Headlines

Iran nuclear programme 'set back' but not wiped out

The United States and Israel may have obstructed the path towards a future Iran-built nuclear bomb by severely damaging the Islamic republic's nuclear and ballistic capabilities in recent attacks. But they have not succeeded in seizing its stockpile of highly enriched uranium,

IMF cuts 2026 global growth forecast on Mideast war

The IMF cut its 2026 global growth projection Tuesday, warning that the world economy could be "thrown off course" by war in the Middle East -- as the conflict roils commodity markets and sparks higher prices. The global economy is set to grow by 3.1 percent this year, said the

Pope Leo issues warning on democracy after Trump criticism

By Joshua McElwee ANNABA, Algeria, April 14 (Reuters) - Pope Leo warned of the risk of democracies sliding into "majoritarian tyranny" on Tuesday, in a letter issued by the Vatican two days after U.S. President Donald Trump attacked the pontiff on social media. The first U.S.

Ships exit Gulf from Iran despite US blockade: tracker

At least two ships sailing from Iranian ports crossed the Hormuz Strait on Monday despite a US military blockade, maritime tracking data indicated Tuesday. They were among at least four Iran-linked vessels that used the route after Washington's blockade came into effect at 1400

War in the Middle East: latest developments

The latest developments in the Middle East war: - Trump 'shocked' at Meloni's war stance - US President Donald Trump criticised Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a political ally, in an interview published on Tuesday for her unwillingness to help in the Iran war. "I'm

Italy suspends defence cooperation deal with Israel

ROME, April 14 (Reuters) - Italy's government has decided to suspend the automatic renewal of a defence cooperation deal with Israel, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Tuesday, citing the conflicts in the Middle East. Meloni's right-wing government has been one of Israel's

France, UK to host Hormuz talks Friday: French presidency

France and Britain will co-host a video conference Friday of countries ready to contribute to a "purely defensive mission" to secure the Strait of Hormuz, the French president's office said. President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer will co-chair the

School shooting in Turkey leaves 16 wounded, governor says

ANKARA, April 14 (Reuters) - A teenager opened fire at a high school in Turkey's southeastern province of Sanliurfa on Tuesday, wounding at least 16 people, including students and teachers, before killing himself, Governor Hasan Sildak said. The assailant, a 19-year-old former

Botswana seals energy, mining deals with Oman

Botswana has signed energy and mining exploration agreements with Oman as it seeks to deepen economic ties with the sultanate, the presidency said. The Southern Africa nation has been courting Gulf states as it seeks to diversify an economy heavily reliant on diamonds, of which

Lebanon, Israel to meet for tough talks in Washington

Lebanese and Israeli representatives are scheduled to meet in Washington Tuesday for US-mediated talks on ending the war in Lebanon, but the prospects of an agreement appear slim. Naim Qassem -- the leader of pro-Iran Hezbollah, which is battling Israel -- called for the talks

Mideast war revs up electric car demand in Asia

Electric vehicle sales have jumped in Southeast Asia as cost-conscious buyers have poured into dealerships looking to dodge the fuel price spikes driven by the Middle East war. Asian nations have been particularly hard hit due to a sharp fall in the crude shipments they rely on