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The island nation of Bahrain has intensified its suppression of opposition voices during its current conflict with Iran, following the controversial death of a man who disappeared while in government custody last month.

Mohamed al-Mousawi, a 32-year-old Shiite Muslim, went missing in March during Iranian missile strikes on the kingdom. His family was contacted eight days later to collect his remains from a military facility.

Family members report that al-Mousawi, who had been working to save funds for a new venture, was returned to them with extensive injuries including cuts and bruises across his body, particularly on his feet.

The incident has intensified tensions in the Sunni-led nation where Shiites form the majority population, as human rights advocates claim officials are employing similar harsh methods used during the 2011 Arab Spring demonstrations.

The monarchy, which provides a base for America’s 5th Fleet naval operations, has detained numerous individuals during the current conflict for recording attacks and rallies, showing solidarity with Iran, or suspected intelligence activities.

“They want to make sure nobody challenges the state’s narrative and silence any voices not telling the story (of the war) how they want it to be told,” said Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei of the London-based Bahrain Institute for Rights and Democracy.

Government officials stated that al-Mousawi faced espionage accusations related to Iran, which his relatives reject, and described photographs of his injuries as “inaccurate and misleading.” Officials maintain they are protecting national security and deny religious discrimination, insisting all actions follow legal procedures with independent oversight of misconduct claims.

Al-Mousawi had completed approximately 11 years of a 21-year sentence for charges including property destruction and terrorist group membership before his 2024 release under royal clemency.

According to unnamed relatives and a family associate who spoke confidentially due to safety concerns, al-Mousawi vanished on March 19 following religious services with two companions who also remain missing. Human rights organizations have repeatedly criticized Bahrain for forced disappearances.

His family received notification to retrieve his body on March 27. The relative who viewed the remains described evidence of cable whipping, apparent electrical burns including behind the knees, and cigarette burns on various body parts.

The Associated Press independently examined photographs of al-Mousawi’s remains, which displayed injuries confirmed by five people who personally observed the body. All requested anonymity fearing retaliation.

The Interior Ministry confirmed al-Mousawi was held by the National Security Agency. Following 2011 protest reforms, this intelligence service lost arrest authority due to abuse allegations, but regained these powers in 2017 as Bahrain expanded its anti-dissent efforts.

Officials stated that injury photographs were “inaccurate and misleading and have been deliberately disseminated to mislead public opinion,” without providing specifics.

Hospital records listed cardiac arrest as the cause of death. His relatives stated the 32-year-old had no known health problems.

Ahmed Banasr, a forensic specialist with New York-based Physicians for Human Rights, determined the photographed wounds matched blunt force injuries. Foot sole injuries help eliminate alternative explanations like altercations or accidents.

“The findings are highly consistent with alleged torture,” he said.

Al-Mousawi was among many Bahraini Shiites caught in intensified enforcement that critics say has grown since Israel and the U.S. began military action against Iran on February 28.

Human rights groups view these detentions and al-Mousawi’s death as a renewed phase of Bahrain’s ongoing suppression campaign that peaked in 2011 during regional democracy movements. The ruling Al Khalifa dynasty crushed mass protests that year using Saudi Arabian and UAE military assistance.

Sporadic unrest has persisted, with authorities characterizing predominantly Shiite demonstrators as Iranian agents. Unlike neighboring Sunni Gulf monarchies, Bahrain shares Iran’s Shiite majority population.

“It really remains to be seen how far the government is going to go in its crackdown on people,” said Maryam al-Khawaja, a Bahraini activist living abroad whose father is jailed in Bahrain. “What we’re seeing right now is definitely a lot more heavy-handed than we have in the past few years.”

Government representatives described their security actions as “a direct and proportionate response” to Iranian attacks.

“The individuals arrested include those who filmed military and strategic sites during an active attack on Bahraini territory, those who passed sensitive information, and those who publicly expressed support for a state that had just launched strikes against Bahraini soil,” officials stated.

“To present arrests made on the basis of conduct as evidence of sectarian persecution and conflate the two — is a framing that we firmly and unequivocally reject,” they added.

Since hostilities began, authorities have arrested at least 41 people, including foreign workers, for sharing footage of what officials termed “Iranian aggression” or expressing sympathy. Some face treason charges carrying potential life imprisonment or execution.

Bahrain reports over 600 Iranian drone and missile attacks that have killed at least two people and damaged critical infrastructure including water treatment facilities, petroleum refineries, and metal processing plants. Iran has also repeatedly struck U.S. 5th Fleet headquarters.

Video evidence reviewed by AP shows some protesters mourning Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing and celebrating attacks on Bahrain. The footage also captures incendiary devices being thrown and vehicles set on fire.

The day after fighting commenced, 21-year-old Hussein Fatiil and a companion recorded social media videos displaying Iran’s supreme leader’s image at a demonstration near the U.S. Embassy. Plainclothes officers immediately arrested them using an unmarked vehicle.

The men contacted their families hours later from a police facility after questioning, Hussein’s father, Naji Fatiil, told the AP.

Three days afterward, Hussein informed his family of five charges including social media misuse, inciting hatred, and treason, his father reported.

“The charges are extremely serious and exaggerate what happened,” he said, adding his son described the embassy protest as peaceful. “Now he might be charged with the most severe punishment. All I want is for my son to have a normal life and not be sentenced to death.”

Ukrainian military officials reported Friday that Moscow has been launching sustained aerial bombardments against the country since Thursday evening, with numerous enemy drones currently operating in Ukrainian airspace.

This marks the second instance this week where Russian forces have combined overnight drone strikes with intensive daytime bombardments, representing a new strategic approach as Moscow seeks methods to overcome Ukraine’s defensive capabilities.

“We can see that the enemy is using new routes, new drones which they are constantly modernising, and new tactics,” air force spokesman Yurii Ihnat said on state television.

According to Ihnat, Russian forces deployed more than 400 long-range drones within a 24-hour period, along with ten ballistic missiles that mainly focused on regions close to the battle lines.

The spokesperson noted similarities between this bombardment and Tuesday’s assault, which resulted in at least four fatalities. That earlier attack featured an overnight wave of more than 300 drones followed by a comparable daytime strike.

Widespread Russian bombardments create significant disruption throughout Ukraine, forcing government offices, public transportation systems, and businesses to shut down during attacks that can persist for hours.

“The enemy is exerting (pressure) on our population, paralysing the work of certain public institutions, as well as learning institutions,” Ihnat said.

In Kharkiv’s eastern region, regional governor Oleh Synehubov reported via social media that one person died and 25 others sustained injuries from missile, bomb and drone strikes during the previous 24 hours.

Among these attacks were four ballistic missiles that hit the regional capital of Kharkiv during overnight hours, with authorities confirming only one injury from that particular strike.

SEOUL, South Korea — During a diplomatic summit in Seoul on Friday, French President Emmanuel Macron and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung committed to joint efforts aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz and reducing worldwide economic instability stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts.

The high-level meeting occurred while U.S. President Donald Trump criticized international partners for insufficient support in the American and Israeli military campaign against Iran. This marked Macron’s inaugural trip to South Korea as president since assuming office in 2017, continuing his broader Asian diplomatic tour that previously included Japan.

During their initial discussions, Macron emphasized to Lee that both nations could contribute significantly to Middle Eastern stability, particularly addressing Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz, which has created turmoil in worldwide energy markets.

Speaking at a joint press conference following their talks, Macron highlighted the importance of French-South Korean collaboration in efforts to reopen the waterway and reduce Middle Eastern tensions. Lee confirmed that both leaders “affirmed their resolves to cooperate to secure the safe shipping route in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Neither president accepted media questions or provided specific details about their strategy for reopening the crucial passage — the narrow channel between Iran and Oman that typically handles approximately 20% of global oil shipments.

“We need to clearly define, at the international level, the conditions for a process to ease the crisis and conflict in the Middle East,” Macron stated. “We need to ensure that the Strait of Hormuz is reopened.”

Lee announced that he and Macron decided to broaden collaboration across technology, energy, and additional sectors. Representatives from both countries also formalized agreements covering nuclear fuel supply chain cooperation, joint investment in a southern South Korean offshore wind facility, and partnerships involving critical minerals. South Korea has been increasing nuclear reactor production to address energy shortages, while Lee has advocated for accelerated renewable energy adoption, noting how the conflict has highlighted the nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Macron’s Asian diplomatic mission coincides with Trump’s growing dissatisfaction with allied nations. During a Wednesday address, Trump declared that Americans “don’t need” the strait but countries that depend on it “must grab it and cherish it.”

At a previous White House Easter gathering, Trump urged Asian allies and China to participate in waterway reopening efforts.

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

The actual U.S. military presence in South Korea totals approximately 28,000 personnel, not the 45,000 figure Trump mentioned. American forces in South Korea serve as a deterrent against potential North Korean aggression.

Macron has previously stated that military action to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be impractical.

South Korean officials report ongoing communication with Washington regarding the situation and confirm that Seoul is not considering payment of transit fees to Iran for securing fuel deliveries through the strait.

BANGKOK (AP) — General Min Aung Hlaing, the military leader who toppled Myanmar’s civilian administration in 2021 and maintained authoritarian control for five years, has been chosen as the nation’s president by parliament on Friday.

While this represents a technical shift back to elected leadership, critics view it as a calculated strategy to preserve military dominance following elections that opposition groups and international monitors characterized as illegitimate and unfair.

Though Min Aung Hlaing faced two other candidates for the presidency, his victory was essentially predetermined given that military-aligned party members and army appointees control a decisive parliamentary majority.

Parliamentary Speaker Aung Lin Dwe revealed that Min Aung Hlaing secured 429 votes from the total 584 cast, while his competitors were appointed as vice presidents.

The senior general had previously stepped down from his commander-in-chief role since Myanmar’s constitution bars the president from simultaneously serving as the military’s top leader. His trusted associate, General Ye Win Oo, assumed the influential military position.

At 69 years old, Min Aung Hlaing served as Myanmar’s military commander since 2011. Even before deposing Suu Kyi’s administration, he wielded considerable influence under the military-drafted constitution.

Legislative members gained their seats through elections conducted in three stages during December and January. Key opposition movements, including Suu Kyi’s previously governing National League for Democracy, were prevented from participating or chose to boycott what they considered rigged conditions. Suu Kyi remains imprisoned.

Russian authorities are urging citizens to adopt MAX, a government-supported messaging platform, but many users are expressing reluctance about downloading the state-controlled service.

Diplomats have described Russia’s actions as a “great crackdown,” with authorities repeatedly disrupting mobile internet access and obtaining broad authority to disable mass communication systems while interfering with messaging platforms and virtual private networks.

As an alternative, Moscow has vigorously promoted MAX, which markets itself as a “national messenger” and belongs to a firm whose leader is the child of one of Putin’s senior advisors.

Many Russians view this forced migration as excessive. Irina Matveeva, a Moscow saxophonist, downloaded MAX out of necessity to stay in touch with her music students.

“But I am not happy with this situation,” Matveeva told Reuters at the Rhythm & Blues Cafe in Moscow where she performs with the “Good Gollys” band. “I try to use it as little as possible.”

Matveeva described the Telegram restrictions as bewildering and irritating, explaining the difficulties of juggling multiple messaging platforms while dealing with VPN software and internet disruptions.

Ten additional Russians shared comparable doubts about MAX. However, two others reported satisfaction with the platform and said they had mostly moved on from Telegram and WhatsApp, which face partial interference in Moscow.

Government representatives argue that a domestic messaging service is essential because foreign intelligence agencies have compromised international messaging platforms like Telegram, and Moscow must guarantee security through developing a “sovereign” internet infrastructure.

VK, which owns MAX, did not respond to requests for comment. The company announced on March 26 that MAX had gained 107 million users since launching one year earlier, with the application being used globally including Russia and former Soviet republics, plus regions in Asia, Africa, Latin America and the Middle East.

Opposition groups claim Russian intelligence agencies can access MAX user data and that artificial intelligence technology monitors the information to identify potential state threats and gauge public sentiment and opposition.

One Russian citizen identifying himself only as Danil expressed satisfaction with supporting a domestic messaging service and said he used MAX without worry.

However, others feel uncomfortable after years of enjoying relatively unrestricted messaging freedom.

“I intentionally ask my inner circle not to download it because Telegram is closer to me,” Olga Kravets said.

Russians have historically found subtle ways to resist censorship, from clever satire during the Tsarist era to secret publishing and distribution of prohibited poetry and literature during the late Soviet period.

One Russian woman reported being compelled to install MAX because Gosuslugi – the government service platform that handles everything from passports and driver’s licenses to university admissions and hunting permits – required a verification code sent through the application.

“I kept it on my phone to use it in case everything else is shut down. But I do not plan to use it,” said Anna, who declined to provide her surname due to the delicate nature of the topic.

Denis Kuskov, director of the TelecomDaily information website, said he believed it was inappropriate to require the entire population to download MAX before the application functioned flawlessly.

He was choosing not to install it currently.

“Not because I am afraid to do so,” he explained. “But because I believe that installing an app or ordering a service should be a personal choice.”

Russian authorities reported Friday that a passenger train went off the tracks in the Ulyanovsk region, leaving seven people hurt among the 412 passengers aboard.

The derailment occurred approximately 559 miles away from Moscow in the Russian region. Officials have not yet determined what caused the train to leave the tracks.

Emergency responders attended to the seven injured passengers following the incident on Friday.

SYDNEY, April 3 – Millions of Australians are abandoning their Easter weekend getaway plans as fuel shortages and skyrocketing prices make travel unaffordable and impractical.

Sydney resident Elsa Ulcak, 67, represents countless retirees who traditionally spend the four-day Easter holiday exploring Australia’s countryside. This year, however, she and her husband are staying home.

“We usually go to the countryside, but because of the petrol situation, we decided to stay at home this year,” Ulcak explained.

The retired couple felt a lengthy drive would drain both their wallet and fuel supplies that working people need more urgently. “(It’s) six or seven hours drive to the countryside… it’s expensive. Also we’ve got to think about it – working people need their petrol, (but) we’re retired, we can stay at home,” she said.

“We usually go with a group of friends, everyone cancelled.”

Easter weekend traditionally ranks among Australia’s peak travel periods. Research company Roy Morgan projected over 4.5 million people would travel during 2025’s Easter break, generating approximately A$11.1 billion ($7.67 billion) in tourism spending.

However, the Iran conflict that erupted February 28th and subsequent Strait of Hormuz blockade have severely disrupted global energy markets, creating widespread travel disruptions.

Since Australia relies on imports for roughly 90% of its fuel supply, the nation has faced localized shortages and dramatic price increases. Diesel costs climbed above A$3 per liter while gasoline exceeded A$2.50 last week, prompting government intervention through fuel tax reductions.

Art director Rachel Abbott, 27, also scrapped her Easter travel arrangements. She typically visits family in northeastern Victoria but found both driving and airline costs prohibitive.

“Work’s just been quite busy and flights are very expensive, and then if I were to drive, obviously it would be a lot more expensive,” Abbott noted.

Aid worker Stav Zotalis, 59, wasn’t planning Easter travel anyway, preferring to remain home during the holiday. Still, she acknowledged this year “does feel very different” due to Middle Eastern tensions.

“I don’t know that we can celebrate. It feels like the world is shaky, it’s unpredictable. And I feel that we don’t know where things are going,” Zotalis said.

Despite experiencing higher costs at gas stations and grocery stores, her primary concern remains with those living in conflict areas.

“I’ve been an overseas aid worker for 25 years and I lived in Asia for 14 years, and I know people that live closer to the conflict are having to forgo food. Not just trips interstate or to the coast, like some of us here in Australia,” she explained.

BEIRUT (AP) — After Israeli bombardment forced Hussein Shuman to evacuate Beirut’s southern suburbs in early March during the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the 35-year-old perfume company employee chose not to search for rental housing elsewhere.

Shuman believes that in neighborhoods considered “secure” due to the absence of the Lebanese militant organization, Shiite Muslims face unwelcoming attitudes. Local residents view them suspiciously as possible Hezbollah affiliates, while property owners demand excessive rental fees from displaced families.

The father of two instead established a small tent in downtown Beirut, where he now lives with his wife and their children, ages 7 and 5.

Shuman even declined when a friend offered to host his family in Zgharta, a Christian mountain community. He chose to stay in his tent despite experiencing flooding on two occasions over the past fortnight.

“By staying here I have my dignity and respect,” Shuman said, sitting on a chair near his tent as a barber gave him an open-air hair cut. “We will not stay in a place where we are going to be humiliated.”

Within a nation marked by mistrust, the over one million individuals — predominantly Shiite — who have been forced from their homes due to Israeli evacuation directives and bombing campaigns face restricted choices.

Property owners in Christian communities sometimes refuse Shiite tenants entirely. Others impose excessive rental rates and security deposits beyond most families’ financial reach. Fatima Zahra, a 42-year-old from Beirut’s southern districts, explained that she and her sister liquidated their most valuable jewelry to cover the $5,000 upfront payment demanded by a landlord for two months of housing.

Certain Beirut areas require displaced families who can meet high rental costs to undergo security screenings, with landlords notifying authorities to investigate potential Hezbollah connections before approving tenancy.

Religious divisions remain a delicate matter in Lebanon following a 15-year civil conflict that concluded in 1990, which primarily divided communities along sectarian boundaries.

Community tensions have intensified following Israeli precision strikes that eliminated Hezbollah officials or Iranian Revolutionary Guard personnel in areas with Christian, Sunni, and Druze majorities, heightening concerns among host communities about Hezbollah operatives hiding among civilians.

Lebanese citizens remain sharply split regarding Hezbollah’s military actions against Israel, with many in the small Mediterranean country holding the Iran-supported group responsible for involving Lebanon in a devastating war that has claimed over 1,200 lives and injured more than 3,000 people. Hezbollah launched missiles toward Israel two days following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, sparking the current Middle Eastern conflict.

This latest war has generated extensive destruction and crippled the economy while Lebanon continues struggling with a severe financial crisis that began in late 2019. The nation has not fully recovered from the previous Israel-Hezbollah war in 2024.

During mid-March, an Israeli attack on an apartment building in Aramoun resulted in three deaths, leading some local residents to demand the departure of displaced persons from their area.

Several days afterward, another strike in nearby Bchamoun also claimed three lives, including a four-year-old girl, who had been relocated from Beirut’s southern suburbs where Hezbollah maintains significant influence.

Israel did not identify the intended targets in either incident, but residents assumed someone in the attacked buildings had Hezbollah ties.

“Had we known that they were linked to Hezbollah, we would have kicked them out,” an angry man who owns an apartment in the building in Bchamoun said at the scene.

During late March, a missile detonated above the mainly Christian Keserwan area north of Beirut, scattering debris across multiple locations. While the Lebanese military later determined it was an Iranian missile crossing Lebanese airspace that fell, many initially believed it represented an Israeli attack targeting displaced civilians.

Though the missile fragments caused no injuries, a group of young men assaulted displaced Shiites in Haret Sakher district near Jounieh, demanding their removal before local authorities intervened.

“We don’t want them here,” shouted a Haret Sakher resident shortly after the strike. He said that some of the displaced refer to their hosts as “Zionists,” accusing them of being aligned with Israel because they criticize Hezbollah for dragging the country into the conflict. He added: “We don’t want national coexistence.”

George Saadeh, a Jounieh municipal council member, informed The Associated Press that he urged Haret Sakher residents to avoid reactions “so that we can preserve civil peace.”

Plans to shelter displaced individuals in an unused warehouse near the port in a predominantly Christian area north of Beirut were cancelled last week following opposition from legislators and community members.

“The Israeli targeting campaign has created a lot of paranoia,” said Maha Yahya, director of the Beirut-based Carnegie Middle East Center. “If you see a displaced person, maybe you wonder, ‘What if this person is a target?’”

Concerned about escalating tensions, military forces have increased their street presence.

On Friday, army commander Gen. Rudolphe Haikal visited Beirut and the southern city of Sidon, instructing troops to remain “firm in the face of any attempt to undermine internal stability,” according to an army statement.

Law enforcement units, including specialized tactical teams, were positioned at key intersections throughout the capital to maintain order and prevent conflicts between displaced persons and residents. Police patrols regularly monitor the coastal tent settlement where Shuman’s family resides.

A municipal official from the primarily Sunni town of Naameh, located south of Beirut, reported receiving thousands of people evacuated from southern Lebanon.

To prevent tensions, the official explained they designated one school in a particular district for displaced Shiites and opened another facility in a separate neighborhood for people evacuated from Sunni border communities.

“There are concerns among people,” that conflict could break out said the official who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the media.

With Israeli airstrikes and ground operations primarily focusing on Shiite regions, U.S. ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa, a Lebanese-American, faced criticism for promoting sectarian divisions. He informed reporters in late March that America had requested Israeli assurances that Christian villages in southern Lebanon would remain unattacked.

“We have asked the Israelis to leave Christian villages in the south alone and they told us that they will not touch Christian villages,” Issa said. However, he added, “They (Israelis) said that they cannot guarantee” that the villages would be left alone “if there is infiltration into these villages” by Hezbollah members.

Multiple Christian villages in southern Lebanon have requested that displaced Shiites seeking refuge there relocate elsewhere, fearing their presence could provoke Israeli attacks.

Legislator Taymour Joumblatt who is the leader of the Progressive Socialist Party, the largest Druze-led political group in the country, said that the biggest concern in the country now is “strife.”

“The most important thing is to reduce sectarian pressures on the ground,” Joumblatt said. “Our Shiites brothers are part of this country and our humanitarian duty is to help them.”

From March 27 through April 2, 2026, faithful across Latin America and the Caribbean observed Holy Week through vibrant processions and time-honored religious traditions.

Colombia held a somber memorial service in Bogota to pay tribute to 69 security personnel who perished when their military aircraft crashed.

The USS Nimitz, a U.S. Navy aircraft carrier, arrived and anchored in Panama’s Gulf waters during this period.

Meanwhile, Bolivia faced disappointment as their hopes were dashed in World Cup qualifying competition.

Photo editor Anita Baca, working from Mexico City, compiled this visual collection of the week’s significant events across the region.

Drone attacks launched by Iran caused multiple fires to break out at Kuwait’s Mina al-Ahmadi oil refinery on Friday, according to officials.

Kuwait Petroleum Corp., the state-owned company, confirmed the assault in an official statement and reported that emergency crews were actively battling the resulting flames.

No casualties occurred during the incident, according to the corporation.

The Mina al-Ahmadi facility is one of three oil refineries that Kuwait operates and has been targeted several times during the ongoing conflict.

These processing facilities play a crucial role in Kuwait’s petroleum industry since crude oil wells must cease operations without functioning refineries to process their output.

The process of bringing refineries back online after attacks requires extensive time due to safety protocols, leaving oil wells inactive until the facilities resume operations.

The assault occurred as Iran launched attacks on multiple targets throughout the Middle East region while facing retaliatory strikes from American and Israeli forces early Friday. The conflict has now entered its fifth week with no signs of slowing.

Both Bahrain and Kuwait experienced early morning bombardments from Iranian forces, while Israel issued alerts about incoming missile threats, despite U.S. and Israeli assertions that Iran’s military infrastructure has been severely damaged.

Iran’s ongoing assault on regional energy facilities and its control over the Strait of Hormuz—a vital shipping lane for 20% of global oil and natural gas during peacetime—has caused petroleum prices to surge dramatically, affecting economies worldwide.

Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, reached approximately $109 per barrel early Friday, representing a more than 50% increase since February 28 when the conflict began with U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

President Donald Trump has stated that reopening the blocked waterway is not America’s obligation, instead challenging other nations dependent on fuel shipments through Hormuz to “build some delayed courage” and “take it.”

The U.N. Security Council is scheduled to consider a Bahraini proposal on Saturday that would permit defensive measures to protect ships navigating the strait. The original draft would have authorized countries to “use all necessary means” to secure the passage, but Russia, China, and France—all possessing veto authority—have opposed authorizing military force.

French President Emmanuel Macron, speaking Thursday in South Korea, dismissed American expectations that the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened through military action as unrealistic.

“A military operation would take an infinite amount of time and would expose anyone passing through the strait to coastal threats from (Iran’s) Revolutionary Guard,” Macron stated. He emphasized that reopening the strait “can only be done in coordination with Iran,” through diplomatic negotiations following a potential ceasefire.

British-organized discussions involving more than 40 nations have emphasized diplomatic rather than military solutions for securing the strait. These countries, excluding the United States, have called for increased diplomatic pressure on Iran and potential economic sanctions.

The conflict has claimed more than 1,900 lives in Iran and 19 in Israel. Over two dozen people have perished in Gulf nations and the occupied West Bank, while 13 American military personnel have been killed.

In Lebanon, where Israel has launched a ground offensive against the pro-Iranian Hezbollah organization, more than 1,300 people have died and over one million have been displaced. Ten Israeli soldiers have also lost their lives in that theater.

Missile strikes launched by Iran targeted Israel and multiple Gulf nations on Friday, while residents reported hearing explosions throughout Tehran and the central Iranian city of Isfahan. The escalation comes as the United States moves to strengthen its already substantial military deployment in the Middle East region.

The conflict, which started on February 28th, was approaching its sixth week as Israel, Bahrain, and Kuwait issued warnings about incoming missile threats, though immediate damage assessments were not available. While activists confirmed strikes near Tehran and Isfahan, the specific targets remained unclear in initial reports.

Energy markets have been severely disrupted by Iran’s assault on Gulf region oil facilities and its control over the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that handles one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments during normal conditions. This disruption has caused petroleum prices to spike dramatically.

Financial markets showed mixed reactions as oil costs climbed while Asian stock exchanges posted modest gains amid careful trading. U.S. benchmark crude oil jumped 11.4% to reach $111.54 per barrel, while Brent crude, used as the global pricing standard, surged 7.8% to $109.03 per barrel.

President Donald Trump stated that American forces would continue striking Iran “very hard” over the coming two to three weeks.

The Navy’s largest operational aircraft carrier departed from Split, Croatia, with the 6th Fleet announcing the vessel “remains poised for full mission tasking in support of national objectives in any area of operation.”

Military officials did not specify the carrier’s destination. The USS Abraham Lincoln continues operating in the Arabian Sea while the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier left Norfolk on Wednesday, bound for the Middle East.

Energy costs kept climbing on concerns about an extended conflict with Iran, though Asian markets that remained open Friday showed moderate gains in careful trading sessions. Many exchanges were closed for Good Friday observances.

While the United States imports only a small percentage of its oil from the Persian Gulf region, petroleum operates as a global commodity with worldwide price setting.

Asian nations face a vastly different situation. Japan depends heavily on Strait of Hormuz access for its oil import requirements and would need to find alternative shipping routes. However, some experts believe Japan and other countries are working toward agreements with Iran to permit continued transport operations.

Japan’s Nikkei 225 index rose 0.9% during Friday morning sessions to 52,938.62. South Korea’s Kospi climbed 2.1% to 5,344.41, while the Shanghai Composite dropped 0.5% to 3,899.57. Markets remained closed in Hong Kong, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Indonesia, and India.

Wall Street, which was closed Friday, completed its first positive week since the Iranian conflict began, despite early trading declines caused by rising oil costs.

Bangladesh implemented reduced office hours and mandated early closures of shopping centers and retail stores starting Friday to address energy shortages stemming from the war.

Government officials ordered 30% reductions in fuel and power spending at public offices, halted certain employee training programs, and stopped purchasing new vehicles, ships, and aircraft. Decorative lighting for celebrations was also prohibited.

The South Asian nation of over 170 million residents is pursuing alternative energy sources and seeking $2.5 billion in external funding for imports, which represent 95% of its fuel supply.

Australian Energy Minister Chris Bowen advised motorists planning Easter weekend trips to refuel in urban areas on Friday, noting that most fuel shortages were affecting rural regions.

Of 2,400 service stations in New South Wales, Australia’s largest state by population, 182 had exhausted their diesel supplies by Friday.

Victoria, the country’s second-largest state, reported 76 stations without diesel. Among the remaining states by population size, Queensland recorded 75 stations lacking diesel, Western Australia had 37, South Australia counted 28, and Tasmania reported seven.

“For those Australians planning a road trip this weekend, given our shortages are predominantly in rural and regional Australia, it makes sense to fill up in the city to help the country if you can,” Bowen said in Sydney.

Officials attributed regional shortages to panic purchasing and supply chain issues, focusing efforts on delivering fuel to agricultural producers for crop planting activities.

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization is confronting what analysts describe as its most severe crisis in more than seven decades, as President Donald Trump weighs a complete U.S. withdrawal from the military alliance.

The discord stems from Trump’s fury over European nations’ refusal to deploy naval forces to reopen the Strait of Hormuz for international shipping following the outbreak of air combat with Iran on February 28th.

When asked by Reuters during a Wednesday interview whether he would consider leaving NATO, Trump responded, “Wouldn’t you if you were me?”

During Wednesday evening remarks, the president criticized American allies while avoiding direct condemnation of the alliance itself, though many observers had anticipated harsher language.

However, Trump’s recent statements, combined with weeks of sharp criticism directed at European partners, have sparked extraordinary worry that America might abandon its commitment to defend European allies under attack, regardless of whether Washington formally exits the organization.

According to experts and diplomatic sources, this situation has put the Cold War-era alliance – which has long formed the foundation of European security – under unprecedented strain, with its mutual defense commitments no longer considered guaranteed.

“This is the worst place (NATO) has been since it was founded,” stated Max Bergmann, a former State Department official who currently directs the Europe, Russia, and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. “It’s really hard to think of anything that even comes close.”

This harsh reality is becoming clear to European leaders who have historically relied on NATO as protection against an increasingly aggressive Russia.

Just last February, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte had called the concept of Europe defending itself without American support a “silly thought.” Today, numerous officials and diplomats view this scenario as the likely outcome.

“NATO remains necessary, but we must be capable of thinking of NATO without the Americans,” explained General Francois Lecointre, who led France’s armed forces from 2017 to 2021. “Whether it should even continue to be called NATO – North Atlantic Treaty Organization – is a valid question.”

White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly commented: “President Trump has made his disappointment with NATO and other allies clear, and as the President emphasized, ‘the United States will remember.’”

NATO representatives have not yet provided comment on the developing situation.

While the alliance has weathered previous storms, including Trump’s earlier threats to withdraw during his first presidency from 2017 to 2021, the current circumstances appear markedly different.

European officials who previously believed Trump could be managed through diplomatic courtesy and ceremony now hold diminished confidence in that approach, based on discussions with numerous current and former American and European officials.

The Trump administration has voiced frustration with what it perceives as NATO’s reluctance to support the United States during a critical period, including declining to assist with Strait of Hormuz operations and limiting American access to certain airfields and airspace. U.S. officials have emphasized that NATO cannot function as a “one-way street.”

European officials argue they have not received specific American requests for assets needed for strait operations and express confusion over Washington’s unclear timeline regarding whether such missions would occur during or after the conflict.

“It’s a terrible situation for NATO to be in,” observed Jamie Shea, a former senior NATO official now serving as a senior fellow at the Friends of Europe think tank. “It is a blow to the allies who, since Trump returned to the White House, have worked hard to show that they are willing and able to take more responsibility (for their own defense).”

Trump’s recent statements follow additional indicators of alliance instability, including intensified January threats to seize Greenland from Denmark and recent American policies that Europeans view as unusually accommodating toward Russia, which NATO identifies as its primary security threat.

The administration has remained largely silent regarding reports that Moscow has supplied targeting information to Iran for attacks on U.S. Middle Eastern assets and has removed sanctions on Russian oil to address global energy price increases during the war.

During a G7 foreign ministers gathering near Paris last week, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas engaged in a heated exchange, according to five sources familiar with the incident, highlighting growing transatlantic tensions.

Kallas questioned when American patience with Russian President Vladimir Putin would end regarding Ukraine peace talks, prompting an irritated Rubio to respond that the U.S. was working to conclude the war while supporting Ukraine, but the EU was free to mediate if preferred.

From a legal standpoint, Trump may lack authority to withdraw from NATO. A 2023 law requires a U.S. president to obtain consent from two-thirds of the Senate to exit the alliance, an extremely difficult threshold to achieve.

However, analysts note that as commander-in-chief, Trump can determine whether American military forces will defend NATO members. Refusing to do so could effectively destroy the alliance without formal withdrawal.

Not all observers view the current situation as existential. One French diplomat characterized the president’s statements as a temporary outburst.

Trump has previously modified his NATO stance. In 2024, he suggested during campaign events that he would encourage Putin to attack NATO members failing to meet defense spending obligations. By the June 2025 NATO summit, the alliance had regained his favor, with Trump delivering remarks praising European leaders as people who “love their countries.”

Next week, Secretary-General Rutte, who maintains a positive relationship with Trump, plans to visit Washington in an attempt to once again influence the president’s perspective.

Analysts suggest European nations have compelling reasons to maintain U.S. involvement in NATO despite uncertainties about Trump’s willingness to defend them. Among other factors, the American military provides essential capabilities NATO cannot easily replace, including satellite intelligence.

Even if Trump and European partners find a way to preserve their NATO relationship, diplomats, analysts, and officials believe the transatlantic alliance that has anchored global order since World War Two may be permanently changed.

“I do think we’re turning the page of 80 years of working together,” said Julianne Smith, who served as U.S. ambassador to NATO under Democratic President Joe Biden. “I don’t think it means the end of the transatlantic relationship, but we’re on the cusp of something that’s going to have a different look and feel to it.”

President Trump has escalated his threats against Iran, declaring that American forces have barely begun targeting the country’s remaining infrastructure as international efforts intensify to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route.

The conflict, now in its fifth week since beginning with coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes, continues spreading instability throughout the Middle East while disrupting global financial markets and mounting pressure on the administration to resolve the crisis quickly.

Trump has intensified his public statements recently as behind-the-scenes negotiations through third parties with Iran’s new leadership have shown minimal advancement.

In a late Thursday social media post, Trump declared the American military has barely begun demolishing Iran’s remaining assets. He wrote that bridges would be next, followed by electrical power facilities, emphasizing that Iranian leadership understands what must be accomplished quickly.

Earlier, the president shared footage of U.S. forces destroying a recently built bridge connecting Tehran with Karaj, a major northwestern suburb. The structure was set to begin handling traffic this year. Iranian state media reported eight fatalities and 95 injuries from the American strike.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi responded in a statement, saying that attacking civilian infrastructure, including incomplete bridges, would not force Iranians to capitulate.

Satellite imagery additionally revealed smoke billowing from facilities at Qeshm port, located on an Iranian island with strategic importance in the Strait of Hormuz, during this week’s operations.

More than 100 American international law scholars issued a statement Thursday expressing grave concerns about potential violations of international human rights and humanitarian law by U.S. forces and officials, including possible war crimes.

The experts’ letter specifically highlighted Trump’s mid-March statement suggesting potential strikes on Iran conducted purely for entertainment. They also referenced Pentagon Secretary Pete Hegseth’s early March remarks about American forces not operating under restrictive engagement rules.

During Wednesday evening remarks, Trump reiterated his threats against Iran’s civilian electrical infrastructure without providing any clear timeline for concluding military operations. This prompted Iranian retaliation promises, negatively impacted global stock markets, and drove oil prices higher amid concerns the Strait of Hormuz would remain mostly inaccessible.

Britain organized a virtual conference Thursday involving approximately 40 nations to explore methods for restoring navigational freedom, though no concrete agreements emerged. Participants did agree that all countries should enjoy unrestricted waterway access, according to one official.

The U.N. Security Council plans to vote Saturday on Bahrain’s resolution protecting commercial vessels in and around the strait, diplomats confirmed. However, China, which holds veto power, clearly opposed authorizing military force.

Chinese U.N. representative Fu Cong told the Security Council Thursday that any military intervention would legitimize unlawful and indiscriminate force usage, inevitably escalating tensions with serious ramifications.

Iran has effectively closed the strait, which typically handles approximately one-fifth of global oil commerce, as retaliation for U.S.-Israeli attacks that commenced February 28.

Tehran presented an alternative framework for future strait management, announcing it was developing protocols with neighboring Oman requiring vessels to secure permits and licenses.

European Union foreign policy leader Kaja Kallas rejected Tehran’s proposal, stating Iran cannot charge nations fees for ship passage. She wrote on social media that international law does not recognize pay-for-passage arrangements.

Concerns are mounting that the conflict could grant Iran control over Middle Eastern energy supplies after demonstrating its ability to block the Strait of Hormuz by targeting oil tankers and striking Gulf nations hosting American military personnel.

Gulf states maintain their self-defense rights but have avoided military responses to repeated Iranian attacks over recent weeks, hoping to prevent escalation into a broader Middle Eastern war.

Kuwait reported its air defense systems worked to intercept missiles and drones twice on Friday.

Thousands have died and tens of thousands suffered injuries across the Middle East since hostilities began. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies delegation head said Thursday that medical requirements were increasing exponentially while supplies could become scarce.

Fuel shortages have already created economic pressures throughout Asia and are anticipated to affect Europe soon. A joint U.N. agencies report warned that sharp economic decline could trigger cost-of-living crises in Africa.

A top official from Japan’s central bank announced Friday that the institution plans to continue increasing interest rates while carefully monitoring the economic impact of ongoing Middle East conflicts.

Speaking before parliament, Koji Nakamura, who serves as the Bank of Japan’s executive director for monetary policy, explained that while elevated fuel prices stemming from regional conflicts could damage Japan’s economy through worsened trade conditions, they might simultaneously drive up core inflation by raising long-term price expectations.

Nakamura noted that inflationary pressure from increased fuel costs could be more significant than in previous situations, as businesses are showing greater willingness to implement price and wage increases.

“If our economic and price projections were to materialise, we will likely continue to raise interest rates,” Nakamura stated, emphasizing that the scale and timing of future adjustments would be determined by prevailing economic, price, and financial circumstances.

“We will reach an appropriate decision at each policy meeting by updating our economic, price projections and our views on risks using data available at the time,” he continued.

Japan’s central bank concluded a decade of extensive economic stimulus measures in 2024 and has implemented multiple rate increases since then, including a December adjustment that brought the short-term policy rate to 0.75% – its highest level in three decades.

Financial markets are currently indicating approximately a 70% probability of another rate increase this month, as climbing fuel costs and elevated import prices from a weakened yen continue to add inflationary pressure to Japan’s economy.

President Donald Trump issued fresh warnings against Iran Thursday evening, threatening to target the nation’s bridges and electrical grid as part of escalating military action against the country’s infrastructure.

In a social media post, Trump declared that the American military “hasn’t even started destroying what’s left in Iran. Bridges next, then Electric Power Plants.”

The president’s message indicated that Iranian officials “knows what has to be done, and has to be done, FAST!”

During a televised address Wednesday, Trump had already suggested the conflict might intensify if Iran refuses to accept Washington’s demands, warning that energy and petroleum facilities could become targets. The president has previously given varying timeframes and objectives regarding the ongoing military action.

International legal scholars raised alarm Thursday, with dozens of experts in the United States releasing a public statement warning that American attacks on Iran could constitute war crimes.

The Geneva Conventions of 1949, which govern humanitarian rules during warfare, specifically ban assaults on infrastructure vital to civilian populations.

These international agreements and their additional protocols require warring parties to differentiate between “civilian objects and military objectives,” explicitly forbidding strikes against civilian targets.

“We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong,” Trump declared during his Wednesday speech.

Although Trump suggested Washington was close to achieving its objectives in Iran, he provided no specific timeline for concluding the military campaign.

The conflict commenced February 28 when American and Israeli forces launched coordinated strikes against Iran. Tehran retaliated by conducting its own offensive operations against Israel and Gulf nations hosting American military installations. Combined U.S.-Israeli operations in Iran and Israeli strikes in Lebanon have resulted in thousands of casualties and displaced millions of people.

The military action has also driven up petroleum prices and created instability in international financial markets. Trump’s contradictory statements have failed to calm anxiety about America’s most significant military engagement since the 2003 Iraq invasion.

The United Nations Security Council has scheduled a Saturday morning vote on a resolution aimed at safeguarding commercial vessels traveling through the Strait of Hormuz, according to diplomatic sources who confirmed the meeting was postponed from Friday due to a UN holiday.

The proposed measure, drafted by Bahrain as the current Security Council chair, would permit “all defensive means necessary” to ensure safe passage for commercial shipping through the strategically vital waterway.

Oil markets have experienced significant price increases following US and Israeli military actions against Iran in late February, sparking a conflict that has persisted for over a month and effectively shut down the crucial shipping route.

During Thursday’s Security Council session, Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani expressed hope for a Friday vote, stating “God willing” and emphasizing Bahrain’s expectation of a “unified position from this esteemed council.”

However, China’s UN representative Fu Cong voiced strong opposition to any force authorization during Thursday morning’s proceedings. Fu Cong warned that such action would amount to “legitimizing the unlawful and indiscriminate use of force, which would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences.”

The Gulf nation has received backing from fellow Arab states and Washington in pushing for the resolution, previously removing explicit language about binding enforcement to address concerns from Russia and China.

The current draft, as reviewed by Reuters, authorizes protective measures “for a period of at least six months … and until such time as the council decides otherwise.”

A preliminary approval process known as the silence procedure was attempted until Thursday noon, but China, France and Russia broke the silence, according to Western diplomatic sources. Despite this setback, diplomats confirmed the text has been finalized and is ready for an official vote.

For passage, the resolution needs support from at least nine of the 15 Security Council members and cannot face vetoes from any of the five permanent members: Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

Al Zayani characterized Iran’s actions as an “unlawful and unjustified attempt” to control international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, arguing the situation threatens worldwide interests and demands a “decisive response.”

The Arab League’s Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit announced the organization’s support for Bahrain’s resolution efforts during Security Council proceedings.

Britain organized a Thursday meeting with more than 40 nations focused on reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring secure transit, while also endorsing Bahrain’s diplomatic initiative.

President Donald Trump pledged Wednesday to maintain military operations but offered no specific strategy for reopening the waterway. This announcement further elevated oil prices as markets worried about reduced US involvement in protecting commercial shipping through the region.

BEIJING, April 3 – A Chinese citizen wanted in connection with narcotics offenses has been transferred back to China by United States authorities, according to a report from China’s official news agency Xinhua on Friday.

Chinese law enforcement officials confirmed the repatriation of the suspect, who had been residing in the United States while facing drug-related criminal charges in China.

The transfer represents ongoing cooperation between U.S. and Chinese authorities in returning fugitives wanted for criminal activities.

HAVANA (AP) — Cuban officials announced Thursday they will free 2,010 inmates from the nation’s prisons, describing the mass release as occurring during a period when the Trump administration maintains intense economic pressure on the Caribbean island through a restrictive oil embargo.

Officials characterized the pardons as a “humanitarian gesture” connected to Holy Week observances, making no reference to escalating tensions with the United States.

According to the government, those receiving pardons include both Cuban nationals and foreign prisoners, encompassing women, elderly inmates, and younger individuals. Officials did not specify the timing of the releases, the conditions attached, or detail the offenses for which these individuals were originally convicted.

The government provided no information about whether any pardoned individuals were demonstrators who had been convicted and sentenced on charges of terrorism, contempt, or public disorder.

While Cuba’s leadership maintains it does not detain political prisoners, the advocacy organization Prisoners Defended documented 1,214 individuals incarcerated for political activities in Cuba as of February.

Cuban officials stated the decision “was based on a careful analysis of the characteristics of the crimes committed by those sanctioned, their good behavior in prison, having served a significant portion of their sentence, and their health status,” according to a statement published in state media.

The prisoner release occurs during a time when the Trump administration has intensified economic pressure on Cuba’s leadership, implementing an oil embargo for several months that has triggered power outages and caused hardship for ordinary citizens.

Cuba has a history of freeing inmates during significant periods.

In January of the previous year, Cuban authorities released 553 prisoners during discussions with the Vatican, occurring one day after the Biden administration declared its intention to remove the U.S. classification of the island as a state sponsor of terrorism.

The previous month, Cuba freed 51 individuals from the nation’s correctional facilities in an unplanned action that officials attributed to goodwill and strong Vatican relationships.

Thursday’s announcement represents the fifth prisoner release since 2011, with the government stating it has freed over 11,000 individuals during this period.

The declaration follows by months the U.S. removal of former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and pressure on that country’s leadership to implement significant reforms, including freeing politically detained prisoners and enacting amnesty legislation.

The United Nations Security Council is preparing for a Friday vote on a modified resolution designed to secure passage through the Strait of Hormuz, after the original proposal faced significant revisions following pushback from China and Russia regarding the use of military force to reopen the vital shipping lane that Iran has effectively blocked.

According to the revised draft obtained Thursday by The Associated Press, the resolution now permits only defensive measures—not offensive actions—to guarantee safe vessel passage through the strait. This waterway typically handles one-fifth of global oil shipments, and Iran’s blockade during ongoing hostilities has caused energy prices to spike worldwide.

The original resolution proposed by Bahrain would have permitted nations to employ “all necessary means”—diplomatic language that encompasses potential military intervention—throughout “the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf and the Gulf of Oman” to maintain safe passage and prevent navigation interference.

Three permanent Security Council members with veto power—Russia, China, and France—had voiced concerns about approving military force. While the updated draft removes references to offensive military operations, these nations’ positions on the modifications remain unclear, making Friday’s vote particularly significant.

The current proposal permits countries to employ “all defensive means necessary and commensurate with the circumstances in the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent waters” to maintain passage and prevent interference with international shipping “for a period of at least six months.”

The resolution states that nations operating independently or through “multinational naval partnerships” may implement defensive measures after providing advance notice to the Security Council.

This development follows President Donald Trump’s Wednesday announcement that the United States and Israel would continue “extremely hard” bombardment of Iran over the coming two to three weeks, though he provided no clear timeline for ending the conflict. Iran has maintained retaliatory strikes throughout the region, and its control over the strait has created challenges for Trump and the international community as rising energy costs impact the global economy.

Prior to Bahrain’s release of the final draft, Russian UN Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia stated the proposal “does not solve the puzzle.” He emphasized that ending hostilities would provide the real solution.

Chinese UN Ambassador Fu Cong criticized the original draft’s force authorization, describing it as “unlawful and indiscriminate.” During Thursday’s council session, he cautioned that such measures “would inevitably lead to further escalation of the situation and lead to serious consequences.” He called on the council “to proceed with caution” while actively pursuing de-escalation and diplomatic dialogue.

French UN Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont similarly advocated for de-escalation, stating to the council that “defensive measures that avoid any broad use of force need to be promoted.” He subsequently suggested the revised draft emphasizing defense could be acceptable.

On March 11, the Security Council passed a Bahrain-sponsored resolution denouncing Iran’s “egregious attacks” against Gulf states and demanding Tehran immediately cease its strikes, which began after the US and Israel initiated military action on February 28.

That measure passed 13-0 with Russia and China abstaining, and also criticized Iran’s Strait of Hormuz actions as threatening international peace and security while demanding an immediate halt to all shipping blockade activities.

HAVANA – The Cuban government declared Thursday its intention to release 2,010 inmates from correctional facilities across the Caribbean island nation, as reported by government-controlled media outlets.

This prisoner release represents the second amnesty announcement Cuba has made this year while diplomatic discussions with the United States remain ongoing.

The official government publication Granma described the prisoner release as a “humanitarian and sovereign gesture.”

German federal police took a suspect into custody Thursday evening following threatening behavior aboard a high-speed passenger train, according to law enforcement officials. Multiple travelers sustained minor injuries during the incident when explosive devices were detonated.

The passenger rail service was traveling between Cologne and Frankfurt Thursday night when authorities ordered an emergency evacuation in Siegburg, located near Cologne. Federal police officers subdued and detained the individual, and investigators discovered a blade concealed in his bag, the German news agency dpa confirmed.

According to law enforcement, the individual had barricaded himself inside one of the train’s restrooms. The German publication Bild reported that the explosive devices were hurled into a passenger walkway. Authorities confirmed that multiple individuals received minor cuts and scrapes during the incident.

Officials have not yet released details about the detained individual’s identity or background.

Myanmar’s military commander Min Aung Hlaing is poised for a parliamentary vote Friday that would install him as the nation’s president, cementing his authority five years following his military takeover of the democratically elected government.

The anticipated shift from military general to civilian leader comes after a heavily skewed election that saw an army-supported political party claim victory, which opposition voices and international leaders condemned as fraudulent theater designed to mask continued military control under democratic pretenses.

The 69-year-old military leader was the architect behind the 2021 military takeover that removed Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration and resulted in her detention, triggering mass demonstrations that evolved into countrywide armed opposition to military rule.

Parliamentary members from the Union Solidarity and Development Party, which secured 81% of contested positions, are anticipated to unite with the military’s designated legislators in supporting the former top military commander among three nominated candidates, with legislative proceedings beginning at 10 a.m. local time.

Min Aung Hlaing’s presidential ambitions — a role that experts believe he has pursued for years — remained secret until recent days and came alongside news of significant changes in Myanmar’s military leadership structure, which he has commanded since 2011.

This past Monday, while receiving his parliamentary nomination for president, Min Aung Hlaing selected Ye Win Oo, a former intelligence director known for unwavering allegiance to the general, as his replacement to head the armed forces.

The military transition and Min Aung Hlaing’s anticipated presidency represent what experts view as a calculated move to strengthen his authority over Myanmar while leading what appears to be a civilian administration, benefiting an armed forces that has directly governed the nation for five out of the last six decades.

“He has long harboured the ambition to trade his title of commander-in-chief for president and it appears his dreams are now becoming a reality,” said Aung Kyaw Soe, an independent Myanmar analyst.

Despite these political maneuvers, the internal conflict that has devastated Myanmar throughout most of the previous five years continues intensely, with anti-military groups — including survivors from Suu Kyi’s political organization and established ethnic minority forces — creating a unified coalition this week to challenge the military.

“Our vision and strategic objectives are to completely dismantle all forms of dictatorship, including the military dictatorship, and to collectively initiate a new political landscape,” the Steering Council for the Emergence of a Federal Democratic Union said in a statement on Monday.

Opposition forces may encounter heightened military action along with greater attention from bordering nations that might attempt to strengthen ties with the emerging government, according to analysts.

“Amidst global oil and fuel shortages and economic crises, maintaining organisational stability could become difficult,” analyst Sai Kyi Zin Soe said of the opposition.

“As these hardships grow, it may become even harder to build mutual understanding and trust between groups, reach firmer agreements, and sustain cooperation.”

More than 100 international law professors from prestigious American universities have released a formal letter expressing grave concerns that U.S. military operations against Iran could constitute violations of international law.

The legal scholars, representing institutions including Harvard, Yale, Stanford and the University of California, issued their statement Thursday following President Trump’s renewed threats this week to target Iran’s electrical grid and water treatment facilities.

In a Wednesday television address, Trump indicated the conflict could intensify unless Iran accepts Washington’s demands, suggesting potential attacks on the country’s energy sector and oil production capabilities.

The academics’ letter, published through the Just Security policy publication, states that actions by American forces and remarks from top U.S. officials “raise serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.”

The letter specifically highlighted Trump’s mid-March statement suggesting the U.S. might launch attacks on Iran “just for fun,” as well as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth’s early March remarks claiming America doesn’t operate under “stupid rules of engagement.”

The legal experts expressed particular alarm about military strikes affecting educational institutions, medical facilities, and residential areas, pointing to an attack on a school that occurred on the conflict’s opening day.

Military officials announced in March they had upgraded their investigation into a devastating February 28 strike on an Iranian girls’ school after media coverage indicated the inquiry found U.S. forces were probably responsible. Iranian Red Crescent officials report 175 fatalities from that incident.

During Wednesday’s remarks, Trump issued additional threats against Iran, stating: “We are going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We are going to bring them back to the Stone Ages, where they belong.”

A prominent Muslim advocacy organization in the United States has criticized Trump’s language throughout the conflict, describing his threat to bomb Iran “back to the Stone Ages” as “dehumanizing.”

The current hostilities commenced February 28 when American and Israeli forces launched coordinated attacks against Iran. Tehran retaliated with its own strikes targeting Israel and Gulf nations hosting U.S. military installations. Combined U.S.-Israeli operations in Iran and Israeli attacks in Lebanon have resulted in thousands of deaths and displaced millions of people.

Australia’s groundbreaking social media age restriction has captured international attention, with lawmakers from Spain to Malaysia considering similar measures since the ban on users under 16 took effect in December.

The worldwide interest appears to have prompted Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s administration to strengthen enforcement efforts this week, moving away from what officials had previously described as productive industry collaboration just two months earlier, according to technology policy analysts.

As the government takes a more assertive approach with platforms like Instagram and TikTok, Albanese’s center-left administration welcomes the international attention from at least eight countries expressing interest in comparable restrictions, while working to address reports that many teenagers continue using these platforms, experts note.

INTERNATIONAL PRESSURE MOUNTS

“The whole world’s watching Australia in this experiment, and therefore it looks like weak government to back down or pretend that the failures in reasonable efforts aren’t happening,” explained Jeannie Paterson, co-founder of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Ethics, who frequently provides government counsel on technology matters.

A representative for Communications Minister Anika Wells stated that global attention had not influenced her tougher position, refusing additional comment.

Following the ban’s implementation, officials announced in mid-January that social media companies had shut down 4.7 million accounts suspected of belonging to minors, leading industry observers to anticipate a potential one-year grace period for enforcement.

Government officials from Britain, Canada, and several U.S. lawmakers have reached out to Australian authorities regarding the social media restriction – a measure strongly supported by parents but opposed by the multi-trillion-dollar technology sector required to implement it.

However, these positive developments have been overshadowed by continued reports of minors maintaining social media presence.

On Tuesday, the government announced investigations into Meta’s Instagram and Facebook, TikTok, Alphabet’s YouTube, and Snapchat for potential law violations, collecting evidence for possible legal proceedings.

The eSafety regulator had previously indicated enforcement actions would only occur in cases of widespread non-compliance.

According to the regulator’s first detailed compliance assessment, nearly one-third of parents reported their under-16 child maintained at least one social media account. Among these cases, two-thirds said the platform never requested the child’s age.

Angela Flannery, former general counsel for the government’s Communications Department who now provides private sector guidance, noted, “The government is quite heartened generally by the number of other jurisdictions that are looking at imposing restrictions on the under-16s globally.”

However, considering Tuesday’s “disheartening” compliance findings, Flannery added, “They probably want to be seen to be taking action to keep encouraging other jurisdictions to enforce or to enact similar bans.”

Meta and Snap expressed commitment to ban compliance, TikTok refused comment, and Alphabet did not respond to requests regarding the government action.

U.S. COURT DECISIONS PROVIDE SUPPORT

The eSafety assessment revealed that cyberbullying and image-based abuse complaints – issues the government claimed the ban would address – remained unchanged, while parents reported inability to inform platforms about their underage children’s continued accounts. Minors failing age verification were being encouraged to retake tests until successful, the regulator found.

The restriction requires platforms to implement “reasonable steps” preventing under-16 users from maintaining accounts or face penalties up to A$49.5 million ($34 million).

Communications Minister Wells attributed the problem not to parent or child non-compliance but to Big Tech undermining government policy.

Recent U.S. court decisions likely encouraged Australia’s platform pursuit, according to sources familiar with the ban’s implementation, including last week’s trial verdict requiring Meta to pay $375 million in penalties for safety failures enabling child exploitation on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, plus another ruling finding Meta and Google negligent for creating social media platforms harmful to young people.

“The court cases in New Mexico and California have helped the court of public opinion,” said Julian Sefton-Green, a Deakin University new media professor advising the commissioner’s two-year ban impact study.

“They’re jury decisions, that social media is liable for the well-being of young people, so I think the government’s going to take heart from that.”

Rob Nicholls, a University of Sydney regulation researcher, suggested the lawsuits might encourage platform redesigns complying with Australian restrictions by prioritizing minor protection.

“The effect of that design change will be to reduce access for under-16s,” he explained. “If you’ve got to do it to avoid litigation in the States, you may as well do the same thing around the world.”

Secretary of State Marco Rubio leveled accusations against China on Thursday, claiming the nation is engaging in “bullying” tactics by temporarily detaining numerous Panama-flagged vessels in Chinese ports following Panama’s takeover of two vital Panama Canal terminals from a Hong Kong company subsidiary earlier this year.

Beijing has rejected these claims. Panama finds itself caught between competing U.S. and Chinese interests after President Donald Trump previously alleged that China controls the Panama Canal. The Trump administration views this crucial shipping waterway as vital to both economic and defense interests, with Trump repeatedly discussing plans to regain control of the canal.

“China’s decision to detain or otherwise impede Panama-flagged vessels engaged in lawful trade destabilizes supply chains, raises costs, and erodes confidence in the global trading system,” Rubio said on social media. “The United States stands with Panama against any retaliatory actions against its sovereignty and will always support our partners in the face of bullying.”

Data from Tokyo MOU, an Asia-Pacific port control organization with 22 member nations, reveals that in March, 92 of 124 ships detained in Chinese ports for inspection carried Panama flags – representing nearly 75% of all detentions. These vessels were typically held for periods ranging from one to ten days before release.

This represents a significant increase from earlier months, when Panama-flagged ships comprised just over 40% of detentions in February (19 of 45 ships) and approximately 30% in January (23 of 71 ships).

Chinese embassy spokesperson Liu Pengyu dismissed the allegations, stating that America’s “repeated wrongful allegations only reveal its attempt to take control of the canal.” His statement did not acknowledge the increased detention rates of Panama-flagged vessels.

These developments follow Panama’s supreme court decision in January declaring the concession agreement held by a CK Hutchison Holdings subsidiary for the Balboa and Cristóbal terminals as unconstitutional.

Washington has pressured Panama and other regional nations to limit China’s influence throughout the Western Hemisphere, an area Trump has identified as a priority focus. The current administration has taken more assertive action in Latin America than previous U.S. governments have in recent decades, including the dramatic military operation that resulted in Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro’s capture in January.

The Federal Maritime Commission in Washington continues monitoring Panama-flagged ships experiencing delays or detentions in Chinese ports.

“Secretary Rubio’s statement highlights the disruptive effects of the government of China’s actions against Panama-flagged vessels,” said Laura DiBella, chair of the commission. She said the commission “is not aware of any other country in recent history conducting vessel safety inspections and detentions in a punitive manner.”

Panama’s leadership announced that APM Terminals, part of Denmark’s A.P. Moller-Maersk group, would temporarily manage the terminals during the contract transition period. DiBella noted that China’s Ministry of Transport had requested high-level meetings with Maersk officials in Beijing.

Panamanian officials have attempted to downplay the broader geopolitical implications surrounding the ship detentions. Government representatives did not respond to requests for comment regarding Rubio’s statements, though they have previously denied any connection between the detentions and China-Panama canal disagreements.

In March, Panama’s foreign minister, Javier Martínez, acknowledged the detention increase but characterized them as “part of routine maritime industry practices, because detentions also occur in other ports and to other flags.”

“We want to maintain a respectful relationship with China,” he added.

Following the January supreme court ruling, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that China would “take all measures necessary to firmly protect the legitimate and lawful rights and interests of Chinese companies.”

José Digeronimo, former president of the Panama Maritime Chamber, warned that actions targeting these ships could have a “huge impact” on Panama, which ranks among the world’s leading ship registry nations. These registrations generate approximately $100 million annually for the government.

Digeronimo likened ship registries to passport selection for vessel owners, who choose registration locations that “allow you to travel to the greatest number of countries without restrictions.” He warned that harassment from Chinese authorities could jeopardize this system.

“If the world’s main exporter starts imposing restrictions for using the Panamanian flag, the last thing you’ll want is to have the Panamanian one,” Digeronimo said.

A Russian sailor who spent approximately eight months in detention after surviving an attack by Yemeni Houthi rebels on his vessel has returned to his homeland following medical care in Sanaa, according to Yemen’s foreign ministry on Thursday.

Russian media reports identify the sailor as Aleksei Galaktionov, who served as crew aboard a Greek-operated cargo vessel that Houthi forces destroyed in July 2025. The mariner sustained injuries during the assault.

“The Russian citizen was transported on a United Nations aircraft, in coordination with the U.N. envoy,” the foreign ministry stated through the Houthi-controlled news agency, noting that his release occurred after completing his medical treatment.

Officials indicated the arrangement came about through discussions with Russian authorities and Iranian representatives.

The remaining ship crew members gained their freedom in December, according to sources from the vessel’s operating company and maritime security officials who spoke with Reuters.

The Iranian-backed Houthis destroyed the Liberian-registered Eternity C, which carried 22 crew members and three security personnel, using maritime drones and rocket-propelled grenades during attacks spanning two days.

Houthi forces have targeted over 100 vessels in what they described as support operations for Palestinians amid the Gaza conflict. The group ceased their maritime attacks following a ceasefire announcement last October.

Ukrainian officials reported that Russian military forces conducted continuous drone attacks against Kharkiv throughout Thursday, striking Ukraine’s second-largest city and wounding at least two civilians.

Throughout the day and into the evening hours, Kharkiv Mayor Ihor Terekhov provided updates via Telegram, documenting attacks across four separate districts within the city. A city official confirmed that drone strikes hit at least 20 locations.

According to the mayor, several of the drone impacts sparked fires throughout the city, and an evening assault wounded two individuals, including an 8-year-old girl.

In southern Ukraine, Zaporizhzhia faced a separate Russian assault that struck a multi-story residential building and a local business, regional governor Ivan Fedorov reported. Officials said no casualties occurred in that attack.

Across the border in Russia’s Belgorod Region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov reported that drone strikes injured 13 people in multiple locations, with 11 of those casualties occurring in Shebekino village, located near the Ukrainian border.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy proposed Thursday that his nation could share its naval defense knowledge with countries working to maintain open shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz during Middle East tensions.

During his evening video message, Zelenskyy revealed that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha participated in an online conference focused on ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible, with representatives from approximately 40 nations attending.

“Ukraine has relevant expertise concerning sea waterways, concerning the defence and reopening of maritime traffic,” he said.

“If (our) partners are ready to act we will consider how we can strengthen them, how we can apply our expertise, knowledge and technological potential.”

The Ukrainian leader did not elaborate on specific assistance plans.

Throughout four years of conflict, Ukrainian military forces have created innovative maritime technologies, including unmanned naval vessels, allowing them to achieve significant victories against Russian naval forces in the Black Sea while preventing Moscow from gaining control of those waters.

Last week, Zelenskyy began visiting Middle Eastern nations as part of an initiative to share defense technologies Ukraine has created while defending against drone attacks, many of which originated from Iranian designs.

The president announced he expects to receive an update Friday from Rustem Umerov, Ukraine’s chief negotiator in peace settlement discussions.

On Wednesday, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has established partnerships with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Jordan, while maintaining communications with Bahrain, Kuwait and Iraq. Government officials are also discussing potential agreements with Turkey and additional nations.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – A United Nations document reveals that investigators have confirmed four separate incidents of sexual exploitation and abuse involving personnel from a UN-supported security mission operating in Haiti during the previous year.

The UN report, which carries a February 16 date, was initially made public by the Ayibo Post news outlet on Friday.

According to the document, “All the allegations were found to be substantiated by investigations conducted by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.” However, the report does not specify what actions were taken against those responsible or provide additional details about the outcomes of these investigations.