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SINGAPORE – Financial markets across Asia displayed volatile trading patterns Monday morning following President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Iran regarding the critical Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

Trump has issued stark warnings promising devastating consequences if Tehran fails to reopen the strategic waterway by his Tuesday deadline, specifically threatening to target civilian infrastructure such as electrical facilities and transportation networks.

The president’s aggressive stance has created anxiety among financial traders who fear Iran may launch retaliatory strikes against Gulf region targets in response to any American military action.

Trading volumes remained light Monday due to regional holidays, with S&P 500 electronic futures declining 0.2%. Meanwhile, MSCI’s comprehensive Asia-Pacific stock index excluding Japan gained 0.5%, Japan’s Nikkei 225 climbed 1.2%, and South Korea’s Kospi jumped 2%.

Energy markets saw significant movement as Brent crude futures increased 1.4% to reach $110.58 per barrel. This followed Sunday’s OPEC+ decision to boost production quotas by 206,000 barrels daily for May, though several key producers behind the Strait of Hormuz cannot meet these targets due to war-damaged facilities and infrastructure.

Investment analyst Ed Yardeni from Yardeni Research noted the week’s focus on Middle Eastern developments, stating: “This week will continue to be dominated by developments in the Middle East, though a heavy slate of data releases — including the FOMC March minutes, February personal income, and March CPI — will compete for attention.”

Yardeni further explained Trump’s position in his research analysis: “Trump warned Iran that unless the Strait is opened immediately, Monday will be Obliteration Day, when the U.S. will bomb Iran’s electric power plants.”

Friday’s positive employment data showed stronger-than-anticipated job growth, with nonfarm payrolls adding 178,000 positions in March – the largest monthly gain in over a year. Unemployment dropped to 4.3% from 4.4% as workforce participation declined.

These employment figures create complexity for Federal Reserve policy decisions ahead of their April 29 meeting. Market indicators suggest traders don’t anticipate any central bank rate changes until September 2027, according to CME Group’s monitoring tools.

Currency markets showed the dollar index holding steady at 100.23 against major trading partners. U.S. 10-year Treasury yields rose 1.4 basis points to 4.3584%.

Japanese government bonds reached their highest yields since February 1999, with rates climbing 2.0 basis points to 2.4% amid inflation concerns. The dollar remained unchanged against the yen at 159.635.

Precious metals declined with gold falling 0.8% to $4,638.54. Digital currencies showed gains as bitcoin rose 1.9% to $68,915.85 and ethereum increased 2.4% to $2,117.61.

DATONG, China (AP) — When Yang Haiming reached retirement age at 60 after decades in coal mining, he didn’t slow down. Instead, he launched himself into an entirely different field.

Yang represents a generation of laborers who fueled China’s economic expansion by extracting coal from deep underground mines in Datong, a city recognized as China’s coal capital located in northern Shanxi province. Today, as China shifts its focus toward renewable energy sources instead of coal, Yang has gotten ahead of the transformation that his former colleagues are now being compelled to navigate.

He currently operates a restaurant serving lamb skewers to tourists who visit the Yungang Grottoes, an important historical site from the 6th century featuring Buddhist stone carvings in caves that attracts millions of annual visitors.

If Shanxi province operated as an independent nation, it would rank as the globe’s largest coal producer. Its approximately 800,000 miners extracted 1.3 billion tons in 2025, representing nearly one-third of China’s total coal output. Several million additional workers hold positions that depend indirectly on coal, spanning from transportation to food service. The province faces significant transformation as China expands renewable energy at such a rapid pace that it satisfied almost all of the country’s increased power demand last year, while developing tourism has become a primary objective.

Specialists emphasize the importance of ensuring coal workers aren’t abandoned during this transition — a concern for many.

“It doesn’t feel like money’s coming into this industry,” said Zhou Hongfei, a coal miner.

Following the standard practice for China’s state-owned enterprises, the coal company constructed Yang’s village directly adjacent to the mine — designated No. 9 — where residents would be employed. The location once buzzed with thousands of workers and their families, featuring a school, daycare facility, and sports complex. An elevated railway line runs through the area to transport coal throughout the country.

Currently, the No. 9 mine functions primarily as a museum, although one section remains operational. The school stands vacant with locked gates. Many of the low-rise apartment buildings are only partially occupied, often housing people drawn by affordable rent rather than miners.

Yang remembers profitable times before nearby villages were demolished.

“There were so many people, especially during the new year days,” he said. “It was crowded everywhere. Now the bustling scenes have gone, and so has the feeling.”

Those who remained, like Yang, have attempted to profit from visitors to the Yungang Grottoes. During a visit by Associated Press reporters, one retired coal miner walked the streets engaging in conversations hoping to attract customers to his noodle restaurant. Primarily elderly residents strolled the streets, enjoying the sunshine.

Yang belongs to the small group of workers who have successfully made a career change.

There are many “who don’t know what to do, who say they don’t have the right skill sets for anyone else. All they know is to be a coal miner, or the easiest fallback option is for them to go back to farming,” said Tom Wang, a Shanxi native, environmental activist and founder of People of Asia for Climate Solutions.

Zhou, 36, mentioned considering a move to tourism but was unsure how to proceed. He also worries about providing for his wife and 8-year-old daughter.

“To really be able to make contact with and then switch into a new industry is very hard, and the truth is, I don’t dare,” he said. “If you leave this industry, you don’t know if it’ll work out. Can I adapt? And what if this ends up being a burden for my family?”

Mining salaries fluctuate with market demand. Before Yang’s retirement eight years ago, he could earn up to 10,000 renminbi (approximately $1,450) during profitable months. He reports that his restaurant now generates higher income.

The province is working to cultivate various alternative industries, from investing in coal-to-hydrogen initiatives to promoting its local “youmai,” an oat variety that residents use to create a distinctive type of noodles.

However, Shanxi’s primary emphasis and greatest achievement for post-coal life has been tourism. Hang Kan, who leads the Yungang Research Institute overseeing the grottoes and serves as a representative in the National People’s Congress, last year advocated for accelerating development of the culture and tourism sector into “a strategic pillar” that “promotes people’s welfare” in Shanxi.

His statements followed the popular video game Black Myth: Wukong, where the main character explores the grottoes and numerous surrounding locations, creating a surge in visitors. The total increased to 4.5 million in 2024, rising from 3 million the previous year, according to state media.

Yan Jiali, a tour guide in the area, reported that this boom has generated increased interest in positions like hers, which requires passing a government examination to obtain licensing.

“Even my mom’s friends would come ask me about taking this test,” she said.

Wang, the activist, hopes that the high-technology industries now receiving national priority will assist Shanxi’s transition by creating employment opportunities. After all, he noted, the province’s coal powered China’s development into an economic giant.

“What if DeepSeek comes over to Shanxi and says, OK, we will start a data center here? What if Baidu comes over to Shanxi?” he said, referencing China’s domestic technology companies.

Few believe Shanxi can completely abandon coal mining. Experts view coal as an essential backup for China’s security requirements, and the Iran war has again demonstrated how susceptible energy supply networks are to interruptions.

The government recently refused to establish limits on coal usage, stepping back from its pledge to gradually decrease coal consumption, according to analysts at the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

“The confidence hasn’t grown to the point where they can entirely depend on renewable energy,” said Qi Qin, an analyst at CREA.

Actually, China has continued expanding coal power facilities on a massive scale, activating 78 gigawatts in 2025, exceeding what India accomplished in an entire decade. One gigawatt can supply power to approximately 320,000 Chinese households annually.

Even if demand remains stable, workers must also consider that their mines may become depleted. Some of the older mining operations in Datong are approaching the end of their productive life. When this occurs, workers can be transferred to other mines that might be distant and offer lower compensation.

Another coal mine employee, Xu, has secured a second position as a ride-share driver, spending roughly 5 hours daily driving after completing his primary job. Xu — who refused to provide his complete name due to concerns about consequences from the state-owned mine — expressed doubt that the advantages of industries replacing coal would be distributed fairly, whether tourism or renewable energy.

“This tourism industry, how do I get in there?” he asked. “For Datong, those who can enjoy the benefits of this tourism boom, it’s mostly the big hotels and maybe some restaurants, noodle shops, but what do you think regular people can get?”

President Donald Trump is preparing for a significant diplomatic trip to Beijing in May, where he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for the first time in eight years. The highly anticipated visit occurs against the backdrop of escalating economic tensions between the United States and China over the past year.

The economic dispute between these global superpowers has transformed from initial retaliatory tariff exchanges into a complex series of negotiations involving multiple high-level meetings, phone conversations, and presidential discussions throughout the previous year.

Recent Developments in 2025

In March, the United States initiated fresh Section 301 investigations targeting unfair trade practices within Chinese industries. Beijing responded by launching similar reciprocal probes. Originally planned for earlier in the spring, Trump postponed his China visit to mid-May due to ongoing conflicts in Iran.

During the same month, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer conducted negotiations with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and senior trade official Li Chenggang in Paris. Both delegations characterized these sixth-round discussions as “constructive.”

February saw the U.S. Supreme Court striking down Trump’s comprehensive global tariff program, though the President indicated his intention to continue utilizing tariffs as a policy tool.

In January, China concluded 2025 with an unprecedented trade surplus, benefiting from strategic trade diversification toward Southeast Asian, African, and Latin American markets as shipments to America continued declining.

Major 2025 Trade Events

October marked a significant escalation when China expanded its control over essential minerals, broadening restrictions on rare earth element exports while increasing oversight of semiconductor consumers. The U.S. responded by imposing additional 100% duties on Chinese products and implementing new export limitations on crucial software. Both nations also targeted maritime shipping operations.

Later that month, Trump and Xi held talks in Busan, South Korea, reaching a new trade agreement. The deal involved American tariff reductions in exchange for Chinese commitments to combat illegal fentanyl trafficking, restart soybean imports from the U.S., and temporarily halt rare earth export restrictions.

September featured discussions regarding TikTok ownership changes, while Washington sought expanded trade opportunities in chemicals, aircraft components, and engine parts with Beijing.

From June through August, Trump declared progress in trade relations after certain Chinese rare earth magnet manufacturers obtained export permits. The U.S. began approving licenses for Nvidia to ship advanced artificial intelligence processors to China, while Trump called for China to increase American soybean purchases fourfold. The tariff suspension received a 90-day extension.

May’s inaugural trade negotiations in Geneva produced a 90-day ceasefire that reduced elevated tariffs. However, three weeks later, Trump accused China of breaking promises regarding mutual tariff rollbacks and mineral export restriction relief. Chinese officials countered that America had implemented numerous “discriminatory restrictive” policies targeting China.

April began with Trump’s return to office, implementing a 10% penalty tariff on Chinese merchandise. Early that month, he announced comprehensive “Liberation Day” tariffs affecting all imports, further straining Chinese relations. China retaliated, leading to escalating tariff battles exceeding 100% on both sides. Beijing simultaneously began limiting certain rare earth exports.

Concerns about expanded conflict are growing throughout the Middle East as tensions between the United States and Iran reach a critical juncture. Regional leaders are now worried not just about continued airstrikes, but about the possibility of American ground forces entering Iranian territory.

Though U.S. officials haven’t announced plans for a major invasion, military options previously considered off-limits are now under consideration. These include covert operations, special forces missions, and targeted seizures of key locations. For countries throughout the region, this shift provides little reassurance as they prepare for potential widespread consequences.

Any visible American military presence within Iran’s borders, regardless of duration or scope, could disrupt the region’s delicate balance. Leaders are assessing potential impacts ranging from critical Suez Canal shipping routes to vulnerable Persian Gulf energy infrastructure. Such escalation could spark extensive militia responses, disrupt global energy supplies, and overwhelm already struggling regional economies.

Nations throughout the area aren’t preparing for full-scale occupation scenarios, but rather for unpredictable consequences. Even limited American ground operations could significantly worsen current energy market disruptions, activate militias across multiple regions, and eliminate remaining diplomatic options for neighboring countries. The primary concern involves crossing a significant escalation boundary that could fundamentally alter engagement rules and potentially trigger widespread retaliation.

Egypt faces primarily economic rather than military threats from such developments. The country is currently struggling with severe financial difficulties, including reduced Suez Canal revenues due to Red Sea instability, declining foreign currency reserves, and dependence on strict International Monetary Fund reforms. Expanded warfare involving American troops in Iran wouldn’t draw Egypt into combat, but could devastate its economy through reduced maritime trade, increased import expenses, and further weakening of the Egyptian pound.

Samir Ragheb, former Egyptian military general and president of the Arab Foundation for Development and Strategic Studies, described Cairo’s situation as fundamentally about survival. “While Egypt is not adjacent to the battlefield, it would be adjacent to every consequence of it,” he warned. The immediate impact would affect the Suez Canal directly. “Egypt is already bleeding revenue under current regional tensions,” with ongoing American military preparations freezing investment and unsettling markets. “A full-scale ground invasion would push the Canal toward near-total collapse in traffic,” Ragheb explained, noting that shipping companies avoid war zones and would “reroute to the Cape of Good Hope.”

This situation could create what Ragheb termed a “double-fisted” shock. With the Strait of Hormuz potentially closed, rising oil costs would increase Egypt’s energy import expenses precisely when canal revenues—the country’s traditional buffer against such crises—disappear. “Egypt would not be enduring a short crisis resolved by a ceasefire,” he warned, referencing the chaotic aftermath that would follow extended combat. “The economic bleeding would not be a temporary wound; it would be a sustained hemorrhage.”

Domestic consequences would emerge quickly. The Egyptian pound, stabilized through significant social costs, already faces pressure before a crucial IMF loan review scheduled for the year’s second quarter. Broader regional conflict would eliminate any remaining economic protection. “For the average citizen, this would translate to a singular, dangerous reality: inflation,” Ragheb said. He ultimately cautioned that “it is inflation—not geopolitics—that has historically pushed Egyptian streets to the breaking point.”

Saudi Arabia’s strategic considerations differ significantly. While Riyadh has less exposure to canal revenues, it confronts serious geographic vulnerabilities: the possibility that open American ground campaigns in Iran could prompt Tehran or allied militias to launch widespread attacks against Gulf energy infrastructure, export facilities, and crucial maritime passages. The concern extends beyond managing current hostilities, as direct U.S. military presence in Iran could fundamentally change Tehran’s targeting approach, making Arab neighbors central conflict points.

Saudi leaders must carefully balance their response to these threats. Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a Saudi political analyst, emphasized that Riyadh’s cautious approach shouldn’t be interpreted as supporting American offensive action.

“In Saudi Arabia, the general reaction is cautious rather than supportive of escalation. The priority remains avoiding a wider regional war, especially given the direct risks to energy infrastructure and internal security,” he explained.

Beyond domestic stability concerns, Alshaabani highlighted tangible fears of becoming collateral damage in an uncontrolled U.S.-Iran confrontation. “There is also clear concern about potential spillover effects, including missile attacks, disruptions to oil flows, and threats to maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz,” he warned.

Turkey’s position reflects less abstract neutrality and more firm rejection of joining U.S.- and Israeli-led military action against Iran. While Ankara maintains its NATO framework membership, it has no interest in direct military confrontation with Tehran.

Barın Kayaoğlu, chair of the Department of American Studies at the Social Sciences University of Ankara, observed that domestic sentiment strongly opposes escalation. “The general mood and public opinion surveys are quite negative toward the war and the US and Israel,” he told The Media Line. Referencing public anger over ongoing Gaza conflict, he added, “Israel is already in the doghouse for the genocide in Gaza. Iran is becoming the icing on the cake.”

Therefore, Turkey’s strategic approach remains focused on maintaining distance. Kayaoğlu recalled his early conflict assessment: “At the beginning of the conflict, I said something to the effect of ‘As long as the Iranian attacks are less than a week and no Turkish citizen is hurt, and no property is damaged, we’ll be fine.’”

However, complete detachment proves difficult. Housing alliance infrastructure increases Turkey’s exposure even without direct combat involvement. “Turkey’s NATO role makes full neutrality difficult, because even if Ankara stays out politically, its infrastructure is still part of the Western security architecture,” Kayaoğlu pointed out.

Beyond military complications, Ankara faces significant domestic vulnerabilities. “The economic costs of escalation—especially energy prices and trade disruptions—are a major factor behind Turkey’s cautious stance,” Kayaoğlu explained. Additionally, he warned that “instability in Iran could also affect border security, particularly in Kurdish areas, which is another reason Ankara prefers containment over confrontation.”

Turkey’s reluctance to target Tehran also connects closely with its coordination with Azerbaijan. Both countries manage complex networks of trade, transit routes, and border security alongside Iran. Military alignment against their neighbor could destabilize these relationships and expose critical logistics pathways.

“Turkey and Azerbaijan are not joining the Iran war because it is not their fight,” Kayaoğlu said. “Both countries are trying to avoid turning their territory into a staging ground for escalation, while still maintaining ties with Western partners.” Ultimately, he concluded, “Both Ankara and Baku are prioritizing regional stability and energy security over participation in a conflict that could undermine their own strategic interests.”

While Egypt fears economic collapse and Saudi Arabia prepares for infrastructure attacks, Iraq confronts much darker, existential concerns: reliving its own devastating history in warfare where battle lines won’t respect borders.

For Iraqi citizens, memories of the U.S. invasion remain prominent. Mustafa Saadoon, head of the Iraqi Observatory for Human Rights, explained that 2003 memories still shape how the country views current escalation. “I believe Iraqis today live with a genuine obsession over a repeat of the 2003 tragedy, but with a doubled sense of fear this time,” he told The Media Line.

The fear stems from how deeply Iranian-aligned groups have penetrated the Iraqi state. “Iraq is no longer just a potential battlefield; it has become a ‘defensive backyard’ organically intertwined with the Iranian interior through armed factions possessing vast military and political influence,” Saadoon warned. Because these proxy networks wield such power, he argued that Baghdad’s neutrality attempts are largely meaningless. “This renders the ‘disassociation’ policy the government attempts to promote a mere diplomatic ambition, clashing with the reality of ‘ideological weaponry’ that may act independently of official state decisions.”

Open U.S.-Iranian conflict, Saadoon cautioned, would immediately destroy the country’s fragile security, cut energy supplies, and shatter civil peace. “The conflict will not be viewed as a passing regional event, but as a political and economic earthquake that will violently reshuffle internal cards, placing Iraqi sovereignty between the hammer of international obligations and the anvil of cross-border loyalties.”

Importantly, for Middle Eastern states, the danger threshold falls well below full-scale American occupation. As these regional viewpoints demonstrate, even limited U.S. ground operations in Iran would serve as a devastating force multiplier, overwhelming already fragile systems. Whether Egypt risks losing its economic safeguards, Saudi Arabia anticipates energy grid attacks, Turkey fears neutrality collapse, or Iraq faces becoming a proxy battlefield again, the concerns are universally intense. The region isn’t simply preparing for continued warfare, but for crossing a volatile new escalation boundary—one that could trigger an unstoppable chain reaction across global shipping lanes, energy markets, and political divisions, leaving neighboring governments virtually no capacity to absorb the consequences.

Search and rescue operations continued late Sunday evening in Haifa after an Iranian missile directly struck a residential building, leaving four individuals unaccounted for and injuring at least four others, authorities reported as the Israel-Iran conflict entered its sixth week.

According to police statements, four people remained missing following the attack, while emergency responders confirmed the wounded included an 82-year-old man and a 10-month-old infant.

The attack occurred during an evening wave of missile strikes targeting both northern and southern regions of Israel. Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that a structure in the Haifa area sustained a direct missile impact after military systems detected incoming projectiles from Iran and engaged air defense systems. The Home Front Command subsequently announced that civilians could exit protective shelters, though search and rescue operations continued at multiple strike locations.

Emergency personnel reported that the Haifa structure suffered partial collapse, making rescue efforts more challenging. Initial reports from Israel’s fire and rescue services indicated three people were missing, but police updates later in the evening confirmed four individuals were unaccounted for, indicating casualty figures were still being assessed as crews worked through the debris. Those injured sustained wounds from the blast and flying debris.

Haifa, which serves as Israel’s primary northern urban center and houses significant residential areas, port operations, and critical energy facilities, has faced repeated attacks throughout the ongoing conflict. Recently, a missile struck a fuel tanker and industrial facility at Israel’s Oil Refineries in the city, though officials reported no injuries or public safety threats from that earlier incident. Sunday’s direct strike on residential housing demonstrated once again that civilian areas remain vulnerable despite Israel’s multi-layered missile defense systems being operational.

A recent rescue operation to extract a downed American airman from Iran involved sophisticated CIA deception tactics and cutting-edge surveillance technology, according to new reporting from Fox News on Sunday.

Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst and additional network reporting revealed that the operation relied heavily on intelligence strategy rather than military force alone. The CIA deliberately spread misleading information through Iranian networks, falsely claiming that U.S. forces had already located the missing weapons systems officer and were evacuating him by sea from a different location.

This disinformation campaign was designed to redirect Iranian military attention away from the actual rescue zone while American intelligence analysts worked to verify the authenticity of the airman’s distress beacon. Officials initially worried the signal could be an Iranian trap, but once they confirmed its legitimacy, the extraction proceeded rapidly.

Following verification, CIA Director John Ratcliffe provided briefings to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan “Raizin’” Caine, and President Donald Trump, according to Fox’s reporting.

The network also disclosed that the injured airman had taken refuge in mountainous territory while Iranian military units conducted search operations and offered monetary incentives to local residents for assistance in his capture. U.S. forces deployed MQ-9 Reaper drones to establish security perimeters around the area, while military aircraft conducted strikes against nearby threats to prevent Iranian forces from advancing.

The timeline showed remarkable speed: aircraft were airborne within eight hours of the decision, and American personnel had boots on Iranian soil within approximately 12 hours.

While President Trump highlighted the successful mission to demonstrate progress in broader military objectives, Fox’s investigation emphasized how the operation’s success stemmed from intelligence expertise, rapid execution, and strategic misdirection rather than overwhelming military power.

Reuters independently reported that Israeli intelligence services also contributed to pinpointing the airman’s location and helped eliminate concerns about the distress signal being fraudulent.

American military forces have successfully retrieved the second crew member from an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter aircraft that was shot down over Iranian territory, according to U.S. officials. The dangerous rescue operation concluded Sunday after spanning two days in enemy territory, highlighting the escalating tensions between the United States and Iran.

President Donald Trump announced the successful recovery on Sunday, confirming that the wounded airman was now secure following what officials characterized as an intricate mission supported by extensive aerial protection and elite military units.

Sunday’s rescue involved the second occupant of the dual-seat fighter aircraft. Military personnel had already retrieved the first crew member soon after the aircraft was brought down on Friday, but the second airman remained trapped in Iranian territory while American forces worked urgently to locate him before Iranian military units could capture him. The service member was eventually extracted safely.

In a Truth Social message, President Trump expressed enthusiasm about the successful mission, posting “WE GOT HIM!” He continued: “My fellow Americans, over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in US History.” The President also noted that while the recovered officer sustained injuries, he “will be just fine.”

Reports indicate the recovery operation required American special forces personnel and significant air backup, while Iranian military units were simultaneously conducting their own search for the missing crew member. Iranian authorities claimed that multiple “enemy aircraft” were shot down during the rescue efforts, although these assertions remain unconfirmed by independent sources.

This incident represents one of the most significant military setbacks for Washington since tensions intensified, challenging previous assumptions about unchallenged American air dominance over Iran. The situation also carries substantial political implications: Iran’s capture of a living American service member would have provided Tehran with considerable propaganda value and negotiating leverage. With both crew members now safely recovered, the conflict has moved into a more intense and dangerous stage.

Iranian government media outlets have broadcast footage depicting fighters from Iraq’s Popular Mobilization Forces, known as Hashd al-Shaabi, crossing into Iran’s Khuzestan province, sparking outrage among Iranian citizens who believe these militia groups are being deployed to suppress domestic dissent and bolster the current regime.

On Tuesday, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted a message on X, the social media platform that has been inaccessible to regular Iranian citizens for several years, expressing gratitude to the “Muslim people of Iraq” for supporting Iran during what he termed an “unjust” conflict. In his post, Pezeshkian stated, “I warmly shake the hands of the people, officials, and fighters of Iraq in Mesopotamia.”

According to reports, PMF forces allegedly crossed into Iran in January and provided support to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps during violent operations against civilians. The presence of these foreign militia forces has intensified concerns about the Iranian government’s use of proxy groups to maintain control and suppress opposition movements within the country.

The deployment has generated significant backlash from Iranian citizens who view the arrival of these Iraqi forces as further evidence of their government’s willingness to use foreign fighters against its own population during periods of civil unrest.

SANTIAGO, Chile — While children around the world searched for Easter eggs this weekend, animals at Chile’s biggest private zoo got their own special hunt.

Bioparque Buinzoo in Santiago hosted its yearly Easter-themed activity on Sunday, where meerkats, monkeys, lemurs and other creatures foraged for specially-packaged food treats designed to look like festive eggs.

This unique celebration serves dual purposes at the Chilean zoo — providing entertainment for guests while encouraging the animals to practice their natural hunting and foraging instincts.

Zoo staff distributed small decorated pouches filled with meat throughout the habitats of smaller wild cats like caracals, who climbed tree branches to reach their holiday snacks.

One meerkat discovered a basket containing eggs nestled among rocks in its living space. Meanwhile, monkeys and lemurs enjoyed fruits concealed inside brown paper packages adorned with bunny ears.

Zoo director Ignacio Idalsoaga explained that “in nature, these animals spend much of their life looking for food,” which is why the facility aims to replicate this natural behavior.

He emphasized that the special treats were “not chocolate eggs” but rather foods that match what these species would consume in the wild.

According to Idalsoaga, this Easter tradition has continued for 16 years at the zoo. This year’s event included a new addition — sheep that had to work for their food pellets by extracting them from a brightly-colored ball with openings.

“Our creative team has been very imaginative this year,” Idalsoaga noted.

Moscow’s defense forces reported Monday morning that they successfully intercepted 148 Ukrainian drones during a concentrated three-hour assault, while utility workers scrambled to restore electricity to approximately half a million homes affected by the overnight strikes.

The drone offensive on Sunday night resulted in casualties, including the death of a civil defense volunteer in the Belgorod border region, an area that has repeatedly faced Ukrainian military operations. Additionally, unmanned aircraft struck a residential tower in the Black Sea coastal city of Novorossiysk.

According to Russia’s Defense Ministry, the interceptions occurred primarily across the nation’s central and southern territories during an intense window from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Novorossiysk Mayor Andrei Kravchenko confirmed that fragments from destroyed drones had impacted a multi-story residential complex, though no information about potential injuries was immediately available.

The annexed Crimean peninsula also faced sustained aerial attacks, with Sevastopol’s governor reporting four separate drone assaults throughout Sunday. Officials stated that seven additional drones were eliminated during the most recent wave of attacks on the strategic port city.

In Ukraine’s eastern Donetsk region, currently under Russian control, Moscow-appointed administrator Andrei Chertkov announced that repair teams had successfully restored electrical service to the major urban centers of Donetsk and Makiivka following Ukrainian strikes targeting power infrastructure.

Chertkov had previously disclosed that close to 500,000 homes lost electrical power during the attacks. Restoration efforts remained ongoing in communities still experiencing blackouts.

Emergency repair operations were also underway throughout Russian-controlled portions of the Zaporizhzhia region, where widespread power failures occurred following the strikes.

TOKYO – Global crude oil markets experienced significant gains Monday following the Easter weekend, driven by escalating military conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran that threatens worldwide petroleum distribution networks.

International benchmark Brent crude climbed $2.40 per barrel, representing a 2.2% increase to reach $111.43 by late Monday evening GMT. Meanwhile, U.S. West Texas Intermediate futures jumped $3.00 per barrel, a 2.7% surge that brought trading prices to $114.57.

The energy market volatility comes as President Donald Trump escalated tensions with Iran over the weekend. In a profanity-filled social media message posted on Easter Sunday, Trump issued ultimatums to Iranian leadership, warning of strikes against the nation’s electrical infrastructure and transportation networks by Tuesday unless the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway is immediately reopened to international shipping.

WASHINGTON – What began as a flawlessly executed military operation in Iran nearly turned into disaster when critical equipment failures threatened to strand roughly 100 elite US commandos deep in enemy territory.

The dramatic rescue mission unfolded with clockwork precision initially, as American special forces penetrated Iranian airspace undetected during nighttime hours, climbed a towering 7,000-foot mountain ridge, and located a stranded US weapons specialist, according to a US official who spoke anonymously to Reuters.

The operation targeted the second crew member from an F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet that Iranian forces had shot down over Isfahan province on Friday. While the pilot had been successfully recovered earlier, the weapons specialist – a colonel according to President Trump – remained trapped behind enemy lines with an injured ankle, hiding in a rocky crevice on a hilltop.

Everything changed when two MC-130 transport planes experienced mechanical problems and became unable to take off from their landing site south of Tehran, the official revealed.

“If there was a ‘holy shit’ moment, that was it,” the source said, praising rapid decision-making that ultimately prevented catastrophe.

Military commanders faced an agonizing choice: risk sending additional aircraft into hostile territory or potentially lose an entire special operations team. They chose the dangerous option, dispatching replacement planes to evacuate the stranded forces in multiple trips over several tense hours.

The bold strategy succeeded. All personnel were extracted safely, though US forces had to destroy the disabled MC-130s and four helicopters rather than leave sensitive military technology in Iranian hands.

Prior to the rescue attempt, the CIA had conducted a disinformation operation, deliberately spreading false intelligence within Iran suggesting American forces had already located and were moving the missing airman. US military units also jammed electronic communications and bombed roads around the rescue site to prevent Iranian interference.

The rescued airman had followed standard Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape protocols, eventually establishing contact with US military personnel and verifying his identity to ensure the rescue team wasn’t walking into an ambush.

Smaller turboprop aircraft ultimately completed the extraction, chosen for their ability to operate from improvised landing areas, according to sources familiar with the operation’s details.

During the mission, the White House, Pentagon and US Central Command maintained unusual silence. Trump remained so quiet that local reporters checked whether he was hospitalized at Walter Reed.

Once the operation concluded successfully, Trump celebrated the achievement.

“Over the past several hours, the United States Military pulled off one of the most daring Search and Rescue Operations in U.S. History,” Trump declared in his statement, noting the airman sustained injuries but “he will be just fine.”

The rescue capped a challenging period that began Friday when initial search efforts met fierce Iranian resistance. Two Black Hawk helicopters involved in the earlier search sustained damage from Iranian fire but managed to escape. Additionally, an A-10 Warthog aircraft was hit over Kuwait, forcing its pilot to eject, though details about crew injuries remain unclear.

The ongoing conflict has claimed 13 American military lives with over 300 wounded, according to US Central Command figures. No US personnel have been captured by Iranian forces.

Despite Trump’s repeated claims about Iranian military weakness, defense experts note that Iran’s ability to consistently target US aircraft demonstrates significant capability. Iranian military officials announced Saturday they had employed a new air defense system to down the Friday fighter jet.

Intelligence reports indicate Iran retains substantial missile and drone capabilities. As recently as one week ago, US assessments showed only about one-third of Iran’s missile arsenal had been definitively destroyed, with another third possibly damaged or buried in underground facilities.

Following the successful rescue, Trump issued stern warnings to Tehran regarding the Strait of Hormuz, demanding Iran reopen the critical waterway for global oil shipments.

Operations have restarted at a crucial Russian oil export terminal following several days of interruptions caused by Ukrainian drone strikes in the Baltic Sea region, according to a Bloomberg News report released Sunday.

The report indicates that an Aframax-class tanker called the Jewel started taking on cargo Saturday, based on shipping data reviewed by Bloomberg.

In late March, Ukrainian drones targeted Russia’s Ust-Luga port facility five separate times within a 10-day span, with industry sources telling Reuters that the attacks hit oil loading infrastructure managed by Transneft, Russia’s state-owned pipeline company.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Bloomberg report, and Transneft has not responded to requests for comment.

Previous reporting by Reuters indicated that drone strikes, a disputed pipeline attack, and vessel seizures have affected at least 40% of Russia’s oil shipping capability, according to calculations using market information from last month.

Military forces in Nigeria successfully freed 31 people who were kidnapped during violent attacks on churches during Easter Sunday worship services in the country’s northwest region, according to army officials.

The assault occurred while congregants were attending Easter services in Ariko village, located in Kaduna state’s Kachia local government area. Military personnel discovered five bodies at the location and are currently tracking down those responsible for the attack.

According to Caleb Maaji, who leads the Christian Association of Nigeria’s Kaduna state chapter, gunmen targeted two separate churches in the village on Sunday. Maaji reported that seven people lost their lives and an undetermined number were abducted during the violence.

“Findings are still ongoing,” Maaji told Reuters.

This latest incident highlights the ongoing security challenges facing Nigeria’s northwest region, where criminal organizations have operated from remote forest camps for years, carrying out kidnapping schemes and village raids for financial gain.

American special operations forces completed a dangerous rescue mission deep within Iranian territory, extracting an airman whose fighter jet was downed, while President Donald Trump issued fierce warnings to Tehran regarding the blocked Strait of Hormuz shipping lane.

Trump revealed details of the rescue operation during early Sunday morning through social media, calling the mountainous region mission “one of the most daring” operations in American military history.

The rescued serviceman served as weapons officer aboard an F-15 fighter aircraft that Iranian forces shot down Friday. Though injured during the incident, Trump assured the public the airman “will be just fine” in his X platform message. Military personnel had already recovered the aircraft’s pilot on Friday.

In a separate, profanity-filled social media statement, Trump demanded Iran immediately reopen the Hormuz waterway, which serves as a critical passage for approximately one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments. The strait has remained largely blocked since hostilities erupted five weeks earlier.

“Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran,” Trump declared on his Truth Social account, signaling potential strikes against energy and transportation systems that legal experts argue could breach international law.

“There will be nothing like it!!! Open the Fuckin’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell – JUST WATCH! Praise be to Allah. President DONALD J. TRUMP,” he wrote.

Israel, America’s wartime partner, intensified pressure by attacking a significant Iranian petrochemical complex Saturday. A senior Israeli defense official revealed plans for additional energy facility strikes pending American authorization.

Despite his aggressive rhetoric, Trump created confusion by telling Fox News Sunday that Iran appeared open to negotiations, suggesting a potential agreement could emerge by Monday.

Iranian Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf responded to Trump’s threats with his own condemnation, accusing the president of following Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s influence.

“Your reckless moves are dragging the United States into a living HELL for every single family, and our whole region is going to burn because you insist on following Netanyahu’s commands,” Qalibaf posted online.

Iran demonstrated continued military capability despite ongoing American-Israeli attacks, expanding strikes against Gulf region energy infrastructure through drone and missile assaults targeting petrochemical facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and the United Arab Emirates.

Revolutionary Guards forces also claimed responsibility for hitting an Israeli-connected ship at Dubai’s Jebal Ali port.

Kuwaiti facilities suffered drone attacks that ignited fires and caused “severe material damage” at petrochemical plants operated by Kuwait Petroleum Corporation subsidiaries, according to company statements.

These attacks highlighted Iran’s sustained ability to conduct cross-border operations and damage infrastructure throughout multiple Gulf nations, revealing weaknesses in regional energy and shipping centers.

Israeli territory also experienced Iranian retaliation, with missile strikes hitting residential areas in Haifa’s northern districts. Israeli emergency responders reported treating nine injured civilians while search teams worked through building debris.

The successful airman rescue eliminated potential hostage crisis complications for Trump, avoiding additional public relations challenges amid growing American skepticism about the conflict’s impact on global economic stability.

Military officials confirmed the operation involved dozens of aircraft and faced intense Iranian resistance, with Israeli forces providing assistance during the mission.

Pennsylvania Republican Senator Dave McCormick, drawing from Army experience and administration contacts, revealed the rescued pilot climbed approximately 7,000 feet up mountainous terrain to reach the extraction location.

Iranian forces claimed destroying several American aircraft during the rescue attempt, including two transport planes and two Black Hawk helicopters. Social media footage verified by Reuters showed burned aircraft wreckage in the operation area.

The New York Times reported that two transport aircraft became disabled during the mission, forcing American commanders to destroy them rather than allow Iranian capture. Three replacement aircraft were dispatched to extract military personnel.

A senior Washington administration official disclosed that the rescue incorporated a CIA disinformation operation, spreading false intelligence within Iran suggesting American forces had already located and were moving the missing airman.

While Iranian forces responded to the deceptive reports, rescue teams found the weapons officer sheltering in a mountain crevice and successfully extracted him, the official explained.

The current conflict began February 28 with coordinated American and Israeli airstrikes across Iran, subsequently expanding into Lebanon where Israel resumed operations against Iranian-supported Hezbollah forces.

Casualty numbers continue rising, primarily in Iran and Lebanon, where Israeli airstrikes killed eleven additional people Sunday, according to Lebanese health ministry reports.

Pakistani-mediated peace negotiations have failed to produce agreements between the warring parties.

“What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting END to the illegal war that is imposed on us,” Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi stated on social media.

Iran’s control over the narrow Strait of Hormuz shipping channel along its southern coastline has driven crude oil prices dramatically higher, creating economic pressure for consumers and businesses worldwide.

Baghdad has launched oil shipments through Syrian territory after disruptions at the Strait of Hormuz blocked conventional export pathways, according to Iraqi officials.

Iraq’s Oil Ministry has verified that shipping operations are now underway, utilizing land-based tankers to move fuel oil across the border to Syria. From there, the oil will be loaded onto ships at Syrian ports for delivery to international buyers. Officials say this alternative route will help stabilize the country’s economy and offset some of the dramatic income losses experienced in recent weeks.

Information shows that Iraq, which depends overwhelmingly on petroleum sales for government revenue, has taken a massive financial hit since navigation problems began in the Strait of Hormuz. The nation’s oil income has fallen approximately 70% within a single month.

This dramatic revenue drop has forced Baghdad to pursue emergency alternatives, even expensive and complicated ones like land transport through Syria – a route that hasn’t been utilized for several decades.

During the opening stage, shipment amounts will be between 10,000 and 15,000 barrels daily, with intentions to slowly increase volumes based on logistical capabilities and cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus.

Reports indicate that agreements have been finalized to eventually ship as many as 50,000 barrels per day, showing intentions to significantly expand this alternative pathway.

This arrangement also signals Syria’s re-emergence in regional energy transportation, as the country will function as a transit hub for Iraqi petroleum moving toward Mediterranean markets.

Oil deliveries reach Syria’s Baniyas port facility, where workers transfer the cargo to oceangoing vessels bound for final destinations, especially in European markets.

The partnership between both nations will breathe new life into previously abandoned routes, including the Kirkuk-Baniyas pipeline system, which formerly served as a major channel for Iraqi oil shipments before being shut down for many years due to regional conflicts and warfare.

While this development is important, energy analysts point out that land-based transportation costs significantly more than ocean shipping through Gulf waters. Nevertheless, current circumstances have made it the most practical alternative given the limitations affecting established routes.

This situation underscores the risks of depending on a single export pathway, especially in areas where political tensions frequently flare up, showing why diversifying shipping options has become a strategic necessity.

The Iraqi choice extends beyond economic considerations and includes political ramifications, indicating increased cooperation between Baghdad and Damascus in energy matters while boosting Syria’s role as a regional participant in petroleum commerce.

Shifting exports toward Mediterranean ports could also provide Iraq with better access to European customers and decrease reliance on Gulf shipping lanes, which have become more susceptible to various threats.

An important question persists: Will this pathway become a lasting change in Iraq’s oil export approach, or simply serve as a short-term response to the present emergency?

Evidence suggests this is a temporary measure, though it might develop into a permanent strategic choice if infrastructure and pipeline systems are enhanced to lower expenses and boost operational effectiveness.

This move represents a new chapter in regional energy markets, where traditional export channels can no longer be taken for granted, making diversification essential rather than optional.

President Donald Trump has established a specific deadline of Tuesday evening for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, warning of severe consequences if the country fails to comply, according to a Wall Street Journal interview conducted on Sunday.

“If they don’t do something by Tuesday evening, they won’t have any power plants and they won’t have any bridges standing,” Trump stated during his conversation with the Journal.

Following the interview, Trump posted a cryptic message on social media that read: “Tuesday, 8:00 P.M. Eastern Time!” The post made no reference to Iran or provided additional context. White House representatives were unavailable for immediate comment regarding the social media message.

Earlier on Sunday, Trump had previously indicated that Iran would face infrastructure strikes if the strait remained closed past Tuesday, though he had not specified an exact time until the Journal interview.

Moscow called on Washington Sunday to drop its confrontational approach toward Iran and pursue diplomatic dialogue instead, following discussions between top Russian and Iranian officials.

The Russian Foreign Ministry released the statement after Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araqchi about ongoing tensions in the region.

According to the ministry, both nations “called for efforts to avoid actions, including in the U.N. Security Council, that could undermine the remaining chances for advancing political and diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis.”

Moscow voiced support for reducing regional tensions “in the interests of long-term and sustainable normalisation of the situation in the Middle East, which would be facilitated by the United States abandoning the language of ultimatums and returning the situation to a negotiating track.”

The Russian statement comes amid heightened tensions between the United States and Iran, with Moscow positioning itself as an advocate for diplomatic solutions over confrontational rhetoric.

Growing opposition emerged Sunday against rapper Kanye West’s scheduled headlining performance at a major London music festival, with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer voicing strong criticism of the booking.

Pepsi has already pulled its lead sponsorship from the Wireless Festival scheduled for July 10-12 at Finsbury Park in north London. Advocates are now calling on additional sponsors, including Budweiser and PayPal, to withdraw their support as well.

The beverage company offered no specific explanation for ending its partnership with the event, despite promotional materials advertising the festival as “Pepsi presents Wireless.”

“Pepsi has decided to withdraw its sponsorship of Wireless Festival,” the company stated Sunday.

The controversial artist, who legally changed his name to Ye in 2021, was set to perform for approximately 150,000 festival attendees across three nights.

West has faced widespread condemnation in recent years for making antisemitic statements and expressing praise for Adolf Hitler. In the past year, he released a track titled “Heil Hitler” and advertised Nazi swastika merchandise on his website.

The 48-year-old performer issued an apology in January through a full-page advertisement in the Wall Street Journal, attributing his behavior to his bipolar disorder. He described experiencing “a four-month long, manic episode of psychotic, paranoid and impulsive behavior that destroyed my life.”

At a sold-out Los Angeles performance Friday at SoFi Stadium – his first major U.S. show in nearly five years – fans seemed willing to overlook his controversial statements and accept his January apology.

However, Prime Minister Starmer expressed serious concerns about the festival booking decision.

“Antisemitism in any form is abhorrent and must be confronted clearly and firmly wherever it appears,” Starmer told The Sun on Sunday newspaper. “Everyone has a responsibility to ensure Britain is a place where Jewish people feel safe and secure.”

The controversy comes amid rising antisemitic incidents across the United Kingdom.

On Saturday, authorities ordered two men and a teenage boy to remain in jail on charges related to setting fire to four ambulances operated by a Jewish community organization in northwest London. Additionally, two people were killed in an October attack at a Manchester synagogue.

Phil Rosenberg, who leads the board of deputies of British Jews, called the decision to book West “absolutely the wrong decision.”

Festival organizers did not respond to requests for comment.

FRANKFURT, Germany — A devastating accident during an Easter celebration in northern Germany has claimed three lives, including an infant, after powerful winds caused a massive tree to crash down on participants.

The tragedy unfolded around 11 a.m. Sunday near Satrupholm when a towering 100-foot tree collapsed onto a group enjoying an Easter egg hunt. Approximately 50 people from a local residential center that assists expectant mothers, new parents, and children were participating in the woodland event when disaster struck.

Emergency responders found four individuals trapped beneath the fallen tree. Two victims — a 21-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl — received immediate medical attention but succumbed to their injuries at the location. The young woman’s 10-month-old daughter was rushed to a medical facility but later died from her injuries. An 18-year-old woman sustained severe injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

The residential facility operates under state funding as part of Germany’s child welfare network, providing support services for pregnant women and mothers requiring assistance, according to facility information.

Mental health professionals were dispatched to provide counseling services following the incident. News photographs from the location revealed colorful Easter eggs strewn across the ground and emergency personnel covering two victims with white coverings.

German meteorological services had issued advisories warning of dangerous wind conditions in the area prior to the accident.

Leadership from the Schleswig-Holstein region expressed their shock over the incident. Regional Governor Daniel Günther, Interior Minister Magdalena Finke, and Youth and Families Minister Aminata Touré released a collective statement saying they were “deeply shaken” by the tragedy.

“Our thoughts are with the family members of the dead, with the injured, and with everyone who had to experience this terrible occurrence,” the officials stated through the dpa news agency.

The military branch of Hamas announced Sunday that discussions regarding the organization’s weapon surrender represent what they described as continuing efforts against Palestinians.

During a broadcast statement, a representative from Hamas’ armed division declared the organization would reject such proposals “under any circumstances.” The spokesperson characterized bringing up disarmament in what he termed a “crude manner” as part of what he labeled genocide against Palestinian people.

Commercial vessels operating near Italy’s coastline pulled 32 migrants from the water and recovered two bodies during Easter weekend after their boat capsized while attempting the dangerous journey from Libya to Europe, according to rescue organizations.

The survivors and victims were handed over to Italian coast guard officials and transported to Lampedusa island, rescue groups Mediterranea Saving Humans and Sea-Watch reported.

Italy’s interior ministry declined to comment on the incident, while the Italian Coast Guard has not yet responded to inquiries. Easter Sunday is observed as a significant religious holiday throughout Italy.

According to statements from those rescued, the vessel initially carried 105 people before 71 went missing during the crossing, the humanitarian organizations stated.

Footage released by Sea-Watch captured approximately twelve individuals holding onto an overturned orange vessel as a commercial ship approached for rescue operations.

Harsh weather conditions have created turbulent seas across the Mediterranean region this year, reducing departure attempts from North African shores while creating dangerous situations for those who do attempt the crossing.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), no fewer than 683 people have perished in the central Mediterranean during 2024, representing one of the deadliest periods since 2014.

President Donald Trump revealed on Sunday morning that American military forces had successfully retrieved a second aviator who spent nearly 48 hours evading capture in Iranian territory after his aircraft was downed.

The recovery operation occurred following an intensive manhunt across what military sources describe as Iran’s rugged mountain terrain. Military personnel had already pulled the first crew member to safety on Friday, shortly after their F-15E Strike Eagle went down. This marked the initial American warplane lost to Iranian defensive fire since the conflict began on February 28th between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

“This is the first time in military memory that two U.S. Pilots have been rescued, separately, deep in Enemy Territory,” Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. “WE WILL NEVER LEAVE AN AMERICAN WARFIGHTER BEHIND!”

According to Trump’s account, Friday’s retrieval of the initial airman occurred during “broad daylight.” White House officials deliberately withheld confirmation of that successful operation to protect the ongoing search for his fellow crew member, which culminated in Saturday night’s mission extending into early Sunday.

The nighttime extraction required “dozens of aircraft” equipped with combat weaponry, Trump disclosed. Iranian authorities had offered substantial compensation to anyone who could capture the missing service member.

American forces maintained constant surveillance of the downed aviator’s position “24 hours a day, and diligently planning for his rescue,” according to Trump’s statement.

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” the president wrote.

Trump identified the rescued airman as holding colonel rank and suffering from significant injuries, though he assured the public the officer would be “just fine.” No information was provided regarding the first crew member’s medical status.

Iranian state television broadcast footage showing dark smoke rising from what officials claimed were destroyed American transport aircraft and two helicopters.

A regional intelligence source familiar with the operation revealed that mechanical problems forced American military commanders to deploy additional aircraft to complete the rescue mission. The source indicated that U.S. forces destroyed two transport planes they were unable to retrieve due to the equipment failure. The official requested anonymity when discussing the classified operation.

Iranian media outlets reported Friday that a second American aircraft, identified as an A-10, had crashed after sustaining damage from Iranian forces. U.S. military officials have not provided any updates on that aircraft or its crew members.

Lebanese officials reported that Israeli military operations claimed the lives of at least 11 people on Easter Sunday, as violence continued to escalate in the region.

Seven fatalities occurred in the southern Lebanese village of Kfarhata, where Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed a 4-year-old child was among those killed in the strike. The attack came after Israeli forces had ordered residents to evacuate the area overnight.

A separate strike targeted the Jnah district of Beirut, resulting in four deaths and leaving 39 people wounded, according to ministry officials.

The violence unfolded as Lebanese Christians, representing approximately one-third of the nation’s population, observed Easter Sunday celebrations. The day became one of the deadliest since hostilities intensified in early March.

Residents of Beirut reported hearing constant sounds of explosions and military aircraft throughout the day. State media documented eight separate strikes hitting the capital’s southern suburbs.

Lebanese military officials also confirmed that one of their soldiers was killed in an Israeli operation in the country’s south earlier Sunday.

The previous day, Israeli forces had issued evacuation warnings for the Masnaa border crossing with Syria, Lebanon’s primary connection point with its neighbor. Military officials claimed the Iranian-backed Hezbollah organization was using the crossing for military activities.

The current conflict began on March 2 when Hezbollah initiated rocket attacks against Israel in solidarity with Tehran. Israel responded with strikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, creating what officials describe as the most significant regional escalation of the broader Middle East crisis.

Casualty figures have mounted on both sides. Sources indicate that over 400 Hezbollah fighters have been killed through late March, while Israeli military reports show at least 10 of their troops have died in southern Lebanon operations.

Lebanese health authorities updated their casualty count Sunday, reporting that Israeli attacks have killed 1,461 people since the conflict began, representing an increase of 39 deaths in approximately 24 hours. More than one million Lebanese have been forced from their homes.

Israeli officials have announced plans to establish a “security zone” extending up to 30 kilometers into Lebanese territory. Evacuation orders now cover roughly 15 percent of Lebanon’s land area.

Despite the warnings, tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have chosen to remain in their homes in the south, including approximately 9,000 Lebanese Christians living in border communities who have expressed their determination to stay.

BEIJING – Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed his nation’s commitment to working alongside Russia through the United Nations Security Council to help reduce escalating tensions across the Middle East region, according to a Sunday report from China’s state news agency Xinhua.

During a telephone conversation with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, Wang emphasized that achieving an immediate ceasefire represents the most effective approach to resolving shipping challenges in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. Wang reiterated China’s longstanding position favoring diplomatic solutions and peaceful negotiations to address international conflicts.

The diplomatic exchange between the two foreign ministers occurred in advance of an upcoming United Nations Security Council decision on a resolution proposed by Bahrain aimed at safeguarding commercial vessels operating in and around the vital Strait of Hormuz waterway.

KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — The Democratic Republic of Congo has announced a new partnership with the Trump administration to accept migrants through a third-country deportation program, making it the latest African nation to participate in such an arrangement.

According to a statement from the Congolese Ministry of Communications released Sunday, deportees are scheduled to begin arriving in the country this month. Officials did not specify exact dates or provide details about how many individuals are expected to arrive.

The ministry characterized the agreement as a short-term arrangement that demonstrates Congo’s “commitment to human dignity and international solidarity.” Under the terms of the deal, the United States will handle all logistical expenses, ensuring no financial burden falls on the Congolese government.

This partnership expands the Trump administration’s third-country deportation network to include at least eight African nations. Many of these countries have been significantly affected by recent U.S. policies that have limited trade relationships, foreign aid, and migration opportunities.

Recent findings from Democratic staff members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reveal that the Trump administration has allocated approximately $40 million to deport roughly 300 migrants to nations other than their countries of origin.

Legal experts and advocacy groups have expressed concerns about the nature of these international agreements, particularly those involving African nations. Several participating countries, including Eswatini, South Sudan, and Equatorial Guinea, have documented histories of authoritarian governance and problematic human rights practices.

A significant point of controversy surrounding these deportation agreements involves migrants who have received protection orders from U.S. immigration courts, specifically prohibiting their return to their home countries due to serious safety risks.

Congolese officials emphasized that deportees will not be automatically transferred, stating: “Each situation will be subject to individual review in accordance with the laws of the Republic and national security requirements.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Syria on Sunday for his first-ever visit to the country, where he conducted talks with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, according to two Syrian officials who spoke to Reuters on April 5.

A Syrian government adviser indicated that the discussions centered on defense-related issues in the context of the broader regional conflict affecting the area.

Members of Britain’s Royal Family gathered at Windsor Castle on Sunday for their annual Easter celebration, though several notable family members were missing from the traditional service.

King Charles and Queen Camilla led the Easter Matins ceremony at St. George’s Chapel, accompanied by Prince William, his wife Catherine, and their three children. The service represents a significant event for the monarch, who serves as the supreme governor of the Church of England.

Dean of Windsor Christopher Cocksworth welcomed the royal couple upon their arrival for the morning service. Queen Camilla, dressed in a striking red hat and matching coat, was presented with a small bouquet of flowers during the festivities.

Following the conclusion of the religious ceremony, both Charles and Camilla greeted well-wishers in the crowd, exchanging “Happy Easter” wishes with attendees.

Prince Edward and Anne, the Princess Royal, along with other royal family members, also participated in Sunday’s service.

Notably missing from this year’s Easter gathering was the King’s younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who had participated in the previous year’s celebration alongside his former wife Sarah Ferguson. Andrew was taken into police custody in February on allegations of misconduct in public office.

His daughters, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, also chose not to attend Sunday’s service. According to a royal source who spoke last week, the princesses made their own decision to skip the event, rather than being excluded by King Charles.

The King chose not to issue an Easter message this year. On Saturday, relatives of Jeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Giuffre called upon Charles to meet with survivors during his upcoming state visit to the United States, noting the timing coincides with the anniversary of her passing.

Giuffre had previously alleged that the deceased American financier Epstein had trafficked her to Mountbatten-Windsor when she was 17 years old.

The former prince, who has consistently denied these accusations and stated he has no memory of encountering Giuffre, reached a financial settlement with her in 2022 while not acknowledging any wrongdoing.

In related church news, Sarah Mullally, who serves as the archbishop of Canterbury and is the first woman to lead the Church of England, delivered her inaugural Easter sermon at Canterbury Cathedral on Sunday.

A Stanford University legal scholar provided analysis on international law questions surrounding an open letter that characterizes military conflict with Iran as breaching United Nations charter provisions.

Allen Weiner, who works with Stanford’s Program in International and Comparative Law, spoke with NPR’s Ayesha Rascoe about the legal implications of the letter and broader questions of international law governing such conflicts.

The discussion focused on how international legal frameworks apply to current military actions and what role UN charter provisions play in determining the legitimacy of international conflicts.

WASHINGTON — American military forces successfully retrieved a service member who had been stranded in Iranian territory following the downing of their fighter aircraft, officials announced Sunday. The rescue comes as President Donald Trump has issued fresh ultimatums to Tehran demanding the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Tehran continues to show defiance, launching attacks against economic and infrastructure facilities in nearby Gulf Arab nations.

The successful extraction concluded a U.S. search-and-rescue mission that began after an F-15E Strike Eagle went down on Friday in Iranian territory. Iranian officials had offered bounties for capturing any “enemy pilot.” According to Trump, the rescued aviator sustained injuries but remains in stable condition.

“This brave Warrior was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran, being hunted down by our enemies, who were getting closer and closer by the hour,” Trump wrote on social media.

Military officials had previously rescued a second crew member from the same aircraft.

The downed fighter represents the first American military aircraft to crash within Iranian borders since U.S. and Israeli forces initiated their military campaign against Iran on February 28.

Trump declared last week that American forces would conclude the conflict “very fast.” However, just two days afterward, Iranian forces successfully shot down two U.S. military aircraft, demonstrating both the continued dangers of the air campaign and Iran’s capacity to retaliate despite military setbacks.

With Iran maintaining its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, Trump issued weekend social media warnings threatening to unleash “all Hell” unless the waterway reopens by Monday. The president has made similar threats previously, extending deadlines when mediators claimed progress toward a negotiated settlement.

The second aircraft lost was a U.S. A-10 attack plane. Details about the crew’s condition and the exact crash location remain unclear.

Iranian state television broadcast footage Sunday showing what officials claimed were fragments of American aircraft destroyed by Iranian forces, accompanied by images of dense black smoke billowing skyward. The network reported that Iranian forces had shot down an American transport aircraft and two helicopters participating in the rescue mission.

A regional intelligence source familiar with the operation told The Associated Press that U.S. military personnel destroyed two transport planes due to mechanical failures, requiring additional aircraft to complete the rescue operation.

The source requested anonymity when discussing the classified mission.

Iranian drone strikes targeted infrastructure and economic facilities across Gulf nations. In Kuwait, the attacks severely damaged power generation facilities and a petrochemical complex, while also disabling a water desalination facility, according to the Ministry of Electricity. Officials reported no casualties from these strikes.

Bahrain experienced drone attacks that ignited fires at a national oil company storage facility and a government-operated petrochemical plant, the kingdom’s official news service reported.

United Arab Emirates officials responded to multiple fires at the Borouge petrochemicals facility, which they attributed to intercepted debris from Iranian attacks. Operations at the Ruwais plant, located near the UAE’s western border with Saudi Arabia, have been suspended.

These retaliatory strikes followed Israel’s attack on an Iranian petrochemical facility that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed generated funds used to finance the ongoing conflict.

The petrochemical sector represents a crucial economic component for many Gulf nations. Facilities in Bahrain, the UAE, and Iran process oil and gas into products including plastics, polymers, and fertilizers, generating billions in export income.

Trump reiterated his demands for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by Monday or face severe retaliation, posting Saturday on social media: “Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out — 48 hours before all Hell will reign down on them.”

The strategic waterway serves as a vital passage for global energy shipments, particularly oil and gas exports from the Persian Gulf to European and Asian markets. Disruptions in this area have created market instability and forced oil and gas-importing nations to pursue alternative supply sources.

Pakistan’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Andrabi informed the AP that his government’s ceasefire mediation efforts remain “right on track” following Islamabad’s announcement last week about hosting upcoming discussions between American and Iranian representatives.

Officials from Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are collaborating to facilitate negotiations between the United States and Iran, according to two regional sources.

The potential agreement includes halting hostilities to enable diplomatic resolution, according to a regional official participating in the mediation efforts and a Gulf diplomat briefed on the discussions. Both sources spoke anonymously to discuss confidential diplomatic activities.

A grain-carrying cargo vessel has gone down in the Sea of Azov, resulting in one fatality and leaving two crew members unaccounted for, according to a Russian-appointed official’s announcement Sunday on the Telegram platform.

Vladimir Saldo, the Moscow-appointed administrator for Russian-occupied areas of Ukraine’s Kherson region, reported that nine crew members successfully reached the shoreline and survived the incident. All survivors are Russian citizens, Saldo confirmed.

The official stated that an assistant to the ship’s captain perished in the maritime disaster, while two individuals remain missing. Saldo indicated that authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the sinking.

Lebanon’s armed forces announced Sunday that one of their personnel was fatally wounded during an Israeli military operation targeting the southern portion of the country.

The military confirmed the soldier’s death following the strike, though additional details about the circumstances surrounding the incident were not immediately provided.

The reported fatality represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between the neighboring nations along their shared border region.

Swedish maritime officials have freed an oil tanker that faces European Union sanctions after determining there wasn’t enough proof the vessel caused an environmental disaster in Baltic waters.

Coast guard representatives announced they couldn’t establish adequate evidence linking the Flora 1 tanker to an 8-mile oil slick found last Thursday in the Baltic Sea.

Officials also confirmed that Cameroon verified the ship operated under their national flag, which remained uncertain when maritime authorities stopped the vessel and its 24 crew members on Friday, according to coast guard statements.

European Union officials placed the Flora 1 on their sanctions registry for transporting Russian petroleum while “practicing irregular and high-risk shipping practices.” These dangerous operations can involve disabling automatic tracking systems that broadcast vessel locations to nearby ships.

The penalties target what officials call a “shadow fleet” that developed following price restrictions on Russian petroleum implemented by the Group of Seven democratic nations to reduce funding for Russia’s Ukrainian military campaign. These restrictions work by preventing insurance and shipping companies from handling oil above the established price limit.

This maritime network consists of older tankers with ownership and insurance based in nations that ignore the price restrictions. The advanced age of these vessels and their lack of Western insurance coverage has created safety worries about potential spills and responsibility for cleanup costs.

According to Ukrainian government records, a Hong Kong corporation owned the Flora 1 as of late 2025, and the vessel also faces sanctions from Britain, Canada, Australia, Switzerland, and New Zealand. The ship has switched names six times and changed flag countries nine times. Maritime observers have documented the vessel disabling its automatic tracking system to conceal its whereabouts and conducting ship-to-ship transfers that can mask oil cargo origins.

Current sanctions prohibit any business dealings with the designated vessels.

An Israeli security official disclosed on April 5th that Israel contributed intelligence support to assist American forces in retrieving a U.S. airman who became stranded in Iran. According to the official, Israel also temporarily suspended its military operations in the region to ensure the rescue effort could be carried out successfully.

The cooperation between the two allies highlights the coordination that takes place behind the scenes during sensitive military operations in the Middle East. The Israeli official confirmed that the country’s intelligence services played a supporting role in helping American personnel safely extract their fellow serviceman from Iranian territory.

BEIJING – Chinese officials confirmed Sunday they executed a French national who had been on death row since 2010 for drug trafficking offenses, defending their judicial process amid criticism from France regarding the handling of the case.

The Chinese embassy in France issued a statement about the execution of 62-year-old Chan Thao Phoumy, who had served 20 years behind bars before his death sentence was carried out.

French foreign ministry officials expressed disappointment Saturday, stating they “particularly regretted” that Chan’s legal representatives were barred from attending the court’s final proceedings, which they said violated his legal rights.

As one of the nations with the harshest penalties for drug-related crimes worldwide, China has previously executed foreign nationals found guilty of smuggling substantial quantities of narcotics across its borders, though the government does not publicly release execution data.

Chan, who was born in Guangzhou in southern China but later became a naturalized French citizen, was among 89 individuals taken into custody in 2005 on drug trafficking charges. He initially received a life sentence in 2007.

A court in his birth city upgraded his sentence to death in 2010 due to his involvement in a drug enterprise valued at 100 million yuan (approximately $15 million) that manufactured, transported and distributed large quantities of crystal methamphetamine throughout China.

While China’s legal system allows for capital punishment when defendants are caught with as little as 50 grams of heroin or methamphetamine, executions typically occur in cases involving significantly larger trafficking operations.

The Democratic Republic of Congo announced Sunday it has reached an agreement with the Trump administration to accept individuals being deported from the United States who are not Congolese nationals.

Officials in Kinshasa released a statement confirming the arrangement, which would see the Central African nation receive third-country nationals removed from U.S. territory under the new partnership deal.

The announcement marks a significant development in U.S. immigration policy, as the agreement provides an alternative destination for deportees who may not be accepted by their countries of origin.

ZURICH – Switzerland’s foreign ministry announced that Italy’s diplomatic representative will resume his duties in the country following a diplomatic standoff that lasted several months.

Ambassador Gian Lorenzo Cornado is scheduled to arrive in Bern on Monday, according to Swiss officials. His return comes after Italy withdrew him from his position in January as a formal protest against how Swiss authorities managed the aftermath of a catastrophic nightclub fire.

The deadly blaze occurred on New Year’s Day at a drinking establishment in the mountain resort town of Crans-Montana, claiming the lives of 41 individuals. Among the victims were six Italian citizens. The tragedy ranks among Switzerland’s most devastating disasters in recent decades.

Italian officials expressed strong objections when Swiss authorities decided to release the establishment’s owner on bail, prompting Rome to recall its ambassador as a diplomatic protest. The move highlighted tensions between the neighboring countries over the handling of the investigation and legal proceedings.

Emergency crews successfully evacuated approximately 100 individuals from a military academy in Moscow after a fire broke out at the facility on Sunday, according to reports from Russian news agency TASS citing local officials.

Preliminary reports indicate that all personnel were safely removed from the structure with no one remaining inside during the incident.

A defense ministry representative told TASS that the blaze originated from an electrical short circuit that occurred at approximately 11:22 a.m. local time (8:22 a.m. GMT).

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban revealed Sunday that Serbian authorities discovered explosive devices at a crucial gas pipeline facility that connects Hungary and Serbia.

The Hungarian leader disclosed the information after speaking by phone with Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic about the security incident. Orban, who maintains a close political relationship with Vucic and is preparing for elections on April 12, shared details of the discovery through a social media announcement.

“Serbian authorities have found destructive explosives and the equipment needed for activation at the critical gas infrastructure connecting Serbia and Hungary. An investigation is underway. I have called an extraordinary defense council this afternoon,” Orban stated in his Facebook post.

The discovery prompted Orban to immediately schedule an emergency defense council meeting for Sunday afternoon as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the explosive materials found at the strategic energy infrastructure.

Medical officials in Gaza report that four Palestinians were killed Sunday when Israeli forces conducted an airstrike in the northern part of the territory, marking another deadly incident that threatens an already unstable ceasefire.

According to local medics, the strike hit a group of individuals on Jaffa Street near the Darraj neighborhood in Gaza City, resulting in four fatalities and additional injuries.

Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response regarding the incident.

Both Hamas militants and Israeli forces have accused each other of breaking the ceasefire terms that were established last October, bringing an end to two years of intense warfare.

Gaza’s health ministry reports that Israeli military actions have resulted in at least 700 Palestinian deaths since the ceasefire took effect. Israeli officials state that four of their soldiers have been killed by militants during the same timeframe.

Last week, representatives from Hamas met with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey in Cairo to provide their preliminary response to a weapons surrender proposal that was presented to the organization last month, according to two Egyptian sources and a Palestinian official.

The organization has informed mediators it will not consider disarmament discussions without assurances that Israel will completely withdraw from Gaza, as outlined in President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” disarmament plan, three sources told Reuters on Thursday.

The question of Hamas giving up its weapons remains a major obstacle in negotiations to move forward with Trump’s plan for the Palestinian territory and strengthen the ceasefire agreement.

Israeli casualty figures show that Hamas’ attacks on October 7, 2023, resulted in 1,200 deaths.

The subsequent two-year Israeli military campaign has killed more than 72,000 Palestinians, with the majority being civilians according to Gaza health officials. The conflict has also caused widespread hunger, destroyed most structures, and forced repeated displacement of nearly the entire population.

A significant blaze erupted at one of Russia’s largest oil refineries following what officials describe as a drone strike, according to regional authorities.

The NORSI petroleum facility, which ranks as the nation’s fourth-largest refinery, caught fire after the unmanned aircraft attack, Nizhny Novgorod region Governor Gleb Nikitin announced via Telegram on Sunday.

The incident also caused damage to an electrical power facility and multiple residential properties in the area, Nikitin reported. Initial reports indicate no casualties resulted from the attack, the governor stated.