Location · 81 stories from 129 outlets in the last 7 days · 3,245 published stories all time · All places
AI summaryThe health of Iran's Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is in question following conflicting reports. A diplomatic memo cited by The Times suggests he is incapacitated, while Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh insists he is in good health and leading the country, deepening uncertainty during the ongoing US-Israel conflict.
AI summaryPrime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said Israel will keep striking Hezbollah until the security of its northern border areas is restored. The remarks come as Israeli forces continue operations in southern Lebanon, including a strike that killed the nephew of Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem, while negotiations with Lebanon are reportedly underway.
AI summaryIran’s atomic energy chief Mohammad Eslami said demands by the United States and Israel to restrict Tehran’s uranium enrichment programme will not be met. He also described protecting the right to enrich as necessary for any ceasefire talks with Washington, speaking during commemorations for the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
AI summaryThe US may extend sanctions relief on Russian oil this week, according to reports. Citing ex-officials and sources, US allies have been informed of temporary measures aimed at stabilizing energy markets during continued operations against Iran.
AI summaryIran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh says talks with the US cannot begin until both sides agree on a shared framework, noting that the composition of Iran’s delegation will depend on who represents the American side. Multiple reports indicate that Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf and US Vice President JD Vance are set to lead their respective delegations at upcoming talks in Islamabad, while Iran has proposed a 10-point plan that includes control over the Strait of Hormuz and lifting of sanctions.
AI summaryIran has executed at least 14 prisoners since late February, including a Swedish-Iranian national and three young men linked to protests, according to Deutsche Welle. Rights groups and Amnesty International report dozens more face imminent execution, raising concerns about the use of capital punishment during wartime.
AI summaryTurkish officials are promoting the country as a secure investment destination as the Iran war disrupts regional hubs, while Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek warns that a breakdown of the US-Iran ceasefire could trigger a global recession.
AI summaryIsrael has escalated its bombing campaign in Lebanon days after a US-brokered ceasefire with Iran was announced, killing more than 250 people and deepening a dispute over whether the truce covers Lebanon. British and French foreign ministers have called for Lebanon’s inclusion, while the US insists it was not part of the deal. Iran has yet to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and new peace talks are set to begin in Pakistan, but expectations for a swift resolution remain low.
AI summaryIsraeli airstrikes on Beirut and other parts of Lebanon killed more than 180 people on Wednesday, hours after a US-Iran ceasefire was announced. Hezbollah responded with rocket fire at northern Israel, and Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, threatening the fragile truce.
AI summaryDutch political scientist Kees van der Pijl told TASS that Israel’s influence remains central to US policy toward Iran and that the newly announced two-week ceasefire is highly fragile. US President Donald Trump has described Tehran’s 10-point proposal as a working basis for talks mediated by Pakistan. The expert also suggested Washington and Israel may use the pause to replenish weapons stockpiles.
AI summaryThe US-Israel war on Iran has boosted global oil prices, with Russia emerging as a key beneficiary despite sanctions. However, repeated Ukrainian attacks on Russian refineries and a new gasoline export ban highlight strains in Moscow's energy sector.
AI summaryAl-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem reopened to Palestinian worshippers after a 40-day closure by Israel, drawing thousands for prayers. The reopening followed a truce in the US-Israeli war on Iran, but tensions remain as Israeli settlers and police presence continue to affect the site.
AI summaryUS President Donald Trump met NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House, but the talks did not soften Trump's criticism of the alliance. Trump again accused NATO of not supporting the US in the Iran war, while Rutte acknowledged allies' helpfulness in basing and logistics. Reports indicate the US may consider punitive measures against NATO members, though no decisions have been confirmed.
AI summarySeoul shares fell over 1.5% on Thursday, ending a four-day rally as investors weighed conflicting US and Iranian statements about a two-week ceasefire. The KOSPI dropped 94.33 points, with tech and defense stocks leading declines, while the won weakened against the dollar.
AI summaryIndia's state election season began with voting in Assam, Kerala, and Puducherry, with West Bengal and Tamil Nadu to follow later this month. The elections are seen as a test of support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's BJP, amid global energy disruptions and controversies over voter roll revisions in West Bengal. Results are due on May 4.
AI summaryPresident Trump’s abrupt decision to accept a two-week ceasefire with Iran, after threatening to destroy Iranian civilization, has sparked debate over his negotiating strategy and the limits of US leverage. While some hail the deal as a diplomatic victory, others question the sustainability of such high-stakes brinkmanship.
AI summaryThe International Monetary Fund has reached a staff-level agreement with Sri Lanka that could unlock approximately $700 million in financing. The deal comes as the island nation continues recovering from its worst economic crisis in decades, while facing new challenges from the Iran war and its impact on energy prices.
AI summaryJapan is considering releasing a 20-day oil stock from its reserves in May, according to Kyodo News, on top of the 45-day supply already released in mid-March. The move comes as the country, which relies on the Middle East for about 95% of its oil, braces for possible prolonged disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Experts and officials also warn of LNG shortages and potential power outages as summer approaches.
AI summarySingapore has refused to negotiate with Iran over safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, calling transit a right under international law rather than a privilege. Malaysia’s leaders, whose vessels were granted toll-free passage after direct diplomacy, pushed back against what they saw as Singapore lecturing them on engagement. The dispute highlights widening regional differences over how to respond to Iran’s selective use of the strategic waterway.