “We could do it so easily. I would prefer that. But people in the country sort of say: ‘Just win. You’re winning so big. Just win. Come home.’ And I’m OK with that, too, because we have a lot of oil between Venezuela and our oil.”

Media representatives were barred from observing the president’s lunch remarks, though the White House initially posted video footage online before removing it. White House officials did not respond to Associated Press inquiries about the video or its removal.

In a Wednesday social media message, Trump maintained an aggressive stance, demanding Iran cease blocking the Strait of Hormuz — a crucial waterway for global oil transport — or face U.S. bombing that would send the Islamic Republic “back to the Stone Ages.” The president has also stated the U.S. “will not have anything to do with” protecting ships navigating Hormuz, seemingly retreating from earlier threats to attack Iran’s electrical infrastructure if the strait remained closed past April 6.

During the same Easter gathering, the president repeated criticisms of NATO partners for their hesitation to help secure the Strait of Hormuz while suggesting China, Japan and South Korea could assist in reopening the waterway.

“Let South Korea, you know, we only have 45,000 soldiers in harm’s way over there, right next to a nuclear force — let South Korea do it,” Trump said regarding efforts to reopen the strait. “Let Japan do it. They get 90% of their oil from the strait. Let China do it.”

In another morning social media post, Trump claimed that “Iran’s New Regime President” sought a ceasefire. The reference remained unclear since Iran maintains the same president. Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Esmail Baghaei, denounced Trump’s assertion as “false and baseless,” according to Iranian state television reports.

Speaking to Al Jazeera earlier, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated Tehran’s determination to continue fighting. “You cannot speak to the people of Iran in the language of threats and deadlines,” he said. “We do not set any deadline for defending ourselves.”

Prior to Trump’s address, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian published an extensive English-language letter on his X account, appealing directly to American citizens and emphasizing that his nation had pursued diplomatic negotiations before the U.S. abandoned that approach. “Exactly which of the American people’s interests are truly being served by this war?” he wrote.

Since operations began February 28, Trump has presented varying objectives and repeatedly suggested the conflict could end quickly while simultaneously threatening to expand it. Thousands of additional U.S. military personnel are currently en route to the Middle East, generating widespread speculation about their purpose.

Trump has also threatened strikes against Iran’s Kharg Island oil export facility. Additionally, the U.S. might deploy military forces to secure Iran’s uranium reserves — a complicated and dangerous mission involving radiation and chemical hazards, according to experts and former government officials.

Further complicating matters is uncertainty about Israel’s role — which has conducted bombing campaigns alongside the U.S. — in any of these potential scenarios.

Trump faces mounting pressure to conclude the war that has driven up gasoline, food and other commodity prices. Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, has increased more than 40% since hostilities began.

The United States has presented Iran with a 15-point ceasefire proposal, including demands to reopen the strait and scale back its nuclear activities.

Iran maintains its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes. Last week, Iranian state television’s English-language service quoted an unnamed official stating Iran had its own conditions for ending hostilities, including maintaining sovereignty over the strait.

In the Al Jazeera interview, Araghchi confirmed receiving direct communications from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. However, he emphasized no direct negotiations were occurring and expressed zero confidence that discussions with the U.S. could produce results, stating “the trust level is at zero.”

He cautioned against any U.S. ground invasion attempt, declaring “we are waiting for them.”

In an apparent diplomatic gesture, U.S. officials have provided “clear assurances” that Araghchi and Iran’s Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf would not be targeted, according to three officials speaking anonymously because they lack authorization to discuss the matter publicly.

JAKARTA – A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake rocked Indonesia’s Northern Molucca Sea on Thursday, claiming one life and causing structural damage while generating tsunami waves across the region, according to officials and eyewitness accounts.

Indonesia’s weather monitoring service BMKG reported tsunami waves at five different locations, with the tallest measuring 0.75 meters (2.46 feet) in North Minahasa in North Sulawesi. The agency tracked 11 aftershocks following the initial quake, with the strongest registering magnitude 5.5, and advised residents to remain vigilant.

During a news briefing, BMKG director Teuku Faisal Fathani explained that their computer models suggested tsunami waves could reach heights between 0.5 and 3 meters (1.6 to 9.8 feet).

American tsunami monitoring centers initially warned of dangerous tsunami conditions along coastlines in Indonesia, the Philippines and Malaysia within 1,000 kilometers (620 miles) of the earthquake’s center, though they subsequently canceled the alert.

The lone fatality occurred in the Manado region when debris from a collapsing sports authority building struck a victim, North Sulawesi police deputy chief Awi Setiyono reported to media outlets.

The Southeast Asian nation sits along the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” an extremely active seismic region where multiple tectonic plates converge, generating frequent earthquakes and volcanic activity among the country’s more than 130 active volcanoes.

The earthquake’s epicenter was located approximately 580 kilometers (360 miles) south of Philippine shores and 1,000 kilometers (621 miles) from Malaysia’s Sabah region.

“Although relatively small, this situation still requires vigilance due to the potential for aftershocks,” Indonesia’s national disaster agency stated, noting preliminary reports showed minor to moderate damage to residential homes and a church, with comprehensive damage assessments ongoing.

The agency reported that initial tremors lasted 10 to 20 seconds in Bitung City and Ternate City, with follow-up aftershocks occurring offshore. Officials urged citizens to stay calm and follow official guidance until safety could be confirmed.

Indonesian Metro TV broadcast footage showing damaged structures, while a Manado resident speaking to Reuters described people fleeing their homes in fear. Though her neighborhood showed no obvious damage, household items had fallen and electricity was disrupted, the resident noted.

Philippine seismic monitoring agency Phivolcs determined there was “no destructive tsunami threat” to their nation based on current information, while Malaysia’s weather service found no immediate tsunami danger but continued monitoring the situation.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center cautioned about possible waves under 0.3 meters (1 foot) above normal tide levels affecting Guam, Japan, Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines and Taiwan.

Japanese authorities predicted waves reaching 0.2 meters (8 inches) but anticipated no damage, though the Japan Meteorological Agency warned Pacific tsunami activity remained possible.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A powerful 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Indonesian waters early Thursday, generating small tsunami waves and claiming at least one life while damaging buildings across multiple coastal areas, according to government officials.

The U.S. Geological Survey reported the tremor originated in the Molucca Sea at a depth of 35 kilometers (22 miles).

Within 30 minutes of the earthquake, tsunami waves reached several coastal monitoring points, with Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency documenting wave heights of 20 centimeters (8 inches) in Bitung and 30 centimeters (a foot) in West Halmahera.

The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center in Honolulu detected 5-centimeter (2-inch) waves reaching Davao in the southern Philippines, though officials determined there was no danger to more distant coastal regions approximately three hours following the initial tremor.

Residents in Bitung, a coastal community in North Sulawesi province, experienced intense shaking for 10 to 20 seconds, with similar tremors felt in surrounding areas and Ternate city in neighboring North Maluku province, Indonesia’s Disaster Management Agency reported.

Early damage reports from Ternate revealed light to moderate destruction, with local emergency officials noting one church in the Batang Dua Island district was impacted and two residential structures sustained damage in South Ternate. Damage evaluation efforts continued in Bitung, the agency stated.

Indonesia’s Search and Rescue Agency confirmed a 70-year-old woman perished in North Sulawesi’s Minahasa district, with another person sustaining injuries.

“At this stage, caution is still required, particularly for communities living along the coast,” said Disaster Management Agency spokesperson Abdul Muhari in an official statement. He advised coastal residents to avoid returning to beaches or shoreline areas until authorities provide an official safety clearance.

Officials recorded at least two aftershocks following the primary earthquake, both occurring offshore. Authorities determined neither secondary tremor posed tsunami risks, though residents in impacted areas felt the ground movement.

“We had just woken up and suddenly the earthquake hit… we all ran out of the house,” said Bitung resident Marten Mandagi. “The shaking was very strong.”

Mandagi reported no visible damage in his immediate vicinity. “We’re still checking whether there is damage or not. But here we are safe, there are no casualties or destruction,” he explained.

Indonesia, a sprawling island nation home to over 280 million people, lies along major geological fault lines and regularly experiences seismic activity and volcanic events.

A Sydney court has rejected an attempt by a man charged in one of Australia’s deadliest mass shootings to keep his family members’ identities out of the news.

Naveed Akram, 24, faces charges for allegedly shooting and killing 15 people during a Jewish Hanukkah gathering at Sydney’s Bondi Beach in December. Police say the attack was motivated by Islamic State ideology.

Akram had requested a four-decade-long media ban that would have prohibited news organizations from publishing his mother’s, brother’s and sister’s names or photographs. The proposed order also would have blocked reporting of their home address and workplace or school locations, citing safety concerns.

Multiple Australian news organizations fought against the restriction, arguing it would interfere with comprehensive coverage of a case that has drawn massive public attention both domestically and internationally.

Judge Hugh Donnelly sided with the media outlets, emphasizing that transparent justice proceedings are essential and that publication bans “should only be made in exceptional circumstances.”

“This case has caused unprecedented public interest, anger, outrage and grief,” Donnelly stated.

The court learned that Akram’s driver’s license containing his address had already spread widely across the internet, and his mother had spoken with a local newspaper shortly after the shooting occurred.

Donnelly noted that since social media and international publications would not be bound by an Australian court order, restricting only domestic media would serve little purpose.

“This case is exceptional by virtue of the sheer magnitude and intensity of commentary on social media,” the judge explained.

During the hearing, Akram participated through a video connection from the maximum-security facility where he is detained. He waved at the camera when sitting down and only spoke to confirm he could hear the proceedings clearly.

Following discussions with his legal representatives, Akram’s attorney Richard Wilson informed the court they would not pursue an appeal of the ruling.

The shooting shocked Australia, a country recognized for having stringent firearm regulations, and sparked fresh demands for enhanced gun control measures and stronger efforts to address antisemitism.

Australian officials have initiated a government-supported investigation into antisemitism and social unity, with results expected by December. Authorities have already implemented stricter gun regulations and enacted new hate speech laws.

Global energy markets saw substantial declines Thursday morning as investors anticipated a potential shift in U.S. military strategy regarding Iran, with both major oil benchmarks dropping more than $1 per barrel.

Brent crude futures declined $1.16, representing a 1.15% decrease to reach $100 per barrel by 1204 GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures dropped $1.41, or 1.41%, settling at $98.71 per barrel. Both oil benchmarks had already closed lower during the previous trading session.

The market movement came ahead of President Donald Trump’s scheduled national address, with the president indicating to Reuters on Wednesday that the United States would conclude its military operations in Iran “fairly soon.” The speech was set for 9 p.m. EDT.

Market analyst Tony Sycamore from IG explained the trading activity in a research note, stating: “The overnight sell-off gathered pace on mounting hopes that the Iran conflict could finally be winding down.”

Sycamore added: “The market is widely expecting a decidedly dovish tone.”

Despite optimism about potential U.S. withdrawal, Sycamore warned that American departure wouldn’t automatically ensure the reopening of the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

“If the U.S. leaves without a formal ceasefire agreement locking in free passage and leaving its regional allies and their energy assets highly exposed to Iranian strikes, a persistent risk premium is likely to linger in the oil price,” he explained.

Regional maritime security concerns continue escalating as military actions spread throughout the area. On Wednesday, Qatar’s defense ministry reported that an Iranian cruise missile struck an oil tanker chartered by QatarEnergy while operating in Qatari territorial waters.

The International Energy Agency’s director warned Wednesday that supply chain disruptions would begin affecting European economic activity starting in April. Until now, the continent had been protected by oil shipments secured through contracts signed before hostilities began.

Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Wednesday that Roberto Velasco will take over as the nation’s foreign minister during a particularly tense period in U.S.-Mexico diplomatic relations.

Velasco, who currently serves as the foreign ministry’s North America subsecretary and is recognized as a leading authority on bilateral U.S. relations, will replace Juan Ramón de la Fuente. The outgoing minister, a 74-year-old psychiatrist and key advisor to Sheinbaum, asked to resign due to health concerns, according to a statement posted on social platform X by the president’s office.

The incoming foreign minister is a 38-year-old attorney who holds a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Chicago. Over the past six years, he has been deeply involved in Mexico’s diplomatic efforts with both the United States and Canada, initially serving as North America general director before advancing to his current subsecretary position. He temporarily filled in for De la Fuente following the minister’s surgery last year. The Senate must confirm his appointment.

Diplomatic observers view Velasco as among the most knowledgeable officials regarding the complex details of cross-border relations, having worked through the conclusion of President Trump’s initial presidency and now into his second term. He has spearheaded multiple bilateral and trilateral discussions covering security issues, immigration policy, economic matters, border management, and shared water resources.

Following Trump’s return to office, Velasco became De la Fuente’s primary deputy during increasingly strained relations between the neighboring countries, which have reached one of their most challenging phases. Questions remain about whether the younger official possesses sufficient political influence to navigate these difficult circumstances.

The new foreign minister will oversee Mexican diplomatic efforts during upcoming discussions to modify the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Free Trade Agreement, while managing Trump’s ongoing pressure regarding cartel operations. This comes as the U.S. president has demonstrated readiness to consider military action against nations he views as adversaries, including Cuba, which maintains close ties with Mexico.

Earlier in his career, Velasco worked as a spokesman for Marcelo Ebrard, who now serves as economy secretary, during Ebrard’s tenure as foreign minister in the initial years of former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s term.

De la Fuente, who held the foreign minister position since October 2024, earned recognition for his diplomatic approach and negotiation abilities. He supported Sheinbaum during the presidential transition, met with representatives from then-President Joe Biden’s administration, and oversaw preparations across the U.S. consular system for the deportation policies Trump announced.

After the Republican president took office in January 2025, De la Fuente emerged as a central figure in discussions with the new administration, consistently maintaining a reserved public presence while staying closely aligned with Sheinbaum’s careful response strategy to Trump’s frequent social media statements. Last September, he welcomed U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Mexico City for official talks.

Arturo Sarukhan, who previously served as Mexico’s ambassador to the United States, commented that “the reshuffle in the foreign ministry was long overdue” but declined to offer specific remarks about Velasco, saying he wished him success in the role.

Authorities issued tsunami warnings across Southeast Asia on Thursday following a powerful 7.8 magnitude earthquake that rocked the Northern Molucca Sea near Indonesia’s coast, according to the United States Geological Survey.

The seismic event occurred at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (6.21 miles) beneath the ocean floor, which can amplify the potential for dangerous waves.

Officials with the U.S. Tsunami Warning System cautioned that dangerous tsunami waves could reach coastlines within 1,000 kilometers of where the earthquake originated, potentially affecting Indonesia, the Philippines, and Malaysia.

The earthquake’s center was located approximately 120 kilometers away from Ternate, a city in Indonesia’s North Maluku province that is home to more than 205,000 residents, USGS data shows.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is pushing for deeper technological cooperation with France, emphasizing the need to move beyond standard diplomatic relationships toward strategic collaboration in cutting-edge fields.

According to remarks Lee made to French newspaper Le Figaro that were made public Thursday, the South Korean leader wants the two countries to work together on artificial intelligence and nuclear energy initiatives, which he views as essential for technological advancement.

Lee’s comments come as French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Seoul Thursday for a two-day diplomatic visit to South Korea.