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Russia's aviation regulator has cancelled recommendations to suspend ticket sales for flights to the UAE and lifted restrictions on using Iranian airspace, citing coordination with transport and foreign ministries. The move follows a period of partial airspace closures in the Middle East, with flights to Israel permitted under time restrictions from April 16 to May 15.
Oil prices have surged amid stalled peace negotiations between the United States and Iran, with the Strait of Hormuz remaining largely closed. Conflicting signals from Washington and Tehran, including the cancellation of planned talks and the seizure of an Iranian vessel, have kept markets volatile.
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, a US-Kuwaiti journalist, has been detained in Kuwait for over six weeks, charged with spreading false information and harming national security. His arrest, linked to his sharing of publicly available war footage, has drawn international concern amid a broader tightening of censorship in the Gulf.
Indian officials have called for the rapid implementation of a proposed regional energy hub in Sri Lanka's Trincomalee, stressing the project's strategic importance during bilateral talks in Colombo. The initiative, involving Sri Lanka, India, and the UAE, has been under discussion since 2023 and is seen as crucial amid global energy disruptions from the Middle East conflict.
As day 41 of the Middle East war closes, Iran threatens retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon amid confusion over the ceasefire's scope. The US blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is drawing international criticism, while talks between Israel and Lebanon begin in Washington.
US President Donald Trump has escalated threats against Iran, warning he will destroy all power plants and bridges if Tehran rejects Washington's terms. He also announced a complete naval blockade and legal prosecution for oil trade, while Vice President JD Vance hinted at new military tools. Trump claims a deal could be reached by April 7 but insists Iran must capitulate.
The IGAD special envoy to Sudan has announced that the 'quintet' group will host more inclusive meetings next month, aiming to bring together all Sudanese factions that did not attend the Berlin conference. The move comes amid criticism from 25 groups aligned with the armed forces who rejected the conference's selective invitations.
A coalition of Western and regional governments welcomed the signing of Libya's first unified national budget in more than ten years, calling it a critical step toward economic coordination and stability.
A tense standoff between US and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz has escalated, with radio warnings, reported IRGC attacks, and mixed signals from both governments. Nearly 20% of global oil and 25% of LNG transit the strait, heightening concerns over energy security and regional stability.
India summoned Iran's ambassador over attacks on two Indian-flagged vessels near the Strait of Hormuz, conveying deep concern about the safety of merchant shipping. The incident comes amid a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire, which India has welcomed while calling for unimpeded trade through the strategic waterway.
Pakistan has repaid $3.45 billion in deposits to the United Arab Emirates, completing a major debt obligation amid regional tensions. The repayment, confirmed by the State Bank of Pakistan, follows a $2 billion payment reported earlier and coincides with new financial support from Saudi Arabia and a successful Eurobond issuance.
As the conflict between Iran and Israel and the US winds down, assessments diverge sharply. Jerusalem Post analysts frame the campaign as a strategic success that degraded Iran's nuclear and missile programs, while Al Jazeera argues the war expanded the conflict and imposed heavy costs on Washington.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public statements since assuming office, has declared the US suffered a 'shameful defeat' and vowed to protect Iran's nuclear and missile programs. The defiant message comes amid a US naval blockade and Iran's restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, with oil prices rising above $120 a barrel. The statements highlight escalating tensions and the strategic importance of the waterway.
The Trump administration renewed a one-month waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil at sea, reversing an earlier decision not to extend sanctions relief. The move aims to ease global energy prices roiled by the US-Israeli war with Iran, but drew criticism from Ukraine and US lawmakers.
After weeks of US and Israeli bombing, Iranians struggle to maintain daily life while grappling with a shattered economy, destroyed infrastructure, and fears of renewed government crackdowns. The ceasefire remains fragile, with talks over its extension ongoing, and analysts warn the country's internal instability may pose a greater long-term threat than the war itself.
Australia has announced a significant increase in defence spending on drone and counter-drone technologies, totaling $12-15 billion over the next decade, according to Defence Minister Richard Marles. The investment, which includes flagship projects like the Ghost Bat and Ghost Shark, is a direct response to the evolving role of drones in recent conflicts.
President Donald Trump has said a deal with Iran could be reached within a day or two, with talks possibly resuming over the weekend. Reports from BBC and TASS highlight both optimism and lingering threats of military action if negotiations fail.
Daniel Kinahan, alleged leader of the Kinahan cartel, was arrested in Dubai on Wednesday on an Irish warrant. The arrest followed a covert operation involving Irish and UAE authorities, and he faces extradition to Ireland over organized crime charges linked to a gangland feud.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that Britain and France will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, following a Paris summit with 49 countries. The mission, described as strictly peaceful and defensive, aims to reassure commercial shipping and support mine clearance. Starmer also called for the unconditional reopening of the Strait, which Iran has partially closed to ships affiliated with the US, Israel, and their supporters.
Iran's foreign minister announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz for commercial vessels for the duration of the ceasefire, prompting a drop in oil prices. However, the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in force until a peace deal is reached, according to President Trump.