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BANGKOK – Thailand’s Foreign Minister announced Wednesday that three sailors have died following last month’s assault on a Thai-registered ship in the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Minister Sihasak Phuangketkeow revealed the fatalities during a Wednesday press briefing, confirming the deaths of crew members aboard the vessel that came under attack in the critical waterway.

According to Thai officials, Oman’s naval forces successfully rescued 20 crew members following the incident, which resulted in a blast at the ship’s rear section and ignited flames in the engine compartment.

Phuangketkeow announced plans to visit Oman during the middle of April to request help in working with Iranian authorities to ensure safe transit for nine additional Thai vessels currently trapped in the Strait of Hormuz.

Officials noted that one Thai petroleum tanker successfully navigated through the strategic passage in recent weeks without being forced to make any payments to avoid the maritime blockade.

MUMBAI, India (AP) — Mumbai’s historic Sassoon Dock, constructed in 1875, has served multiple roles throughout its nearly 150-year history: a commercial gateway linking India to the Persian Gulf, a vibrant marketplace for textiles and spices, and even a trading post for opium during colonial times.

In recent decades, the waterfront facility has transformed into a vital center for Mumbai’s fishing industry.

However, the once-bustling harbor now displays an unusual quiet.

Fishing vessels cluster together in the morning sunlight, their vibrant flags dancing in the breeze against Mumbai’s towering urban landscape.

Under typical circumstances, the dock pulses with activity. Workers haul nets from boats while diesel motors roar to life. Ice gets transported across the pier as vendors call out their prices above the commotion.

Now, that familiar energy has given way to mounting anxiety.

Shekhar Chogle, a boat owner whose face bears the weathered bronze of countless days on the water, has kept his fishing vessel docked since hostilities erupted in the Middle East. His earnings have plummeted while operating expenses continue, and skyrocketing diesel costs have made fishing ventures financially devastating.

A withered marigold garland drapes over the harbor’s fuel pump, symbolizing the current situation. A dock worker recently returned empty-handed from a nearby gas station, his wooden cart carrying six unfilled containers. Wholesale diesel rates have climbed beyond $1.20 per liter ($4.54 per U.S. gallon), creating hardships for cooperative groups that typically help fishermen access discounted fuel, ice, and equipment.

Throughout India and the broader Asian region, fishing crews confront the same devastating dilemma. They must choose between remaining on land or venturing out knowing they’ll lose money, placing both individual livelihoods and entire seaside communities in jeopardy.

News that Iran, the United States, and Israel have reportedly agreed to a two-week ceasefire provides some hope. However, energy experts caution that fuel supply chains will need considerable time to return to normal operations.

Time is becoming scarce for Chogle. “Our income has dropped significantly since we have not been able to take our boat out to sea,” he said.

Despite soaring fuel expenses, a handful of boats continue their fishing operations. Morning markets maintain some activity, though the daily catch has diminished considerably.

Women wearing bright saris negotiate prices over the limited seafood available. One mother, carrying her infant while examining the fish, carefully considers each purchase against her family’s budget.

“If diesel prices don’t come down soon, I don’t know how we’ll survive,” Chogle said.

VATICAN CITY – The head of the Catholic Church expressed his strong approval Wednesday regarding news of a temporary halt to fighting in the Iran conflict.

Pope Leo stated he received word of the two-week ceasefire with “great satisfaction,” according to Vatican officials.

The pontiff’s comments come just one day after he sharply criticized President Donald Trump’s recent statements targeting Iranian civilians. On Tuesday, Pope Leo called Trump’s threats against the Iranian population “unacceptable.”

In recent weeks, the Vatican leader has become increasingly vocal in his opposition to the ongoing military conflict, positioning himself as a prominent voice calling for peace in the region.

SEOUL – The South Korean government announced Wednesday it will work urgently to secure safe passage for dozens of its commercial vessels currently stuck in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, following a temporary ceasefire between the United States and Iran.

Officials from the presidential office stated the administration will make every effort to get South Korean ships moving through the waterway as quickly as possible, taking advantage of the two-week truce between Washington and Tehran.

The government plans to work closely with shipping companies while stepping up diplomatic communications with relevant nations to clear the way for vessel transit, according to reports from Seoul.

South Korea’s maritime ministry released a statement Wednesday confirming that officials met with domestic shipping firms to discuss strategies for moving their ships through the strait safely.

Despite the ceasefire opportunity, maritime authorities are maintaining their current travel advisory warning ships to stay away from the strait area due to ongoing security concerns in the region. However, the ministry pledged complete assistance for the 26 South Korean-flagged ships currently stranded in the waterway.

A government official in Seoul confirmed to Reuters that the country intends to evacuate all vessels during the temporary two-week ceasefire window.

BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to make a two-day diplomatic trip to North Korea beginning Tuesday, marking Beijing’s latest attempt to rebuild relationships with Pyongyang that have deteriorated since the coronavirus pandemic began and North Korea increased support for Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.

The upcoming diplomatic mission represents Wang’s first publicly announced journey to North Korea in his current role since late 2019, when both nations’ highest-ranking officials exchanged reciprocal visits.

During a routine media briefing, Chinese ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed her country’s desire to “strengthen strategic communication with North Korea and enhance exchanges and cooperation.”

Mao characterized Wang’s scheduled diplomatic mission as “an important move to advance bilateral ties.”

Chinese officials have been working to bring Pyongyang back under their influence following years of frozen diplomatic exchanges during the pandemic, while North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has simultaneously strengthened connections with Moscow by providing military personnel and armaments to support Russia’s conflict in Ukraine.

Transportation links between the two nations have recently been restored, with passenger rail service between Beijing and Pyongyang resuming in March after a six-year suspension that began when the pandemic started in 2020. Additionally, China’s national airline Air China has reestablished flight routes connecting both capital cities.

Last September, Kim Jong Un made the journey to Beijing aboard his armored railway car to participate alongside Russian President Vladimir Putin and other world leaders in a large-scale military demonstration in the Chinese capital, where Kim held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Following that September gathering, China’s second-highest ranking official, Premier Li Qiang, made his own diplomatic journey to Pyongyang in October.

“Preserving, consolidating, and developing China-DPRK relations has always been an unwavering strategic policy of the party and government of China,” Mao stated during Wednesday’s briefing.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis announced Wednesday that his country will prohibit children younger than 15 from using social media platforms, with the restriction taking effect on January 1, 2027. The decision stems from mounting concerns over youth mental health issues, including increased anxiety and sleep disorders linked to excessive screen time.

Speaking directly to young people in a video message, Mitsotakis explained that prolonged screen exposure prevents children’s minds from getting adequate rest while subjecting them to harmful pressures from constant social comparisons and online feedback.

The prime minister revealed that conversations with numerous parents highlighted troubling patterns: their children experience poor sleep quality, heightened anxiety levels, and excessive phone usage throughout the day.

Public support for such measures appears strong, with a February survey conducted by ALCO indicating approximately 80% of respondents favor implementing the ban. Greek officials have previously taken steps to address youth screen time by prohibiting mobile devices in educational settings and establishing parental oversight systems to monitor teenage internet usage.

“Greece will be among the first countries to take such an initiative,” Mitsotakis stated. “I am certain, however, that it will not be the last. Our goal is to push the European Union in this direction as well.”

The Greek initiative follows a growing international trend, with Slovenia, Britain, Austria, and Spain all developing comparable restrictions. Australia led the way last year by becoming the first nation worldwide to implement social media access blocks for children under 16.

PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron announced Wednesday that roughly 15 nations are collaborating to restore shipping operations through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that typically handles one-fifth of global oil transport.

Speaking during a defense meeting with his advisers and cabinet members, Macron detailed the international coordination effort. “About 15 countries are currently mobilised and are participating in the planning, under France’s leadership, to enable the implementation of this strictly defensive mission in coordination with Iran to facilitate the resumption of traffic,” he stated.

The multinational initiative comes after the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between the United States and Iran. While Macron expressed support for the truce, he raised concerns about Lebanon’s status in the arrangement.

“Our wish in this context is to be assured that the ceasefire fully includes Lebanon,” Macron emphasized, highlighting France’s ongoing diplomatic ties with Lebanon, which was once under French control.

The French president stressed that the mission would be purely defensive in nature and would work in partnership with Iranian authorities to ensure safe passage through the strategic strait.

Gunmen launched a deadly assault on two villages in Nigeria’s Niger state, leaving at least 20 people dead and taking an unknown number of hostages, according to police officials and local residents who spoke out Tuesday evening.

The coordinated strikes targeted the communities of Bagna and Erena in Niger’s Shiroro district, an area where criminal gangs and Islamic extremist groups frequently conduct operations. State police spokesman Wasiu Abiodun confirmed that attackers stormed both settlements on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of two local security guards and a driver when authorities attempted to respond to the crisis.

However, community members painted a far more devastating picture of the violence. Residents reported that the death toll reached at least 20 individuals, with the assailants also setting fire to residential buildings during their multi-hour occupation of the area. The attackers reportedly overpowered local security forces who tried to intervene.

Many survivors escaped to the neighboring communities of Gwada Zumba and Galadima Kogo as the violence unfolded, according to witness accounts. The incident represents another chapter in the ongoing security crisis that has become Nigeria’s most pressing challenge.

President Bola Tinubu has been advocating for legislation that would permit Nigeria’s 36 individual states to create their own police departments as a strategy to combat the escalating violence throughout the nation.

BEIJING, April 8 – Chinese diplomatic officials announced Wednesday that representatives from Afghanistan and Pakistan have committed to seeking a comprehensive resolution to their ongoing dispute during mediated discussions held in the Chinese city of Urumqi.

During a routine press conference, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning revealed that both nations made commitments during the China-hosted meetings to avoid any actions that might worsen tensions or create additional complications in their relationship.

The diplomatic efforts address a conflict that erupted between the neighboring countries in October of last year. Mao indicated that China plans to maintain its role as an intermediary, continuing discussions with both Afghanistan and Pakistan while offering a neutral venue for future diplomatic exchanges.

BEIJING – Pedro Sanchez, Spain’s Prime Minister, will embark on his fourth journey to China within a four-year period this month, as the nation continues strengthening economic partnerships with the global economic powerhouse.

According to a Chinese foreign ministry representative who spoke Wednesday, Sanchez’s visit is scheduled for April 11 through April 15. During his stay, he will conduct meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Qiang, and the country’s leading legislative official Zhao Leji.

This marks Sanchez’s return to China following his previous visits in April 2025, September 2024, and March 2023.

The diplomatic relationship between the two nations was further highlighted when King Felipe conducted a state visit to China this past November – marking the first time a Spanish royal had visited the country in nearly two decades. This visit demonstrated the strong bilateral relationship despite growing skepticism toward Beijing from European Union partners and the United States.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming discussions. “China is willing to work with Spain to take Prime Minister Sanchez’s visit to China as an opportunity to further deepen strategic mutual trust, intensify exchanges and cooperation, strengthen multilateral coordination, and push bilateral relations to new heights,” Ning stated.

President Trump has announced an immediate ceasefire agreement with Iran that will last for two weeks, marking a significant development in ongoing tensions between the nations.

Under the terms of this agreement, which goes into effect right away, Trump stated that both the United States and Israel will halt their bombing operations against Iran for the duration of the ceasefire. However, this suspension is contingent upon Iran fulfilling its part of the deal.

Iran has committed to ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains open for safe passage throughout the ceasefire period. The strategic waterway is a crucial shipping route for global oil transport.

Images from Tehran showed Iranians gathering at Enqelab Square following news of the ceasefire announcement, reflecting the significant impact this development has had on the region.

COTONOU, April 8 – Benin’s Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni appears set to transition from economic policy architect to the nation’s top office this Sunday, as he enters the presidential race as the clear frontrunner amid ongoing security challenges from extremist groups in the country’s northern regions.

The 49-year-old former corporate executive has dedicated the last ten years to executing the financial policies of current President Patrice Talon, who cannot seek reelection due to constitutional restrictions on presidential terms.

Wadagni’s political platform highlights accomplishments including a threefold increase in the national budget and achieving the West African cotton producer’s strongest economic expansion in over twenty years.

The current administration has concentrated authority within the executive branch while effectively marginalizing opposition political forces, creating a clear pathway for Wadagni’s electoral success.

Following his nomination as the governing party’s standard-bearer last September, Wadagni has dismissed suggestions of any significant departure from his mentor’s policies, describing their bond to French publication “Jeune Afrique” last month as “almost like a father-and-son relationship”.

His policy proposals include establishing new economic development centers nationwide to spread industrial and tourism investment more evenly, plus expanding healthcare availability, while emphasizing the value of governmental continuity.

During a March rally, Wadagni reminded supporters that under Talon “I had the honor of managing one of your most precious assets: your money.”

Should he win the presidency, “I will do the job with the same seriousness and dedication,” he pledged.

DECEMBER MILITARY UPRISING THREATENED ELECTION

The democratic process nearly derailed completely.

Before sunrise on December 7, rebellious military personnel launched a failed overthrow attempt, briefly controlling the national broadcast facility and advancing close enough to Talon that he personally observed the fighting.

Nigerian forces conducted aerial bombardments while the West African organization ECOWAS sent troops from its rapid response unit to preserve Talon’s government. Approximately 100 suspected conspirators remain imprisoned pending prosecution.

The military rebels claimed their actions stemmed partly from official “neglect” of troops fighting in northern territories.

Among coastal West African nations, Benin has suffered the most severe impact from extremist organizations that have expanded significantly throughout the central Sahel region.

Militants associated with al Qaeda and Islamic State have dramatically escalated attacks along the border areas connecting Niger, Benin and Nigeria, transforming isolated transportation routes into active battlegrounds.

The al Qaeda affiliate Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin eliminated 54 Benin military personnel in a single assault one year ago, followed by another attack last month that killed 15 additional soldiers.

“Benin, historically, has never faced a situation like this, with serious threats, with these regular losses in the army,” observed Gilles Yabi, who established the West African research organization WATHI.

Wadagni has conducted multiple campaign events in rural areas, including stops in Parakou and Tanguieta, attempting to show that authorities maintain control throughout the nation’s territory.

He has additionally promised to establish local police units in northern frontier communities to provide protection against militant attacks.

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION MEETS LOCAL HERITAGE

Born June 20, 1976, in Lokossa in Benin’s southern region, Wadagni pursued studies in management, finance and auditing at France’s Grenoble School of Management before joining Deloitte, where he advanced to partnership level. He has also completed executive education at Harvard University.

His campaign team, working to address questions about his connection to Benin following extensive time overseas, has stressed his “deep roots” in the nation and his “ordinary Beninese childhood”.

Throughout Talon’s presidency, opposition political movements have faced systematic weakening, making Wadagni’s electoral triumph virtually certain.

He confronts only one rival candidate: Paul Hounkpe representing the Cowry Forces for an Emerging Benin party, who argues that ordinary citizens have not gained from Talon’s impressive economic statistics and high-profile tourism developments.

The primary opposition organization, The Democrats, could not secure sufficient legislative endorsements for a presidential candidate and therefore does not appear on the ballot. The party also won no parliamentary seats during January’s legislative contests.

Talon’s allies argue that enhanced presidential authority enables more effective national development, while opponents condemn the reduction in political competition.

Should security problems continue, opposition groups may face even greater restrictions, according to Nina Wilen, who directs the Africa Programme at Belgium’s Egmont Royal Institute for International Relations.

“There is a risk that the government will be increasingly cracking down on any opposition to make sure they maintain that grip on power,” she warned.

“Where there is a jihadist expansion, the rulers want to have complete control.”

For the past month, Hussein Saleh has returned daily to a devastated piece of ground in southern Lebanon, searching through debris for any remnants of the eight family members he lost to an Israeli airstrike.

The 34-year-old man carefully combs through what remains of his former home in Tyre, hoping to discover small treasures that once belonged to his wife, daughter, and other loved ones who perished in the March 6 attack.

“Every day or two I come here, I check on things, I look around to find memories, to find a phone, to find anything that can soothe my heart and make things lighter,” Saleh explained.

The site offers few remnants of the vibrant household that once existed there: broken stones from his destroyed residence, metal fragments from the Israeli weapon, and a damaged book that had belonged to one of his daughter’s cousins.

“I feel the world is so hard, so cruel,” Saleh expressed, becoming emotional while speaking with reporters.

He recalled a modest dwelling that had been filled with activity, where his 5-year-old daughter Sarrah would play with her older cousins and help care for two young goats owned by his wife’s aunt.

However, on March 6, while Saleh was purchasing groceries, an Israeli missile hit his residence, killing his wife, daughter, sister-in-law and her spouse, their two children, and two of his wife’s aunts.

“I heard two strikes and my heart sunk. My heart … my heart felt they were gone,” he recalled.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanese armed organization Hezbollah has claimed more than 1,500 lives in Israeli military operations throughout Lebanon since March 2.

Lebanese health officials report that 130 children and 101 women are among those who have died.

A two-week ceasefire arrangement between the United States and Iran was declared Wednesday. Sources close to the Iran-supported Hezbollah confirmed to Reuters that the group had halted its attacks following the agreement. Israeli operations have persisted, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stating Lebanon was excluded from the truce.

Saleh described how the bombing that claimed his family’s lives dismembered their bodies, separating his daughter’s head from her body. He was forced to bury mixed body parts together because the remains were too damaged and disfigured to identify properly.

“The strike that happened here was full of hate. It wasn’t something normal. Why they targeted them, I don’t know,” he told reporters.

He emphasized that his family members were all non-combatants and no military materials were present in his home.

Israeli military officials have not yet responded to Reuters’ inquiries about the attack, including questions about the intended target.

Since March 2, Israel has issued evacuation notices for extensive areas of Lebanon, affecting approximately 15% of the nation, including Tyre. International legal authorities note that evacuation directives should relate to immediate attacks, and following strikes must still prevent civilian casualties.

Saleh mentioned that Sarrah had been receiving physical rehabilitation to regain her ability to walk after a medical condition caused partial paralysis.

“We hoped that in two months she would be able to walk again and play like the other kids … I don’t know how to describe this loss,” he said.

Currently, he finds it impossible to spend time alone because the isolation becomes unbearable.

“The loss, being apart from them, is so hard. My whole life has changed,” he concluded.

A temporary truce has been established in the Middle Eastern conflict as Iran, Israel, and the United States have agreed to a two-week cessation of hostilities. The agreement brings a pause to the warfare that has spread throughout the region and caused significant disruption to worldwide energy markets.

President Donald Trump has withdrawn his previous aggressive statements threatening to obliterate Iranian “civilization” as part of the ceasefire arrangement.

The Associated Press has compiled a collection of photographs documenting this developing story through their photo editors.

Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is preparing to unveil restrictions on Wednesday that would prohibit children younger than 15 from using social media platforms, government sources revealed.

The announcement comes as part of a growing international movement to protect minors online. Australia recently made headlines as the pioneer nation to implement such restrictions, blocking social media access for anyone under 16 years old.

Following Australia’s lead, multiple European countries including Slovenia, Britain, Austria, and Spain have indicated they are developing their own versions of youth social media restrictions.

WASHINGTON — In a stunning reversal within 24 hours, President Donald Trump shifted from warning Iran of complete destruction to accepting what he called a viable proposal that resulted in a 14-day ceasefire agreement, which he believes will help conclude the conflict that has lasted nearly six weeks.

This remarkable change in approach occurred while intermediaries, particularly Pakistan, worked intensively to prevent further escalation of hostilities. Sources who spoke anonymously revealed that China, Iran’s largest trade partner and America’s primary economic rival, also worked behind the scenes to establish a path toward ending hostilities.

“The reason for doing so is that we have already met and exceeded all Military objectives, and are very far along with a definitive Agreement concerning Longterm PEACE with Iran, and PEACE in the Middle East,” Trump stated on social media when announcing the temporary halt to fighting, approximately 90 minutes before his ultimatum for Tehran to reopen the vital Strait of Hormuz or witness the destruction of its power facilities and essential infrastructure.

The president plans to meet with NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday, where discussions are expected to focus heavily on the developing ceasefire and plans to reopen the strategic waterway.

Before the deadline arrived, Democratic legislators condemned Trump’s threat to eliminate an entire nation as “a moral failure,” while Pope Leo XIV cautioned that attacks on civilian infrastructure would breach international law, describing the president’s statements as “truly unacceptable.”

However, Trump may have ultimately stepped back due to a fundamental reality: further escalation risked entangling the United States in the type of prolonged conflict that had troubled previous administrations and which he had promised voters he would avoid if returned to office.

While Trump celebrated American and Israeli military achievements over the past six weeks, he seemed to operate under the assumption that bombing campaigns could force Iran to surrender.

Beginning with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in the war’s initial attacks, he appeared to underestimate the Iranian leadership’s willingness to engage in an extended, costly conflict.

Throughout its 47-year history, the Islamic Republic has consistently demonstrated its readiness to maintain resistance, even when such actions appeared contrary to its own interests from an American perspective.

The religious leadership detained American hostages for 444 days from late 1979 to early 1981, damaging the nation’s global reputation. The clerical authorities permitted the devastating Iran-Iraq conflict to continue for years, resulting in hundreds of thousands of casualties. They supported Hamas following the October 7 attack that triggered a war with Israel, ultimately weakening both the Iran-supported organization in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, while creating circumstances that led to the downfall of Tehran-allied Bashar Assad’s authoritarian government in Syria.

Despite being weakened and outmatched militarily, Iran’s leadership projected confidence in their ability to entangle the world’s dominant military power in an expensive, prolonged engagement, even if they couldn’t defeat the formidable U.S. forces.

Military experts generally concurred that American forces could rapidly seize control of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow Persian Gulf passage between Iran and Oman that handles approximately 20% of global daily oil transport. However, maintaining security over this waterway would demand a dangerous, resource-heavy operation potentially requiring years of American involvement.

Ben Connable, who leads the nonprofit Battle Research Group, explained that securing the strait would necessitate U.S. military control over roughly 600 kilometers (373 miles) of Iranian land, stretching from Kish Island westward to Bandar Abbas eastward, to prevent Iran from launching missiles at vessels navigating the strait. Connable estimated this mission would likely need three U.S. infantry divisions, approximately 30,000 to 45,000 soldiers.

“This would be an indefinite operation — so, you know, think: be ready to do this for 20 years,” explained Connable, a former Marine Corps intelligence officer. “We didn’t think we were going to be in Afghanistan for 20 years. We didn’t think we’re going to have to be in Vietnam as long as we were, or Iraq.”

The temporary ceasefire arrangement includes permitting both Iran and Oman to collect transit fees from vessels passing through Hormuz, according to a regional official. This source indicated Iran would direct its collected funds toward reconstruction efforts. The intended use of Oman’s portion remained unclear.

The strait lies within the territorial boundaries of both Oman and Iran. Previously, the global community treated this passage as international waters requiring no toll payments.

Following the ceasefire announcement, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., argued that Trump was essentially granting Tehran authority over the strait and providing “a history-changing win for Iran.”

“The level of incompetence is both stunning and heartbreaking,” Murphy stated.

The ceasefire declaration followed Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s appeal for Trump to postpone his deadline by two weeks to allow diplomatic efforts to progress, while simultaneously requesting Iran to open the strait for the same period.

Two weeks has emerged as Trump’s preferred timeframe for delaying major decisions. Last summer, the White House announced he would decide on launching initial bombing operations against Iran within two weeks, though the president ultimately ordered airstrikes claiming to have “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear capabilities before that period ended.

Trump has also frequently employed two-week deadlines during negotiations to end Russia’s conflict with Ukraine and, dating back to his first presidency, for resolving major policy challenges like healthcare reform, though these timeframes often produced minimal results.

Throughout the initial 15 months of his second presidency, Trump has consistently made extreme demands before moderating his position.

The president retreated from many of the comprehensive “Liberation Day” tariffs initially announced in April 2025 after they triggered financial market chaos. The most dramatic example occurred during a January World Economic Forum meeting in Davos, where Trump demanded U.S. control over Greenland “including right, title and ownership” before reversing course and abandoning his threat to impose extensive European tariffs to advance his position.

His justification for backing down involved claiming agreement with NATO leadership on a “framework of a future deal” regarding Arctic security, despite the U.S. already possessing substantial military access to Greenland, which belongs to Denmark’s kingdom.

The White House celebrated Tuesday evening, with staff attributing the ceasefire conditions to U.S. military strength and Trump’s strategic maneuvering.

“The success of our military created maximum leverage, allowing President Trump and the team to engage in tough negotiations that have now created an opening for a diplomatic solution and long-term peace,” declared White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. She continued, “Never underestimate President Trump’s ability to successfully advance America’s interests and broker peace.”

A temporary two-week halt to hostilities has been agreed upon by Iran, the United States, and Israel, with Tehran announcing it will enter negotiations with Washington starting Friday in Islamabad.

President Trump initially described Iran’s 10-point proposal as “workable,” but subsequently denounced the plan as fraudulent, though he provided no additional details about his concerns.

Hours before the ceasefire agreement, Trump escalated his warnings to Iran, threatening catastrophic military action. “A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” he cautioned, if Iran refused to reach an agreement that included reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement Wednesday morning expressing support for Trump’s choice to halt strikes against Iran for the two-week period. However, the office clarified that this pause does not extend to the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, where casualties have exceeded 1,500 people.

International leaders have responded positively to the development. Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim stated Wednesday that the temporary ceasefire “augurs well for the restoration of peace and stability, not only to the region but also the rest of the world.”

Indonesia similarly praised the agreement as a diplomatic opportunity for reducing tensions. Yvonne Mewengkang, spokesperson for Indonesia’s Foreign Affairs ministry, commented: “The Indonesian government will always support any constructive diplomatic efforts, including those that have the potential to lead to a more permanent resolution, with the protection of civilians as our primary focus.”

South Korea’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement commending mediation work by nations including Pakistan and urged rapid restoration of Middle Eastern peace and stability. The ministry expressed expectations for the “prompt and safe” return of unrestricted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz for all vessels, including South Korean ships.

On social media, Trump characterized the ceasefire as a “big day for World Peace” and announced that America “will be helping with the traffic buildup in the Strait of Hormuz.”

“There will be lots of positive action!” Trump wrote in his post.

“Big money will be made. Iran can start the reconstruction process. We’ll be loading up with supplies of all kinds, and just ‘hangin’ around’ in order to make sure that everything goes well. I feel confident that it will.”

Trump’s message on his Truth Social platform reflects Washington’s ongoing concerns about Iran’s control over the narrow Persian Gulf passage, through which one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments travel during peacetime.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, Bahrain activated its missile warning systems Wednesday morning. The Interior Ministry of Bahrain confirmed the alert.

The exact timing for when the ceasefire would take effect remained unclear immediately following the announcement.

Following the deal’s announcement, Iran has continued launching missiles targeting Gulf Arab nations and Israel.

JAKARTA, Indonesia — A 45-year-old Scottish man accused of running an international criminal organization has been sent from Indonesia to Spain to face serious drug and money laundering charges, according to Indonesian officials.

Steven Lyons departed Indonesia for Amsterdam on Wednesday morning before continuing his journey to Spain, confirmed Husnan Handano, a representative from Bali’s immigration department. His transfer had been postponed several times while authorities completed their investigation.

Law enforcement agencies describe Lyons as a high-ranking member of a global crime network. He was taken into custody on March 28 when he landed at Bali’s Ngurah Rai International Airport after flying in from Singapore. Indonesian immigration systems detected him based on an Interpol Red Notice requested by Spanish authorities.

Spanish and British law enforcement have been seeking Lyons, who is suspected of heading the Lyons criminal organization. He has been on Spain’s most wanted list for approximately two years following a homicide that occurred there in 2024.

According to Bali Police Chief Daniel Adityajaya, Lyons’ capture resulted from collaborative efforts between Indonesian, Spanish, and Scottish law enforcement agencies.

Indonesian police claim Lyons orchestrated a cross-border criminal enterprise based in Scotland that managed drug smuggling operations between Spain and the United Kingdom. Investigators also believe his organization cleaned illegal proceeds through fake businesses established throughout Europe and the Middle East, spanning Spain, Scotland, England, Dubai, Qatar, Bahrain, and Turkey.

Before Lyons’ detention in Bali, coordinated raids by Scottish and Spanish police connected to this investigation led to numerous arrests. Additional suspects were apprehended in Turkey, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.

Bugie Kurniawan, director of Bali’s immigration office, revealed that Lyons came to Bali with two other individuals who remain on the island, though Lyons claimed he traveled by himself. Spanish Interpol has identified these companions as members of the same criminal group, but they are not subject to arrest warrants or Interpol Red Notices.

Bali Police spokesperson Ari Sandy declined to provide details about the ongoing investigation.

Reports from Scottish news outlets indicate that Lyons escaped a 2006 shooting incident in Glasgow that claimed his cousin’s life, subsequently relocating to Spain and eventually establishing residence in Dubai. In the previous year, his brother and an accomplice were fatally shot in what officials characterized as a suspected organized crime attack at a coastal bar in Fuengirola, located in southern Spain.

A highly decorated Australian soldier who received his country’s highest military honors will remain in custody after choosing not to seek bail on war crimes charges stemming from his service in Afghanistan.

Ben Roberts-Smith, recipient of both the Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry, appeared before a Sydney court Wednesday where he faces serious allegations related to the deaths of Afghan civilians. The 47-year-old veteran becomes just the second Australian Afghanistan war veteran to face war crimes prosecution.

The charges stem from a comprehensive military investigation completed in 2020 that uncovered evidence suggesting elite Australian Special Air Service and commando units illegally killed 39 Afghan prisoners, farmers and other civilians. During Australia’s 20-year involvement in Afghanistan from 2001 to 2021, approximately 40,000 military personnel served there, with 41 losing their lives.

Roberts-Smith faces accusations connected to five Afghan deaths that occurred during 2009 and 2012 while he served as an elite SAS corporal. Authorities claim he either directly shot the victims or commanded subordinates to carry out the killings.

Initially announced as five war crime murder charges on Tuesday, the formal court filing Wednesday specified two counts of war crime murder and three counts of assisting or encouraging war crime murder. Each charge potentially carries a life imprisonment sentence.

Under Australian law, war crime murder involves the deliberate killing during armed conflict of individuals not actively participating in combat, including civilians, prisoners of war, or wounded soldiers.

Roberts-Smith spent Tuesday night in custody after his arrest at Sydney Airport that morning. He did not make a court appearance either physically or through video connection Wednesday.

His legal team declined to enter plea agreements or request bail release. Court proceedings have been postponed until June 4.

These criminal charges follow a civil court ruling that found comparable accusations against Roberts-Smith credible. In a defamation lawsuit he initiated after 2018 newspaper reports accused him of various war crimes, a federal judge in 2023 dismissed Roberts-Smith’s claims and determined he likely unlawfully killed four noncombatants during 2009 and 2012.

However, while the civil court determined war crimes allegations were substantially proven based on probability balance, criminal court conviction requires proof beyond reasonable doubt, a significantly higher legal standard.

Roberts-Smith joins former SAS soldier Oliver Schulz as the second Australian Afghanistan veteran facing war crimes prosecution. Schulz has entered a not guilty plea to war crime murder charges for allegedly shooting Afghan civilian Dad Mohammad three times in the head in an Uruzgan province wheat field during 2012.

Legal representatives indicate Schulz’s trial likely won’t commence before 2027.

A preliminary two-week ceasefire between Iran, the United States and Israel was announced Wednesday, marking a pause in the Middle Eastern conflict that has disrupted global energy markets and prompted President Donald Trump to withdraw his earlier threats to eliminate Iranian “civilization.”

However, confusion arose immediately regarding conflicting proposals to end hostilities, as Iran maintained its position that it would retain control over shipping through the Strait of Hormuz while continuing uranium enrichment operations.

Trump initially described Iran’s 10-point proposal as “workable” for ending the conflict he initiated with Israel on February 28. Later, however, he denounced the plan as fraudulent without providing details. The president has stated that completely dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities was a primary objective of the war.

While Israel supported the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified early Wednesday that the deal excludes ongoing combat with Hezbollah forces in Lebanon. This statement conflicted with remarks from Pakistan, a crucial mediator, which announced that peace negotiations would commence as early as Friday in Islamabad. Pakistan also declared the ceasefire effective immediately, though Iran subsequently launched attacks on Gulf Arab nations and Israel.

Following the ceasefire announcement, pro-government protesters in Iran’s capital chanted: “Death to America, death to Israel, death to compromisers!” while burning American and Israeli flags. The demonstrations reflected continued anger from hardline factions who had been preparing for what many expected would be catastrophic warfare with the United States.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that strait passage would be permitted under Iranian military oversight. It remained unclear whether this indicated Iran would fully ease its grip on the crucial waterway.

According to a regional official speaking anonymously about negotiations they participated in directly, the proposal permits both Iran and Oman to collect transit fees from ships passing through the strait. The official noted Iran would allocate collected funds toward reconstruction efforts.

Beyond strait control, Iran’s conditions for ending the conflict include removing U.S. military forces from the region, eliminating sanctions, and releasing frozen Iranian assets.

Throughout the war, Trump has consistently postponed deadlines moments before their expiration.

Continuing this pattern Tuesday, Trump announced in a social media statement that he reached his decision “based on conversations” with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and General Asim Munir, Pakistan’s influential army commander. Sharif had posted on X hours earlier, encouraging Trump to extend his deadline for diplomatic progress while requesting Iran open the strait for two weeks.

An anonymous source familiar with the situation revealed Israeli concerns about the agreement, noting that Israel hoped to accomplish more objectives.

Iran’s highly enriched uranium stockpile remains secured at enrichment facilities. This program had been among the primary justifications cited by Israel and the U.S. for launching military action.

“A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again,” Trump posted online Tuesday morning regarding potential consequences without an agreement. However, he appeared to leave room for alternatives, stating “maybe something revolutionarily wonderful can happen.”

Trump’s sweeping threat appeared to disregard potential civilian casualties, prompting Congressional Democrats, United Nations officials, and military law experts to declare such strikes would breach international law.

Iran’s U.N. representative, Amir-Saeid Iravani, characterized the threats as “constitute incitement to war crimes and potentially genocide,” warning that Iran would “take immediate and proportionate reciprocal measures” if Trump executed devastating attacks.

U.S. and Israeli forces have repeatedly struck Iran, targeting military assets, leadership, and nuclear facilities. Iran has retaliated with attacks on Israel and neighboring Gulf Arab states, creating regional instability and significant economic and political disruption.

Prior to the deadline, airstrikes damaged two bridges and a railway station, while U.S. forces targeted military infrastructure on Kharg Island, a center for Iranian oil operations.

Although Iran lacks the advanced weaponry and air superiority of U.S. and Israeli forces, its control over the strait has destabilized the global economy and increased pressure on Trump to find a resolution.

Despite the ceasefire announcement, missile warnings persisted in the United Arab Emirates, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Kuwait early Wednesday. Officials reported a gas processing plant in Abu Dhabi caught fire following Iranian missile strikes.

An Israeli military official, speaking anonymously per military protocol, confirmed Israel continued attacking Iran. Iran likewise maintained its assault on Israel.

U.S. military forces have suspended all offensive actions against Iran while maintaining defensive operations, according to an official who spoke anonymously about classified military activities.

Earlier Tuesday, Israeli forces reported attacking an Iranian petrochemical facility in Shiraz, marking the second consecutive day of such strikes. The military subsequently announced hitting bridges used by Iranian forces for weapons and equipment transport.

Over 1,900 people have died in Iran during the conflict, though the government has not released updated casualty figures for several days.

In Lebanon, where Israel battles Iran-supported Hezbollah militants, more than 1,500 people have been killed and 1 million displaced. Eleven Israeli soldiers have lost their lives.

In Gulf Arab nations and the occupied West Bank, over two dozen people have died, while 23 deaths have been reported in Israel, and 13 U.S. service members have been killed.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed support for a Middle East ceasefire agreement on Wednesday while sharply condemning the threatening language used by President Donald Trump during the crisis.

The two-week truce between the United States, Israel and Iran was announced with less than two hours remaining before Trump’s ultimatum for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating strikes against civilian targets.

Trump’s social media announcement marked a dramatic shift from his position earlier that day, when he delivered a stark warning that “a whole civilization will die tonight” unless his demands were satisfied.

Speaking to Sky News, Albanese praised the ceasefire agreement but voiced serious concerns about the American president’s threatening statements.

“I don’t think it’s appropriate to use language such as that from the President of the United States, and I think it will cause some concern,” he said.

Though Australia initially backed U.S. military action against Iran when the conflict began, Albanese has grown increasingly uncomfortable with the escalating tensions in recent weeks.

The Australian leader recently called for Trump to provide clearer war objectives while urging all nations involved to reduce hostilities.

Trump responded to Australia’s shifting stance this week by publicly criticizing the country’s level of support.

“Australia didn’t help us,” he stated during a press conference, specifically naming Australia alongside Japan and South Korea as nations that failed to provide adequate assistance.

Taiwan’s primary opposition party leader made a historic appeal for peace during her visit to China this week, calling for reconciliation between the two sides at a ceremony loaded with political significance.

Cheng Li-wun, who heads Taiwan’s Kuomintang (KMT) party, traveled to the eastern Chinese city of Nanjing on Wednesday to pay respects at the mausoleum of Sun Yat-sen, the political figure both sides claim as their founding father.

During the wreath-laying ceremony, which was broadcast live on Taiwanese television, Cheng invoked Sun’s legacy while making her case for cross-strait cooperation.

“The core values of Sun Yat-sen’s ideal that ‘all under heaven are equal’ have always been equality, inclusiveness, and unity,” Cheng stated. “We should work together to promote reconciliation and unity across the (Taiwan) Strait and create regional prosperity and peace.”

The timing of Cheng’s visit is particularly notable, occurring as Chinese military activities around Taiwan have intensified and Taiwan’s opposition-controlled legislature has blocked a proposed $40 billion defense spending increase.

Sun Yat-sen holds unique status in the complex relationship between Taiwan and mainland China. After overthrowing China’s final imperial dynasty in 1912, he established the Republic of China before his death from cancer in 1925. Today, Taiwan officially honors him as the Republic of China’s founder, while Communist Party leaders in Beijing also celebrate him as a national hero, with Mao Zedong once calling him a “great revolutionary forerunner.”

Nanjing itself carries deep historical meaning, having served as the capital of the KMT-led Republic of China government before it retreated to Taiwan in 1949 following defeat in the civil war against Mao’s communist forces.

During her remarks, Cheng acknowledged both Taiwan’s democratic transformation and China’s economic progress since the civil war ended.

“Likewise, on the mainland, we have also seen and witnessed progress and development that exceeded everyone’s expectations and imagination,” she said, while also referencing the “white terror” period of martial law that Taiwan endured for 38 years until 1987.

The visit drew tight security measures and some public interest from Chinese citizens. Yang Zihang, a 19-year-old student who came to observe Cheng’s motorcade, told reporters: “I think this is very important for peaceful exchanges between the two sides of the Taiwan Strait.”

However, the diplomatic outreach faces significant obstacles. Beijing refuses direct communication with Taiwan’s current president, Lai Ching-te, labeling him a “separatist.” Lai maintains that only Taiwan’s citizens should determine their island’s future. Neither government officially recognizes the other’s legitimacy.

Taiwan’s ruling administration has urged Cheng to use any meetings with Chinese officials, potentially including President Xi Jinping, to demand an end to military intimidation and respect for Taiwanese self-determination.

Taiwan’s National Security Bureau Director-General Tsai Ming-yen addressed the situation during a parliamentary session in Taipei, explaining China’s strategic approach to the island.

“China uses military intimidation and harassment to create an atmosphere of rising military danger and instability across the Taiwan Strait,” Tsai explained. “This is intended to make Taiwan’s society and public feel the psychological pressure and anxiety of a possible conflict.”

He added that these tactics aim to “divide Taiwanese society internally, boosting the visibility of pro-China positions” while also working to “obstruct efforts to push forward U.S. arms procurement deals.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has voiced his approval for President Donald Trump’s choice to temporarily halt military strikes against Iran for a fourteen-day period, according to reports from Israeli news outlets on Wednesday.

While expressing Israel’s backing for the two-week suspension of attacks, Netanyahu made clear that Lebanon would not be covered under this ceasefire arrangement, Israeli media sources indicated.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro announced Tuesday night that his administration plans to present emergency economic legislation and new tax measures to Congress aimed at addressing budget imbalances for 2026.

During a televised speech, Petro warned lawmakers that he would bypass legislative approval and implement the measures through executive action if Congress refuses to support his economic agenda.

“If necessary, we will declare a new economic emergency in Colombia because what we must save is the standard of living, which is now much higher than at any time in history,” Petro stated during his address to the nation.

The Colombian leader also directed his interior minister to introduce new tax legislation to Congress designed to address the budget deficit projected for 2026, though he did not reveal specific revenue targets or collection amounts expected from the proposed measures.

A highly decorated Australian military veteran will stay locked up after his attorneys declined to pursue bail following his arrest on serious war crimes allegations.

Authorities took Ben Roberts-Smith, age 47, into custody Tuesday on five war crimes charges related to the deaths of five Afghan civilians during the period from 2009 to 2012. The charges each carry potential life imprisonment.

Officials denied him bail and transported him to Sydney’s Silverwater Correctional Complex, where he spent Tuesday night.

Roberts-Smith was absent from Wednesday morning’s bail proceeding, conducted via video conference, according to local news outlets.

Attorney Jordan Portokalli informed the court his client would not request release from detention, instead asking for a face-to-face hearing scheduled for later that day.

Judge Lucas Swan set the next court date for June 4, ensuring Roberts-Smith will stay incarcerated until then unless his legal representatives can arrange an earlier proceeding.

The former Special Air Services Regiment member earned recognition as a national war hero through his service across six deployments to Afghanistan spanning 2006 through 2012.

Military officials bestowed numerous prestigious honors upon him, including the Victoria Cross, which represents the top military award for armed forces personnel from Britain and Commonwealth nations.

Federal police investigators plan to argue during trial that the alleged victims were not engaged in combat when killed and were being held as unarmed detainees under Australian military control at the time of their deaths.

Authorities will also contend that Roberts-Smith either personally shot the victims or directed subordinates to kill them while he was present.

These criminal charges stem from a collaborative probe between federal police and the Office of the Special Investigator, an agency established to investigate alleged criminal behavior by Australian defense personnel, which launched in 2021.

Roberts-Smith has continuously rejected claims of misconduct during his military tenure, many of which Nine Entertainment publications first revealed through reporting that began in 2018.

He mounted an unsuccessful legal challenge against these accusations in what became Australia’s costliest defamation case, with a court ultimately determining he likely participated in killing four Afghan civilians.

Vietnam’s newly elected President To Lam is expected to travel to China next week for meetings with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to three sources familiar with the arrangements.

The planned visit, scheduled for April 14-17, would mark Lam’s first international trip since winning the presidency on Tuesday. This election gave him unprecedented dual authority over both party and state operations for the next five years, mirroring China’s leadership structure under Xi Jinping.

Sources spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of high-level diplomatic planning in Vietnam. The trip could face delays due to scheduling complications, they noted.

Both nations are grappling with energy security challenges and increased tariff pressures from the United States, making this diplomatic engagement particularly significant for strengthening bilateral relations.

Chinese foreign ministry officials stated they had no information available regarding the potential visit. Vietnam’s foreign ministry has not responded to requests for comment.

The meeting agenda is expected to focus on technology partnerships and energy cooperation. Despite ongoing territorial disagreements in the South China Sea, the two communist countries have deepened collaboration across multiple sectors, including railway connections, border economic zones, and Vietnam’s 5G telecommunications infrastructure using Chinese technology.

New agreements covering telecommunications and other strategic sectors may emerge from the discussions, though officials suggest any deals might not receive public announcement.

Security partnerships have gained prominence in recent bilateral talks, particularly regarding Chinese surveillance technology imports. This emphasis reflects the increased influence of law enforcement agencies under Lam, who previously served as Vietnam’s public security minister.

Energy security discussions are anticipated as Vietnam relies heavily on Chinese imports for oil products, jet fuel, and fertilizers. Beijing has limited these exports due to supply shortages stemming from regional conflicts.

During March meetings between the countries’ foreign ministers, Vietnam emphasized the need for energy cooperation while developing fuel rationing contingency plans.

Lam previously visited China in August 2024 immediately after assuming party leadership, marking his first overseas trip in that role. A planned meeting with Xi following Lam’s confirmation as general secretary in January was postponed for undisclosed reasons.

SEOUL, South Korea — Military officials in South Korea confirmed that North Korea conducted another missile test Wednesday, marking the second projectile launch in consecutive days from the isolated nation’s eastern shoreline.

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, no additional information was immediately available regarding the distance traveled by the latest missile or the specific type of weapon system used in the test.

South Korean forces had previously identified an unidentified projectile launch near Pyongyang on Tuesday. Officials stated that intelligence agencies from both South Korea and the United States were conducting analysis of Tuesday’s weapons test.

The recent launches follow North Korea’s announcement earlier this week that leader Kim Jong Un had personally witnessed testing of an improved solid-fuel engine for military weapons, describing it as an important advancement for the nation’s strategic defense capabilities.

Weapons systems utilizing solid propellants offer greater mobility and concealment advantages compared to liquid-fuel alternatives, which require fueling procedures prior to launch and have limited operational windows. This latest solid-fuel engine evaluation, the first conducted in seven months, aligns with Kim’s declared objectives of developing more maneuverable and difficult-to-detect missiles capable of targeting the United States and allied nations.

Intelligence officials briefed South Korean legislators Monday that the engine testing likely supports efforts to construct more powerful missiles designed to carry multiple nuclear warheads, according to lawmakers present at the classified briefing.

North Korea has accelerated its nuclear weapons development program following the breakdown of diplomatic negotiations between Kim and former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2019. During a Workers’ Party congress held in February, Kim indicated openness to renewed dialogue with Trump while demanding that Washington abandon requirements for North Korean nuclear disarmament as a prerequisite for future negotiations.

North Korea conducted two separate missile launches this week while simultaneously rejecting South Korea’s attempts at diplomatic reconciliation, according to military officials in Seoul.

South Korean forces detected an unknown projectile launched Wednesday toward waters off North Korea’s eastern coastline, following another suspected missile test identified the previous day.

Tuesday’s launch originated from the Pyongyang region and involved what South Korean military officials believe was a ballistic missile, according to statements from the Joint Chiefs of Staff. American and South Korean analysts are currently examining data from both incidents.

Military sources told South Korea’s Yonhap news agency that Tuesday’s projectile traveled eastward before experiencing technical difficulties during its initial flight phase and vanishing from radar. South Korean defense officials suspect the missile may have malfunctioned shortly after launch.

South Korea generally reports ballistic missile tests immediately since they breach United Nations Security Council restrictions, while exercising more discretion regarding conventional weapons or cruise missile activities. North Korea maintains these UN sanctions violate its constitutional right to national defense.

The missile activities coincided with harsh rhetoric from North Korean leadership that crushed Seoul’s optimism about warming bilateral relations.

Jang Kum Chol, a high-ranking foreign ministry official in Pyongyang, declared that South Korea was deluding itself if it believed North Korea would stop treating it as an adversary.

“The identity of the ROK, the enemy state most hostile to the DPRK, can never change with any words or conduct,” Jang stated through North Korea’s official KCNA news service late Tuesday, referencing the formal abbreviations for both nations.

These remarks followed Monday’s statement from North Korea describing South Korean President Lee Jae Myung’s apology regarding drone intrusions earlier this year as “very fortunate and wise.”

Officials in Seoul initially interpreted that comment as an unusual gesture of goodwill from the nuclear-capable North, given the decades of animosity between the countries. The two nations technically remain in a state of war since their 1950-1953 conflict concluded with an armistice rather than a peace treaty.

However, Jang clarified that the statement from Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was intended as a warning to Seoul rather than an indication of friendly intentions toward reconciliation.

WASHINGTON – An American journalist who was taken hostage by an Iranian-backed militant organization in Iraq has been freed, according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s announcement on Tuesday.

Shelly Kittleson, a U.S. reporter, was abducted by Kataib Hezbollah, an armed faction with ties to Iran, in an area near Baghdad. Rubio confirmed her release following the recent kidnapping incident.

Financial markets experienced significant movement on Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a temporary two-week ceasefire agreement with Iran, made just under two hours before his ultimatum deadline requiring Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face extensive strikes on civilian infrastructure.

The ceasefire news triggered a sharp decline in oil prices while government bonds gained strength and stock markets climbed, as investors viewed the development as potentially opening doors to sustained peace and the restoration of oil and gas shipments from the Gulf region.

Financial experts and market analysts shared their perspectives on the development:

Andrew Lilley, who serves as Chief Rates Strategist at Barrenjoey in Sydney, expressed concerns about market recovery. “We still have a long way to get back to where we were before this began. The worry now is the markets are unsure of the extent to which the oil price is going to get back to $75,” Lilley stated.

He continued, “This little precipice where actually oil is flowing, no one has a shortage, but it stays at an equilibrium price of $90, that is actually where you remove the tail risk that central banks are cutting. It’s kind of the scenario that results in permanently high yields because we’re going to have damaged infrastructure and a sticky high oil price for months to come, which means that we are going to get higher inflation.”

George Boubouras, Head of Research at K2 Asset Management in Melbourne, emphasized the importance of energy supply restoration. “Restocking energy supplies is the key over the next week as the conflict can reignite very quickly. This decreases the probability of a recession particularly if more oil, gas, fertiliser can flow in the next week or so. Markets are always pragmatic and not complacent as they are looking through the conflict and valuations remain compelling on a one-year view,” Boubouras commented.

Martin Whetton, Head of Financial Markets Strategy at Westpac in Sydney, remained skeptical about lasting market changes. “This is what happens all the time. Does it mean people are going to take new risks? No, it doesn’t,” Whetton noted. “It would have to actually be a lasting peace (to change things). People aren’t actually taking risk. This is algos doing stuff.”

Brian Jacobsen, Chief Economist at Annex Wealth Management in Menomonee Falls, Wisconsin, offered a cautiously optimistic view. “President Trump said he agreed to a two-week ceasefire. That’s enough to keep hopes alive that not only will an entire civilization NOT be destroyed, but we could see oil start flowing through the Strait of Hormuz,” Jacobsen said.

He added, “Is it just kicking the can down the road, moving the goal posts, TACO Tuesday, or whatever metaphor we’d like, to only to have tempers flare and bombs drop again? Who knows? But it’s good enough for now to elicit a positive response from the markets.”