Geopolitical Shifts and Technological Advanceactive

Two US Army soldiers have been injured after encountering a brown bear in a mountainous training area in Anchorage, according to the military. The incident happened on Thursday as the soldiers were taking part in a “land navigation training event” in Arctic Valley, part of the Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson’s training area. The soldiers were receiving medical care as of Friday, a military official told the Anchorage Daily News. Queries sent to base were not immediately returned on Friday. The...

Despite some empty seats, Trump projected confidence in his party’s ability to win the midterm elections. Some in the crowd focused on GOP divisions.

TSMC's first-quarter 2026 earnings call delivered the expected headline numbers — $35.9 billion in revenue, a 66.2% gross margin, and full-year revenue growth guidance raised to above 30% in US dollar terms. The financial story was strong and largely anticipated.

The Israeli military reported this Friday about an operation carried out in southeastern Lebanon "minutes before" the ten-day ceasefire came into effect, which was announced on Thursday by U.S. President Donald Trump. The operation, dubbed "Punishment," took place "minutes before the ceasefire with Beirut went into effect," scheduled for 00:00 local time on Friday (17:00 on Thursday in Chile), and involved the "deployment of special forces in the Christofini mountain range," located in the Lebanese governorate of Nabatiyé. This was announced by the Israeli military's Arabic-speaking spokesperson, Avichai Adrai, on his social media accounts, where he stated that "the operation was approved by the Chief of Staff," Eyal Zamir. In his post on X, Adrai stated that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) remain "on high alert" and will continue to "eliminate threats throughout the area between the border and the line established under the ceasefire agreements." #Breaking: Operation "Punishment": The Israel Defense Forces reveal a military operation that took place minutes before the ceasefire with Lebanon came into effect, involving the deployment of special forces in the Christofini mountain range in eastern Lebanon. 🔸Special forces from the Israel Defense Forces began the operation last night (Thursday)...

A meeting of finance ministers and other officials from the G7, the group of seven major economies, was held in the United States on the morning of the 18th (Japan time) to discuss issues related to critical minerals, including rare earth elements. The participants reaffirmed their commitment to accelerating efforts to diversify supply chains, with a particular focus on China, which holds a dominant share of the market.

Taiwanese automotive electronics leader E-Lead Electronic is reshaping the future of smart cockpits through a combination of deep technological reinvention and production restructuring, as it positions itself as a full-spectrum systems supplier in an increasingly fragmented global supply chain.

Embodied AI is moving out of the lab and into real-world environments at increasing speed. The humanoid robot half-marathon scheduled for April 19 in Beijing Economic-Technological Development Area (E-Town) is framed as a public race, but functions more as an industry stress test, compressing a full stack of technologies into a 21-kilometer trial.

The 2026 International Symposium on VLSI Technology, Systems and Applications (VLSI TSA) kicked off on April 14, gathering over 800 semiconductor professionals worldwide. The conference focused on next-generation core areas including GenAI inference acceleration, wafer-level computing, and terahertz wireless communication, while also delving into quantum computer system architectures and extending the reach of semiconductors to AI-driven cardiac analysis and other smart healthcare applications.

Local media has reported that the former British ambassador to the United States, who had a relationship with the deceased billionaire, Jeffrey Epstein, and was later charged with sexual abuse offenses in the US, was deemed unsuitable during a background check conducted before his appointment. This has once again raised questions about the responsibility of Prime Minister Starmer in his appointment.

The age of cheap oil is over and Thailand’s rooftops are reflecting that fact. Across homes, garages and warehouses in the sun-drenched kingdom, the blue-black sheen of solar panels is spreading, as the Iran war has done what years of climate summits could not: turn solar power into a necessity. Demand for solar panels has swamped companies like Wayso, whose managing director is colouring in Thailand’s rooftops as fast as he can find technicians to do it. “We can’t hire quickly enough,” Suwat...

The president of the NPT (Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons) Review Conference, which discusses the global direction of nuclear disarmament, held a press conference. He stated that, with nuclear arms control treaties between the United States and Russia set to expire, the NPT is "the only remaining hope," and expressed his determination to reach an agreement.

President Trump on Friday teased at a Turning Point USA event in Phoenix that he will direct Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to release government files on UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena (UAPs). “I recently directed the Secretary of War … to begin releasing government files relating to UFOs and unexplained aerial phenomena,” Trump said. “And…

Jaden Pierre has been identified as the 15-year-old who was shot dead yesterday at Roy Wilkins Park in Queens, New York and cops have released suspect photos.

Transportation costs for World Cup fans traveling to US stadiums could be more than 10 times higher than regular fares. Local officials and FIFA bosses are trading blame for the increased prices while fans feel fleeced.

President Trump was met with an at times a roaring ovation from a crowd at a Turning Point USA event in Arizona on Friday during several opportunities where he detailed his policies on Iran. It marked a window into how some young conservatives are receiving Trump’s message on the international conflict. “Would anybody like to…

The impending three-day visit of President Lee Jae-myung to India is not routine diplomacy – it is a strategic inflection point for both countries and the wider Indo-Pacific. The regional order that once underpinned stability is fragmenting. Economic interdependence is increasingly a liability, and long-standing security guarantees are under strain. In this shifting landscape, India […] The post Recalibrating the India-South Korea strategic partnership appeared first on Asia Times.

WASHINGTON, April 17 (Yonhap) -- Iran said Friday that it reopened the crucial S...

Two of the six vessels that have been stranded since early March have remained in the Persian Gulf

The speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad-Bagher Qalibaf, said Friday that Iran will close the Strait of Hormuz again amid the U. S. blockade on Iranian ports, contradicting President Trump, who said the strait was “open for business” earlier in the day. His remarks came as Trump was on stage delivering a speech in Arizona at a…

The president's strong statements are intended to increase pressure on Tehran, but some U.S. allies and officials involved in the negotiations are questioning whether Iran has truly conceded, as Trump claims.

Iran war’s impact has been larger on short-term expectations but 2022 serves as a cautionary tale

The president will direct federal agencies to boost research into the drugs and support clinical trials, moves championed by Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

President Trump on Friday sprinted ahead to take a victory lap celebrating what he said was Iran’s agreement to open the Strait of Hormuz and a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.  But conflicting statements from Iranian officials and Israeli pushback on the terms of the ceasefire with Lebanon are raising doubt about the president’s actual…

Ex-US NSA moots Hippocratic oath for corporates to prevent Chinese takeover

Prices plummeted after Iran said it would open the Strait of Hormuz for the duration of a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Under the "Tacos of the World" project, the U.S. Embassy in Mexico is supporting Mexican citizens who were in an undocumented immigration situation in the United States. At the UNITEC (Technological University of Mexico) Cuitláhuac campus, Mexican nationals Jaime, Luis Alberto, and Carlos prepared ribeye tacos, Cajun shrimp tacos, and huazontle ranch tacos, as part of the training, mentorship, and support programs offered by the embassy to those returning to Mexico, in collaboration with Migraflix. This initiative, led by Ambassador Ronald Johnson, aims to create opportunities and improve the future for returning individuals, as well as to strengthen local economies. Also read: U.S. Trade Representative to meet with Ebrard on Monday; also with companies and organizations in the private sector. "We are investing in the talent and creativity of each individual," commented the diplomatic representation. Highlighting that gastronomy tells the stories of regions and brings people together, the embassy mentioned that 150 entrepreneurs have received training to start their own businesses. This is a concrete initiative to address undocumented migration, and it is an investment in people. By creating opportunities, we help save lives, the embassy stated. In celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States' independence and in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the creations of the returning Mexicans will be available for tasting at the Globa Village…

The numbers are the first to quantify the effect of the Trump administration’s shutdown and restarting of a program that has saved millions of lives worldwide.

Representative Jake Auchincloss (D-MA) shares his disbelief when discussing President Trump saying the Strait of Hormuz is open, stating markets “would be wise to put the President on mute.” He goes on to explain how Trump has now given Iran a different strategic deterrent in chokehold control of the Strait, and whether or not he believes the president can talk peace into existence with Iran. Rep. Auchincloss speaks with Kailey Leinz and Joe Mathieu on the late edition of Bloomberg's "Balance of Power." (Source: Bloomberg)

Iranian officials did not confirm most of Mr. Trump’s claims and disputed several of them.

Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick ruled out the possibility of Chinese investment in the US auto industry, saying there’s no need for companies like electric carmaker BYD Co. in America.

If Trump’s claims of concessions are true, the blockade is working. But keep the pressure on.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would appoint academics and players in chemical and other industries and additional scientists to its Science Advisory Board (SAB). The new appointments come more than a year after the administration “reset” the board, dismissing the scientists who were on it. This board is made up of outside scientists who provide scientific…

On Friday, optimism and confusion were intertwined as President Trump suggested that an end to the conflict in Iran was within reach, even as many of his claims were met with silence or murmurs of dissent from Tehran. The war is at a critical juncture, seven weeks after it was launched by the United States and…

Iran has rejected suggestions by Donald Trump that it has agreed to hand over its stockpile of enriched uranium.

Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (D-Calif.) on Thursday referenced a previously deleted image of President Trump resembling Jesus Christ when she criticized the impact that the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran has had on costs in the U.S., prompting her to say the president could "f**k his a**." Kamlager-Dove said this in a video recorded by MediasTouch reporter Pablo…

The White House responded to reports concerning the deaths or disappearances of 10 scientists and officials associated with nuclear and space research.

Seres' plans demonstrate how the intense competition in the electric vehicle sector is putting pressure on automakers to innovate.

The war-torn country wants to reconstruct in a way that is environmentally, socially, and geopolitically more sustainable.

The sides also discussed international steps toward restoring Libya’s unity with the United Nation’s pivotal role

Iranian officials did not confirm most of Mr. Trump’s claims and disputed several of them.

President Trump and his family are suing federal agencies over leaks of their tax information. Court filings say they’re in talks to find a solution instead of heading to trial.

Tehran's announcement on Friday that the critical Strait of Hormuz was reopen to commercial shipping for the remainder of the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire was followed by a flurry of social media posts by US President Donald Trump suggesting that a peace deal with Washington could be reached "soon". But Iranian officials said the two sides still needed to overcome serious differences.

Day 5 in Africa for Pope Leo the 14th. In the midst of a pause in the ongoing violence in Cameroon, the Pope headed to Douala after the city of Bamenda, to celebrate a Mass. Also It's now more than 48 hours since Million Beyene disappeared without a trace. And Literature takes centre stage in the French capital as Paris hosts the fifth edition of its Book Festival, among the standout voices, Cameroonian writer Djaïli Amadou Amal.

Gavin Lee is pleased to welcome former Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi. Italy's former head of state offers a deep, insightful, and thought-provoking perspective on contemporary geopolitics, European cohesion, and leadership ethics. Speaking from the perspective of a former leader of a major European country, he reflects on instability in global alliances, energy vulnerability in Europe, and the evolving nature of political leadership. His analysis is characterized by a tension between pragmatism and principle, where shifting allegiances are both criticized and, at times, cautiously supported.

The Governor of the province of Buenos Aires, Axel Kicillof, began assembling a photo album that he had gone to Spain to acquire, as part of the World Progressive Movement gathering. In the afternoon, in Barcelona, the Governor of Buenos Aires met with the President of Colombia, Gustavo Petro. The Colombian leader suggested that Kicillof "might be the President of Argentina," to "pull it out of the crisis." They met in the Gabriel García Márquez library. Kicillof traveled to Spain on Thursday and will return to Argentina on Saturday. Invited by the President of the Spanish Government, Pedro Sánchez, it was expected that the Governor would participate in the panel "Progressive Action and Multilateralism in a Fragmented World: EU-Latin America Relations in Times of Disruption," organized by FEPS. However, due to scheduling conflicts, the Governor of Buenos Aires did not attend. Aloizo Mercadante, President of the Brazilian National Bank for Economic and Social Development and former Minister of Justice of that country, expressed his regret. "It's a shame that Kicillof didn't have time to participate, but regardless of his absence, the important thing is to defeat Milei," he concluded the panel. Kicillof went to Spain to present himself as one of the figures that the progressive movement – or, as Kicillof himself put it, the "national and popular" movement – has to challenge the government of Javier Milei in the upcoming elections. He was seeking support. Although in the interviews...

Amid conflicting reports about the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, European leaders gathered on Friday to coordinate a plan to guard it.

"The war could slow down growth in the short term."

Former President Obama is increasing pressure in Virginia to encourage voters to support the state's redistricting measure and give Democratic candidates a stronger chance in the November midterm elections, telling Virginians "we're counting on you." ABC News obtained a new video of Obama reminding voters in Virginia that "early voting is underway" and emphasizing the importance of turnout.

A coalition of nonbelligerent states led by France and the UK has said it is ready to lead an international mission to restore navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. But that won't be deployed before the Iran war is over.

Lebanon and Israel are holding first direct talks in decades.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Friday that the Trump administration is looking into whether there may be a link between the nearly a dozen American scientists who have reportedly died or gone missing in the past almost three years. Leavitt wrote in a post on the social platform X that the White House is…

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo arrived in Barcelona, Spain, where she was welcomed by the Mexican community residing in the city. Upon her arrival, dozens of compatriots gathered to welcome her with banners, the Mexican flag, and traditional Veracruz music. The gathering, according to the Mexicans present, reflects the strong bond that Mexicans abroad maintain with their country and with what is known as the "Fourth Transformation." "Is this visit to Spain historic?" the federal leader was asked. "Yes, thank you," she replied. What is Mexico's message in Spain? "Long live peace always," she responded. Also read: Sheinbaum to participate in the IV Summit for the Defense of Democracy in Barcelona; plans to meet with Mexican residents in Spain. 🇲🇽 🇪🇸 This is how President Claudia Sheinbaum is being welcomed in Barcelona, Spain, as part of the IV Summit for the Defense of Democracy. #VIDEO: @elkizz_ | EL UNIVERSAL 📸 pic.twitter.com/Z2Jifal4iD — El Universal (@El_Universal_Mx) April 17, 2026 Also read: "Welcome, President Claudia Sheinbaum"; Mexicans in Spain express their support for her visit. Join our channel! EL UNIVERSAL is now on Whatsapp! Stay informed about the most important news of the day, opinion pieces, entertainment, trends, and more, all from your mobile device. nro

Tense negotiations are set to resume in an effort to end a dispute that is costing the United States more than a billion dollars each month.

The message from US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to his fellow economic policymakers a year ago came as a welcome surprise — that “America First does not mean America alone” and that the US is “doubling down on our engagement with the international economic system.”

Adnan at-Tamimi says that another reason is related to Washington's actions towards Israel and a possibility of suspending the war in Lebanon

Proprietary systems were less risky, U. S. officials assumed. That turned out to be a dangerous premise.

Trump may get a nuclear agreement on paper, but the world’s larger success is a return to energy realism.

A closer agreement, but "significant differences" remain. According to the Wall Street Journal: "Negotiations in Pakistan may take place as early as Monday."

Foreign ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei told state television that Iran's enriched uranium remains under its control and will not be moved abroad.

BARCELONA – This weekend, Barcelona is becoming the "global capital of progressivism," as declared by the socialist mayor, Jaume Collboni, as it hosts a summit of world leaders from the left, sponsored by Pedro Sánchez. Among the leaders attending the summit are the Brazilian president, Lula da Silva, the Colombian president, Gustavo Petro, the South African president, Cyril Ramaphosa, and the Mexican Claudia Sheinbaum, who will be making her first visit to Spain after years of bilateral tensions stemming from Madrid's refusal to apologize for the colonization. Some people carry the history of a continent in their voices. @LulaOficial is one of them. In a world that doubts and fragments, Spain and Brazil are opening a new chapter, convinced that our countries have something the world needs: the strength to build bridges where... pic.twitter.com/VdOAiyLKNv — Pedro Sánchez (@sanchezcastejon) April 17, 2026 Also attending the conclave, which aims to present a programmatic alternative to the reactionary wave led by Donald Trump, are the governor of Minnesota, Tim Kaine, the mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani, the Vice-President of the European Commission, Teresa Ribera, and the President of the Party of European Socialists, the Swede Stefan Löfven. However, before attending the summit, Sánchez and Lula da Silva held a bilateral meeting at the Pedralbes Palace in the city. The meeting was attended by a delegation of...

Tehran’s decision to fully open the strait "guarantees that about twenty tankers will be able to sail from Iraq already in the near future, which are capable to transport about 23 mln barrels of oil produced in Basrah to the global market," the news portal said

The Financial Stability Board is gathering information from members about potential risks posed by Anthropic’s Mythos model as it look to share such insights more broadly among its network of regulators and central bankers to help them judge the risks of autonomous cyber attacks. Bloomberg's Jake Bleiberg reports. Bank of Canada Governor Tiff Macklem, who heads the FSB’s key committee for monitoring risks, said officials have “work to do” as they assess the severity of the risks posed by the artificial intelligence model relative to other budding dangers like private credit and the global energy crisis. The topic has featured heavily in conversations at this week’s IMF and World Bank meetings. It was discussed at a meeting of FSB representatives on Wednesday amid concerns that financial systems beyond the US are disadvantaged because they have little access to the model created by San Francisco-based Anthropic. (Source: Bloomberg)

The ambassador also noted that along with the security aspects, the economic side of the issue also occupies an important place in navigation through the strait

The Celestyal Discovery, a Maltese-flagged cruise ship, crossed the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, becoming the first vessel to transit this strategically important waterway since its reopening. The MarineTraffic ship tracking service reported that the passenger ship, which apparently was sailing without passengers and headed for Oman, departed from Dubai on Friday after being docked for 47 days. The Celestyal Discovery is expected to arrive in Oman on Saturday, according to Euronews. Approximately 2,000 ships were stranded in the Gulf region after Iran closed the strait following U.S. and Israeli attacks on February 28. U.S. President Donald Trump declared on Friday that the waterway is now "completely open." He added that the U.S. naval blockade against Iran will remain in place, applying only to Iranian ports until transactions with Tehran are "100% complete." The Celestyal Discovery is operated by the Greek company Celestyal Cruises.

According to Joseph Aoun, the talks do not mean a waiver of rights

President Trump is headlining Turning Point USA’s (TPUSA) event in Arizona on Friday afternoon, as Republicans seek to bolster support ahead of November. The “Build the Red Wall” event comes at a time when Trump’s backing among young voters is slipping as the conflict in Iran persists and as affordability concerns continue to mount. A…

The Portuguese Parliament approved a measure this Friday that prohibits the display of flags considered "ideological, partisan, or associational" in public buildings, including those that support the LGBTQ+ community or Ukraine. The bill, approved with the votes in favor of the conservative Social Democratic Party (PSD), the far-right party Chega, and the Christian Democratic CDS-Popular Party, prohibits flags that are "ideological, partisan, or associational" in public buildings, regardless of their legal nature. The measure, which also includes a ban on insignias of "foreign origin, except in the context of official diplomatic or protocol events," will apply to public buildings, monuments, flagpoles, facades, and official interiors, according to the news agency Lusa. In cases of non-compliance, fines ranging from 200 to 2,000 euros are foreseen for negligence, and from 400 to 4,000 euros for intentional violations. However, the legislation excludes private spaces and cultural, sporting, or associational events that "do not involve official representation of the State."

Trump tells AFP 'no sticking points' left for deal with Iran

A meeting led by the United Kingdom and France was held to ensure the safe passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The leaders of both countries welcomed Iran's announcement that it would open the strait, and stated their intention to further accelerate the development of specific plans, including providing support for mine removal.

Visit to the Western Wall, meetings, ceremonies and the nation’s highest honour – Milei’s schedule in Israel; Presidential delegation departs this Saturday at 11am. Leer más

The Stellantis group announced a significant shift in its industrial strategy in Europe, confirming the end of vehicle production at its historic plant in Poissy, France. The facility, which currently assembles models such as the DS3 and the Opel Mokka, will cease automobile manufacturing by 2028 and will be transformed into a center focused on the circular economy. This decision is a response to a complex scenario for the European automotive industry, characterized by overcapacity, a decline in demand compared to pre-pandemic levels, and the emergence of new global competitors, particularly from China. The restructuring is the result of a sustained decline in vehicle production at the Poissy plant: from 145,000 units in 2023, production is projected to fall to 65,000 units in 2027. Instead of completely closing the plant, Stellantis opted to restructure it through an investment of approximately 100 million euros. The goal is to transform Poissy into an industrial hub focused on new activities related to the vehicle lifecycle, aligning with its sustainability strategy. Among the main functions that the facility will assume are the production of parts and components for other models within the group, as well as the development of after-sales activities. In addition, key circular economy processes will be implemented, such as the dismantling of vehicles at the end of their useful life, the recovery and reuse of parts, and the recycling of materials. Furthermore, the center i…

Prime Minister Keir Starmer appears to have been kept in the dark repeatedly over Peter Mandelson, the Jeffrey Epstein associate — fueling an image of weakness.

Defensive mission contingent on a ceasefire. E4 divisions, Rome and Berlin are cautious about ruling out U.S. involvement.

After departing from Mexico City International Airport (AICM) near midnight, President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo arrived at Madrid Airport, where she made a stopover to participate in a summit of progressive governments in Barcelona. Amid selfies, kisses, and hugs, Mexican nationals in Spain welcomed the President of the Federal Executive. Videos shared on social media show the President interacting with people who approached her in the waiting area. Also read: Sheinbaum reveals itinerary during her trip to Spain; she will meet with heads of state and visit a supercomputer center. In connection with President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo's participation in the IV Summit in Defense of Democracy in Barcelona, Spain, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE) announced that the President will hold meetings with various heads of state. It was explained that Sheinbaum Pardo will meet with Pedro Sánchez Pérez-Castejón, President of Spain; Gustavo Petro Urrego, President of Colombia; Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of Brazil; Yamandú Orsi, President of Uruguay; and Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. Furthermore, it was detailed that during her working trip, the President will also meet with the Mexican community residing in Spain and will visit the National Supercomputing Center, where she will tour the facilities of the complex and meet with academics and officials. Also read: Shein…

Defensive mission contingent on a ceasefire. E4 divisions, Rome and Berlin are cautious about ruling out U.S. involvement.

The US leader emphasized that the Irainian side wanted to make a deal

Iran said Friday that the Strait of Hormuz is fully reopened to international shipping following an Israel-Lebanon ceasefire agreement, prompting thanks from President Donald Trump – who then said the US naval blockade on Iranian ports will continue. “In line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through Strait of Hormuz is […] The post Iran, not US, cancels Hormuz blockade after Israel-Lebanon truce appeared first on Asia Times.

The US delegation to the last weekend’s round of negotiations with Iran was led by Vice President JD Vance

Maria Zakharova recalled that from the very beginning of the large-scale escalation in the Middle East, Moscow had called for an end to the armed confrontation and a transfer of the conflict to a political and diplomatic settlement

Russian fish imports from Turkey in January - February amounted to $63 mln

Iran and the US said the strategic waterway, which has been effectively closed since the beginning of the war, will be fully open to commercial traffic for the remainder of the ceasefire

Democrats want to grill the top immigration officials in a hearing before the House Homeland Security Committee. But the White House did not say if they’ll participate.

Meanwhile, as a new 10-day truce in Lebanon enters its first full day, Trump claims that Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program. Iran's foreign minister has stated that the Strait of Hormuz is now fully open to commercial vessels, reinforcing hopes for an eventual end to the war in the Middle East and causing oil prices to plummet, despite analysts' warnings that there will be no immediate widespread resumption of passage through the vital waterway. In a series of social media posts, Donald Trump claimed on Friday that Iran had agreed never to close the strategic waterway again, hailing "A GREAT AND BRILLIANT DAY FOR THE WORLD!"

Minutes after a ceasefire in Lebanon went into effect at midnight, heavy gunfire was heard in Beirut. Hezbollah supporters were celebrating in the southern suburbs of the capital, which have been pounded by weeks of Israeli strikes.

Following the ceasefire in Lebanon, Tehran has issued a statement. The tycoon continues to criticize NATO. Axios reports: "New talks are likely to take place on Sunday. The United States is considering a deal: $20 billion in exchange for uranium."

France and Britain said on Friday that they would lead a multinational mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, while emphasising the force would be entirely defensive and only deployed once lasting peace in the region was agreed. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed the force was being set up as they co-chaired international talks in Paris focused on ensuring free-flowing trade through the critical shipping corridor. The...

As the clock runs down on a two-week ceasefire agreed to by the US and Iran, the key question is whether they can reach a deal to end a war that has killed thousands of people and sparked a global energy crunch.

BARCELONA — The EU’s revised merger guidelines will not offer a free pass for European industries to consolidate, the bloc’s competition chief Teresa Ribera told POLITICO. The European Commission has nearly completed its revamp of the bloc’s merger rules, which is due to be published on May 2. Departmental consultations of the 100-page draft guidelines began this week. “We cannot use merger operations as a substitute for market integration,” Ribera said in an interview on the sidelines of the Global Progressive Mobilization summit in Barcelona on Friday. Ribera, who as executive vice president ranks second to Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, enforces antitrust policy across the 27-nation bloc. Her comments contrast with her boss’ calls to nurture European business “champions” that can hold their own against China’s world-beating exporters and U. S. tech titans. The Spanish commissioner said that the industrial restructuring of sectors like telecoms was impeded by the fragmentation of national markets, and not the bloc’s merger rules. “It needs to be proven that there are benefits we will be enjoying in the time to come. And not just: I want to be big,” she said. Ribera also issued a pointed warning to member countries tempted to use the guidelines’ new resilience and security exceptions to pick domestic winners. “We also invite national competition authorities and national governments to make a very self-restrained understanding of what this could mean,” she said. Her remarks follow Italy’s intervention in Milan-based UniCredit’s bid for local rival Banco BPM, and the conditions set by the Spanish government on BBVA’s attempts to acquire Sabadell. Both triggered Commission legal proceedings on the grounds that the respective governments were breaching EU rules on the freedom of establishment and movement of capital. Ribera said that in order for resilience, sustainability and innovation arguments to be accepted, upfront criteria would apply. Each would have to be demonstrated concretely, she added. The commissioner also promised more, earlier structured engagement between companies and officials. The progressive summit at which Ribera spoke brought together left-wing parties and movements from more than 100 countries for its inaugural gathering in Barcelona. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum are due to address a plenary session on Saturday.

In a letter addressed to the Association of Career Diplomats of Chile (ADICA), the former New Zealand ambassador, Manahi Pakarati, accused that efforts are being made to remove her from the diplomatic service and denounced workplace harassment against her. Manahi, who was removed from her position in the Oceanic country on January 6th, after the diplomat allegedly supported the self-determination and self-governance of the Rapa Nui people, made serious accusations. In her letter to ADICA, the former ambassador stated: "I have felt the threat that my diplomatic career could eventually be cut short. I have no official communication to this effect, but if that were to happen, it would mean my separation from the Foreign Service after 29 years of service in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which would set a dangerous precedent for all of us." In the text, the diplomat accuses that her situation arose "from the unauthorized circulation, by the counselor Francisco Devia Aldunate, who currently holds a position at the Chilean embassy in Spain. He used a private image obtained from my personal phone, taken during a vacation period in Rapa Nui, my place of origin." She adds that: "This image was interpreted by the colleague Devia in a malicious and biased manner on his social media and in the media, publicly accusing me of allegedly..."

Rep. Mark Takano (D-Calif.) grilled Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about President Trump’s mental fitness Friday, pressing him about some of Trump’s recent social media posts. During a Friday hearing in the House Education and Workforce Committee about the budget of the Department of Health and Human Services, Takano presented large…

The UN chief reiterated his full support for the diplomatic efforts "to find a peaceful path forward out of the current conflict in the Middle East"

PARIS — European leaders pledged to rapidly increase a multinational effort to secure the Strait of Hormuz after Iran said it would reopen the vital waterway to maritime traffic, even if Donald Trump doesn't want their help. French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and the prime ministers of Italy and the United Kingdom, Giorgia Meloni and Keir Starmer, jointly announced Friday that they would be leading what Starmer called a "defensive" mission to ensure freedom of navigation in the strait, through which a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas travels. "We agreed to accelerate the military planning, and I can confirm that France and the U.K. will lead a multinational mission to protect freedom of passage as soon as conditions allow," said Starmer, adding that details would be shared at a military planning conference in London next week. The United States, however, does not appear inclined to accept that assistance. After announcing that Tehran had agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz following Israel and Lebanon's agreement on a 10-day ceasefire, Trump wrote Friday on his Truth Social account that his NATO allies were "useless" and weren't needed. "I received a call from NATO asking if we would need some help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY JUST WANT TO LOAD UP THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL," he wrote. Trump and other top U.S. officials have expressed deep frustration in recent weeks with allies who have refu…

Former White House strategist Steve Bannon said he believes artificial intelligence company Anthropic “had it right” in demanding its technology not be used in fully autonomous lethal weapons, setting off a conflict with the Pentagon. The Pentagon has insisted it be allowed to use Anthropic’s Claude for “all lawful uses,” last month labeling the company…

The trade treaty, known as USMCA, is up for a formal review in the coming months, and Trump administration officials are expected to seek changes to the pact.

Brent crude oil prices plummeted by 10% after Iran announced that the shipping lane remains completely open to commercial vessels during the ceasefire.

After weeks of bombardments in southern Lebanon that have killed more than 2,000 people and displaced more than one million residents Israel has announced a ten-day ceasefire with Lebanon, prompting Iran to declare the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” – although US President Donald Trump said the US blockade “will remain in full force” until […] The post Israel-Lebanon ceasefire no tidy end to fighting, Hormuz shutdown appeared first on Asia Times.