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Historic direct negotiations between the United States and Iran came to a close Saturday evening in Pakistan’s capital, representing the most significant diplomatic engagement between the two nations in more than four decades.

Sources in Islamabad confirmed to The Media Line that both American and Iranian expert teams traded written proposals following their face-to-face discussions, which lasted approximately two hours during the initial session.

The trilateral negotiations, with Pakistan serving as an intermediary, mark the most substantial direct contact between Washington and Tehran since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Mohammad Gulzari, who speaks for Iran’s Information Council, stated that Iranian and American specialists exchanged written proposals on key issues while Pakistani mediators facilitated the process.

According to Iran’s official IRNA news agency, Gulzari explained that various Iranian committees conducted multiple sessions since Saturday morning, examining different positions and ensuring complete coordination before negotiations commenced.

Gulzari noted the discussions began following recent developments, including efforts to verify the end of attacks on Beirut, ongoing coordination with Iran’s Lebanese ambassador, warnings about ceasefire violations, and matters concerning Iran’s frozen assets.

Both negotiating teams initially met separately with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif before engaging in direct discussions.

While no final deal has been announced, officials characterized the negotiations as serious and substantive.

However, Iran’s Tasnim news agency reported Sunday evening that “following direct expert discussions, the American delegation has obstructed progress through its repeated unreasonable demands.”

The Tasnim report did not specify what these alleged “unreasonable demands” entailed, and Pakistani mediators have not issued comparable statements.

Discussions continue, though Iran maintains it will protect its military gains and insists Iranian national interests must be guaranteed. The Strait of Hormuz issue represents a major point of contention between both parties.

Pakistan is facilitating these negotiations, which seek to transform a precarious two-week ceasefire into a more permanent arrangement. The truce, established earlier this week following over a month of hostilities, has stopped active combat but remains fragile due to wider regional tensions, including Lebanese developments and Strait of Hormuz concerns.

These talks follow previous indirect communications conducted elsewhere. American officials have cautioned about possible escalation without an agreement while expressing measured hope. Iranian representatives have held firm positions, including requirements related to sanctions relief and security assurances.

Military clashes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants persist as diplomatic representatives from Israel and Lebanon prepare for direct peace discussions scheduled to commence Tuesday in Washington.

Israeli Ambassador to the United States Yechiel Leiter verified that “formal peace negotiations” will move forward with Lebanese counterparts, while emphasizing that Israel will not engage in ceasefire discussions with Hezbollah. According to BBC reporting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave approval for the diplomatic discussions after what he characterized as “repeated requests from the Lebanese government.”

Netanyahu made the announcement Thursday regarding the upcoming direct discussions with Lebanon, while Israel’s military leadership subsequently made clear that combat operations would continue leading up to the diplomatic meetings.

Multiple sources indicate that President Donald Trump has pressed Netanyahu to reduce military activities in Lebanon while separate peace discussions concerning Iran’s involvement are taking place in Islamabad. Iranian leadership has issued warnings that ongoing attacks in Lebanese territory could derail the peace initiatives.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam revealed through social media that he has delayed his scheduled trip to the United Nations and the United States, explaining that he needs to remain in Beirut to closely watch domestic developments.

Salam stated his choice demonstrates his dedication to protecting the safety and cohesion of Lebanese citizens, stressing he will maintain oversight of government operations during the current internal situation.

The diplomatic efforts in Washington and the negotiations occurring in Islamabad are happening simultaneously, with Iranian representatives connecting events in Lebanon to the wider diplomatic initiatives.

American military forces launched mine-clearing operations Saturday in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, coinciding with the start of diplomatic negotiations between Washington and Tehran in Pakistan’s capital.

According to US officials, Iranian representatives have acknowledged they cannot pinpoint the locations of explosive devices they previously placed in the waterway, creating additional challenges for reopening the crucial shipping route.

President Donald Trump announced the military action on his Truth Social platform, stating: “We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz as a favor to Countries all over the World, including China, Japan, South Korea, France, Germany, and many others.” Trump also declared in his post that Iran was “losing big.”

Pentagon officials confirmed that US Central Command forces “began setting conditions for clearing mines” in the strait Saturday. Two American naval vessels, the USS Frank E. Petersen Jr. and the USS Michael Murphy, passed through the Strait of Hormuz during the operation.

Maritime monitoring systems tracked the USS Michael Murphy’s movement through the waterway Saturday. However, conflicting accounts emerged about the mission, with a high-ranking Iranian military leader claiming the warship retreated after Tehran issued threats of attack. American officials disputed this version of events, according to Axios reporting.

The waterway dispute is anticipated to dominate discussions during the ongoing diplomatic meetings in Islamabad. American negotiators are pushing for complete restoration of maritime commerce, while Iranian officials insist on maintaining control over the passage and have suggested implementing transit fees for vessels.

The New York Times reported, citing American government sources, that Iran lacks both the ability to find the underwater explosives it installed and the technical capability to safely extract them, severely hampering any potential reopening of shipping lanes.

These developments unfold as representatives from both nations have commenced formal discussions in Pakistan aimed at establishing broader diplomatic engagement. The future of the Strait of Hormuz has become a central point of contention in the initial phases of these negotiations.

When Sandra Martinez found herself unable to travel to South Korea for BTS’s live performance in Goyang, she discovered an alternative way to experience the show. This past Saturday, Martinez joined fellow fans at an AMC cinema in Los Angeles to watch the Korean pop sensation’s ‘ARIRANG’ tour broadcast on theater screens.

“We couldn’t go to the concert, so it’s fun to gather with friends and fellow BTS ARMY,” Martinez, who works for herself, explained while at the AMC location in The Grove shopping center.

The term ARMY refers to the devoted worldwide following of the musical act.

The seven-member ensemble includes RM, Jin, Suga, J-Hope, Jimin, V, and Jungkook, all represented by Big Hit Music, which operates as an independent entity within Hybe Corporation.

Movie theaters around the world are showing two complete performances from the group’s international tour schedule—one recorded live in Goyang on Saturday and a second planned for Tokyo on April 18—giving supporters everywhere access to the shows.

According to Martinez, BTS distinguishes itself from other Korean pop acts through its universal attraction. “It’s not just for younger people. It’s for any age, without limits on race or gender,” she explained. “Music comes from the heart.”

Through Instagram, Martinez connected with another enthusiast, Millie B, who works as a pharmacy technician and creates BTS-related content. Their friendship developed through their mutual admiration for the band. “I didn’t meet my friends until I became ARMY,” Martinez noted.

Clutching her BTS light stick, Millie B expressed excitement about the group’s comeback following more than five years away from performing together. “They went to the military and now they’re finally back with a big tour,” she shared. “It’s a big deal.”

The musical group took a break in 2022 while all seven performers fulfilled South Korea’s required military duties, completing their service by mid-2025 before reuniting to create their fifth studio release ‘ARIRANG.’

The world tour kicked off Thursday in Goyang. Their March album release claimed the top spot on the Billboard 200 for two consecutive weeks, marking a historic achievement for Korean pop music, while their main track ‘Swim’ entered the Hot 100 at number one.

Industry experts anticipate the tour will produce record-breaking earnings, featuring 34 performances worldwide—including a Los Angeles date in September—representing the most extensive touring schedule ever undertaken by a Korean pop artist.

Fan Nicole Lee, who secured tickets for the Los Angeles performance, expressed her eagerness to see an early preview. “I wanted to see their performance a little bit early,” she said.

“I’m just happy that they’re finally back together again,” Lee continued.

She believes the group’s worldwide popularity stems from how the members connect with and show genuine concern for their supporters.

“I think people really resonate with that,” she concluded.

A 23-year-old Palestinian man died Saturday following a shooting incident in the West Bank, according to health officials, as deadly confrontations continue to mount during the ongoing Iran conflict.

The Palestinian Ministry of Health identified the victim as Ali Majed Hamadneh, who was transported to a medical facility for treatment but succumbed to his injuries. Israeli military officials stated they were responding to what they described as violent unrest in Deir Jarir village, located northeast of Ramallah, when a reserve soldier fired the fatal shot.

Military authorities announced they have launched an inquiry into the shooting, though Palestinian officials and human rights organizations frequently argue that Israel rarely prosecutes settlers or military personnel for acts of violence. The military refused to clarify whether the reservist was performing official duties or participating as a civilian during the disturbance.

Fathi Hamdan, who leads the Deir Jarir Village Council, disputed the military’s account, claiming Hamadneh was shot by a settler wearing civilian clothing and that armed forces only arrived after the shooting occurred.

This latest death brings the total number of Palestinians killed this year to 33, with two-thirds of those fatalities occurring during the March Iran conflict. Israeli settlers have been responsible for at least eight of these deaths.

According to 2025 data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, 240 Palestinians lost their lives in the territory last year, with Israeli military forces responsible for the vast majority and settlers accounting for nine deaths, representing less than four percent of the total.

The escalating violence coincides with Israel’s government authorizing 34 additional settlements in the West Bank, according to Peace Now, a settlement monitoring organization. The group revealed that the Security Cabinet granted these approvals on April 1 but concealed the decision during the Iran conflict to prevent diplomatic tensions with the United States.

Peace Now explained that some approved settlements involve existing settlement neighborhoods receiving independent status, while others represent small, previously unauthorized outposts and farms gaining official recognition. The monitoring organization criticized what it called a “frenzy” of approvals, describing them as an electoral strategy to court Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s conservative base before upcoming Israeli elections.

“The establishment of settlements harms security, places an abnormal burden on the IDF, and undermines the possibility of resolving the conflict and achieving any future security and peace,” Peace Now stated, using the acronym for Israel’s military.

During a Friday ceremony celebrating new settlement establishment, several conservative politicians praised the recent approvals. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich declared, “Israel’s political decisions in Judea and Samaria are completely killing off the idea of separate states and the founding of a terror state in the heart (of Israel).”

Since 2023, the government has authorized a total of 102 new settlements, according to Peace Now’s records.

SIDON, Lebanon — Mourning families gathered Saturday to lay to rest 13 Lebanese state security officers who died in an Israeli airstrike on their headquarters in Nabatiyeh the previous day. The emotional funeral services featured grieving widows dressed in black and children crying for their deceased fathers and uncles, while uniformed colleagues openly wept for their fallen comrades.

These heartbreaking scenes have become commonplace throughout Lebanon over the past week as Israeli forces have escalated their military campaign targeting what they describe as Iran-supported Hezbollah facilities and fighters.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, occurring alongside broader U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran, has resulted in over 2,000 Lebanese deaths and thousands of additional injuries.

Friday’s simultaneous loss of numerous state security personnel has particularly devastated the community, occurring just 48 hours after Israeli bombardments in Beirut and surrounding areas claimed more than 350 lives in what ranks among Lebanon’s most catastrophic single-day bombing events.

“We just want protection,” said Adam Tarhini, a 20-year-old computer science student, whose father, Hassan Tarhini, was among the 13 killed in Friday’s attack. “Israel wants to take our land and everything we have.”

The mounting anguish and fury come as Lebanon and Israel, nations without formal diplomatic ties, gear up for direct negotiations in the United States next week — their first such discussions in decades.

These upcoming Washington discussions have sparked street demonstrations and increased pressure on Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, who has insisted on a ceasefire as a prerequisite for any negotiations.

Israeli officials maintain the discussions will center on dismantling the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah and will not result in a cessation of hostilities.

On Saturday, Salam announced he was delaying his scheduled Washington visit, referencing “the current internal situation.” His decision to remain in Lebanon should not impact the upcoming U.S. negotiations — initial sessions next week are anticipated to occur at the ambassadorial level.

However, his statement that he would stay in Beirut to “preserve the security and unity of the Lebanese people” highlighted the challenging position Lebanon’s government faces as it attempts to end Israeli attacks without directly challenging the superior military capabilities of either Israel or Hezbollah.

“This leaves the Lebanese government in a very difficult position,” said David Wood, a senior analyst for the International Crisis Group.

“It will want to strike some kind of new arrangement with Israel to bring an end to this round of conflict, but at the same time not make such sweeping political concessions as to potentially provoke internal trouble in Lebanon,” Wood said.

The fatal airstrike hit the state security building moments after 14 officers had completed what became their final assignment — relocating prisoners from the southern location to a more secure facility in the coastal city of Sidon. Only one officer survived the attack and is receiving treatment for serious burns.

The youngest victim was 25-year-old Khalil al-Miqdad, who had married just three days before his death. His new wife, Amani, moved through the crowd of mourners in shock, holding a joyful photograph from their recent wedding celebration.

“They killed Khalil. They killed my love,” she said, her anguish erupting into a shriek.

When asked to comment on the incident, Israeli military officials stated they had targeted Hezbollah militant infrastructure in Nabitiyeh on Friday and were “aware of reports regarding harm to Lebanese security personnel.” They indicated an investigation into the matter was underway.

On Saturday, relatives of the deceased officers threw themselves onto the temporary concrete block burial sites positioned on a hillside overlooking the Shiite village of Haret Saida, near Sidon. Medical personnel carried away several mourners who collapsed from overwhelming grief.

Like many residents in their community, families were too afraid to return home for burial ceremonies as Israeli forces advanced further into Lebanese territory. Israeli military actions and widespread evacuation directives have displaced more than one million Lebanese citizens.

Local residents reported that even Nabatiyeh’s primary cemetery was attacked several weeks ago, forcing them to use these temporary burial grounds in cities like Sidon, where many displaced persons have sought shelter.

Both the mourners in Sidon and demonstrators in Beirut on Saturday hold their government nearly as responsible as Israel for the recent civilian and government worker casualties.

They point to the state’s inability to safeguard its citizens as justification for why Lebanon requires Hezbollah to counter Israel’s invasion and what they believe are Israeli plans for extended occupation of Lebanese land.

The financially struggling Lebanese military, maintaining neutrality in the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict, has retreated from multiple southern positions as Israel intensifies its invasion. Despite this neutral stance, Israeli strikes have killed four Lebanese soldiers this week.

While Ali Akbar Velayati, a senior Iranian official, cautioned against the risks of “ignoring the unparalleled role” of Hezbollah’s military branch, demonstrators set fire to the prime minister’s image in central Beirut.

“No one wants negotiations with people who killed our friends, our colleagues, our family,” said Abbas Saleh, a 26-year-old rescue worker from Nabitiyeh who attended the officers’ funerals, rejecting the concept of the Lebanese government establishing normal relations with Israel or negotiating Hezbollah’s disarmament.

The Israeli army is being “held back by people who are defending the land,” he said — meaning Hezbollah.

MADRID – Israeli officials have formally criticized Spain’s highest-ranking diplomat in Tel Aviv following an incident where a massive effigy of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was detonated in a Spanish community earlier this week.

The towering 23-foot figure was filled with 31 pounds of gunpowder and destroyed during a traditional ceremony on April 5 in El Burgo, a small community located near Malaga in southern Spain, according to Mayor Maria Dolores Narvaez, who spoke to local media outlets.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry issued a harsh statement on social media platform X, declaring: “The appalling antisemitic hatred on display here is a direct result of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez’s government’s systemic incitement.” The ministry also shared video footage of the incident, though Reuters could not immediately confirm the authenticity of the clip.

Spanish officials pushed back against the accusations, with a Foreign Ministry representative stating: “The Spanish government is committed to fighting against antisemitism and any form of hate or discrimination. As such we totally reject any insidious allegation which suggests the contrary.”

Mayor Narvaez noted that the community has previously featured effigies of other world leaders during their yearly celebration, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The diplomatic dispute reflects broader tensions between Madrid and Tel Aviv that began with the Gaza conflict. Spain has positioned itself as a vocal opponent of Israeli and U.S. military operations in Iran and Lebanon, despite warnings from Washington about consequences for uncooperative NATO members.

The countries remain locked in an extended diplomatic standoff that originated with the Gaza war. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has characterized Spain’s prohibition on weapons shipments to Israel through Spanish ports and airspace as antisemitic, citing Israel’s military operations as justification.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares has accused Israel of breaking international law and violating a recent two-week ceasefire following extensive airstrikes across Lebanon this week. Netanyahu responded Wednesday that Lebanon was excluded from the ceasefire agreement and that Israeli forces would continue targeting Hezbollah aggressively.

Prime Minister Sanchez, who has positioned himself as a prominent critic of the Iran conflict, has blocked Spanish airspace to any aircraft participating in what he has characterized as a reckless and unlawful confrontation.

DEBRECEN, Hungary (AP) — Hungary’s top political leaders conducted their closing campaign events Saturday as a contentious election season culminates with Sunday’s voting.

Prime Minister Viktor Orbán confronts the most significant challenge of his political tenure as opponent Péter Magyar’s center-right Tisza party has experienced rapid growth and holds commanding leads in multiple independent surveys.

A Tisza victory would conclude Orbán’s 16-year dominance of Hungarian politics.

However, political analysts anticipate the outcome may be tighter than polling suggests, believing Orbán’s Fidesz party could effectively rally its substantial rural voter base.

Magyar, a 45-year-old attorney and former Fidesz insider, has campaigned extensively across Hungary over two years, making stops in hundreds of communities while attempting to attract Orbán’s countryside supporters.

The challenger addressed thousands of supporters Saturday at University Square in Debrecen, Hungary’s second-largest city and a traditional Fidesz stronghold.

Speaking with confidence, Magyar declared the election would “enter Hungarian history books as the day of resurrection, the renewal of the Hungarian nation, and of the real change of regime.”

Magyar also reached out to Orbán supporters, promising his movement would pursue “reunification” of Hungary following the election in what he termed “national reconciliation.”

“As the winner of the election, we will have to extend a hand to our fellow countrymen,” he said.

Orbán, concluding his campaign at Budapest’s prestigious Castle Hill, has focused his message on warning about various external threats he claims endanger Hungarians — especially the conflict in nearby Ukraine.

The incumbent reinforced this theme, declaring to thousands of attendees that “we are in an age of danger.”

“Hungary is facing serious challenges,” he said. “We need to say no to major power groups in the world in order to defend ourselves, and this requires knowledge, experience and routine.”

He continued: “Now is not the time to take risks, to change, to renew and to adventure. Now we need to protect and secure what we have.”

Orbán’s campaign has struggled with Hungary’s weak economic conditions, exposures of the administration’s deepening Russian connections, and accusations of misconduct.

The prime minister has attempted to strengthen voter support by highlighting his friendship with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has consistently backed the Hungarian leader. Vice President JD Vance traveled to Budapest this week promoting Orbán’s reelection, even participating in a government-funded campaign event with the prime minister.

In contrast, Magyar has centered his campaign on concerns affecting everyday Hungarians including rising prices, living expenses, and declining public healthcare and transit systems.

He has also spoken passionately about what he characterizes as widespread government corruption benefiting a small circle of political insiders — allegations Orbán rejects — and pledged to reverse the prime minister’s movement away from the European Union toward stronger Moscow relationships.

As supporters displayed national flags and shouted “Európa! Európa!” at University Square, Magyar stated that “many millions” of voters would demonstrate Sunday that “Hungary’s place was, is, and will be in Europe.”

Magyar previously visited multiple smaller eastern Hungarian communities including Balmazújváros, a municipality with approximately 17,000 residents.

Local Tisza organizer and farmer Annamária Matkovics explained she joined Magyar’s movement when it formed in 2024. Though her area has traditionally supported Fidesz, Matkovics, 50, believes Tisza has empowered people to voice opposition despite potential repercussions.

“When we’re campaigning on the street, people tell us that they’re worried that they’ll lose their jobs if they don’t vote for Fidesz, and they’re still planning to vote for Tisza,” she said. “They’ve had enough of the division.”

LONDON — Metropolitan Police took 212 demonstrators into custody on Saturday during a rally in support of Palestine Action, an organization that British authorities have classified as a terrorist group.

The detainees ranged in age from 27 to 82 years old, according to police officials who had issued advance warnings that arrests would be made at the demonstration.

In February, Britain’s High Court determined that the government’s classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization lacked legal basis, though the prohibition remains active while officials pursue an appeal.

The demonstration in Trafalgar Square was coordinated by Defend Our Juries, drawing hundreds of participants who displayed banners with messages such as “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Among those present was Robert Del Naja from the electronic music group Massive Attack, who knowingly risked arrest despite concerns it could affect his international travel privileges.

“I thought this is ridiculous and then the police making that U-turn to arrest people again, I thought that is even more ridiculous,” Del Naja stated. “So I’m going to hold a sign today.”

Demonstrators shouted accusations of “shame on you” toward officers as they escorted arrested individuals away, with particular criticism directed at the detention of elderly participants.

One protester called out sarcastically as police guided an elderly woman with a walking stick toward a police vehicle: “Yeah, she looks like a terrorist, doesn’t she mate?”

French authorities have rescued a 9-year-old boy who spent more than a year imprisoned inside his father’s van in deplorable conditions, according to prosecutor Nicolas Heitz.

The discovery occurred Monday in Hagenbach, a village in eastern France near the Swiss and German borders, after a concerned neighbor contacted police about “sounds of a child” emanating from a parked utility vehicle.

When officers broke into the van, they discovered the child “lying in a fetal position, naked, covered by a blanket on top of a mound of trash and near excrement,” Heitz stated. The severely undernourished boy had lost the ability to walk due to prolonged confinement in a seated position.

According to investigators, the father claimed he confined his son in November 2024 “to protect him” because his romantic partner wanted the then-7-year-old committed to a psychiatric facility. However, Heitz noted that medical records show no evidence of psychiatric issues, and the child had been performing well academically before his disappearance.

During questioning, the boy revealed he experienced “big difficulties” with his father’s partner and believed his father “had no choice” but to imprison him, the prosecutor reported. The child also stated he hadn’t bathed since 2024.

The father now faces preliminary kidnapping charges and remains in detention. His partner, who claims she was unaware the boy was in the van, received preliminary charges including failure to assist a minor in danger but was released under court supervision.

Social services have taken custody of the boy’s 12-year-old sister and the partner’s 10-year-old daughter.

Investigators are examining whether additional individuals knew about the boy’s confinement. Family members and friends believed the child was receiving treatment at a psychiatric facility, while school officials were told he had transferred to another institution, according to the prosecutor’s office.

Authorities have not disclosed the identities of those involved in the case.

Local residents expressed disbelief about the situation when contacted Saturday, stating they were unaware of the boy’s situation but declined to elaborate on the matter.

The prosecutor’s office has declined additional comment while the investigation continues.

LONDON, April 11 – Authorities in London detained 212 demonstrators on Saturday during a rally at Trafalgar Square that challenged Britain’s classification of Palestine Action as a terrorist organization.

Saturday’s demonstration represented the first major gathering since London’s High Court determined in February that the government’s prohibition labeling the pro-Palestinian organization as terrorists violated the law. UK Interior Minister Shabana Mahmood has received permission to challenge this court decision.

British officials prohibited Palestine Action last July using anti-terrorism laws following incidents where group members infiltrated a Royal Air Force facility. The organization claims Britain’s government is complicit in what they characterize as Israeli war crimes occurring in Gaza.

Israeli officials have consistently rejected allegations of misconduct during their military operations in Gaza.

Participants in Saturday’s rally displayed signs while wearing traditional black and white Palestinian keffiyehs and carrying Palestinian banners, with many seated on the pavement or in folding chairs.

The Metropolitan Police of London announced on X that officers were “continuing to make arrests where people are showing support for a proscribed organisation.”

A former government official from Moscow currently serving time in a Russian prison has initiated what he calls a “dry hunger strike,” rejecting both meals and water while behind bars.

Alexander Shestun, age 61, faces what he maintains are fabricated political accusations and has been recognized as a political prisoner by Memorial, Russia’s Nobel Peace Prize-winning human rights organization. On Thursday, Russia’s Supreme Court declared Memorial itself an “extremist movement.”

Last year, Shestun joined 10 other imprisoned dissidents in making an appeal to international leaders, requesting the mass freedom of Russian political prisoners and Ukrainian citizens detained by Russia as components of any potential peace agreement between Moscow and Kyiv.

According to a letter obtained by Reuters, Shestun, who suffers from diabetes, ceased eating on March 30 and began refusing water on April 7.

His demands include restoring scheduled visits from his children to the correctional facility in the Tver region, located northwest of Moscow, which he states prison officials cancelled.

Additionally, he seeks proper medical attention following what he describes as an assault where prison personnel allegedly forced his head against the floor using their feet for approximately 15 minutes, resulting in the loss of three teeth.

Independent confirmation of this reported incident has not been possible. Reuters has sought a response from Russia’s prison service regarding these allegations.

“The federal prison system essentially leaves him no other option for defending his rights,” stated Elena Filina, an opposition politician in exile and human rights advocate, in comments to Reuters.

Authorities arrested Shestun in 2018 on corruption allegations that he dismissed as having political motivations.

Previously a member of the governing United Russia party and administrator of the Serpukhov district south of Moscow, Shestun became embroiled in a dispute with the influential leader of the Moscow region.

The widely publicized case saw Shestun take his story to YouTube, where he released a secretly recorded conversation with someone he named as an FSB security service general.

In the recording, the individual could be heard threatening that Shestun would be “steamrollered” and imprisoned if he declined to step down from his position.

Despite the warning, Shestun refused to resign and was subsequently taken into custody.

A court handed down a 15-year prison term in 2020, which later increased to 17 years following additional charges.

WASHINGTON – Pentagon officials announced Saturday that a pair of American naval vessels navigated through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz as part of preparations for an upcoming mine removal operation in the waterway.

The naval passage was conducted to prepare for “setting conditions for clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz,” according to a statement posted by U.S. Central Command on their official X social media account.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical passage for international petroleum shipping and represents one of the world’s most important energy transportation corridors.

SAO PAULO – A recent Datafolha survey reveals that Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Senator Flavio Bolsonaro remain locked in a virtual tie for October’s anticipated election runoff, with the senator showing slight gains that fall within the poll’s margin of error.

The survey indicates that Flavio Bolsonaro, whose father is former President Jair Bolsonaro, would capture 46% of votes in a head-to-head matchup, while Lula would secure 45%. This represents a shift from early March polling that showed Lula at 46% versus the younger Bolsonaro’s 43%.

Saturday’s results mark the initial instance where Flavio Bolsonaro has numerically outpaced Lula in Datafolha polling, though both candidates remain statistically even due to the survey’s two-point margin of error.

The 80-year-old Lula, who is pursuing a fourth non-consecutive presidential term, has watched his polling advantage diminish throughout this year. Flavio Bolsonaro’s standing has improved following his father’s public endorsement in December, despite the elder Bolsonaro being under house arrest for alleged coup plotting.

While Lula continues to hold the advantage in first-round polling when voters spontaneously name candidates, he has lost his lead when respondents are presented with a list of potential candidates, creating another statistical tie with Bolsonaro.

The Datafolha survey collected responses from 2,004 voters across 137 municipalities between Tuesday and Thursday of this week.

Three people, including a child, were wounded when a Ukrainian drone struck a fuel station in Russia’s Kursk region during what was supposed to be a holiday ceasefire, according to regional officials.

Regional Governor Alexander Khinshtein reported through the state-supported messaging platform MAX that the drone targeted a gas station in Lgov after 4 p.m. Saturday (1300 GMT), violating an Orthodox Easter truce both countries had agreed to observe.

Ukraine and Russia are both marking Orthodox Easter this weekend and had established a 32-hour pause in hostilities to honor the religious holiday. Russian officials announced the temporary ceasefire would run from 4 p.m. Saturday through midnight Sunday.

BAGHDAD (AP) — Iraqi lawmakers selected Nizar Amidi, a Kurdish party official, as the nation’s new president on Saturday, ending a prolonged political stalemate that began five months ago when parliamentary elections failed to create a clear governing majority.

The presidential selection takes place while Iraq grapples with severe consequences from the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. The country has found itself trapped between opposing forces, as Iranian-supported militia groups have targeted American military installations, diplomatic compounds, and vital energy facilities. In response, American and Israeli forces have conducted retaliatory strikes against these militias, resulting in casualties among Iraqi security personnel.

The regional warfare and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have severely disrupted Iraq’s oil shipments, which form the backbone of the nation’s economic system.

Amidi represents the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan party’s political leadership and prevailed over multiple contenders, including current Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, who had backing from the competing Kurdistan Democratic Party.

Iraq follows an established power-sharing arrangement where Kurdish politicians hold the presidency, Shiite leaders serve as prime minister with greater authority, and Sunni officials occupy the parliamentary speaker role.

The presidential selection occurred more than two months beyond the constitutional requirement, which mandates choosing a president within 30 days following the inaugural session of a newly elected parliament.

An engineer from Dohuk province in northern Iraq, Amidi previously worked as an assistant to former presidents Jalal Talabani and Fouad Massoum.

During Saturday’s initial voting round, no candidate achieved the necessary two-thirds support, though Amidi led significantly among the 16 contenders with 208 votes. Muthanna Amin Nader, representing the Kurdistan Islamic Union bloc, finished second with 17 votes. Parliament then conducted a second round requiring only a simple majority for victory.

The final tally showed Amidi winning with 227 votes compared to Nader’s 15 votes.

Under Iraq’s constitution, the president has 15 days to assign the largest parliamentary group’s nominee to form a government and assume the prime minister position. The leading faction, known as the Shiite Coordination Framework and consisting of pro-Iranian parties, announced in January their intention to nominate former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, despite American opposition.

The coalition must now determine whether to move forward with al-Maliki’s nomination or choose an alternative candidate. Current interim Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani had been al-Maliki’s primary competitor for the position before withdrawing to support his candidacy.

On Saturday, lawmakers in Iraq chose Kurdish political leader Nizar Amedi to fill the role of the country’s president, marking the conclusion of a process that began with parliamentary elections held last November.

The selection of Amedi represents the latest development in Iraq’s ongoing political transition following the electoral process that took place several months ago.

BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Voters in Peru cast ballots this Sunday for their next president and legislative representatives, yet the campaign season has largely overlooked unlawful mining operations that drive widespread forest destruction and mercury contamination throughout Amazon regions and native lands.

Researchers caution this oversight demonstrates Peru’s inability to address what has evolved into the nation’s most profitable underground economy, creating devastating consequences for natural ecosystems, community health, and indigenous populations.

Environmental attorney César Ipenza stated: “Political parties don’t understand that illegal mining has become the country’s main criminal activity and the one that moves the most money. There is either ignorance about what this represents for the country — or, in some cases, parties are already part of this economy.”

Data from Peru’s Institute of Economics shows unlawful mining operations produced over $11.5 billion during 2025 along with more than 100 tons of exported gold — matching legitimate industry output while exceeding narcotics trade revenues.

Several presidential hopefuls, including former government officials Jorge Nieto and Alfonso López Chau, have proposed limited solutions like gold tracking systems, financial oversight, and environmental activist protections, though these suggestions lack comprehensive coordination.

Meanwhile, other contenders from major conservative and populist movements — including Keiko Fujimori, Rafael López Aliaga, and César Acuña — emphasize security concerns, economic expansion, or resource extraction without confronting illegal mining’s connections to government corruption and Amazon territorial control. Some candidates like Ricardo Belmont and Carlos Álvarez, both former media personalities, completely ignore the problem in their platforms.

Magaly Ávila, who leads environmental governance efforts at Proetica, a Peruvian anti-corruption organization, explained: “Illegal mining and illicit economies are not being prioritized in government plans.” She noted approximately 64% of party platforms inadequately address these issues, while only 5% tackle them “clearly and explicitly.”

Research conducted in March by Peru’s Observatory of Illegal Mining supports these findings, revealing just 12 among 36 registered political organizations present detailed proposals, while others provide vague statements lacking concrete action plans or completely avoid the topic.

Government officials have previously announced enforcement campaigns and anti-mining strategies, though specialists indicate implementation remains weak. The Associated Press reached out to multiple government departments seeking commentary on illegal mining and indigenous protection matters but received no responses before publication.

Peru’s legislature has continuously renewed temporary permits allowing unofficial miners to operate while pursuing legal status, creating what critics describe as a widely exploited system that enables illegal mining growth.

Simultaneously, recent legal modifications have reduced prosecutors’ and judges’ abilities to pursue organized criminal networks, including illegal mining groups, according to advocacy organizations.

Policy experts believe these changes reflect political influence from small-scale mining operators who organize demonstrations demanding relaxed regulations, hampering stricter enforcement efforts.

These protests display sophisticated coordination, indicating involvement from influential behind-the-scenes players, according to Julia Urrunaga, Peru program director at the Environmental Investigation Agency (EIA).

Unlawful mining has expanded dramatically in recent years, driven by skyrocketing gold values reaching approximately $4,500 to $5,000 per ounce — making even minimal gold quantities extremely profitable. Previously concentrated in areas like Madre de Dios, these activities have spread across additional Amazon territories and beyond.

Ipenza observed: “The price of gold has reached historic highs, and that has obviously driven illegal mining to expand. The state does not have the capacity to respond or pursue this activity.”

Illegal mining sites frequently use mercury for gold extraction, poisoning waterways and contaminating food supplies through fish consumption.

Mariano Castro, Peru’s former environmental vice minister, explained: “In Amazonian river communities, between 50% and 70% of the diet is fish. So exposure increases exponentially, and mercury is highly toxic, with serious neurological impacts.”

Environmental and medical specialists warn contamination levels in certain regions already surpass safety guidelines, creating long-term health dangers.

Anticipated growth throughout Amazon areas “will bring contamination, transnational criminal groups and direct impacts on Indigenous and local populations,” Ipenza predicted.

Unlawful mining currently “puts at risk our health, biodiversity and ways of life,” stated Tabea Casique, a governing board member of AIDESEP, Peru’s primary Indigenous advocacy group.

“Most political parties are not taking this problem into account or presenting concrete proposals,” she added.

Former vice minister Castro described government responses as “insufficient” and noted lawmakers have also reduced legal mechanisms for prosecuting illegal mining, including lowering penalties and restricting authorities’ ability to classify such operations as organized crime. Oversight gaps enable illegally extracted gold to enter legitimate markets, frequently through processing facilities where it gets laundered.

Ipenza advocated for improved government oversight of small-scale processing operations and enhanced coordination between agencies — including customs, financial intelligence departments, and prosecutors — to monitor gold movement and detect illegal activities.

Policy analysts identify inadequate tracking systems as a fundamental weakness.

EIA’s Urrunaga stated: “There is no real way to trace mining production in Peru. Authorities hold fragmented pieces of information, but there is no system — and apparently no political will — to connect them.”

“We are talking about more than $12 billion in illegal gold exports,” she continued. “How can this be happening in almost total impunity?”

Specialists warn that continued inaction will make the crisis increasingly difficult to manage. Peru’s incoming administration will confront mounting pressure to address what they describe as an already escalating emergency.

Castro concluded: “Authorities cannot fulfill their responsibility to protect citizens if they continue to normalize an activity that causes significant harm.”

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Saturday through social media that American military forces have begun operations to clear the Strait of Hormuz, claiming all Iranian mine-laying vessels have been destroyed.

“We’re now starting the process of clearing out the Strait of Hormuz,” Trump stated in his social media post, claiming that “all 28” of Iran’s “mine dropper boats are also lying at the bottom of the sea.”

The president has consistently claimed that U.S. forces have eliminated Iran’s naval and air capabilities while severely damaging the country’s ballistic missile and nuclear infrastructure.

However, concerns about potential Iranian strikes on commercial vessels have essentially shut down the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, a vital passage for international oil transportation. The blockade of this waterway has caused significant disruptions to worldwide energy markets.

American fuel costs have risen sharply, despite the fact that the majority of petroleum passing through this strategic waterway is not destined for U.S. markets.

Meanwhile, diplomatic representatives from both nations started discussions in Islamabad, Pakistan on Saturday, with Pakistani officials serving as mediators during what appears to be a tentative halt in hostilities.

DUBLIN, April 11 – Law enforcement officials in Ireland took steps Saturday to disperse demonstrators who had been blocking access to the nation’s sole oil refinery, following government warnings that the fuel price protests posed serious economic risks to the country.

The demonstrators, frustrated by diesel price increases exceeding 20% since the start of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, had deployed tractors and trucks to obstruct operations at the Whitegate refinery, along with two ports, a fuel terminal, and several roadways in Dublin.

Government officials reported that hundreds of gas stations across the country were left without fuel supplies, putting some emergency services at risk.

At the Whitegate facility on Saturday, law enforcement officers arrested at least one demonstrator, moved others away from the site, and brought in specialized equipment capable of relocating large vehicles, according to video from state broadcaster RTE.

Authorities shared footage on social media platforms showing multiple oil tankers successfully entering the refinery grounds.

The enforcement action followed statements from Finance Minister Simon Harris, who characterized the demonstrations as creating an extremely dangerous economic situation. On Friday, Prime Minister Micheal Martin warned that the nation faced the possibility of having to reject incoming oil shipments.

DEIR EL-ZOUR, Syria (AP) — In a heartbreaking return to his homeland, a Syrian father laid his wife and four children to rest Saturday after they were killed in this week’s devastating Israeli bombardment of Beirut.

The family’s wooden coffins arrived by bus from Lebanon to Deir el-Zour province in northeastern Syria, with their names written on the sides. Mourners wept as they gathered for the funeral procession in al-Sour town — a tragic homecoming for a family that had sought refuge in Lebanon six years earlier.

Hamad al-Jalib lost nearly his entire family when Israeli forces launched approximately 100 strikes across Beirut and other Lebanese areas on Wednesday. The coordinated assault targeted what Israeli military officials described as Hezbollah-connected locations, resulting in more than 350 deaths that day — one-third of them women and children. It marked the deadliest single day in nearly six weeks of warfare.

Al-Jalib survived the attack only because he had stepped out to retrieve a gas canister while working as his building’s superintendent. Upon hearing that strikes had hit the Ain Mreisseh district where his family lived, he raced back to discover smoke billowing from a structure near a mosque, close to Beirut’s popular waterfront walkway.

“The Israeli attack killed my girls, they are innocent, just sitting at home,” al-Jalib said. “They were having lunch.”

Recovery teams spent three days pulling his family members from the debris. The bodies included his pregnant daughter-in-law, who was six months along. One daughter remains unaccounted for — 10-year-old Fatima Hamad al-Jalib — with searchers believing she’s still trapped beneath the rubble as rescue operations ended Saturday. His other children were ages 12, 13, 14, and 17.

The Wednesday bombardment struck commercial districts and crowded residential areas in central Beirut, well outside traditional conflict zones. These neighborhoods have been subject to repeated Israeli evacuation notices since early March, when Iran-supported Hezbollah militants launched rockets into Israel following U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran.

Al-Jalib’s brother Jomaa, who also resided in Lebanon, was working about 500 feet away when the initial explosion occurred. “We ran and we ran, then the second strike happened,” he recalled. As he reached the building, it began crumbling. “It was too late to get anyone out. We yelled for them, but no one answered.”

The family had relocated to Lebanon in 2020 due to escalating local conflicts involving tribal factions and Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces in their home region.

Three additional Syrian relatives perished in the same Ain Mreisseh attack and were also interred Saturday in al-Shuhail town within Deir el-Zour province.

Lebanon’s Health Ministry reports that the ongoing month-long conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has claimed over 1,950 lives and injured more than 6,300 people. Among the casualties are at least 315 Syrians. Ministry officials noted that 39 Syrians were confirmed among Wednesday’s fatalities, though the complete breakdown by nationality remains unavailable.

According to U.N. refugee agency spokesperson Dalal Harb, the family killed in Ain Mreisseh was not officially registered with UNHCR. Lebanon hosts approximately 530,000 registered Syrian refugees through the agency, with hundreds of thousands more living there without formal registration.

Despite hundreds of thousands of Syrians returning home from Lebanon following former President Bashar Assad’s removal in December 2024, many continue to hesitate due to limited employment opportunities and persistent violence.

Following Saturday’s burial ceremony, mourners stood together in prayer over the newly covered graves.

An elegant five-star hotel in Pakistan’s capital city has been chosen as the surprising location for crucial diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran, transforming the luxury establishment into one of Islamabad’s most heavily protected facilities.

Pakistani authorities have implemented extraordinary security protocols throughout the city in preparation for the diplomatic meetings, shuttering businesses and offices for two days before the scheduled arrival of U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who will head the American negotiating team, along with high-ranking Iranian representatives.

Military personnel and paramilitary forces numbering in the thousands have established security checkpoints and roadblocks throughout Islamabad, creating a protective perimeter around the Red Zone that houses government buildings and foreign diplomatic missions.

While the Serena Hotel might seem like an unusual selection for such critical diplomatic discussions, especially considering that Islamabad’s most devastating terrorist incident occurred at the neighboring Marriott hotel in 2008, security experts point to the facility’s beautiful landscaping and Moorish design as concealing a sophisticated protection system.

Security professionals and former law enforcement leaders highlight the hotel’s advantageous position near the diplomatic quarter and its proven track record of safeguarding prominent visitors.

“Its security staff is well trained as most of them are retired security officials,” said former Islamabad police chief Tahir Alam Khan.

“The entry and exit points are at an adequate distance from the main compound which enhances its security. And the most important factor is its smooth access from the important places such as the Prime Minister’s House, Parliament House.”

According to a government security official, the hotel’s expansive 15-acre property features over 400 guest rooms, numerous banquet facilities, meeting spaces, and an office building complex, providing sufficient accommodation for the combined U.S. and Iranian delegations totaling more than 150 individuals.

“It has multi-layered, strict security checks… lastly it has strong coordination with the state’s security agencies,” said Kaleem Imam, another former police chief.

British law enforcement officials announced Saturday they have filed charges against a Sudanese national following a tragic migrant boat incident that claimed four lives in the English Channel earlier this week.

The National Crime Agency, which handles organized crime investigations, has charged 27-year-old Alnour Mohamed Ali with endangering lives during a sea voyage to Britain. Authorities arrested Ali on Friday in connection with Thursday’s deadly crossing attempt.

The fatal incident took place Thursday near the French coastal town of Saint-Etienne-au-Mont, close to Calais in northern France. According to the NCA, four people – two men and two women whose names have not been disclosed – lost their lives while attempting to board what officials describe as a water taxi, a vessel type that smuggling operations are using more frequently to evade law enforcement detection.

Following the tragedy, French authorities returned 38 individuals to shore, while 74 migrants successfully completed the journey to British waters, the crime agency reported.

Ali, who investigators allege was operating the vessel, is scheduled for a court appearance Saturday at Folkestone Magistrates Court.

The ongoing surge in Channel crossings by asylum seekers has become a significant political challenge for Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration, as well as previous British governments, with illegal immigration remaining a contentious policy issue.

Iranian foreign ministry officials have established contact with Lebanon to verify that ceasefire agreements are being maintained across all regions, according to a spokesperson who spoke to state television on Saturday. The statement was made from Islamabad, where high-level discussions between American and Iranian representatives are currently underway to resolve their ongoing six-week conflict.

Sources within Lebanon who have connections to Hezbollah informed Reuters on Friday that the organization backs the diplomatic efforts taking place in Pakistan. These officials indicated they view the Islamabad discussions as the proper course of action, rather than participating in alternative negotiations scheduled to occur in Washington during the upcoming week.

KYIV – Both Ukraine and Russia released 175 military prisoners on Saturday in their most recent exchange, as the warring nations prepared to observe a temporary halt in fighting for Orthodox Easter weekend.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his country successfully secured the return of 175 soldiers along with seven civilians who had been held in Russian detention. According to Zelenskyy, the returning Ukrainian military personnel had served on various battlefronts spanning from eastern to southern regions, with the majority having been imprisoned in Russia since 2022.

The Russian Defense Ministry confirmed that the United Arab Emirates facilitated the prisoner swap. Moscow received 175 of its servicemen plus seven civilians who originated from the Kursk region, ministry officials stated.

These prisoner exchanges have become routine occurrences throughout the more than four-year conflict between Kyiv and Moscow. Such swaps represent some of the few tangible outcomes from multiple rounds of U.S.-mediated peace negotiations between the two nations, which have reached an impasse over territorial disputes.

With both countries observing Orthodox Easter this weekend, Ukrainian and Russian leadership have agreed to implement a brief 32-hour cessation of hostilities to honor the religious holiday.

Russian officials announced the temporary truce would commence at 4 p.m. local time on Saturday and conclude at midnight Sunday.

Zelenskyy revealed he had coordinated with his military leadership regarding protocols for Ukrainian forces during the ceasefire period.

“The absence of Russian strikes in the air, on land, and at sea will mean no response from our side,” he stated.

“A ceasefire at Easter could also become the beginning of real movement toward peace – our side has made the corresponding proposal,” Zelenskyy added.

Demonstrations against rising fuel costs have created widespread shortages across Ireland, with protesters entering their fifth consecutive day of blocking the nation’s primary oil refinery and distribution centers.

The ongoing blockades have resulted in major highway closures, including Dublin’s main ring road and six additional primary routes, as demonstrators use trucks and tractors to obstruct traffic flow.

According to Kevin McPartlan, chief executive of Fuels for Ireland, over 500 of the country’s 1,500 gas stations have completely run out of fuel, with that figure expected to rise significantly if the blockades continue.

Law enforcement authorities have placed all officers on alert for potential weekend deployment, while military personnel remain ready to assist in clearing blocked roadways. Government leaders are scheduled to resume negotiations on Saturday in an effort to end the standoff.

The demonstrations, which started on Tuesday, have gained momentum through social media as anger over fuel price increases continues to spread.

Officials expressed confusion about the protesters’ demands, noting that fuel price spikes are occurring worldwide due to Middle East conflicts that have limited oil exports, despite government measures already implemented to address cost concerns.

Speaking to national broadcaster RTE on Friday, Prime Minister Micheál Martin warned that Ireland risked losing oil supply entirely during a global shortage. “It is unconscionable, it’s illogical, it is difficult to comprehend,” Martin stated.

The demonstrators include truck drivers, agricultural workers, taxi operators, and bus drivers who are demanding government-imposed fuel price limits or reductions in excise and carbon taxes.

Two weeks prior, officials had already enacted several cost-relief measures, including temporary excise tax reductions on motor fuels, expanded diesel fuel rebates for commercial operators, and extended assistance programs for low-income heating costs.

However, these price reductions were quickly negated as global fuel costs continued climbing.

The protests initially began with slow-moving vehicle convoys that restricted access to Dublin’s busiest areas and blocked fuel distribution centers serving half the nation. Some demonstrators have remained overnight in their vehicles, demanding direct government dialogue.

Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan suggested on Thursday that external forces may be influencing the protesters to pursue separate agendas or “really want to damage our country.”

PARIS, April 11 – French President Emmanuel Macron announced Saturday that he engaged in diplomatic talks with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan regarding ceasefire negotiations involving Iran and the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

Taking to social media platform X, Macron outlined the key topics covered during their conversation, focusing primarily on Middle Eastern tensions and the war in Eastern Europe.

“We initially discussed the situation in the Middle East, and called for all parties to respect the ceasefire and to make sure this applies to Lebanon, and for all parties to respect the freedom of navigation in the Straits of Hormuz, and we highlighted the importance of getting a strong and lasting diplomatic solution,” Macron posted on X.

The diplomatic exchange between the French and Turkish leaders comes amid heightened international efforts to address regional conflicts and maintain stability in critical shipping lanes.

Pakistani military aircraft and personnel have been deployed to Saudi Arabia as part of a bilateral defense agreement between the two nations, according to an announcement from Saudi officials on Saturday.

The military deployment occurs as Pakistan simultaneously hosts diplomatic discussions focused on resolving ongoing conflicts involving Iran in the region.

Recent weeks have seen a series of Iranian strikes targeting the Gulf nation, which damaged critical energy installations and resulted in the death of one Saudi citizen.

The two countries established their mutual defense agreement in September 2025, with both nations pledging to consider any hostile action against one country as an assault on both. This pact marked a substantial expansion of their longstanding security relationship.

According to Saudi defense officials, Pakistani combat aircraft and supporting planes have been stationed at King Abdulaziz Air Base located in the kingdom’s eastern region.

Officials stated that the Pakistani military presence is designed to enhance collaborative defense efforts and promote stability both regionally and globally.

The military partnership between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia spans decades, with Pakistan historically providing training services and advisory personnel to the kingdom, while Saudi Arabia has offered crucial financial assistance to Pakistan during economic difficulties.

Demonstrating continued economic cooperation, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al-Jadaan visited Pakistan on Friday to show support for the country’s financial situation, according to informed sources.

In 2018, the Saudi government announced a substantial $6 billion aid package for Pakistan, which included a $3 billion deposit with Pakistan’s central bank and an additional $3 billion in petroleum products to be paid for at a later date.

The Russian Defense Ministry announced Saturday that Russia and Ukraine have completed a prisoner exchange, with the United Arab Emirates serving as mediator between the two nations.

According to the ministry’s statement, both countries released 175 prisoners of war in the Saturday exchange. Additionally, Russia freed seven civilians who were originally from the Kursk region.

The prisoner swap represents the latest exchange between the warring nations since the conflict began.

Nigerian authorities have successfully prosecuted 386 Islamic extremists during mass court proceedings that concluded this week in Abuja, according to the country’s top legal official.

Attorney General Lateef Fagbemi announced Friday that the Federal High Court handled more than 500 cases during the recent legal proceedings, which began Tuesday. The defendants were suspected members of Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP).

“We brought 508 cases to the court and out of this number, we were able to secure 386 convictions, eight discharges, two acquittals and 112 cases adjourned to the next session or phase,” Fagbemi stated.

The convicted militants received prison terms spanning from five years to life behind bars. Court officials mandated that all those sentenced must participate in rehabilitation and deradicalisation programs designed to help them rejoin society.

These trials represent the latest chapter in legal proceedings that began in 2017, targeting over 2,000 suspected terrorists connected to the violent insurgency that has plagued Nigeria’s northeastern region.

The Boko Haram uprising began in 2009 and has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths while forcing more than 2 million people from their homes, according to humanitarian organizations. The terrorist organization gained worldwide attention in 2014 when they kidnapped hundreds of schoolgirls from Chibok town in Borno state.

Both Boko Haram and its breakaway faction ISWAP aim to create an Islamic state within Nigeria’s borders. Security officials report that both groups have intensified their military attacks throughout this year.

Multiple international organizations oversaw the court proceedings to guarantee fair legal processes, including representatives from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Amnesty International, and the Nigerian Bar Association, court officials confirmed.

Fagbemi indicated that additional trials in this series are scheduled to commence by the end of May.

LONDON — The United Kingdom has indefinitely suspended its plan to transfer the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw American backing for the arrangement.

British officials confirmed Saturday that parliamentary time has expired for legislation needed to approve the transfer of the Indian Ocean territory, which houses a vital joint U.S.-UK military installation.

The development marks another sign of deteriorating relations between Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration and the Trump White House.

While Trump originally supported the transfer agreement, he reversed course in January, denouncing the sovereignty handover plan as “an act of GREAT STUPIDITY” on social media. The islands contain the joint military facility at Diego Garcia.

Following Trump’s opposition, the UK halted legislative progress on the measure. Government officials now admit insufficient time remains for passage before Parliament’s current session concludes in coming weeks. The proposal is not anticipated to appear in King Charles III’s upcoming legislative agenda when the new parliamentary session starts May 13.

Though frustrated by America’s policy reversal, British authorities remain hopeful the arrangement can be salvaged.

“Diego Garcia is a key strategic military asset for both the U.K. and the U.S.,” the British government said in a statement. “Ensuring its long-term operational security is and will continue to be our priority — it is the entire reason for the deal.

“We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but we have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has U.S. support. We are continuing to engage with the U.S. and Mauritius.”

Simon McDonald, Britain’s former Foreign Office chief until 2020, said officials “had no other choice” but to suspend the agreement.

“When the president of the United States is openly hostile, the government has to rethink. So this agreement, this treaty will go into the deep freeze for the time being,” he told the BBC.

The isolated archipelago of more than 60 islands, located off India’s southern tip below the Maldives, has remained under British administration since 1814.

The Diego Garcia military installation has facilitated American military campaigns spanning from Vietnam through Iraq and Afghanistan, and currently serves as a staging area for U.S. bombers in operations against Iran.

Starmer initially prevented American aircraft from utilizing British airfields for Iranian strikes. He subsequently permitted U.S. forces to operate from English bases and Diego Garcia for attacks on Iran’s missile facilities, while restricting other targets.

Trump has criticized NATO partners for hesitancy in joining the conflict. He recently dismissed Starmer as “not Winston Churchill” and ridiculed Britain’s Royal Navy.

The negotiated arrangement between Britain and Mauritius, developed over years of discussions, would allow the UK to lease the Diego Garcia facility for a minimum of 99 years.

Starmer’s administration argues the deal shields the base from international legal challenges. Recent years have seen the United Nations and its highest court pressure Britain to return the territory to Mauritius.

Britain’s Conservative opposition and Reform UK have fought the agreement, contending that relinquishing the islands creates vulnerability to Chinese and Russian influence. These parties have lobbied the Trump administration to abandon its support.

Former residents forced from Diego Garcia during the 1960s and 1970s for base construction say they received no consultation and fear the deal will complicate their return prospects.

Approximately 10,000 displaced Chagossians and their families currently reside mainly in Britain, Mauritius and the Seychelles. Many have pursued unsuccessful legal battles in UK courts for decades seeking repatriation rights.

NICOSIA, Cyprus – A private intelligence company established by former Israeli operatives has acknowledged its role in an undercover investigation that targeted government officials and business figures in Cyprus, claiming the operation aimed to reveal corrupt practices.

The investigation led to the resignation of a top advisor to Cyprus President Nikos Christodoulides in January, following the online release of footage showing the aide discussing investment opportunities within the country.

The eight-minute recording also captured a business figure claiming to have direct connections to President Christodoulides, along with a former government minister explaining methods for making government donations. All individuals featured in the footage have maintained their innocence regarding any misconduct.

Black Cube, the Israeli intelligence firm, acknowledged its participation in creating the video evidence. Through a public statement distributed to Cypriot news outlets and Reuters, the company expressed being “proud” of revealing “corruption” and contributing to establishing improved business practices across the island nation.

“Black Cube has engaged with Cypriot authorities and is confident they will reach the truth and bring those responsible to justice,” the firm declared. When asked by Reuters about client identification, the company declined to provide details.

Cyprus government officials have not yet provided public responses to the revelations.

According to Black Cube, the firm seeks legal consultation in all operational territories to verify the lawfulness of its activities. The company’s participation was initially revealed by Cyprus’s Politis newspaper last Friday.

Established in 2011 by former Israeli intelligence personnel, Black Cube gained international attention in 2017 following public apologies for conducting covert operations supporting Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, who faced sexual harassment allegations from over 50 women.

Weinstein continues to deny allegations of assault or non-consensual sexual conduct.

Last month, Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob criticized ‘foreign services’ for election interference after reports emerged that Black Cube executives had traveled to Slovenia in December, according to a non-governmental organization’s findings.

A top British defense official believes Ukraine’s cutting-edge drone technology could prove valuable in international operations to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route currently under Iranian blockade.

During a Friday visit to Kyiv, Britain’s armed services minister Al Carns highlighted Ukraine’s advanced military technology, developed through four years of conflict with Russia, as potentially game-changing for Middle East operations.

“Ukraine has some of the best technology in the world that it’s developed here in the war. I think that could provide utility in the Middle East, as we’re seeing already against Shahed drones, all the way through to the Strait of Hormuz,” Carns stated.

Britain has coordinated discussions this month involving more than 30 countries focused on reopening the strategic waterway. The Iranian blockade has severely disrupted global oil supplies following recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy announced this week that his country had joined consultations about protecting maritime navigation, leveraging knowledge gained from years of warfare. Ukraine has already sent over 200 specialists to the Middle East region, where they have successfully intercepted Iran’s long-range Shahed drones.

Carns, a former British military colonel who entered parliament two years ago, emphasized that his Kyiv visit aimed to confirm Ukraine remains Britain’s primary defense and security focus.

The minister downplayed NATO tensions arising from U.S. President Donald Trump’s criticism of European nations for not participating in the Iran conflict, maintaining that NATO continues as the “backbone of our security.”

While Britain continues providing financial support, training, and military equipment to Ukraine, Carns acknowledged significant learning opportunities for the UK, particularly regarding drone innovation, data utilization, and artificial intelligence applications.

“It’s a revolution in military affairs, and we need to move faster,” Carns observed.

The integration of these warfare advances into Britain’s decade-long defense investment strategy, originally scheduled for completion last year, will be finalized this spring, according to Carns.

The minister encouraged Ukraine to expedite exports of its advanced military technology to establish market dominance before other nations develop comparable capabilities, while fostering collaboration with NATO partners.

Ukraine began issuing its first export permits in February, hoping to generate revenue for defense industry expansion while using weapons sales as diplomatic tools with allied nations.

Some industry leaders have criticized Kyiv for slow license approval processes, warning the country risks losing opportunities created by the Iran conflict.

“Ukraine needs to speed up its capacity to export,” Carns emphasized. “I still believe the best systems sit in Ukraine, but the rest of the world is catching up.”

Britain currently hosts a facility producing Ukrainian interceptor drones that began operations in February. Additionally, UForce, a UK-based Ukrainian military technology company, manufactures the Magura maritime drone.

British law enforcement officials have filed charges against a Sudanese national accused of operating a vessel involved in a fatal migrant crossing that claimed four lives in the English Channel.

The National Crime Agency announced Saturday that Alnour Mohamed Ali, 27, faces charges of endangering another during a sea voyage to the United Kingdom. The charges were filed Friday evening under Britain’s recently enacted immigration legislation.

This new legislation expands Britain’s legal authority to prosecute individuals involved in dangerous migrant crossings across the channel.

Four people – two men and two women – lost their lives Thursday when powerful currents overwhelmed them as they attempted to reach the vessel Ali is accused of operating near the French port city of Calais.

French rescue teams pulled 38 people from the dangerous waters. Meanwhile, Ali and 73 additional migrants successfully made it to English shores, where authorities took Ali into custody.

The tragedy unfolded at Equihen Beach in Calais as the group of migrants waded into the water to reach what officials describe as a “taxi-boat” – typically a small motorized inflatable vessel that collects passengers along France’s northern coastline.

This transportation method has gained popularity among smuggling operations as French police intensify beach patrols, often deflating larger rafts that migrant groups traditionally carry to the water themselves.

Maritime regulations prevent French law enforcement from intercepting boats once they’re in the water due to safety concerns for those aboard.

The English Channel has witnessed an increase in crossing attempts and fatalities in recent days. Emergency responders rescued 102 individuals during two separate operations Wednesday. Last week, two additional people died in comparable incidents along the coast north of Calais.

Ali, who also goes by Elnoor Mohamed Ali, is set to make his court appearance Saturday at Folkestone Magistrates Court.

Following a month and a half of military conflict with Iran that has disrupted energy markets and sparked economic concerns worldwide, Americans are grappling with how the war affects their daily lives as a tentative ceasefire remains in effect.

A 65-year-old former Marine from Colorado believes the U.S. and Israeli military actions addressed a longstanding threat that Washington had overlooked for years, while a retired California business owner condemned the conflict as unnecessary and driven by ego.

Economic pressures were a common theme in conversations nationwide, with an Indiana caterer finding it difficult to earn enough to offset increased fuel expenses. In Atlanta, where people enjoyed sunny weather in a public park, a university student blamed the war for damaging the economy, while a 32-year-old cook noted that beyond what appears on television, the conflict feels distant and unreal.

Reuters conducted interviews with 16 individuals across Indiana, New York, California, Georgia and Colorado on Wednesday — one day following the U.S.-Iran ceasefire agreement that preceded planned negotiations in Pakistan this Saturday — to gauge public reaction to the war amid rapid news cycles, continuous social media distractions and deep political divisions.

The military action, initiated without congressional authorization, faces widespread opposition, though opinions vary by political affiliation. A Reuters/Ipsos survey released March 31 revealed that 60% of Americans opposed U.S. strikes against Iran, with 74% of Republicans endorsing the action compared to just 7% of Democrats.

Beyond war-related topics, Reuters questioned participants about economic conditions, national political polarization, and their news consumption habits.

Here are their responses:

DIVIDED OPINIONS ON WAR’S NECESSITY AND JUSTIFICATION

Don Smith, 65, a Marine veteran who operates a contracting company and barbecue establishment in Mead, a northern Colorado community of approximately 6,000 residents that strongly supported President Donald Trump in 2024, considers the military action justified.

“Iran has killed a lot of Americans. They’ve killed a lot of our troops. They’ve supported terrorism against Israel and other places for a long time,” Smith stated, referencing his active duty service in 1983 when an Iranian-backed Hezbollah bombing in Beirut claimed 241 U.S. service members’ lives — an incident that influenced his perspective on Iran. “I think Trump’s just doing what needs to be done right now.”

Terry Lemoine, 82, a retired business owner, voiced his frustration with Trump and the conflict while enjoying sunshine in the outdoor seating section of a Carlsbad shopping center, located in an affluent coastal city 35 miles north of San Diego.

“It never should have happened. He (Trump) just does what he wants to do. He doesn’t care about anybody, just himself. That’s it. The war was just stupid, there was no reason for it,” he explained, suggesting that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu influenced Trump’s decision to pursue military action.

“You only see it (the war) on TV, so you don’t feel like it’s real. It’s not here,” observed Antwuan Bannister, a 32-year-old cook, while relaxing in downtown Atlanta’s Centennial Olympic Park, where children played soccer and flew kites as adults enjoyed the warm weather on grass and benches.

“Trump is a macho man, that’s why we’re at war. He wants to run the world. This will backfire on our country.”

Chad Gard, 50, who was offering breads, soups and cinnamon rolls at a farmers market in a Chesterton, Indiana senior living facility parking lot, expressed no surprise that Trump initiated military action despite campaign pledges to promote global peace.

“I didn’t believe him when he was making the promises,” said Gard, who supported Kamala Harris in the recent presidential election. “Now it’s like, where are we going to go to war next?”

“We’re ruining our position in the world, we’re being the bad guys.”

SIGNIFICANT WORRIES ABOUT FUEL COSTS AND ECONOMIC CONDITIONS

“Our economy sucks,” declared Christian Anderson, a 22-year-old junior at Clark Atlanta University while walking through Centennial Olympic Park. “I’m no economist, but I’m not particularly happy. This pointless war is destroying our economy.”

“Prices have been going up ever since the Biden administration – under Joe Biden, the prices were through the ceiling,” noted Smith in Colorado. “They went down in the first year of Trump’s return, and are rising now because of Iran. Still, prices now are nothing more than they were three or four years ago, so there isn’t much difference.”

Melanie Curtis, owner of Chicago-based Gene Catering and Desserts, explained that increasing fuel costs were significantly affecting her business since she regularly travels to approximately seven Midwestern farmers’ markets weekly, including the Chesterton location.

“With this war going on, and with everything that we have going on in politics, $100,000 is not enough,” Curtis said, describing how her yearly income goal of $100,000 was insufficient to cover expenses. “We’re still underwater, we’re still struggling, we’re still trying to make ends meet.”

Walt Moran, 69, a retired New York City firefighter, expressed concern about lasting consequences from Iran’s decision to prevent shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

“I don’t drive myself, but, I’ve noticed these things. Even two weeks ago, (the gas price) was $3.50 a gallon, and a couple of days ago, it was $4.19,” Moran said while traveling from Manhattan to Staten Island by ferry. “According to people who know about these things, even if they open up the Strait tomorrow, you know, there’s gonna be such a backlog. You know, it’s not like they open the Strait, and prices go down right away.”

CONCERNS ABOUT EXTENDED CONFLICT AND MILITARY DEPLOYMENT

Dana Cuffy, a registered behavior technician in Atlanta, revealed that her sister serves in the Army Reserves and recently learned she would deploy to Kuwait in August or potentially sooner.

“It’s horrible worry all the time,” said Cuffy, 32, adding that her sister advises “not to worry but how can we not. We try not to show it.”

Aaron Klug, who was selling flowers and green onions at the Chesterton market, worried about potential retaliation against Americans by Iran or its allies.

“I would worry if I was on the coasts,” said Klug, 34, who works with family members at Michigan-based Klug Family Produce. “I would feel very concerned about that, knowing that you are the easy target on the edge unfortunately.”

Kenneth Flowers, 63, a retired healthcare worker, believes Americans will “wake up” if the conflict continues much longer. He thinks Trump seeks an exit strategy rather than ground warfare, an option he doubts other Republicans would endorse.

“I think the Republicans will turn against him, Americans won’t stand for it,” Flowers said while sitting on a bench in Centennial Olympic Park.

“I don’t think it’s gonna stop. I think this will go on for a long time,” predicted Patrick Armstrong, 20, an AI engineer shopping at the Carlsbad mall. “I’m surprised they haven’t dropped a nuclear bomb on them yet.”

NEWS CONSUMPTION RANGES FROM CONSTANT ATTENTION TO DELIBERATE AVOIDANCE

Carrie Sherk, who owns Sweetflower florist in Mead, said her husband completed 22 years of Air Force service including Iraq War deployment, making their household particularly focused on the Iran conflict.

“He’s glued to the TV,” she said about her husband. “It definitely hits close to home.”

“Because we don’t have missiles flying our way here at home, we don’t see the actual consequences of what’s really going on,” observed Anderson, the Clark Atlanta University student. “It doesn’t feel like we’re at war here.”

Christyna Kay, a 38-year-old freelance entrepreneur, said her news intake depends largely on TikTok and Instagram algorithms, with the Iran war not ranking among her top international stories.

“I would like to watch news and be on social media, but I give myself a moment to cut that time off because I also need to live and enjoy my life,” she explained. “The fact that I’m aware of it is important to me… Do I deep dive? I have my limits.”

“I feel like that’s just the biggest topic of conversation,” Klug said at the farmers market. “That’s what a lot of people were talking about: Is it going to keep going? Is it going to stop? What’s going on? What are we doing? Are we going to make everybody mad at us?”

Moran, the retired firefighter, said he has closely monitored the Iran war. He recognizes that his decades-long habit isn’t shared by many younger people.

“My parents taught me from the time I was a kid: follow the news. That was like, you know, part of your obligation,” he said. “I know other people don’t like that, but… I’ve always been the kind of person who reads the paper every day.”

A high-ranking Iranian official announced Saturday that the United States has committed to releasing frozen Iranian assets stored in Qatari banks and other international financial institutions, describing this development as evidence of Washington’s commitment to productive negotiations currently taking place in Islamabad.

The official, who requested anonymity given the delicate nature of ongoing discussions, explained to Reuters that releasing these frozen funds was “directly linked to ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” which represents a central topic in current diplomatic talks.

While the senior official did not specify the total amount Washington agreed to release, a separate Iranian source indicated the United States had committed to unfreezing $6 billion in Iranian funds currently held by Qatar.

Neither the United States nor Qatar’s Foreign Ministry provided immediate responses regarding any asset release agreements.

Background on Frozen Assets

The $6 billion in question was initially blocked in 2018 and was scheduled for release in 2023 through a prisoner exchange arrangement between the US and Iran. However, President Joe Biden’s administration re-froze these funds after Hamas, an Iranian-backed organization, launched attacks against Israel on October 7, 2023.

At that time, American officials stated Iran would be unable to access these resources indefinitely, emphasizing that Washington maintained full authority to permanently freeze the account.

These assets originated from Iranian petroleum sales to South Korea and became inaccessible when stored in South Korean financial institutions after President Donald Trump restored sanctions against Iran in 2018 during his initial presidency, simultaneously abandoning the international nuclear agreement with Tehran.

Through a September 2023 prisoner exchange facilitated by Doha, these funds were moved to Qatari bank accounts. This arrangement resulted in the freedom of five American citizens held in Iran, while the US released five Iranian nationals and agreed to unfreeze the assets.

American officials emphasized at that time that the money could only be used for humanitarian purposes, requiring distribution through approved suppliers for food, medical supplies, medical equipment, and agricultural products sent to Iran under US Treasury Department supervision.

PRAGUE, April 11 – Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babis threw his support behind Hungarian leader Viktor Orban on Saturday, endorsing him just one day before Hungary’s crucial parliamentary election and calling him the ideal candidate for Hungarian interests during these uncertain times.

Current polling suggests Orban, a nationalist leader known for his conflicts with European Union officials and cordial relationship with Russia, faces potential defeat after serving 16 years in office. His main challenger is Peter Magyar, a former political ally who now leads the opposition.

“Supporting Viktor Orban this Sunday. He has always fought for a stronger Europe, one built on peace, sovereign nations, sovereign member states, competitiveness,” Babis wrote on the social media platform X on Saturday.

“In turbulent times, choosing stability and proven leadership matters more than ever,” he added.

The Czech leader, who made his fortune as a businessman and billionaire, has undergone a political transformation from supporting liberal, pro-European Union policies to becoming a strong ally of Orban. Both politicians now work together in the Patriots for Europe group within the European Parliament.

After regaining power last year following a period in opposition, Babis has significantly reduced Czech Republic’s financial assistance to Ukraine and declined to join the European Union’s massive 90 billion euro ($105.47 billion) lending package for Kyiv.

Despite these policy shifts, the Czech Republic maintains a more conventional stance toward Russia compared to Hungary and Slovakia.

Babis leads a coalition government that includes a far-right party opposed to NATO membership. His administration is working to overturn the EU’s environmental decarbonization initiatives and developing new laws to restructure public broadcasting while increasing government oversight of non-governmental organizations.

Critics argue these proposed changes mirror similar reforms implemented in Hungary and Slovakia that have weakened democratic institutions and standards.

The British government announced Saturday it has temporarily suspended an agreement to transfer control of the Chagos Islands to Mauritius following opposition from the Trump administration.

The island chain houses the Diego Garcia military installation, a crucial air base operated jointly by American and British forces in the Indian Ocean.

According to The Times, upcoming parliamentary legislation that would formalize the sovereignty transfer has been removed from the government’s legislative calendar. The agreement requires Washington’s approval to move forward.

President Trump previously called the arrangement a “big mistake” in February, despite earlier indicating it represented the best outcome Prime Minister Keir Starmer could achieve.

The proposed agreement would allow Britain to maintain operational control of the Diego Garcia base through a 99-year lease arrangement, ensuring continued American military operations at the facility.

A spokesperson for the British government emphasized that safeguarding Diego Garcia’s long-term security remains a top priority.

“We continue to believe the agreement is the best way to protect the long-term future of the base, but we have always said we would only proceed with the deal if it has U.S. support. We are continuing to engage with the U.S. and Mauritius,” the spokesperson stated.

Relations between Washington and London have faced challenges recently, particularly regarding Starmer’s cautious approach to involvement in the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran and initial restrictions on American use of British military installations for offensive operations.

British authorities have since authorized U.S. forces to conduct what the prime minister describes as defensive military actions.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the British leader, stating he was “not Winston Churchill” and suggesting Starmer has damaged the historically close diplomatic ties between the two nations.

The long-serving leader of Djibouti has secured another presidential term after claiming nearly 98% of votes cast in Friday’s election, according to state-controlled television reports.

Ismael Omar Guelleh, age 78, captured 97.8% of ballots to win his sixth consecutive term leading the strategically important East African nation, state-owned Radio Television Djibouti announced Saturday. His victory extends a political dynasty that began 27 years ago.

Following the results, Guelleh shared a post on X featuring his photo alongside the French term “RÉÉLU,” meaning “re-elected.”

The outcome was widely anticipated for the veteran politician, who assumed power in 1999 after being chosen by his predecessor and uncle, Hassan Gouled Aptidon. Guelleh’s political party maintains control over the nation’s governing institutions.

Recent legislative changes cleared potential obstacles to his continued leadership. Last October, lawmakers eliminated the 75-year age restriction for presidential hopefuls and removed the requirement for a public referendum on constitutional modifications.

Opposition to Guelleh’s candidacy proved minimal during Friday’s voting. His sole challenger was Mohamed Farah Samatar, representing a minor political organization without parliamentary seats.

The country’s primary opposition groups have refused to participate in elections since 2016, claiming electoral officials demonstrate bias and lack independence.

Official statistics indicated 80.4% of eligible voters participated in the election. During the previous 2021 contest, Guelleh similarly dominated with more than 97% support.

The nation of fewer than one million residents occupies a crucial position along the Gulf of Aden near the Red Sea entrance. Multiple countries including the United States, China, France, Italy and Japan maintain military installations there. Since 2023, various commercial vessels damaged by Houthi militant attacks from Yemen have sought refuge in Djiboutian ports.

Compared to neighboring Horn of Africa countries, Djibouti has maintained relative political stability in recent years. Guelleh’s administration has prioritized major port development projects, positioning the country as the primary trade route for landlocked Ethiopia.

However, international human rights organizations have criticized Djiboutian officials for suppressing political opposition figures, activists and media personnel. Government representatives have rejected accusations of systematic abuse and dismissed critiques of their electoral procedures.

In 2020, security personnel suppressed uncommon street demonstrations that erupted following the detention of a former military pilot who had publicly criticized alleged government corruption and ethnic favoritism.

High-ranking American and Iranian representatives met in Pakistan’s capital city of Islamabad on Saturday for diplomatic discussions designed to bring an end to their ongoing Middle East conflict that has resulted in thousands of casualties, disrupted global energy markets, and damaged the worldwide economy.

The negotiations face significant challenges, with Iranian leadership stating that official diplomatic talks can only commence after the United States provides guarantees regarding a ceasefire in Lebanon and the removal of economic sanctions against Iran.

Among the primary issues expected to be addressed during these discussions:

Iran is seeking an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli military operations against Iran-supported Hezbollah forces have resulted in approximately 2,000 deaths since hostilities began in March. While Israel and the United States maintain that the Lebanese conflict remains separate from U.S.-Iran ceasefire efforts, Tehran considers it an integral component.

Iranian officials are demanding that Washington release frozen Iranian financial assets and terminate economic sanctions that have severely damaged Iran’s economy over multiple years. The U.S. has suggested it may consider substantial sanctions relief, but only in return for Iranian compromises regarding its nuclear and missile programs.

Iran seeks recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz, where it aims to impose transit fees and regulate access – a move that would represent a major shift in regional influence. The United States insists the waterway must remain open for oil tankers and commercial vessels without restrictions or fees.

Iranian representatives are anticipated to request compensation for all damages sustained during the six-week conflict. Washington has not provided any public response to this demand.

Iran wants permission to continue uranium enrichment activities, which the U.S. has rejected and President Donald Trump has declared non-negotiable.

Both Israeli and American officials are calling for significant reductions in Iran’s missile capabilities. Tehran has stated that its extensive missile program remains non-negotiable.

Iran is requesting the removal of U.S. military forces from the region, an end to hostilities on all fronts, and guarantees of non-aggression. Trump has pledged to maintain American military presence in the Middle East until a peace agreement is finalized and has threatened major military escalation if Iran fails to comply.

JAKARTA – Indonesia’s President Prabowo Subianto is scheduled to travel to Moscow within the next few days for talks with Russian leader Vladimir Putin, according to the country’s foreign minister on Saturday.

Foreign Minister Sugiono indicated that discussions during the trip will focus on Indonesia’s potential acquisition of Russian oil supplies as the nation seeks alternative energy sources during ongoing global shortages linked to conflicts involving Iran.

When previously questioned about the possibility of such a diplomatic meeting, Russian officials confirmed that preparations for contact between the two presidents were underway.