US troops depart Syria, ending decade of presence in fight against ISIS
The last American bases in Syria have been turned over to the government in Damascus, US military officials confirmed to Al-Monitor.
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War in the Middle East: latest developments
The latest developments in the Middle East war: - Pope praised by peer - Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally, the new leader of the world's Anglicans, hailed Pope Leo XIV's "courageous call" for peace following a war of words with US President Donald Trump. "I stand with
Commodities exports through Strait of Hormuz collapse, except for Iran
Iran was the top exporter of commodities through the Strait of Hormuz in March, as shipments from other countries fell off a cliff with Tehran's blockade of the vital waterway, data by analytics firm Kpler showed. Iran is usually the fifth largest exporter of commodities --
Explainer-Iran war exposes weakened state of Britain's armed forces
By Sarah Young and Andrew MacAskill LONDON, April 16 (Reuters) - The Iran war has left Britain's armed forces exposed, heaping pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to act on his promises to invest in defence, after years of warnings from military bosses about the UK's
US forces ready to restart combat if Iran doesn't agree a deal, says Hegseth
WASHINGTON, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. forces in the Middle East are postured to restart combat operations if Iran doesn't agree to a peace deal, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told a Pentagon briefing on Thursday. "You Iran, can choose a prosperous future, a golden bridge, and
Settlers block Palestinian pupils' path to West Bank school with barbed wire
By Nuha Sharaf and Yosri Al-Jamal JERUSALEM, April 16 (Reuters) - Dozens of Palestinian children have been unable to go to school in the Israeli-occupied West Bank this week because of barbed wire erected by Jewish settlers across the path they normally use. Dozens of children
How the US could clear mines from the Strait of Hormuz
By Cassell Bryan-Low April 16 (Reuters) - As the United States embarks on clearing mines from the Strait of Hormuz, it could draw on an arsenal of drones, explosive‑laden robots and helicopters to reduce risks, though de‑mining crews could still be vulnerable to Iranian
Trump, Rubio speak to Lebanon's president amid push for Aoun-Netanyahu call
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday amid reports that Aoun is to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Rubio speaks to Lebanon's president amid push for Aoun-Netanyahu call
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun received a phone call from US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday amid reports that Aoun is to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Little enthusiasm as Palestinians gear up for local polls
With local elections due next week, West Bank Palestinians are struggling to muster enthusiasm for their first ballot since the Gaza war, discouraged by limited political choice and the difficulty of voting under Israeli occupation. On April 25, voters will choose
Brazil's Lula assails Trump threats, says leaders should seek respect
MADRID, April 16 (Reuters) - Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva delivered a blunt critique of U.S. President Donald Trump in an interview with Spanish newspaper El Pais published on Thursday, saying world leaders should seek respect rather than rule by fear. "Trump
Despite U.S. blockade, second ship reaches gulf through Hormuz
The vessel crossed the waterway towards Iran despite the U.S. blockade, Iran's Fars News Agency said. U.S. Central Command said no ships have broken through since the start of the blockade on Monday
Turkish school shooter used image referencing 2014 U.S. mass killer, police say
ANKARA, April 16 (Reuters) - A 14-year-old student who shot at least nine people dead, including eight of his fellow pupils, at a school in southeastern Turkey had used an image referencing a 2014 U.S. mass killer, Elliot Rodger, on his WhatsApp profile, Turkish police said on
Turkey urges "constructive" U.S.-Iran talks to end war
ANKARA, April 16 (Reuters) - Turkey said on Thursday it would continue supporting peace talks between the United States and Iran and called on the sides to be "constructive" in negotiations to end the war. Turkey, a NATO member and neighbour of Iran, has been in close touch
Israeli strike severs last bridge linking southern Lebanon to rest of country, Lebanese security official says
BEIRUT, April 16 (Reuters) - An Israeli strike has severed the last bridge linking southern Lebanon to the rest of the country, a senior Lebanese security official told Reuters, adding that the strike "shattered" the bridge and left no possibility of repairing it. (Reporting by
In Lebanon shelters, women care for tiny babies, face pregnancy
Mariam Zein cradled her 11-week-old son on a mattress on the floor where she and her family have sheltered near Beirut since the Israel-Hezbollah war upended her young family's life. "I was really excited when I was in my ninth month of pregnancy... I never thought he'd be born
Iran, US narrow differences after Pakistani mediation but splits remain, senior Iranian official says
DUBAI, April 16 (Reuters) - Iran and the United States have made some progress as they push for an agreement under Pakistani mediation, but more than halfway through a two-week truce big splits remain including over Tehran's nuclear ambitions, a senior Iranian official said on
Trump says Israel, Lebanon leaders to hold talks Thursday
US President Donald Trump said the leaders of Israel and Lebanon will speak on Thursday in what would be a historic first, but there was no confirmation from either side. Trump's announcement comes as Washington pushes to ease hostilities following the first direct talks
Israel minister says Netanyahu to talk to Lebanon leader Thursday
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will speak to Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, one of his ministers said Thursday, in what would be a historic first. Israeli minister for innovation, science and technology Gila Gamliel confirmed the talks after US President Donald
Pakistan says no dates set for second round of US-Iran talks
ISLAMABAD, April 16 (Reuters) - No dates have been decided for the second round of talks between the U.S. and Iran, a spokesperson for Pakistan's foreign ministry said on Thursday. Nuclear issues are among the subjects being discussed by the countries, he said. (Reporting by
Gaza's war amputees short of prostheses under Israeli restrictions
By Dawoud Abu Alkas , Nidal al-Mughrabi and Emma Farge GAZA/CAIRO/GENEVA, April 16 (Reuters) - Fourteen-year-old Fadel al-Naji used to be a keen footballer but is now largely confined to his home in Gaza City since both legs were severed in an Israeli drone attack in September.
IDF chief reinstates reservists accused of abusing Palestinian detainee, despite ongoing probe
The decision was made despite the IDF having yet to conclude the investigation, following last month's dismissal of the charges against the suspected soldiers by the Military Advocate General
Report: Trump tells Lebanese president Israel-Hezbollah cease-fire set to begin within hours
After Trump announced the leaders of Lebanon and Israel would speak on Thursday, Lebanon's president reportedly informed Secretary of State Rubio he would not speak to his Israeli counterpart. Meanwhile, IDF officials said they were preparing for a Thursday evening truce
Trump says Lebanese-Israeli leaders to speak for first time in decades
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, April 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said leaders of Lebanon and Israel will speak, saying he was "trying to get a little breathing room" between the countries, after more than six weeks of war between Israel and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.
Explainer-Can Iran legally impose tolls on the Strait of Hormuz?
By Jonathan Stempel April 16 (Reuters) - Tehran has sought to tighten its grip over the Strait of Hormuz by charging tolls on vessels to ensure safe passage, in conjunction with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The following explains law governing toll collections and
Australia, Malaysia pledge to strengthen energy supply chain resilience in wake of Iran war
SYDNEY, April 16 (Reuters) - Australia and Malaysia are committed to working together to strengthen their energy supply chain resilience and promote stable trade flows, the countries said in a joint statement on Thursday. The statement added that Australia and Malaysia shared
Iran participating in World Cup, FIFA president confirms
FIFA president Gianni Infantino said Wednesday that Iran will "for sure" participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the Middle East war. "Iran is coming for sure. We hope that by then the situation will be a peaceful situation, that would definitely help," Infantino told an
US-sanctioned supertankers enter Gulf despite blockade
By Florence Tan SINGAPORE, April 16 (Reuters) - A second U.S.-sanctioned supertanker has entered the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, shipping data showed, despite a U.S. blockade on vessels visiting Iranian ports. U.S. President Donald Trump announced the blockade on Sunday
Hopes for Middle East peace grow as Israel discusses Lebanon ceasefire
By Steve Holland and Maayan Lubell WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM, April 16 (Reuters) - Optimism grew on Thursday that the war in the Middle East may be near an end, with a key Pakistani mediator in Tehran and the administration of President Donald Trump talking up hopes for a deal that
Syria's Kurds register for citizenship after decades of marginalisation
In a packed hall in Qamishli's sports stadium in northeast Syria, Firas Ahmad is one of dozens of Kurds waiting to apply for citizenship after many in the minority were barred from doing so for decades. Since last week, "unregistered" Kurds, who have been stateless since a
LIV Golf reassures players over Saudi withdrawal rumors
LIV Golf on Wednesday moved to reassure players and staff that it remains fully funded, as reports circulated that the breakaway tour is on the verge of collapse due to the possible withdrawal of Saudi Arabian financing. The Saudi-backed tour has bitterly divided the world of
US Senate Republicans back Trump military sales to Israel
By Patricia Zengerle WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Senate on Wednesday blocked two resolutions that would have stopped the sale of some $450 million in bombs and bulldozers to Israel, as President Donald Trump's fellow Republicans rallied behind his support for the
YouTube suspends pro-Iran channel posting Lego-style clips mocking Trump
YouTube has terminated a channel belonging to a pro-Iran group producing viral Lego-themed AI videos that ridicule US President Donald Trump, the Google-owned platform said Wednesday, sparking online criticism. Explosive Media, a group of pro-Tehran creators that describes
US announces new sanctions against Iran oil sector
The United States announced Wednesday it is tightening sanctions against Iran's oil industry as Tehran keeps up its closure of the Strait of Hormuz as part of the Mideast war. The new punishment targets oil transport infrastructure by slapping sanctions on more than two dozen
IMF chief warns of 'tough times' if oil prices stay high
IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned Wednesday of difficult times ahead for the global economy if war in the Middle East is unresolved and oil prices stay high, adding that inflation risks could seep into food prices. "We must brace for tough times ahead" if the conflict
Israeli strikes in Lebanon have killed 172 children as attacks target homes far from Hezbollah war front lines
Israel has often struck alleged Hezbollah militants or officials in their homes without warning, frequently in parts of Lebanon far from the front line, when they are with their families, in apartment buildings surrounded by uninvolved neighbors
Lebanon fears talks with Israel could push the country to the brink of civil war
Lebanon's pro-government camp views the talks in Washington as part of a broader effort to curb escalation, while the pro-Hezbollah camp warns of a path detached from the reality on the ground. Beirut is waiting to gauge domestic reactions before forming a stance, a Lebanese
World Bank launches 'Water Forward' programme to tackle global water stress
LONDON, April 15 (Reuters) - The World Bank and other top development lenders launched a new global initiative dubbed Water Forward on Wednesday, aimed at improving secure water access for a billion people within the next four years. The programme seeks to boost investment in
White House offers no hint of Iran war cost as it seeks military funding surge
By Nolan D. McCaskill and David Morgan WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - White House budget director Russell Vought said on Wednesday he could not estimate the cost of the Iran war, as he defended President Donald Trump's request for a massive $1.5 trillion annual military
US targets Iran's oil transportation infrastructure with sanctions
April 15 (Reuters) - The U.S. Treasury Department said on Wednesday it was targeting Iran's oil transportation infrastructure by imposing sanctions on more than two dozen individuals, companies, and vessels. The sanctions target a network of Iranian oil shipping magnate
American-born journalist detained in Kuwait for six weeks amid press freedom crackdown
Ahmed Shihab-Eldin, who had reposted verified CNN footage of U.S. fighter jets being shot down in Kuwait, has been detained since early March on charges that press freedom groups say are being used to intimidate journalists. His arrest was unknown for six weeks
White House denies U.S. requested ceasefire, says new talks may happen in Pakistan
WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Reports that the White House has requested a ceasefire in the Iran war are wrong, press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday but added that discussions about a second round of talks with the Iranians were ongoing and
US Senate Republicans block bid to rein in Trump Iran war powers, voting continues
WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - A majority of the U.S. Senate backed President Donald Trump's military campaign against Iran on Wednesday, voting to block a Democratic-led resolution aiming to stop the war until hostilities are authorized by Congress. As voting continued, the
Israeli military continues to strike Hezbollah amid Lebanon peace talks, Netanyahu says
JERUSALEM, April 15 (Reuters) - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday the Israeli military continued to strike at Hezbollah and was about to overcome what he described as the militia's stronghold of Bint Jbeil, as pressure mounted for a ceasefire between Israel
Historic or disgraceful? Talks with Israel met with hesitation and fatigue in Lebanon
Lebanese media portrayed the meeting in Washington as a coerced concession, while officials downplayed its significance. 'It does not reflect the interests of Lebanon or the Lebanese people,' said one journalist
Israeli attacks prevent Lebanese from burying their dead in ancestral lands
By Nazih Osseiran and Jihed Abidellaoui BEIRUT April 15 - Brothers Ali and Wael Sabbagh stood facing the remains of the building that contained their family home for more than 50 years. The site was pounded into rubble by Israeli strikes last week in an attack that killed their
Exclusive-Iran offers proposal allowing ships to exit Oman side of Hormuz free of attack, source says
By Parisa Hafezi and Jonathan Saul DUBAI, April 15 (Reuters) - Iran could consider allowing ships to sail freely through the Oman side of the Strait of Hormuz without risk of attack as part of proposals it has offered in negotiations with the United States if a deal is clinched
'Fantastic feeling': Sudan capital returnees relieved after three years of war
Sudanese pilot Mohamad Daafallah grins as he shakes hands with passengers after their landing at Khartoum Airport, exactly three years after it was bombed to shreds during the outbreak of war in Sudan. The airport was one of the last footholds of the rival paramilitary Rapid
Kremlin says US has rejected its proposal that Russia take Iranian uranium stocks
April 15 (Reuters) - The Kremlin's spokesman was quoted as saying on Wednesday that the United States had rejected its proposal that Russia take all of Iran's enriched uranium out of the country as a way to help resolve the Middle East conflict. Russia first proposed last