Category: World News

The week spanning April 3 through 9, 2026, witnessed significant religious and political events throughout Latin America and the Caribbean region.

In Mexico, the sacred period of Holy Week continued with traditional observances as religious devotees in Atlixco participated in Good Friday ceremonies, donning chains as part of their spiritual penance rituals.

Meanwhile, civil unrest erupted in Venezuela where law enforcement officers confronted demonstrators who were calling for increased wages, improved retirement benefits, and enhanced worker compensation packages.

Political activity also made headlines in Peru, where supporters gathered in Lima to attend a campaign event for Rafael López Aliaga, the presidential hopeful representing the Popular Renewal political party.

The photographic collection highlighting these events was assembled by Silvia Izquierdo, a photographer working from Rio de Janeiro.

TOKYO (AP) — The ancient art of Japanese Kabuki theater centers around a time-honored tradition where stage names pass from father to son across generations, with elaborate ceremonies marking these transitions every few years.

Currently, this sacred ritual unfolds as Kazuyasu Terajima, 48, receives the prestigious title of eighth Kikugoro from his 83-year-old father, the seventh Kikugoro, who inherited the same name from his own father decades earlier.

“Taking on the name is about taking on the spirit and responsibility that’s created and getting passed down over generations by those who came before us,” the younger Kikugoro, Kazuyasu Terajima, told reporters recently.

“The job of the Kabuki actor is to carry on and develop in the present what we have inherited from our predecessors and make sure it gets passed on to those who come after us.”

The Danjuro family represents another renowned Kabuki dynasty, with the 13th Danjuro receiving his inherited name during ceremonies in 2022.

This theatrical art form, which originated in the 1600s, remains vibrant in contemporary Japan. The Oscar-nominated film “Kokuho,” recognized for makeup and hairstyling, demonstrates Kabuki’s enduring appeal, achieving record-breaking box office success as Japan’s highest-grossing domestic live-action film.

Traditional Kabuki performances feature intense tales of honorable samurai seeking vengeance through secret identities, or beautiful women transforming into serpents, blending live musical accompaniment, choreographed movement, and vocal performances with highly stylized acting techniques — with male performers portraying every character, adorned in vibrant costumes and elaborate face paint.

Male actors specializing in female characters earn the designation “onnagata,” while versatile performers like Kikugoro master both masculine and feminine roles.

Western audiences often find Kabuki’s complete rejection of naturalistic representation striking, as performers abandon any pretense of realistic behavior. Actors freeze in dramatic poses called “mie” mid-dialogue to emphasize themes of bravery or escape, with these pivotal moments highlighted by rhythmic wooden clappers resembling claves.

Performers deliver dialogue in melodic, poetic cadences. Live musical accompaniment creates atmospheric effects, with massive drums mimicking thunder when struck forcefully or gentle snowfall when played softly. Delicate bells might represent fluttering butterflies.

Rotating stage sets provide spectacular backdrops, including cherry trees releasing cascades of pink paper blossoms. Some productions incorporate acrobatic elements, such as wire-suspended actors portraying joyful foxes dancing overhead.

Kabuki’s theatrical magic includes on-stage costume and character transformations performed before audiences, converting human characters into demons with assistance from stage assistants wearing anonymous black garments called “kurogo.”

Striking similarities exist between Kabuki and Shakespearean drama. The beloved play “The Love Suicides at Sonezaki” depicts young lovers choosing death together, echoing Romeo and Juliet themes.

These resemblances occurred coincidentally. Chikamatsu Monzaemon, who created this work for Japan’s Bunraku puppet theater, lived during the isolationist Tokugawa era of the 18th century and likely never encountered Shakespeare’s writings, though Shakespeare had penned his similar romance decades before Chikamatsu’s birth.

For the new Kikugoro, 48-year-old Terajima embraces a destiny determined at birth, following his predecessors’ path. Despite lifelong training from childhood, he expresses no reluctance about his predetermined role as Kikugoro.

“I totally adored and admired my predecessors,” he said at the Foreign Correspondents’ Club in Tokyo last month.

“First of all, I am filled with gratitude to our predecessors who created great works that continue to be loved by generations that came after. So I am grateful to be born into the family of such ancestors.”

Terajima appeared alongside his 12-year-old son Kazufumi, who will inherit his father’s previous title, Kikunosuke — the traditional name for younger family members, passed down through generations like the Kikugoro designation.

Young Kikunosuke expresses passion for Kabuki performance, though like typical children, he enjoys video games and the Japanese rock group Mrs. Green Apple.

The demanding training requires significant dedication, including daily morning runs, strict dietary discipline, and early bedtimes.

“It’s not only hard physically. It’s also pretty hard mentally, and I sometime took it out on my parents,” he said with a smile, carrying himself with a controlled professional pose way beyond his age.

The name-succession ceremony, known as “shumei,” began last year with father and son performances across Japan and continues throughout this year.

American scholar James R. Brandon, who dedicated his research to Kabuki, characterizes it as following a specific code, “a theater in which the art of acting is central, and in which playwright and actor cooperate to achieve the unique style of performance found only in Kabuki.”

Japanese tradition emphasizes proper methodology, called “kata,” which becomes the template for future generations pursuing this art form, according to Brandon.

Despite concerns about Kabuki’s future survival, the new Kikugoro maintains faith in Kabuki’s “kata,” believing no changes are necessary since the art form’s essential spirit remains eternally relevant.

“By using kata, what we want to truly communicate the most in the tradition of Kabuki is human compassion, that spirit of caring for others,” he said.

Vice President JD Vance departs Friday for Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad, where he’ll spearhead diplomatic negotiations with Iranian officials as a fragile ceasefire teeters on the edge of failure.

President Donald Trump has chosen Vance, who has historically questioned foreign military involvement and expressed concerns about endless overseas conflicts, to broker a resolution to the six-week war and prevent Trump’s dramatic threat to destroy Iran’s “whole civilization.”

The temporary truce appears increasingly unstable, with Iranian public positions and those of the United States and Israel appearing impossible to reconcile. Domestic pressure is mounting in America for a swift conclusion to the conflict, particularly as Vance may seek the presidency in two years.

Accompanying Vance will be Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who participated in three previous rounds of indirect negotiations with Iranian representatives. These earlier discussions focused on addressing American concerns regarding Tehran’s nuclear weapons development, ballistic missile capabilities, and backing of armed proxy organizations across the Middle East before the February 28 war commenced.

The White House has released minimal information regarding the negotiation structure or whether discussions will occur directly or through intermediaries, offering no specific expectations for the meetings.

Vance’s participation represents an unprecedented level of direct American governmental contact with Iranian leadership. The most significant previous engagement occurred in September 2013, when President Barack Obama telephoned newly-elected Iranian President Hassan Rouhani regarding nuclear issues following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Disagreements over ceasefire conditions emerged almost immediately after Tuesday evening’s truce announcement by both the White House and Iran.

Iranian officials maintained that ending Israeli military operations in Lebanon constituted part of the ceasefire agreement. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump stated the truce excluded Lebanon, allowing Israeli actions there to continue.

American officials simultaneously demanded Iran fulfill commitments to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The Islamic Republic had blocked this vital shipping corridor in response to escalating Israeli strikes against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Trump criticized Iran’s performance Thursday evening, stating the country was “doing a very poor job” facilitating oil tanker passage. “That is not the agreement we have!” he wrote on social media.

White House spokesperson Anna Kelly indicated that Vance, Witkoff, Kushner and Secretary of State Marco Rubio “have always been collaborating on these discussions.” She expressed Trump’s optimism for achieving a permanent agreement during the two-week ceasefire period. “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,” Kelly said.

This mission represents Vance’s most significant responsibility to date, having maintained a relatively low profile during his first year in the Trump White House while figures like Elon Musk and Rubio served as prominent presidential advisers.

Vance’s responsibilities are expanding rapidly, beginning with domestic fraud prevention in government programs and now extending to resolving America’s Middle Eastern military engagement in an extraordinarily complex situation.

The vice president, who served as a Marine during the Iraq War and spent two years as a U.S. senator before assuming his current role, possesses limited diplomatic background.

Vance rejected suggestions Wednesday that Iranian officials specifically requested his participation in negotiations. “I don’t know that. I would be surprised if that was true. But, you know, I wanted to be involved because I thought I could make a difference,” he told reporters.

Jonathan Schanzer, former Treasury Department official and current executive director of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, described Vance as an intriguing selection given his minimal Iran policy experience.

Trump has acknowledged his vice president was “less enthusiastic” than other senior Republican administration officials, potentially making Vance an appealing negotiating partner for Iran, according to Schanzer.

“I think they probably prefer him knowing that his perspective on foreign intervention is one of skepticism,” Schanzer said regarding Iranian preferences. “I do think that he’s going to need some help. I don’t think he’s ever been engaged in negotiations with this kind of weight, this kind of seriousness. This is as serious as it gets.”

The White House has not identified additional negotiation participants beyond Vance, Witkoff and Kushner, though Kelly confirmed that National Security Council, State Department and Pentagon officials “will also play a supportive role.”

During preliminary indirect nuclear discussions before the war, Democratic lawmakers and nuclear specialists questioned whether Kushner and Witkoff possessed sufficient technical expertise. The White House has not disclosed whether nuclear experts accompanied the pair during those talks, despite Trump’s continued reliance on them for challenging negotiations since returning to office.

Joel Goldstein, a Saint Louis University law professor specializing in vice presidential history, noted that vice presidents commonly handle important presidential negotiations.

However, he added, “I don’t recall a situation where a vice president has been sent to negotiate a ceasefire or peace in connection with a war the United States was involved with.”

Both Vance and Rubio are considered leading Republican presidential candidates for 2028, though neither has clearly indicated campaign intentions.

According to an anonymous source familiar with internal discussions, Vance’s team is not approaching these negotiations with future political considerations in mind.

Goldstein explained that as vice president, Vance would naturally inherit any administration consequences if he eventually pursues the presidency. Leading these negotiations further connects him to the conflict’s outcome.

“The fact that he’s involved in the negotiations in a very visible way, that means that, if things go south, that people will be pointing fingers at him,” Goldstein said.

Conversely, Goldstein noted, “If things go well, then it will be something that he could point to.”

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese arrived in Singapore Friday for crucial talks with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as his nation works to stabilize fuel supplies during ongoing Middle East disruptions.

The meeting comes as Australia faces growing concerns over diesel shortages that have impacted farming and mining operations, while panic purchasing has left gas stations empty across the country.

Singapore serves as Asia’s central oil trading hub and provides Australia with its largest source of gasoline, along with significant amounts of diesel and aviation fuel.

“This is an important relationship at a time when fuel security is on the agenda, right around the globe due to the conflict in the Middle East,” Albanese told reporters following his Thursday evening arrival in Singapore.

The energy partnership flows both ways, with Australia providing approximately one-third of Singapore’s liquefied natural gas while receiving roughly 26% of its processed fuel from the island nation.

“Australia and Singapore are strategically aligned. We share values and we share a relationship of trust between each other. And that is why it’s so important that at difficult times in the world we can rely upon each other,” Albanese explained.

Australia joins other Asian nations grappling with fuel supply concerns following Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that previously handled about 20% of global oil transport before the current conflict with the United States and Israel.

Maritime traffic through the strait remains nearly frozen despite a tentative peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

Australia consumes approximately 1 million barrels of oil daily and imported 84% of its petroleum products last year. The nation now operates just two refineries, a sharp decline from eight facilities in 2005.

Singapore operates as a major Asian refining center with three facilities capable of processing about 1.2 million barrels daily, though output has decreased due to crude supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz closure.

Recent data from road insurer NRMA shows Singapore accounts for 54.7% of Australia’s gasoline imports, totaling nearly 6 billion liters. South Korea follows at 22.5%, with India third at 11.5% or 1.25 billion liters.

Since early March, Albanese and Foreign Minister Penny Wong have engaged in ongoing discussions with Asian partners regarding fuel security.

Australian officials report conducting talks with Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, China and other regional allies.

MORBI, India — An industrial city responsible for manufacturing more than 80% of India’s ceramic tiles has experienced an unprecedented slowdown over recent weeks due to fuel supply disruptions.

The ongoing conflict in Iran has created severe shortages of natural gas needed to power the tile-making kilns in Morbi, while available fuel has become prohibitively expensive for manufacturers trying to remain competitive. The majority of natural gas supplies arrive through imports via the Strait of Hormuz.

Located in Gujarat state, Morbi has flourished as a key export hub thanks to its strategic location near Arabian Sea ports and access to local raw materials.

The energy crisis has forced many factory workers to seek jobs elsewhere or return to their home states. Only a minimal workforce remains to perform basic maintenance tasks at the shuttered facilities.

Hareshbhai Bhadja, a partner at manufacturing company GC Granito, explained the scope of the shutdown: “Out of the odd 650 or 700 manufacturing units, only four to five large ones are operational as they can afford to use the more expensive propane gas.”

A recent ceasefire agreement has sparked optimism among local manufacturers.

Several production facilities are preparing to restart operations following supply guarantees from Gujarat Gas, the state government’s gas utility. It remains uncertain whether fuel costs will return to pre-conflict levels.

Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk is scheduled to meet with South Korean President Lee Jae Myung on April 13 for diplomatic talks focused on defense industry partnerships and international security matters, according to Friday media reports from Seoul.

Tusk’s arrival on Sunday will mark a historic milestone as the first time a Polish prime minister has made a bilateral trip to South Korea in 27 years, sources from the presidential Blue House confirmed to reporters.

The diplomatic meeting occurs as both nations continue to strengthen their military cooperation ties.

Back in 2022, the two countries established a massive $44.2 billion defense framework deal that allows South Korean firms to provide military equipment to Poland while also manufacturing weapons jointly within Polish territory.

Following that initial agreement, major South Korean defense contractors like Hanwha Aerospace and Hyundai Rotem have secured additional multi-billion-dollar deals to deliver military hardware including tanks and missile launching systems.

According to media sources, both leaders intend to explore opportunities for expanding their strategic alliance across multiple sectors.

Given Poland’s significant role in both the European Union and NATO, discussions are also anticipated to cover wider international concerns with Seoul, including the current Middle East crisis, the reports indicated.

SEOUL, South Korea — Top diplomatic officials from China and North Korea have committed to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding collaborative efforts following high-level discussions in Pyongyang, according to state media reports released Friday.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi arrived in North Korea’s capital on Thursday, marking his first diplomatic mission to the country since 2017.

According to China’s Xinhua news agency, Wang met with his North Korean counterpart, Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui, where they addressed current global and regional matters during Thursday’s session, though specific topics were not disclosed. North Korea’s Korean Central News Agency stated that both officials committed to enhancing strategic dialogue between their respective foreign policy departments.

State media from both nations did not reveal whether discussions included the United States or other international concerns such as the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The diplomatic visit occurs ahead of U.S. President Donald Trump’s planned trip to Beijing for a postponed summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled for May.

While North Korea and China have traditionally maintained what’s often characterized as a relationship “as close as lips and teeth,” recent years have seen questions arise about their bond. North Korea has concentrated on building stronger ties with Russia, providing military personnel and weapons for Moscow’s conflict in Ukraine, while China appears hesitant to join an anti-Western coalition with North Korea and Russia.

However, both nations have been working to strengthen their partnership. In September, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Xi conducted their first leadership meeting in over six years, during which they committed to mutual assistance.

Transportation links between the countries were restored last month when North Korea and China restarted direct aviation and railway passenger services that had been halted since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020.

A high-ranking Russian official declared Friday that Moscow remains committed to supporting Cuba and will continue providing energy assistance to help the island nation overcome challenges created by U.S. sanctions.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov made the statements during a press briefing in Havana following diplomatic discussions, according to Russian news outlets. He emphasized that Russia has no plans to retreat from its regional interests regardless of American objections.

The Russian official indicated that Moscow’s assistance would extend beyond the recent major oil shipment delivered to Cuba last month.

“I am certain that the events of recent weeks in our relations will have us moving forward to find solutions to the toughest problems…emerging from the illegal and absolutely unacceptable blockade of the island by the U.S.,” Ryabkov stated.

“We cannot betray Cuba. That is out of the question. We cannot leave it on its own.”

According to Ryabkov, addressing Cuba’s energy requirements remains a top priority for Russian policy.

“It is too early to say what the next steps will be. But it is clear we will not be limiting our supplies to the load that was aboard the tanker Anatoly Kolodkin,” he explained.

“Russia has no plans to walk away from the Western hemisphere, no matter what Washington might say,” news agencies reported him stating. “They are obsessed with pushing Russia and China out of the region.”

The diplomat also referenced recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, saying they “make it clear that using force, sanctions and political diktat do not produce desired results.”

Last month, the sanctioned Russian vessel Anatoly Kolodkin delivered approximately 700,000 barrels of crude oil to Cuba, marking the first major fuel shipment since Washington implemented measures to restrict the island’s energy supplies.

U.S. officials stated they permitted the tanker’s delivery on humanitarian grounds.

Moscow has been working to restore the strong relationship it maintained with Cuba during the Soviet period and has called on Washington to end its economic blockade of the island.

In February, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez traveled to Moscow for meetings with President Vladimir Putin and his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared Thursday that the ongoing Iran conflict must serve as a pivotal moment for the United Kingdom after twenty years of successive crises, vowing to bolster the nation’s economy and defense capabilities for an increasingly unstable global environment.

President Donald Trump declared a ceasefire Tuesday in the six-week Iran conflict, though Tehran continues its comprehensive blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, creating unprecedented disruptions to global energy markets.

The British leader characterized the current crisis, which has already elevated fuel costs across the UK and threatens additional inflation and economic turbulence, as a critical juncture that must serve as “a line in the sand” for the nation.

Writing in the Guardian newspaper, Starmer outlined Britain’s struggles over nearly two decades, referencing the 2008 financial meltdown and subsequent austerity measures, Brexit, the coronavirus pandemic, and Russia’s military action in Ukraine.

“Britain has been buffeted by crises for nearly two decades now,” he stated. “The war in Iran must now become a line in the sand, because how we emerge from this crisis will define all of us for a generation. And instead of hoping to return to the world of 2008, we will forge a new path for Britain – one that strengthens our energy, our defence and our economic security in a new age.”

The Labour Party leader, who assumed office in 2024 following a decisive electoral victory, has faced challenges implementing his campaign promises due to constrained government finances, internal party disagreements, and international instability.

Recent polling shows his party trailing behind Nigel Farage’s Reform UK party ahead of the 2029 elections, though British citizens have generally endorsed his choice to avoid joining Trump’s military operations against Iran, despite the American president’s displeasure.

Capitalizing on public support, Starmer emphasized that his response strategy focuses on advancing British national priorities and developing greater resilience.

“We will not look backwards. We will not aim to recreate the conditions of a world that has now passed us by, and we will build a Britain that is stronger, more secure and more resilient,” he declared. “That is what this moment demands: and Britain will not be blown off course.”

BEIJING (AP) — When global sensation BTS kicked off their first world tour in over three years, fans noticed a glaring absence from their 12-month schedule: China.

The exclusion of Chinese audiences comes as no shock to industry watchers. Beijing has maintained an unofficial blockade against South Korean entertainment since 2016, affecting everything from pop concerts to television shows and films. This restriction forces devoted Chinese fans to travel to Seoul to catch their favorite performers — a journey many made this week for BTS’s opening shows.

Beijing frequently employs economic measures during diplomatic tensions. The entertainment restriction began when South Korea agreed to host American anti-missile defense technology on its territory. What makes this particular blockade unique is its duration, which experts say reflects Beijing’s anxiety about Korean pop culture’s overwhelming appeal among Chinese youth. The government strongly promotes domestic cultural content instead.

Recent speculation about potentially relaxing these restrictions — something South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has openly hoped for as he works with Chinese leader Xi Jinping to strengthen bilateral relations — has brought renewed attention to the issue.

Beijing’s economic pressure tactics demonstrate government determination, establish clear boundaries for unacceptable behavior, and boost domestic nationalism, according to Seung-Youn Oh, a Bryn Mawr College professor researching China’s informal economic penalties.

“From China’s perspective, these actions go beyond symbolism,” she said in a written response to questions. “They are strategic tools to shape the international environment.”

Korean pop groups with international members have been permitted to perform in China. Merchandise shops selling K-pop items draw lengthy queues and require advance bookings during busy periods.

Streaming services have made Korean dramas somewhat accessible — though newer episodes often appear as unauthorized copies. A survey of four major Chinese platforms revealed roughly 50 available dramas, all produced at least four years ago.

The restrictions don’t extend to Macao and Hong Kong — where BTS plans to perform in 2027 — since both territories operate under separate governmental systems within China.

“I’m already really grateful that they can perform in places like Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan,” said Tian Xin, who traveled to Seoul last month for a free comeback concert ahead of the tour. “The rest is a matter of national policy. Of course, I still hope they can come closer to us — fans always want that.”

The missile defense installation, called THAAD, targets North Korean threats, but China argued its radar capabilities could monitor Chinese territory. While Americans operate the system, Beijing’s anger focused on South Korea’s decision to permit the deployment.

Beyond entertainment restrictions, China also forced out South Korean retail chains. The THAAD system continues operating — though recent surveillance footage and imagery suggest the U.S. may have relocated some interceptor missiles to Middle Eastern conflicts involving Iran.

Initially, China embraced the “Korean Wave” as culturally compatible entertainment that could replace Western pop culture, according to a Korea Creative Content Agency report from earlier this year. However, Korean music and drama popularity exploded during the 2010s, creating what the report described as a phenomenon requiring government oversight.

“The Chinese government had never experienced anything like that before,” said Dong-ha Kim, a professor at the Busan University of Foreign Studies.

“While the dispute over THAAD happened to coincide with that period, Beijing’s fundamental concern goes deeper,” he said. “It cannot allow foreign culture to shape the thinking of its young people, especially when its government has no control over the content.”

In 2021, the government prohibited feminine-appearing men from television, likely targeting aesthetics Chinese performers adopted from Korean and Japanese entertainers.

China also aims to build its own pop culture influence globally. Consider the Labubu toy phenomenon and expanding food and beverage franchises.

“China wants cultural governance — to grow its own music industry,” said Hyunji Lee, a financial analyst who covers the entertainment sector. “If K-pop floods back in, there’s a direct conflict.”

However, China has never officially confirmed any prohibition exists.

“China has never imposed any so-called bans on the Republic of Korea,” Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said in 2022. Another spokesperson, Lin Jian, said last September that China welcomes “healthy and beneficial” cultural exchange with South Korea.

Optimism for lifting restrictions increased after Lee and Xi held two meetings. During Lee’s January visit to China, both governments agreed to expand cultural and content cooperation — but only incrementally, beginning with soccer and the traditional board game go.

Xi referenced two Chinese proverbs, according to South Korean officials: “Three feet of ice does not form in a single day” and “Fruit falls only when it ripens.” These sayings indicate any policy changes will require time and proper circumstances.

On Chinese social platforms, some users argued that K-pop — with its provocative choreography — isn’t suitable for children. Others worried Korean entertainment might dominate local industries. Fans expressed hope for domestic performances that would eliminate expensive overseas travel and accommodation costs.

Yu Sang, a fan and event coordinator, made five trips to Seoul last year for K-pop events and organized a “KPop Demon Hunters” gathering at a Beijing shopping center on New Year’s Eve.

“The fans in China are incredibly devoted,” she said. “If you go to the Arctic, I’ll go to the Arctic with you.”

The restrictions have transformed how South Korean entertainment companies view the Chinese marketplace.

Television drama producers have suffered the most significant losses and stand to benefit most from policy changes, more so than the K-pop industry, according to analyst Lee.

Unauthorized versions generate no revenue for producers. These dramas appear on small applications and sometimes vanish within days, based on social media reports. Some applications themselves disappear, then resurface with modified names.

Netflix and Disney+, which distribute most South Korean dramas worldwide, remain blocked in China. Access requires virtual private networks, which violate Chinese law (though enforcement varies).

The K-pop industry has adapted so China no longer represents a crucial market. Japan has become the primary anchor market, while North America serves as the main expansion target.

“China matters,” Lee said, “but it’s not something companies are desperately waiting on anymore.”

The East African nation of Djibouti will hold presidential elections on Friday, with 78-year-old President Ismael Omar Guelleh poised to secure a sixth consecutive term following parliament’s decision to eliminate age restrictions that previously would have prevented his candidacy.

This strategically positioned country, home to fewer than one million residents, sits at a crucial location along the Gulf of Aden near the Red Sea entrance. The nation serves as host to military installations from the United States, China, France, Italy, and Japan. Since 2023, commercial vessels damaged by Houthi militant attacks from Yemen have sought refuge in Djiboutian ports.

Guelleh has maintained control over the relatively peaceful nation since 1999, particularly when compared to neighboring countries like Somalia and Ethiopia. His rise to power came through selection by his uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon, who served as the country’s inaugural president following independence from France in 1977.

During Guelleh’s tenure, his administration has made substantial investments in port development, establishing the country as the primary maritime access point for landlocked Ethiopia, which ranks as Africa’s second-largest nation by population.

The incumbent president faces a single opponent in Mohamed Farah Samatar from the small Unified Democratic Centre party. Throughout his five previous electoral victories, Guelleh has never received less than 74% of votes cast, with his 2021 victory margin exceeding 97%.

“Let us remember we have managed to maintain the stability of our country in an unstable region. We have preserved peace when others have descended into chaos,” Guelleh stated during public remarks last month.

International human rights organizations have criticized Djiboutian officials for suppressing political opposition figures, activists, and members of the press. Since 2016, two major opposition parties have refused to participate in elections, claiming electoral authorities lack neutrality.

Government officials have dismissed allegations of systematic abuse and have rejected criticisms regarding their electoral procedures.

According to local news reports, Samatar’s campaign platform focuses on fighting corruption, reducing unnecessary government spending, and increasing social program funding. His party currently holds no parliamentary seats.

In 2020, government security forces suppressed uncommon anti-government demonstrations that began after authorities arrested a former military pilot who had publicly criticized alleged corruption and discrimination based on clan affiliations.

Parliament voted last October to eliminate the 75-year age requirement for presidential candidates and also removed the previously mandated referendum process for constitutional changes.

WASHINGTON — As a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran remains in place, Chinese leadership is weighing how deeply to engage in securing a permanent resolution to Middle Eastern hostilities.

Following American pressure on China to help reopen the blocked Strait of Hormuz, President Trump indicated to Agence France-Presse this week that he believes Beijing influenced Iran’s decision to accept the current temporary halt in fighting.

Three diplomatic sources familiar with China’s behind-the-scenes involvement confirmed that Beijing leveraged its position as Iran’s largest oil customer to push Tehran toward renewed negotiations.

This marked a significant shift for Beijing, which had previously criticized the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran as misguided before actively joining efforts to halt the conflict, including discouraging Iranian strikes. Negotiations between the parties are scheduled to commence in Pakistan this weekend.

As the unstable truce continues, China must carefully weigh whether to deepen its diplomatic involvement while considering how prolonged warfare could damage the global economy. Regional instability conflicts with Beijing’s interests, though successful mediation efforts could enhance its international reputation and improve its negotiating position during Trump’s planned visit to China next month.

“Beijing is not in the business of expending its leverage as a favor to others or for the greater good,” said Danny Russel, a former senior diplomat in President Barack Obama’s administration.

Mao Ning, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson, told reporters this week that China “has worked actively to help bring about an end to the conflict.”

China’s economy is already experiencing strain from Iran’s effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which approximately 20% of global crude oil typically passes. This blockade significantly impacts Asia, apparently motivating Chinese officials to work with Pakistan in mediating the two-week ceasefire.

Beijing appears reluctant to offer long-term security guarantees for Iran as part of any peace agreement, despite Tehran’s desire for such assurances to prevent future U.S. and Israeli attacks.

Iran’s ambassador to China suggested this week that its closest allies — China and Russia — along with the United Nations should provide such guarantees, something Tehran has unsuccessfully sought before. When asked about this possibility, Mao only stated that “we hope that all parties will resolve their disputes through dialogue and negotiation.”

Nevertheless, Chinese leaders recognize that sustained warfare could seriously damage Beijing’s economic interests. Premier Li Qiang announced last month that the government projects relatively modest 4.5% to 5% economic growth this year amid a property downturn and increasing global uncertainty. This represents the lowest growth target since 1991.

According to one diplomat familiar with Chinese deliberations on the conflict, China’s primary objective remains “growth and development.”

The diplomat, who requested anonymity as they were not authorized to speak publicly, noted that continued closure of the strait undermines that goal. The blockade not only restricts significant crude oil supplies to China but also blocks an important shipping route for Chinese exports to the Middle East.

Trump will likely emphasize this argument to Chinese President Xi Jinping during their highly anticipated Beijing summit next month. The meeting, originally scheduled for this month, was delayed so Trump could oversee U.S. military operations against Iran.

“That the United States and Iran have at least temporarily edged away from the precipice of a catastrophic escalation owes in part to China’s support for the ceasefire that Pakistan brokered,” said Ali Wyne, a senior research and advocacy adviser for U.S.-China relations at the International Crisis Group. “Even if short-lived, that breakthrough affords Beijing another opportunity to present itself as a stabilizing force and Washington as a reckless one.”

Certainly, China’s perspective includes considerable skepticism.

Some Beijing officials view Trump’s decision to launch the Iran war, along with the January military operation to capture then-Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, as partially motivated by his strategy to contain China, according to diplomatic sources. Beijing was a major customer and investor in Venezuela’s oil sector.

Privately, Chinese officials have indicated that both the U.S. and Iran must demonstrate compromise for any agreement to succeed. Beijing also seeks to pressure Trump into removing sanctions on Chinese companies conducting business with Iran as part of a potential settlement, diplomats report.

This situation gives Xi some advantage heading into next month’s summit.

“Trump was in a crisis, and China helped,” said Sun Yun, director of the China program at the Washington-based think tank Stimson Center. “The optics of that alone helps to lighten the mood and sweeten the pot.”

Russel, the former State Department official, notes signs that Beijing perceives Trump as weakened after the president failed to follow through on threats to destroy Iranian power plants and other critical infrastructure if Iran didn’t end the Hormuz blockade.

The hashtag #HeChickenedOut was trending on Chinese social media regarding Trump, and China’s state media promoted the narrative that he backed down when faced with Iranian resistance, Russel said.

Xi appears to be approaching the situation cautiously.

“Beijing’s calculation is wait-and-see, safeguard Chinese energy and commercial interests, avoid direct confrontation with the United States, stay on good terms with its important Gulf partners like Saudi Arabia and UAE, and work with whoever ends up running Iran when the dust settles,” Russel said.

Steve Bannon, who served as a senior adviser to Trump during his first term, said Trump will need to secure Xi’s commitment if he hopes to achieve a lasting peace agreement with Iran.

“Who can actually make a deal and enforce a deal? I know one group of people who can do it, and they live in Beijing,” Bannon said on his “War Room” podcast this week. He added, “Let’s just go to Beijing and sit down with a guy who can actually make a deal — Xi — and enforce a deal.”

BEIRUT (AP) — Without warning on Wednesday, Israeli warplanes unleashed a devastating assault on central Beirut, tearing apart buildings and turning residential blocks into debris piles in neighborhoods that had previously remained untouched by the conflict.

Israeli military officials later stated that the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization had moved operations into civilian and business districts well beyond the militia’s traditional base in the capital’s southern areas, where the group’s distinctive yellow banners line the streets and Israeli evacuation notices have been posted for weeks.

Lebanese Health Ministry officials reported the assault claimed more than 300 lives and left over 1,800 people injured, with the majority of victims located in Beirut and surrounding southern communities. The casualties represent the highest single-day death toll during the five-week conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Wednesday’s military strikes targeted bustling shopping areas, densely packed residential zones, and affluent waterfront neighborhoods — locations that had previously felt insulated from the warfare, aside from the constant presence of Israeli surveillance drones and sporadic explosion sounds.

A devastating attack along Corniche al-Mazraa, one of the city’s major thoroughfares, demolished an apartment complex adjacent to a well-known dried fruit and nut vendor, igniting numerous parked vehicles with occupants still trapped inside.

In the hillside community of Tallet El Khayat, another blast leveled a multi-level structure near an exclusive shopping center — local residents confirmed that a celebrated Arabic poet and her spouse were among the fatalities.

The coastal Ain el Tineh area suffered another direct hit that destroyed an apartment complex housing an exotic plant store, located close to the parliamentary speaker’s home and facing the city’s sole public beach access.

Additional bombardments demolished residential units adjacent to a renowned confectionery in the mixed-use Mar Elias district, obliterated portions of a structure containing a snack bar and beauty salon in Caracas, destroyed ground-level floors of a building on Beirut’s waterfront boulevard, and created burning wreckage in the crowded Basta community near an educational facility housing displaced families — an attack that killed a young woman and her two children among others.

SAO PAULO — A leadership vacuum in Rio de Janeiro state continues to deepen after Brazil’s Supreme Court delayed a crucial ruling Thursday on how the region will choose its next governor, leaving the nation’s most famous state in administrative limbo for over three weeks.

The state has operated without permanent executive leadership since March 23, when Governor Cláudio Castro stepped down to pursue a Senate bid in October’s elections, following legal requirements. Potential successors have been unavailable to assume control, leaving urgent matters including law enforcement decisions, transportation issues, and fuel pricing without proper oversight.

Supreme Court Justice Flávio Dino requested additional time to review the case, which will determine whether Castro’s replacement serves through January via a special election or through selection by state legislators. Dino has up to three months to present his findings to the court.

Currently, the Supreme Court’s 10 justices favor legislative selection by a 4-1 margin.

Deputy Governor Thiago Pampolha would normally assume the role, but he resigned in 2025 to join a state oversight agency. State legislative speaker Rodrigo Bacellar was next in succession until his recent arrest and removal from office.

Ricardo Couto de Castro, who heads Rio’s state court system, now serves as interim governor. However, his temporary status has created difficulties in securing cooperation from other government officials, according to local news reports.

A permanently elected governor may not take office until January, as Rio residents were already scheduled to choose new leadership during October’s general elections.

Political consultant and former government minister Thomas Traumann described the ongoing crisis as both embarrassing and potentially dangerous for the state.

“Brazil’s government has just offered a deal to reduce diesel prices, which are high because of the conflict in the Middle East. Rio is one of the few that did not agree because there’s no one to authorize it. Now we will have Brazil’s most expensive diesel,” Traumann said. “And what if there’s violence from crime gangs tomorrow morning. Who is going to tell police to react?”

Local news outlets report that Rio’s judicial officials worry about potential delays in court proceedings as their leader manages state government duties indefinitely.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro and potential challenger to current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in October’s elections, has advocated for state legislator Douglas Ruas to receive the governorship through legislative appointment.

Meanwhile, supporters of President Lula and his Rio gubernatorial candidate Eduardo Paes have called for a direct voter election to fill the position.

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — In his inaugural interview with an American television network, Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel firmly declared he will not resign from office, according to NBC News’ Meet the Press. A segment of the interview aired Thursday.

During the nearly five-minute preview of a longer interview set to broadcast Sunday, NBC journalist Kristen Welker questioned whether Díaz-Canel would consider resignation “if it meant saving Cuba.”

The Cuban leader responded by challenging the question itself, asking if she had ever posed such a query to other world leaders: “Is that a question from you, or is that coming from the State Department of the U.S. government?”

Díaz-Canel emphasized Cuba’s sovereignty, stating: “In Cuba, the people who are in leadership position are not elected by the U.S. government, and they don’t have a mandate from the U.S. government. We have a free sovereign state.”

The president explained his role stems from public service rather than personal gain, saying he assumed the presidency not from “personal ambition or corporate ambition or even a party ambition,” but through a mandate from citizens.

“If the Cuban people understand that I am not fit for office, that I have no reason to be here, then I should not be holding this position of president, I will respond to them,” he stated.

The interview occurs amid continued strain in U.S.-Cuba relations, though both nations have confirmed ongoing discussions without revealing specifics.

Díaz-Canel criticized what he termed America’s “hostile policy” toward his country, claiming the U.S. government has “no moral to demand anything from Cuba.”

He urged American recognition of how current policies have harmed Cuban citizens “and how much they have deprived the American people from a normal relationship with the Cuban people.”

The Cuban president expressed willingness for unconditional dialogue on any subject, “not demanding changes from our political system as we are not demanding change from the American system, about which we have a number of doubts.”

Cuba attributes its mounting economic challenges to what it calls a U.S. energy embargo, with fuel shortages impacting healthcare, public transit, and production of essential goods and services.

A Russian vessel delivered 730,000 barrels of crude oil to Cuba in late March, representing the island’s first petroleum shipment in three months. Russia has committed to sending an additional tanker.

Although President Donald Trump’s administration threatened tariffs on nations supplying oil to Cuba in early January, officials permitted the Russian delivery to proceed.

“Cuba’s finished,” Trump commented at the time. “They have a bad regime. They have very bad and corrupt leadership and whether or not they get a boat of oil, it’s not going to matter.”

The island nation generates only 40% of its fuel requirements internally and lost crucial oil supplies from Venezuela following U.S. actions against that South American nation in early January, including the arrest of its former leader.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has expressed concern over Iran’s plan to charge transit fees for ships using the Strait of Hormuz, warning that such measures could harm worldwide commerce and energy distribution, according to Reuters.

During an address to Italy’s lower parliamentary chamber, Meloni stated, “If Iran were to succeed in obtaining the authority to apply additional tariffs to transits through the Strait, this could still lead to economic consequences and shifts in trade flows.” She continued, “We are already working with the UK-led coalition for the Strait of Hormuz, which includes more than 30 countries, to try to build security conditions that allow for the full restoration of freedom of navigation and supply.”

Meloni’s comments come amid ongoing disruptions to shipping traffic through the strategic waterway following conflict with Iran. Warnings about potential closures and attacks on critical infrastructure have significantly decreased oil shipments through this vital international trade route.

While tensions have somewhat diminished since a ceasefire took effect on Wednesday, uncertainty continues and maritime operations have not yet resumed normal activity levels.

This narrow waterway serves as one of the planet’s most crucial energy transport channels, handling approximately 20% of daily global oil and natural gas shipments. Any interruption to vessel movement through the strait can rapidly impact international markets, pushing energy costs higher and creating supply chain difficulties.

Italy has indicated boundaries regarding its participation in naval security missions. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announced on Wednesday that Italy would not send warships to patrol the region without United Nations approval.

The international coalition initiative seeks to create stable conditions in the waterway and maintain uninterrupted access for worldwide energy transportation, while governments continue monitoring developments after the ceasefire and evaluating possibilities of renewed conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed his cabinet to pursue immediate direct discussions with Lebanon, with the primary objectives of dismantling Hezbollah and establishing a peaceful agreement between the nations.

Netanyahu shared on social media platform X that his decision came after “repeated calls” from Lebanon seeking negotiations. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had previously posted on X that the “only solution” involves a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, followed by “direct negotiations” between the countries. Aoun noted that Lebanese security forces have been “carrying out their work fully to enforce security, despite the difficult circumstances they are facing.”

Israeli sources informed Kan News that military actions against Hezbollah will persist throughout the negotiation period, including air strikes and ground operations. These military efforts would only decrease once agreements are secured regarding Hezbollah’s disarmament and protecting northern Israeli residents’ safety.

Kan News reported that an Israeli cabinet source indicated Lebanon must remove Hezbollah ministers from government positions as a trust-building step during discussions. Israeli leadership believes an agreement could be finalized before anticipated October elections, with talks proceeding amid ongoing conflict while addressing border disputes.

This diplomatic effort follows Wednesday’s ceasefire announcement between the United States and Israel on one side, and Iran on the other. After that ceasefire was declared, Israel initiated extensive operations targeting Hezbollah. President Donald Trump clarified that Lebanon was excluded from the truce agreement, while Iran cautioned that ongoing strikes in Lebanon might threaten the ceasefire arrangement.

Iranian citizens are experiencing mixed emotions following a two-week halt in hostilities with the United States, as the temporary reprieve from feared military strikes comes alongside growing concerns about increased government oppression at home.

The truce announcement provided immediate comfort to Iranians who had been anticipating what many believed could be devastating U.S. military action. Citizens with limited internet connectivity had reportedly been sharing what they thought might be their final communications before President Donald Trump revealed an agreement to pursue diplomatic talks with Iran.

While the temporary peace has offered emotional comfort, it has done little to calm deeper worries about how the Iranian government treats its own people. Opposition leaders and activists express particular concern that authorities will exploit this period to intensify their crackdown on dissidents and accelerate executions of political detainees.

Abbas Khorsandi, who serves as secretary of the Free Democratic Party of Iran, expressed urgent alarm about the safety of political prisoners. “In the current extremely critical situation, we reiterate our grave concern for the lives of political prisoners in Iran,” he stated. Khorsandi emphasized that government oppression “has continued unabated,” with “consecutive executions persisting and claiming the lives of our young people.” He warned that during the ceasefire, officials are “deeply concerned about the prospect of this societal anger manifesting in concrete form in the streets.” “As a result,” he explained, “they are intensifying executions and continuing to endanger the lives of political prisoners.”

Anxiety extends to ordinary citizens still living within Iran’s borders. A Tehran-based artist known only as Goli shared her concerns with The Media Line, expressing fear that Iran’s leadership will exploit both conflict and peace to maintain heavy security presence in public areas. “What fills me with dread,” she explained, “is that the Islamic Republic may use the war and the ceasefire as a pretext to keep military forces on the streets and effectively maintain a state of martial law, so that any protests are met with live fire from the very outset.”

Some observers believe the real conflict lies not between Tehran and Washington, but between Iranian citizens and their own government. Amelia Assadi emphasized to The Media Line that “the central issue here is the conflict between the people of Iran and the Islamic Republic, not the war, ceasefire, or any peace arrangement between the regime and the United States.” She stressed that “the struggle between the people and the Islamic Republic will never come to an end.” Describing the government as fundamentally illegitimate, she argued that “a regime that, for more than 47 years, has not ceased killing, torture and executions can never establish legitimacy among the Iranian people and is ultimately destined to fall.”

The temporary peace follows 40 days of warfare that severely damaged Iran. Senior military and security officials were killed, while crucial economic and infrastructure sectors sustained major damage. Attacks targeted petrochemical plants, steel manufacturing facilities, and energy installations. The conflict claimed over 2,000 lives and destroyed tens of thousands of homes, creating widespread displacement. As citizens prepared for what President Trump had characterized as “hell” and “a return to the Stone Age,” major retailers had already begun increasing prices on essential items.

Despite the current ceasefire, Iran remains unstable. Public focus has shifted to political prisoners awaiting execution, mass arrests conducted during wartime, and the potential for renewed widespread civil unrest. Many view this calm period as temporary, with underlying tensions that could soon reignite into broader social upheaval against the Islamic Republic.

Pakistani officials have implemented comprehensive security protocols throughout Islamabad as the nation prepares to host critical diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran beginning April 10.

The capital city’s administration has announced a two-day closure of government offices on Thursday and Friday to accommodate the high-profile negotiations, which come after Pakistan successfully mediated a two-week ceasefire between the two nations.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif extended invitations to both countries for direct diplomatic engagement in hopes of establishing a lasting peace agreement.

Representatives from Washington and Tehran have both verified their participation in the Pakistan-hosted negotiations.

President Donald Trump has designated Vice President JD Vance, Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, and Jared Kushner to represent American interests during the discussions.

Iran’s deputy foreign minister announced that their delegation will be led by Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf for the Islamabad meetings.

Extensive protective measures have been established throughout the city’s governmental Red Zone, major administrative buildings, diplomatic quarters, and all transportation access points.

Security forces including police and Rangers have increased their presence across the capital, with the Army’s rapid response units standing by for deployment.

An Interior Ministry official informed The Media Line that military forces will assume control of the Red Zone’s security, supported by Rangers and police personnel stationed throughout the area.

Negotiation participants will stay at a luxury hotel situated within the secured Red Zone perimeter.

Security sources report that a US Air Force C-130 transport plane delivered an advance security and tactical team to Nur Khan Air Base on Thursday afternoon.

Officials told The Media Line that US Secret Service and CIA personnel have also arrived in Islamabad to evaluate security protocols and prepare the venue for the American delegation.

Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met with US Ambassador Natalie Baker on Thursday for extensive discussions regarding Middle East developments and logistical preparations for the Islamabad negotiations. Naqvi stated that a thorough security strategy has been established to ensure complete protection for all international visitors.

Prior to the US-Iran discussions, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif conducted a significant meeting Thursday afternoon with Chief of Defense Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir. A statement from the prime minister’s office indicated their conversation centered on ceasefire developments and related issues as Pakistan prepares to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Iran.

As this latest round of diplomatic engagement approaches, underlying mistrust between the two nations remains evident. Throughout the previous year, they have attempted negotiations on two separate occasions, with both efforts disrupted by renewed conflict before achieving meaningful progress.

Independence advocates in Alberta say recent political shifts positioning Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney for a potential parliamentary majority are fueling their movement to break away from Canada.

Organizers collecting signatures across the western Canadian province for a citizen-initiated independence referendum report increased public backing following Wednesday’s party switch by longtime Conservative member Marilyn Gladu to Carney’s Liberal party.

“We’ve had thousands of signatures since then,” Jeff Rath, spokesperson for the Alberta Prosperity Project independence group, stated during a Thursday interview.

“Mark Carney himself has been the biggest help to the Alberta independence movement,” Rath added.

While Alberta’s election officials have not confirmed signature totals, Rath claims the citizen petition has already surpassed the roughly 177,000 signatures required under provincial law to initiate an October separation referendum.

Carney’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Gladu represents the fourth Conservative lawmaker to switch to the Liberals since November. Carney could achieve a House of Commons majority as early as Monday if his party captures at least one seat in three upcoming special elections. Such a majority would strengthen the prime minister’s ability to advance his legislative priorities.

The most recent defection has sparked significant anger among Conservative supporters. In oil-rich Alberta, which typically votes conservative, many residents feel abandoned by these party switches and fear a Liberal majority government would harm provincial interests, according to Rath.

Social media posts from separatist supporters also suggest the defections could drive additional independence backing.

“If more conservative floor crossers come forward, winning a referendum becomes very hard to stop,” read one social media post on platform X, which independence activist Keith Wilson shared Thursday.

The separatist movement has expanded outreach efforts to the United States to gauge American reactions to potential Alberta independence, Rath noted.

Wilson recently appeared on conservative media host Glenn Beck’s show, with Beck expressing support for the independence cause.

Tech billionaire Elon Musk also seemed to back Alberta separatism this week, responding “Yeah” on X to an independence supporter’s claim that leaving Canada represents the only path to saving the country.

Rath characterized Musk as a “big supporter” of the movement.

The separatist groups face a May 2 deadline to file their petition with Elections Alberta.

Public opinion surveys consistently indicate separation support remains limited in Alberta. A recent poll conducted before Gladu’s defection showed 27% of decided voters would support independence.

A wedding celebration in Sudan’s North Darfur region turned tragic when a drone attack killed at least 30 civilians, including women and children, United Nations officials announced Thursday.

The deadly strike occurred during a wedding ceremony in the town of Kutum, according to Stéphane Dujarric, who serves as spokesperson for the U.N. secretary-general, during his Thursday briefing.

This attack represents another escalation in the growing use of drone warfare between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, groups that have been engaged in conflict since April 2023. The ongoing war has claimed more than 40,000 lives based on U.N. data, though aid organizations believe the actual death toll may be significantly higher.

Local advocacy groups, including the Emergency Lawyers and Resistance Committees in el-Fasher, issued statements Thursday via social media pointing to the Sudanese Armed Forces as responsible for Wednesday’s attack.

“We condemn this and all attacks against civilians. Attacks using drones against civilians and civilian objects are unacceptable,” Dujarric stated regarding the incident.

Military officials have not yet responded to requests for comment about the attack.

According to the Emergency Lawyers, there has been a “recurring pattern” of drone strikes by both warring factions since March across multiple provinces including South Kordofan, Blue Nile, East, Central and South Darfur, forcing additional civilian displacement.

Just last week, another drone assault targeted a medical facility in the country’s south-central region, resulting in at least 10 deaths. The international medical organization Doctors Without Borders, known as MSF, reported that the RSF conducted two drone attacks on al-Jabalain Hospital in White Nile province, striking both an operating room and maternity unit.

“MSF is outraged by these repeated attacks on health care, which have escalated dangerously in recent weeks,” stated Esperanza Santos, MSF’s emergency operations chief for Sudan. “Health facilities, medical staff and patients must always be protected. We call on RSF and SAF to immediately stop this spiral of violence against medical facilities.”

The increase in drone attacks throughout Sudan’s Kordofan region has created mounting casualties among civilians while also disrupting humanitarian aid efforts, according to analysts and relief workers.

CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan legislators enacted comprehensive mining legislation Thursday as the nation attempts to draw cautious international investors to an industry previously controlled by criminal organizations with government connections.

The legislative action represents the most recent policy initiative by acting President Delcy Rodríguez following increased pressure from the Trump administration, which resulted in the U.S. military removing former President Nicolás Maduro from power in January after 26 years of socialist governance.

The comprehensive legislation must now face constitutional review by Venezuela’s highest court before implementation.

The new law governs mineral extraction rights, creates classifications for small, medium, and large mining operations, and permits independent dispute arbitration — a provision international investors consider essential protection against government asset seizures. Additionally, the legislation prohibits top officials including the president, vice president, cabinet members, and governors from obtaining mining permits.

National Assembly president Jorge Rodríguez described the legislation as a “vehicle for the construction of future prosperity” and an “instrument that protects” mining workers throughout Venezuela following its passage.

The vote occurred one day after the acting president requested patience from public and private employees, whose salaries have long been insufficient to purchase basic goods, while her administration addresses economic challenges. She pledged a wage adjustment for May 1 without revealing specific amounts.

While workers demonstrated for improved compensation in Caracas on Thursday, Delcy Rodríguez departed for Grenada on her inaugural international visit as acting president.

Twenty years ago, numerous international companies in Venezuela’s mining and petroleum industries experienced government asset confiscation. Nevertheless, as essential oil income declined, Maduro’s administration established a mining development area in 2016 covering more than 10% of Venezuelan territory across the nation’s central region.

Mining activities for gold, diamonds, copper, and additional minerals have expanded significantly since that designation. Many operations remain informal and unlicensed, functioning under harsh conditions with criminal organization involvement.

Murder, human trafficking, fuel smuggling, and additional criminal activities occur regularly in mining regions, yet ordinary Venezuelans continue migrating there seeking quick wealth and poverty escape.

Government officials and military personnel receive portions of illegal mining profits in exchange for permitting mine operations.

“The mining and subsequent sale of gold has proven to be a lucrative financial scheme for some well-connected Venezuelans and senior officers within the National Bolivarian Armed Forces, which profits from charging criminal organizations for access and inputs, such as fuel,” according to a U.S. State Department congressional report from last year.

“The estimated market value of gold mined in Venezuela is difficult to confirm, but well-respected sources estimate that it averaged $2.2 billion annually over the past five years.”

The recently enacted legislation establishes royalty payments and taxation while limiting mining permits to 30-year terms with renewal options. The law also creates imprisonment penalties for illegal activity participants and environmental damage causes, while authorizing confiscation of illegally extracted minerals.

Venezuelan legislators officially appointed Larry Devoe to serve as the nation’s attorney general during a Thursday session of the National Assembly. Devoe, who maintains close ties with interim President Delcy Rodriguez, received overwhelming support for the permanent position.

The 46-year-old official had been fulfilling the role temporarily since February, when former attorney general Tarek Saab stepped down from his long-held position. Prior to his current role, Devoe led the National Council of Human Rights in the South American country.

Assembly Speaker Jorge Rodriguez, who is the acting president’s brother, announced that a legislative panel had reviewed more than 70 potential nominees before recommending Devoe for the post. The final vote tally showed 275 lawmakers supporting his appointment.

The opposition put forward their own candidate, with lawmaker Henrique Capriles backing longtime legal scholar Magaly Vasquez, who garnered 10 votes in the final count.

BEIRUT (AP) — At exactly 2:14 p.m., the initial explosion struck, creating a thunderous crash that sounded like a massive truck collision right outside our newsroom. An Israeli airstrike had targeted a location in the immediate vicinity.

Almost immediately, columns of smoke began ascending throughout Beirut’s horizon — from the waterfront promenade to the city’s most congested crossroads, emerging from both affluent districts and impoverished areas. The explosions continued relentlessly. We gave up tracking them. A colleague rushed upstairs from the lower floor, her complexion pale and mouth quivering.

Throughout my decade of residence in Beirut, Lebanon’s capital has endured multiple waves of Israeli bombardments, the explosive device attacks on Hezbollah operatives, and the catastrophic harbor blast of 2020. However, Wednesday marked the first occasion when the entire city seemed paralyzed with shock.

Within a 10-minute timeframe, Israeli forces claim they struck 100 locations throughout Lebanon. The majority were concentrated in Beirut. The death toll exceeded 300 individuals, with more than 100 being women, children, and senior citizens. Evening news programs compared it to the darkest periods of Israel’s 1982 Beirut invasion — specifically that August when approximately 300 people perished during roughly 10 hours of continuous shelling.

Prior to Wednesday’s assault, numerous Lebanese citizens had anticipated that a ceasefire declaration made earlier regarding the Iran conflict would halt the ongoing month-long hostilities between Israel and the Iranian-supported militant organization Hezbollah.

The specific targets remain unclear. Israeli officials stated they attacked Hezbollah command facilities, though they only confirmed eliminating one assistant to the organization’s leader.

As explosions continued, frightened residents became trapped in gridlock while rushing home to relocate their families, uncertain of Israel’s next target. Others frantically attempted calls through overloaded phone systems, searching for family members or shouting at relatives to evacuate immediately. Bewildered motorists gazed at the thick black and white smoke clouds engulfing the city, attempting to identify safe routes.

Within the affected zones, chaos reached extreme levels. Residents’ faces were blackened with debris. At Corniche al-Mazraa, one of Beirut’s major intersections, an Associated Press photographer witnessed burned vehicles stacked upon each other. One contained a crushed victim.

On Mar Elias, a primary commercial avenue, an explosion created dust clouds and wreckage that obscured an entire city block. Across the road, Sahar Charara remained hidden in her residence.

Following the 2020 port disaster that caused minor injuries to her two children, Charara has attempted to shield herself from witnessing violence victims — reflecting how years of accumulated trauma have affected Lebanese citizens. However, when the debris settled, she glanced outside and witnessed the anguish of an entire city reflected in an elderly woman who stood motionless, screaming continuously.

“There were so much horror and fear in her screaming,” said Charara.

When Charara emerged from her residence an hour afterward, she briefly spoke with her neighbor whose business was demolished. The woman’s expression showed a “blank look of horror,” Charara said.

She discovered later from her building’s security guard that another resident had fallen from their balcony and died upon impact.

Several hundred meters west of Charara’s location, drivers maneuvered erratically while attempting to flee Tallet al-Khayyat, one of Beirut’s elevated areas featuring some of the city’s most prestigious residential buildings. One structure disintegrated instantly after an Israeli bomb struck; a resident reported hearing the building’s foundation grinding before collapse.

An attack occurred near Nahida Khalil’s residence, close to the waterfront. She then noticed smoke rising from her brother’s building further down the road.

The following 15 minutes seemed endless as she attempted to contact her brother without success. Eventually, his wife answered, screaming that their building was struck. They had searched through black smoke filling their home to locate their three children. Upon reaching the street, they discovered half their building was destroyed, with the remaining portion slowly collapsing as emergency workers searched for survivors.

“I lived through all the wars since 1975. I never felt this fear,” said Khalil, who has lived in the same building for decades. “These strikes are meant to terrorize … and to spoil the ceasefire and cause division” between Lebanese.

By evening, residents continued evaluating damage and casualties while determining safe locations. Some families slept in separate rooms, reasoning that if overnight attacks occurred, some family members might survive.

Emergency operations continued throughout the night.

At Khalil’s family building in the Ain Mreisseh area, rescue teams received encouragement after discovering a 92-year-old man alive. However, by Thursday morning, they continued searching for four or five additional victims, they informed the AP. A man whose 23-year-old daughter remained missing stood atop the debris pile assisting in the search.

At medical facilities, personnel continued attempting to identify numerous bodies.

The final attack occurred just past midnight, targeting Beirut’s southern outskirts, which have faced regular bombardment during the conflict. Mohammed Mehdi’s barbershop, operating for three decades, was destroyed.

During the current conflict, he and his family abandoned their home in the Chiyah neighborhood, now sleeping in a dental office near Khalil’s family building. Despite this, he maintained his barbershop operations, visiting daily to meet friends, drink coffee, and occasionally cut hair. He closed Wednesday as explosions began across the city.

“They carried out 100 strikes. Ours was the 101st,” he said Thursday. He is mourning Lebanon’s dead from the day. “I am still in shock, and I don’t know where things are going. I lost my job and this loss may last for a while.”

TABRIZ, Iran (AP) — Following a five-day journalism assignment in Iran’s capital, an Associated Press photography team embarked on an extensive road trip toward Turkey’s border. The nearly half-day journey captured glimpses of daily Iranian life through vehicle windows, documenting moments defined by travel and geographic diversity.

The visual narrative traces the photographers’ path using highway designations, starting with Highway 2 departing Tehran and progressing through Routes 16, 24, and 32. Their cameras captured herders guiding flocks of goats and sheep, commercial trucks in transit, a wandering stray dog, and the rhythm of roadside commerce. In Tabriz, they photographed a vendor creating cotton candy, while other stops revealed a baker at work and merchants selling fresh produce, meals and warm beverages. Near Golshahr, they documented a hotel worker maintaining spotless hallway floors.

Throughout the expedition, dramatic terrain unfolded under expansive azure skies dotted with brilliant white clouds and darker formations drifting overhead.

The photographic documentation concludes at the Razi–Kapıköy international crossing, where both the highway and narrative transition once again.

The collection represents a curated selection by Associated Press photography editors.

Vladimir Putin announced Thursday that Russian military forces will halt operations in Ukraine for 32 hours during the Orthodox Easter holiday weekend, responding to an earlier request from Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to pause some fighting during the religious observance.

The Russian leader’s order, issued through the Kremlin, directs all forces to stop combat activities beginning at 4 p.m. Saturday through the end of Sunday.

Earlier this week, Zelenskyy had suggested both nations refrain from attacking energy infrastructure during the holiday period, making his proposal through United States mediators who have been facilitating discussions between Moscow and Kyiv representatives as the invasion enters its fifth year.

Ukrainian officials had not responded publicly to Putin’s ceasefire declaration as of Thursday evening.

Past ceasefire attempts have yielded minimal results. Putin announced a similar 30-hour pause last Easter, though both nations later blamed each other for violating the temporary truce.

The official Kremlin announcement stated that “orders have been issued for this period to cease hostilities in all directions,” while noting that “troops are to be prepared to counter any possible provocations by the enemy, as well as any aggressive actions.”

“We assume that the Ukrainian side will follow the example of the Russian Federation,” the statement added.

Moscow has turned down a 30-day unconditional ceasefire that the United States and Ukraine proposed last year as a pathway to peace negotiations, demanding instead a complete resolution agreement while continuing to announce brief, one-sided truces.

The American-facilitated discussions have stalled on major issues, with Washington’s focus shifting toward Middle Eastern conflicts as Russian and Ukrainian forces continue fighting along an approximately 800-mile battle line.

BEIRUT (AP) — The current hostilities between Israel and Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah represent merely the most recent chapter in a bitter rivalry spanning more than four decades. This antagonistic relationship has been marked by episodes of intense combat and full-scale warfare, interrupted by periods of fragile peace.

Below are key moments that have defined this long-standing confrontation:

1982: Israeli forces launch a major incursion into Lebanon, targeting the Palestinian Liberation Organization and its allies. During this period, Hezbollah emerges with support from Iran, modeled after Iran’s Islamic Revolution, specifically to resist Israel’s subsequent occupation of southern Lebanon. The group begins conducting guerrilla operations against Israeli forces.

1992: Israeli helicopter gunships kill Hezbollah commander Abbas Mousawi. Hassan Nasrallah takes over leadership of the organization, a position he would hold for the following thirty years.

1996: Israeli forces conduct a major operation designed to force Hezbollah forces north beyond the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) from the border. Israeli artillery fire strikes a United Nations facility sheltering hundreds of displaced civilians in Qana, resulting in at least 100 civilian deaths and injuring many more.

2000: Following an extended campaign of attrition, Israeli troops complete their withdrawal from southern Lebanon. This development is celebrated throughout the Arab world as a significant triumph for Hezbollah.

2006: Hezbollah militants conduct a cross-border operation, ambushing an Israeli military patrol and killing three soldiers while capturing two others, triggering a month-long conflict between the two sides that concludes without a clear victor. Israeli bombing campaigns devastate villages and residential areas in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern neighborhoods, employing a comprehensive destruction strategy later termed the “Dahiyeh Doctrine.”

2008: Imad Mughniyeh, serving as Hezbollah’s top military commander, dies when an explosive device detonates in his vehicle in Damascus. Israeli intelligence is suspected of orchestrating the killing.

2012: Hezbollah joins the Syrian conflict, backing President Bashar Assad’s government. Subsequently, Israel begins conducting periodic air operations in Syria, targeting Iranian and Hezbollah installations, personnel, and weapons transfers allegedly destined for Hezbollah. During this timeframe, Israel refrains from conducting operations against Hezbollah within Lebanese borders.

OCT. 8, 2023: Following Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel that trigger the Gaza conflict, Hezbollah launches rocket attacks across the Israeli border. Israel retaliates with aerial bombardments and artillery fire, initiating a limited conflict that initially remains concentrated along the border region.

SEPT. 17, 2024: Israel executes an operation in Lebanon involving remotely-detonated explosive devices concealed in pagers distributed to Hezbollah operatives and civilian staff. The following day, a comparable attack involves walkie-talkie devices. These operations result in dozens of fatalities and thousands of injuries, primarily affecting Hezbollah personnel but also harming women and children.

SEPT. 27, 2024: Hassan Nasrallah perishes in extensive Israeli airstrikes targeting Beirut’s southern districts.

NOV. 27, 2024: A ceasefire arrangement mediated by the United States formally concludes the Israel-Hezbollah conflict. Israel maintains regular military operations in Lebanon, claiming these actions prevent Hezbollah from reconstituting its capabilities.

MARCH 2, 2025: Following joint Israeli and American attacks on Iran two days earlier that sparked broader Middle Eastern warfare, Hezbollah fires missiles at Israeli targets. The group states this bombardment responds to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and “ongoing Israeli violations” in Lebanon.

CARACAS, Venezuela — Law enforcement officers formed blockades throughout Venezuela’s capital city Thursday as labor union representatives, retired workers and government employees attempted to reach the presidential residence demanding improved salaries and retirement benefits.

The demonstration took place just one day after acting President Delcy Rodríguez appeared on state television requesting patience from both government and private sector employees while her administration addresses the nation’s economic challenges.

For several years, employee compensation has fallen far short of covering essential living expenses. Government workers typically earn approximately $160 monthly, while private sector employees averaged around $237 annually.

Law enforcement personnel positioned themselves throughout central Caracas early Thursday morning to prevent the demonstration from advancing. Protesters managed to push through several initial roadblocks multiple times. However, strengthened police barriers ultimately stopped the crowd approximately 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) away from the Miraflores presidential compound.

Authorities reported no immediate casualties or detentions resulting from confrontations between law enforcement and demonstrators.

During her televised statement, Rodríguez pledged salary improvements beginning May 1. While she did not specify exact amounts, she indicated the adjustments would be structured to prevent the economic inflation that occurred following previous minimum wage modifications.

The country’s current minimum wage stands at 130 bolivars, equivalent to $0.27 monthly, unchanged since 2022. This amount falls significantly below the United Nations’ extreme poverty threshold of $3 daily.

“This increase, as we have indicated, will be a responsible increase,” Rodríguez said. “Likewise in the near future, as Venezuela enjoys more resources that allow for the sustainability of salary improvements and workers’ income, we will continue moving forward on this path.”

BEIRUT, April 9 – A prominent Hezbollah parliamentarian announced Thursday that his organization will not participate in face-to-face diplomatic talks with Israel, calling instead for Lebanon’s government to insist on an immediate halt to hostilities before any diplomatic progress can occur.

The statement from Ali Fayyad comes in response to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s recent announcement that he had directed his administration to pursue direct diplomatic discussions with Lebanon. Fayyad emphasized that Lebanon’s official stance should also focus on securing the removal of Israeli military forces from Lebanese soil and ensuring displaced residents can safely return to their communities.

BEIRUT (AP) — Following the announcement of a preliminary ceasefire between the United States and Iran, Israeli forces significantly intensified their military campaign against Hezbollah, the Iran-supported militant organization operating in Lebanon.

Lebanese health authorities report that the surge in bombardments across central Beirut and other regions resulted in over 200 fatalities and wounded more than 1,000 individuals.

Israeli defense forces stated they had struck locations connected to Hezbollah operations and confirmed the elimination of an assistant to group leader Naim Kassem. However, Lebanese authorities noted that the bombardments, which targeted heavily populated residential and business areas during peak traffic hours, resulted in significant civilian casualties, though specific numbers were not disclosed.

In response to the intensive bombardment campaign — which generated widespread international condemnation — Hezbollah fired missiles into Israeli territory, though reports indicate no major casualties occurred.

The current conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah began following joint US-Israeli military action against Iran in late February. Following this week’s ceasefire declaration between the US and Iran, disagreement has emerged regarding whether the agreement encompasses the Israel-Hezbollah hostilities; Tehran claims it does, while Washington and Tel Aviv maintain it does not.

The two forces have engaged in numerous conflicts since Hezbollah’s establishment in the 1980s as a resistance movement opposing Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanese territory.

On March 2, just two days following the US-Israeli assault on Iran, Hezbollah fired missiles toward Israeli targets. The organization stated the attack served as retaliation for the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and for “repeated Israeli aggressions” within Lebanon.

This renewed fighting occurred 15 months following a US-mediated truce that ended their prior conflict. That previous war began one day following the devastating October 7, 2023, Hamas-orchestrated assault on southern Israeli communities.

Hezbollah, which maintains an alliance with Hamas, initiated attacks on Israel after it launched its intensive counterattack against Hamas forces in Gaza. What initially developed as limited border skirmishes between Israel and Lebanon escalated into comprehensive warfare by September 2024.

Following a November 2024 ceasefire agreement, Israeli forces maintained almost daily aerial bombardments in Lebanon, claiming the operations aimed to prevent Hezbollah from reorganizing. Israeli military units also maintained control of five strategic hilltops within Lebanese territory along the border.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah faced both internal and external pressure to relinquish its remaining weapons stockpile. The organization remained relatively inactive and avoided involvement during last summer’s 12-day conflict between Israel and Iran. Many observers believed the group had become too weakened to engage in combat after sustaining significant losses during the 2024 fighting, making their entry into the current war following US-Israeli attacks on Iran unexpected.

As of Wednesday, Lebanese health ministry statistics show that Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,730 individuals and wounded over 5,870 since March 2. The civilian casualty count remains unclear, though the totals include hundreds of women, children, and medical personnel.

More than one million Lebanese residents have been forced from their homes. Israeli authorities have issued comprehensive evacuation orders for residents to abandon large sections of the country, typically followed by bombardment of those evacuated areas. Many displaced individuals are sleeping in vehicles, on streets, or in overcrowded schools converted to emergency shelters.

Israeli officials report that Hezbollah has fired thousands of missiles and drones across the border, though most have been intercepted or landed in unpopulated areas. The Israeli military reports 12 soldiers killed in southern Lebanon and over 400 wounded.

A small number of civilian deaths have also occurred in northern Israel, including one individual killed by rocket fire and another accidentally killed by Israeli artillery during border fighting. The continuous barrage of missiles and drones has created anxiety among northern Israeli residents. Many express frustration that the government has not offered evacuation assistance as provided during previous conflicts.

Israeli ground forces have also launched an invasion of southern Lebanese territory. Intense combat has developed with Hezbollah fighters in border regions, and UN peacekeeping personnel have occasionally been caught in crossfire; three UN force members have been killed.

Some Israeli officials have advocated for their military to occupy southern Lebanon extending to the Litani River, approximately 30 kilometers (20 miles) north of the border. Israeli forces have destroyed homes in border villages. Many displaced Lebanese residents fear Israel intends to establish a depopulated buffer zone, preventing their return home.

Lebanese officials have attempted direct negotiations with Israel to end the fighting. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel had agreed to participate in discussions focused on Hezbollah disarmament and potential peace arrangements.

When the US and Iran announced their preliminary ceasefire Wednesday, Pakistan’s prime minister, whose nation served as mediator, stated on social media that it applied to “everywhere including Lebanon.” Iranian officials also maintain the agreement includes Lebanon. However, the US and Israel firmly deny this interpretation.

Hezbollah has declared it will not honor the ceasefire unless Israel complies as well.

Middle East analyst Joe Macaron described the upcoming negotiations as “a test of how much the Iranian regime is committed to help Hezbollah.” He suggested Israel is unlikely to agree to — or be compelled by the US to accept — complete ceasefire and withdrawal from Lebanon.

While the US might pressure Israel to cease strikes in central Beirut, Macaron predicted a “long war of attrition” will likely develop between Israel and Hezbollah in southern regions. The Israeli military lacks the capability to control the entire area south of the Litani River, Hezbollah cannot force Israeli troops from southern Lebanon, and neither Israel nor the Lebanese government can forcibly disarm the organization, he explained.

According to Macaron, the only solution will require a negotiated agreement.

Three Middle Eastern countries have joined forces to create a major new trade partnership that could reshape commerce across the region. Syria, Jordan, and Turkey recently finalized a comprehensive transportation agreement during a ministerial meeting in Amman, Jordan.

The three-nation partnership establishes a comprehensive framework covering ground transportation, shipping, and railway systems. Transport ministers from each country participated in the signing ceremony, creating specialized committees and working groups designed to standardize policies and procedures across all three nations.

This collaboration seeks to transform theoretical commitments into actual infrastructure projects, supported by investment funding and technological improvements to enhance operational effectiveness and ensure lasting partnership. Officials expect the coordination will facilitate smoother movement of cargo and travelers while simplifying customs processes, ultimately improving supply chain operations and increasing commercial activity between the participating countries.

A comprehensive three-year plan details the necessary actions and requirements for transportation agencies, with goals to convert border areas from basic transit points into centers for economic cooperation and shared development. The initiative focuses heavily on activating the “Middle Corridor,” which the participating nations envision as a crucial pathway connecting various markets and expanding international trade, potentially transforming the region’s economic structure.

Railway development receives special emphasis in the partnership, with plans to create a three-nation technical committee responsible for assessing current rail networks and identifying technical and financial needs for upcoming projects. Syria is currently preparing an initial railway connection blueprint linking all three countries to support collaborative planning and construction efforts.

The Hejaz Railway initiative stands as a key component, designed to connect northern Anatolia with the southern port of Aqaba and extend toward Gulf regions, enhancing cargo and passenger transportation according to contemporary transport standards.

This initiative represents part of a larger transportation sector development effort focused on facilitating transit through streamlined border processes, strengthening connections between coastal ports and interior areas, and implementing digital transportation management systems. Government officials emphasize that infrastructure improvements, particularly in ground and rail transportation, will be essential for reducing expenses and enhancing trade effectiveness, aligning with worldwide movements toward more environmentally sustainable transportation.

Jordan’s Transport Minister Nedal Katamine explained his nation’s goal to enhance its position as a regional logistics center through developing integrated transportation systems, constructing contemporary logistics facilities, improving border crossing points, and expanding private sector collaborations. This effort forms part of a wider economic modernization strategy that positions the transportation sector as central to growth and competitive advantage.

Turkish Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu emphasized that implementing the “North–South Corridor” should produce substantial economic benefits through increased export capabilities, port revitalization, expanded market reach, and enhanced transit income.

Uraloglu further highlighted that the three-way cooperation offers a practical structure for advancing the region’s transportation infrastructure, with potential to link this corridor to broader networks connecting the Arabian Peninsula, Central Asia, and Europe.

This partnership emerges following multiple technical conferences between the three nations aimed at rebuilding ground and rail connections after years of interruption, especially due to Syria’s conflict. With growing demand for more effective alternative trading pathways, this three-nation agreement represents a major advancement toward restructuring the region’s transportation infrastructure, strengthening economic integration, and restoring its function as a strategic link between Eastern and Western markets.

President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning that military action will return with unprecedented intensity if Iran violates the terms of a recently negotiated ceasefire, while Israeli Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli expressed doubt about the agreement’s durability, estimating it has only even odds of surviving.

Trump stated that American military forces, ships, and aircraft continue to be positioned in the region with enhanced weaponry and supplies, ready to respond against what he characterized as “a substantially degraded enemy.”

“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” Trump declared, noting that Iran had committed to abandoning nuclear weapons development and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

“In the meantime our great Military is Loading Up and Resting, looking forward, actually, to its next Conquest. AMERICA IS BACK!” he added.

Chikli, who serves in Israel’s governing Likud party, expressed harsh criticism of the ceasefire timing during a radio interview with 103FM, describing the decision as premature. “I think it was a mistake to go to a ceasefire at this time. Countries like these, the Japanese Empire, Nazi Germany, you need to bring them to their knees,” he stated.

The Israeli minister assessed the truce as having only a “50% chance” of enduring, though he emphasized that Israel had secured major victories during the conflict. “Iran lost its status as a regional power,” Chikli argued, claiming that Tehran’s Axis of Resistance has “collapsed.”

“I look at whether we brought about massive achievements, whether we created a new reality in the north, on the border with Gaza, in the Middle East? The answer is yes, yes, and yes,” he declared.

Significant disagreements over ceasefire provisions continue to create tension. Iran and the United States have offered conflicting interpretations of the agreement, especially concerning nuclear programs and shipping lane access.

Tehran has not completely reopened the Strait of Hormuz, claiming treaty violations have occurred, and has suggested it might charge transit fees, while the White House maintains that passage will stay free of charge. Gulf region nations experienced missile attacks on Tuesday.

Uncertainty also surrounds the agreement’s scope. Pakistan initially indicated that Lebanon was covered under the ceasefire, but Trump informed PBS that Israeli military actions targeting Hezbollah were excluded from the arrangement. Iran issued a warning Wednesday evening that ongoing strikes against Hezbollah could undermine the ceasefire.

CEGLÉD, Hungary — A small business owner from this Hungarian city dismisses polling data suggesting Prime Minister Viktor Orbán might face defeat in this weekend’s crucial election.

István Vároczi, 63, who operates a handbag and goods stand in central Cegléd, remains confident in the leader he has supported for nearly four decades.

Orbán, who has held power for 16 years with four consecutive electoral wins, now confronts his most serious challenge yet from center-right candidate Péter Magyar of the Tisza party. Magyar has spent months crisscrossing Hungary’s rural areas, attempting to erode Orbán’s traditional stronghold support.

Though polling indicates many Hungarians have turned away from Orbán’s Fidesz party and desire political change, the veteran prime minister continues to command strong loyalty from significant segments of society, especially senior citizens and residents of smaller communities.

“I’ve been watching him for nearly 40 years, I have always voted for him and I will again, I’ve never been disappointed in him,” Vároczi explained. “His biggest strength is that he didn’t forget where he came from. He always remained a normal person. I’m sure he has flaws, but who doesn’t?”

Vároczi described Fidesz as “the only party I trust” and called Orbán’s leadership record “unparalleled.”

Magyar’s Tisza party has gained momentum among Hungarian voters following four years of economic decline, partially attributed to the European Union’s decision to freeze billions in funding over concerns about democratic institutions and corruption during Orbán’s tenure.

However, recent polling from Medián released Wednesday reveals 47% of Hungarians aged 65 and older favor Fidesz, compared to just 29% supporting Tisza. The data also shows Orbán’s support increases in smaller towns and villages.

In the central Hungarian town of Albertirsa, home to roughly 14,000 residents, retired pipe fitter János Falajtár grew visibly moved while discussing what he views as Orbán’s service to the nation. Fighting back tears, he stated that Orbán had “acted for the people.”

“The decisions don’t matter. Common sense and heart matter,” Falajtár said.

The prime minister has rolled out voter-friendly initiatives ahead of the election, including a popular program reducing utility costs supported by Hungary’s continued energy purchases from Russia. Pensioners receive an additional “13th month” payment annually, with a 14th installment now being implemented.

Orbán has also launched efforts to restore rural pubs and churches while eliminating income taxes for mothers with multiple children.

Beyond specific policies, Orbán’s personal appeal, focus on preserving Hungarian culture, and efforts to strengthen national identity appear to resonate most powerfully with his supporters.

The retired pipe fitter believes Orbán has brought unity to the nation, including ethnic Hungarian populations in neighboring countries after roughly 72% of Hungary’s historical territory was lost following World War I.

“We are now beginning to unite the Greater Hungary in Vojvodina, Slovakia, Transcarpathia, Transylvania, and even in Austria,” Falajtár said. “They only took a small piece from us, but it’s still ours.”

Throughout his campaign, Orbán has emphasized various threats he claims will endanger Hungarians without his continued leadership, particularly the ongoing conflict in neighboring Ukraine, which he argues could bankrupt the country or draw it into direct military involvement.

Despite economic challenges, many Orbán supporters attribute problems to outside forces rather than governmental failures.

The administration “is doing what it can for us, for the people,” Vároczi concluded.

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Greek officials have announced comprehensive legislation prohibiting children aged 15 and younger from accessing social media platforms, with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis hoping the initiative will encourage the European Union to establish uniform age restrictions across all 27 member nations.

The upcoming legislation will focus on social media services where users can establish profiles, communicate with others, and post content, including platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.

When the law takes effect, social media companies must re-verify every user’s age throughout Greece to eliminate accounts belonging to those 15 or younger. Government officials say their primary responsibility will involve monitoring platform compliance and responding to reported infractions.

Enforcement violations will be forwarded to authorities in the country where each social media company operates or to EU leadership. Companies face potential penalties including fines reaching 6% of worldwide revenue, ongoing daily penalties until they comply, or operational limitations.

Speaking directly to young people in a Wednesday social media video, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis addressed the restrictions, explaining that parents and teenagers have shared with him how excessive social media use creates stress, anxiety, and sleep problems.

“Now I’m certain that many young ones will be angry. If I was at your age, perhaps I’d feel the same way too. But our role, my role isn’t always to be pleasant,” Mitsotakis said.

“If something makes us feel more anxious or worse, lesser than who we really are, then it’s perhaps best that we put a stop to it.”

The Greek leader emphasized that the legislation doesn’t aim to separate young people from technology but rather shield them from the “addictive design of certain platforms and their profit model that’s grounded in how long you spend in front of a mobile phone screen that denies you your innocence and freedom.”

Mitsotakis indicated the new legislation should be presented this summer and become operational at the beginning of next year.

The Greek initiative follows France’s lead, which implemented similar social media restrictions for children 15 and under earlier this year.

In correspondence to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, Mitsotakis called for establishing a “unified European framework” before year’s end to support national efforts protecting minors.

The Greek prime minister recommended EU-wide social media prohibitions for youth 15 and younger, consistent age verification systems, requiring platforms to re-confirm user ages every two years, and creating an organization for member countries and the commission to evaluate violations and rapidly implement penalties.

The head of the International Monetary Fund warned Thursday that Middle East warfare will likely drive countries to seek between $20 billion and $50 billion in emergency financial assistance from the global lending organization.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva told reporters at the organization’s Washington headquarters that the currently suspended conflict has created significant strain on the world economy. Daily global oil flows have dropped by 13 percent while liquefied natural gas supplies have fallen 20 percent, creating energy supply shortages that have pushed prices higher and disrupted international trade networks.

Speaking before next week’s scheduled IMF and World Bank meetings, Georgieva revealed that the warfare has forced the Fund to lower its worldwide economic growth projections, confirming earlier statements she made to Reuters earlier this week.

“Had it not been for this shock, we would have been upgrading global growth,” Georgieva explained, pointing to positive momentum from robust technology investments and favorable financial market conditions. “But now, even in our most hopeful scenario, it involves a downgrade of growth.”

President Donald Trump announced a two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran on Tuesday, though Israel’s ongoing military operations in Lebanon could potentially undermine efforts to establish lasting peace.

According to Georgieva, the conflict presents varied but substantial risks across IMF member nations. Countries that import oil – representing 80 percent of all nations – face challenges from higher energy costs and supply shortages, while major oil-producing countries and regional economies without oil resources have experienced disproportionate impacts.

“Even in a best case, there will be no neat and clean return to the status quo ante,” Georgieva stated. She noted that Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility, which generates 93 percent of the Gulf region’s liquefied natural gas, has remained closed since March 2 and may require three to five years to reach full production capacity again.

“The fact is, we don’t truly know what the future holds for transits through the Strait of Hormuz, or for that matter, for the recovery of regional air traffic,” she continued, referencing visual data showing sharp declines in aviation and shipping activity over the past six weeks. “What we do know is that growth will be slower – even if the new peace is durable.”

The fighting, which started on February 28, will continue creating widespread economic effects, Georgieva said. Oil refinery closures and shortages of refined petroleum products are hampering transportation systems, tourism industries, and international commerce.

Food security concerns will affect an additional 45 million people, pushing the total number facing hunger beyond 360 million worldwide. Supply chain problems will persist due to industrial reliance on materials including sulfur, helium needed for semiconductor manufacturing, and naphtha used in plastic production.

The IMF plans to publish multiple economic scenarios in next week’s World Economic Outlook report, ranging from relatively quick recovery to situations where oil and gas prices stay elevated for extended periods, Georgieva said.

Even the most optimistic projections include growth reductions because of infrastructure damage, supply interruptions, reduced confidence, and other lasting economic wounds.

In January, the IMF had predicted global growth of 3.3 percent in 2026 and 3.2 percent in 2027. The organization has not yet specified the size of next week’s downward revisions. Georgieva previously told Reuters that inflation forecasts would also increase.

Next week’s international meetings will bring together thousands of finance officials from around the world to discuss managing the war’s economic impact and determining how the IMF can assist countries requiring help, Georgieva said.

She emphasized that the IMF maintains adequate resources and can expand balance of payments assistance through current programs, with additional nations expected to request aid. She did not name specific countries seeking support.

The anticipated increase in funding requests adds to $140 billion in active programs that existed before the war began, according to an IMF official. When including outstanding credit and planned lending, the IMF’s total commitments reach $245 billion.

From May 2024 through March 2025, the IMF authorized more than $36 billion in new loans, based on research from Boston University.

Georgieva cautioned that energy supply disruptions are already pushing up short-term inflation expectations, though longer-term expectations remain stable.

Financial market conditions have tightened in an orderly fashion, with some recent easing becoming apparent.

The overall economic impact will depend on whether the ceasefire maintains stability and leads to permanent peace, and the extent of damage the war ultimately causes, Georgieva said.

Georgieva acknowledged that demand adjustments are inevitable but urged countries against implementing export restrictions, price controls, and other policies that could worsen global economic conditions.

“I appeal to all countries to reject go-it-alone actions,” she said. “Don’t pour gasoline on the fire.”

While suggesting value in careful observation, Georgieva recommended that central banks “step in firmly with rate hikes” if inflation expectations risk becoming unanchored and creating an inflationary cycle. However, she warned against premature actions that could throw “cold water on growth.”

She observed that many nations are implementing conservation strategies, including restricting private vehicle usage and encouraging remote work arrangements. Most countries have avoided broad tax reductions or energy subsidies, and the IMF is actively collaborating with governments to ensure any measures remain temporary.

Implementing deficit-funded stimulus programs now would increase pressure on monetary policy and amplify rising benchmark interest rates, further increasing debt costs.

Public debt levels are generally much higher than two decades ago, Georgieva noted, encouraging countries to move quickly to restore their financial reserves following this crisis after years of failing to do so.

Even before the current conflict, global public debt was projected to reach approximately 100 percent of gross domestic product by 2029, representing the highest level since 1948.

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday that he has directed his government to pursue direct peace negotiations with Lebanon, with a primary focus on dismantling Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

Speaking in a public statement, Netanyahu referenced Lebanon’s ongoing requests for dialogue, saying “In light of Lebanon’s repeated requests to open direct negotiations with Israel, I instructed the cabinet yesterday to start direct negotiations with Lebanon as soon as possible.” He added that “The negotiations will focus on disarming Hezbollah and establishing peaceful relations between Israel and Lebanon.”

Lebanese officials have not yet responded to Netanyahu’s announcement.

Earlier Thursday, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had called for an end to hostilities, stating that “the only solution to the situation in Lebanon is to achieve a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, followed by direct negotiations between them.” Aoun indicated he was pursuing diplomatic channels that were gaining “positive” reception from the international community.

The current conflict escalated after Hezbollah, backed by Iran, launched attacks against Israel beginning March 2nd, prompting Israel to respond with a major military campaign. Lebanese government figures report that Israeli military operations have resulted in approximately 1,700 deaths and forced more than one million residents from their homes.

Intelligence sources indicate that at least 400 Hezbollah militants have been eliminated in the fighting, while the group has launched hundreds of rockets and drone attacks targeting Israeli territory.

WASHINGTON — Global economic prospects have taken a hit from the recent Iran conflict, and the damage will persist regardless of whether this week’s ceasefire agreement remains intact, according to the International Monetary Fund’s top official.

Kristalina Georgieva, the IMF’s Managing Director, announced Thursday that the organization plans to reduce its worldwide economic projections when new forecasts are released next week.

“Had it not been for this shock, we would have been upgrading global growth,” Georgieva stated during comments made before the upcoming IMF-World Bank spring meetings. “But now, even our most hopeful scenario involves a growth downgrade.”

Global economic conditions had shown strength despite President Donald Trump’s implementation of comprehensive import taxes across most nations last year. The 191-member IMF had boosted its worldwide growth projection to 3.3% in January and was preparing for another increase when Tuesday’s new predictions are unveiled.

However, the conflict that started February 28 altered the economic landscape entirely. The warfare has pushed up costs for oil and natural gas, harmed energy facilities including refineries and shipping terminals, interrupted fertilizer deliveries essential for global agriculture, and shaken business and consumer confidence.

On Tuesday, the United States and Iran declared they had achieved a ceasefire agreement, following Trump’s warning that without it “a whole civilization will die tonight.”

Despite this development, Georgieva emphasized Thursday that “growth will be slower—even if the new peace is durable.”

According to Georgieva, Sub-Saharan Africa and small island nations face the greatest risk from the energy crisis. Worldwide, government capacity to boost their economies through increased spending and reduced taxes remains constrained due to existing high debt levels.

She observed that numerous nations have implemented measures to minimize harm from the energy crisis, including promoting or mandating remote work arrangements, supporting greater public transit usage, and restricting government employee travel.

Georgieva urged policymakers to “be careful not to make things worse” through “go-it-alone” actions like export restrictions and price control measures. “Don’t pour gasoline on the fire,” she cautioned.

LONDON — While staying out of direct military involvement, European nations stepped up diplomatic pressure Thursday to help stabilize a fragile ceasefire and resolve the escalating conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran.

The ongoing conflict has created a difficult balancing act for European allies, who must navigate their NATO commitments to America while facing criticism from President Donald Trump for their limited military participation and restricted use of European bases.

French President Emmanuel Macron has been among the most vocal in defending Europe’s position, stating last week that America cannot criticize the lack of support “in an operation they chose to undertake alone” without consulting allies.

A temporary two-week truce brokered by Pakistan was agreed to by Trump on Tuesday after he had warned that “a whole civilization will die tonight.” The agreement was designed to stop hostilities and reopen the critical shipping lane essential for global petroleum transport.

However, Iran shut down the waterway again following Israeli bombardment of Lebanon targeting the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization. Tehran maintains the ceasefire covers Lebanon, while Washington and Jerusalem reject this interpretation.

Tehran has also faced sharp condemnation for insisting on toll collection rights before agreeing to reopen the Hormuz passage.

Here’s how European officials are responding to the crisis:

Leaders from France, Italy, Germany, Britain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, Spain and the European Union issued a Wednesday statement “strongly encourage quick progress towards a substantive negotiated settlement.” Additional support came from Norway, Sweden, Greece and Finland.

“This will be crucial to protect the civilian population of Iran and ensure security in the region,” their joint declaration stated, adding it “can avert a severe global energy crisis.”

Macron, who held conversations Wednesday with both Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Trump, urged “each of the belligerents” to honor the ceasefire completely and begin comprehensive peace talks.

European officials collectively demanded the truce extend to Lebanon following Wednesday’s bloodiest violence there, which claimed nearly 200 lives.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that “the severity with which Israel is waging war there could cause the failure of the peace process as a whole, and that must not happen.”

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper expressed being “deeply troubled” by Israel’s offensive and warned that any ceasefire excluding the small nation could “destabilize the whole region.”

“That escalation that we saw from Israel yesterday, I think, was deeply damaging and we want to see an end to hostilities in Lebanon,” Cooper stated to Times Radio.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has emerged as Europe’s harshest critic of American and Israeli military actions, called for the European Union to halt its association agreement with Israel.

“His contempt for life and international law is intolerable,” Sánchez posted on X regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. “The international community must condemn this new violation of international law.”

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot announced Thursday that European and other allies were completing preparations for naval forces to protect ships through the strait once combat truly ceases.

Macron indicated approximately 15 countries are prepared to join such an operation.

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni cautioned Parliament that any Iranian additional fees in the Strait of Hormuz would create “unpredictable economic consequences.”

“Full restoration of freedom of movement in the Strait of Hormuz is needed, and it must not be subject to any restrictions, as appears to have happened in recent hours,” she declared.

Cooper emphasized it’s “crucial” Iran not be permitted to impose tolls on the strait.

Chancellor Merz confirmed Germany would help ensure unrestricted shipping returns, though officials declined to specify what form that assistance might take.

Trump has alarmed NATO members by again suggesting America might withdraw from the military alliance, this time expressing frustration that the organization hasn’t supported the United States.

Trump called allies “cowards” and labeled NATO “a paper tiger.” Following his Wednesday White House meeting with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, Trump declared NATO had failed America and wouldn’t provide future support when needed.

Merz described Thursday how the conflict had created a “trans-Atlantic stress test” and expressed concern about further damaging U.S.-European NATO relationships.

“We don’t want, I don’t want a split in NATO,” Merz stated. “NATO is a guarantor of our security, also and above all in Europe. We must continue to keep a cool head here.”

Health and education authorities in Gaza report that a young female student was fatally shot by Israeli forces Thursday while participating in lessons conducted inside a temporary classroom tent in Beit Lahiya, located in northern Gaza.

According to the education ministry, third-grader Ritaj Rihan was struck by gunfire in the presence of her fellow students, leaving them with “a strong psychological shock.”

Health authorities confirmed that three additional Palestinians lost their lives Thursday in two distinct aerial bombardments across northern and southern regions of Gaza, raising the day’s casualty count to no fewer than four deaths.

Medical personnel reported that an Israeli air assault close to a medical facility in Jabalia, situated in the northern part of the territory, resulted in the deaths of at least two individuals, while a separate strike in Khan Younis in the southern area claimed one life.

Israeli military officials have not yet provided statements regarding these incidents.

Following a ceasefire agreement implemented in October, Israel maintains control over more than half of Gaza’s territory. Nearly every structure within the Israeli-occupied zone has been demolished, forcing residents to evacuate.

This situation has resulted in almost the complete population of over two million individuals being restricted to approximately one-third of Gaza’s land area, primarily living in temporary shelters and damaged structures, where daily activities continue under Hamas-led administrative control.

Volunteer educators are conducting lessons for displaced Gaza children in overcrowded tent facilities across certain regions, as students remain determined to pursue their studies despite the extensive destruction of educational institutions.

These temporary learning environments encounter significant obstacles, including severe weather conditions, inadequate supplies, and safety concerns.

Since the October agreement became effective, more than 700 Palestinians have lost their lives, while militants have killed three Israeli military personnel. Palestinian sources claim Israeli forces have been relocating yellow concrete boundary markers westward, advancing into previously unoccupied areas. Israel disputes these allegations.

Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israel’s military campaign has resulted in over 71,000 Palestinian deaths. The conflict began following a Hamas-led assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties, based on Israeli records.

BERLIN – German Chancellor Friedrich Merz voiced concerns Thursday about potential divisions within the NATO alliance as tensions escalate over the ongoing Iran conflict, while addressing reported pressure from President Trump regarding military commitments.

During a press briefing, Merz announced that Germany is restarting diplomatic discussions with Iran, working alongside Washington and European partners to help resolve a conflict that has resulted in thousands of casualties and triggered an energy emergency affecting Germany.

The crisis has created significant tensions within NATO, an alliance already facing challenges from the Ukraine conflict and other disputes. Trump has consistently criticized the organization as a “paper tiger” and has made recent threats about potentially leaving the alliance.

According to two European diplomatic sources who spoke to Reuters Thursday, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has informed select member nations that Trump is seeking firm commitments in the coming days for assistance in protecting the Strait of Hormuz.

“We do not want – I do not want – NATO to split. NATO is a guarantor of our security, including and above all in Europe,” Merz stated from Berlin. He mentioned encouraging Trump during their Wednesday phone conversation to urgently pursue diplomatic talks with Iran.

Regarding assistance with securing the Strait of Hormuz, Merz explained he informed Trump that Germany stands ready to help protect the crucial shipping corridor – whose near-complete blockade has created a worldwide energy emergency – but only after establishing a lasting ceasefire.

However, Germany would require both international authorization, preferably from the UN Security Council, and approval from the German parliament, he explained.

“The U.S. President is well aware of this, and that is why no decisions are to be expected from us within the next few days,” Merz said, noting that Trump understood Germany’s requirements.

Germany has renewed direct diplomatic contact with Iranian officials in Tehran, “after a long silence” according to Merz.

“Our aim in doing so is also to make our own contribution to the success of the upcoming negotiations.”

Merz indicated he would also speak Thursday evening with Pakistan’s prime minister, as that nation prepares to facilitate ceasefire discussions between Iran and the United States this weekend.

The German leader said his conversation with Trump did not address the possibility of American military withdrawal from Germany or any potential German limitations on U.S. military installations that have operated there since World War II ended.

Earlier this week, Trump had threatened to devastate Iran’s “whole civilisation” if it failed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, drawing condemnation from various sources, including European allied nations.

“I am firmly convinced that it would not have come to that. It was part of his strategy in dealing with Iran, and that has now led to at least a temporary end to the hostilities and also to a temporary end to the mutual rhetoric,” Merz explained.

He also noted that Germany’s coalition government has not yet reached consensus on additional energy cost relief measures following Thursday’s discussions on the matter. He emphasized that any measures must be carefully targeted and avoid creating supply shortages.

RIO DE JANEIRO – Chinese electric vehicle manufacturer BYD has been cleared from Brazil’s official registry of companies allegedly using slave-like working conditions after a successful court challenge.

According to court documentation reviewed by Reuters on Thursday, a Brazilian judge granted an injunction that removes the automaker from the government’s blacklist of firms accused of exploiting workers under slavery-like circumstances.

The legal victory allows BYD to distance itself from the serious labor allegations that had placed it on the government’s controversial registry.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Lawmakers in Argentina’s Congress have given final approval to legislation that reduces safeguards for the nation’s glaciers, clearing the way for expanded mining operations despite fierce opposition from environmental organizations.

The measure, championed by libertarian President Javier Milei, passed during an early Thursday morning vote with 137 legislators supporting it, 111 opposing, and three choosing not to vote. The Senate had previously endorsed the bill in February.

Mining industry projections suggest the revised regulations could generate more than $30 billion in investment capital during the next ten years. Roughly 70% of these funds would target new operations extracting copper, gold and silver.

President Milei is anticipated to formally enact the legislation within days.

Conservation groups are now preparing courtroom battles to block implementation of the new law.

Organizations such as Greenpeace and the Environment and Natural Resources Foundations are coordinating a public class-action challenge, characterizing the legislative process as fundamentally flawed and dismissive of citizen concerns about water security.

“If they refuse to listen in Congress, they will be forced to listen in the courts,” the organizations said in a statement, urging citizens to join a lawsuit that argues the reform threatens water access and the fragile ecosystems surrounding glaciers.

Legislative opponents have declared the measure unconstitutional, claiming it dismantles crucial environmental safeguards.

Argentina enacted comprehensive legislation in 2010 that prohibited all mining operations on glaciers and in periglacial areas — frozen terrain zones that serve as critical water regulation systems.

The Milei administration’s reform fundamentally alters these protections by restricting coverage to only glaciers and geological features with “specific hydrological functions,” leaving individual provinces to decide which areas qualify for protection.

The South American nation contains 16,968 glaciers spread throughout the Andes Mountain Range and South Atlantic Islands, encompassing approximately 8,484 square kilometers (3,276 square miles).

Glacier specialists have emphasized that climate change is already accelerating ice retreat. Researchers warn that reducing these protections could compromise water supplies in dry regions and diminish the reserves that maintain river systems.

Coordinated strikes by Islamist terrorist organizations resulted in the death of a Nigerian army general and multiple soldiers during Wednesday night raids across northeastern Borno state, according to military officials.

The Nigerian Defence Headquarters reported that militants targeted a strategic military installation in Benisheikh but were successfully driven back, though they confirmed military casualties while requesting time to notify families before releasing additional information.

The assault began around 2130 GMT Wednesday when fighters struck the communities of Pulka and Bakin Ruwa in the Gwoza district, followed by an attempt to capture the 29 Task Force Brigade headquarters in Benisheikh at midnight, defense officials stated.

“The troops led by the Commander 29 Brigade, Brigadier-General Oseni Braimah, responded with exceptional courage and superior firepower… and forced (the terrorists) to retreat in disarray,” stated Defence Headquarters spokesperson Major-General Michael Onoja, who noted that cleanup operations continued.

However, two military officials speaking to Reuters contradicted the official account, claiming the Benisheikh installation was successfully captured, resulting in the death of Brigadier-General Braimah along with other personnel including a captain, while multiple military vehicles were destroyed. These claims could not be independently confirmed.

A military officer participating in reinforcement efforts reported that air force planes removed fallen soldiers Thursday morning after assisting in expelling insurgents who had controlled the area for over three hours. The final casualty count remained under assessment.

The ongoing 17-year Islamic insurgency across northeastern Nigeria has claimed thousands of lives and forced at least 2 million people from their homes, aid organizations report, despite extensive military operations.

Both Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province have escalated their targeting of military installations throughout northeastern Nigeria in recent months, killing numerous troops while taking advantage of challenging geography, uncontrolled borders, and limited government authority in the region.

The United Nations maritime organization warned Thursday that charging fees for vessels navigating through the vital Strait of Hormuz would establish a harmful precedent and nations must not obstruct maritime passage rights.

The toll concept has been discussed by Iranian authorities following this week’s two-week ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran.

“There is no international agreement where tolls can be introduced for transiting international straits. Any such toll will set a dangerous precedent,” a spokesperson with the UN’s International Maritime Organization said.

The IMO member nations have adopted the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, known as UNCLOS, which establishes regulations governing international navigation through straits.

“According to UNCLOS, ships enjoy the right of transit passage through international straits. States bordering straits shall not hamper that right or suspend the transit passage,” the IMO spokesperson said.

Greenland’s leader delivered a sharp response Thursday to President Donald Trump’s latest inflammatory comments about the Arctic territory, defending his nation’s dignity as NATO alliance tensions continue to escalate.

Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen pushed back after Trump expressed renewed frustration with the military alliance Wednesday, describing Greenland as a “BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE” while criticizing NATO’s response during the Iran conflict.

“What is important for us is that we maintain the world community that we have built after World War Two, where we have a defence alliance that we respect, and where we have international law respected by all sides,” Nielsen stated in an interview with Reuters.

“Those things are being challenged now, and I think all allies should stand together to try to maintain them. I hope that will happen,” the Prime Minister added.

The exchange comes as NATO members have spent months working to preserve alliance unity following Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland from Denmark, which is also a NATO partner.

Nielsen directly challenged Trump’s dismissive description of his homeland Thursday.

“We are not some piece of ice. We are a proud population of 57,000 people, working every single day as good global citizens in full respect for all our allies,” he declared.

The diplomatic friction highlights growing strains within the Western alliance as Trump continues his controversial approach to international partnerships.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Tanzania’s President Samia Suluhu Hassan is dramatically downsizing her official vehicle fleet and implementing shared transportation for government staff as fuel costs continue climbing across the region.

Hassan, whose motorcades have been recognized as among Africa’s most extensive, announced the conservation measures Wednesday as multiple African nations implement emergency protocols to address fuel shortages and price increases. Madagascar declared an emergency state Tuesday to curb fuel usage, while South Africa reduced its fuel tax, Ethiopia implemented rationing systems, and Senegal prohibited non-essential international government travel.

“From today, whenever I travel, the officers accompanying me will use consolidated transport in small buses to reduce fuel consumption and operational costs during this period,” Hassan announced Wednesday.

Previously, the president’s motorcade featured dozens of high-end vehicles transporting government staff, diplomatic personnel, and security teams. Online footage of her 30-vehicle convoy previously circulated widely, generating discussion about African presidential transportation practices. Hassan maintains one of the continent’s most extensive official motorcades.

The president noted that Tanzania maintains fuel stockpiles sufficient for approximately three months while warning businesses against price manipulation during the current crisis.

Fuel costs have increased by $0.40 per liter over the past two weeks, driven by conflict in Iran and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The fragile ceasefire agreement in the Iran conflict faced mounting pressure Thursday as Israeli strikes on Beirut intensified, Iran maintained its grip on a vital oil shipping lane, and doubts grew about weekend negotiations scheduled to begin Saturday.

Both Iran and the United States claimed success following Tuesday’s ceasefire announcement, but tensions quickly escalated. Iranian semi-official media outlets indicated that military forces have placed explosive mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil transport route that serves as Tehran’s most powerful bargaining chip. President Trump responded by threatening stronger military action against Iran if the nation fails to honor the agreement terms.

A major point of contention emerged over whether the ceasefire encompasses the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah forces. Israeli warplanes launched devastating attacks on Beirut Wednesday, creating the most lethal single day in Lebanon since hostilities erupted on February 28.

Unresolved issues include the fate of Iran’s enriched uranium reserves that sparked the crisis, the timeline for reopening normal shipping through the strait, and Iran’s future capacity to launch missile strikes while backing regional militant groups.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary leader, issued a stern warning Thursday that ongoing Israeli operations against the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization in Lebanon would result in “explicit costs and STRONG responses,” according to his social media statement.

Qalibaf has emerged as a potential representative who might engage with U.S. Vice President JD Vance this weekend in Islamabad. White House officials confirmed Vance will head the American delegation for negotiations beginning Saturday.

Iranian officials accused Israel of breaching the ceasefire terms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump disputed this claim.

Netanyahu declared Israel would maintain attacks on Hezbollah “with force, precision and determination.”

Lebanon’s health ministry reported that Wednesday’s Israeli operations killed at least 203 people and injured over 1,000 in central Beirut and surrounding Lebanese regions. Israel stated these strikes targeted Hezbollah forces that entered the conflict supporting Tehran.

The casualty count marked the deadliest single day in Lebanon throughout more than five weeks of renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah.

Israeli military officials announced Thursday they eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, an assistant to Hezbollah commander Naim Kassem. Hezbollah representatives did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A New York-based research organization cautioned that the ceasefire “hovers on the verge of collapse.”

The Soufan Center stated in their assessment: “Even if Lebanon was formally outside the deal, the scale of Israel’s strikes was likely to be viewed as escalatory. Israel’s strikes can be understood both as an effort to drive a wedge between Iran and its proxies and as a response to being allegedly sidelined in the original ceasefire discussions.”

Lebanon’s government news service reported that an overnight Israeli attack killed at least seven people in southern Lebanon. Israeli military officials had not immediately confirmed the operation.

Iranian semi-official news organizations published documentation Thursday indicating the nation’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard deployed sea mines throughout the Strait of Hormuz during the conflict — a signal potentially designed to pressure the United States.

The documentation, distributed by ISNA news service and Tasnim, displayed a large area labeled “danger zone” in Farsi covering the shipping lanes through the strait, which previously handled 20% of global oil and natural gas trade.

Only minimal shipping traffic has passed through since fighting began after multiple vessel attacks and Iranian threats against any ships considered connected to the U.S. or Israel. Maritime traffic appeared to continue avoiding the strait following the ceasefire announcement.

The chart recommended ships use waters closer to Iran’s coastline near Larak Island, a path some vessels adopted during the war. The document covered dates from February 28 through April 9, leaving unclear whether the Guard had removed any mines since then.

Saeed Khatibzadeh, Iran’s deputy foreign minister, told the BBC his nation will permit ships to transit the strait following “international norms and international law” once the United States stops its “aggression” in the Middle East and Israel ceases attacking Lebanon.

Sultan al-Jaber, who leads the United Arab Emirates’ primary oil company, said approximately 230 oil-laden ships await passage through the strait and must be permitted “to navigate this corridor without condition.”

The effective closure of the strait has driven oil prices dramatically higher — impacting gasoline, food, and essential goods costs well beyond the Middle East. Oil prices dropped following Wednesday’s ceasefire news but began rising again as doubts about the agreement increased.

Brent crude’s spot price, the global benchmark, reached around $98 Thursday, representing a 35% increase since the war started.

Discussion topics for the talks include whether Iran will be permitted to establish a formal fee system for ships using the strait. Such a change would overturn decades of free passage through what has been considered an international waterway.

The future of Iran’s missile and nuclear capabilities — which the U.S. and Israel aimed to eliminate through military action — remained uncertain. The U.S. maintains Iran must never develop nuclear weapons capability and seeks removal of Tehran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile, which could be weaponized. Iran maintains its program serves peaceful purposes.

Trump stated Wednesday that the U.S. would collaborate with Iran to remove the uranium, buried in previous U.S. and Israeli strikes, though Iran has not confirmed this arrangement. One version of the ceasefire agreement published by Iran indicated it would be permitted to continue enrichment activities.

Mohammad Eslami, head of Iran’s nuclear agency, said Thursday that safeguarding Tehran’s uranium enrichment rights is “necessary” for any ceasefire negotiations.

Trump warned that U.S. naval forces and troops will stay positioned around Iran “until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.”

BEIRUT — Emergency crews worked frantically Thursday searching through rubble for survivors and victims following what became the most catastrophic day in more than five weeks of escalating conflict between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants.

Wednesday’s Israeli airstrikes claimed the lives of at least 203 people while injuring over 1,000 others, according to Lebanon’s health ministry. Israeli military officials stated they focused on locations linked to the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization, though multiple strikes impacted crowded business districts and residential neighborhoods without advance notice during peak traffic hours, resulting in extensive civilian casualties.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned the attacks as “barbaric.” Israeli officials stated that the ceasefire agreement regarding the Iran conflict does not extend to their operations against Hezbollah.

Elie Khairallah, spokesperson for Lebanese Civil Defense, informed The Associated Press that rescue teams discovered an injured woman alive beneath debris overnight in Beirut’s coastal Ain Mreisseh district, while another man was pulled alive from his collapsed apartment complex in the capital’s southern outskirts.

Families continued their agonizing wait for news. Mohammad Chehab, a Syrian resident originally from Deir el-Zour, reported that six of his ten family members had been recovered dead from a demolished structure.

“They’ve been searching all day” for the remaining relatives, he explained while observing rescue teams excavate through the debris.

Medical facilities became scenes of trauma as survivors and healthcare workers recounted the devastation.

“I thought I was dead. What happened? A big flash of light struck my face and eyes and I found someone flying over and landing next to me. He was dead,” survivor Rabee Koshok stated from his hospital bed at Makassed medical center in Beirut. He had been in the Corniche al Mazraa business area when an explosion struck a neighboring structure.

Dr. Wael Jarrosh reported that his hospital admitted approximately 70 wounded patients within ten minutes following the explosions. Two individuals died while five remained hospitalized, with three requiring intensive care treatment, according to Jarrosh.

“This has destroyed us psychologically,” the physician explained. “We have to stay prepared so that we can serve our families and the injuries that come in.”

Israeli authorities announced Thursday they eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, described as an assistant and relative of Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem, during the bombardment. Hezbollah has not yet responded to this claim.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that military operations would continue “with force, precision and determination.” Israel’s armed forces have alleged that Hezbollah operatives are relocating from their traditional strongholds in southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern suburbs, called Dahiyeh, to blend into civilian populations.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced Lebanon would submit an emergency complaint to the U.N. Security Council, characterizing the strikes as a “blatant violation” of international and humanitarian law.

Salam also revealed that Lebanon’s cabinet has directed security agencies to strengthen oversight of the capital by “enhancing the state’s full authority across Beirut and restricting arms to legitimate forces.” Prior to the current conflict’s renewal, Lebanon’s government had already been pursuing Hezbollah’s disarmament.

The ongoing war has forced over one million people from their homes, with many fleeing from southern regions and Dahiyeh. Israeli military forces have issued broad evacuation orders for residents to abandon these areas, subsequently conducting intensive bombing campaigns.

Israeli ground forces have additionally initiated a land offensive along the border region.

The primary border checkpoint connecting Lebanon and Syria resumed operations Thursday, five days after Israeli military officials threatened to target it, claiming Hezbollah was utilizing the crossing to transport military supplies. Both Lebanese and Syrian officials rejected these allegations.

More than 200,000 individuals have escaped from Lebanon into Syria since hostilities resumed.

Russia’s highest court took another step in its ongoing suppression of civil society Thursday, branding the Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights organization Memorial as an extremist group and outlawing its operations within the country.

The Supreme Court’s decision came during a private session where justices considered a request from Russia’s Justice Ministry to classify what officials termed “the Memorial international civic movement” as extremist and prohibit its work throughout Russia.

In a statement released before the court session, Memorial argued that no such organization exists under that name, but warned the decision “would allow the authorities to crack down on any Memorial projects, their participants and supporters.”

Memorial stands as one of Russia’s most established and respected human rights organizations. The group received the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize alongside imprisoned Belarusian activist Ales Bialiatski and Ukraine’s Center for Civil Liberties, less than twelve months after Moscow began its comprehensive assault on Ukraine.

The Norwegian Nobel Committee issued a statement Wednesday denouncing the government’s actions against Memorial, describing them as “an affront to the fundamental values of human dignity and freedom of expression” while calling on Russia to “cease all harassment of Memorial and its members.”

Established during the late 1980s, Memorial originally worked to preserve the memory of those who suffered under Soviet political persecution, eventually expanding into a network of affiliated organizations operating both within Russia and internationally.

Russian authorities had previously labeled Memorial a “foreign agent,” a classification that brought increased government oversight and carried negative implications. The organization faced substantial financial penalties over alleged violations of foreign agent regulations. In December 2021, Russian courts mandated the closure of Memorial’s two primary branches — its human rights center and International Memorial.

Despite these obstacles, the organization persisted in its work. Memorial’s members established an international association in Geneva during 2023. Earlier this year, Russian authorities banned that Geneva-based association as “undesirable,” a classification that subjects anyone connected to it to potential criminal prosecution.

The extremist label creates even greater risks for the organization, as Russian law treats involvement in extremist activities as a serious crime that can result in lengthy prison sentences.

BRUSSELS — NATO’s top official Mark Rutte is navigating another challenging period with President Donald Trump, as tensions escalate over the military alliance’s response to the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran — a war that doesn’t directly involve NATO and wasn’t discussed with the organization beforehand.

Following the conflict’s launch, Trump has criticized American allies as “cowards,” labeled NATO as “a paper tiger,” and drew comparisons between U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Neville Chamberlain, the British leader known for his appeasement policies toward Nazi Germany.

These criticisms add to existing tensions from Trump’s ongoing threats regarding Greenland, which have created significant strain among NATO partners and sparked concerns that forceful action could destroy the alliance entirely.

Recently, Trump — who essentially serves as NATO’s board chairman — hinted that America might exit the Atlantic partnership. This echoes his 2018 withdrawal threats during his initial presidency. His current grievance centers on allies failing to respond to his request for assistance when Iran effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping corridor.

Following Wednesday’s discussions with Rutte, Trump expressed his frustration on social media, writing: “NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN.”

When CNN reporters pressed Rutte about Trump’s potential NATO exit plans, he responded: “He is clearly disappointed with many NATO allies, and I can see his point.”

Rutte has built a reputation as someone who can effectively communicate with Trump, particularly through developing strategies that encouraged European partners and Canada to purchase American military equipment for Ukraine while maintaining U.S. involvement in Europe’s largest conflict in recent decades.

Since assuming his position in 2024, one of Rutte’s primary challenges has been maintaining Trump’s engagement with NATO, especially as America focuses on security concerns in other regions including the Indo-Pacific, Venezuela, and now Iran.

Rutte’s approach includes using praise, commending Trump for pushing allies toward increased defense spending. He has also supported the U.S. leader regarding the war while avoiding criticism of Trump’s warning that “a whole civilization will die” if Iran doesn’t reopen the strait.

“This was a very frank, very open discussion but also a discussion between two good friends,” Rutte explained to CNN. He wouldn’t confirm reports suggesting Trump might relocate American forces from European nations that oppose the conflict.

When asked if global security has improved due to the U.S.-Israel war, Rutte responded: “Absolutely.”

What makes this Iran conflict particularly notable is NATO’s absence from any official role. While the defensive alliance has protected member Turkey when Iranian missiles targeted its territory in retaliation, the war was initiated by a NATO member rather than against one.

Rutte has stated that NATO won’t participate in the war, and no public evidence suggests the U.S. formally approached the Brussels headquarters about involvement, though Wednesday’s administration request for participation remains possible.

NATO officials declined to confirm whether strait security has been formally discussed, directing inquiries to the United Kingdom, which leads efforts outside the alliance to secure the trade route once ceasefire agreements take effect.

Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna stated Thursday that his nation stands ready to consider providing NATO support to requesting partners in the region.

“If the U.S. or any other NATO ally is asking (for) our support, we are always read to discuss it,” he told CNBC. “But for that, we need of course the official ask to discuss then what is the mission, what is the goal?”

He emphasized that if allies “need our support, then we need to plan together.”

Rutte maintains that the alliance will focus solely on self-defense rather than engaging in conflicts beyond NATO boundaries, which encompass most of Europe and North America.

“This is Iran, this is the Gulf, this is outside NATO territory,” he explained.

While NATO has previously operated beyond Euro-Atlantic regions in Libya and Afghanistan, there’s little interest in repeating such missions following the chaotic 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, which former NATO leader Jens Stoltenberg called a “defeat.”

Trump’s criticism appears primarily targeted at Spain and France rather than NATO itself. Spain has banned U.S. aircraft involved in the Iran conflict from its airspace and denied American forces access to jointly operated military facilities.

After the two-week ceasefire announcement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez posted on social media that his government “will not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they show up with a bucket.”

“What’s needed now: diplomacy, international legality, and PEACE,” he added.

France has expressed criticism, arguing the war began without proper international legal procedures and that Paris received no consultation. While France hasn’t imposed comprehensive restrictions on joint base usage or airspace access, French officials indicate they’re evaluating such decisions individually.

MOSCOW – Masked security personnel conducted a search of the Moscow headquarters of Novaya Gazeta, one of Russia’s most prominent independent newspapers, the publication reported Thursday.

The newspaper announced via Telegram that it was unaware of the specific reasons behind the operation and that their legal representatives were being denied access to the premises.

According to statements from law enforcement sources cited by state news agency RIA, the search operation was connected to a probe involving the unauthorized handling of personal information. Russia has significantly strengthened its media censorship regulations and intensified its campaign against independent journalism organizations following the start of its military operation in Ukraine in 2022.

In another significant development Thursday, Russia’s Supreme Court declared Memorial, the country’s most prominent human rights organization, an extremist group. This ruling creates legal grounds for criminal charges against anyone who provides support, funding, or distributes the organization’s content.

Novaya Gazeta stands as one of Russia’s most recognized investigative journalism organizations. The publication’s editor-in-chief, Dmitry Muratov, shared the 2021 Nobel Peace Prize and honored six journalists from his newspaper who were killed while pursuing their reporting duties.

In 2023, Russian authorities labeled Muratov a “foreign agent,” a classification the government uses for individuals and organizations it considers to be engaging in activities against Russian interests with international backing.

Spanish leadership delivered sharp condemnation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon and wider Middle East hostilities on Thursday, solidifying Madrid’s position as a vocal opponent of U.S. and Israeli military actions even as Washington threatens retaliation against uncooperative NATO partners.

The Spanish government’s resistance to the Iranian conflict has deepened tensions with Washington, with members of President Donald Trump’s MAGA coalition increasingly calling for punishment against Madrid.

Speaking before parliament, Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares characterized the conflict as an assault on civilization itself, mirroring harsh words from Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez regarding Trump’s decision to target the Islamic Republic.

“We’re facing the greatest assault on the civilisation built upon the humanist ideals of reason, peace, understanding and universal law over the abuse of power, brute force and arbitrariness,” Albares stated.

“The prophets of war and violence seek to return to the values and practices of history’s darkest moments,” he continued, claiming Israel had broken international law and violated a newly negotiated two-week ceasefire following extensive airstrikes throughout Lebanon that resulted in over 250 deaths on Wednesday.

Sanchez, who has positioned himself as a prominent war opponent, has prohibited Spanish airspace access to any aircraft participating in what he calls a dangerous and unlawful confrontation.

Wednesday evening saw Sanchez renew his appeal for the European Union to abandon its association agreement with Israel, demanding an end to “impunity for (Israel’s) criminal actions”.

Through a social media post on X, Sanchez declared Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s “contempt for life and international law is intolerable”.

Wednesday also witnessed Spain and Italy both calling in Israeli diplomatic representatives to object to separate incidents involving UN peacekeepers in Lebanon. Madrid reported that Israeli forces had wrongfully detained a Spanish UNIFIL participant.

Spanish-American relations suffered damage last year when Madrid refused Trump’s requirement that NATO members increase defense expenditures to 5% of gross domestic product. This position prompted Trump to threaten complete trade cessation.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham stated in March that America should withdraw from two jointly managed air bases in southern Spain and relocate “to a country that will allow us to use them”.

Earlier this week, Albares noted that Trump’s public consideration of alliance withdrawal was encouraging European nations to explore alternative security frameworks.

Within Spain, the government’s stance enjoys broad popularity, with polling data showing overwhelming public rejection of the war. Recent surveys indicate Sanchez’s Socialist Party has increased voter backing while far-right Vox, which supported the U.S. and Israel, has experienced declining support.

Though Sanchez has praised the Pakistani-mediated ceasefire, he also stated Spain would “not applaud those who set the world on fire just because they turn up with a bucket,” referencing the U.S. administration.

Albares announced Thursday morning that Spain would reopen its Tehran embassy in pursuit of regional peace.

However, his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Sa’ar, denounced the decision as “an eternal disgrace,” claiming Spain was collaborating with what he described as Iran’s terror regime.

The criminal corruption case against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will move forward again this Sunday, according to a court spokesperson who made the announcement Thursday. The resumption comes just hours after Israel ended its emergency declaration that was put in place during hostilities with Iran.

Tensions escalated when Iran launched ballistic missile and drone strikes against Israel following joint Israeli and U.S. airstrikes on Iranian targets on February 28. The allied forces cited goals of limiting Iran’s regional influence, halting its nuclear program, and supporting regime change efforts.

Israel’s emergency status, which shuttered educational institutions and businesses, was removed Wednesday night after no incoming Iranian projectiles were detected since 3 a.m. local time following a ceasefire agreement. However, Israel’s extensive military operations in Lebanon targeting Iran-supported Hezbollah forces have put the fragile truce at risk.

“With the lifting of the state of emergency and the return of the judicial system to work, hearings will resume as usual,” court officials announced, noting that sessions will occur from Sunday through Wednesday each week.

Netanyahu holds the distinction of being Israel’s first serving prime minister to face criminal charges. He maintains his innocence against accusations of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust filed in 2019 following extensive investigations. The trial started in 2020 and carries potential prison sentences, though it has faced numerous postponements due to Netanyahu’s governmental responsibilities, with no conclusion timeline established.

Former President Trump has supported Netanyahu’s appeals to Israeli President Isaac Herzog for a presidential pardon, arguing that mandatory court appearances interfere with his ability to perform his duties effectively.

Herzog’s administration stated that the justice ministry’s pardons office will collect input to present to the president’s legal counsel, who will develop a recommendation following established procedures. Presidential pardons typically are not granted while trials are ongoing.

The criminal allegations against Netanyahu, combined with Hamas’s October 2023 attacks on Israel, have weakened his political position. Israel faces elections in October where Netanyahu’s coalition government, considered the most conservative in the nation’s history, appears likely to face defeat.

EQUIHEN BEACH, France — Tragedy struck the northern French coastline Thursday as four migrants—two men and two women—lost their lives while attempting to board an inflatable vessel for the dangerous journey across the English Channel to Britain.

Regional prefect François-Xavier Lauch of the Pas-de-Calais area confirmed that rescue teams pulled 38 survivors from the waters, with one person requiring emergency medical treatment. Lauch provided the update while search and rescue efforts were still underway at Equihen Beach Thursday morning.

According to Lauch, the victims were swept away by treacherous ocean currents while trying to board what officials call a “taxi-boat”—small motorized inflatable vessels that smugglers use to collect passengers along France’s northern coastline.

The deadly incident occurred on a vast sandy shoreline bordered by sand dunes and woodland where migrants often hide for days, waiting for boats and favorable weather conditions. Despite police patrols on beach buggies and surveillance from old World War II bunker positions, authorities cannot monitor every departure along the extensive coastline.

Recent days have seen a dramatic increase in crossing attempts and fatalities. French maritime officials reported Wednesday that 102 individuals were saved in two separate rescue missions while attempting channel crossings. Just last week, two people perished in a comparable incident off the coast near Calais.

The “taxi boat” method differs from traditional crossings where migrants carry their own inflatable boats into the water. Instead, these vessels depart nearly empty from hidden coastal locations and collect passengers at predetermined beach meeting points.

An Associated Press journalist witnessed such operations Wednesday at Malo-les-Bains, close to Dunkirk.

Migrants enter the ocean waters, with adults carrying children in their arms or on their backs, then climb aboard the waiting inflatable boats positioned offshore. After loading passengers, the vessels begin their cross-channel voyage, sometimes collecting additional people during the journey.

Weather conditions, tidal patterns, and police presence often force migrants to wade deep into the water—sometimes up to their chests—to reach the boats, significantly increasing dangers of losing balance, getting caught in currents, or venturing too far from shore.

Migrant advocacy organizations have repeatedly cautioned that intensified French police efforts to stop boat departures from beaches, including using knives to slash and destroy inflatable boats, are pushing smugglers toward “taxi boat” operations that create greater drowning risks, injuries, and rescue situations.

LONDON (AP) — Forces from Britain and Norway conducted an extended surveillance mission targeting Russian submarines believed to be engaged in suspicious activities near critical undersea infrastructure in the North Atlantic, according to Thursday announcements from U.K. military officials.

British Defense Secretary John Healey revealed that naval vessels, aircraft, and hundreds of military personnel tracked one Russian attack submarine and two intelligence-gathering submarines operating close to underwater cables and pipelines located north of British territory. The Russian fleet ultimately departed the area following the surveillance effort that extended beyond four weeks.

“We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences,” Healey stated as his warning to Russian forces.

Norwegian defense ministry, foreign ministry, and military representatives had not yet provided responses to media inquiries about the operation.

U.K. leaders have worked to maintain focus on Russian activities despite global attention shifting toward Middle Eastern conflicts. Officials have highlighted connections between various international disputes, noting that Russia has provided drone components and additional support to Iran.

During a press briefing, Healey emphasized that “Putin would want us to be distracted by the Middle East,” while asserting that Russia remains the primary security challenge facing Britain and allied nations.

“We will not take our eyes off Putin,” he declared.

Earlier this year in March, British authorities announced readiness to intercept vessels believed to operate within Russia’s unofficial fleet of ships transporting oil in defiance of international penalties imposed due to Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine. This marked an escalation from Britain’s previous role of simply assisting French and American forces in monitoring suspicious vessels.

“We are ready to take action” against these ships, Healey confirmed.

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines launched a significant coast guard facility Thursday on a South China Sea island, establishing what officials called a “steadfast sentinel of our sovereignty” in waters contested by China.

Beijing has not yet responded to the Philippines’ establishment of its coast guard district headquarters on Thitu Island, an area controlled by Filipino military and residents for many years but also claimed by Chinese authorities.

Vessels from China’s coast guard and affiliated agencies regularly monitor the waters surrounding the island, which Vietnam and Taiwan also claim. Previous encounters between Chinese and Filipino forces in nearby waters have been tense but relatively minor.

Beijing asserts control over nearly the entire waterway, a crucial shipping corridor, despite a 2016 international arbitration decision that rejected its broad territorial claims under the 1982 U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea. China refused to participate in the arbitration process, dismissed the ruling, and continues to ignore it.

Philippine Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez, Senator Erwin Tulfo, and coast guard leader Admiral Ronnie Gil Gavan traveled to Thitu for the dedication ceremony, timed to align with the nation’s Day of Valor observance.

“This is a permanent step for us to show that our coast guard is ready to defend our interest in the waters, our fishermen, their livelihood and, most importantly, our sovereignty,” Lopez stated.

A plaque inside the new coast guard facility described it as “established as the vanguard and steadfast sentinel of our sovereignty, sovereign rights and maritime jurisdiction.”

The new command will operate under a commodore with supporting staff, patrol vessels, and aircraft for law enforcement, surveillance, environmental protection, and rescue operations. Additional smaller coast guard stations will be constructed on other Philippine-controlled formations, according to officials.

The teardrop-shaped Thitu Island, encircled by white sand beaches, is known as Pag-asa — meaning hope in Tagalog — by approximately 400 Filipino residents. It represents one of nine islands, islets, and atolls under Philippine control since the 1970s.

Over ten years ago, China began converting seven contested reefs into military installations in the Spratly Islands. These included Subi Reef, now a major base featuring a military runway located roughly 24 kilometers (15 miles) southeast of Thitu.

“Everyday, our villagers see Chinese coast guard and militia ships all around the island,” stated MP Albayda, who serves as the island municipality’s vice mayor. “This new coast guard district command is a big morale booster for them.”

The Philippines considers the area its most distant offshore community, part of its western Palawan province. Decades ago, it incentivized fishing families to move there with benefits like free rice to strengthen its territorial claims.

The 37-hectare (91-acre) island now features internet and cellular service, improved electricity and water systems, a newly paved airstrip, a dock, elementary school, gymnasium, and storm shelter. Despite these improvements, Thitu remains a modest frontier community compared to China’s developed Subi installation.

LONDON – British Defense Minister John Healey disclosed Thursday that the United Kingdom sent military personnel to monitor and discourage Russian submarine activity near critical underwater infrastructure during a month-long presence in UK territorial waters earlier this year.

According to Healey, British forces worked alongside allies, including Norway, to observe and prevent harmful actions by the Russian naval vessels. The defense minister stated he was publicly revealing the military operation to ensure Russian President Vladimir Putin understood their submarines had been discovered.

The defense minister confirmed the Russian submarines have since departed British waters, moving northward, with no evidence of harm to underwater infrastructure systems.

“To President Putin, I say ‘We see you. We see your activity over our cables and our pipelines, and you should know that any attempt to damage them will not be tolerated and will have serious consequences’,” Healey declared.

“Our armed forces left them in no doubt that they were being monitored, that their movements were not covert, as President Putin planned, and that their attempted secret operation had been exposed,” he added.

The British defense minister identified the Russian naval operation as involving one Akula class attack submarine along with two specialized vessels operated by Moscow’s Main Directorate for Deep Sea Research (GUGI).

Russia’s Supreme Court on Thursday officially classified the internationally recognized human rights organization Memorial as an extremist group during a private court session, according to reports from the state-run news agency TASS.

This classification represents another step in Russia’s extensive campaign to silence opposition voices and restrict civil liberties that has been ongoing for several years. The court’s decision creates a legal framework that allows Russian officials to pursue criminal charges against individuals who provide support to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization or distribute its publications.

Before the court’s decision was made public, Memorial expressed certainty about the anticipated outcome of the proceedings.

“The case against Memorial is yet another attempt to intimidate all dissent in the country and force civil society into silence,” the organization stated in an official release.

MOSCOW, April 9 – Ukraine received the remains of 1,000 of its fallen soldiers from Russia in a prisoner exchange that saw 41 Russian bodies returned in the opposite direction, according to Russian parliament member Shamsail Saraliyev as reported by RBC news.

Such transfers of deceased military personnel between the warring nations have taken place on multiple occasions throughout the ongoing conflict.

Viktor Orban’s decade-and-a-half stronghold on Hungarian politics faces its most serious threat this Sunday, as polling data suggests the longtime leader could be ousted in what many consider a pivotal moment for Hungary’s position within Europe.

The current prime minister, who has maintained power since 2010 and holds the distinction of being the EU’s most tenured leader, has constructed what he terms an “illiberal democracy” by restricting press freedoms and limiting democratic institutions. His approach has garnered support from far-right European factions and former President Trump’s political movement.

Yet three years of economic decline, rising inflation, and allegations that government-connected business figures have enriched themselves have sparked widespread voter frustration. Additional controversy has emerged from media accounts suggesting the administration has worked closely with Russian officials.

Peter Magyar, a former insider within Orban’s circle, has effectively channeled public dissatisfaction through his center-right Tisza party, which currently holds commanding leads in most surveys.

Political experts warn that several factors create electoral uncertainty, including uncommitted voters, redistricted boundaries that benefit Orban’s Fidesz party, and substantial overseas Hungarian populations who typically support the incumbent government. They note outcomes could range from a Tisza supermajority capable of constitutional amendments to continued Fidesz control.

The election carries enormous implications for Hungary’s 9.6 million citizens and the broader European continent.

“This is one of the most momentous elections in Europe and for Europe in many years,” said Gregoire Roos, director of the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Programmes at Chatham House.

“In Moscow, Hungary has been seen as a precious trouble-making interlocutor within the EU — maintaining energy ties… and adopting, by far, the toughest tone vis-a-vis Ukraine than any other EU country. In the United States, Hungary has drawn attention as a laboratory of sovereigntist politics.”

The Trump administration demonstrated its backing for Orban through a visit this week by Vice President JD Vance, who criticized what he termed “disgraceful” EU meddling in the electoral process. A European Commission representative responded that voting decisions belong “the sole choice of the citizens.”

Russian officials quickly echoed similar sentiments. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated Wednesday that “many forces in Europe, many forces in Brussels, would not like Orban to win the elections again.”

Hungary has opposed EU sanctions against Moscow and continues depending heavily on Russian energy supplies. The 62-year-old Orban recently prevented an EU loan package to Ukraine that was approved in December, citing disagreements with Kyiv over a war-damaged petroleum pipeline, marking another clash with Brussels leadership.

Magyar, age 45, has committed to fighting government corruption, securing billions in withheld EU funding, implementing wealth taxes, and overhauling Hungary’s deteriorating medical system.

Speaking with Reuters, he characterized the election as determining whether Hungary will solidify its European identity and economic recovery, or continue moving toward authoritarianism.

“Just a few days and we will see a change of regime,” Magyar declared at a Wednesday campaign event in Baja, vowing to heal political rifts among Hungarians.

“This is a very last chance… to prevent our country being a Russian puppet state… Let’s not allow Fidesz… to lead Hungary out of the EU.”

Orban maintains he seeks EU reform from within rather than departure from the alliance. He has characterized this contest as a fundamental decision between “war or peace,” claiming his political rivals would involve Hungary in the ongoing Ukrainian conflict. Tisza representatives reject this characterization.

“This election is about Hungary’s future. The choice is clear: dependence and decline — or sovereignty, strength, and peace,” Orban stated Tuesday.

The far-right Our Homeland party aims to secure sufficient votes to become a potential “kingmaker,” which might enable Orban to retain power through coalition arrangements.

Should Tisza prevail, reversing the legal and structural modifications Orban enacted with constitutional authority would present significant challenges for any new administration operating with only a simple majority in the 199-member parliament, according to Mario Bikarski, Senior Europe Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft.

This scenario could create “an environment of persistent legislative blockade and policy uncertainty,” he explained.

Financial markets, however, are concentrating on potential benefits from a Tisza victory.

“An end to the Orban regime would provide a major boost to the Hungarian economy,” noted Berenberg chief economist Holger Schmieding.

“It would remove a key obstacle to closer European cooperation… and pave the way for tougher sanctions against Russia.”

While driving home from work Tuesday evening with her two young children, Zainab Haider found herself consumed with worry about President Donald Trump’s deadline for Iran to accept American demands. The question weighing on her mind was whether her family members still living in Iran would survive or face destruction.

Haider experienced a flood of intense feelings – from worry and terror to isolation – as she watched others continue their daily routines despite the potential catastrophe looming. In the end, Trump chose not to follow through on his warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight,” instead reaching a two-week ceasefire agreement in the conflict.

This represented yet another jarring shift for Haider and the hundreds of thousands of Iranian residents in America who find themselves in a perpetual state of worry about Iran’s destiny and the wellbeing of loved ones who remain in their homeland.

Many find that the recent heated rhetoric surrounding the conflict has dominated their thinking, making it difficult to complete work tasks or concentrate on other matters. While some are demonstrating against the war, others keep their views about their native country private, nervously observing developments and wondering about what lies ahead.

On Wednesday, Haider joined protesters in Austin, Texas, demanding an end to the conflict. Similar demonstrations took place in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles and additional cities.

Beyond voicing opposition to the war, Haider believes that organizing will generate “the kind of pressure that makes it harder for Trump to swing back to this aggressive posturing.”

“It’s a huge country,” she said of Iran. “Trump is not going to ever be able to defeat it or wipe it out, but it is possible to do damage. It is possible to do something that affects millions of people, millions of lives.”

Haider, who works as a municipal planner and organizes with the Austin for Palestine Coalition, described Trump’s ultimatum as terrifying.

She opposes regime change, believing this should be decided by Iranian citizens rather than the United States. Despite arriving in America from Pakistan with her parents during childhood, she felt compelled to speak out. She still recalls the local bakeries and juice stands she would visit with her mother and their neighbors.

Iranian-American Sheila Amir explained that Trump’s social media messages caused her alarm on several fronts.

Her primary worry centered on her Iranian family members. She has been unable to verify their safety over the past week due to an internet shutdown affecting the entire country.

However, the North Carolina writer also expressed concern that war escalation could endanger her American relatives serving in the military. Their obligation, she noted, is to “serve and protect the United States of America,” not to harm Iranian people.

Even individuals who support American actions targeting the Iranian government directly are having difficulty accepting the recent threats against civilians.

Roya Rastegar has engaged in numerous challenging family discussions about the conflict in recent weeks. Both Rastegar and her spouse are Iranian-American. Rastegar revealed that Iranian government forces have killed family members over the decades since the Islamic Republic gained control, while most of her wife’s relatives continue living in the country.

Rastegar, who works as a filmmaker and co-established a pro-democracy organization called the Iranian Diaspora Collective, said the constant policy reversals have complicated explaining the situation to their children.

“It’s very hard to hold on to the idea that we do not know what’s going to happen,” she said.

According to Rastegar, the war has created an impossible ethical dilemma. She worries deeply that increased attacks on Iran could inflict greater harm on civilians. However, she also thinks that reducing war tensions without eliminating the Islamic Republic will create the biggest danger for Iranians living in the country, who would continue experiencing brutal and fatal oppression.

“It’s really nauseating to just think about my people as being stuck between a regime that’s still killing them and an administration — the U.S. — that is issuing these kinds of threats,” Rastegar said.

United Nations officials announced Thursday that more than one million Sudanese refugees could lose critical humanitarian assistance including food and water supplies due to a massive funding shortage exceeding $400 million.

Chad currently hosts approximately 1.3 million Sudanese refugees, with the majority having fled their homeland following the outbreak of fighting between Sudan’s military forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces in April 2023. Many of these displaced individuals escaped mass violence and severe food shortages in the Darfur region.

According to a joint announcement from the World Food Programme and the UN refugee agency, both organizations lack sufficient resources to assist all refugees and anticipate additional service reductions in upcoming months without securing the necessary $428 million in funding.

“With less than half the resources we require, we cannot deliver sufficient food to the people who need it most,” stated Sarah Gordon-Gibson, WFP Chad Country Director. “This will force them into devastating coping strategies and put lives at risk.”

While the UN statement did not identify specific donors reducing contributions, the refugee agency has previously indicated that decreased American foreign aid represents a significant factor in current funding gaps. However, both Sudan and Chad remain among 17 nations scheduled to receive $2 billion in US assistance by 2026.

Additional Western donor countries have similarly reduced foreign aid allocations as they redirect resources toward defense spending.

Current conditions reveal the severity of the crisis, with UNHCR able to provide assistance to only 40% of Chad’s refugee population, leaving many without adequate housing while educational facilities struggle with more than 100 students per instructor. In Chad’s northeastern Ennedi Est province, refugees receive less than half the recommended daily water minimum.

The Norwegian Refugee Council highlighted extreme hunger conditions in Chad, referencing survey data indicating that 70% of refugee families reduced their meal frequency during the previous month.

The State Department has broadened its travel advisory for Nigeria and granted permission for non-essential U.S. embassy workers and their family members to depart from Abuja, the nation’s capital, as security conditions continue to deteriorate throughout the West African country.

Travel warnings issued by the United States frequently influence how investors, international organizations, and airline companies evaluate risks in various countries. The decision to permit embassy staff departures reflects escalating worries in Washington as kidnappings, criminal activity, and assaults on law enforcement continue, especially in Nigeria’s northern regions.

In a Wednesday evening update to its travel guidance, the State Department maintained Nigeria’s Level 3 status, which advises Americans to reconsider travel plans. However, officials added five more states to the ‘Do Not Travel’ designation: Plateau, Jigawa, Kwara, Niger, and Taraba. This expansion means 23 of Nigeria’s 36 states now carry the highest travel warning level.

American officials emphasized dangers from Islamic extremist groups operating in northeastern regions, criminal organizations in the northwest, and continued violence affecting parts of southern and southeastern Nigeria, including areas where oil production occurs.

Washington issued a warning last month about a potential terrorist threat targeting American facilities and associated educational institutions within Nigeria.

The United States conducts reviews of its travel advisories multiple times annually and has maintained Nigeria at either Level 3 or Level 4 status for most of the previous ten years due to ongoing security challenges.

American military forces currently operate several MQ-9 unmanned aircraft in Nigeria along with approximately 200 personnel who provide training and intelligence assistance to Nigerian forces combating Islamic militant groups across northern territories.

MOSCOW – Russian officials justified their country’s naval operations on Thursday following reports that a military vessel accompanied sanctioned oil tankers near British waters, with Moscow characterizing Western actions as maritime piracy.

According to Britain’s Telegraph newspaper, the Russian naval vessel Admiral Grigorovich provided escort services for two oil tankers under UK sanctions – the Russian-registered Universal and the Cameroon-registered Enigma – as they traveled through the English Channel.

When questioned about these reports, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov defended Russia’s actions, claiming Moscow has witnessed numerous instances of what he termed piracy on the high seas and would take steps to safeguard Russian maritime operations.

“Over the past few months, we have witnessed repeated incidents of piracy in international waters. These incidents of piracy have, among other things, harmed the economic interests of the Russian Federation,” Peskov stated during a press briefing.

“The Russian Federation considers itself entitled to, and will certainly take, measures to protect its interests.”

The tensions stem from recent British actions, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced last month that he had given military forces permission to intercept and seize Russian vessels operating in UK territorial waters. Starmer’s government claims these ships are part of a fleet helping Russia continue oil exports despite international sanctions imposed by Western nations.

President Trump has delivered a stark ultimatum to Iran, threatening to restart military operations if the nation rejects his proposed peace agreement conditions.

The President outlined specific demands for any potential peace settlement, stating that Iran must halt all nuclear enrichment activities and guarantee that the Strait of Hormuz waterway stays accessible to international shipping traffic.

These developments come as mixed signals emerge regarding the actual terms of the current ceasefire arrangement between the two nations.

The strategic Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical shipping lane for global oil transportation, making its status a key concern for international commerce and energy markets.

Trump’s latest statements add uncertainty to the fragile diplomatic situation as both sides navigate the complex negotiations surrounding a potential long-term peace framework.

DORDRECHT, Netherlands — Authorities in the Netherlands are conducting a social media outreach initiative to locate and provide assistance to teenage girls and young women across multiple countries, including the United States, who fell victim to an international online blackmail scheme involving explicit photographs.

The investigation began after receiving information from U.S. Homeland Security Investigations and has identified over 50 female victims between ages 13 and 20 spanning six nations: the United States, Netherlands, United Kingdom, Germany, Montenegro, and Canada.

The accused is 22-year-old Damian A., whose full name is withheld according to Dutch privacy laws. He was taken into custody in early 2023 and began facing trial Wednesday in Dordrecht. Court officials expect a decision within weeks, and both prosecution and defense attorneys confirm he has admitted guilt.

“We are very worried because what these girls have had to endure is so extreme and so intense, and we know that there are more girls but we don’t know who they are,” Rotterdam Police Sexual Crimes Team member Milou van der Kolk told The Associated Press. She explained that evidence recovered from the defendant’s electronic devices suggests additional unidentified victims exist.

Operating under the online identity “Turpien,” the suspect allegedly forced victims to inscribe “Owned by Turpien” on their bodies or display signs while performing progressively humiliating acts. Authorities also allege he distributed images of his victims to third parties.

Van der Kolk noted that the Dutch initiative also serves to inform victims that their alleged abuser is now incarcerated and unable to cause further harm.

“This case highlights the importance of strong international cooperation, such as between U.S. and Dutch authorities, which is essential for protecting children online and effectively investigating and prosecuting offenders across borders,” Homeland Security Investigations attache in The Hague Eben Roberts stated in an email to AP.

“HSI is committed to solidify these partnerships to bring these child predators to face justice,” Roberts added.

Roberts explained that the Netherlands campaign, which provides contact information and resources for victims seeking assistance, coordinates with a U.S. initiative called Know2Protect that addresses online child exploitation.

Prosecutors revealed in a statement that psychological evaluation of the defendant determined he suffers from “an autism spectrum disorder and a sexual sadism disorder.” They are requesting a nine-year prison sentence plus mandatory psychiatric treatment. Charges include online assault and online rape, extortion, and creating, possessing and distributing child pornography.

Law enforcement officials allege the abuse began when the suspect deceived victims into sharing explicit photographs by posing as a female peer. He subsequently threatened to distribute the images unless they provided additional material.

The situation illustrates an expanding digital danger facing young people.

“Sextortion is an increasingly significant societal problem,” prosecutors stated, highlighting that 2025 witnessed a 46% surge in online sex crimes compared to the prior year, totaling more than 3,000 incidents in the Netherlands.

Kenya’s government is challenging findings from a United Nations investigation that confirmed sexual abuse allegations against personnel in a UN-supported anti-gang operation in Haiti, which consists primarily of Kenyan police officers.

The UN released a report on February 16 stating that its Human Rights Office had confirmed four separate allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse from the previous year involving members of the international force.

Kenya’s Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi responded this week in correspondence to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stating that Kenya’s own inquiry board had examined the accusations and determined them to be “found to be unsubstantiated.”

“Investigations conducted were impartial and shared with all relevant stakeholders, including U.N. human rights offices,” Mudavadi stated in his letter.

UN representatives in Kenya have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the dispute.

The international force, numbering approximately 1,000 personnel with Kenya providing the majority, began operations in June 2024 to fight gang organizations that have taken control of most of Haiti’s capital city.

This controversy echoes past problems with the previous UN peacekeeping mission called MINUSTAH, which operated in Haiti from 2004 through 2017. That mission faced numerous accusations of sexual abuse and exploitation, including cases involving children, though only a small number of peacekeepers faced prosecution in their home nations.

ROME, April 9 – Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni addressed parliament Thursday, calling on European Union leadership to contemplate temporarily halting budget deficit restrictions should conflicts involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensify.

During her parliamentary address, Meloni also indicated her administration stands prepared to implement measures aimed at preventing energy price manipulation, potentially including additional windfall taxes targeting energy sector companies.

“We believe that discussing a possible temporary suspension of the Stability and Growth Pact should not be taboo. Not a waiver for individual Member States, but a general measure,” Meloni stated during her speech.

The Prime Minister’s statements arrive as Italy prepares to reduce its economic growth projections for 2026 and subsequent years later this month. These revised estimates will complicate Italy’s efforts to reduce its deficit below the European Union’s mandated 3% of GDP threshold within the current timeframe.

Between 2020 and 2023, European Union officials implemented what they termed a ‘general escape clause’ that suspended standard budget requirements, enabling member nations to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s economic impact, which resulted in widespread lockdowns, economic decline, and border closures across Europe.

However, this emergency provision can only be utilized during significant economic downturns affecting the eurozone or the entire European Union – conditions that major economic forecasters do not currently anticipate.

Italy maintains the option to invoke a national emergency clause that would permit deviation from EU-agreed budget targets during extraordinary circumstances beyond the country’s control. However, the government has dismissed this possibility while Rome remains subject to the excessive deficit procedure.

“Italy remains ready to take every possible measure to prevent potential speculative behaviour (on energy prices), including, if necessary, further action regarding the profits of energy companies,” Meloni added during her address.

Both Meloni and her predecessor Mario Draghi have previously implemented windfall taxes targeting the energy industry, resulting in legal challenges from affected corporations.

Two major terrorist organizations operating in West Africa have engaged in combat for the first time within Niger’s borders, representing a dangerous expansion of their ongoing conflict, according to security analysts.

The Islamic State in the Sahel Province (ISSP) and the al Qaeda-affiliated Jama’at Nusrat al‑Islam wal‑Muslimin (JNIM) have been battling each other since 2019, but their confrontations had previously been limited to Mali and Burkina Faso. Last week marked the first instance of their rivalry extending into Niger.

According to data from Armed Conflict Location & Event Data (ACLED), a organization that tracks global conflicts, these two groups have engaged in hundreds of battles over the past five years, leading to more than 2,100 fatalities.

In a Monday statement, ISSP claimed responsibility for attacking a JNIM stronghold in Niger’s western Tillaberi region on April 2. The group reported eliminating 35 enemy fighters and capturing weapons along with motorcycles, stating the assault was retaliation for a JNIM attack on a local village in the same area.

Human Rights Watch has previously documented ISSP’s involvement in deadly civilian attacks throughout the Tillaberi region. JNIM has not responded to the recent incident and remains unavailable for comment.

Heni Nsaibia, who serves as ACLED’s senior West Africa analyst, described ISSP’s claims as having “quite high credibility” due to the organization’s track record of providing photographic proof of eliminated rivals and captured equipment.

The expansion of inter-group violence demonstrates the minimal government authority present across much of the Sahel region, Nsaibia explained.

“This competition will likely continue to fuel recruitment, expansion, and violence, making the jihadist insurgency increasingly difficult to contain,” he said.

JNIM released its own video statement describing an April 5 operation in Nigeria’s Kebbi state, where the group claimed to have eliminated one rival fighter and captured another. The statement referred to their targets using the Arabic term “khawarij,” meaning separatists, which JNIM commonly applies to ISSP members but could indicate other groups as well.

Beverly Ochieng, a senior analyst with Control Risks consulting firm, noted that inadequate security coordination between Nigeria and Niger has created opportunities for JNIM to establish operational bases and strategic positions in southern Niger and northwestern Nigeria.

This expansion is “leading to clashes with the more well-established IS branches and affiliates,” she explained.

BUCHAREST, April 9 (Reuters) – Romania’s centrist leader Nicusor Dan selected seven new chief prosecutors and their deputies on Wednesday evening, moving forward with the appointments despite strong objections from advocacy groups and the nation’s highest judicial oversight authority. The decision has intensified worries about Romania’s weakening efforts to combat corruption.

Transparency International has consistently placed Romania among the European Union’s most corruption-plagued nations.

The European Union maintained special oversight of Romania’s judicial system following the country’s 2007 EU membership, but anti-corruption investigations have decelerated since this monitoring ended in 2023. Recent high-profile acquittals by the courts have heightened fears that the nation’s anti-corruption drive is losing steam.

Dan selected Cristina Chiriac for the role of prosecutor general, named Viorel Cerbu to head the DNA anti-corruption prosecution office, and chose Codrin Miron to lead DIICOT, the anti-organized crime prosecution unit, along with four deputy positions.

Chiriac’s selection as Prosecutor General drew the heaviest criticism, with advocacy organizations and investigative reporters alleging she concealed evidence regarding sexual abuse committed by a bishop who was subsequently found guilty. Chiriac has rejected these claims.

“The expectation I now have from the prosecuting units … is to speed up activity to meet Romanians’ expectations, because Romanians see corruption, both high-level and in their daily interaction with state authorities,” Dan stated to members of the press.

Romanian legal procedures require the president to select chief judges and prosecutors from candidates recommended by the justice minister, with review by the CSM judicial regulator, although CSM approval is not required by law.

Justice Minister Radu Marinescu, who belongs to the leftist Social Democrats – the dominant party in the coalition government – maintained his support for these candidates even after the CSM repeatedly declined to endorse them.

“The appointments … are a big mistake,” former justice minister Stelian Ion wrote on his Facebook page. “To so easily ignore CSM’s … negative opinion does not bode well.”

Dan has stood by his selections, explaining that he reached his conclusions following extensive conversations with prosecutors.

“(The appointments) are the right choice for the time we live in,” stated Dan, who secured his first five-year presidential term nearly a year ago. “If for some reason I am wrong, I will be penalised in four years.”

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) — Thursday marked the parliamentary confirmation of Myanmar’s new cabinet, which is overwhelmingly composed of ex-military generals and officials who served in the previous army-controlled administration under Min Aung Hlaing.

The cabinet formation comes after disputed elections held in December and January, yet shows minimal indication of a shift back to civilian control five years following the 2021 military coup that Hlaing orchestrated.

Friday’s ceremony will see Min Aung Hlaing take the presidential oath of office alongside two deputy presidents and the newly confirmed cabinet officials.

Aung Lin Dwe, the parliament’s speaker, announced that lawmakers unanimously endorsed all 30 ministerial appointments without any opposition.

The official roster reveals that 24 appointees are either active or retired military personnel, or legislators affiliated with the military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party. Among these ministers, 18 previously held cabinet positions in the former military administration, while four additional appointees served as military and governmental officials during that same period.

Multiple cabinet members face international sanctions from foreign nations that have accused them of backing and participating in military rule or committing human rights violations.

Lawmakers additionally confirmed the reappointment of the constitutional tribunal’s chairman, the nation’s top prosecutor, and Supreme Court justices.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations joined other international entities in refusing to acknowledge Myanmar’s recent elections, citing the exclusion of most opposition factions and severe limitations on political dissent. Combat zones affected by Myanmar’s continuing civil conflict prevented voting in certain regions.

BEIJING, April 9 – Chinese foreign ministry officials expressed optimism that involved nations will “grasp this chance at peace and bring the region back to stability as soon as possible” following the announcement of a US-Iran ceasefire agreement that ended weeks of Middle Eastern conflict.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told reporters during a daily briefing that China has kept open lines of communication with all involved parties and “actively sought to promote reconciliation and prevent further fighting.”

The two-week truce between the United States and Iran was announced Tuesday evening, bringing a temporary halt to hostilities that had disrupted international markets and created widespread geopolitical tensions.

Chinese officials urged the involved nations to take advantage of this peaceful moment to “resolve differences through dialogue and consultation and work towards to early restoration of peace and stability in the Gulf and the Middle East region,” according to Mao’s statement.

President Donald Trump announced plans to keep American military forces positioned in the Middle East until a permanent peace agreement with Iran can be established, while also issuing warnings about potential escalation should Iran violate ceasefire terms. Global oil markets continued to show volatility amid ongoing concerns about supply chains and potential restrictions affecting the Strait of Hormuz.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced Thursday that they successfully targeted and killed a high-ranking Hezbollah operative who was closely connected to the organization’s leadership.

According to Israeli military officials, Ali Yusuf Harshi was eliminated during an overnight operation in the Beirut region. Harshi held dual roles within the Iran-supported Lebanese militant organization, serving both as the personal secretary to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem and as Qassem’s nephew.

“The IDF struck in the Beirut area and eliminated Ali Yusuf Harshi, the personal secretary and nephew of Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem,” military officials stated.

The operation represents another targeted action by Israeli forces against Hezbollah leadership figures in Lebanon.

CALAIS, France – A tragic incident in the English Channel has left four people dead after a vessel transporting migrants bound for Britain capsized on Thursday, according to French officials.

Authorities in Calais confirmed the deadly accident in an official statement, noting that the circumstances surrounding the incident continue to be evaluated. “A taxi-boat sinking occurred today. The situation is still being assessed and remains subject to change,” officials stated.

The term “taxi-boats” has become common terminology among authorities to describe a new trafficking method that has emerged over the past year. Criminal organizations now use motorized dinghies to travel along the coastlines of northern France and Belgium, collecting migrants at various points along the shoreline.

Migration data from the University of Oxford’s Migration Observatory reveals that approximately 2,200 people have successfully made the dangerous crossing through the Channel – one of the globe’s most congested shipping corridors – to reach Britain during the initial two months of 2026. The previous year saw roughly 41,500 individuals complete the treacherous journey.

SHANGHAI – Chinese broadcasting authorities announced Thursday they have successfully eliminated all misleading medical advertisements from national television networks by the end of March.

The National Radio and Television Administration launched a comprehensive crackdown last August targeting deceptive healthcare advertising practices, including inflated benefits and fraudulent promotional content, according to an official statement posted online.

Regulators indicated they plan to maintain ongoing oversight to prevent future violations.

FUJIYOSHIDA, Japan (AP) — It all began with one stunning photograph.

A breathtaking image showing Japan’s iconic snow-covered Mount Fuji rising behind a crimson pagoda and delicate cherry blossoms quickly spread across social media platforms, capturing the essence of Japanese spring.

Before long, visitors seeking their own version of this picture flooded the quiet mountain town. Problems quickly followed: endless traffic backups, scattered trash, rude tourists knocking on residents’ doors asking to use bathrooms, and visitors using front yards as restrooms.

The situation became so overwhelming that Fujiyoshida officials decided in February to call off this year’s cherry blossom celebration — an event originally created ten years ago to attract visitors.

Residents now describe the situation as “tourism pollution,” highlighting a growing challenge across Japan: While government leaders seek tourism revenue to help the struggling economy, local communities lack preparation for managing waves of international visitors.

“This area is primarily an ordinary residential neighborhood, where balancing (tourism) with the safety of people’s living environment has become difficult,” Masatoshi Hada, manager of the Fujiyoshida Economics and Environment Department, told The Associated Press. “We decided not to promote a festival that would invite more visitors.”

Despite canceling the festival, international tourists still flooded the area during early April when cherry blossoms peaked. Narrow roads leading to popular Arakurayama Sengen Park became packed with visitors waiting in line to capture the famous scenic views.

Daily foreign visitor numbers have topped 10,000 in recent years, which has “threatened residents’ daily lives,” according to a February city statement.

Similar overcrowding issues plague other Japanese destinations including Kyoto and Kamakura. Kyoto residents report tourists with oversized luggage jamming public buses.

This “tourism pollution” coincides with Japan welcoming growing numbers of foreign workers as the nation’s population shrinks and ages. These changes have sparked xenophobia, with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s nationalist administration proposing stricter foreign visitor regulations.

While promising to tackle overtourism problems, the government aims to increase current tourist numbers from 40 million to 60 million annual visitors by 2030.

Starting April 1, coinciding with cherry blossom season, Fujiyoshida deployed additional security personnel and banned tour buses and private vehicles from the scenic area, forcing visitors to walk to the park.

During a recent visit, security officer Hiroaki Nagayama directed pedestrians away from congested zones. He reminded tourists to dispose of cigarettes properly and assisted lost visitors.

“I’m struggling. I cannot communicate with them in Japanese. Some people buy food at stalls and leave litter behind,” Nagayama says. “I think what’s happening here is a typical example of overtourism.”

Sitting outside his home nearby, 93-year-old resident Hitoshi Mori describes having numerous visitors as “good but annoying.”

“It’s too crowded outside so I can only get groceries once a week and stock up on food,” he says.

Visitors appear thrilled with the magnificent scenery, despite numerous signs demanding better behavior. Many endure hours-long waits to reach prime viewing locations.

“It’s pretty (well) organized. When they let you come in, you have like five minutes to take as many pictures as you can, and it was amazing,” said Lisa Goerdert from Paris.

Melbourne, Australia visitor Vicky Tran, traveling with family and friends, explained they couldn’t reach the pagoda viewpoint with Mount Fuji and cherry blossoms due to crowds. Nevertheless, she appreciated the scenery and neighborhood atmosphere.

The tourist surge has created tensions between residents wanting tranquility and those launching businesses by converting yards into paid parking or opening new stores and food stands.

A nearby shopping district that previously featured numerous closed family businesses has experienced renewed activity after another viral social media image showed Mount Fuji towering over the street.

Crowds of tourists gather in the roadway photographing Mount Fuji, frequently blocking traffic while frustrated drivers honk their horns.

The visitor influx represents a dramatic shift “for people like us who are used to a quiet suburban lifestyle,” says Masami Nakamura, who operates a long-established school uniform store with her spouse. “I only hope the tourists respect our rules and manners.”

Even those benefiting from increased business find the crowds challenging.

“I once almost hit a tourist who jumped into the street without looking,” said Kyoko Funakubo, a 60-year-old employee at a local hotel and a part-time vendor selling Fuji-themed souvenirs. “This place used to be almost abandoned, with many shuttered shops. But now, with many stores reopened or new shops that have opened, I feel good seeing this area come alive again.”

BUDAPEST, Hungary — President Donald Trump’s military actions against Iran have created unexpected friction with European conservative leaders who were once considered strong allies of his America First movement.

While Vice President JD Vance made a high-profile campaign appearance this week supporting Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, such displays of solidarity have become increasingly rare among Europe’s right-wing political figures.

Several prominent conservative leaders across Europe have voiced opposition to Trump’s Iran strategy. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni blocked American forces from using a Sicilian air base for Iranian operations. Marine Le Pen, who leads France’s National Rally, characterized Trump’s military objectives as “erratic.” Meanwhile, Germany’s Alternative for Germany party leadership has demanded the withdrawal of U.S. military forces from German soil.

Despite a temporary ceasefire with Iran, Trump’s endorsement of Orbán might not benefit the Hungarian strongman, who confronts a challenging election this weekend. Orbán has long served as a model for global conservatives and American right-wing figures who admire his immigration restrictions and governmental restructuring that keeps his Fidesz party in control.

Charles Kupchan, who teaches international relations at Georgetown University and works as a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, believes Orbán’s historical relationship with Trump might shield him from some European anti-Trump sentiment, though this protection isn’t certain.

“Getting a blessing from Donald Trump is now a mixed blessing,” Kupchan stated.

The Iranian conflict backlash follows widespread European anger over Trump’s earlier threats against NATO member Denmark, demanding the country surrender Greenland to American control.

Trump connected both controversies on Wednesday, criticizing NATO’s lack of support during recent military operations.

“NATO WASN’T THERE WHEN WE NEEDED THEM, AND THEY WON’T BE THERE IF WE NEED THEM AGAIN,” Trump posted on social media. “REMEMBER GREENLAND, THAT BIG, POORLY RUN, PIECE OF ICE!!!”

Daniel Baer, who served as an ambassador and State Department official during Barack Obama’s presidency, believes this latest European tension demonstrates the limitations of Trump’s efforts to build a global nationalist movement.

“Building some sort of international coalition around national chauvinism is very difficult,” explained Baer, currently affiliated with the Carnegie Endowment for Peace. “It’s clear the majority of people in these countries, if not anti-American, have turned anti-Trump.”

Orbán has distinguished himself by refusing to join the growing European opposition to Trump.

During a recent interview with British conservative outlet GB News, Orbán suggested uncertainty about Trump’s Iran strategy, questioning “whether (Trump) has started a war or a peace.”

“It hasn’t (been) decided yet, historians will make a decision on that,” Orbán explained. “I think we need some time to understand whether we are moving to the peace by these strikes, or just the opposite. It’s too early to say.”

Orbán’s reluctance to criticize Trump extends beyond ideological alignment. The Hungarian leader has spent years convincing voters that his personal relationships with Trump and other world figures like Russian President Vladimir Putin make him uniquely qualified to advance Hungary’s global interests.

He has consistently highlighted Trump’s endorsements to his supporters and built his reelection campaign around promises that his Trump administration partnership guarantees national security and economic growth.

Orbán welcomed Vance’s visit enthusiastically this week. The vice president condemned European Union critics of Orbán for what he termed “foreign interference” in Hungarian elections while actively campaigning for the prime minister.

During a Wednesday appearance at a prestigious Hungarian university that receives significant government funding and operates under the prime minister’s political director, Vance addressed what he called a “fragile truce” in the Iran conflict.

Vance commended the institution for being “an institution that tries to build up the foundations of Western civilization.” The Trump administration has pursued similar influence over American elite universities, mirroring Orbán’s Hungarian educational policies.

Some experts question Orbán’s approach, pointing to declining American approval ratings even within Hungary.

“Vance’s visit could have the opposite effect on Orbán’s popularity than the one intended,” observed Mario Bikarsku, who analyzes European politics for risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.

Kupchan argues that most European far-right movements have developed independent political strength without American support and may lack motivation to support Trump’s policies.

“Trump’s effort to create a transnational movement of far-right populists may affect the margins, but the main reason you’re seeing Reform U.K. and AfD and National Rally and other far-right parties prosper has little to do with Trump and more to do with national factors,” he explained.

This reflects a worldwide trend against incumbent governments. While this has generally helped opposition far-right parties across Europe, it threatens Orbán’s position after 16 years in power.

“We’re living in an age,” Kupchan concluded, “where being an incumbent sucks.”

Russian security forces have taken into custody a former freelance correspondent for Radio Free Europe on Thursday, charging him with treason, according to state media reports from Moscow.

The Federal Security Service announced the arrest occurred in Chita, accusing the unidentified individual of betraying his country by working with Ukraine’s intelligence agency, the SBU. Ukrainian officials have not responded to the allegations.

According to the FSB’s statement reported by TASS, the detained journalist allegedly transmitted sensitive information to Ukrainian intelligence operatives using the encrypted Telegram messaging platform.

PARIS, April 9 – France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot declared Thursday that any ceasefire arrangement between Iran and the United States should encompass military operations in Lebanon, while also criticizing what he called “massive” Israeli military strikes from the day before.

Speaking during a radio interview with France Inter, Barrot outlined his expectations that Iran will need to make significant compromises during upcoming peace negotiations scheduled to begin in Pakistan.

“Iran must give up to have nuclear weapons and means to obtain them, must give up using its missiles and drones to threaten countries in the region and give up supporting groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis who destabilize the region,” Barrot stated during the broadcast.

The French diplomat also insisted that Iran must allow unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz as part of any comprehensive agreement.

LONDON, April 9 – Britain’s Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper condemned Israeli military strikes against Lebanon on Thursday, describing the attacks as “deeply damaging” and warning they could threaten the stability of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran.

Speaking to Times Radio, Cooper emphasized the need to expand peace efforts to include Lebanon. “We want to see Lebanon included in the ceasefire,” Cooper stated. “We want it extended to cover Lebanon, because otherwise that will destabilise the whole region.”

Cooper specifically criticized Israeli actions from the previous day, saying “That escalation that we saw from Israel yesterday was deeply damaging, and we want to see an end to hostilities.”

The United Kingdom has come under intense scrutiny from President Donald Trump for what he sees as insufficient British support for America’s military campaign against Iran. Despite this pressure, Britain is collaborating with allied nations to help protect Gulf partners and explore options for reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

When questioned about tensions with the United States, Cooper indicated that Britain could maintain its strong relationship with Washington while pursuing its own regional strategy. However, she expressed concern about Trump’s aggressive language, particularly his threats against Iranian civilization.

“I think that the rhetoric that we’ve seen used has been completely wrong,” Cooper told Sky News. “That sort of escalatory rhetoric can have escalatory consequences.”

Intelligence researchers have identified Iranian-backed organizations utilizing artificial intelligence technology to produce sophisticated digital propaganda targeting American audiences and President Trump during recent military conflicts involving the United States and Israel.

Security experts believe these digital campaigns originate from Tehran-connected entities as part of Iran’s broader strategy to maximize impact despite limited conventional resources. This approach mirrors Iran’s tactics of threatening shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz to pressure global economic stability. While Wednesday’s ceasefire announcement offered hope for reduced tensions, numerous underlying conflicts remain unaddressed.

“This is a propaganda war for them,” said Neil Lavie-Driver, an artificial intelligence researcher at the University of Cambridge, speaking about Iran’s strategy. “Their goal is to sow enough discontent with the conflict as to eventually force the West to cave in, so it is massively important to them.”

Digital memes as warfare tools aren’t unprecedented, though AI-generated imagery represents a recent evolution. Similar artificial intelligence content flooded Ukrainian social media following Russia’s 2022 invasion. The term “AI slop” gained widespread usage last year describing the flood of imperfect digital images circulated online during Israel-Iran hostilities aimed at undermining the country’s nuclear capabilities.

Since the current conflict began February 28th with coordinated U.S.-Israel military actions, these digital campaigns have featured sophisticated animated content mocking American leadership.

The propaganda demonstrates fluency in both English language and American cultural references while mastering internet trolling techniques. Distributed across multiple social media platforms, these materials have generated millions of views, though their actual influence remains unclear.

Content has depicted President Trump as aged, disconnected, and globally isolated. References include speculation about bruising visible on Trump’s right hand that sparked health concerns, divisions within Trump’s MAGA coalition, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s contentious confirmation proceedings.

“They’re using popular culture against the No. 1 pop culture country, the United States,” explained Nancy Snow, a propaganda scholar who has authored over a dozen books on the subject.

Among the Iranian-linked content circulating online are animations mimicking “Lego” movie aesthetics. One features an Iranian military leader rapping, “You thought you ran the globe, sitting on your throne. Now we turning every base into a bed of stone,” while Trump falls into a target constructed from “Epstein files,” referencing government investigation records of the disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The production quality and internet infrastructure required suggest government connections, according to Mahsa Alimardani, director of WITNESS, a human rights organization focused on AI video evidence.

“If you’re able to have the bandwidth needed to generate content like that and upload it, you are officially or unofficially cooperating with the regime,” she explained, noting Iran’s severe internet restrictions implemented during nationwide protest crackdowns earlier this year.

Iranian state media has republished several memes, including content from Akhbar Enfejari (meaning Explosive News), the account responsible for the “Lego”-style videos.

Akhbar Enfejari identifies as Iranians creating and distributing content from within Iran to challenge Western media dominance spanning decades.

“They’ve long dominated the media landscape and, through that power, imposed narratives on many nations,” the organization told The Associated Press via Telegram messaging. “But this time, something feels different. This time, we’ve disrupted the game. This time, we’re doing it better.”

Following the ceasefire announcement, Akhbar Enfejari posted: “IRAN WON! The way to crush imperialism has been shown to the world. Trump Surrendered.”

Beyond meme campaigns from pro-Iranian groups, official Iranian government social media accounts have also targeted the United States, including Wednesday’s post from Iran’s South African Embassy stating, “Say hello to the new world superpower,” accompanied by an Iranian flag image. Both nations claimed victory following ceasefire agreements.

Intelligence analysts attribute this sophisticated understanding of American politics and culture to Iran’s long-established propaganda infrastructure: decades of government programs designed to promote anti-American and anti-Israeli narratives.

“This meme war comes from institutions that are very aware what the American public is aware of and pop cultural references that can appeal to them,” Alimardani noted.

Experts indicate the United States and Israel aren’t conducting similar campaigns, and Iran’s internet restrictions would make reaching ordinary Iranian citizens extremely challenging.

Early in the conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released an AI-generated video appearing to show him speaking Farsi, urging Iranians to overthrow their government. The White House maintains steady meme production, but targets American audiences using clips from domestic television shows and sporting events.

The government-operated Voice of America, which historically broadcast news to countries lacking free press traditions for decades, continues Farsi-language programming, though operating with minimal staff since Trump ordered its closure.

“This world order is really changing overnight and the U.S. is not going to end up necessarily as the state that everybody listens to,” Snow observed.

Citizens of the West African nation of Benin cast ballots Sunday in a presidential election as departing President Patrice Talon concludes his ten-year tenure, leaving behind a complex record of economic advancement alongside rising Islamic extremist threats and increased restrictions on political dissent.

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, 49, represents the ruling coalition and is viewed as Talon’s chosen heir. His sole challenger is opposition candidate Paul Hounkpè.

The opposition suffered a significant setback in January’s parliamentary elections, failing to reach the required 20% threshold for legislative seats. This left Talon’s two allied parties controlling all 109 National Assembly positions, strengthening their position ahead of Sunday’s presidential contest.

Opposition leader Renaud Agbodjo of The Democrats party was prevented from running after being unable to gather enough parliamentary endorsements—a requirement that critics argue was deliberately designed to exclude challengers.

With major opposition figures excluded from the race, Wadagni enjoys frontrunner status, largely due to his solid economic credentials and backing from influential leaders across traditionally competing factions, according to political analyst Fiacre Vidjingninou from the Lagos-based Béhanzin Institute.

“Ten years at the Finance Ministry have given him something rare in African politics: a quantified record — verifiable and difficult to dismantle in a serious debate,” Vidjingninou said.

The initial voting round takes place April 12. A candidate must capture at least 50% of votes for an outright win, otherwise the top two contenders will face each other in a May 10 runoff.

Close to 8 million citizens are registered to participate in the election.

Wadagni’s campaign emphasizes the nation’s economic achievements during his finance ministry leadership. The International Monetary Fund reports Benin’s economy expanded 7% in the previous year, positioning it among West Africa’s most consistent economic performers.

Throughout Talon’s presidency, the country maintained strong economic growth for almost ten years, fueled by agricultural production, commerce, and significant port development in the commercial center of Cotonou. This expansion transformed Benin into a crucial transportation hub for landlocked neighboring countries, while infrastructure development accelerated nationwide.

Despite these achievements, economic benefits have not been distributed evenly, with widespread poverty persisting in rural communities and the impoverished northern regions.

Although Benin has traditionally ranked among Africa’s most stable democratic nations, opposition politicians and human rights advocates have criticized Talon for weaponizing the judicial system against political rivals following his 2016 inauguration and subsequent electoral law modifications.

Constitutional changes approved in November lengthened presidential terms from five to seven years, created a partially presidentially-appointed senate, and imposed additional barriers preventing opposition parties from gaining parliamentary representation.

International human rights organizations Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have condemned Talon’s systematic suppression of dissent, documenting unlawful detentions, severe limitations on public gatherings, and increasing pressure on independent news organizations.

Recent years witnessed protests against increasing living costs, which government and security officials aggressively suppressed.

This past December, military officers launched an unsuccessful attempt to overthrow Talon’s administration, representing the most recent in a wave of military coup attempts across the African continent. These coups typically follow similar patterns involving contested elections, constitutional disruption, security breakdowns, and youth frustration.

The coup plotters specifically cited deteriorating security conditions in northern Benin as a primary grievance.

For several years, the country has experienced cross-border violence in its northern territory from conflicts in neighboring Burkina Faso and Niger, where governments battle the al-Qaeda-linked extremist organization Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, known as JNIM.

The three-nation border region has remained a center of extremist activity, a situation worsened by limited security coordination with Niger and Burkina Faso, both currently governed by military leadership.

Islamic militants killed 54 soldiers in an attack on military installations last year.

Vidjingninou observed that while the failed coup attempt has damaged the outgoing administration’s stability reputation, the unstable environment might actually benefit the ruling party’s candidate.

“In a context perceived as unstable, cautious voters tend to choose continuity and familiarity over the risk of the unknown,” he said.

Cotonou civil servant Roch Gbenou identified two primary concerns ahead of Sunday’s election: fair wealth distribution and restoration of democratic liberties, which “appear to have been substantially restricted” recently.

However, Gbenou expressed pessimism about the election, stating it “will ultimately only serve to legitimize a choice already made,” questioning the process’s credibility.

Retired police officer Mathias Salanon praised Talon’s performance and expressed hope that the incoming president would stabilize both economic and political conditions.

“In more than 50 years of my life I have not seen such a fierce will to develop the country as during President Patrice Talon’s 10 years,” he said.

For Cotonou resident Sofiath Akadiri, healthcare access, education, and employment opportunities represent the most critical campaign priorities.

“We also need social justice and the restoration of democratic norms,” she said.

Dozens of Russians gathered outside a government building in Moscow during a bright spring weekend, closely monitored by law enforcement as they submitted formal grievances about escalating digital restrictions.

Citizens were filing complaints regarding the government’s expanding internet controls, which have included regular cellular internet blackouts, blocked messaging applications, and restricted access to thousands of websites and online services.

The demonstration represented another indication of mounting frustration and anger over digital limitations that have disrupted Russian citizens’ everyday routines, damaged commercial operations, and attracted criticism from government allies.

Understanding that unsanctioned protests face severe punishment, advocacy groups have attempted to organize approved demonstrations, posted notices on public boards, and pursued legal action. Business executives have appealed to officials to reverse these policies.

Armenia’s leader even delivered an indirect criticism of Russia during a broadcast meeting with President Vladimir Putin on April 1. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan observed that in Armenia, “our social media, for example, is 100% free. There are no restrictions whatsoever.”

Putin responded with a stern expression and slightly elevated eyebrows as he stared at Pashinyan.

The restrictions serve not only to regulate Russians’ online access but have also created chaos in digital services, complicating ride-hailing, delivery orders, electronic payments, and personal communication.

Opposition politician and Kremlin opponent Boris Nadezhdin expressed the sentiment of many frustrated Russians during an Associated Press interview: “This infuriates a huge number of people.”

Russia has pursued complete governmental internet control for years, potentially isolating it from global networks by blocking countless websites, messaging platforms, and social media services that decline to comply with official demands.

Citizens have adapted to bypassing these limitations through virtual private networks, or VPNs, despite government efforts to block these tools as well.

However, restrictions intensified dramatically last year with comprehensive cellular internet shutdowns — and occasionally broadband interruptions — leaving only select websites and applications on government-approved “white lists.”

Authorities justified these extreme actions as necessary to prevent Ukrainian drones from using Russian cellular networks for navigation during Kyiv’s counterattacks in Moscow’s 4-year-old full-scale invasion.

Yet the shutdowns affected distant regions never targeted by Ukrainian drones, with residents and businesses condemning the measures as harmful.

The Kremlin has targeted the nation’s two leading messaging applications — WhatsApp and Telegram — while promoting a government-supported “national” application called MAX, widely regarded as a monitoring device.

Initially, voice and video communications on WhatsApp and Telegram were restricted. Subsequently, text messaging became virtually impossible without VPN access.

Last week, Digital and Communications Minister Maksut Shadayev announced his ministry received instructions to further reduce VPN usage. Unverified media reports indicated his ministry suggested numerous additional anti-VPN measures. The ministry did not respond to AP’s comment request.

Attorney Sarkis Darbinyan, co-founder of the RKS Global digital rights organization, explained to AP that authorities aim to force internet users into a “digital ghetto” of Russian, government-monitored applications and platforms.

“The internet is no longer this universal digital good,” he stated.

Recently, increasing numbers of Russian business leaders have expressed concerns about comprehensive restrictions and encouraged authorities toward more moderate policies.

Alexander Shokhin, president of the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, informed Putin at a recent organizational forum that cellular internet shutdowns “made life difficult for both businesses and citizens.”

“Given the high level of mobile technology penetration in our lives, we hope that a systemic, balanced solution will be found,” stated Shokhin, a former 1990s government minister and United Russia party member since the 2000s.

Putin appeared onstage with Shokhin and spoke directly after him but avoided addressing the concern.

Similar appeals came from executives of two of Russia’s four cellular providers during a telecommunications conference last week. Beeline’s Sergei Anokhin and Megafon’s Khachatur Pombukhchan suggested that instead of cellular internet shutdowns, operators could identify suspicious users and restrict them individually, according to Russian news agency Interfax.

“This would make life significantly easier for people, for clients,” Pombukhchan stated.

Notable IT entrepreneur Natalya Kasperskaya criticized Roskomnadzor, attributing a recent banking and service outage to its intensified VPN blocking efforts.

“There’s no technical way to block VPNs without disrupting the entire internet,” she posted on Telegram. “So, comrades, take screenshots of interesting websites, withdraw as much cash as possible, and get ready to listen to radio reports about foreign enemies who have blocked our once-beloved RuNet,” — referencing the Russian internet.

Roskomnadzor denied responsibility, and Kasperskaya later issued an apology in another post, but she advocated for communication between authorities and the IT industry, emphasizing that “technical decisions sometimes cause downright shock and a desire to at least get an explanation.”

Activists from Moscow to Far East Vladivostok have attempted organizing anti-internet restriction rallies since late February.

Recognizing that unauthorized protests face harsh suppression and government opponents routinely face imprisonment, they proceeded carefully and requested authorization for gatherings according to strict demonstration regulations. Most applications were denied, and some activists faced arrest on various accusations.

However, citizens managed small demonstrations in several cities. Elsewhere, activists posted flyers and banners on walls and public boards condemning the restrictions.

Opposition politician Nadezhdin, his supporters, and other activist organizations have requested permission for rallies in dozens of cities on April 12, when Russia celebrates Cosmonautics Day, commemorating Yuri Gagarin’s 1961 flight as the first human in space.

“We’re filing for authorization (and saying) we’re marking Cosmonautics Day,” Nadezhdin says with a knowing smile. “Our slogans will be (about the fact that) cosmonautics is impossible without science, technology and progress, and progress, science and technology development is impossible without connectivity, without communication, without the internet.”

Nadezhdin says he remains committed to increasing pressure on authorities despite the crackdown. Public frustration over restrictions is “enormous,” and citizens are prepared to participate in authorized and secure protests, he added.

Moscow-based opposition politician Yulia Galyamina shared his perspective in a video recorded last weekend near the presidential administration, where she and others submitted formal complaints, describing the discontent as “truly widespread.”

“The more there is public outcry over the blocking of the internet, Telegram in particular, and depriving us of the possibility to communicate with each other, interact, express our political position, the bigger the effect will be,” she stated.

LIMA, Peru — Peru’s voters head to the polls Sunday facing an unprecedented choice among 35 presidential candidates, including a former government official, an entertainer, and the daughter of a deceased former president, as the South American nation seeks its ninth leader in just one decade.

The historic election unfolds against a backdrop of escalating violent crime and corruption scandals that have left citizens deeply frustrated with their political system. Voters express little confidence in the candidates’ honesty or readiness to lead the country. The crime crisis has prompted many hopefuls to offer dramatic solutions, from constructing massive prison facilities to limiting inmates’ meals and bringing back capital punishment for severe offenses.

Construction worker Juan Gómez, 53, expressed the despair many feel while carrying groceries to feed his family of five children. “You can’t trust anyone anymore, nothing’s going to change,” he said. “(Criminals) come on motorcycles, put a gun to your head… you look around and there’s no police officer. What are you going to do? You just let them rob you.”

Over 27 million Peruvians between ages 18 and 70 are required to participate in the mandatory voting process, with approximately 1.2 million expected to vote from overseas, primarily from the United States and Argentina.

Given the fractured political landscape and enormous candidate field, no contender is expected to secure the necessary 50% majority for an outright victory, making a June runoff election almost certain.

The crime epidemic dominates public concerns and has sparked regular demonstrations across the country. Government statistics show homicides have doubled while extortion incidents have multiplied by five during the current decade.

Retiree Raúl Zevallos, 63, described the daily fear residents experience. “You get on the bus, and you have to sit far from the driver; you don’t know if you’ll make it home alive,” he explained. “Criminals drive by on motorcycles, shoot, kill the driver, and you could die, too.”

The violence claimed the lives of more than 200 public transportation operators in Peru during 2025. A government survey conducted by the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics revealed that 84% of urban residents fear becoming crime victims within the next year.

Among the 35 contenders is conservative politician Keiko Fujimori, a former legislative member and daughter of the late President Alberto Fujimori, making her fourth bid for the presidency.

Fujimori campaigns on tough anti-crime measures while simultaneously supporting legislation that legal experts argue hampers criminal prosecutions. Her political party has backed laws in recent years that eliminated pre-trial detention in specific situations and increased requirements for confiscating criminal proceeds.

Her proposed reforms include anonymous judges for criminal proceedings and requiring prisoners to work for their meals if she wins the presidency.

Another major candidate is Rafael López Aliaga, a conservative politician who previously served as Lima’s mayor. His platform includes establishing correctional facilities in Peru’s Amazon territory, permitting judges to hide their identities, and deporting foreign nationals residing illegally in the country.

Comedian-turned-politician Carlos Álvarez seeks voter support by pledging to bring together leaders from El Salvador, Denmark, and Singapore to share their security expertise with Peru.

This election also marks Peru’s return to a two-chamber legislative system for the first time in over three decades, following recent constitutional changes that will place significant authority in the new upper house. Unlike previous arrangements, the president cannot dissolve the Senate, though senators will possess the power to remove presidents from office.

The new bicameral structure actually makes presidential impeachment simpler, requiring only 40 of 60 senators for approval. The previous single-chamber system needed 87 of 130 lawmakers to vote for removal, a power they used repeatedly and contributed to the country’s presidential instability over the past ten years.

This legislative change proceeds despite 80% of voters rejecting the bicameral system in a 2018 public referendum. Lawmakers modified the Constitution in 2024 to enable the transition.

Alejandro Boyco, who studies politics at the Institute of Peruvian Studies, explained that senators will select and oversee senior government officials, including the national Ombudsman, Constitutional Court justices, and certain Central Bank leadership positions. The upper chamber will also examine and modify legislation from the lower house.

“They’ve concentrated too much power in a 60-people chamber,” Boyco observed. “They are not going to be immune to being corrupt.”

A diplomatic team from Iran is set to arrive in Pakistan’s capital city Thursday evening for discussions aimed at resolving ongoing tensions with the United States and Israel, according to Iran’s ambassador to Pakistan.

Ambassador Reza Amiri Moghadam announced the planned diplomatic mission in a social media post Thursday, stating the delegation would engage in substantive discussions.

“Despite skepticism of Iranian public opinion due to repeated ceasefire violations by Israeli regime … Iranian delegation arrives tonight in Islamabad for serious talks based on 10 points proposed by Iran,” Moghadam wrote on the social media platform X.

The diplomatic initiative comes as regional tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, with Iran seeking to address conflicts through negotiations in Pakistan’s capital.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Polling commenced Thursday across India’s Assam and Kerala states, along with the federal territory of Puducherry, marking the beginning of crucial regional elections that will gauge Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s political influence beyond his party’s traditional base.

These contests feature Modi’s Bharatiya Janata Party and its regional partners competing against various opposition groups. Currently, the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance controls Assam and Puducherry, while opposition forces govern Kerala.

Voting will extend to two additional opposition-controlled regions, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, before the month concludes. Official results across all five areas are scheduled for release on May 4.

The electoral process unfolds as citizens grapple with escalating fuel prices and reduced availability of cooking gas stemming from ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts.

These results may reveal whether Modi’s political organization can expand its influence by penetrating territories where opposition parties have historically held sway. Strong performance would strengthen his federal administration, particularly after the 2024 national elections required his party to depend on regional partnerships for government formation.

For opposition movements nationwide, these elections represent a vital opportunity to establish sustained resistance against BJP control.

In Assam, located in India’s northeast region, the BJP campaigns for re-election by promoting strict immigration policies, addressing a divisive topic in this state that shares borders with Bangladesh. The ruling party’s messaging centers on preventing illegal entry by Bengali-speaking Muslim populations.

Kerala state in southern India offers distinct challenges, where governance has historically shifted between coalitions led by the Indian National Congress and communist organizations. Modi’s party faces difficulties establishing influence there despite significant investment in regional expansion efforts.

Within Puducherry, the small federal territory, the BJP depends on partnership with local political groups to maintain its governing position.

West Bengal represents the most closely monitored and controversial upcoming contest, where the regional Trinamool Congress party has maintained control through three successive terms. Modi’s organization has never held power in West Bengal, and disputes over voter registration procedures have heightened political friction.

Opposition groups claim that election officials’ Special Intensive Revision process has prevented millions of citizens, particularly Muslim minorities, from participating in voting. India’s Election Commission has rejected these accusations, stating the review removed deceased, duplicate, and fraudulent voter registrations.

Comparable registration reviews have occurred in multiple states throughout the country.

Iranian state-affiliated media outlets released information Thursday indicating that the nation’s Revolutionary Guard forces deployed naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing hostilities, appearing to be a strategic move to apply pressure during a fragile two-week truce between Iran, Israel and the United States that precedes potential talks in Islamabad.

In a rare display of forceful criticism, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres issued an “unequivocal” condemnation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon that resulted in hundreds of casualties Wednesday following the ceasefire announcement, his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric confirmed.

Israeli officials maintain that their ceasefire deal does not cover their ongoing conflict in Lebanon against Hezbollah, the militant organization backed by Iran, though both Iran and mediating nation Pakistan assert it should. Warning sirens echoed across northern Israel early Thursday as Hezbollah announced rocket attacks on the region.

Iran responded to Israeli military actions against Hezbollah in Lebanon by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz once again on Wednesday.

President Donald Trump posted on his Truth Social platform Thursday, declaring that American naval forces and military personnel will stay positioned near Iran “until such time as the REAL AGREEMENT reached is fully complied with.”

Trump’s social media remarks seem designed to maintain pressure on Iran while questions surround the temporary two-week halt in fighting currently in effect.

“If for any reason it is not, which is highly unlikely, then the ‘Shootin’ Starts,’ bigger, and better, and stronger than anyone has ever seen before,” Trump wrote.

The president also emphasized that Iran would be prevented from developing nuclear capabilities and declared that “the Strait of Hormuz WILL BE OPEN & SAFE.” His statement comes while maritime traffic remains halted through the strategic waterway that serves as the narrow entrance to the Persian Gulf, previously handling 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments.

A New York-based research organization has issued a warning that the temporary halt in the Iran conflict “hovers on the verge of collapse.”

The Soufan Center indicated that Wednesday’s Israeli military operations in Lebanon could cause the agreement to unravel.

“Even if Lebanon was formally outside the deal, the scale of Israel’s strikes was likely to be viewed as escalatory, nonetheless,” the organization stated in Thursday’s analysis.

“Israel’s strikes can be understood both as an effort to drive a wedge between Iran and its proxies and as a response to being allegedly sidelined in the original ceasefire discussions.”

The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex welcomed worshippers for dawn prayers Thursday after remaining shuttered throughout the Iran conflict, according to Jerusalem’s Islamic Waqf, the Jordanian religious body overseeing the site.

Jerusalem police announced Wednesday that access limitations would be removed from all religious sites in the Old City beginning Thursday morning, with hundreds of officers and volunteers deployed throughout the area.

During the now-suspended fighting, entry to Christian, Jewish and Muslim holy places was either completely banned or limited to small groups of worshippers, as Iranian missile strikes frequently forced Jerusalem residents to seek shelter.

These limitations dampened Lent, Passover and Ramadan observances for many believers at some of the most sacred locations for Christianity, Islam and Judaism.

However, the timing allows Orthodox Christians to celebrate Easter (Pascha) on Sunday, one week following Catholic and Protestant commemorations.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian media outlets released navigation charts on Thursday indicating that the nation’s Revolutionary Guard forces may have deployed underwater mines in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz during recent military operations.

The information appeared in reports from ISNA, a semiofficial Iranian news service, along with Tasnim, another news agency that maintains close ties with the Revolutionary Guard organization.

According to the published chart, a large area was designated as a “danger zone” written in the Farsi language, positioned directly over the Traffic Separation Scheme — the primary shipping corridor vessels typically use when navigating through the strait. This marked area reportedly indicates where the Guard forces placed the explosive devices.

The chart recommended that maritime traffic should instead travel through northern waters closer to Iran’s coastline near Larak Island, an alternative path that maritime observers noted some vessels adopted during the conflict period.

The timeframe indicated on the navigation chart spanned from February 28 through Thursday, April 9.

Whether the Revolutionary Guard has removed the alleged mines from the shipping route remains unknown. Military analysts suggest this disclosure may represent a strategic pressure move as Iran, Israel and the United States currently maintain a fragile two-week ceasefire while preparing for potential diplomatic talks in Islamabad.

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — The Australian government has committed to supporting two major fuel companies in purchasing petroleum products at elevated costs, as Prime Minister Anthony Albanese cautioned Thursday that supply shortages will persist long-term regardless of whether the Iran ceasefire remains in effect.

Albanese announced that his administration has reached agreements with the nation’s top fuel suppliers, Ampol and Viva Energy, to guarantee contracts for gasoline and diesel purchased on spot markets at rates exceeding standard commercial prices.

Under these arrangements, the government will also maintain authority over fuel distribution strategies, prioritizing rural communities and agricultural regions where service stations have experienced shortages in recent weeks, according to Albanese.

“This will have a long tail, which is why after this we will travel to Singapore,” Albanese told reporters at an Ampol refinery in Australian city of Brisbane.

“I’m looking forward to a constructive meeting with Prime Minister Lawrence Wong tomorrow,” Albanese said.

“We don’t preempt one-on-one meetings at leaders’ levels, but the fact that we’re being welcomed at relatively short notice to Singapore speaks about the strength of the relationship,” he added.

Singapore officials indicated that Albanese’s upcoming visit represents part of ongoing regional efforts to maintain fuel supply chains by enhancing Australia’s energy access, according to a government statement from Singapore.

The two nations maintain significant energy trade relationships, with Australia serving as Singapore’s second-biggest liquefied natural gas provider while Singapore ranks as Australia’s primary source of refined petroleum products.

“This visit follows Australia and Singapore’s joint commitment to keep fuel flowing between both countries and to work together to strengthen energy supply chain resilience,” Singapore said.

The Prime Minister emphasized his administration’s rapid response to boost the country’s fuel availability.

Albanese characterized this week’s announcement regarding a two-week Middle East ceasefire as a positive development.

“If the ceasefire holds, that doesn’t mean that the world global capacity comes online in a week or a month. It will take as considerable period of time. This will have a long tail. That is very, very clear,” Albanese said.

A major international commodities trading company has booked a massive oil tanker for Middle Eastern crude transport to Asia, representing what industry sources believe is the first such arrangement since the recent U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement.

Glencore secured the Asian Lion, a massive vessel known as a very large crude carrier that can transport up to 2 million barrels of oil, according to shipping industry sources and LSEG tracking data. The supertanker is currently en route to the Middle East region.

The trading giant agreed to pay W580 using the Worldscale industry standard for calculating shipping costs, sources revealed. This represents a significant increase from the W230 rate recorded on February 27, just before the conflict began. Additionally, the daily waiting fee stands at $580,000, which covers costs if the vessel takes longer than expected to complete loading and unloading operations.

Company representatives from Glencore were not immediately available to provide comment regarding the vessel arrangement.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, shipping industry officials expressed Wednesday that they require additional clarification about the agreement’s specific terms before resuming regular passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian authorities have maintained that the strategic waterway continues to be restricted to vessels operating without proper authorization.

Iranian officials indicated they would provide secure transit coordination through their military forces, though the country’s coastguard issued stern warnings Wednesday that unauthorized vessels would face being “targeted and destroyed.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards naval division released navigational charts showing recommended shipping lanes within the Strait of Hormuz designed to help vessels avoid underwater explosive devices, according to reports from the semi-official Iranian news agency ISNA early Thursday.

The six-week military confrontation virtually halted maritime traffic through the strategic waterway, which serves as a critical passage for approximately 20% of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, causing global energy costs to surge dramatically.

A federal appeals court issued a decision Wednesday reversing the criminal conviction of Juan Orlando Hernandez, the former president of Honduras, and directed a lower court to dismiss all charges against him.

The appellate court’s ruling marks a significant legal victory for Hernandez, who had been facing criminal charges in the United States justice system.

Vietnamese President To Lam is scheduled to make his inaugural international journey as the country’s leader next week, traveling to China for a four-day diplomatic mission from April 14 through 17.

China’s official news agency Xinhua confirmed the upcoming visit on Thursday, validating earlier reports about the planned trip by Vietnam’s state president and Communist Party chief to the nation’s most influential neighbor.

This marks Lam’s first foreign travel since assuming the role of state president, and sources indicate he is expected to hold discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during his stay.

The visit underscores the importance of the relationship between Vietnam and China, which serves as Vietnam’s largest trading partner and carries significant weight in both economic and geopolitical matters for the Southeast Asian nation.

CARACAS, Venezuela (AP) — Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez delivered a plea for patience to the nation’s workforce on Wednesday, acknowledging that current salaries fall far short of covering basic living expenses while her administration tackles the country’s struggling economy.

During a televised speech broadcast nationwide, Rodríguez announced plans for a salary boost beginning May 1. While she kept the specific amount under wraps, she emphasized the increase would be implemented carefully to prevent the surge in prices that occurred after the previous minimum wage adjustment.

“This increase, as we have indicated, will be a responsible increase,” Rodríguez said. “Likewise in the near future, as Venezuela enjoys more resources that allow for the sustainability of salary improvements and workers’ income, we will continue moving forward on this path.”

Government employees currently struggle to get by on approximately $160 monthly, while those in private companies earned an average of $237 last year. The nation’s minimum wage stands at 130 bolivars, equivalent to just $0.27, and hasn’t been adjusted since 2022. This amount falls dramatically short of the United Nations’ extreme poverty threshold of $3 daily.

According to International Monetary Fund data, Venezuela faces a crushing inflation rate of 682%, marking the highest figure among all tracked nations. The country’s central bank recently published inflation statistics for the first time since November 2024, revealing the annual rate jumped to 475% in 2025 from the previous year’s 48%.

These economic pressures have pushed food costs beyond the reach of many families.

Rodríguez’s nationwide address occurred just one day ahead of planned worker demonstrations in the capital city of Caracas, where employees plan to march demanding higher wages. She emphasized to viewers that economic recovery takes time and urged both workers and business owners across all sectors to collaborate with her administration “to begin a sustained recovery and maintain this path of growth.”

“It must be done with prudence, with awareness, with patience, but with a profound spirit of optimism about what the future holds for Venezuela,” Rodríguez said.

Two neighboring nations have pledged to pursue diplomatic solutions rather than military action following deadly border clashes that claimed hundreds of lives, according to Chinese officials who facilitated peace negotiations.

Representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistan concluded a week of discussions in Urumqi, a city in western China, where they committed to avoiding further military escalation while working toward long-term peace, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning announced during Wednesday’s briefing in Beijing.

“The three parties agreed to explore a comprehensive solution to the issues in the relations between Afghanistan and Pakistan, and clarified the core and priority issues that need to be addressed,” Mao stated during her daily press conference.

According to the Chinese spokesperson, all participants recognized that “terrorism is the core issue affecting the relationship” between the two countries.

The warring nations promised they won’t “take actions that would escalate or complicate the situation,” officials said.

While Pakistani authorities remained silent about the diplomatic discussions, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Abdul Qahar Balkhi confirmed the completion of the China-hosted negotiations on Wednesday.

Writing on social media platform X, Balkhi described the sessions as taking place in a “constructive atmosphere,” covering topics including diplomatic ties, security concerns and regional peace. He expressed gratitude to Beijing for facilitating the discussions and voiced optimism that the diplomatic process would enhance trust and cooperation throughout the region.

Chinese officials initiated the peace talks last week following the outbreak of hostilities between the neighboring countries in February.

Pakistan had declared itself in “open war” with Afghanistan and conducted aerial bombardments on Afghan territory, including strikes in the capital city of Kabul.

On Tuesday, Afghanistan’s Foreign Ministry characterized the negotiations as productive.

The United Nations humanitarian coordination office reported Tuesday that the military confrontation has forced 94,000 residents to flee their homes, while an additional 100,000 civilians in two Afghan border districts have been completely isolated by the fighting since February.

Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, Afghan officials have repeatedly accused Pakistan of conducting artillery attacks across the international boundary during the peace talks.

Pakistani authorities claim Afghanistan provides sanctuary to extremist groups responsible for deadly attacks on Pakistani soil, particularly the Pakistani Taliban organization known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan or TTP. This militant group maintains separate operations from but shares allegiances with the Afghan Taliban, which assumed control of Afghanistan in 2021 after American-led forces withdrew. Afghan leadership rejects these allegations.

A Republican U.S. Senator traveled to Taiwan this week with a clear message for the island’s government: approve the massive defense spending package that’s been stuck in legislative limbo.

Senator Jim Banks, who serves on the Senate Armed Services Committee, met with Taiwan President Lai Ching-te on Wednesday in Taipei, where he pressed for action on a $40 billion military spending proposal that has faced opposition in Taiwan’s parliament.

The defense budget was introduced by President Lai last year as Taiwan seeks to strengthen its military capabilities amid ongoing tensions with China, which considers the democratic island part of its territory.

During their meeting, Banks praised Lai’s approach to military spending, comparing it to President Donald Trump’s proposed $1.5 trillion defense budget for the United States.

“But your Legislative Yuan has to do its part and pass the special budget, and that’s one message that I want to send to your leadership,” Banks stated, referring to Taiwan’s parliament by its official name.

The Indiana senator emphasized the broader implications of Taiwan’s decision, telling Lai: “When you pass the special budget in the legislature, that is a signal to China, and to the rest of the world, that Taiwan is serious about peace through strength. I appreciate President Lai’s leadership in making that happen.”

The spending proposal remains gridlocked in Taiwan’s Legislative Yuan, where opposition parties hold a majority and continue debating the government’s plan alongside alternative, lower-cost proposals.

Banks wasn’t the first American lawmaker to deliver this message recently. Another delegation of U.S. representatives visited Taipei last week with similar appeals for the defense budget’s passage.

The political dynamics surrounding the issue are complex. Cheng Li-wun, who leads Taiwan’s main opposition party, the Kuomintang (KMT), is currently visiting mainland China and may meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The KMT has stated it supports military spending but won’t approve what it calls blank checks, arguing that diplomatic dialogue with Beijing is equally crucial.

Relations between Taiwan and China remain tense under President Lai’s leadership. Beijing refuses diplomatic contact with Lai, labeling him a separatist. Lai has rejected China’s claims over Taiwan, maintaining that only the Taiwanese people should determine their island’s future.

Senator Banks was among 37 lawmakers from both parties who wrote to Taiwanese political leaders in February, expressing concerns about the delayed defense spending legislation.

Workers, union representatives, and opposition members filled the streets of Dakar, Senegal on Wednesday, voicing anger over what they describe as unfulfilled government commitments and escalating living expenses amid the nation’s serious debt problems.

The demonstration was coordinated by Senegal’s primary labor organizations alongside an opposition group called the Front for the Defense of Democracy and the Republic (FDR).

According to Mody Guiro, who leads the National Confederation of Senegalese Workers – the nation’s biggest labor organization – officials had violated an agreement from the previous year that halted work stoppages in return for commitments to improve pay and workplace conditions. Government officials point to an unprecedented debt emergency left by the former administration as limiting available funds.

Demonstrators donned red scarves and union headwear while carrying signs calling for the reinstatement of dismissed government employees and reduced income taxation. Some voiced demands for Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko’s removal from office.

The current administration in this West African nation, headed by Sonko and President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, assumed control in April 2024 with pledges to implement sweeping changes, including anti-corruption efforts, youth employment initiatives, and better utilization of the country’s natural resources.

However, the PASTEF party’s transformation plans have encountered significant hurdles. A government review conducted in 2025 uncovered debt totaling $13 billion – higher than previously disclosed – left behind by the prior government. Discussions with the International Monetary Fund regarding new financial assistance have reached an impasse as the country’s budget situation deteriorates.

The nation’s debt compared to its economic output has climbed to approximately 132%, ranking among Africa’s most severe.

These financial challenges have intensified everyday hardships for citizens, particularly affecting young people who represent about 75% of the population under age 35.

In February of last year, demonstrations at the country’s premier public university regarding unpaid student assistance resulted in aggressive action by law enforcement, causing one student’s death.

“The nation has come to a halt. The government must find ways to restart Senegal’s economy rather than creating conflicts at every turn,” stated Mohamed Fall, a young activist participating in Wednesday’s demonstration.

Pape Laobe Samb, another demonstrator, represents one of over 700 Dakar port employees who lost their jobs since early 2025 as the government restructures state organizations.

“This isn’t what they told voters they would do. They claimed they would generate employment and advance the nation, but they’ve done exactly the reverse,” Samb explained to reporters after working at the port for more than twelve years before his dismissal.

The port’s administrator, selected shortly after President Faye took office, has characterized these actions as eliminating questionable contracts from the previous government. Union representatives dispute this explanation, contending that dismissed workers were primarily those connected to the former administration and that the terminations violated legal procedures.

North Korea announced Thursday that its recent weapons testing included ballistic missiles equipped with cluster bomb warheads, marking another escalation in the country’s military capabilities targeting South Korea.

The announcement from North Korean state media followed South Korea’s detection of multiple missile launches from the North’s eastern coast on Wednesday, marking the second day of weapons testing this week.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, the weapons demonstrations spanned three days beginning Monday and featured anti-aircraft systems, alleged electromagnetic warfare equipment, and carbon-fiber explosives.

South Korean military officials reported that Wednesday’s missiles traveled between 240 and 700 kilometers (150 to 434 miles) before splashing down in the ocean. They also tracked at least one projectile fired Tuesday from near Pyongyang, North Korea’s capital.

Japanese defense officials confirmed that none of Wednesday’s weapons landed in Japan’s exclusive economic waters, while U.S. military representatives stated the Tuesday and Wednesday launches presented no direct danger to America or its regional partners.

The state news agency detailed tests of cluster munition systems mounted on Hwasong-11 ballistic missiles, which mirror Russia’s Iskander design with low-altitude, evasive flight patterns to bypass defense systems. According to the report, these short-range missiles with cluster warheads “can reduce to ashes any target covering an area of 6.5-7 hectares (16 to 17.2 acres) with the highest-density power.”

South Korean military officials have not yet responded to North Korea’s weapons claims.

The missile tests highlight ongoing hostilities between the neighboring countries, dampening South Korean expectations for improved diplomatic relations.

Jang Kum Chol, a senior official at North Korea’s Foreign Ministry, declared Tuesday evening that South Korea would forever remain the North’s “most hostile enemy state” and ridiculed Seoul’s current government for attempting to restart stalled negotiations, labeling its leaders “world-startling fools.”

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has halted nearly all diplomatic engagement with Seoul and Washington following the breakdown of his nuclear negotiations with President Donald Trump in 2019. Since then, he has fast-tracked development of nuclear-armed missiles capable of reaching U.S. territories and allies across Asia.

Kim has also strengthened relationships with Russia, China, and other nations in conflict with the United States as he seeks to end international isolation and boost his regional influence. North Korean media reports that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive Thursday for a two-day visit as part of ongoing diplomatic cooperation between the two countries.

PORT-AU-PRINCE – Haiti’s electoral authority announced Wednesday that it is delaying voter registration that was scheduled to commence on April 1st, stating that new registration dates will be revealed soon for what would be the Caribbean nation’s first presidential election in ten years.

The electoral council, known as CEP, had originally set August 30th as the date for the initial round of presidential voting in the region’s most populated Caribbean country.

But ongoing security deterioration throughout the nation has displaced more than 1.4 million residents – representing approximately 12% of Haiti’s total population – raising serious questions about whether authorities can conduct a legitimate and fair electoral process.

Acting President Delcy Rodriguez of Venezuela announced Wednesday that her administration plans to implement a wage increase for workers beginning May 1, describing it as a “responsible increase” to worker compensation.

Rodriguez did not specify the exact amount of the planned wage adjustment during her announcement.

Currently, Venezuela’s minimum wage stands at 130 bolivares monthly, a rate that has remained unchanged since March 2022 and equals only a few cents in U.S. currency. However, many government workers receive additional compensation through bonuses and supplemental payments that can bring their total monthly earnings to approximately $150.

“Our immediate, medium-term and long-term goal is to steadily and gradually restore workers’ incomes through productive growth in both the hydrocarbons and mining sectors, which generate immediate revenue once production recovery takes place,” Rodriguez stated during her televised announcement on state television.

The acting president emphasized that the wage adjustment would consider potential inflationary effects and indicated that Venezuela would continue progressing in this direction as additional resources become available to the country.

During her address, Rodriguez also renewed calls for the United States to lift economic sanctions imposed on the South American nation.

Relations between the two countries have improved following the U.S. capture of President Nicolas Maduro during a raid in Caracas earlier this year. The Trump administration has since been collaborating with Rodriguez and exploring opportunities to expand American involvement in Venezuela’s petroleum and mining industries.

Rodriguez, who has backed recent legislative efforts to encourage increased private and foreign investment in both sectors, announced plans to establish a commission that will identify which assets the state considers strategically important. She warned that those hoping for the privatization of PDVSA, the state-owned oil company, would be disappointed.

The United Nations announced Wednesday that humanitarian workers worldwide are facing unprecedented dangers, with more than 1,000 killed in the last three years—a figure that represents almost three times the fatalities recorded in the prior three-year span.

Tom Fletcher, the UN’s top humanitarian official, addressed the Security Council with stark language about the crisis. “This is not an accidental escalation — it is the collapse of protection,” Fletcher stated.

The statistics Fletcher presented show that of the 1,010-plus humanitarian workers who lost their lives between 2023 and 2025, the Gaza Strip and West Bank accounted for more than 560 deaths. Sudan saw 130 fatalities, South Sudan recorded 60, while Ukraine and Congo each had 25 deaths. These numbers stand in sharp contrast to the 377 deaths documented from 2020 through 2022.

The dramatic increase in casualties coincided with the conflict that erupted between Israel and Hamas in October 2023. While a ceasefire took effect in October 2025, violence including shootings and airstrikes has continued.

Fletcher reported that 2024 marked a particularly deadly year, with 383 aid workers killed across global conflict zones as they provided essential services like food distribution, water access, shelter, and medical care. The previous year, 2023, saw at least 326 aid workers killed across 21 nations.

“They died in clearly marked convoys and on missions coordinated directly with authorities,” the undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs explained.

The Security Council convened to review a resolution passed in May 2024 that condemned attacks on humanitarian personnel and UN staff, while demanding that all fighting forces protect these workers under international law.

Fletcher posed challenging questions to the 15-member council, asking whether the killings occurred because international law “is no longer convenient” or because “it is more important to protect those designing, selling, supplying and firing lethal weapons?”

“Or is it because member states see these numbers as collateral damage, part of the fog of war? Or worse, are we now seen as legitimate targets?” he continued. “Perhaps the most chilling question: If these deaths were ‘preventable’, why then were they not prevented?”

Beyond the killings, Fletcher described how humanitarian personnel face additional challenges, being “restricted, penalized and delegitimized” while being told which areas they cannot access and which populations they cannot assist.

Fletcher cited Yemen as a stark example, where Houthi rebels are holding 73 UN staff members and numerous NGO workers in arbitrary detention.

Other restrictions include Afghanistan’s prohibition on female humanitarian workers, Israel’s limitations on UN and international organizations operating in Gaza, and drone attacks in Ukraine that have forced aid workers to retreat from frontline areas.

“These trends, alongside the collapse in funding for our lifesaving work, are a symptom of a lawless, bellicose, selfish and violent world,” Fletcher declared.

He urged the UN’s 193 member countries to honor the 2024 resolution’s requirements to safeguard humanitarian workers and hold accountable those who commit crimes against them.