Category: World News

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung is meeting with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi on Monday, with plans to significantly strengthen economic partnerships between the two nations, particularly in the shipbuilding sector.

This marks the first time a South Korean president has made a state visit to India in eight years.

Speaking at a dinner with Korean community members in New Delhi on Sunday, Lee acknowledged current limitations in their economic relationship. “The level of economic cooperation between South Korea and India is still very low,” the president stated. “Going forward, we will expand that space and make the relationship between South Korea and India completely different from what it is now.”

Both nations are working to enhance their Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, with goals to nearly double trade volume to $50 billion by 2030, up from last year’s $25.7 billion, according to presidential adviser Wi Sung-lac.

Lee’s visit will include business meetings with corporate executives, exploring collaboration opportunities in finance, artificial intelligence, and defense sectors, Wi noted.

The South Korean leader emphasized the strategic importance of this partnership on Sunday, stating that supply chain disruptions and global economic pressures from the Iran conflict will make the countries “the most important strategic partners” for each other. He characterized India not merely as a consumer market, but as a crucial player in worldwide production and supply networks.

Last month, South Korea made urgent requests for India to increase naphtha supplies to help mitigate potential disruptions from Middle Eastern tensions.

India supplied approximately 8% of South Korea’s naphtha imports in the previous year. South Korean Trade Minister Yeo Han-koo suggested that increased imports could help address trade imbalances between the nations.

Trade data from the Korea International Trade Association shows South Korea maintained a $12.8 billion trade surplus last year, with $19.2 billion in exports compared to $6.4 billion in imports.

During a policy discussion at South Korea’s parliament last week, Seoul National University Asia Center research fellow Maeng Hyun-chul highlighted India’s ongoing concerns about its growing trade deficit with South Korea. He noted that political relationships have lagged behind commercial connections.

Maeng suggested shipbuilding could become a major area for enhanced cooperation, aligning with India’s employment creation goals while leveraging South Korea’s industrial expertise. He also identified food and consumer products tied to Korean cultural popularity as potential growth sectors.

Following his India visit, Lee is scheduled to travel to Vietnam.

North Korea announced Monday that it conducted another ballistic missile test featuring cluster bomb warheads, marking the second such weapons trial this month as the isolated nation works to strengthen its ability to overcome American and South Korean defense systems.

The announcement from North Korea’s state-run Korean Central News Agency appears connected to the multiple missile launches that South Korea, Japan, and the United States tracked Sunday from North Korea’s eastern coastline.

State media photographs depicted North Korean leader Kim Jong Un alongside his teenage daughter, both dressed in black leather jackets, observing from a shoreline vantage point as a missile flew across the water with gray smoke trailing behind it. Intelligence officials from South Korea recently suggested that the daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae, may be positioned as Kim’s potential successor.

According to KCNA, Kim supervised the firing of five enhanced Hwasong-11 Ra surface-to-surface ballistic missiles equipped with cluster bomb warheads and fragmentation mine warheads.

The weapons successfully struck their island target, with Kim expressing approval of the test results. “It is of weighty significance in military actions to boost the high-density striking capability,” Kim stated, as reported by KCNA.

Earlier this month, North Korea conducted trials of Hwasong-11 Ka surface-to-surface ballistic missiles with cluster bomb capabilities that officials claimed “can reduce to ashes any target covering an area of 6.5-7 hectares (16 to 17.2 acres).”

While North Korea has previously experimented with cluster bomb warheads, analysts suggest the ongoing Iran conflict may have motivated North Korea to showcase its cluster munitions capabilities and speed up development of more advanced versions.

The devastating potential of cluster munitions has been demonstrated in current conflicts, with Israel alleging that Iran has deployed such weapons to overwhelm the nation’s strained air defense systems. These warheads explode at high elevations, releasing numerous smaller explosive devices across extensive areas that prove challenging to intercept.

Although more than 120 nations have agreed to an international agreement prohibiting cluster munitions, North Korea, Iran, Israel, and the United States have not joined this treaty.

Since Kim’s nuclear negotiations with former U.S. President Donald Trump collapsed in 2019, North Korea has been working to grow its nuclear weapons stockpile and develop sophisticated military technology. This includes multi-warhead nuclear missiles, hypersonic weapons, and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, which would significantly improve North Korea’s chances of overcoming U.S. and South Korean missile defense systems.

Trump has repeatedly indicated his interest in resuming diplomatic talks with Kim, while the North Korean leader has recently suggested openness to dialogue with Trump but called on Washington to abandon demands for North Korea’s nuclear disarmament as a condition for negotiations.

Trump is scheduled to visit Beijing for a rescheduled meeting with Xi Jinping in May. Some experts believe North Korea’s recent weapons testing may be designed to strengthen its bargaining position in potential future negotiations with the U.S., as the Trump-Xi summit could create diplomatic opportunities with Pyongyang.

MONTEVIDEO, Uruguay — Each Monday evening in Uruguay’s capital city, crowds of people circle around musicians in a public plaza, captivated by the rhythmic beats of drums, guitars and vocals that echo a musical tradition spanning centuries.

What began as friends getting together to play music has transformed La Rueda de Candombe into one of Uruguay’s most celebrated musical phenomena, taking the group from neighborhood street performances all the way to France’s prestigious Cannes Film Festival.

“What started as something among friends became visible without us intending it,” explained Uruguayan producer Caleb Amado, who helped establish La Rueda de Candombe.

This past Sunday marked the season finale for Rueda de Candombe at Montevideo’s Plaza de España, where six musicians came together to celebrate candombe — an energetic musical style that defines this South American nation’s cultural identity and has earned recognition from UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

During autumn 2024, Amado and his companion Rolo Fernández journeyed to Rio de Janeiro, exchanging Montevideo’s cooler weather for balmy evenings at some of Brazil’s most famous nightspots. During their visit, they experienced “rodas” — spontaneous musical gatherings where artists form circles around tables to perform while audiences stand and watch.

Drawing inspiration from these Brazilian sessions, the duo returned to Uruguay and created La Rueda de Candombe alongside four additional musicians.

Similar to their Brazilian counterparts, the ensemble performs seated around a table. However, their musical style remains uniquely Uruguayan: percussion, guitar and accordion create the distinctive rhythms of candombe, a genre with roots in African customs introduced to the area during the 1700s that now forms the core of Uruguay’s cultural identity. UNESCO has designated candombe as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Initially, close to one hundred people crowded into Santa Catalina, a compact bar located on a peaceful Montevideo street corner, to listen to their performances. Over several months, expanding audiences forced the shows to move to the adjacent Plaza España. As their fame spread, tourist buses started appearing regularly.

Even though Montevideo offers numerous public venues, including a 14-mile waterfront walkway, street performances occur much less frequently than in metropolitan areas such as Buenos Aires or Rio de Janeiro.

Online platforms helped spread their reputation, attracting well-known performers. The ensemble has shared the stage with Uruguayan musician Jorge Drexler at Montevideo’s famous Centenario Stadium and produced a recording. In 2025, they received an invitation to showcase Uruguay at the Cannes Film Festival, which features cultural presentations alongside its cinema programming.

From the 1700s onward, candombe has served as a cornerstone of Uruguayan culture. The genre originated at Plaza España — the historical port where enslaved Africans used drumbeats to preserve their spiritual practices.

The musical form centers on three drum varieties — chico, repique and piano — and achieves its most spectacular expression during February’s carnival season, when numerous musical groups known as comparsas march through city streets.

During the mid-1900s, candombe transformed by incorporating elements of jazz and contemporary music in a fusion called “candombe canción.” It became standard at social events — similar to current Rueda gatherings — while also functioning as a vehicle for cultural and political commentary throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

With winter approaching, Amado and Fernández intend to remain in Montevideo. The Rueda continues to grow, they report, while developing new initiatives, including performances at additional public plazas throughout the city.

The anticipation weighs heavily on his heart, but Keung Mak knows he must face what awaits him.

On Monday, the 78-year-old will enter his apartment for the first time since November’s devastating fire — Hong Kong’s most fatal blaze in decades — destroyed his building. Mak already knows to expect the worst after his social worker shared a photograph revealing the extensive damage.

The home where Mak and his wife spent more than four decades raising their family now shows exposed steel reinforcement bars through the burned ceiling. Broken tile pieces cover the floors, while sections of the structure require additional support to prevent complete collapse.

“My heart is heavy, I’m very disappointed. I didn’t expect the first floor would be burned like this,” Mak said before his planned return.

The November fire rapidly consumed seven out of eight buildings within the Tai Po district apartment complex, claiming 168 lives. Beginning this Monday, thousands of displaced residents will start visiting their former homes to collect whatever belongings survived. Officials expect this process to extend through early May.

Residents continue awaiting findings from the ongoing investigation into the fire’s origin. During this period, they’ve been managing temporary living situations throughout the city, with many staying in provisional housing while seeking permanent relocation options.

Burn marks still darken the exteriors of several buildings, serving as visible reminders of the catastrophe.

The homecoming process will prove especially challenging for the complex’s senior residents, who comprised more than one-third of the approximately 4,600 people living there before the disaster.

Since the elevators remain inoperable, some elderly residents have been participating in fitness programs to prepare for climbing stairs in the 31-story structures.

According to Radio Television Hong Kong, Deputy Chief Secretary Warner Cheuk reported that more than 1,400 registered returnees are age 65 or older.

Mak’s family treasures numerous items they hope to recover from their apartment: a fishing rod their son gave as a present, wedding photographs from fifty years ago, and correspondence from their son spanning many years. The family believes nearly everything has been destroyed.

“A lot of things with commemorative value are all gone,” said Mak’s 74-year-old wife, Kit Chan. “Not even a single piece of paper will be left.”

Most residents will receive up to three hours inside their apartments, with a maximum of four people permitted entry. In severely compromised units, only one person may enter safely.

Due to their apartment’s poor condition, only Mak and his son will be allowed inside, though Chan hopes officials might permit her a brief look as well.

Thirty-nine-year-old Cyrus Ng previously lived with his parents on the tenth floor of the Wang Fuk Court complex for more than ten years before relocating.

Following the fire’s immediate aftermath, Ng experienced sleeplessness, anger, sadness, and concern for his elderly parents. Nearly five months later, while more emotionally stable, he hasn’t completely processed the events.

“We know there are suspicious issues behind this,” he said. “I hope we can really find the truth.”

According to a lawyer representing an independent committee investigating the fire’s cause, nearly all fire safety equipment within the apartment buildings malfunctioned on the day of the blaze due to human mistakes.

Ng feels conflicted about returning next week to their apartment, which avoided the most severe damage. While concerned about the emotional toll on his parents, he anticipates retrieving their property deed, old photographs, clothing, and other precious belongings.

He also expressed concerns about potential theft following months of vacancy. In March, police detained three individuals suspected of stealing from the estate.

Government officials previously stated that cost-effective repairs to the damaged buildings would prove challenging. Authorities lean toward demolishing the seven fire-damaged structures and have proposed purchasing homeownership rights from affected residents.

They referenced resident survey results, disappointing those hoping to rebuild their homes at the original location.

Some residents have challenged this position. Fire inquiry data revealed that only half of approximately 1,700 apartments across the seven buildings sustained various levels of damage.

Ng questioned whether some buildings could be repaired to allow certain residents to return, though his parents were already considering the government’s alternative apartment offer. He plans to photograph his apartment during the visit to document its condition and demonstrate that some homes remain unaffected.

Other residents from the single building that escaped the fire must cope with traumatic memories while living at the same location.

Stephanie Leung, a resident of the undamaged building, feels hesitant about returning to the same apartment. She explained that her family would experience significant psychological distress whenever they viewed the seven other buildings where former classmates and friends perished.

She hopes the government will include her building in the same plan as the damaged structures while allowing those who wish to stay the option to remain.

“Whenever I go back, I want to cry,” she said.

Energy markets experienced sharp increases during Sunday morning trading as ongoing tensions between Iran and the United States blocked access to the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel for global oil supplies.

U.S. crude futures jumped 6.4% to reach $87.88 per barrel when trading reopened on the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. Meanwhile, Brent crude, which serves as the international benchmark, surged 6.5% to $96.25 per barrel.

The market volatility stems from more than two days of uncertainty surrounding the strategic waterway. On Friday, Iran announced it would completely reopen the passage along its coastline for commercial shipping, causing crude prices to drop over 9%. However, Tehran changed course on Saturday after President Donald Trump announced that U.S. Navy restrictions on Iranian ports would continue. During the weekend, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard opened fire on multiple ships, while Trump confirmed the forced capture of an Iranian cargo vessel attempting to bypass the naval blockade.

The military conflict between the U.S. and Israel against Iran has now entered its eighth week, triggering one of the most severe global energy emergencies in recent decades. Nations across Asia and Europe that depend heavily on Middle Eastern oil imports have experienced the greatest disruption from supply interruptions and production reductions, though surging costs for gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel are impacting consumers and businesses globally.

When questioned about when American drivers might see average gas prices drop below $3 per gallon again, Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated relief may not come until next year. “But prices have likely peaked, and they’ll start going down,” Wright told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.

Crude oil costs — the primary component in gasoline pricing — have experienced dramatic swings since the U.S. and Israel launched their attack on Iran on Feb. 28, followed by Iranian retaliatory strikes against other Gulf nations. Before the conflict began, crude was trading around $70 per barrel, then spiked above $119 at various points, before closing Friday at $82.59 for U.S. oil and $90.38 for Brent.

Energy experts have consistently cautioned that extended closure of the strait could lead to significantly worse price increases.

A delicate two-week ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran is scheduled to end Wednesday, while rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz cast doubt on future negotiations to resolve the conflict.

Even if a permanent agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is reached, industry analysts predict it could require months for oil shipments to normalize and fuel costs to decline. Contributing factors include backed-up tanker traffic, shipping companies worried about renewed escalation, and energy infrastructure damaged during the war, all of which could prevent production and shipping volumes from returning to pre-conflict levels.

According to AAA motor club data, regular gasoline averaged nearly $4.05 per gallon across the U.S. on Sunday. While this represents a decrease of about 8 cents from the previous week, it remains significantly higher than the $2.98 average before the war began.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is scheduled to speak before Parliament on Monday as opposition leaders demand his resignation over the controversial selection of Peter Mandelson for U.S. ambassador, following revelations that Mandelson failed security clearance checks.

The 72-year-old Mandelson, a prominent Labour Party figure, was removed from the ambassadorial role last September after his connections to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein became public knowledge. Starmer issued an apology at that time for the initial appointment.

New details surfaced Thursday revealing that Mandelson had actually failed security screening procedures before being named to the position, intensifying criticism of the prime minister whose approval ratings have declined since Labour’s decisive electoral victory in 2024.

Starmer previously assured Parliament that proper procedures had been observed regarding Mandelson’s appointment. The PM now claims it was inexcusable that he wasn’t informed about the vetting failure until the previous week. Foreign Office senior official Olly Robbins was dismissed as a result.

The prime minister announced he would “set out the relevant facts” to legislators Monday, while Robbins is expected to testify before a parliamentary committee Tuesday.

Political rivals have characterized Starmer’s actions as dishonest and incompetent, arguing his position has become untenable.

Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey criticized what he called “catastrophic misjudgement,” while Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch described his conduct as recklessly negligent at minimum.

“This has been a tawdry and shaming affair for you and your party, and for this country,” Badenoch wrote in a Sunday letter to the prime minister.

“Not only have you damaged our relationship with the United States and insulted the victims of the paedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but you have also undermined our national security by giving the highest diplomatic post to an individual that the security services found to be of ‘high concern’,” she added.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated Sunday that had Starmer been aware of Mandelson’s vetting failure, the appointment would never have proceeded despite Mandelson already being selected for the ambassadorial role.

“There is no way that he would have proceeded with that whatever the so-called embarrassment, he would have thought that was wrong, and he would not have done it,” Kendall told Sky News.

WELLINGTON – Fresh polling data released over the weekend indicates declining public confidence in New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon and his National Party, amid growing speculation about his political future within party ranks.

Recent days have brought increased scrutiny regarding whether Luxon maintains sufficient party backing to continue in his leadership role. According to Friday reporting by The New Zealand Herald, National Party members are expected to take action against him during the current week, though initial moves are not anticipated to include a formal leadership challenge or confidence motion.

Speaking to Radio New Zealand on Monday, Luxon stated he maintains complete backing from National’s parliamentary members and intends to continue serving as prime minister.

The 1News Verian survey, made public late Sunday evening, showed National Party approval declining by 4 percentage points to reach 30%. The results suggest the existing coalition government would lack adequate parliamentary seats to continue governing if voters went to the polls currently.

Personal approval ratings for Luxon as the public’s preferred prime minister also dropped 4 points to 16%. Meanwhile, Labour Party leader and former Prime Minister Chris Hipkins saw his support decrease by 1 point to 19%.

New Zealand’s upcoming general election is set for November 7.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un personally supervised the launch of five enhanced short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday, the country’s state-run media announced Monday.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, the weapons testing featured upgraded Hwasong-11LA tactical ballistic missiles equipped with newly developed warheads, including cluster and fragmentation varieties designed for ground-to-ground strikes.

The missiles were launched toward an island target approximately 85 miles away, successfully hitting a concentrated area spanning roughly 31 to 32 acres with what officials described as exceptional precision, showcasing the weapon system’s ability to deliver devastating concentrated attacks.

South Korean military officials confirmed their northern neighbor conducted the missile launches around 6:10 a.m. Sunday from the vicinity of Sinpo on North Korea’s eastern coastline, with the projectiles traveling roughly 90 miles before impact.

State media quoted Kim as stating that developing warheads for various military operations would enable his forces to “meet operational needs more effectively, combining precision strike capabilities with increased firepower against designated areas.”

The North Korean leader reportedly praised the test outcomes, describing them as validation that “years of work by a specialised missile warhead research group had not been in vain,” and encouraged defense researchers to keep developing technologies to enhance military preparedness.

Multiple high-ranking military commanders joined Kim during the weapons demonstration, state media reported.

This latest missile activity marks North Korea’s fourth ballistic weapons test in April and the seventh conducted this year.

South Korean officials at the presidential Blue House condemned the launches Sunday, characterizing them as “provocations” that breach United Nations Security Council resolutions, according to news reports.

Three Middle Eastern countries have joined forces to create an ambitious transportation project that could reshape regional trade routes. Turkey, Syria, and Jordan have formed a partnership to establish a railway corridor connecting European markets with Gulf nations, representing one of the most ambitious overland transportation initiatives proposed in the region in recent decades.

The collaborative effort capitalizes on the strategic location of these three nations, which sit at the intersection of major trade pathways between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. The planned railway system would modernize and connect current rail infrastructure to form an uninterrupted route beginning in Europe, traveling through Turkey’s territory that naturally bridges European and Asian continents, then moving through Syria’s central position in the Levant region, and finally extending south through Jordan to reach the Arabian Peninsula and Gulf nations.

This strategic positioning isn’t coincidental but represents an intentional effort to restore ancient overland trading pathways that historically enabled commerce and travel throughout the region. The corridor’s importance stems from its ability to establish a direct overland connection between Mediterranean ports and Gulf destinations, potentially cutting travel time and expenses when compared to conventional ocean shipping routes.

The railway would also provide an option to bypass crowded or vulnerable maritime passages, including routes through the Suez Canal or those requiring lengthy journeys around entire continents. From a construction standpoint, the diverse landscape along the proposed route—spanning from mountainous regions to flat interior areas—supports the creation of a contemporary, connected rail network, especially considering existing older infrastructure that could be restored and upgraded.

The project’s conceptual framework references the historic Hejaz Railway, which during the early 1900s linked significant portions of the Levant region to the Arabian Peninsula through Jordan. This historical example supports the geographical reasoning behind the current proposal, demonstrating how the area previously operated as a unified overland passage before contemporary political divisions and conflicts interrupted such connectivity.

Syria’s central location holds particular strategic value, serving as an essential connection point between Turkey to the north and Jordan to the south. Any practical overland route in this region must traverse Syrian territory. Turkey functions as the entry point to European commerce, while Jordan serves as the southern pathway toward Gulf markets, particularly through its border connections with Saudi Arabia.

While these geographical benefits exist, the initiative confronts substantial obstacles, including requirements for major infrastructure restoration in some areas, along with political and security factors that could impact the corridor’s long-term viability. However, supporters maintain that geography remains the project’s greatest strength, providing a fundamental advantage that could propel the initiative forward with adequate political commitment and financial backing.

The proposed railway corridor must be viewed within the context of its geographical significance. Its primary advantage lies in revitalizing a natural transportation route that connects multiple regions and markets—one that has historically established the Middle East as a crucial center in international trade networks.

Iran has refused to join proposed diplomatic discussions in Pakistan after President Trump announced Sunday that negotiations between the two nations would restart in Islamabad. Iranian leadership cited what they called unreasonable American demands and continued military threats as reasons for their refusal.

During a Fox News interview with Trey Yingst, Trump revealed that special envoy Steve Witkoff and chief advisor Jared Kushner would serve as America’s representatives in the planned discussions. However, Iran’s state-controlled Islamic Republic News Agency swiftly announced Tehran’s decision not to take part.

Pakistani mediators are working urgently to extend the current ceasefire agreement, which is scheduled to end this Wednesday, April 22.

Trump issued stark warnings during his television appearance, stating, “We are going to hit them harder than any country has been hit before,” while emphasizing that Iran must not be permitted to acquire nuclear weapons. He further threatened that Tehran would be “blown up” if it refuses to accept a new proposal.

Iran has indicated it will maintain its strategy of blocking the Strait of Hormuz as a response to America’s naval blockade, creating additional regional tensions.

Tehran pointed to what officials described as America’s inconsistent diplomatic positions and ongoing regional military activities as justification for avoiding the negotiations.

According to IRNA, “Iran stated that its absence from the second round of talks stems from what it called Washington’s excessive demands, unrealistic expectations, constant shifts in stance, repeated contradictions, and the ongoing naval blockade, which it considers a breach of the ceasefire.”

The situation has worsened following alleged incidents in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump has accused Iran of breaking ceasefire terms by attacking vessels in the crucial shipping lane and has promised serious repercussions if no new deal is reached.

IRNA also claimed the United States was engaging in a “blame game” and spreading misleading information about Iran’s willingness to participate in discussions as a way to pressure Tehran.

The diplomatic standoff underscores the deep disagreements between Washington and Tehran on both negotiation and military matters, with no clear path forward for renewed talks.

President Donald Trump announced on Truth Social Sunday that American naval forces captured an Iranian ship in the Gulf of Oman following the vessel’s attempt to break through a US maritime blockade. Trump characterized the seizure as necessary action after the ship’s crew refused to comply with naval instructions.

The confrontation occurred amid escalating tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, where Iran has attempted to gain control of the waterway despite an existing two-week ceasefire agreement. This critical shipping lane continues to be a flashpoint in the ongoing conflict, with potential consequences for regional stability and worldwide oil markets.

Trump identified the captured vessel as the TOUSKA, explaining that it was halted after ignoring commands from the USS SPRUANCE, a guided missile destroyer. American forces reportedly damaged the ship’s propulsion system during the operation. “The Iranian crew refused to listen, so our Navy ship stopped them right in their tracks by blowing a hole in the engineroom,” Trump stated.

US Marines have now assumed control of the vessel, which Trump noted falls under US Treasury sanctions because of what he termed a record of unlawful operations. Officials are currently conducting an inspection of the ship’s cargo. “We have full custody of the ship, and are seeing what’s on board!” Trump posted.

The President characterized the intercepted vessel as measuring “an early 900 feet long and weighing almost as much as an aircraft carrier” and confirmed it was attempting to navigate through the blockade when American forces intervened.

This maritime confrontation comes as diplomatic efforts remain stalled. While Trump announced Sunday evening that discussions with Iran would occur in Islamabad, Iranian representatives disputed this claim, stating that American “excessive demands” continue to prevent meaningful negotiations from moving forward.

Federal authorities took a 44-year-old Los Angeles resident into custody Saturday evening at Los Angeles International Airport, accusing her of facilitating weapons trafficking between Iran and Sudan during that nation’s ongoing civil conflict.

Shamim Mafi faces allegations of arranging sales of “drones, bombs, bomb fuses, and millions of rounds of ammunition” connecting Iranian suppliers with the Sudanese Armed Forces, according to First U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who announced the charges Sunday via social media.

Attempts to reach Mafi for comment were unsuccessful Sunday, and no legal representation has been identified for her case.

Essayli shared an image showing an FBI agent leading a woman toward a vehicle outside an LAX terminal.

According to Essayli, Mafi holds Iranian citizenship and obtained lawful permanent U.S. residency status in 2016.

Court documents filed March 12 claim Mafi worked with an unidentified accomplice to run Atlas International Business, an Oman-based enterprise allegedly used for weapons and ammunition trafficking. The business reportedly collected more than $7 million in payments during 2025.

The pair also allegedly facilitated a separate deal involving 55,000 bomb fuses destined for Sudan’s Defense Ministry, court records indicate.

“In connection with the transaction, Mafi submitted a letter of intent to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (“IRGC”) to purchase the bomb fuses for Sudan,” the complaint said.

Mafi’s initial court appearance is set for Monday in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles. A conviction could result in up to 20 years imprisonment.

Sudan’s civil conflict, now in its fourth year, has sparked a severe humanitarian emergency across the North African nation, with food shortages intensifying and millions displaced from their communities.

A tragic vehicle crash in northern Mexico has claimed the lives of two American officials who were working alongside Mexican authorities to fight drug cartel activities, according to a statement from the U.S. embassy released Sunday.

The fatal accident occurred in Chihuahua state, where the American personnel were providing assistance to local law enforcement in their ongoing battle against organized crime operations.

Mexican state officials confirmed that two of their own personnel also lost their lives in the same crash.

The incident highlights the dangerous conditions faced by both American and Mexican officials working together to combat the influence of powerful drug cartels operating along the border region.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday that European nations must develop their own ballistic missile defense network, revealing that his administration has already begun discussions with multiple countries about establishing such a system.

Speaking on Ukraine’s national television channel Marathon, Zelenskyy emphasized the critical need for enhanced missile defense capabilities as his country continues to face Russian ballistic missile strikes targeting energy infrastructure and power systems.

“I believe, and my idea is that we should have a European anti-ballistic missile defense system. We are in talks with several countries and are working in this direction,” Zelenskyy stated during the televised interview.

The Ukrainian leader set an ambitious timeline for the project, declaring: “We need to build our own anti-ballistic missile defense system within a year.”

Zelenskyy acknowledged the enormous scope of the undertaking while expressing confidence in its feasibility, noting that he has already engaged in conversations with major European nations about the initiative, though he declined to identify which countries are involved.

Currently, Ukraine faces significant limitations in defending against Russian ballistic weapons, as only specific missile types deployed by the U.S.-made Patriot defense system can effectively intercept these threats. Russia has consistently targeted Ukraine’s electrical grid and thermal power facilities with ballistic missile attacks.

The push for a European-made defense system comes as Patriot missiles become increasingly scarce due to their widespread use in Gulf region operations against Iranian strikes. Additionally, Europe’s sole existing anti-ballistic system, the Italian-French SAMP/T, has limited production capacity.

Supporting this defense initiative, Fire Point, the Ukrainian company behind the Flamingo cruise missile, revealed earlier this month that it is negotiating with European firms to introduce a new air defense platform by next year, potentially offering a more affordable alternative to the costly and increasingly unavailable Patriot systems.

HANOVER, Germany – At the launch of Germany’s premier industrial trade exhibition on Sunday, leaders from Germany and Brazil emphasized the importance of strengthening economic partnerships between Europe and South America.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz joined Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in promoting enhanced collaboration between the European Union and Brazil, the continent’s economic powerhouse, during the Hanover industrial fair’s opening ceremony.

The two leaders expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming EU-Mercosur trade pact, which becomes effective on May 1st.

“This shows that we are sticking to the multilateral order, that we want a rules-based economic system, and that we want this cooperation with as few tariffs as possible – ideally none at all,” Merz stated.

Lula positioned Brazil as a dependable and crucial ally, particularly for raw material supply chains, as his country serves as the featured partner nation at this year’s global industrial trade exposition in Hanover.

The Brazilian leader highlighted his nation’s vast untapped mineral wealth, noting that despite only mapping roughly 30% of Brazil’s mineral resources, the country currently holds the world’s top niobium reserves, ranks second globally in graphite and rare earth deposits, and maintains the third-largest nickel reserves worldwide.

“These raw materials must serve as a driver of economic and social development,” Lula emphasized, advocating for increased technology sharing and expanded processing facilities within Brazilian borders.

Lula expressed interest in comprehensive economic partnership discussions with Merz, covering areas including artificial intelligence development, strategic mineral resources, and data center infrastructure.

Official government discussions between German and Brazilian representatives are scheduled for Monday.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — In a video message made public Sunday, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney declared that his nation’s historically close economic relationship with the United States has transformed from an asset into a liability requiring immediate attention.

The 10-minute recorded statement outlined Carney’s administration’s plans to bolster Canada’s economy through diversified investment opportunities and expanded trade partnerships with nations beyond the U.S.

“The world is more dangerous and divided,” Carney stated. “The U.S. has fundamentally changed its approach to trade, raising its tariffs to levels last seen during the Great Depression.

“Many of our former strengths, based on our close ties to America, have become weaknesses. Weaknesses that we must correct.”

According to Carney, trade restrictions implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump have negatively impacted Canadian workers in automotive and steel manufacturing sectors. He noted that Canadian companies are delaying investment decisions due to “the pall of uncertainty that’s hanging over all of us.”

Trump’s recent suggestions that Canada should join the United States as its 51st state have also frustrated many Canadian citizens.

Carney promised to provide regular communications to Canadians regarding his administration’s strategy to reduce economic dependence on the U.S.

“Security can’t be achieved by ignoring the obvious or downplaying the very real threats that we Canadians face,” he stated. “I promise you I will never sugarcoat our challenges.”

This isn’t Carney’s first discussion of shifting global power dynamics. The former central banking leader, who previously headed both the Bank of Canada and Bank of England, gained international recognition in January during remarks at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, where he criticized economic intimidation tactics used by powerful nations against smaller countries.

Those comments prompted a sharp response from Trump.

“Canada lives because of the United States,” Trump responded following the speech. “Remember that, Mark, the next time you make your statements.”

Carney’s latest remarks follow recent special election victories that secured his party a majority government, while opposition Conservative members pressure him to negotiate a new U.S. trade agreement—a key campaign promise from last year’s election.

The current North American Free Trade Agreement involving Canada, the U.S., and Mexico faces scheduled review in July.

In his video address, Carney detailed plans to bring new investments to Canada, expand clean energy infrastructure by 100%, and eliminate internal trade obstacles. He also highlighted increased defense expenditures, tax reductions, and housing affordability initiatives.

“We have to take care of ourselves because we can’t rely on one foreign partner,” he explained. “We can’t control the disruption coming from our neighbors. We can’t control our future on the hope it will suddenly stop.

“We can control what happens here. We can build a stronger country that can withstand disruptions from aboard.”

Carney dismissed the idea that waiting for the “United States will return to normal” represents a viable approach.

“Hope isn’t a plan and nostalgia is not a strategy,” he declared.

Carney emphasized Canada’s history as “a great neighbor” who supported the U.S. during conflicts including Afghanistan and both World Wars.

“The U.S. has changed and we must respond,” he concluded. “It’s about taking back control of our security, our borders and our future.”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif announced Sunday that he held discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian regarding ongoing tensions in the Gulf region.

According to Sharif’s social media post, he updated Pezeshkian on diplomatic conversations he recently held with government leaders from Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey.

“I appreciated Iran’s engagement, including its high-level delegation to Islamabad for the historic talks, and recent discussions with Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir in Tehran,” Sharif stated.

The Pakistani leader told Pezeshkian that his country continues to be dedicated to serving as a mediator for peace and maintaining stability throughout the region.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz announced Sunday his intention to advocate for reduced artificial intelligence regulations across the European Union, particularly targeting industrial applications of the technology.

Speaking at the Hannover Messe industrial trade show, Merz outlined his vision for regulatory reform. “I will push to ease the regulatory burden in the EU on AI and, where possible, to exempt industrial AI from the current regulatory straightjacket that is too tight for AI within the European Union,” he declared during his address.

The German leader emphasized the economic benefits of loosening these restrictions. “AI will contribute to greater efficiency and productivity, optimised use of resources and, above all, reduced costs,” Merz explained to attendees at the annual trade fair.

Merz’s proposal distinguishes between industrial AI applications and consumer-focused artificial intelligence, suggesting that manufacturing and business uses should face fewer regulatory constraints than technologies directly affecting everyday consumers.

This push comes as Germany works to close the gap with leading AI powers like the United States and China in what has become a worldwide competition for technological supremacy and high-paying tech employment opportunities.

Just last month, German officials announced ambitious investment initiatives designed to expand the country’s AI data processing capabilities by at least four times their current capacity before 2030 arrives.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered a stark assessment of his country’s relationship with America on Sunday, declaring that what was once considered a strategic advantage has transformed into a liability.

During a video message to the Canadian public, Carney displayed a miniature figurine representing General Isaac Brock, a British commander who perished while defending Canadian territory against American forces during the War of 1812. The Prime Minister emphasized that Canada cannot manage the instability emanating from its southern neighbor and should not gamble its future on hopes that such disruption will cease.

“The situation today feels unique, but we’ve faced down threats like this before,” Carney stated, while highlighting Brock and other historical Canadian figures, including Chief Tecumseh, who rallied Indigenous Nations throughout the Great Lakes region to oppose American territorial expansion in 1812.

Following his recent parliamentary majority victory for the Liberal Party, Carney has indicated that this electoral success will strengthen his position in addressing the trade conflict initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Last week, U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick criticized Canada as a challenging trade partner.

With nearly 70% of Canadian exports destined for American markets, Canada faces an upcoming review of the three-nation U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement this year. American officials have indicated their desire for substantial modifications to the existing arrangement.

Beyond implementing tariffs on Canadian products including steel, aluminum, and automobiles, Trump has frequently speculated about incorporating Canada as America’s 51st state.

Carney’s representatives have not yet responded to inquiries regarding the timing of the video release or his decision to honor figures who opposed American expansion.

The Prime Minister announced plans for regular public communications in the coming weeks and months to inform Canadians about his administration’s efforts to strengthen the economy and protect national sovereignty.

“It’s our country, it’s our future, we are taking back control,” he said.

SOFIA – Exit polling data from Sunday’s parliamentary elections in Bulgaria indicates that Progressive Bulgaria, the political party linked to former president Rumen Radev, secured a commanding position with 37.5% of voter support, according to Alpha Research’s preliminary results.

Radev, who previously served as Bulgaria’s president and has been known for his pro-Russian political stance, appears to have achieved a substantial electoral advantage through his party’s performance in the weekend voting.

The exit poll results suggest a decisive outcome for Progressive Bulgaria as the country’s voters made their choices for parliamentary representation on April 19.

Israel’s military has unveiled a map for the first time showing its deployment positions within Lebanese territory on Sunday, placing numerous largely deserted Lebanese communities under Israeli control following the implementation of a ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.

Lebanese officials and the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization have not yet responded to the map’s release. The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, which had U.S. backing, was finalized on Thursday to halt hostilities between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

The agreement resulted from the first face-to-face negotiations in decades between the two nations on April 14, designed to facilitate wider diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran while allowing Israeli troops to maintain their positions within southern Lebanese territory.

The deployment boundary shown on the map extends from east to west, penetrating 5-10 kilometers into Lebanese land from the border, where Israeli officials have indicated plans to establish what they term a buffer zone.

Israeli troops have demolished Lebanese communities in this region, stating their objective is safeguarding northern Israeli settlements from Hezbollah assaults. Similar buffer zones have been created by Israel in Syria and Gaza, where it maintains control over more than half of that territory.

“Five divisions, alongside Israeli Navy forces, are operating simultaneously south of the forward defence line in southern Lebanon in order to dismantle Hezbollah terror infrastructure sites and to prevent direct threats to communities in northern Israel,” the military said in a statement accompanying the map.

When questioned about whether displaced residents who fled Israeli bombardments would be permitted to return home, military officials refused to provide comment.

Some Lebanese civilians have gained access to certain villages located on or beyond Israel’s established boundary, though Israeli forces continue blocking most people from reaching areas south of that line, according to a Lebanese security official.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated on Sunday that border residences used by Hezbollah would face demolition and that “any structure threatening our soldiers and any road suspected of (being planted with) explosives must be immediately destroyed”.

Lebanon became involved in the conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks supporting Tehran, triggering an Israeli military campaign that Lebanese officials report has resulted in over 2,100 deaths, including 177 children, while displacing more than 1.2 million people.

Hezbollah has not released its casualty numbers. Sources connected to the organization indicate at least 400 of its fighters had been killed by late March.

The group has launched hundreds of rockets and drones toward Israel. These attacks resulted in two Israeli civilian deaths while 15 Israeli soldiers have been killed in Lebanon since March 2, according to Israeli reports.

European baby food manufacturer HiPP has issued an urgent recall after testing revealed rat poison contamination in infant food jars distributed across three countries, according to officials who announced the findings on Sunday.

The contamination was discovered in 190-gram jars containing carrot and potato puree designed for 5-month-old infants, which were distributed through SPAR supermarket chains throughout Austria. Laboratory testing first confirmed the presence of rat poison on Saturday.

“This recall is not due to any product or quality defect on our part. The jars left our HiPP facility in perfect condition,” the company stated. “The recall is related to a criminal act currently under investigation by the authorities.”

Austrian Burgenland Police report that contaminated products can be identified by white stickers bearing red circles affixed to jar bottoms. Additional warning indicators include compromised or previously opened lids, abnormal odors, and the absence of the typical popping sound when jars are first opened.

As a safety measure, HiPP has expanded its recall to include all baby food products sold through SPAR retail locations in Austria, encompassing SPAR, EUROSPAR, INTERSPAR and Maximarkt outlets. The company is offering complete refunds without requiring purchase receipts. Meanwhile, retailers in Slovakia and the Czech Republic have pulled all HiPP baby food from their shelves.

The contamination came to light when a customer alerted authorities about apparent product tampering, though police confirm no one actually consumed the affected baby food.

According to the Austrian Agency for Health and Food Safety, rat poison commonly contains bromadiolone, a blood-thinning compound that blocks normal clotting functions. Consumption could trigger symptoms including gum bleeding, nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, and blood in bowel movements.

Health officials warn that poisoning symptoms may not manifest until two to five days following ingestion.

More than 6,000 progressive political leaders from over 40 nations convened in Barcelona this weekend to develop strategies for countering the global rise of far-right movements and winning back voters who have shifted toward conservative positions.

The international summit, organized by Spain’s Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, addressed topics ranging from United Nations Security Council reforms to implementing wealth taxes on billionaires. The gathering comes at a time when nationalist and far-right political forces have expanded their influence worldwide, successfully connecting economic hardships to immigration and institutional failures.

Sanchez, who has gained international recognition for his criticism of U.S. foreign policy under President Trump, led the conference amid growing optimism that far-right momentum may be slowing. Recent developments include declining poll numbers for Trump, the removal of Hungary’s Victor Orban after 16 years in power, and weaker-than-expected performance by France’s far-right in recent municipal elections.

High-profile attendees included South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and Brazil’s former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who addressed supporters waving red banners and wearing ‘Make Science Great Again’ hats while calling for international institutional reforms and new progressive partnerships.

“To be progressive is to defend a reformed multilateralism, where the rules work for everyone,” Lula da Silva told the enthusiastic crowd during the summit’s final session, as participants periodically sang Spanish anti-fascist songs.

Political strategist Marcus Roberts from Mandate Research emphasized that progressive parties must focus on everyday economic concerns to regain support. He pointed to a recent 30-nation Ipsos poll showing voters prioritize unemployment, inflation, poverty and inequality over concerns about extremism or moral issues.

Rising fuel costs linked to Middle Eastern conflicts have damaged Trump’s approval ratings, creating what Democratic strategists view as an opportunity to make compelling economic arguments before November’s midterm elections.

French economist Gabriel Zucman spoke at the event advocating for increased taxes on wealthy individuals, a proposal that polls show has broad support across Europe and America but was rejected by French legislators in his home country.

“It’s hard for people who can’t afford eggs to be concerned about democracy,” said Neera Tanden, former advisor to Presidents Biden, Clinton and Obama, and current director of the Center for American Progress think tank.

Isabel Allende, Chile’s former Senate president and daughter of Salvador Allende, Latin America’s first Marxist leader who was removed in a 1973 U.S.-supported military coup, cautioned that progressive movements have lost touch with ordinary citizens’ daily struggles.

“It’s unimaginable to fight against the right if we can’t get closer to ordinary people,” she stated.

Participants who had recently attended International Monetary Fund and World Bank spring meetings noted that Barcelona discussions reflected similar concerns about restructuring power dynamics within global institutions, though concrete next steps remained undefined.

Economics professor Mariana Mazzucato, who advises governments on using public investment for economic growth, observed that while institutions remain intact, their internal logic is evolving.

“Trump is accelerating the crisis of the old order… but if progressives do not offer a credible alternative framework, someone else will fill that vacuum,” she warned.

Research from Freedom House’s “Freedom in the World” index documents increasing numbers of authoritarian governments over the past twenty years, coinciding with rising conflicts, military coups, and freedom restrictions as wealthy democracies reduce foreign aid programs while their citizens face domestic economic pressures.

Although organizers insisted the event wasn’t specifically anti-Trump, they acknowledged that progressive movements cannot simply wait for new U.S. leadership, with many supporting Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s proposal for “middle powers” to unite.

“Trump has become a symbol for the extreme right. But this is about social democrats coming together. The fact that U.S. Democrats are so well represented is a first and shows that this movement is growing,” German Social Democrat leader and vice-chancellor Lars Klingbeil told reporters.

American progressive voices featured prominently in the two-day event’s closing ceremony, with former vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz encouraging attendees not to abandon Democratic efforts, while figures from Bernie Sanders to New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani and Hillary Clinton sent supportive video messages.

“The reality is that the tools that the right wing are using to try to destroy our democracy are similar from country to country,” U.S. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy, a Foreign Relations Committee member, said in a Reuters interview.

“We need to share experiences to understand how we can fight back,” Murphy added.

Iranian authorities have opted not to dispatch diplomatic representatives to Pakistan for negotiations, according to a Sunday report from Iran’s Tasnim news agency.

The decision to withhold sending a negotiating team will remain in effect “as long as there is a naval blockade,” the news outlet stated, referencing information from their correspondent.

The development highlights ongoing tensions affecting diplomatic relations between the two nations, with maritime restrictions serving as a key obstacle to potential talks.

KYIV, Ukraine — Sunday brought fresh casualties from the ongoing conflict as Russian drone strikes claimed at least two Ukrainian lives, while Ukrainian forces responded by targeting a Russian unmanned aircraft production facility.

The youngest victim was a 16-year-old boy who perished during what officials described as an extensive overnight drone assault on Chernihiv in Ukraine’s northern region. Emergency crews discovered the teenager’s remains while removing debris from the attack site, city military administrator Dmytro Bryzhynskyi announced via Telegram Sunday morning.

“The drone strike also injured three women and one man. Several houses were set on fire,” Bryzhynskyi reported.

The southern Ukrainian city of Kherson faced its own drone bombardment Sunday morning, resulting in a second fatality. Regional administrator Oleksandr Prokudin confirmed that a man succumbed to injuries after a drone struck his van as he traveled through downtown Kherson. Another man required hospitalization for blast-related trauma, regional officials stated.

Ukraine’s air defense forces worked through the night to counter a massive aerial assault, with the country’s air force documenting 236 Russian drones entering Ukrainian airspace. Defense systems successfully intercepted 203 of these aircraft, though 32 managed to strike targets across 18 different areas.

Ukrainian forces launched their own counteroffensive, targeting the Atlant Aero facility located in Taganrog, approximately 55 kilometers east of Russian-controlled eastern Ukrainian territory. Ukraine’s General Staff confirmed that their drones ignited fires at this southwestern Russian factory.

The targeted facility specializes in creating strike and surveillance drones, along with parts for larger unmanned vehicles capable of carrying guided explosives weighing up to 250 kilograms, according to military sources.

Russian regional governor Yuri Slyusar acknowledged that three individuals sustained injuries during the nighttime assault on commercial infrastructure in Taganrog. While he declined to identify the specific target, Slyusar confirmed that warehouses caught fire following the attack.

Taganrog Mayor Svetlana Kambulova reported damage to local businesses, a technical training school, and numerous vehicles from the strike.

Russia’s Defense Ministry claimed its forces intercepted 274 Ukrainian drones overnight, along with guided aerial bombs and a Ukrainian-manufactured Neptune missile, though they provided no information about successful strikes on Russian targets.

Eight victims of a deadly shooting rampage in Ukraine’s capital are still receiving hospital treatment, including a child who lost both parents in the attack, according to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko.

The violence erupted Saturday when a gunman of Russian origin used an automatic weapon to fire on pedestrians before taking refuge in a grocery store with hostages. Law enforcement officers killed the shooter after a 40-minute standoff failed to produce a peaceful resolution.

Among those still hospitalized, the orphaned child is listed in moderate condition while one adult victim remains in critical condition, Klitschko reported. The mayor confirmed that six people died in the attack, which Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said wounded a total of 14 individuals.

“They are all receiving all necessary medical care,” the mayor said on Telegram.

The grocery store where the standoff occurred remains shuttered and surrounded by police barriers. Bullet damage is clearly visible in the store’s windows, while bloodstains mark the surrounding sidewalks and street surfaces.

Memorial flowers have been placed near an apartment building several hundred yards from the store, marking the location where the gunman’s shooting spree began.

Local resident Daryna, 31, witnessed the chaos as it unfolded. “I saw how people grabbed children from the playground and ran away. They screamed: ‘run away, hide.’ People didn’t understand what was going on. They said that there was a man there, a man was shooting with a machine gun,” she told Reuters.

A 73-year-old neighborhood resident who observed the gunman described his appearance as deceptively normal. “I don’t want to clear him of blame or anything like that… but he didn’t look like a killer,” the pensioner said, adding that the shooter “looked kind of smart.”

Such mass shooting incidents are virtually unheard of in Ukraine, prompting the country’s security services to classify the case as an act of terrorism. Investigators have not yet determined what motivated the deadly attack.

LONDON — Britain’s highest-ranking rabbi issued a stark warning Sunday about escalating threats against Jewish communities following weekend arson attempts targeting a London synagogue, marking the newest incident in an ongoing series of similar attacks.

Saturday evening’s fire attempt caused limited damage to Kenton United Synagogue and represents part of a troubling pattern of blazes at Jewish-connected facilities and an Iranian opposition media outlet currently under counterterrorism investigation.

Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis, the nation’s chief rabbi, posted on X that “a sustained campaign of violence and intimidation against the Jewish community of the UK is gathering momentum.”

“Thank God, no lives have been lost, but we cannot, and must not, wait for that to change before we understand just how dangerous this moment is for all of our society,” he added.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer expressed being “appalled” by the incidents and promised that “those responsible will be found and brought to justice.”

London’s Metropolitan Police has deployed additional uniformed and undercover officers throughout northwest London following last month’s attacks targeting synagogues, Jewish charity emergency vehicles, and a Persian-language news organization that criticizes Iran’s regime.

The Kenton synagogue incident occurred just one day after someone attempted to set fire to bottles containing flammable liquid outside a former Jewish charity building Friday evening.

All incidents have resulted in zero injuries. Authorities have arrested and filed charges against multiple suspects whose ages span from teenagers to individuals in their forties.

While police have not officially connected these incidents, Counter Terrorism Policing London is spearheading all investigations due to “similar circumstances and online claims of responsibility.”

Internet posts have attributed responsibility to Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia. Israeli officials characterize this organization, whose name translates to the Islamic Movement of the Companions of the Right, as a newly established group with suspected ties to “an Iranian proxy” that has also taken credit for synagogue attacks across Belgium and the Netherlands.

The organization additionally released a video threatening Israel’s London embassy with drone attacks using hazardous materials. Though no embassy attack occurred, authorities closed nearby Kensington Gardens park Friday while officers investigated abandoned items including two containers holding powder. Police determined the materials posed no danger.

Britain has accused Iran of employing criminal networks to execute attacks across European territory, specifically targeting opposition media and Jewish communities. The UK’s MI5 domestic intelligence agency reports disrupting over 20 “potentially lethal” Iran-supported plots during the year ending in October.

Security analysts suggest Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia may represent a convenience label rather than an organized entity, cautioning that their statements require careful scrutiny.

Iranian authorities have detained four people, including two individuals from other countries, in the nation’s northwestern region on allegations of participating in what officials describe as a spy network connected to the United States and Israel, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency’s Sunday report.

The detained foreign nationals, whose home countries were not revealed, face charges of illegally bringing in satellite internet devices including Starlink equipment, which violates Iranian law. This arrest comes as the nation continues to experience a widespread internet shutdown that has lasted seven weeks.

Since the beginning of the conflict between the U.S.-Israeli alliance and Iran, Iranian officials have detained hundreds of citizens on accusations of collaborating with hostile nations.

ATHENS – Greek government sources announced Sunday that French President Emmanuel Macron is scheduled to visit Greece next week to extend their bilateral defense partnership amid ongoing tensions in Iran.

The two NATO member nations originally established their security and defense partnership in 2021, creating mutual aid obligations in case of attack and facilitating Athens’ acquisition of three French frigates and approximately 24 Rafale fighter aircraft manufactured by Dassault.

According to an unnamed government official, Macron’s April 24-25 trip to Greece will extend their defense cooperation for an additional five-year period, with provisions for automatic extensions going forward.

The French president and Greek leadership are also expected to address maritime security concerns and developments in the Strait of Hormuz during their discussions, the source indicated.

Naval traffic through the Strait of Hormuz came to a halt Sunday following Iran’s renewed assertion of authority over the critical shipping route, occurring just before a tenuous ceasefire agreement with the United States is scheduled to end.

While Greece commands the European Union’s Red Sea naval protection mission for commercial vessels, Athens has maintained its opposition to participating in any military actions within the Strait of Hormuz region.

European diplomats are raising red flags about what they see as the Trump administration’s hasty approach to nuclear negotiations with Iran, warning that an inexperienced American team could secure a shallow agreement that creates lasting complications.

Eight current and former diplomats with Iran nuclear experience told Reuters they’re concerned Washington’s desire for a quick diplomatic victory for President Trump could result in a framework deal that looks good initially but falls apart during detailed follow-up discussions.

“The concern isn’t that there won’t be an agreement,” a senior European diplomat explained. “It’s that there will be a bad initial agreement that creates endless downstream problems.”

The White House pushed back against these criticisms when contacted by Reuters. Spokeswoman Anna Kelly stated: “President Trump has a proven track record of achieving good deals on behalf of the United States and the American people, and he will only accept one that puts America first.”

BACKGROUND ON PREVIOUS NUCLEAR AGREEMENT

Representatives from France, Britain and Germany, who started Iran negotiations in 2003, report feeling excluded from current discussions.

These three nations collaborated with the United States between 2013 and 2015 to establish an agreement limiting Iran’s nuclear activities in return for lifting sanctions, called the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action.

During his first presidency in 2018, Trump pulled America out of this landmark foreign policy achievement from Barack Obama’s administration, describing it as “horribly one-sided.”

Following 40 days of military strikes, American and Iranian representatives began new discussions in Islamabad this month, once again centered on the standard exchange of nuclear limitations for economic benefits. Recent activity in Pakistan’s capital suggests preparations for renewed direct negotiations may be underway.

Diplomatic sources indicate that deep suspicion and vastly different negotiating approaches increase the likelihood of creating a weak framework that neither country can politically maintain.

Federica Mogherini, who oversaw the 2013-2015 negotiations, emphasized the complexity involved: “It took us 12 years and immense technical work. Does anyone seriously think this can be done in 21 hours?”

CONCERNS ABOUT SUPERFICIAL AGREEMENTS

Diplomatic sources suggest a basic agreement covering nuclear and economic elements might be possible, though they emphasize the nuclear aspects remain the most challenging.

“The Americans think you agree on three or four points in a five-page document and that’s it, but on the nuclear file, every clause opens the door to a dozen more disputes,” another European diplomat noted.

Current discussions center on Iran’s stockpile of approximately 440 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60% purity, material that could potentially be used for nuclear weapons with additional processing.

The preferred solution involves “downblending” this material within Iran under International Atomic Energy Agency oversight. An alternative approach would involve shipping some material to other countries.

Turkey and France have been suggested as potential receiving nations. Moving material to the United States would be politically challenging for Iran, while Russia presents difficulties for Washington, according to diplomatic sources.

Even these alternatives would require extensive negotiations regarding material recovery from areas possibly damaged by airstrikes, quantity verification, and secure transportation methods.

Iran has also proposed storing material in foreign countries temporarily.

“Whatever happens now is only a starting point,” explained a Western diplomat with previous nuclear negotiation experience. “That’s why the 2015 JCPOA ran to 160 pages.”

Beyond stockpile issues lies the fundamental disagreement over Iran’s uranium enrichment rights. Trump has publicly advocated for complete elimination of enrichment, while Iran maintains its right to enrich uranium for peaceful purposes and denies pursuing weapons.

A potential middle ground might involve a temporary halt followed by resumption at minimal levels under strict oversight.

European officials stress that central IAEA involvement, including thorough verification and unlimited access, remains crucial.

Gérard Araud, France’s lead negotiator from 2006 to 2009, cautioned: “A negotiation with Iran is meticulous and subtle: every word matters. That’s not something you rush.”

ECONOMIC RELIEF AND POLITICAL CONSIDERATIONS

The economic component focuses on removing sanctions and releasing frozen Iranian funds.

Iran immediately wants access to limited overseas frozen assets. Broader sanctions removal would occur later and requires European cooperation, diplomatic sources said, since Iranian leadership views European commerce as essential long-term.

Officials indicate Washington is again separating preliminary agreements from detailed implementation, an approach they believe misunderstands Iranian political dynamics.

“These talks aren’t a real-estate deal settled with a handshake,” said a senior regional diplomat briefed by Tehran, referencing Trump’s primary negotiators Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner’s business backgrounds. “They involve sequencing, sanctions relief and reciprocal nuclear steps.”

The recent conflict has strengthened Iran’s negotiating position, diplomats noted, demonstrating its ability to withstand pressure while still seeking economic relief.

Tehran’s primary requirement is a non-aggression commitment after experiencing attacks from the U.S. and Israel during previous diplomatic initiatives.

This worry extends to U.S. partners. Gulf nations want Iran’s missile programs and proxy operations addressed, while Israel advocates for maximum restrictions.

Iran, however, views its remaining missile capabilities as essential protection after the war weakened its military forces.

Diplomatic sources say demanding complete missile abandonment would be unrealistic without comprehensive security assurances.

A senior Trump administration official outlined Washington’s non-negotiable demands: stopping uranium enrichment, dismantling major enrichment facilities, recovering highly enriched uranium, and accepting a broader regional de-escalation agreement involving allied nations.

EUROPEAN ROLE REMAINS IMPORTANT DESPITE SIDELINING

European officials admit they partially marginalized themselves by advocating for renewed U.N. sanctions last year and designating Iran’s Revolutionary Guards as a terrorist organization.

However, they note that their choice to avoid the conflict has been recognized in Tehran.

“There’s simply not enough expertise in this U.S. team,” stated one European official, pointing out that approximately 200 diplomats, financial specialists and nuclear experts participated in the 2015 negotiations. “We’ve worked on this file for two decades.”

A White House official confirmed that representatives from the National Security Council, State Department and Defense Department participated in Islamabad meetings and continue their involvement.

A senior Iranian military official claims the country is now rebuilding its weapons systems more rapidly than before recent hostilities with the United States and Israel.

According to reports from Nournews on Sunday, Revolutionary Guards Aerospace Force commander Majid Mousavi stated that Iran is currently updating and restocking its missile and drone launch systems at an accelerated pace compared to pre-conflict levels.

The February 28 strikes by Israeli and American forces specifically targeted Iran’s missile capabilities as one of their primary objectives.

Mousavi’s remarks were accompanied by edited video footage showing him touring what appeared to be an underground weapons facility. The footage displayed various drones, missiles, and launching equipment housed in subterranean locations, along with scenes of ground-based missile tests.

The authenticity of the video material could not be independently confirmed by Reuters.

LONDON — British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confronts a political crisis as top Cabinet officials defend his leadership amid growing calls for his resignation over a controversial diplomatic appointment.

The embattled leader faces Parliament Monday following damaging revelations about his selection of Peter Mandelson as ambassador to the United States, despite security vetting failures tied to Mandelson’s association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

According to reports, Starmer expressed anger over not being informed that January 2025 security screenings had flagged concerns about Mandelson’s clearance. The Foreign Office proceeded with the appointment regardless of the vetting recommendations.

“He would never, ever have appointed him ambassador,” Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy stated, referring to what Starmer would have done with prior knowledge of the security issues.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall reinforced this position during a Sunday Sky News interview, saying Starmer “is a man of integrity and there is no way he would have proceeded” if he had been aware of the vetting problems.

The controversy forced Foreign Office chief civil servant Olly Robbins to step down Thursday, though supporters argue he became an unfair scapegoat for following standard procedures. Robbins plans to present his account to the House of Commons Foreign Affairs Committee Tuesday.

Former Foreign Office permanent secretary Simon McDonald criticized Robbins’ treatment, telling the BBC he was “thrown under the bus.” McDonald explained that sensitive vetting details are typically never disclosed to prime ministers or their staff.

Opposition leaders across the political spectrum have demanded Starmer’s resignation. Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch declared the prime minister’s situation “untenable,” while Liberal Democrat chief Ed Davey said Sunday the government remains “in perpetual crisis” and needs new leadership.

Despite holding a substantial parliamentary majority, Starmer’s Labour Party faces internal discontent over poor polling numbers, giving his own lawmakers potential power to remove him from office.

The prime minister previously weathered February criticism over the Mandelson selection but could encounter leadership challenges following May 7 local elections, where Labour anticipates poor results.

Some Labour members believe leadership changes would prove harmful during current global tensions, including ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, with three years remaining before mandatory national elections.

However, others express frustration with Starmer’s pattern of missteps since Labour’s overwhelming July 2024 election triumph. His administration has struggled with economic growth promises, public service improvements, and cost-of-living relief while making several policy reversals.

Government documents released in March after parliamentary pressure revealed staff warnings to Starmer about “reputational risk” from Mandelson’s Epstein connections. The convicted financier died in custody in 2019.

Officials viewed Mandelson’s experience as former EU trade commissioner and elite connections as valuable assets for engaging President Donald Trump’s administration.

Mandelson’s tenure lasted under nine months before Starmer dismissed him in September 2025 following evidence of dishonesty regarding his Epstein ties.

January’s release of extensive Epstein-related Justice Department documents revealed Mandelson maintained contact with the financier even after Epstein’s 2008 conviction for sexual offenses involving minors.

Email evidence suggested Mandelson shared sensitive government information with potential market implications to Epstein during the 2009 financial crisis aftermath.

British authorities opened a criminal investigation and arrested Mandelson February 23 on public office misconduct suspicions.

He remains free without bail conditions as the investigation proceeds. Mandelson previously denied wrongdoing and faces no charges or sexual misconduct allegations.

WASHINGTON – International finance officials gathered in the nation’s capital this week found themselves confronting a harsh reality: their capacity to shield the global economy from mounting geopolitical crises remains severely constrained.

During the International Monetary Fund and World Bank Spring Meetings, delegates experienced dramatic mood swings as Middle East conflict developments alternately darkened and brightened economic prospects. Initial pessimism about worsening global conditions due to energy supply disruptions gave way to cautious hope when Iran appeared ready to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for commodity shipments. However, fresh shipping attacks by Saturday had already dampened that brief optimism.

The financial institutions announced a joint commitment of up to $150 billion in new assistance for developing nations most severely affected by energy price volatility. They also marked their return to engagement with Venezuela’s acting administration following a seven-year hiatus.

Officials urged nations against stockpiling oil reserves and implementing costly, broad fuel subsidies. Yet ultimately, their influence proved limited as they monitored diplomatic exchanges between Tehran and Washington.

Josh Lipsky, who chairs international economics at the Atlantic Council, observed the constraints facing these institutions. “Actually some of the most important decisions on the global economy are not happening here,” Lipsky noted regarding the IMF and World Bank headquarters.

“The single most important development in the global economy happened between the U.S. and Iran,” he continued. “We hope it’s good news, and we’ll wait and see.”

Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan captured widespread official sentiment despite rising stock markets and declining oil futures Friday. He emphasized his reluctance to forecast improvement until commercial vessels resume normal transit through the strait with affordable insurance coverage and energy costs decline.

“If the clear waters are open,” Al-Jadaan stated during a press briefing, “I think that’s what would trigger, for me, a change in the scenario.”

The IMF’s modest reduction of global growth projections to 3.1% for 2026 under its most favorable scenario quickly became obsolete, with the organization indicating the economy was trending toward a more pessimistic 2.5% growth rate. Their latest World Economic Outlook warned that extended conflict could drive the global economy into recession.

The current crisis emerged as the world economy was still recovering from previous disruptions, including President Donald Trump’s significant tariff increases on international trading partners implemented late last year.

Trade dispute discussions received less attention at this year’s gatherings, as did Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine, though G7 finance ministers committed to maintaining pressure on Moscow.

The continuous series of economic disruptions beginning with the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and Russia’s Ukraine invasion in 2022 has demonstrated that the United States no longer serves as “the general” of international order and may not provide crisis solutions, according to Lipsky.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Friday a new initiative encouraging G20 nations, the IMF, and World Bank to coordinate ensuring fertilizer access amid Gulf supply interruptions. However, seven weeks into the conflict, this effort offers little relief for farmers currently planting spring crops across the Northern Hemisphere facing shortages and elevated prices.

African Development Bank Chief Economist Kevin Chika Urama said the Middle East crisis reinforced the need for African nations to strengthen regional commerce and economic connections, develop alternative energy sources, expand domestic revenue collection, and utilize substantial natural gas deposits.

“Geopolitical tensions are the new normal and uncertainty in policymaking has become certain,” he told a panel of multilateral institution economists.

Finance ministers, central bankers, and other attendees expressed frustration at being drawn into another economic crisis by Trump’s decisions.

In private discussions, officials, particularly Europeans, clearly communicated to the U.S. that Washington must act to reopen the strait, according to a senior finance official present at the meetings. Public statements remained more diplomatic with reduced blame assignment.

“The knot of this conflict is the Strait of Hormuz. We need this to open, but not at any price,” French Finance Minister Roland Lescure told media representatives. “I don’t want to pay a dollar to go through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Consecutive crises, including the current war, have disrupted developing economy planning “and you hardly have time to breathe,” said Retselisitsoe Adelaide Matlanyane, Lesotho’s Minister of Finance and Development Planning, during an African ministers’ panel.

“For small, open, and vulnerable economies like Lesotho, these shocks have presented extraordinary pressures on the fiscals, on prices and on everything.”

Matlanyane explained that debt management has become increasingly complex and tensions have “brought on a sense that we have to rethink policy and we have to think differently.”

“It’s frustrating dealing with this,” she told reporters.

For Thailand, an energy-importing nation scheduled to host October’s IMF and World Bank annual meetings, lasting effects from damaged Gulf energy infrastructure will maintain elevated prices long-term, said Deputy Prime Minister Ekniti Nitithanprapas.

However, he viewed the crisis as an opportunity for Thailand to decrease fossil fuel dependence and expand renewable energy, including solar installations – contrasting with Trump’s energy policies.

“We need to commit to transform…to help people transform to face the new fragmented world and high oil prices,” Nitithanprapas stated.

CAIRO (AP) — Iran has reinforced its commitment to blocking maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz while American sanctions continue against Iranian ports, as diplomatic efforts intensify to arrange additional negotiations before the current ceasefire ends this week.

These competing maritime restrictions have hindered Pakistani-led diplomatic efforts and created uncertainty about whether the temporary truce can be prolonged past its Wednesday expiration date.

“It is impossible for others to pass through the Strait of Hormuz while we cannot,” Iranian parliamentary Speaker Mohammed Bagher Qalibaf said in a televised interview late Saturday.

Qalibaf, serving as Iran’s primary negotiator in discussions with Washington, stated that Tehran would maintain its restrictions on commercial shipping through the vital waterway, following Iranian naval forces opening fire on vessels trying to transit on Saturday.

Iran had declared the strait would reopen following a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization in Lebanon that began Friday. However, after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the American blockade of Iranian ports “will remain in full force” until Tehran reaches an agreement with Washington, Iran stated it would maintain its strait restrictions.

Following a temporary increase in shipping attempts Saturday, vessels in the Persian Gulf remained stationary after two India-flagged ships came under fire during transit and were compelled to retreat. This development returned the strait, which typically handles approximately one-fifth of global oil commerce, to its previous blocked condition, potentially worsening the worldwide energy shortage and pushing both sides closer to renewed warfare as the conflict enters its eighth week.

With only days remaining before the temporary ceasefire between Washington and Tehran concludes, Iran announced Saturday it had received fresh proposals from the United States, while Pakistani mediators worked to organize another round of direct talks.

For Iran, blocking the strait — implemented after the U.S. and Israel initiated the conflict on Feb. 28 during nuclear program discussions — represents perhaps its strongest leverage, threatening global economic stability and creating political pressure on Trump. For Washington, the blockade pressures Iran’s struggling economy and its leadership by cutting off crucial revenue streams.

While the ceasefire continues, the maritime standoff risks returning the region to warfare that has claimed at least 3,000 Iranian lives, over 2,290 in Lebanon, 23 in Israel and more than a dozen across Gulf Arab nations. Thirteen American military personnel have died.

Revolutionary Guard patrol boats fired upon a tanker and struck a container ship with a projectile, damaging cargo containers, according to the British military’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center. India’s Foreign Ministry summoned Iran’s ambassador regarding the “serious incident” involving gunfire directed at two Indian-flagged commercial vessels, particularly after Iran had previously allowed several India-bound ships to pass.

“Americans are risking the international community, risking the global economy through these, I can say, miscalculations,” Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh told The Associated Press, adding that the U.S. is “risking the whole ceasefire package.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council released a statement declaring the blockade violated the ceasefire and announced Iran would stop “any conditional and limited reopening” of the strait. The council has recently functioned as Iran’s primary decision-making authority.

Because most military supplies for American bases in the Gulf region transit through the strait, “Iran is determined to maintain oversight and control over traffic through the strait until the war fully ends,” the council stated. This requires Iran-approved shipping lanes, fee payments and transit permit acquisition.

The renewed maritime dispute occurred hours after Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar announced his nation was working to “bridge” disagreements between Washington and Tehran. Pakistan is anticipated to host a second negotiation round early next week.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council said “new proposals” from Washington had been presented during a visit by Pakistan’s military chief and were under consideration.

However, Khatibzadeh indicated Iranians were not prepared for additional face-to-face negotiations because Americans “have not abandoned their maximalist position.”

He also stated Iran will not transfer its stockpile of 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium to the United States, describing the concept as “a nonstarter.” Khatibzadeh did not discuss alternative proposals for the enriched uranium, saying only that “we are ready to address any concerns.”

Trump said Saturday that Iran “got a little cute” but that “very good” conversations were occurring, with more information expected by day’s end. “They can’t blackmail us,” he added.

Austrian authorities have confirmed the discovery of rat poison inside a container of HiPP infant food, leading to an extensive product withdrawal from more than 1,000 SPAR grocery stores throughout the nation due to safety concerns.

Law enforcement officials in Burgenland, Austria, announced in a Saturday evening statement that laboratory analysis of a 190-gram container of “Carrots and Potatoes” baby food, which was reported by a concerned customer, confirmed the presence of rat poison.

HiPP acknowledged on Saturday that the possibility of a hazardous material being deliberately added to their HiPP Vegetable Carrot with Potato products could not be dismissed, suggesting potential product tampering had occurred.

The company warned that ingesting the jar contents could result in fatal consequences.

According to the police announcement, compromised containers displayed specific warning signs: a sticker featuring a red circle on the jar’s bottom, lids that appeared previously opened or damaged, missing safety seals, or containers emitting strange odors.

Authorities noted that preliminary laboratory analysis of comparable jars confiscated by law enforcement in the Czech Republic and Slovakia also revealed toxic substance presence, though additional specifics were not disclosed.

Police indicated that Austrian officials received alerts about potential dangers following investigative work conducted in Germany, but declined to elaborate further.

HiPP stated on Saturday: “According to our current knowledge, this critical situation involves an external criminal interference that affects the SPAR Austria distribution channel.”

Company representatives were unavailable for additional comment on Sunday.

A SPAR representative informed Reuters on Saturday that the product withdrawal represented a safety precaution affecting 1,500 Austrian locations, with no consequences for stores in other countries.

Both SPAR and HiPP urged consumers to avoid eating contents from jars purchased at SPAR Austria locations, promising complete refunds for returned merchandise.

Law enforcement recommended that anyone who handled the containers should thoroughly cleanse their hands afterward.

Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has expressed openness to holding discussions with President Donald Trump, contingent upon the completion of a comprehensive agreement between their respective nations.

Speaking during a television interview with Russian network RT, portions of which were made public on Sunday, Lukashenko stated: “We are ready for a deal, but it needs to be prepared in a way that reflects the interests of both the United States and Belarus.”

The Belarusian leader maintains strong ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin and has provided backing for Russia’s military actions in Ukraine, though he has not deployed Belarusian forces in the conflict.

Last month, Trump representative John Coale indicated that Lukashenko might travel to the United States in the near future. Such a visit would represent a significant diplomatic shift for the long-serving authoritarian ruler, who has faced international isolation due to human rights violations and his support for Putin’s military campaign.

During his RT interview, Lukashenko noted that his country has adjusted to Western economic penalties and emphasized that any prospective agreement with Washington should encompass more than simply lifting sanctions.

“We have far more issues to resolve, and that’s the subject of a big deal,” he stated, though he did not elaborate on the specific matters. “Once we finalise this at a lower level, we’re ready to meet with Donald and sign the agreement.”

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian challenged Donald Trump’s authority to limit his country’s nuclear capabilities, according to statements reported by the Iranian Student News Agency on Sunday. The comments come amid continuing tensions between the United States and Iran regarding nuclear policy matters.

Pezeshkian questioned the basis for such restrictions, stating: “Trump says Iran cannot make use of its nuclear rights but doesn’t say for what crime. Who is he to deprive a nation of its rights?”

The president’s remarks underscore the persistent disagreements between Washington and Tehran on nuclear-related issues, with both nations maintaining opposing positions on Iran’s nuclear program development.

HAVANA — The bustling streets of Cuba’s capital city fall silent after dark these days. Entertainment venues have shuttered their doors, restaurants have drawn their curtains, and the vibrant nighttime economy that once defined Havana has virtually vanished.

Cuba is experiencing its worst economic downturn in generations, worsened by fuel embargos implemented during President Donald Trump’s second term and the severing of oil supplies from Venezuela, the island nation’s former primary energy source.

“I feel empty inside when I see my streets empty,” said Yusleydi Blanco, a 41-year-old accountant. “I can’t be happy when my country is sad.”

The transformation represents a dramatic reversal from just a few years ago. After Presidents Barack Obama and Raúl Castro reached an agreement in 2016 to relax American travel restrictions to Cuba, tourist dollars poured onto the island. Private entrepreneurs launched new businesses while modern imported cars began sharing roads with vintage 1950s automobiles.

Tourist arrivals peaked at 4.7 million visitors in 2018. Hotels became so overcrowded that some travelers without reservations were spotted camping in parks in Viñales, a western Cuban destination known for its dramatic limestone formations that attract hikers and climbers.

The current reality paints a starkly different picture. Vehicle owners face fuel rationing of just 20 liters (5 gallons) and may wait months between fill-ups. Public transportation shuts down at 6 p.m., and major international carriers like Air France, Air Canada and Iberia have suspended Havana flights due to refueling difficulties. In the upscale El Vedado district, automobile noise has been replaced by the sounds of singing birds.

February tourism numbers plummeted to 77,600 visitors, compared to 178,000 during the same period the previous year, according to Cuban government statistics.

“This is worse than the Special Period,” said 65-year-old parking attendant Dolores de la Caridad Méndez about the years of economic devastation that followed the collapse of the Soviet Union, Cuba’s Cold War patron, in the 1990s.

Unlike his Democratic predecessors, President Trump has intensified economic pressure on Cuba, calling for an end to political oppression, the release of detained dissidents, and market reforms to Cuba’s struggling economy.

The escalating crisis has brought rolling power outages, reductions in government food distributions, and critical shortages of water and medical supplies that have made everyday survival a challenge for the island’s 10 million residents. From 2021 through 2024, roughly 1.4 million Cubans departed their homeland — predominantly younger citizens along with talented musicians, performers, dancers and other artists who had powered Havana’s entertainment industry.

This past January, U.S. forces apprehended Venezuela’s then-President Nicolás Maduro, cutting off Cuba’s main petroleum lifeline. The Trump administration blocked that supply route and warned of potential tariffs against other nations selling oil to Cuba, leaving the island without fuel deliveries until a Russian vessel arrived in March.

Business owners and entrepreneurs throughout Cuba now face enormous challenges as visitor numbers collapse and their dreams of serving affordable products to local customers crash against harsh economic realities.

“You wake up and you’re ready to conquer the world, saying, ‘Today I’ll sell more than ever,’” said Yeni Pérez, owner of the Old Havana cafe Entre Nos. “Then not a single client comes in and you go home devastated.”

“The next day,” she said, “You say, ‘Let’s give it another chance.’ It’s a time that’s testing everyone’s stamina.”

BRUGES, Belgium (AP) — The sounds of rolling luggage on stone streets, motor boats navigating waterways, and tourists speaking multiple languages create the typical atmosphere of one of Belgium’s most visited destinations.

However, approximately two dozen women have discovered a peaceful retreat from the city’s chaos just beyond a small bridge, beneath a decorative archway bearing the Latin inscription “sauvegarde,” meaning “safe place.”

Surrounded by bright yellow daffodils sits a peaceful haven established in 1245: the Princely Beguinage Ten Wijngaerde of Bruges.

Trees Dewever has made this beguinage her residence for 22 years. She describes it as providing “an overwhelming feeling of calm and I think we need that in this world.”

Jo Verplaetsen, who has lived in the beguinage for 23 years, describes the medieval refuge’s atmosphere as both peaceful and welcoming.

“Each day you are thankful to be here,” she said.

Despite their current peaceful nature, beguinages originated after the 12th century as a response to tragedy.

Medieval warfare decimated men, leaving numerous widows and unmarried women seeking stability. Many preferred the flexible lifestyle of beguinages over the rigid requirements of convents, explained Michel Vanholder, a volunteer at the Grand Beguinage Church of Mechelen.

“They didn’t want to go become nuns but nevertheless they wanted to live together without men because there were not enough men to marry,” he said.

Residents known as beguines couldn’t marry while living in these communities, but maintained freedom to leave, could possess personal property, and weren’t bound by religious vows of celibacy and poverty required of nuns in nearby convents.

“Women who didn’t want to become real nuns or religious could have an in-between form, becoming a beguine,” said Brigitte Beernaert, who relocated to the Bruges beguinage over two decades ago.

Beguinage residents typically worked tending to ill and impoverished people, while also generating income through needlework and lace creation. Some residents invested their earnings back into their communities.

The Vatican’s relationship with beguinages fluctuated between acceptance and persecution throughout history. Marguerite Porete, a notable French Christian mystic and beguine, was declared a heretic and executed by burning in 1310.

Authors Ken Follett, Charlotte Brönte and Umberto Eco have featured beguines and their male equivalents, beghards, in their literary works.

Structurally, beguinages were created to house like-minded women in comfortable, peaceful, and secure environments, featuring small gardens within accessible pathways or surrounding central squares with homes overlooking shared courtyards. A chapel or church typically served as each community’s focal point.

Currently, UNESCO designates 13 beguinages in Flanders, Belgium’s Dutch-speaking northern region, as world heritage locations.

Biata Weissbaeker, a German visitor touring Bruges with her spouse Achim, emphasized the continued importance of such spaces.

“Women need a place like this: a safe place that gives them the possibility to go inside themselves.”

Although Belgium’s final beguine, Marcella Pattijn, passed away in 2013 at age 92, the fundamental principles of beguinage communities have endured for eight centuries.

“Once you are in here, you are safe — that was of course literal in the Middle Ages, once you lived here, the law couldn’t take you away,” she said. “Today it’s more like a safe place for women alone.”

The Bruges beguinage continues its women-only policy today, though the city now owns and maintains the property, with residents paying rent to municipal authorities.

Belgian beguinages host public events designed to build internal community through gardening activities and external connections via open house events.

Several Bruges residents recently installed raspberry plants along the canal wall and maintain beehives for honey production. “The world is terrible for the moment, and this gives us the impression that it’s still safe here,” said Beernaert. “This gives Bruges already a little bit of a small paradise, if you want. And living inside that paradise feels unbelievable.”

Iranian officials have backtracked on their previous commitment to allow ships through the Strait of Hormuz, announcing a complete shutdown of the vital waterway until American forces end their blockade of Iranian shipping facilities.

This growing confrontation over the strategically important passage raises concerns about worsening global energy shortages and potential military conflict between the nations, despite diplomatic efforts suggesting progress toward a resolution.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard naval forces declared Saturday evening that the waterway would remain shut as long as US restrictions on Iranian ports continue. Earlier that day, Iranian patrol boats fired upon an oil tanker navigating the strait, according to Britain’s United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, though the vessel and its crew remained unharmed.

About 20% of global petroleum shipments travel through this narrow passage, and additional supply restrictions could further strain already limited oil availability, potentially driving fuel costs even higher. Iran’s Friday statement regarding the waterway’s accessibility coincided with an ongoing 10-day ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization in Lebanon.

The regional conflict has resulted in approximately 3,000 Iranian casualties, nearly 2,300 Lebanese deaths, 23 Israeli fatalities, and over a dozen deaths in Gulf Arab nations. Thirteen American military personnel have also lost their lives.

Israeli defense forces reported another combat death in southern Lebanon, marking the second military fatality announced within 12 hours and bringing total Israeli losses in Lebanon to 15 soldiers, with two deaths occurring since the ceasefire began.

Military officials said the same incident left one soldier critically injured, four with moderate wounds, and four others with minor injuries.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard naval command announced it was expanding the closure beyond the previously designated safe corridor for vessel passage and implementing a total blockade until American restrictions on Iranian ports and shipping are removed.

On Friday, Iranian authorities had indicated ships could transit the strait under Iranian coordination and upon paying required fees.

However, in a Saturday evening statement broadcast on Iranian state television, naval officials warned that any ships violating the closure would face attack.

Iranian leadership views the American blockade as a breach of the ceasefire agreement between the nations. Two commercial vessels came under attack Saturday in the Strait of Hormuz and near Oman’s coastline, with at least one assault carried out by Iranian gunboats.

SYDNEY, April 19 – A highly decorated Australian military veteran has publicly rejected war crime accusations stemming from his service in Afghanistan over ten years ago, stating Sunday that he remains proud of his military record.

Ben Roberts-Smith, age 47, who was released on bail this week, faces five war crime charges connected to the alleged killings of five unarmed Afghan civilians during the period from 2009 to 2012. If convicted, he could face life imprisonment on each count.

The ex-Special Air Service (SAS) corporal has maintained his innocence regarding the accusations, which were initially brought to light through a series of reports published by Nine Entertainment newspapers beginning in 2018.

During a media appearance on Queensland’s Gold Coast, Roberts-Smith emphasized that his actions in Afghanistan always followed proper military protocols.

“I categorically deny all of these allegations, and while I would have preferred these charges not be brought, I will be taking this opportunity to finally clear my name,” he stated. “I’m proud of my service in Afghanistan.”

Roberts-Smith received bail approval following more than a week in detention, with a judge noting that his case would likely require years before reaching trial. Prosecution attorneys had argued against bail, expressing concerns that Roberts-Smith might attempt to influence potential witnesses.

Law enforcement officials have indicated they plan to argue that Roberts-Smith’s alleged victims were not engaged in combat activities when they died and were being held as unarmed detainees under Australian military supervision at the time of their deaths.

Previously, in 2023, Roberts-Smith was unsuccessful in a defamation lawsuit regarding the media reports and was determined by the court to have likely participated in the deaths of four Afghan civilians.

A devastating blaze swept through a waterfront community in Malaysia’s Sabah state early Sunday, leaving hundreds of residents homeless after approximately 200 houses were consumed by flames.

Emergency responders received the initial alert about the fire in Sandakan district at approximately 1:32 a.m. local time (1732 GMT), according to district fire and rescue chief Jimmy Lagung, as reported by Malaysia’s state news service Bernama.

“Strong winds and the close proximity of the houses caused the fire to spread rapidly, while low tide conditions also made it difficult to obtain an open water source,” Lagung explained to Bernama.

The devastating incident occurred in one of Sabah’s traditional water villages, where wooden structures are constructed on stilts above the water. These communities typically house some of Malaysia’s most economically disadvantaged residents, including indigenous populations and people without official citizenship status.

Preliminary counts show that approximately 445 individuals have been forced from their homes, based on registration numbers at a temporary emergency shelter established in Sandakan, according to Bernama’s reporting.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim announced that federal officials are working alongside Sabah regional authorities to deliver essential aid and temporary housing solutions for displaced families.

“The priority now is the safety of the victims and immediate assistance on the ground,” Ibrahim wrote in a social media post on Facebook.

SOFIA, Bulgaria — Citizens across Bulgaria cast their votes Sunday in what marks the nation’s eighth parliamentary election within a five-year span, as the country seeks to break free from persistent political gridlock that has paralyzed this southeastern European nation.

The emergency election comes after a conservative government stepped down last December following massive demonstrations that brought hundreds of thousands of protesters, particularly young citizens, into the streets demanding judicial independence to combat rampant corruption.

The country of 6.5 million residents has endured a series of fractured legislative bodies since 2021, resulting in unstable administrations that have each collapsed within twelve months due to public demonstrations or legislative maneuvering.

This constant governmental turnover has created deep public skepticism, electoral disengagement, and declining participation rates in democratic processes.

Sunday’s election carries particular weight as it may elevate a leftist, Moscow-friendly former head of state to power — occurring just after Hungarian citizens rejected Viktor Orbán’s authoritarian agenda and far-right ideology, despite his close relationship with Russian leader Vladimir Putin.

Leading the race is Bulgaria’s ex-President Rumen Radev, who heads the recently established center-left Progressive Bulgaria alliance. The former president stepped down from his largely symbolic role in January, several months ahead of completing his second term, to pursue the prime minister position.

The 62-year-old former military aviator and air force leader enjoys widespread popularity and has pledged to deliver national renewal. His base includes both those seeking an end to oligarchic corruption and supporters drawn to his EU-skeptical and Russia-friendly positions.

Voting began at 7 a.m. and concluded at 8 p.m., with initial exit polling released immediately afterward. Official preliminary tallies are anticipated Monday.

Bulgaria maintains membership in both the European Union and NATO, adopted the euro currency on January 1st, and recently gained access to the Schengen borderless zone. Despite these achievements, political chaos has persisted since 2021, when three-term conservative leader Boyko Borissov stepped down amid massive demonstrations driven by public fury over systemic corruption and judicial failures.

Radev has positioned himself against the nation’s established criminal networks and their connections to senior political figures. During campaign events, he pledged to “eliminate the corrupt, oligarchic system of leadership from political authority.”

While Radev has formally condemned Russia’s military assault on Ukraine, he has consistently opposed providing weapons to Kyiv and supports renewed diplomatic engagement with Moscow to resolve the war.

Polling data suggests Radev’s alliance may capture over 30% of votes, placing him roughly 10 percentage points ahead of his primary competitor — Borissov’s center-right GERB organization. Survey margins of error range between 3 and 3.5%.

Citizens of Bulgaria head to the polls this Sunday for the nation’s eighth parliamentary election in just five years, with former president Rumen Radev holding a commanding lead as he pledges to bring stability and eliminate corruption.

Radev, a former fighter pilot with eurosceptic views who opposes sending military aid to Ukraine in its conflict with Russia, resigned from the presidency in January to enter the parliamentary race. The election follows massive demonstrations that toppled the previous administration in December.

The candidate’s polished social media presence, substantial financial resources, and promises of governmental stability have strengthened his position in the Balkan nation of approximately 6.5 million residents, where citizens have grown tired of constant elections and longtime politicians widely viewed as corrupt.

Economic concerns have also emerged as a major factor since Bulgaria adopted the euro currency in January. The former administration collapsed following demonstrations against a proposed budget that included tax increases and higher social security payments.

These domestic economic worries appear to outweigh voter concerns about Radev’s desire to strengthen ties with Moscow or restart Russian energy imports to Europe.

“I will put my trust in the new general in politics,” said Georgi Bozhkov, a 37-year-old civil servant worried about rising bills. “When there is something new, we should try the new thing.”

Recent polling data from Friday indicates Radev’s Progressive Bulgaria party commands approximately 35% support, an increase from the previous month. While this would represent one of the strongest single-party performances in recent years, it falls short of securing a parliamentary majority.

Public engagement appears to be increasing, with Sofia-based Alpha Research projecting voter turnout around 60%, nearly doubling the 34% participation rate from June 2024.

These numbers reflect growing dissatisfaction with the extended control of the GERB party under former Prime Minister Boyko Borissov, currently polling second at roughly 18%, and the Movement for Rights and Freedoms, led by Delyan Peevski, who faces U.S. and UK sanctions for corruption.

A potential governing partner could be the pro-European We Continue the Change-Democratic Bulgaria (PP-DB) alliance, which similarly advocates for reform measures.

Detractors point to Radev’s role in questionable actions by temporary governments he selected during his 2016-2024 presidency, including a 2023 energy agreement between Turkey’s Botas and Bulgaria’s Bulgargaz that resulted in financial losses and sparked an investigation.

“Any coalition that is formed is likely to suffer from government instability and face significant scrutiny from civil society and the opposition. Another snap election in 2026 is less likely now, but remains a significant possibility,” said Mario Bikarski, an analyst at risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft.

Bulgaria has experienced significant development since communism ended in 1989 and became an EU member in 2007. The country has seen improved life expectancy, the European Union’s lowest unemployment rate, and enhanced economic protections since joining the eurozone.

However, corruption continues to be widespread, including during elections where vote purchasing is common. Bulgaria ranks 84th on Transparency International’s 2025 Corruption Perceptions Index, sharing the EU’s lowest position with Hungary.

“We really, really hope that something will change, and that these corrupt rulers of ours will be replaced,” said 82-year-old pensioner Temenuzhka Vaseva.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea conducted another series of ballistic missile tests on Sunday morning, firing multiple projectiles into ocean waters, according to reports from neighboring countries.

Military officials in South Korea confirmed the weapons were launched from North Korea’s eastern Sinpo region during morning hours on Sunday. In response, South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff announced they have increased surveillance measures and are maintaining close communication with American and Japanese authorities.

An emergency session of South Korea’s National Security Council has been scheduled to address the missile activity, according to the presidential office.

Japanese defense officials also confirmed detecting the weapon launches, reporting that the missiles appeared to splash down in waters along North Korea’s eastern shoreline. Tokyo issued a strong condemnation to Pyongyang, stating that Sunday’s missile activity poses a threat to both regional stability and global peace while breaking United Nations Security Council prohibitions against North Korean ballistic weapons programs.

The weekend testing follows recent reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un oversaw missile trials conducted from a naval destroyer. Following those tests, Kim announced his administration’s continued commitment to the “limitless expansion” of nuclear capabilities and assigned new objectives to enhance the nation’s nuclear strike and rapid-response systems.

Rafael Grossi, who leads the International Atomic Energy Agency, reported last week that his organization has documented “a rapid increase” in operations at North Korean nuclear installations.

Diplomatic efforts between the United States and Iran have shown advancement, though significant disagreements persist regarding nuclear policies and control of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, according to statements from both nations on Saturday.

Iran’s lead negotiator Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf acknowledged advancement in recent discussions while emphasizing remaining challenges. “We have had progress but there is still a big distance between us,” Qalibaf stated to government media outlets, referencing negotiations held the previous weekend. “There are some issues on which we insist … They also have red lines. But these issues could be just one or two.”

President Trump confirmed positive diplomatic engagement, describing “very good conversations” with Iranian officials, though he provided no additional specifics about the discussions.

The ongoing conflict, which entered its eighth week, has resulted in thousands of casualties and expanded into Israeli military operations in Lebanon. Oil markets have experienced significant volatility due to the effective shutdown of the strait, a waterway that previously handled twenty percent of global petroleum shipments.

**IRAN REASSERTS WATERWAY CONTROL**

Tehran made a strategic shift on Saturday, once again asserting authority over the crucial shipping channel and introducing new uncertainties to the conflict that began February 28 when U.S. and Israeli forces launched their campaign.

Iranian officials justified their actions as a response to continued American port blockades, characterizing these measures as ceasefire violations. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei declared Iran’s naval forces prepared to deliver “new bitter defeats” against adversaries. Trump characterized Iran’s waterway closure as “blackmail” while simultaneously expressing optimism about ongoing negotiations.

Just one day earlier, Iran had announced the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a separate U.S.-mediated ten-day ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Lebanon established Thursday.

Trump defended American blockade policies and issued warnings “to start dropping bombs again” should the nations fail to achieve a comprehensive agreement before Wednesday’s ceasefire expiration.

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced that Tehran’s waterway oversight would include requiring payments for security, safety, and environmental protection services, according to state media reports.

**SHIPPING VESSELS REPORT ATTACKS**

Maritime security concerns intensified after multiple vessels reported coming under attack Saturday while attempting passage through the waterway. Indian government officials summoned Iran’s ambassador in New Delhi, expressing serious concerns that two Indian-flagged ships had been fired upon in the strait.

U.S. Central Command confirmed American forces were maintaining a maritime blockade against Iran but declined to address Iran’s latest waterway actions.

Iran’s policy reversal increased risks that petroleum and natural gas shipments through the strait could face continued disruptions as Trump considers whether to extend the current ceasefire.

During last weekend’s negotiations in Islamabad, American representatives proposed a twenty-year suspension of all Iranian nuclear activities, while Iran countered with a three-to-five-year halt, according to sources familiar with the proposals.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister Saeed Khatibzadeh indicated no schedule had been established for additional negotiation rounds, stating that a framework agreement must be reached initially.

Trump had indicated Friday that weekend discussions were possible and suggested the parties were “very close to making a deal.”

Saturday showed no evidence of preparation for renewed talks in Pakistan’s capital, where the most senior U.S.-Iran diplomatic engagement since the 1979 Islamic Revolution concluded without agreement the previous weekend.

Senior national security advisors convened at the White House Saturday morning. Trump subsequently visited Trump National Golf Club with chief envoy Steve Witkoff, one of his Iran negotiation team members.

Political pressure for conflict resolution has intensified as Trump’s Republican colleagues defend slim Congressional majorities in November’s midterm elections amid elevated U.S. gasoline costs, increasing inflation, and declining presidential approval ratings.

Petroleum prices dropped approximately ten percent and global financial markets surged Friday on prospects of resumed marine traffic through the strait. However, hundreds of vessels and roughly 20,000 maritime workers remain stranded in the Gulf awaiting waterway passage, shipping industry sources reported.

Diplomatic tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified as Tehran pulls back from scheduled peace negotiations, undermining Pakistan’s extensive mediation efforts.

Iran’s decision to once again threaten closure of the Strait of Hormuz demonstrates that current ceasefire agreements and diplomatic talks remain precarious and unstable, despite Pakistan’s continued intervention attempts.

Pakistani military leader Field Marshal Asim Munir and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif both returned to their country on Saturday following separate diplomatic missions focused on resolving the Iranian conflict. Yet new friction between Tehran and Washington has become evident.

Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives, combined with encouraging responses from Iran and recent statements by U.S. President Donald Trump, had indicated that American and Iranian representatives would reconvene for discussions in Islamabad by Monday.

The diplomatic landscape shifted dramatically Saturday afternoon when Iranian officials began issuing statements declaring their nation unprepared to join the Islamabad negotiations.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh rejected the proposed timeline and scheduling for upcoming U.S.-Iran discussions.

Speaking with journalists at a diplomatic conference in Antalya, southern Turkey, on Saturday, Khatibzadeh characterized American assertions about the next negotiation round’s timing as “contradictory and vague,” according to Iranian state-run Press TV.

Khatibzadeh emphasized Iran’s unwavering dedication to diplomatic solutions despite current delicate circumstances, while calling on the United States to abandon its “maximalist approach” and honor international laws to guarantee “result-oriented diplomacy.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council announced Saturday that officials are examining “new proposals” delivered from the United States via Pakistani intermediaries, while emphasizing there will be no relaxation or concessions during negotiations.

Iranian state media reported that the security council’s statement indicated these proposals arrived during Field Marshal Asim Munir’s visit to Tehran.

Iran emphasized that its diplomatic representatives “will make no concessions, will not step back, and will not show weakness, but will firmly defend the interests of the Iranian nation.”

President Donald Trump cautioned Iran on Saturday against what he characterized as continuous changes in position regarding the Strait of Hormuz, declaring Washington would not be “blackmailed” on this matter.

During a White House gathering, President Trump stated: “We are talking to them (Iran). They wanted to close the Strait again, as they have done for years, but they cannot blackmail us.”

President Trump indicated that “very good talks” are continuing with Iran.

Nevertheless, the Iranian Tasnim News Agency reported Saturday, citing unnamed sources, that “Iran has so far not agreed on the next round of talks with the United States due to President Trump’s announcement regarding a naval blockade of Iran, as well as Washington’s excessive demands in the negotiations, which have continued in the recent exchange of messages.”

Pakistan continues establishing itself as a crucial intermediary between Washington and Tehran.

Observers contend that regional complications and conflicting international priorities have become so intricate that mediation by a single nation may prove inadequate to completely reduce tensions.

Despite these challenges, a Pakistani military statement confirmed the country’s dedication to pursuing comprehensive efforts toward achieving peace between Iran and the United States.

Pakistan has not yet provided any official statement regarding these recent developments that have quickly altered the diplomatic situation. However, Islamabad’s behind-the-scenes diplomacy continues operating at full capacity, while extensive security measures have been implemented in preparation for anticipated foreign delegate arrivals for the discussions.

A Coast Guard search aircraft has located a capsized ship that may be the missing cargo vessel Mariana, which vanished with six people aboard during a powerful typhoon near Saipan, officials announced Saturday.

The HC-130 Hercules search plane discovered the overturned vessel Saturday morning approximately 100 nautical miles northeast of where the Mariana was last tracked, according to Coast Guard officials. The capsized ship was found 34 nautical miles northeast of Pagan, a small island located north of Saipan in the western Pacific.

Coast Guard officials confirmed the capsized vessel appears consistent with the Mariana’s description – a 145-foot dry cargo ship registered in the United States.

The cargo vessel experienced engine trouble Wednesday when Typhoon Sinlaku approached Saipan and surrounding islands, bringing destructive winds and heavy rainfall. After the crew radioed that their starboard engine had failed and they required help, Coast Guard personnel established hourly radio contact with the ship.

However, all communication ceased Thursday. A search aircraft departed that morning but was forced to return to Guam because of dangerous wind conditions.

The Mariana’s final recorded location was roughly 140 miles north-northwest of Saipan, positioned about 3,800 miles west of Hawaii.

Coast Guard headquarters in Honolulu is collecting details about the capsized vessel, according to an official statement.

Authorities have not released information about the crew members’ nationalities.

Multiple assets will join the ongoing search operation, including a U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon aircraft, a Coast Guard cutter, and Japanese coast guard aircraft and vessels with specialized diving capabilities.

Typhoon Sinlaku caused extensive damage across Saipan, creating flooding, destroying rooftops, and flipping vehicles. The storm’s massive size subjected the island to approximately 48 hours of destructive winds, hampering emergency responders’ efforts to evaluate damage and assist affected communities.

An Israeli reserve soldier lost his life and three others sustained injuries Friday when an explosive went off during a weapons search mission in southern Lebanon, just 24 hours after a ceasefire agreement between the two nations began.

Israeli military officials identified the deceased as Warrant Officer (res.) Barak Kalfon, age 48, who served with the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade’s 7056th Battalion and lived in Adi. Preliminary military reports indicate the explosion happened while soldiers were examining a structure for weapons in the village of Al-Jibbain, and the device was not triggered from a distance.

Thursday’s ceasefire agreement requires Israel to avoid military operations unless under attack, while maintaining its authority to defend against threats.

Saturday brought additional developments when Israeli forces from the 401st Armored Brigade reported encountering what they described as “a cell of terrorists that violated the ceasefire understandings and approached the forces in a manner that posed an immediate threat, during their activity in southern Lebanon, south of the forward defense line area used to prevent a direct threat to northern communities.”

Military officials also announced they targeted a tunnel entrance after witnessing Hezbollah fighters emerging from the location.

In a separate development, Axios news outlet reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed surprise at President Donald Trump’s social media statement claiming Israel was “prohibited” from attacking Hezbollah. Trump posted on Truth Social: “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!”

The post led Israel to request clarification from the White House over concerns it contradicted the ceasefire terms. Speaking with Axios, Trump maintained his position, stating: “Israel has to stop. They can’t continue to blow buildings up. I am not gonna allow it.”

A U.S. official subsequently clarified that policy remained unchanged, explaining: “The President’s ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel clearly states that Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets but preserves its right to self-defense against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks.”

A 19-year-old Kurdish female fighter has died following an Iranian drone attack in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, marking another tragic loss in the ongoing conflict between Iranian forces and Kurdish opposition groups.

Ghazal Molan was laid to rest Thursday afternoon in Sulaymaniyah amid continued Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps drone and missile attacks throughout the region. Mourners gathered to honor the young woman who had become known as the youngest female Peshmerga fighter opposing Iran’s Islamic Republic.

The fatal attack occurred Tuesday evening when Iranian forces launched a drone strike against a residential complex in Surdash that housed families connected to the Komala Zahmtkeshan Party of Iranian Kurdistan. Molan sustained critical injuries in the strike and later succumbed to her wounds.

At just 18 years old, Molan had crossed the border to join Kurdish armed resistance forces fighting against the Iranian government. Her death has drawn attention to the broader struggle of Kurdish opposition groups operating in the region.

Omar Ilkhanizadeh, who serves as deputy secretary-general of Komala, emphasized the significance of Kurdish forces in regional politics. “Kurdish forces represent a key part of any alternative to the Islamic Republic, embodying principles such as pluralism, secularism, and democratic freedoms,” Ilkhanizadeh stated.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Iran and Kurdish opposition movements, with Iranian forces continuing to target Kurdish positions across the border in Iraq’s autonomous Kurdistan Region.

South Korean military officials reported Sunday that North Korea launched a ballistic missile in an eastward direction, according to the Yonhap News Agency.

The missile launch represents the first such test conducted by North Korea since April 8, adding to a string of similar weapons tests that have occurred throughout this year.

South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff provided the information about the launch to Yonhap News Agency. When contacted for additional details, South Korea’s Defense Ministry had not yet provided a response to requests for comment.

Representatives from the Democratic Republic of Congo’s government and the rebel group Alliance Fleuve Congo have reached significant agreements during peace talks held in Switzerland this week, according to a Saturday announcement from the U.S. State Department.

The two sides made substantial headway on establishing protocols covering humanitarian aid access, judicial protections, monitoring of ceasefire conditions, and the freeing of detained individuals, State Department officials reported.

In a joint statement released by the State Department alongside both the Congolese government and rebel representatives, the negotiating parties committed to ending attacks on civilian populations and ensuring safe passage for aid workers and relief supply convoys operating in the region.

Iran shut down the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz shipping channel on Saturday, responding to U.S. naval blockade actions with a declaration that the waterway will stay sealed until “the war fully ends and lasting peace is achieved in the region.”

During a White House press briefing, President Trump minimized the significance of Iran’s action while noting that diplomatic discussions with Tehran continue to advance positively.

Iran “got a little cute” by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, Trump told reporters, emphasizing that negotiations are “working really well.” The president noted “They wanted to close up the strait again,” but insisted “they can’t blackmail us.”

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council issued a formal declaration stating they had received fresh U.S. proposals delivered through Pakistani intermediaries. While avoiding specific details about the proposal’s contents, the council cautioned that America must drop “excessive demands and adjust its requests to the realities on the ground.” The council justified the strait closure by claiming the U.S. naval blockade breached existing truce agreements.

A senior Iranian representative informed CNN that Tehran plans to fast-track vessels willing to pay transit fees. “Given the limitation on the number of vessels that will be allowed to pass,” the official explained to the network, “Iran has decided to give priority to those vessels that respond more quickly to the new Strait of Hormuz protocols and pay the costs of security and safety services.”

Ships refusing to pay the required fees will have their transit “postponed,” according to the Iranian official.

This fee-based system mirrors Iran’s previous attempts to charge ships for Strait of Hormuz passage, which Washington previously rejected while demanding unrestricted access for all maritime traffic.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reported that U.S. military forces are preparing imminent operations to intercept Iran-connected oil tankers and commandeer commercial vessels in international waters, according to government sources. The report indicates this would significantly expand Washington’s naval enforcement operations beyond Middle Eastern waters.

LONDON – Britain’s Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy expressed his backing for Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Saturday as controversy continues surrounding the selection of Peter Mandelson for the U.S. ambassador position.

The longtime Labour Party figure Mandelson received the ambassadorial appointment from Starmer but was later dismissed due to his connections with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, creating a political crisis that has called the British leader’s decision-making into question.

On Friday, Starmer encountered fresh calls for his resignation after government officials revealed that security clearance procedures had advised against Mandelson’s appointment, though Foreign Office personnel overturned this guidance without notifying the prime minister.

Lammy, who oversaw the Foreign Office during this period and currently serves as deputy prime minister and justice secretary, expressed to the Guardian newspaper his bewilderment that Starmer remained uninformed about the original security assessment.

“I have absolutely no doubt at all, knowing the PM as I do, that had he known that Peter Mandelson had not passed the vetting, he would never, ever have appointed him ambassador,” Lammy told the newspaper.

These remarks precede a parliamentary address scheduled for Monday afternoon where Starmer has pledged to reveal complete details about the situation.

Although political adversaries have dismissed his account as unbelievable and demanded his resignation, prominent figures within his Labour Party – including potential successors – have refrained from publicly condemning him.

When the Guardian initially disclosed Mandelson’s security clearance failure on Thursday, his legal representative declined to offer any statement.

MADRID – Three major nations announced Saturday their commitment to coordinate increased humanitarian assistance for Cuba, describing the situation there as a crisis stemming from U.S. economic sanctions against the island.

Brazil, Spain, and Mexico issued a collaborative declaration during a Barcelona summit, emphasizing their support for open communication that follows United Nations principles. The nations stressed that Cuban citizens should have the autonomy to shape their own destiny.

The announcement emerged from discussions held when Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez welcomed Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Mexican leader Claudia Scheinbaum to Barcelona. The gathering was part of a broader international conference focused on countering far-right political movements.

Thousands of supporters gathered in Madrid on Saturday to hear from Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, who turned down an opportunity to meet with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez during her multi-nation European visit.

The Nobel Peace Prize recipient spoke to crowds while Sánchez was conducting a separate gathering of progressive world leaders. Machado used the occasion to praise President Trump’s decision to remove Nicolás Maduro from power in January.

Machado had previously given her Nobel Peace Prize to Trump earlier this year as recognition for his Venezuela policies.

“What happened in the last few hours at the meeting (Sánchez) held in Barcelona with several leaders and political figures from different countries demonstrates why such a meeting was not advisable,” Machado told reporters Saturday.

During an earlier appearance, the opposition leader confirmed her intention to return to Venezuela but would not specify timing or methods, recognizing the difficulties such a return would present.

Her European journey has included meetings with top officials in France, Italy and the Netherlands. This tour occurs as Venezuela’s interim President Delcy Rodríguez continues serving beyond the original 90-day timeframe, while the United States has reduced certain sanctions against her administration.

Machado condemned Rodríguez’s leadership, characterizing it as representing “chaos, violence and terror,” and emphasized her commitment to establishing democratic elections in Venezuela. She expressed no regret about awarding her Nobel Prize to Trump, despite his administration’s reduced focus on her democracy movement.

The Venezuelan leader stated she maintains regular communication with Trump administration officials and supports Washington’s gradual approach to Venezuela following Maduro’s departure.

“There is one leader in the world, one head of state, who has risked the lives of his country’s citizens for the freedom of Venezuela. And that is Donald Trump,” Machado said, referring to the U.S. military operation in January.

The demonstration took place at Madrid’s Puerta del Sol, where Machado appeared alongside Isabel Díaz Ayuso, the conservative regional leader of Madrid who has been a vocal opponent of Sánchez and welcomed Machado earlier that day.

Spain hosts approximately 600,000 Venezuelans, representing the largest Venezuelan population outside the Western Hemisphere. Many relocated due to political oppression and violence, as well as economic collapse in their homeland. Most reside in Madrid.

Among those attending Saturday’s gathering was Grehlsy Peñuela, a 27-year-old Venezuelan living in Spain, who continues to support Machado and hopes for her eventual return to Caracas.

Peñuela carried photographs of two cousins she says remain imprisoned in Caracas as political detainees, and indicated she would only consider returning to Venezuela under specific circumstances.

“That the current government completely steps down,” she said.

BUDAPEST – Final election results show Peter Magyar’s Tisza party has secured 141 parliamentary seats out of 199 total, strengthening what was already a commanding victory over longtime Hungarian leader Viktor Orban, election officials announced Saturday.

The centre-right Tisza party, whose name stands for Respect and Freedom, delivered a crushing defeat to Orban’s administration in Sunday’s voting, bringing an end to 16 years of conservative governance that had influenced similar political movements throughout Western nations.

Following the unexpected scale of Magyar’s triumph during record voter participation, Orban promptly acknowledged defeat. The outcome provides Magyar with the legislative power needed to reverse Orban’s controversial judicial and governmental changes.

“An unprecedented majority, an unprecedented mandate, and at the same time, responsibility,” Magyar said in a statement on the final result.

The dramatic political transformation becomes clear when comparing results to the previous election cycle. Orban’s Fidesz party, which captured 87 out of 106 individual district races in 2022, managed to win only 10 such contests this time and will hold just 52 legislative positions.

Magyar’s electoral success has sparked optimism in Hungarian financial markets, with investors hopeful for improved relationships with European Union leadership after years of tension during Orban’s tenure. The victory could also unlock billions in suspended EU funding that was withheld due to concerns about democratic institutions.

“While a successful unlocking of EU funds would support investment and lower sovereign risk premia, the impact on growth will materialise primarily over the medium term,” Capital Economics analyst Liam Peach said in a note.

“In the near term, the outlook remains shaped by external factors – notably the Iran conflict – and domestic fiscal policy.”

Initial vote tallies had shown Tisza winning 138 seats, already surpassing the two-thirds threshold Magyar required to reverse Orban’s constitutional modifications and address corruption concerns. The final tally increased to 141 after all ballots, including overseas and transferred votes, were processed.

Magyar has committed to implementing comprehensive anti-corruption measures following his scheduled inauguration on May 9 or 10, as part of broader efforts to restore EU funding and revitalize Hungary’s economy, which has experienced minimal growth over the past three years.

While Orban has consistently rejected corruption allegations and argued that Hungary faces no greater corruption issues than other European nations, he acknowledged in a Thursday online interview that extensive media coverage of wealth accumulation among Fidesz-connected business figures may have influenced his electoral loss. He declined to address whether those reports were accurate.

LIMA, Peru (AP) — Peru’s acting President José María Balcázar has postponed a major military procurement decision involving 24 fighter aircraft worth $3.5 billion, choosing to leave this significant purchase for the incoming administration following the country’s upcoming presidential runoff.

During a Friday evening broadcast on RPP radio, Balcázar revealed his decision to delay the acquisition. His caretaker administration, which started in February, will conclude in July when Peru’s presidential runoff takes place on June 7.

The acting president stated that the future government will possess “full legitimacy to decide” on whether to move forward with acquiring the F-16 Block 70 fighter aircraft from U.S. manufacturer Lockheed Martin.

“For us to commit such a large sum of money to the incoming government would be a poor practice for a transitional government,” Balcázar said.

Peru held its presidential election this past Sunday, but no candidate secured sufficient votes for an outright victory. Election officials are still tallying ballots to determine which two candidates will compete in the runoff as vote counting continues.

Former conservative lawmaker Keiko Fujimori secured her position in June’s runoff after finishing first among 35 presidential contenders. However, the close competition for second and third positions may require several weeks to resolve.

The victorious candidate from the runoff will assume the presidency on July 28.

Last year, under President Dina Boluarte’s administration, Peru announced plans to spend $3.5 billion on 24 military aircraft, financing the purchase through domestic loans of $2 billion in 2025 and $1.5 billion in 2026. Besides Lockheed Martin, Sweden’s Saab and France’s Dassault Aviation also submitted proposals.

Peru’s legislature selected Balcázar as the nation’s eighth president in ten years this past February, replacing another interim leader who was removed the day before due to corruption charges after serving just four months.

This pattern of presidential turnover in the Andean country demonstrates an ongoing political crisis stemming from leaders’ inability to secure legislative majorities. Legislators have repeatedly used a broad interpretation of constitutional language regarding “permanent moral incapacity” to remove presidents from office.

A flotation device worn by a Titanic survivor during the infamous 1912 disaster brought in more than $900,000 at a London auction house over the weekend.

The life jacket belonged to Laura Mabel Francatelli, who was traveling as a first-class passenger when the massive ocean liner struck an iceberg and sank. The vest bears signatures from Francatelli and fellow survivors who shared the same lifeboat during their escape.

Henry Aldridge & Son auctioneers in Devizes, western England, conducted the sale where an anonymous telephone bidder purchased the item for 670,000 pounds. The final price significantly surpassed the pre-auction estimate of 250,000 to 350,000 pounds.

During the same event, a lifeboat seat cushion from the disaster fetched 390,000 pounds and was acquired by operators of Titanic museums located in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. Both sale prices include standard auction house fees.

“These record-breaking prices illustrate the continuing interest in the Titanic story, and the respect for the passengers and crew whose stories are immortalized by these items of memorabilia,” stated auctioneer Andrew Aldridge.

The massive steamship, marketed as the world’s premier luxury vessel and considered “practically unsinkable,” collided with an iceberg near Newfoundland while traveling from England to New York on its inaugural journey. The vessel went down in the early hours of April 15, 1912, claiming approximately 1,500 lives from the 2,200 people aboard.

Public fascination with the maritime disaster continues more than a century later, partly due to the diverse mix of passengers ranging from wealthy elites to impoverished immigrants.

Francatelli was accompanying her boss, fashion designer Lucy Duff Gordon, along with Lucy’s spouse Cosmo Duff Gordon. The trio escaped in lifeboat No. 1, which departed with only 12 occupants despite being designed for 40 people. The boat’s crew faced criticism afterward for not attempting to rescue people struggling in the icy waters.

The highest amount ever paid for Titanic artifacts remains 1.56 million pounds, which was spent in 2024 for a gold pocket watch presented to the captain of RMS Carpathia, the vessel that rescued 700 survivors from the tragedy.

An 86-year-old French man has made history by delivering what appears to be the nation’s first formal family apology for ancestral involvement in the transatlantic slave trade, expressing hope that others will follow his lead.

Pierre Guillon de Prince’s forebears operated out of Nantes, which served as France’s primary hub for the slave trade, where they owned ships that forcibly carried approximately 4,500 enslaved Africans across the Atlantic and maintained plantation operations in Caribbean territories.

The elderly man emphasized that other French families need to acknowledge their historical connections to slavery, while urging the government to move beyond symbolic actions toward meaningful remedies, including financial reparations.

“Faced with the rise of racism in our society, I felt a responsibility not to let this past be erased,” Guillon de Prince explained, noting his desire to ensure his grandchildren understand their family’s history.

The apology took place at a ceremony in Nantes during the unveiling of an 18-meter ship mast replica, where he appeared alongside Dieudonné Boutrin, whose ancestors were enslaved on the Caribbean island of Martinique.

Both men collaborate through Coque Nomade-Fraternité, an organization committed to ending the silence surrounding slavery’s legacy, describing the memorial mast as a symbol of human compassion.

“Many families of descendants of slave traders don’t dare speak out for fear of reopening old wounds and anger,” Boutrin, 61, observed. “Pierre’s apology is a courageous act.”

Historical records show that between the 15th and 19th centuries, European vessels forcibly transported at least 12.5 million abducted Africans, with French ships accounting for an estimated 1.3 million victims.

This gesture mirrors comparable formal acknowledgments made by families in Britain and other nations, which typically include commitments to help address the damage caused by their ancestors’ actions.

While France officially classified transatlantic slavery as a crime against humanity in 2001, the country has never issued a formal governmental apology for its participation, unlike some other European nations.

President Emmanuel Macron has increased public access to colonial archives during his presidency and announced plans last year to create a commission examining France’s relationship with Haiti, though he avoided mentioning reparations.

International demands for reparations are intensifying globally, encompassing everything from official acknowledgments to monetary compensation, despite opposition from those who believe current institutions shouldn’t bear responsibility for historical wrongs.

Last month, France chose not to support a United Nations resolution led by African nations that labeled slavery as the “gravest crime against humanity” and demanded reparations.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian special forces fatally shot an armed assailant Saturday after he murdered six people and held hostages inside a Kyiv supermarket, according to government officials.

Interior Ministry chief Ihor Klymenko announced on social media that tactical units breached the store following unsuccessful attempts by negotiators to communicate with the shooter. The perpetrator died while fighting against his capture, Klymenko stated.

During a press briefing at the location, Klymenko explained that the assailant had murdered four civilians on the street before entering the grocery store where he killed a fifth victim.

Mayor Vitali Klitschko confirmed that a sixth casualty, a young woman, succumbed to her wounds at a medical facility.

An Associated Press journalist witnessed the deceased victims lying in the roadway under emergency coverings before being removed from the scene.

The shooter was born in 1968, Klymenko revealed, though he withheld additional identifying information. Police negotiators attempted communication with the attacker for approximately 40 minutes before launching their assault on the building, he reported.

Prior to the gunman’s death, a female police negotiator positioned behind an armored vehicle and wearing protective gear used amplification equipment to address the perpetrator, pleading: “the people are not to blame for this. Please, let them go and we will talk with you.”

“We tried to persuade him, knowing that there was likely a wounded person inside. We even offered to bring in tourniquets to stop the bleeding, but he did not respond,” Klymenko stated. “Consequently, the order was given to neutralize him.”

The Interior Ministry head, who was wearing protective gear, confirmed the suspect wielded a carbine rifle that was properly licensed and registered.

In December, the gunman “approached the licensing authorities to have the weapon test-fired as the permit was expiring. He provided a medical certificate. He had also submitted an application to renew his permit for the weapon. That is all we can say for now,” Klymenko explained.

He noted that investigators will examine which healthcare facility provided the medical documentation.

The violence occurred in Kyiv’s Holosiivskyi district, the mayor confirmed. Television coverage displayed officers seeking protection within the shopping center containing the supermarket as gunfire erupted. Civilians were evacuated from the area.

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic — After more than two years without commercial air service, Haiti and the Dominican Republic will resume flights between their nations starting in May, both governments announced in a coordinated statement released Friday.

The agreement will restore connections linking three airports in the Dominican Republic with the airport serving Cap-Haïtien, Haiti’s northern coastal city.

Air service was suspended in March 2024 when Dominican authorities shut down the shared airspace, pointing to widespread violence and instability in Haiti that escalated after the 2021 killing of Haitian President Jovenel Moïse. During the closure, only emergency humanitarian aircraft were authorized to operate.

Both nations occupy the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, and their relationship had deteriorated significantly before the flight ban due to disputes over a controversial irrigation project. Haitian business interests had begun building a canal system drawing water from the Massacre River, which flows along the border between the two countries. Dominican officials strongly objected to the construction, claiming it would cause environmental damage and hurt farmers on both sides of the border.

The announcement came after diplomatic meetings that concentrated on immigration issues, border security measures, and commercial relationships between the neighboring countries.

“This measure seeks to facilitate mobility, boost economic ties and strengthen relations between both countries,” the joint statement said following discussions between Dominican Foreign Minister Roberto Álvarez and his Haitian counterpart, Raina Forbin.

The diplomatic statement also expressed appreciation to international partners, especially the United Nations, for assisting Haitian officials in their work to restore stability and peace within the country.

Maritime traffic through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz continues to operate at severely reduced levels, with vessel movement dropping to single digits despite the recent ceasefire brokered by President Donald Trump and accepted by Israel.

According to Noam Raydan, a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, current data reveals that shipping activity through the waterway remains “still very weak” with “at least five to six vessels” moving in both directions. This represents a significant decline from earlier in April, when vessel counts reached double digits before current restrictions took effect. “We were still seeing around between like 10 and 15 vessels,” Raydan explained. “But now it’s back down to single digit.”

The expert emphasized that the reduced numbers only tell part of the story, noting that remaining activity doesn’t represent typical maritime operations. “This is not normal flow,” she stated. “We’re not seeing a kind of healthy movement of ships, non-Iranian vessels.”

This maritime crisis has emerged as political leaders debate long-term solutions. Just days before the ceasefire announcement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu renewed discussions about redirecting Gulf oil exports toward Mediterranean routes, reviving proposals that have remained stalled for years. Meanwhile, President Trump had concentrated on immediate reopening efforts and establishing deadlines for further action.

Current conditions at sea reveal the ongoing severity of the situation. Raydan described observing unusual vessel behavior, stating: “At least one ship we saw making a U-turn in the Gulf of Oman and returning back to the Strait of Hormuz,” which demonstrates “some effectiveness to the blockade.” However, she cautioned against drawing definitive conclusions, explaining: “As long as we are dealing with these dark activities, it is really difficult to give a full assessment.”

The uncertainty extends throughout maritime operations in the region. Some Iranian-linked vessels continue entering the Persian Gulf from areas near the United Arab Emirates and Oman, while “some ships are turning off their AIS” (Automatic Identification System). Raydan also noted at least one vessel that stopped transmitting signals in the Gulf of Oman and hasn’t resumed communication.

Rather than complete closure or reopening, the situation presents complex operational challenges. “You need to look at case by case,” Raydan explained. “You cannot just say, yes, it’s working. No, it’s not working. It doesn’t work like that.”

Iranian authorities aren’t characterizing these conditions as temporary measures. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has referenced what they term a “new Persian Gulf order” and indicated the strait won’t return to previous operational status. This messaging aligns with observable traffic patterns showing limited resumed movement under fundamentally altered conditions.

For shipping companies, these challenges create immediate operational problems. Raydan referenced comments from a Western European shipping firm whose vessels remain immobilized due to persistent uncertainty about risk levels.

“It’s very unclear to them what the security situation is, what the security guarantees are,” she said. “Will Iran attack? What about the mines?” While acknowledging she lacks concrete mine data and stressing that reports don’t constitute confirmed operational intelligence, Raydan noted that uncertainty alone prevents normal operations. “The operational environment for the shipping industry” continues to be “very volatile,” she said. “There are risks. They need to take them into consideration.”

This uncertainty translates into widespread immobilization. “We’re talking about hundreds of ships, thousands of seafarers,” she said. “They’re just stuck in the Persian Gulf.” Vessels face stark choices: “You wouldn’t expect ships to just decide to sail without coordinating with Iran,” she explained. “Either they coordinate, they work with Iran, meaning reach out to Iran, or probably they might be forced to pay, or they just don’t leave.”

These conditions raise questions about potential alternatives to the Strait of Hormuz. Prof. Eyal Zisser, vice rector of Tel Aviv University and scholar of Syrian, Lebanese, and broader Arab politics, told The Media Line that renewed interest in alternatives reflects genuine shifts in Gulf state perspectives, though not in their practical limitations.

“First of all, we need to wait and see what will be the end, the point where the war will be ended,” he said. “But clearly, Iran became a source of threat. I mean, it was well known, but this time it was materialized.” This represents the fundamental change he identifies.

The threat has evolved from theoretical possibility to present reality, making alternative route exploration inevitable. “I think they will have to find alternatives,” he said. “And there are alternatives, and they will start, but it takes time.”

When asked about the feasibility of current proposals, Zisser provided a direct assessment: “It will take years.” He added a crucial caveat that challenges much public discussion: “And still the Iranians can hit those installations. So, it’s not very easy.”

Vita Avrahamov, a researcher at the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security specializing in geopolitics, economics, and energy issues, provided quantitative analysis supporting these concerns. “There is no immediate solution that can fully replace the energy exports through the Strait of Hormuz,” she told The Media Line.

Her calculations show the strait typically handles approximately 20 million barrels of oil daily, while existing alternatives can manage only 3.5 to 5.5 million barrels per day, representing roughly 17 to 27 percent of that capacity.

“These options are viable as strategic diversification, but not as a full bypass solution,” she explained. Avrahamov outlined three primary alternative directions. The Red Sea route through Saudi infrastructure represents “the most immediately viable” option, though still limited. “Saudi Arabia’s exports through the Red Sea … is only a partial solution and cannot fully replace exports through the Strait of Hormuz,” she said, citing constraints including “limited loading capacity available at the Yanbu export terminal.”

Mediterranean routes, including potential connections through Israel or revived Iraq-Turkey pathways toward Ceyhan or Haifa, “offer shorter access to European markets but face substantial geopolitical barriers.” Routes toward Oman and the Arabian Sea are “politically more neutral and strategically attractive” but would require massive new investments in pipelines, ports, logistics networks, and secure transit arrangements. Her conclusion: “none currently offers a comprehensive or politically frictionless alternative to Hormuz.”

Raydan offered an even more definitive assessment: “Nothing can substitute the Strait of Hormuz.” While acknowledging existing contingency plans, including “pipelines like the one in Saudi Arabia, the east-west pipeline to the Red Sea, which has definitely been leveraged in order to push volumes and bypass the Strait of Hormuz” and noting that “UAE also has a pipeline,” she challenged how these options are presented in public discourse.

“Let’s be honest,” she said. “We cannot replace, these pipelines cannot replace the flows out of the Strait of Hormuz.”

She quantified the scale of what’s at stake: “We’re talking about an average loading of some 20 million barrels per day,” referring to the January to early March period before current conflicts. “We need to be realistic here,” she said. “You can have contingency plans like pipelines, but let’s not pretend.”

Her frustration with current reporting became evident: “I’ve been seeing a lot of reports about it, that Strait of Hormuz can be substituted and that land routes can substitute sea lanes. It doesn’t work like that.”

This analysis provides important context for political discussions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. According to Raydan, the core issue is being mischaracterized when quickly transformed into infrastructure debates. “It’s more an issue of maritime security,” she emphasized, describing this as “a key topic that requires the full focus right now, maritime security, the principle of freedom of navigation,” which will remain “a key subject in the region for years to come.”

Zisser offered similar perspective when challenging recent political statements: “Sometimes these statements do not have anything to do with reality.” Later, when asked what the public might be overlooking, he was more direct: “Sometimes… statements by politicians are more wishful thinking than has to do with reality.”

Avrahamov framed it in technical terms but reached comparable conclusions. Large-scale alternatives require “substantial capital investment, long development timelines, and credible security guarantees,” with feasibility remaining limited by “enduring geopolitical fragmentation.”

The immediate reality isn’t that new networks stand ready to replace Hormuz operations. Instead, the route that continues handling regional oil exports operates under degraded, highly uncertain conditions, while frequently cited public alternatives remain either partial, politically challenging, or years from implementation.

While the ceasefire has reduced tensions, it hasn’t resolved operational conditions in the strait. Raydan’s assessment remains most accurate: traffic is “still very weak,” non-Iranian vessel movement isn’t healthy, ships remain stranded, and the entire situation can’t be resolved through pipeline rhetoric. For now, Hormuz continues as the primary system in use—just a system operating under significant stress. As Raydan concluded: “Nothing can substitute the Strait of Hormuz.”

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has launched a crucial diplomatic mission to the Middle East as his nation emerges as a potential mediator between the United States and Iran.

Sharif began his three-day journey to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey on Wednesday, traveling with a high-level delegation that includes Field Marshal Asim Munir and Deputy Prime Minister Ishaq Dar. The presence of such senior officials underscores the significance of this diplomatic tour.

The timing of this regional visit is particularly noteworthy, as President Donald Trump recently suggested that US-Iran negotiations could take place in Pakistan. However, with Sharif’s tour scheduled to end on April 18, any potential discussions between Washington and Tehran would need to wait until after his return.

According to sources in Islamabad speaking to The Media Line, the Pakistani leader is updating regional allies on confidential details regarding a US-Iran ceasefire arrangement. This coordinated effort reportedly has Washington’s full knowledge and backing, establishing Pakistan as a crucial go-between for the two adversaries.

The three nations Sharif is visiting – Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Turkey – have reportedly provided important support for Pakistan’s mediation efforts between the longtime rivals.

Arab News quoted an unnamed American official stating that “Future talks are under discussion, but nothing has been scheduled at this time.” Meanwhile, US Vice President JD Vance emphasized during a Turning Point USA gathering at the University of Georgia that Trump is not interested in a limited agreement with Iran, but instead wants a comprehensive deal.

When questioned about potential US-Iran negotiations, Vance outlined Trump’s firm stance that Iran must be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons, noting that current discussions center on achieving this goal.

Vance indicated that if Iran agrees to halt nuclear weapons development, America would assist the country in achieving economic growth and prosperity.

The Vice President revealed that Trump had directed him to travel to Pakistan for good-faith discussions with Iran. However, Vance acknowledged the deep mistrust between Washington and Tehran, emphasizing that such issues cannot be resolved quickly. He noted that the current ceasefire remains intact and expressed optimism about the trajectory of developments.

Syrian security forces have successfully broken up an ISIS-affiliated terror cell operating in the eastern region near Aleppo, marking another chapter in the country’s ongoing battle against extremist organizations.

An official from Syria’s Interior Ministry, speaking to The Media Line on condition of anonymity, revealed that the takedown came after extensive surveillance and intelligence work. Security personnel monitored the cell members’ activities before launching coordinated strikes that led to multiple arrests. During the confrontation, authorities also killed one key member of the terrorist group.

The intelligence-driven approach proved crucial in uncovering the cell’s plans. Initial questioning revealed the group had been preparing strikes against government security forces and military installations as part of ISIS’s broader strategy to reactivate dormant cells throughout Syria. The raids also uncovered a cache of weapons and explosives, underscoring the serious threat the organization continues to pose.

The anonymous source explained that this particular cell had connections to previous attacks on security patrols in various regions. This discovery prompted authorities to expand their investigation, leading to additional arrests before finally capturing the remaining network members and completely shutting down their operations.

These latest developments occur as experts warn of renewed ISIS activity across Syria, especially in territories where the group previously held substantial control. Although ISIS has faced major defeats in recent years, the organization still depends on hidden cells to conduct smaller-scale attacks designed to destabilize regional security.

Syrian officials have pledged to maintain their preventive strikes against ISIS operatives. They have previously conducted broad security sweeps across several provinces, leading to the detention of dozens of suspected ISIS members and the confiscation of weapons and explosive materials.

Security analysts note that these successful missions demonstrate better cooperation between different agencies and improved intelligence-gathering methods. Nevertheless, they warn that the ISIS threat remains active, pointing out that complicated security conditions in some areas could enable the group to rebuild.

This increased security activity connects to wider developments throughout Syria, where intersecting local and regional factors continue to influence the nation’s stability. Consequently, the campaign against extremist organizations remains an ongoing struggle requiring persistent, comprehensive efforts.

Within this context, the recent security operations mark an important advance in confronting ISIS. However, they also underscore that the fight against the organization is nowhere near finished and that preserving stability will demand continued security and intelligence work, along with addressing the root causes that allow armed groups to resurface.

As officials work to strengthen security oversight, the primary challenge remains stopping ISIS from rebuilding its capacity for major operations. Success will require ongoing preventive measures, enhanced security partnerships, and careful surveillance of suspicious activity in vulnerable areas.

The elimination of the ISIS cell east of Aleppo demonstrates the continuing battle against the group and reinforces that completely destroying the organization will require sustained commitment on both security and political levels.

LONDON — Counterterrorism investigators in Britain are examining an attempted fire attack in London that targeted a building with ties to the Jewish community, marking the latest in a series of similar incidents across the capital.

Authorities announced Saturday they are not yet connecting this incident to other recent attacks on Jewish charity vehicles and an Iranian media outlet.

The Metropolitan Police stated that while investigators are not classifying these events as terrorism, Counter Terrorism Policing London has taken charge of the probe “due to the similarities of each attack.”

According to police reports, a suspect was observed Friday evening placing a bag with three bottles of liquid outside a structure that had previously served the Jewish community. The individual tried to ignite the materials, but the attempt was unsuccessful before he escaped the scene. Authorities have not made any arrests.

The Friday evening incident occurred in Hendon, located near Golders Green, where four vehicles belonging to a Jewish charity were set ablaze on March 23. Four individuals face charges in connection with that attack.

Investigators are also examining an attempted arson at a synagogue in northwest London on Wednesday. That same day, authorities report an “ignited container” was hurled into the offices of a Persian media company in Wembley, another northwest London neighborhood. Two adult men and one teenage boy have been charged with arson in that case.

Fortunately, no injuries have occurred in any of these incidents.

Investigators are exploring whether these attacks may be connected to Iran. British officials have accused Iran of employing criminal networks to carry out attacks across Europe, specifically targeting opposition media organizations and Jewish communities. Britain’s MI5 domestic intelligence agency reports disrupting more than 20 “potentially lethal” plots backed by Iran in the year leading up to October.

Authorities in Ukraine’s capital are conducting an active manhunt after a gunman killed multiple people and wounded others during a shooting spree on Saturday.

Kiev Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported that law enforcement officers are working to capture the suspect, who has taken refuge inside a grocery store in the city’s Holosiivskyi neighborhood.

“A special operation is proceeding to detain the man who started the shooting and is currently inside a supermarket,” Klitschko wrote in a message posted to the social media platform Telegram.

The mayor added that gunfire continued even after the suspect entered the store. “According to preliminary information, shots are also being fired in the supermarket. As a result of the shooting, there are injured and several dead,” he stated.

The incident occurred on April 18th, with authorities still working to apprehend the armed individual as the situation develops.

The Biden administration has barred a senior Nicaraguan government official from entering the United States due to accusations of human rights violations, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Saturday.

The visa restrictions target Luis Roberto Cañas Novoa, who serves as Nicaragua’s vice-minister of the interior. The sanctions prevent Cañas Novoa from obtaining entry to the United States.

Rubio’s announcement on Saturday detailed the administration’s decision to block the official’s travel privileges based on his alleged participation in human rights abuses.

ANTALYA, Turkey (AP) — A high-ranking Iranian diplomat announced Saturday that Tehran remains unprepared for direct negotiations with American officials, blaming Washington’s unwillingness to drop what he characterized as “excessive” positions on critical matters.

Speaking with The Associated Press during a diplomatic conference in Turkey, Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh firmly dismissed President Donald Trump’s assertions about transferring enriched uranium, stating his nation would never surrender such materials to America.

“I can tell you that no enriched material is going to be shipped to United States,” Khatibzadeh stated. “This is non-starter and I can assure you that while we are ready to address any concerns that we do have, we’re not going to accept things that are non-starters.”

Trump declared Friday that America would enter Iran to “get all the nuclear dust,” referencing approximately 970 pounds (440 kilograms) of enriched uranium reportedly stored beneath nuclear facilities severely damaged during U.S. military operations last year.

While acknowledging ongoing message exchanges between both nations, Khatibzadeh criticized the United States for maintaining positions that Iran considers unreasonable.

“We are still not there yet to move on to an actual meeting because there are issues that the Americans have not yet abandoned their maximalist position,” Khatibzadeh explained. He noted Iran wants to complete a “framework agreement” before proceeding with face-to-face discussions.

The Iranian representative declined to detail specific negotiation points or identify outstanding disputes, but urged Washington to address Tehran’s primary concerns, particularly economic sanctions targeting Iran.

“The other sides also should understand and address our main concerns, which are illegal unilateral sanctions that Americans have imposed on Iranians and this economic terrorism which has targeted Iranian people to suffocate them and make them to revolt against the political structure inside Iran,” Khatibzadeh said.

Regarding potential Iranian responses to renewed Israeli attacks on Lebanon despite the ceasefire, Khatibzadeh declared: “Iran has no option, just to stop aggressors once and forever.”

Trump announced that Israel faces U.S. restrictions on additional Lebanese strikes, saying “enough is enough” regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

The State Department clarified these limitations apply solely to offensive operations, not defensive actions.

The Iranian official reaffirmed Tehran’s stance that its actions were defensive responses to unprovoked aggression during ongoing negotiations.

He also restated Iran’s demand that any ceasefire include Lebanon, where Israel has been battling the Iran-supported militant organization Hezbollah.

Following last week’s temporary U.S.-Iran truce, Pakistan and Iran claimed it covered Lebanon, but Israel and subsequently the U.S. rejected this interpretation. Israel then conducted multiple airstrikes on central Beirut, prompting Iran to announce another closure of the Strait of Hormuz. After Friday’s Lebanese truce implementation, Iran declared the strait reopened.

“Iran negotiated with good faith, accepted a ceasefire and told everybody that this ceasefire should include all countries, including Lebanon,” Khatibzadeh said. “Then the other side said that, it is not committed to this and then started atrocities.”

He indicated that negotiations with the U.S. would establish a “new protocol” for the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring it would “remain open and safe for all civilian passage.”

Trump has indicated the U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will continue and military action will resume without an Iranian agreement.

A crude oil tanker flying the Indian flag came under attack Saturday while navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, according to sources within the Indian government.

Officials identified the targeted ship as the Sanmar Herald and confirmed that both the vessel and its crew members remain safe following the incident.

Saturday’s attack was part of broader hostilities in the strategic waterway, with at least two commercial ships reporting they were struck by gunfire while attempting passage through the strait.

In response to the incident, Indian officials have called Iran’s ambassador to India for discussions regarding the attack.

The violence comes amid ongoing tensions over shipping access through the vital corridor. On Friday, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Iran had committed to keeping the strait open, while Iranian leadership stated they expect America to completely end its blockade of Iranian oil tankers.

Shipping records indicate that more than a dozen tankers, including three vessels under sanctions, successfully passed through the Strait of Hormuz after authorities ended a 50-day shipping blockade on Friday. However, Iran reinstated restrictions on Saturday and opened fire on some vessels attempting transit.

A French peacekeeper lost his life and three colleagues sustained injuries during an ambush in southern Lebanon on Saturday, according to French President Emmanuel Macron.

Macron pointed the finger at Hezbollah for the deadly assault, stating on social media that “Everything suggests that responsibility for this attack lies with Hezbollah.” The French leader called on Lebanese officials to “immediately arrest those responsible and assume their responsibilities alongside UNIFIL,” referring to the United Nations peacekeeping mission operating in southern Lebanon.

The fallen soldier was identified as Staff Sgt. Florian Montorio, who served with the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment based in Montauban. Macron noted that three of Montorio’s “comrades in arms were injured and evacuated.”

“The nation bows in respect and extends its support to the families of our soldiers and to all our military personnel engaged for peace in Lebanon,” Macron declared.

This tragedy marks the second deadly incident involving French forces in the region within a month. On March 12, a drone strike at a Kurdish military installation in Iraq’s Erbil area claimed the life of French Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion and left six others wounded.

French Armed Forces Minister Catherine Vautrin revealed that Montorio died during an ambush in Lebanon’s Deir Kifa area. According to Vautrin, the soldier was attempting to establish access to a UNIFIL outpost that had been cut off for multiple days due to combat between Hezbollah militants and Israeli troops.

The attack occurred just one day after a 10-day ceasefire agreement went into effect in Lebanon, though questions remain about Hezbollah’s commitment to a truce they did not help negotiate.

“He was caught in an ambush by an armed group at very close range,” Vautrin explained on X. “Immediately hit by a direct shot from a light weapon, he was pulled back under fire by his comrades, who were unable to resuscitate him.”

Following the incident, Macron contacted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam to demand that Lebanese authorities “shed full light on this incident, to identify and prosecute those responsible without delay, and to do everything possible to ensure the safety of UNIFIL soldiers, who must under no circumstances be targeted,” according to the French president’s office.

Macron also emphasized “the importance of full respect for the ceasefire by all parties and reaffirmed France’s commitment to Lebanon’s sovereignty, for the benefit of all Lebanese people and regional stability.”

A major baby food manufacturer has issued an urgent recall across Austria after discovering evidence of possible product tampering that could endanger infants.

HiPP has withdrawn its complete line of baby food products from more than 1,500 SPAR grocery stores throughout Austria as a safety precaution. The recall was announced Saturday by both companies.

“It cannot be ruled out that a dangerous substance was introduced into the product,” HiPP stated, specifically noting concerns about their Vegetable Carrot with Potato variety in glass containers.

The baby food company warned that eating from the potentially compromised jars could result in life-threatening consequences.

A SPAR representative confirmed to Reuters that the widespread recall impacts 1,500 Austrian locations as a preventive step, though stores in other countries remain unaffected.

“According to our current knowledge, this critical situation involves an external criminal interference that affects the SPAR Austria distribution channel,” a HiPP representative explained, emphasizing that their manufacturing processes and quality control standards have not been compromised.

Both retailers are urging shoppers who purchased the products from Austrian SPAR locations to avoid consumption and return items for complete refunds.

Law enforcement officials in Austria’s Burgenland region are actively investigating the incident and requesting public assistance with information, according to HiPP.

Turkey’s top diplomat warned Saturday that America stepping back from its European security commitments could cause serious damage if not handled properly.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan revealed that conversations are taking place about how to address a potential American reduction in what he called the “European security architecture,” though he didn’t provide specifics about these talks.

The comments come as President Donald Trump has made threats to withdraw from NATO following European allies’ refusal to deploy naval vessels to help clear the Strait of Hormuz during the ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran.

Speaking at a diplomatic conference in Antalya, a province in southern Turkey, Fidan expressed concern about the potential consequences.

“We are very much discussing how to manage or mitigate the withdrawal of the U.S. from the European security architecture. Not totally, but partially. Even a partial withdrawal… would be very destructive for Europe if it’s not done in a coordinated way,” Fidan stated during the panel discussion.

The Turkish minister, representing a nation that belongs to NATO but remains outside the European Union, criticized what he sees as problematic behavior within the alliance. He said EU member countries within NATO have been “acting like a separate club” and making independent decisions that sometimes conflict with the broader alliance’s stance.

“You want to be a separate EU organisation within NATO? Well America said ‘I’m letting you go, cutting off your ties’,” Fidan remarked.

The diplomatic tensions have been building since Trump announced his interest in acquiring Greenland, adding another layer of friction to alliance relationships.

Looking ahead, Fidan urged fellow NATO members to view the upcoming alliance summit scheduled for Ankara in July as a chance to repair relationships with Trump and Washington, while simultaneously preparing for potentially reduced American participation.

NATO’s Secretary General Mark Rutte has acknowledged Trump’s concerns with the alliance but emphasized that most European nations have provided valuable support for Washington’s military efforts against Iran.

According to a senior White House source who spoke with Reuters earlier this month, Trump has also been considering the possibility of withdrawing some American military personnel from European bases as part of his broader frustrations with NATO.

BARCELONA – A significant diplomatic breakthrough occurred Saturday when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum held talks with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during her visit to Barcelona for an international progressive leaders conference.

According to Spain’s state news agency EFE, this represents the first time a Mexican head of state has traveled to Spain since the Morena party assumed control of Mexico’s government in 2018, indicating a warming of previously chilled relations between the two nations.

The diplomatic rift originated when Sheinbaum’s political mentor and former president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, demanded in 2019 that Spain apologize for colonial-era atrocities committed during the Spanish conquest of Mexico – a request that Spain declined to fulfill.

Spain’s economy minister expressed optimism about the renewed contact, telling journalists at the summit: “I believe that President Sheinbaum’s presence here is a very important and positive sign of a rapprochement between the two countries.” The minister highlighted opportunities for expanded commerce and investment cooperation, particularly in energy development, infrastructure projects, and banking sectors.

Sheinbaum’s participation in the Barcelona gathering of global left-wing leaders, hosted by the Spanish government, provided the framework for this diplomatic reset between the historically connected nations.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Saturday that a French military member serving with international peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon has died in an attack that France believes was carried out by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

In a statement posted on social media platform X, Macron revealed that three additional soldiers sustained injuries in the incident and have since been moved to safety for medical treatment. The French president called on Lebanon’s government to take action against those believed to be behind the deadly assault.

The affected military personnel were serving as part of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, which operates peacekeeping missions throughout the southern region of the country.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva addressed progressive leaders gathered in Barcelona on Saturday, urging the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council to modify their approach following their inability to prevent conflict in Iran.

Speaking at the summit, Lula criticized what he described as inflammatory social media posts from world leaders. “We cannot wake up every morning and go to bed every night with a tweet from a president threatening the world and declaring wars,” the Brazilian leader stated, appearing to reference U.S. President Donald Trump though he did not mention him by name.

The remarks came during a progressive leaders’ summit held in the Spanish city on April 18, where Lula emphasized the need for behavioral changes among the Security Council’s most powerful nations.

Commercial ships attempting to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday were turned away by Iranian naval forces, with at least two vessels coming under gunfire from Iranian boats, according to maritime sources.

Multiple merchant ships had tried to make the crossing after receiving maritime notices Friday indicating that passage through the waterway would be permitted, though limited to specific routes that Iran considered secure.

However, on Saturday, Iranian vessels opened fire on at least two ships in the waters near Qeshm and Larak islands, forcing them to retreat before completing their journey, shipping and maritime security officials told Reuters.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations agency confirmed receiving reports of an incident occurring 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman. According to the report, a tanker’s captain said two Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps gunboats had approached and fired upon his vessel. The tanker and its crew remained unharmed.

Maritime security sources also confirmed that a container ship was struck by gunfire during a separate incident.

Multiple vessels reported receiving VHF radio broadcasts from Iran’s navy announcing the waterway’s closure.

The Iranian radio transmission stated: “Attention all ships, regarding the failure of the U.S. government to fulfil its commitment in the negotiation, Iran declares the Strait of Hormuz completely closed again. No vessel of any type or nationality is allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.”

The closure has left hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 maritime workers stranded in the Gulf region, unable to transit through the critical shipping lane that carries roughly 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

ORVAULT, France (AP) — An elderly French woman who wed an American military veteran has arrived back in her home country following more than two weeks in U.S. immigration detention, with her family now focused on her recovery from the traumatic experience.

Marie-Thérèse Ross, 85, returned to France after enduring what her son described as a challenging ordeal that began when she was detained for exceeding her visa limits. During a Friday news conference in Orvault, located in western France, her son Hervé Goix emphasized that the family’s main concern is protecting their mother.

“To preserve her health and her rest, and for her to be able to rebuild herself,” Goix stated while appearing with his two siblings before the media.

“We are particularly relieved today to see our mother again, to have her back,” he continued. “She has necessarily gone through a difficult ordeal.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot confirmed Ross’s return on Friday, criticizing the detention methods used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement as falling short of French expectations and being unacceptable to his government, though he provided no additional details.

Court documents reveal that Ross arrived in the United States last June following her marriage to a former U.S. military member who had served in France during the 1960s. However, when her spouse passed away from natural causes in January, conflicts emerged regarding his estate. An Alabama judge determined that Ross’s stepson, who works for the federal government, played a role in having her placed in immigration detention.

According to the Department of Homeland Security, immigration officials apprehended Ross in Alabama on April 1 for exceeding her 90-day visa allowance. She was subsequently transferred to a detention center in Louisiana while French authorities voiced concerns about her treatment.

During the news conference, Goix revealed that his mother had been working on obtaining permanent residency status when authorities took her into custody. He stressed that “the essential thing is that she is truly safe, that she regains her comfort, that she is surrounded by her children and grandchildren.”

Orvault’s mayor, Sébastien Arrouët, shared with French news outlets that he had spoken with Ross, describing her as “delighted,” “happy,” and “relieved.”

“Put yourselves in her place, in a country she knows a little bit, it all happened to her so suddenly,” he explained. “We don’t realize the psychological violence. She needs to process all this, and the most important thing is that she is back with us.”

Documentation indicates that authorities detained Ross while she was wearing her nightclothes and prevented her from gathering essential items including her mobile phone, passport, and other personal identification documents.

The U.S. military announced Saturday that two dozen vessels have followed American orders to return to Iranian waters since the implementation of a blockade targeting Iran’s ports and coastal regions.

According to military officials, 23 ships have heeded commands from U.S. forces to reverse their course and head back toward Iran after the United States established the maritime blockade.

The blockade represents an enforcement action against Iranian ports and surrounding coastal waters, with American military personnel directing vessel traffic in the affected areas.

Iranian leadership announced Saturday that future diplomatic discussions with the United States remain on hold until both nations can establish a preliminary agreement framework.

Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh made the announcement during a diplomatic conference in Antalya, Turkey, following last weekend’s unsuccessful high-level meetings in Islamabad – the most significant US-Iran diplomatic engagement since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

“We are now focusing on finalising the framework of understanding between two sides. We don’t want to enter into any negotiation or meeting which is doomed to fail and which can be a pretext for another round of escalation,” Khatibzadeh told reporters at the Turkish forum.

While President Donald Trump indicated to Reuters that additional direct discussions might occur this weekend, diplomatic sources expressed skepticism about the logistical feasibility of reconvening in Islamabad.

Khatibzadeh explained that substantial advancement occurred during previous talks, but attributed the breakdown to what he characterized as unreasonable American positions regarding Iran’s nuclear activities.

“Until we agree the framework, we cannot set the date… There was significant progress made actually. But then the maximalist approach by the other side, trying to make Iran an exception from international law prevented us to reach an agreement,” he stated.

The Iranian official emphasized his country’s commitment to operating within established international legal boundaries.

“I have to be very crystal clear that Iran would not accept to be an exception from the international law. Anything that we are going to be committed will be within the international regulations and international law,” Khatibzadeh declared.

Addressing questions about the Strait of Hormuz situation, Khatibzadeh confirmed Iran had initially agreed to permit commercial vessel passage following Thursday’s US-mediated 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

However, he accused American officials of undermining that arrangement by attempting to exclude Iranian vessels from the safe passage agreement.

“The other side, the American side, tried to sabotage that by saying that it is open except for Iranians. So that was the reason we said that ‘if you are going to violate the ceasefire terms and conditions, if Americans are not going to honour their words, there will be repercussions for them’,” Khatibzadeh explained.

A Swiss soccer club has pulled the plug on a scheduled Kanye West concert, joining a growing number of European venues refusing to host the controversial rapper following his antisemitic remarks.

FC Basel announced Saturday they will not move forward with the performance that was reportedly set for June at their St. Jakob-Park stadium. The club manages all entertainment events at the venue.

Club officials said they carefully evaluated the concert request before making their decision.

“FCB received an enquiry and considered it. However, after thorough review, we have decided not to proceed with the project, as we cannot, in accordance with our values, provide a platform for the artist in question within this context,” a spokesperson for the club stated.

The Swiss cancellation follows similar moves across Europe. Just days ago, a stadium in Poland announced it would scrap a West concert, coming after the artist delayed a French performance. Earlier this month, British authorities prevented the 48-year-old performer from entering the country for a festival appearance.

West, who now goes by Ye, issued an apology in January for his conduct, saying it stemmed from his untreated bipolar disorder. He also disavowed his previous statements praising Adolf Hitler.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has strongly denounced an assault that targeted French peacekeeping personnel serving with the United Nations mission UNIFIL on Saturday, announcing he has directed authorities to launch an immediate probe into the incident.

Salam made his statement through a social media post on X, where he expressed his condemnation of the attack against the French contingent members who are part of the international peacekeeping operation in the region.

The Prime Minister’s office has called for a thorough and swift investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the assault on the UN forces.

Efforts to broker peace between companies locked in a heated battle over Europe’s ambitious fighter aircraft program have collapsed, according to a German business publication’s weekend report.

The newspaper Handelsblatt revealed that negotiators from both France and Germany were unable to bridge the gap between feuding corporations in the Future Combat Air System initiative, though government officials may still step in to rescue the troubled venture.

Sources close to the discussions told the publication that the appointed mediators will now file individual reports detailing their unsuccessful attempts to reach a compromise.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is expected to receive a briefing about the ongoing corporate standoff over the weekend and will determine Germany’s next steps by Tuesday, according to the report.

The German leader is scheduled to sit down with French President Emmanuel Macron during an unofficial European Union gathering in Cyprus next Thursday and Friday, potentially providing an opportunity to address the crisis.

The €100 billion military aircraft development program has been paralyzed by an extended power struggle between France’s Dassault Aviation and Airbus, which serves as the representative for both Germany and Spain in the multinational effort.

Earlier this month on April 1, Dassault Aviation’s chief executive announced he was allowing his organization a brief window of two to three weeks to determine if an agreement could be reached regarding the combat aircraft system.

Merz previously stated in late March that he was exhausting all available options to preserve the program and had arranged for two neutral parties to help bridge the corporate divide.

When contacted for comment, an Airbus Group representative in France chose not to respond, while officials from the German government, French presidency, and Dassault Aviation did not provide immediate statements.

BARCELONA, Spain — A diplomatic rift spanning five years between Mexico and Spain came to an end Saturday when Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum met with Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez in Barcelona, settling their disagreement over Spain’s treatment of indigenous peoples during colonial times.

Speaking at the IV Meeting in Defense of Democracy, where delegates from 15 nations gathered to address growing threats to democratic values, Sheinbaum dismissed any notion of ongoing tensions. “There is no diplomatic crisis, there never was one,” the Mexican leader declared upon her arrival.

Before greeting Sánchez with a handshake, she emphasized the significance of honoring indigenous contributions, stating, “The important thing is to recognize the efforts of the indigenous people of our land.”

The resolution became possible after King Felipe VI of Spain took an unprecedented step in March by publicly recognizing that Spain’s conquest of the Americas resulted in the “abuse” of native populations.

The diplomatic friction began in 2019 when former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador sent correspondence to both the Spanish monarch and Pope Francis, calling on Spain to “publicly and officially” acknowledge wrongdoings during Mexico’s conquest.

When Spain declined to provide such recognition, relationships between the nations deteriorated significantly.

The situation reached its lowest point in 2024 when Sheinbaum excluded Felipe from her presidential inauguration ceremony due to the Spanish palace’s unwillingness to offer a formal apology. Sánchez denounced this decision as “unacceptable,” leading Spain to break with protocol by sending no official representative to the inauguration.

Following the king’s historic acknowledgment, Mexico extended an invitation to the Spanish monarch to attend a World Cup soccer match scheduled for this summer, signaling the beginning of diplomatic repair.

During Saturday’s gathering, Sánchez avoided referencing the now-resolved conflict while expressing gratitude to Sheinbaum for Mexico’s offer to host next year’s democracy summit.

Two commercial ships reported coming under gunfire Saturday while navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, according to three maritime security and shipping industry sources.

The vessels were attempting to pass through the strategic waterway when they reported being struck by gunfire, though the extent of any damage or casualties was not immediately known.

The incidents highlight ongoing tensions in one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes, which serves as a vital passage for global oil and trade shipments.

Venezuelan opposition figure Maria Corina Machado revealed Saturday that she turned down an opportunity to meet with Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez during her recent trip to the country, citing his involvement in hosting a progressive political gathering in Barcelona.

Machado, who identifies as a right-wing liberal, chose to avoid the leftist coalition government headed by Sanchez, instead focusing her time on meetings with Spain’s conservative opposition figures who oppose the current administration.

Speaking at a Madrid event, Machado explained her decision by referencing the Barcelona summit. “What has transpired in the past few hours at the meeting he held in Barcelona with various political leaders from different countries is proof that such a meeting was not advisable,” she stated.

The incident highlights the political divide between Machado’s conservative stance and the progressive agenda promoted by Sanchez’s government, demonstrating how international political alignments influence diplomatic interactions even during unofficial visits.

Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov announced on April 18th that Moscow believes it’s the right moment to begin discussions with Washington regarding future economic partnerships between the two nations, though he acknowledged ongoing disagreements persist.

Speaking during a diplomatic gathering in Antalya, Turkey, Lavrov made the remarks as part of Russia’s broader diplomatic outreach efforts. He also commented on the Western military alliance, describing NATO as being “not in the best state,” while emphasizing that Russia has no intention of interfering in the organization’s internal matters.

The push for enhanced economic collaboration with America has become a central element of Russia’s strategy to establish a diplomatic thaw with President Donald Trump’s administration.

Acclaimed French actress Nathalie Baye, recognized internationally for her performance in Steven Spielberg’s hit film “Catch Me if You Can,” has passed away at 77 years old, according to reports from AFP news agency on Saturday.

The celebrated performer died on Friday night at her residence in Paris, the French news outlet confirmed through statements from Baye’s family members.

NABATIYEH, Lebanon — Emergency medical crews arrived at the outskirts of Mayfadoun village in southern Lebanon during late morning hours, responding to reports of attacks on fellow paramedics.

The rescue teams had learned just minutes before on Wednesday that Israeli forces had struck two ambulances in the area, targeting the second vehicle as it arrived to assist the first. Despite knowing the risks, they rushed to help their colleagues and discovered a devastating scene.

Both initial ambulances lay in ruins with blown tires and shattered glass. Six of the eight crew members were bloodied and scattered across the roadway or inside the damaged vehicles. In one driver’s seat, a paramedic with blood flowing from his stomach held an unconscious colleague, desperately urging him to remain awake.

“I felt sick. I couldn’t believe my eyes,” Mohammed Jaber, 43, shared with The Associated Press on Friday from his emergency team’s base in Nabatiyeh, where crew members rested on foam mattresses. A 10-day ceasefire in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict gave the exhausted workers a rare break from constant explosions.

Jaber explained that his team quickly began loading the most severely injured victims into their functional ambulances. However, as team leader Mahdi Abu Zaid moved to secure the vehicle doors, they too came under fire.

These three separate attacks, resulting in four paramedic deaths and six injuries, represent another instance of Israel targeting Lebanon’s medical infrastructure.

During the 2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, such strikes became a major point of controversy, with Israel claiming that Hezbollah, like Hamas in Gaza, operated from Lebanese medical facilities — allegations both Hezbollah and Lebanon’s Health Ministry reject.

The frequency of these attacks has remained steady, with humanitarian organizations documenting an average of two healthcare worker deaths daily throughout the war until Friday’s ceasefire began.

When asked about the Mayfadoun incidents, Israeli military officials did not reiterate previous claims about Hezbollah’s use of medical sites. They stated they were “aware of reports about the ambulance attacks” and that “the incident is under review.”

The assault on the third rescue team occurred while they were still evaluating injuries from the first two crews, happening less than six minutes after they reached the scene.

According to colleagues who spoke with the AP, an Israeli drone shattered the vehicles’ windows and hit 30-year-old Abu Zaid, knocking him to the ground. Abu Zaid, who had a 4-year-old child and worked selling spices and nuts when not volunteering as a paramedic, was declared dead upon arrival at al-Najda Hospital.

The medical workers’ testimonies align with video evidence from a GoPro camera worn by one paramedic. The footage documents intense gunfire striking the ambulance while medical personnel treated two bloodied colleagues, one breathing weakly through an oxygen mask.

Following the third assault, a fourth rescue team successfully reached the trapped medics and evacuated the wounded without being targeted.

These ambulance attacks have sparked widespread criticism, including from the United Nations’ human rights office, which expressed being “shocked” and cautioned that deliberately targeting medical personnel constitutes a war crime.

For the emergency workers involved, this incident exemplifies Israel’s campaign to dismantle southern Lebanon’s healthcare infrastructure as its military expands security operations to the Litani River, approximately 20 miles into Lebanese territory, seeking to protect northern Israeli communities from Iran-backed Hezbollah.

“They should be targeting fighters, where the fighting is happening, at the border,” said Jaber. “Why target medics and civilians? So that life becomes unbearable and people tell Hezbollah to give up?”

Lebanon’s Health Ministry has documented at least 100 medical worker fatalities since Israel began its bombing campaign and ground operations in Lebanon, responding to Hezbollah missile attacks across the border on March 2, following Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran.

“This war is different than all the other wars,” stated Mohammed Suleiman, chief paramedic for Nabatiyeh Emergency Services.

Suleiman’s own 16-year-old son Joud — who had accompanied and assisted on missions since childhood — died alongside a fellow paramedic in an Israeli motorcycle strike on March 24, marking the unit’s first casualties since its 2002 establishment.

“I always had my fears, but I believed that as a neutral organization with no connection to politics, we would be safe, off-limits,” he explained.

Beyond its military operations, Hezbollah functions as one of Lebanon’s most influential political parties and operates an extensive network of civilian institutions including medical facilities and educational centers.

The initial two paramedic teams attacked Wednesday were deployed by the Islamic Health Committee, a major healthcare provider connected to Hezbollah, and the Risala Scout Association, a medical response group linked to Hezbollah’s ally, the Amal movement.

Numerous paramedics from both organizations have died during these six weeks of warfare. The primary Islamic Health Committee facility in Jibsheet village, near Nabatiyeh, was destroyed in an Israeli airstrike last month, joining 59 primary healthcare centers closed due to Israeli attacks, according to the World Health Organization.

The U.N. health agency also condemned Israeli strikes that hit Lebanon’s Tebnine Government Hospital twice within three days this week, injuring 11 medical staff, damaging the emergency ward and pharmacy, and destroying vital equipment including ventilators and monitoring devices.

With Friday’s ceasefire in place, the Nabatiyeh medics hired a tow truck and returned to the Mayfadoun roadside where they were attacked. The three ambulances remained there, riddled with shrapnel, while bloodstains marked the pavement.

They transported Abu Zeid’s destroyed ambulance to a public square in Nabatiyeh, hoping it would serve as a memorial.

“We want this vehicle to bear witness,” said Mahdi Sadeq, a service coordinator. “To bear witness to what happened, to what this war has done to our profession.”

BARCELONA, Spain — Democratic leaders from multiple nations convened in Spain’s second-largest city Saturday to address growing threats to liberal democracy worldwide, as far-right movements gain momentum and international conflicts strain global stability.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, known for his vocal opposition to President Donald Trump and the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, organized two concurrent events focused on democratic values and progressive governance at a Barcelona convention facility.

The fourth iteration of the Meeting in Defense of Democracy drew presidents from Brazil (Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva), Mexico (Claudia Sheinbaum), South Africa (Cyril Ramaphosa), and Colombia (Gustavo Petro), alongside senior officials from ten additional nations. British Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy also participated in the discussions.

Though Trump’s name wasn’t explicitly mentioned during the portions accessible to media, his administration’s unilateral approach—which breaks from longstanding U.S. foreign policy traditions—and his criticism of NATO and the United Nations created an underlying tension at the gathering aimed at preserving multilateral cooperation.

“We all see the attacks against the multilateral system, the repeated attempts to undermine international law and the dangerous normalization of the use of force,” Sánchez stated as the conference began.

The Spanish leader outlined priorities including strengthening multilateral institutions through U.N. reform, implementing social media regulations to curb hate speech and false information, and developing strategies to address widening economic disparities.

“We all share the vision that democracy is the best system to respond to the complexities of our societies,” he declared.

Brazil, Spain, and Chile established this forum in 2024 to facilitate idea-sharing aimed at countering what organizers describe as “extremism, polarization and misinformation” that weakens democratic participation.

Saturday evening will feature the debut Global Progressive Mobilization, bringing together approximately 3,000 left-leaning elected officials and policy experts for strategic discussions.

These meetings followed Friday’s summit between Sánchez and Lula at a former Barcelona royal residence, where they expressed mutual concerns about global instability stemming from Russia’s Ukrainian invasion, Israel’s Gaza operations following Hamas attacks, and current Iranian conflicts affecting energy markets.

Both Lula and Sánchez represent a shrinking group of progressive leaders who maintain domestic popularity while advocating for multilateral agreements, human rights protections, environmental safeguards, and gender equality—principles frequently challenged by Trump, Argentina’s libertarian President Javier Milei, and European far-right movements.

Australian authorities are investigating a fatal vehicle incident that occurred at a popular entertainment convention in Melbourne, leaving one person dead and another with severe injuries.

The tragedy unfolded shortly before 5 p.m. local time when a vehicle jumped the curb and struck two pedestrians, according to police reports released Saturday. Officers arrested the driver immediately at the scene.

“The circumstances surrounding the collision are yet to be established and the investigation remains ongoing,” authorities stated in their official release.

Media outlets report the incident took place at the location where the Supanova Comic Con and Gaming event was being held, adding to concerns about public safety at large gatherings.

The investigation continues as police work to determine what led to the deadly crash that has shaken the Melbourne community.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty announced Saturday that his nation is collaborating closely with Pakistan to develop a comprehensive framework designed to achieve enduring peace between the United States and Iran.

Speaking from Antalya, Abdelatty revealed that a coalition including Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia is orchestrating an extensive regional diplomatic initiative. The effort focuses on averting future military escalations while establishing the foundation for post-conflict security arrangements.

The minister emphasized that the initiative prioritizes safeguarding Gulf nations while ensuring stability in global energy markets, international supply chains, and food security systems.

CAIRO (AP) — Tehran quickly backtracked on its decision to allow ships through the Strait of Hormuz, closing the vital shipping lane again Saturday following President Trump’s announcement that America would maintain its naval blockade of Iranian ports.

Iranian military leadership announced Saturday that “control of the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state … under strict management and control of the armed forces.” Military officials warned they would maintain the closure as long as American forces continued blocking Iranian shipping routes.

The reversal happened just hours after President Trump declared that despite Iran’s Friday announcement about reopening the waterway, the US blockade “will remain in full force” until Tehran negotiates an agreement with Washington, particularly regarding its nuclear activities.

The standoff over this crucial shipping route threatens to worsen the global energy emergency affecting the worldwide economy, especially after oil costs had started dropping Friday amid hopes for US-Iranian progress. About 20 percent of global oil shipments travel through this waterway, and additional restrictions could tighten already limited supplies, pushing fuel prices upward again.

Iran’s authority over this strategic passage has become its primary bargaining chip, leading Washington to position naval forces and establish a port blockade as part of efforts to pressure Tehran into accepting a Pakistan-mediated ceasefire ending nearly seven weeks of conflict involving Israel, America, and Iran.

Tehran had announced complete reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial traffic following a 10-day ceasefire declaration between Israel and Iran-supported Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. Ending Israel’s Lebanese conflict was a central requirement from Iranian negotiators, who had previously blamed Israel for violating an earlier ceasefire through Lebanese airstrikes. Israeli officials had stated that previous agreement didn’t include Lebanon.

However, following Trump’s blockade continuation announcement, senior Iranian leaders claimed his statement broke last week’s ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the US, warning the strait would remain closed while American naval restrictions continued.

Maritime tracking company Kpler reported that vessel movement through the strait stayed limited to specific channels requiring Iranian permission.

US Central Command announced on social media that American naval forces have turned away 21 vessels bound for Iran since beginning the blockade Monday.

Even with rising tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Pakistani diplomats indicate the United States and Iran continue making progress toward an agreement before the April 22 ceasefire expiration.

The Lebanese ceasefire might remove a significant barrier to reaching a deal. During a diplomatic conference in Antalya, Turkey, Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar called the Lebanese ceasefire encouraging, explaining that Israel-Hezbollah fighting had been a major obstacle before Islamabad discussions concluded “very close” to an agreement last weekend.

Pakistani military leader Field Marshal Asim Munir traveled to Tehran, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held meetings with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Antalya, according to military and government sources. Pakistan plans to facilitate another round of US-Iran negotiations early next week.

Despite mediator optimism, questions remain about whether Hezbollah will honor a truce they didn’t help negotiate and which allows Israeli forces to maintain control over parts of southern Lebanon.

Trump posted separately that Israel is “prohibited” by the US from additional Lebanese strikes and declared “enough is enough” regarding the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

The State Department clarified the restriction covers only aggressive attacks, not defensive responses.

Just before Trump’s statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel accepted the Lebanese ceasefire “at the request of my friend President Trump,” while emphasizing the Hezbollah campaign remains incomplete.

Netanyahu stated Israel had eliminated approximately 90% of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket arsenal and noted that Israeli forces “have not finished yet” with dismantling the organization.

In Beirut, displaced residents started returning to southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern neighborhoods despite official warnings against going home until the ceasefire’s stability becomes clear.

Lebanese military and UN peacekeeping forces in southern Lebanon documented scattered artillery fire in some southern areas during the hours following the ceasefire implementation.

The conflict, which started with US and Israeli military action on February 28, has resulted in at least 3,000 Iranian deaths, over 2,290 Lebanese casualties, 23 Israeli fatalities, and more than twelve deaths in Gulf Arab nations. Thirteen American military personnel have also died.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro has issued a stark warning that continued American pressure on Latin American leaders who oppose Washington could trigger a regional uprising against US influence, according to remarks published Saturday in Spanish newspaper El Pais.

The 65-year-old leader, who previously belonged to the leftist M-19 guerrilla movement, has repeatedly found himself at odds with President Donald Trump’s administration, which added him to a Treasury Department sanctions list over alleged connections to international drug trafficking.

Speaking from Barcelona where he attended a summit with leaders from Spain, Brazil and Mexico, Petro accused the US Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control of wielding sanctions as a political weapon to pressure leaders who hold opposing viewpoints.

“It’s a system like the one the Spanish king had a few centuries ago. And what was Latin America’s response? Rebellion. That’s what will happen now if the U.S. government isn’t capable of rethinking its ties to Latin America,” Petro stated during the interview.

The Colombian president cited the January US military operation targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in Caracas as an example of American actions that have created anxiety among regional leaders.

Despite these tensions, Petro described his direct relationship with Trump as positive, noting they had communicated twice in recent weeks and dispelled misconceptions about one another. He emphasized that he approached their meetings as an equal rather than coming to Washington to plead for favors.

Petro, who won election in 2022, will step down from office in August due to Colombia’s constitutional prohibition on consecutive presidential terms.

RAVE, India (AP) — Community members from the Agri-Koli tradition participated in an ancient ceremonial competition on Friday, working together to raise elaborately adorned bamboo structures in their village outside Mumbai, India.

The ritual takes place annually in the village of Rave and serves as a tribute to the goddess Raiba Devi, continuing a cultural practice that has been observed for hundreds of years.

This coverage features a collection of photographs selected by Associated Press photo editors documenting the traditional celebration.

BEIJING – Chinese officials announced Saturday their readiness to proceed with discussions aimed at enhancing the existing free trade agreement between China and Switzerland.

During bilateral trade discussions held in Bern, China’s Commerce Ministry released a statement indicating that an upgraded, high-quality free trade pact would provide fresh energy for commercial, investment, and innovation partnerships between the two nations.

The ministry emphasized that such an enhanced agreement would strengthen economic ties and create new opportunities for cooperation across multiple sectors.

Britain’s top diplomat is calling on Iran to completely restore international shipping access through a crucial Middle Eastern waterway following a recent ceasefire agreement.

Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper spoke Saturday from a diplomatic conference in Antalya, Turkey, expressing concerns that maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has not returned to standard levels even after hostilities paused in Iran’s ongoing conflict.

“We are at a critical diplomatic moment with a ceasefire now in place … but we don’t yet have normal passage through the strait,” Cooper explained to Reuters during the international diplomacy gathering.

The British official emphasized that the current truce must evolve into a permanent peace agreement. Cooper stressed the importance of quickly restoring full shipping operations through the strategic waterway, citing its essential role in supporting worldwide economic stability.

KYIV, Ukraine — Museum director Alina Dotsenko experienced devastating heartbreak when she entered her facility after Ukrainian troops reclaimed the southern city of Kherson from Russian occupation in late 2022. Thousands of precious artworks had disappeared.

“I walked in and saw empty storage rooms, empty shelves. My legs gave way, and I just sat down by the wall, like a child,” said Dotsenko, who heads the Kherson Art Museum.

The museum previously housed more than 14,000 pieces in a diverse collection “ranging from America to Japan” before Russia’s comprehensive invasion began in early 2022. As Russian troops withdrew, they transported much of the collection by truck to Russian-controlled Crimea, according to Dotsenko and footage captured by local residents.

Nearly 10,000 artworks remain unaccounted for.

Ukraine is renewing its protests about cultural theft as Russia attempts to rejoin international cultural events. The upcoming Venice Biennale intends to permit Russian participation for the first time since 2022. Ukrainian officials argue the event “must not become a stage for whitewashing the war crimes that Russia commits daily against the Ukrainian people and our cultural heritage.”

The Kherson situation is unique because Ukraine has precise documentation of what was stolen.

Prior to the conflict, Dotsenko had systematically photographed every piece in the museum’s collection, building a comprehensive digital database. When Russian forces captured Kherson, she concealed the hard drives containing this information. After Ukrainian soldiers returned, she recovered them.

This database now represents the most complete documentation of stolen cultural property during the conflict, enabling prosecutors to collaborate with Interpol in tracking missing pieces and pursuing accountability.

Throughout most of Ukraine, however, similar records don’t exist. Cultural theft cases can only be prosecuted in court when losses can be proven piece by piece.

The Russian Culture Ministry did not reply to Associated Press inquiries about the alleged theft from Ukrainian museums. Previously, Russian-appointed officials in occupied regions characterized the removals as protective actions.

Kirill Stremousov, the former Russia-appointed deputy administrator in Kherson who died shortly before Ukrainian forces freed the city, claimed removed statues would “definitely return” once hostilities ended.

Halyna Chumak, former head of the Donetsk Regional Art Museum, escaped Russian-controlled Donetsk in 2014, taking what she could manage: catalogs documenting a small portion of the museum’s approximately 15,000 artworks.

She spent twelve months moving the catalogs through military checkpoints into Ukrainian-held territory, abandoning most to avoid attracting attention from pro-Russian forces who inspected her at each crossing point.

Those catalogs covering slightly more than 1,000 pieces represent the only remaining evidence. More than ten years later, Ukrainian businessman Oleksandr Velychko is converting them to digital format.

His team required more than three careful months to process roughly 400 works. When finished, the database will be provided to Ukrainian authorities, offering partial legal grounds to claim ownership of missing pieces.

Authorities indicate many situations across Ukraine mirror Donetsk rather than Kherson.

Anna Sosonska, deputy chief of a war crimes division at Ukraine’s Prosecutor General’s Office, said her department is managing 23 criminal cases involving cultural crimes, encompassing 174 instances of theft, damage and destruction.

The Kherson museum case ranks among top priorities, she noted, primarily due to Dotsenko’s digital records.

Sosonska explained that Russian forces frequently take inventory books and other documentation from museums, complicating efforts to establish what was stolen.

Prosecutors sometimes depend on open-source intelligence, following artworks through photographs, auction records and other online evidence — a time-consuming process that cannot rebuild complete collections.

Progress takes time, but Sosonska emphasized that cultural crimes fall under international law and face no time limits for prosecution.

Ukrainian authorities say the extent of theft greatly surpasses what can be documented.

Ukraine’s Culture Ministry reports that Russia had destroyed or damaged 1,707 cultural heritage sites and 2,503 cultural infrastructure facilities including event venues and galleries as of March, most notably the Mariupol Drama Theatre.

The ministry stated that over 2.1 million museum objects remain in Russian-occupied areas. From territories Ukraine has reclaimed since 2022, more than 35,000 museum items are confirmed stolen.

Substantial portions of Ukraine have remained under Russian control since 2014, and much original documentation has been lost, destroyed or taken.

Russia has moved to legally formalize control over captured collections. In 2023, it modified laws to incorporate 77 Ukrainian museums in the occupied Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia regions into its national registry, a move critics say effectively prevents the return of stolen works.

Named as Ukraine’s culture minister in October 2025, Tetiana Berezhna said digitization will be a central priority for her office to protect collections.

“If we had digitalized them beforehand, then we would know how many objects were stolen and what they look like,” she said.

A recent European case has highlighted the potential for accountability.

In March, a Polish court determined that Oleksandr Butiahin, a Russian citizen, can be sent to Ukraine over accusations he conducted unauthorized excavations in Crimea, removing artifacts from a site Ukraine considers its cultural heritage.

Butiahin was arrested in Poland last year following Ukraine’s request. The court’s ruling remains open to appeal.

Sosonska described the case as the first instance where a Russian citizen could face prosecution for crimes against Ukraine’s cultural heritage connected to occupied territory.

For museum professionals like Dotsenko, the matter remains intensely personal.

She spoke with The Associated Press at an exhibition in Kyiv displaying reproductions of the paintings stolen from the Kherson museum.

“While these works are still in captivity, we all hope the situation will be resolved in favor of the Kherson Art Museum. I didn’t dedicate 50 years of my life to this museum for nothing,” she said.