Middle East Escalation and Global Shiftsactive

Just days before the ceasefire between the United States and Iran is set to expire, President Donald Trump stated that it might not be extended if an agreement is not reached. "Maybe I won't extend it, but the blockade will remain in place. Unfortunately, we will have to start dropping bombs again," he said. "If you don't have a deal by Wednesday when the ceasefire ends, will you extend the ceasefire?" @POTUS: "I don't know. Maybe I won't extend it—but the blockade is going to remain... Unfortunately, we'll have to start dropping bombs again." pic.twitter.com/rhC6ATfezT — Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) April 18, 2026 The President of the United States celebrated the opening of the Strait of Hormuz in anticipation of the upcoming bilateral meeting with China. "President Xi is very happy that the Strait of Hormuz is open and/or rapidly opening. Our meeting in China will be a special one and, potentially, historic. I look forward to being with President Xi—Much will be accomplished!" - President DONALD J. TRUMP pic.twitter.com/wQkYuttGfV — The White House (@WhiteHouse) April 18, 2026 Andres Repetto on LN+ The United States has suspended most of the sanctions targeting the industry until May 16th...

Guatemala maintains its leading position as the world's largest exporter of cardamom, supplying over 50% of the international market and solidifying its role as a key industry for its national economy. According to recent data from the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the Central American country exported approximately 28,321 tons of cardamom in 2024, with a value of $496.6 million, and closed 2025 with a notable recovery in international prices for the spice. Guatemala's dominant position in the global cardamom market is due to both the quality of the product and sustained demand in strategic markets. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Bangladesh, and Pakistan are among the main destinations for Guatemalan cardamom exports, according to records from the FAO and specialized platforms for international trade such as Tridge and the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC). The FAO reported that in 2023, Guatemala produced approximately 95,210 metric tons, a figure that represented 43.43% of the global production of this crop. The same report highlights that the country generated nearly 53% of the global value in cardamom exports, significantly surpassing other Asian producers such as India or Sri Lanka. Tridge, a platform for analyzing agricultural markets, confirmed that the value of Guatemalan exports ranged between $5.06 and $6.17 per kilogram during 2025, which…

A(H3N2) K is the name of a new variant of the influenza virus that was detected in 2025. It has changes in its structure that make it difficult for the human body to recognize. This is why it can more easily infect even people who have already been vaccinated, although it does reduce the risk of complications and death. Older adults should pay special attention to the circulation of the A(H3N2) K variant because their immune systems often respond less effectively to the emergence of new viruses. Furthermore, while the 2026 vaccine is effective, it does not account for the circulation of the A(H3N2) variant. Therefore, it is recommended that not only older adults, but also people close to them, such as family members, should get vaccinated. Argentine scientists Jorge Quarleri and María Victoria Delpino, who work at the INBIRS Institute of the National Council for Scientific and Technical Research (CONICET) and the Faculty of Medical Sciences at the University of Buenos Aires (UBA), published an editorial in the journal GeroScience, in which they warn that older adults should be more cautious this year due to the emergence of the new variant. "In older people, the aging process, previous exposure to the virus, and the H3N2 type itself can converge to create a more severe condition. Vaccination may not prevent infection, but it significantly reduces the risk of developing a serious illness," said Dr. Quarleri to Infobae. When the flu transforms Influenza A(H3N2) is one of the…

Sudan entered its fourth year of a civil war this week, a conflict that the international community has defined as the worst humanitarian crisis on the planet. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023 between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has unleashed a disaster of extraordinary proportions throughout the country. This African territory accumulates figures that equal or surpass those of almost any other contemporary conflict. Official figures speak of at least 59,000 deaths, although some estimates raise the number to 400,000. Sudan is bleeding. There is no corner of this country that is unaffected by this war, marked by brutal sieges, deliberate starvation, and the use of violence against civilians as a means of control. From allies to enemies Until recently, the protagonists of this tragedy were allies. The leaders of both factions seized power together after the 2021 coup. But the alliance broke down due to a dispute over control of the state and strategic resources. Since then, neither side has shown any real willingness to negotiate a truce. The fracture not only divided the military apparatus: it also destroyed the functioning of Sudanese society. The struggle for power is taking place in a country without hospitals, without schools, and without institutions capable of supporting the population. The cities are plunged into chaos from which there is no apparent way out. The displacement…

Panama has made progress in its process of aligning with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) with the signing, in Paris, of a Memorandum of Understanding between Foreign Minister Javier Martínez-Acha Vásquez and the organization's Secretary-General, Mathias Cormann. The government presents this as part of its strategy to align public policies, strengthen institutions, and meet international standards in transparency, governance, financial integrity, and sustainable development. The agreement establishes a formal framework for technical cooperation between Panama and the OECD, which opens the door for data exchange, comparative policy assessments, expert missions, and evidence-based recommendations. Following the signing, Martínez-Acha stated that this was not merely a ceremonial gesture, but a strategic decision and a commitment to transformation, emphasizing that Panama seeks to join the organization as a partner willing to be measured, evaluated, and improved. The signing took place just a few weeks after the Panamanian government launched a high-level Permanent Commission to lead the accession process. This body was created by Executive Decree No. 12 on March 9, 2026, and includes representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs, the Presidency, Economy and Finance, Commerce and Industry, Social Development, and Education, as well as the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (AN…

The United States government announced this Friday the imposition of sanctions against the leaders of four pro-Iranian militias in Iraq, including Kataib Hezbollah – the Islamic Resistance Movement of Iraq – for their attacks against U.S. interests in the country and their "terrorist activities." The U.S. Department of the Treasury sanctioned a total of seven men, accusing them of "planning, directing, and executing attacks against personnel, facilities, and interests" of Washington in Iraqi territory. According to the Treasury Department, those affected lead "some of the most violent Iraqi militias aligned with Iran," citing Kataib Hezbollah, Kataib Sayid al Shuhada, Harakat al Nujaba, and Asaib Ahl al Haq – also known as Red Jazali – all of which are considered terrorist organizations by U.S. authorities. Today, as part of Economic Fury, the Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control designated seven commanders of Iran-backed Iraqi militias for planning, directing, and executing attacks against U.S. personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq. These militias attack U.S. personnel and… — Treasury Department (@USTreasury) April 17, 2026 "These militias operate with near impunity, attacking U.S. personnel and innocent civilians throughout Iraq, diverting resources from the country to finance their terrorist activities, and undermining Iraq's sovereignty and democratic processes," the Department stated. P…

The U.S. Ambassador to Peru, Bernie Navarro, responded this Friday to statements made by President José María Balcázar regarding a potential postponement in the purchase of F-16 fighter jets for the modernization of the Peruvian Air Force (FAP), warning of possible consequences if the negotiations do not proceed properly. "If you negotiate in bad faith with the United States and undermine U.S. interests, be assured that, as a representative of the Trump administration, I will use all available tools to protect and promote the prosperity and security of our country and the region," the U.S. diplomat wrote on social media. Later, in a second message on X, he reiterated Washington's position regarding any action that could affect its interests. "If you negotiate in bad faith with the United States and undermine U.S. interests, be assured that, as a representative of the Trump administration, I will use all available tools to protect and promote the prosperity and security of our country and the region." — Ambassador Navarro (@USAmbPeru) April 17, 2026 Navarro's statements came after the Peruvian head of state indicated that his government, due to its transitional nature, was considering leaving the decision on the purchase of the fighter jets to the next administration, which will take office on July 28th. Balcázar stated that the scope of the…

Donald Trump announced that the blockade of Iranian ports will end "as soon as an agreement is signed," expressing optimism about the progress of negotiations with Tehran regarding the conflict in the Middle East. The U.S. president, speaking during a visit to Arizona for an event hosted by the conservative organization Turning Point, stated that the talks are "going well" and predicted that an agreement could be reached "within one or two days," according to a phone conversation he had with the digital media outlet Axios. Meanwhile, CNN reported that Iranian sources indicated that U.S. and Iranian delegations were expected to hold negotiations in Pakistan on Monday, although Washington has not confirmed this. The U.S. Central Command announced on Tuesday that it had blocked Iranian ports, through which 90% of the Islamic Republic's trade passes, as a measure of pressure following the unsuccessful round of peace talks held last weekend in Islamabad. Trump blamed Iran for maintaining its nuclear ambitions and asserted that the planned agreement will "guarantee the security of Israel," which will "emerge stronger" after the conflict that began on February 28. In this context, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, speaker of the Iranian parliament, warned that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. blockade persists. "If the blockade continues, the strai...

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Friday that taking control of Iran's nuclear material is essential to achieving a peace agreement, hours after announcing that Washington would work with Tehran to recover its enriched uranium. During a rally in Arizona organized by the conservative group Turning Point, Trump outlined the main points of the potential agreement with Iran, stating that "this process should be very quick now that most of the points have already been negotiated and agreed upon. They will be very happy." He then asserted, as reported by CNN, that the agreement would involve the United States taking control of Iran's nuclear material, a point that officials in Tehran have refuted. "The United States will keep all the nuclear dust. Do you know what nuclear dust is? That white powder created by our B2 bombers... We were going to take it anyway," he said, adding: "but taking it, taking it that way, is a little more dangerous." It should be noted that the "nuclear dust" he referred to is what is believed to have remained after his country and Israel bombed Iran's nuclear facilities in June 2025. 🚨 JUST IN: President Trump describes HOW the United States is going to extract enriched uranium from Iran. "Somebody said, 'how are we going to get the nuclear dust? We're going to get it by going in with Iran, with lots of excavators because... obliteration!" "…

A columnist for the Madrid-based newspaper El País aptly referred to a new conflict between the emperor and the Pope, while writing about Donald Trump and the current pontiff. The recreation, in part, might be timely because the American president, in his usual extravagance, seems to have ambitions to dominate the world, or at least a significant portion of it, without any regard for the basic institutions of a republic. Fortunately, the papacy has lost its temporal power and its imperial ambitions. Paul VI, the great modern Pope of the 20th century, even believed that the loss of the Papal States, when Italian unification occurred, might later allow the Church to focus on its specific mission in the spiritual and religious realm. And it was precisely he, Giovanni Battista Montini, the Pope who proclaimed before the General Assembly of the United Nations in New York in 1965, "Never again war!" declaring that peace was the only guide for the future because war is a madness and a defeat for all of humanity. Although we are no longer in an era of investiture disputes, facing off for political and spiritual supremacy as in the Middle Ages, when the Holy Roman Empire sought to appoint religious authorities and the papacy to dominate a universal power, Trump seems to be unaware of this. Yes, in contrast, Leo XIV, who has no intention of engaging in any political disputes or returning to a power that...

The President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, pledged in a speech to the nation on Friday that he would not sign any agreement to end the conflict between the Shia militia group Hezbollah and Israel that would involve the cession of Lebanese territory or violate its national sovereignty. "There will be no agreement that violates national rights, diminishes the dignity of our people, or cedes even a single inch of national territory," the president stated, adding that Lebanon is no longer a "pawn in anyone's game," but rather a state with its own "capacity" to make decisions. He also affirmed that the country is entering a "new phase." "This is a transitional phase: from working towards a ceasefire to working towards permanent agreements that preserve the rights of our people, the unity of our land, and the sovereignty of our nation," Aoun said. [Image of the tweet from the Lebanese Presidency] The president declared that Beirut's objective is to "halt Israeli aggression," achieve the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and ensure the safe return of both prisoners and displaced persons "with security, freedom, and dignity." In that regard, he clarified that the negotiations are "neither a sign of weakness nor a retreat nor a concession" from...

Panama took a key step in regulating app-based transportation with the publication of a new decree that establishes clear rules for platforms like Uber and InDrive, redefining this service as a luxury transportation option requested through digital technologies. The regulations introduce structural changes that transform the way drivers and companies operate, including stricter requirements for both vehicles and those providing the service. One of the most significant changes is that drivers will no longer be able to operate independently, as is currently the case, but must be affiliated with an authorized transportation organization, known as a service provider. This point opens up a new scenario in the country, as these organizations have historically been questioned due to a lack of transparency in the allocation of licenses, which could potentially create tensions within the sector. The decree also stipulates that vehicles operating under these platforms must meet specific requirements regarding age and physical characteristics, emphasizing that they cannot be more than seven years old at the time of service. Furthermore, they must be equipped with air conditioning, seatbelts, and comfort standards, reinforcing the idea that this segment will be considered a luxury transportation service within the public system. Although the decree introduces new requirements, it also…

Over 5.3 million years ago, the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica underwent a significant transformation when volcanic ash from the Andes Mountains in South America released a shower of nutrients into its waters. Researchers from the United States, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Germany, and Chile discovered an unexpected impact from this phenomenon. The influx of essential minerals into the ocean may have favored the proliferation of certain microalgae, which are part of the phytoplankton, and the development of giant whales, according to a study published in the journal *Communications Earth & Environment*. "The volcanic ash carried nutrients to the ocean, which in turn stimulated the growth of phytoplankton in the Southern Ocean. Since this food source was far from the coastlines where the whales lived, it created an evolutionary pressure: to reach it, they began to travel longer distances," explained Pedro DiNezio, an Argentine scientist from the ATLAS Institute at the University of Colorado in the United States, one of the study's authors, to Infobae. In this process, the whales "evolved towards larger sizes, which allowed them to travel longer distances and better exploit this abundance of food," he emphasized. In this way, the discovery opened a window into understanding how volcanoes can transform marine life and the global climate. The study was led by Barbara Carrapa of the University of Arizona, in collaboration with colleagues from other institutions...

A new chapter was written this afternoon in the long and controversial history of the Structured Investment Fund I. Larraín Vial Activos S. A., the general fund administrator (LVA), informed the Financial Market Commission (CMF) through a material event, that on April 7th, it was notified of the arbitration ruling issued in the process that the Fund and the administrator are pursuing against companies linked to the businessman Antonio Jalaff Sanz. According to the document signed by the general manager of LVA, Sebastián Wenz Küpfer, the arbitrator fully accepted the claim. In its own words, the ruling stated that the defendant companies – Inversiones San Antonio Ltda., Inversiones Monterey Ltda., and Inversiones Capital Estructurado I SpA – “deliberately failed to fulfill the obligations assumed in favor of the Administrator and the Fund” under the agreement signed on January 26, 2023, subsequent capitalizations and promises, and the transaction concluded on May 3, 2024. The ruling orders the defendants to pay the full amount of damages, which, according to the material event, include: “(i) the failure to deliver the shareholding in Grupo Patio SpA; (ii) the compensation that the Administrator had to pay to the investors in Series B of the Fund; (iii) the legal defense costs incurred; (iv) the reputational damage suffered by the Administrator; and (v) the damages resulting from the breach…”

Wall Street closed Friday's trading session with a historic performance, driven by the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the decline in oil prices to levels not seen since the early days of the conflict with Iran. The S&P 500 reached a new high, rising 1.2% to close at 7,126.06 points, while the Dow Jones Industrial Average surged 868.71 points to 49,447.43, its largest gain since late February. The Nasdaq Composite also hit a record high, climbing 1.5% to 24,468.48 points. The announcement by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on the social media platform X, stating that the passage of commercial vessels through the strait is "declared completely open," generated optimism among investors. The Strait of Hormuz is a strategic route for the transportation of crude oil from the Persian Gulf, and its reopening, although conditional on the validity of the 10-day truce, was interpreted as a sign of de-escalation. This move coincided with statements from U.S. President Donald Trump, who stated that the war "should end very soon" and suggested that most of the points for an agreement have already been negotiated. The immediate effect on the markets was a sharp drop in oil prices. The U.S. benchmark crude fell 9.4% to $82.59, while Brent crude retreated 9.1% to $90.38, although still above pre-conflict levels. The decline in crude to…

The arrest of one of the most wanted individuals by the Public Prosecutor's Office marked the beginning of a series of recent operations targeting property crimes and corruption in Panama, amid investigations that point to both the private sector and public entities. The individual, a Panamanian woman, is linked to cases of aggravated theft and was on the list of the 10 most wanted people in the country. Her arrest took place in the Arraiján district, in the province of Panama Oeste. According to authorities, the detainee was wanted for crimes committed between 2022 and 2023, which caused damage to construction companies located in the Bella Vista district. The investigation, led by the First Section of Crimes Against Economic Assets of the Metropolitan Prosecutor's Office, revealed that the woman exploited her position as an accounting assistant to execute a scheme that allowed her to divert funds by issuing irregular checks. The modus operandi involved issuing checks in the names of employees of the companies, who would then cash them at banks and hand over the money in cash to the suspect. This mechanism allowed for the systematic theft of resources, taking advantage of the internal trust within the affected companies, which further aggravates the nature of the crime being investigated by the authorities. The arrest occurred in the morning during coordinated operations between…

The Argentine Episcopal Conference (CEA) and the General Confederation of Labor (CGT) will be two of the sectors that will pay tribute to Pope Francis next week, marking the one-year anniversary of his death, which occurred on April 21, 2025. The Episcopal Conference will hold an event on Tuesday, April 21st, in the city of Luján, where a mass will be celebrated at 5:00 PM. President Javier Milei, Vice President Victoria Villarruel, and the Speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, Martin Menem, have been invited, along with governors and municipal authorities, among others. "On the anniversary of his passing, the Church in Argentina gathers to remember and give thanks for Pope Francis and to renew the missionary commitment that marked his pontificate," the Argentine Episcopal Conference stated in the invitation. The event refers to the Easter celebration of April 20th of last year, which was the last official event where the living Jorge Bergoglio was seen. The late Pope appeared visibly unwell and was transported in a wheelchair through the streets of the Vatican to greet the faithful. The mass in Luján will be officiated by the president of the CEA, Marcelo Colombo, according to Vatican News. They will not be the only ones: this Saturday, April 18th, at 8:00 PM, Father Guilherme will offer a free electronic music show in Plaza de Mayo to pay tribute to the deceased Pope. The show by the Portuguese priest will be organized by Miserando, an…

The regulatory system in the United States allows immigrants without a Social Security number to access bank accounts and rent housing using valid foreign documents, such as a passport or an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN), according to guidelines from federal agencies. This policy impacts millions of foreign residents and individuals in transit who need to integrate into the financial system and access basic services. The regulation, which came into effect in 2025, responds to the demand for inclusive solutions, providing new alternatives for those who do not possess traditional local documentation, and aligns with the recommendations of the federal housing agency HUD, the banking regulator FDIC, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), which recognize the validity of alternative documentation for both signing lease agreements and opening accounts. The federal housing agency HUD, the banking regulator FDIC, and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) have published guidelines and regulations authorizing banks and financial institutions to accept documents such as foreign passports and the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) in place of the traditional Social Security Number (SSN). The acceptance of these alternative documents is also supported by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS). The use of flexible procedures arises in a context where, according to the Migration Policy Institute research center...

Prime Minister Mark Carney has set up a meeting and a new office to speed project approvals and make Canada more attractive to investors.

For the second time in his 28 months in office, President Javier Milei has used a decree of necessity and urgency (DNU) to authorize the entry of troops from the United States Armed Forces, allowing them to participate in joint military exercises in Argentina. These exercises, called "Daga Atlántica," will take place between next Tuesday and June 12, with activities at the Naval Base Puerto Belgrano, the Córdoba Military Garrison, and the 7th Brigade of the Air Force, located in Moreno. The "Passex" operation will be conducted between the 26th and 30th of this month in Argentina's Exclusive Economic Zone, where the USS Nimitz aircraft carrier and the USS Gridley destroyer of the U.S. Navy will pass. Milei authorized the entry of U.S. military personnel and equipment through decree 264/2026, published in the Official Gazette. This authority is normally granted to the National Congress, but the Executive Branch argued that it had previously sent a bill to the Chamber of Deputies to authorize the entry of foreign troops and the deployment of Argentine personnel abroad between September 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026. This initiative has not yet been subject to legislative review, which is why the exceptional measure of the DNU was invoked. As a precedent, the same approach was taken in September of last year, when decree 697/2025 authorized the…

Un plan de los influyentes hermanos Fanjul para convertir campos de caña de azúcar en los humedales de Florida en una mina de roca ha generado indignación entre otras élites.

Salmon exports performed well during the first quarter. In fact, they achieved their best performance in at least two decades, largely due to factors related to operational efficiency. Figures from the Central Bank (BC) show that in the first three months of 2026, salmon and trout sales reached US$1.99 billion FOB (Free On Board). This represents an 8% increase compared to the same period last year. During this period, Chile exported US$30 billion FOB across all its products. Consequently, salmon and trout shipments accounted for 7% of national trade. Salmon and trout trade had never reached these levels before. The highest quarter on record was at the end of last year, when in the fourth quarter of 2025, US$1.856 billion FOB was shipped in these two products. The third quarter of the same year was significantly lower, with exports of US$1.430 billion FOB. As a result, the export volume of these products also increased during the analyzed period. While 218,000 tons of salmon and trout were shipped during the first quarter of 2025, the figure for this year's period was 260,000 tons, according to publicly available information from the National Customs Service. This represents a 19% increase. The Salmon Council, which publishes a report on this matter, analyzes that "from an operational perspective, the growth is widespread throughout the quarter...

An investigation by outlets including Le Monde alleged Brussels added a confidentiality clause to a review of energy efficiency rules after pressure from Microsoft and DigitalEurope, a lobby whose members include Amazon, Google and Meta.

The United States maintains a naval blockade of Iranian regime ports and has ordered the return of 19 merchant ships to Iran since the start of the operations, according to a statement from the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday. The measure remains in place while negotiations continue, according to statements by Donald Trump. Since the start of this operation, no vessel has managed to evade the control of U.S. forces, a fact confirmed by CENTCOM after releasing images of the guided-missile destroyer USS Rafael Peralta (DDG 115) instructing a merchant ship to return to its Iranian port of origin. The operation also involves the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), which is conducting blockade operations in the Arabian Sea and carries an air wing consisting of eight F-35C fighters, F/A-18 fighters, EA-18G aircraft, E-2D command aircraft, as well as MH-60 helicopters and CMV-22B Osprey logistical aircraft. The commander of CENTCOM, Admiral Brad Cooper, highlighted the readiness of the troops: "CENTCOM forces are highly motivated, focused, and ready." The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that his country will maintain the blockade of Iranian ports despite the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. "The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for trade and free transit, but the naval blockade will remain fully in effect and force with respect to Iran, only..."

The U.S. Senate has approved a measure to overturn the mining ban imposed by former President Joe Biden in northern Minnesota, paving the way for the development of the Twin Metals copper, cobalt, and nickel project. Antofagasta Minerals, part of the Luksic group, has been seeking to advance this project in the area for years. With this vote, the Senate confirmed the decision made by the House of Representatives in January. Now, only the signature of President Donald Trump is needed for the bill to become law. According to a report by the Reuters news agency, the Senate approved the bill sent by President Trump, who included the repeal of the mining ban in his 2024 campaign platform, by a narrow margin of 50 votes in favor and 49 against. This measure will reverse the 20-year ban that Biden imposed on mining in 91,200 acres of mineral-rich land in the Superior National Forest, as well as other proposed mines in the region bordering Canada. Environmental groups have also opposed the development of mining projects in the area for years, arguing that they could cause damage to a region rich in water and that attracts over 200,000 hikers each year. If Trump enacts the law, a future president would not be able to replicate Biden's ban due to a provision in the Congressional Review Act of 1996, according to a Reuters report. Last month, Iván Arriagada, CEO of Antofagasta Minerals, was asked about the Twin Metals Minnesota project during a conference…

Euphoria gripped global markets. Following Iran's declaration that the Strait of Hormuz was "completely open," coinciding with the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, stock prices surged even further, reaching new all-time highs. The MSCI World index, a benchmark for global equities, jumped more than 1% to an unprecedented 4,645 points, while on Wall Street, the Dow Jones Industrial Average added nearly 1,000 points compared to the previous day, equivalent to almost 2%. Meanwhile, the S&P 500 rose 1.1% and surpassed 7,100 points for the first time, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.3%. Both indices reached new intraday highs. The announcement from Iran was made by its Foreign Minister, Seyed Abbas Araghchi, who stated that, in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for commercial vessels through the strait would remain completely open for the duration of the truce. U.S. President Donald Trump had indicated on Thursday that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a 10-day ceasefire, which had already come into effect. In parallel, oil prices plummeted sharply following the Iranian announcement, amid a decrease in fears of supply disruptions. WTI futures, traded in New York and serving as a benchmark for Chile, plunged 13% to $82 per barrel, their lowest level since…

The Iranian regime rejects any agreement based on a temporary ceasefire with the United States and demands a definitive end to the war in the entire region, including Lebanon and the Red Sea, said Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh in Turkey on Friday. "This is our red line: we do not accept a temporary ceasefire, because this vicious cycle of using diplomacy to then launch a war must end once and for all," Khatibzadeh told the Turkish news agency Anadolu at the Antalya Forum, an international diplomatic meeting that opened today. The peace that is negotiated must be extended to all conflict zones in the region, "from Lebanon to the Red Sea," the deputy minister added, emphasizing that this was made clear to the American delegation at the meeting in Islamabad last Saturday. Khatibzadeh recalled that the Strait of Hormuz, a vital maritime route for most of the oil and gas produced by Arab countries, "has been open to navigation for millennia, even though it is part of Iranian territory," and accused the United States and Israel of having caused its closure "with their unprovoked war." "Iran is fully committed to ensuring that this strait remains open forever, but a new protocol must definitely be adopted, not only for security but also for the safe passage and for environmental aspects that concern us," the diplomat said.

President Donald Trump declared this Friday that the United States had "forbidden" Israel from bombing Lebanon following the ceasefire agreement. "Israel will no longer bomb Lebanon. The United States has FORBIDDEN it. Enough is enough!!!" Trump stated on his social media platform, Truth Social, a day after announcing a 10-day truce. Minutes earlier, he expressed that the U.S. will maintain the blockade of Iranian ports as long as negotiations between Washington and Tehran are ongoing. "The Strait of Hormuz is completely open and ready for trade and free transit, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect with respect to Iran, only until our negotiation with Iran is 100% complete. This process should be very quick, as most of the points are already negotiated," he stated. Moments before, he had posted on the same social media platform: "Iran just announced that the Strait of Iran is completely open and ready for free passage. Thank you!" He also sent a message to NATO. "Now that the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has ended, I received a call from NATO asking if we would need help. I TOLD THEM TO STAY AWAY, UNLESS THEY ONLY WANT TO LOAD THEIR SHIPS WITH OIL. They were useless when they were needed, a paper tiger!" he questioned. The Iranian regime announced this Friday that the Strait of Hormuz will be open to navigation during the...

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Friday that he has prohibited Israel from resuming its bombing campaigns in Lebanon, amidst the fragile ceasefire agreement currently in effect. "Israel will no longer bomb Lebanon. The United States prohibits it. Enough is enough," the U.S. president said on his Truth Social platform, just one day after the agreement announced by the president himself, which stipulated a cessation of hostilities, initially for a period of ten days. Lebanon and Israel have initiated direct talks to solidify the truce, which involves, under the guarantees of the United States, Israel suspending its attacks against the country, and Lebanese Shia militias of Hezbollah also ceasing fire against Israeli territory. The talks will also address the presence of Israeli military forces in southern Lebanon, the return of Lebanese prisoners, and the complex disarmament of Hezbollah, which has refused to lay down its arms until the Israeli army completely withdraws from the country.

The week has been eventful at Inter Miami. On Tuesday, Javier Mascherano announced his departure as coach of the American team, citing personal reasons. Following his departure, Ángel Guillermo Hoyos took over the position. The former coach of Universidad de Chile, who was already working at the club with the youth teams, stepped up to lead the first team. So far, everything seems understandable. However, Erasmo Provenza, a Venezuelan journalist based in the United States, presented a new scenario that would explain the changes on the bench. According to what he shared on his social media, "Hoyos is largely responsible" for this change. He explained that since his arrival at the club, "he has been laying the groundwork for some time to reach where he is now. He dismissed people from their positions, from the first team to the academies, to bring in his own people and consolidate power," Provenza claimed. "It was an open secret that he led one faction of the club while Mascherano led another. As one source said: at Inter, there were those who supported Hoyos and those who supported Mascherano," he added. The celebrated appointment of Guillermo Hoyos: "It's a blessing." On Wednesday, Guillermo Hoyos was presented to the media. During the presentation, he shared his initial impressions, highlighting his close relationship with Lionel Messi, dating back to when the coach had him under his command...

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated that his country will maintain the blockade of Iranian ports despite the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. "The Strait of Hormuz is fully open and ready for trade and free passage, but the naval blockade will remain in full force and effect with respect to Iran, only until our negotiations with Iran are 100% complete. This process should be very quick, as most of the points have already been negotiated," he said. Minutes earlier, he had posted on the same social media platform: "Iran has just announced that the Strait of Iran is fully open and ready for free passage. Thank you!" The Iranian regime announced this Friday that the Strait of Hormuz will be open to navigation during the ceasefire agreed with the United States. "In accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the passage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is declared fully open for the remainder of the ceasefire period, along the coordinated route already announced by the Organization of Ports and Maritime Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran," said Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Meanwhile, oil prices have fallen sharply following Iran's announcement. The price of oil registered a sudden drop. Brent crude prices declined significantly, while West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures also...

LONDON.- Following the announcement of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after an agreement between the United States and Iran amidst the ongoing conflict, Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, registered a significant drop of 10% on Friday, trading at $86 per barrel, compared to just a few hours ago when it was above $90. At the same time, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil futures in the United States fell by $8.87, or 9.4%, to stand at $85.82 per barrel. Earlier, prices had already reacted "with great sensitivity to news about the escalation or de-escalation," according to Giovanni Staunovo, an analyst at UBS investment bank, after U.S. President Donald Trump indicated on Thursday that an agreement with Iran to end the conflict was "very close." Since the blockade of Ormuz, a major maritime route for oil transportation – which began more than a month ago – crude oil prices had risen by more than 50%. The temporary nature of the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Israel's objective of significantly weakening the Iranian regime, and the limited prospects of the Strait of Hormuz reopening immediately helped to sustain prices, according to Tamas Varga, an analyst at PVM Investment. Developing story. Reuters and AFP agencies.

In its statement, the Russian Defense Ministry said that European countries are increasing the production of drones "amid rising losses and worsening manpower shortages in the Ukrainian armed forces"

Chile is home to one of the largest and oldest Palestinian communities in the world, outside of the Middle East. In this video, we explore who they are, how they came to a country that is 13,000 kilometers away, and how they live.

In 2026, the American Heart Association published a new guideline for managing LDL cholesterol – often referred to as "bad" cholesterol – in the body. Excessive levels can lead to serious health problems, such as heart attacks and strokes. This way, both patients and healthcare professionals can be better informed about the latest advances in medicine in this area and how this medical condition should be treated. In 80% of cases, this condition can be prevented with early intervention. The most important and novel recommendation in the new guidelines is that individuals at risk of developing heart disease should begin efforts to lower their cholesterol starting at age 30 and continue until old age. The guidelines also updated the recommended levels for healthy cholesterol: the target is now lower than what was previously recommended. Ideally, everyone should have an LDL reading below 100. In addition to this crucial information, the guide for controlling and treating high cholesterol can be summarized in four important steps. This is the approach that everyone should take to prevent the risks associated with excessive cholesterol. 1. Know your cholesterol levels. The first key step in the new guidelines is that everyone, starting at age 10, should begin to have their LDL cholesterol levels measured. This is a simple, but informative, blood test that can help identify genetic conditions such as…

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, a key mediator in the conflict in the Middle East, expressed satisfaction on Friday with the announcement of a ten-day ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel, and thanked the leadership of U.S. President Donald Trump, hoping that this would be "a path towards sustainable peace." "We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire in Lebanon, facilitated by the bold diplomatic efforts led by President Donald Trump, and I hope that this can pave the way for a lasting peace," the Pakistani leader stated in a post on his social media. Pakistan has been a primary mediator in the conflict between Iran and the United States, and has hosted the main rounds of negotiations since the conflict began, triggered by the Pentagon's bombing of Iranian territory on February 28th. In this regard, Sharif emphasized that his country "reaffirms its unwavering support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon, and will continue to support all efforts aimed at a lasting peace in the region." His remarks came a day after Trump announced an agreement for a truce between Israel and Lebanon, which began at midnight on Friday. The White House occupant reported that he had had "excellent" conversations with the Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, and the prime...

The Iranian regime expressed its "satisfaction" on Friday with the ceasefire reached between Lebanon and Israel, and stated that the truce was part of an agreement reached with the United States the previous week. The spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Bagaei, highlighted the start of the 10-day cessation of hostilities, which came into effect on Thursday night, according to the Press TV network. "From the beginning of the talks with various regional and international parties, including the Islamabad negotiations, the Islamic Republic of Iran has consistently emphasized the urgent need for a simultaneous ceasefire throughout the region, including in Lebanon," Bagaei stated. The spokesman noted that, following the Islamabad talks, Tehran pursued this objective "with the utmost seriousness." Last Saturday, delegations from the United States and Iran held negotiations in Islamabad, mediated by Pakistan, without reaching a bilateral agreement after the ceasefire agreement in the war. The Islamic Republic maintains that this agreement also encompasses the end of hostilities in Lebanon. The announcement of the ceasefire on the northern border of Israel coincided with the visit of the Pakistani army chief, Asim Munir, to Tehran, where he held meetings with senior Iranian officials. Furthermore, Bagaei called for Israel to withdraw its forces from all "occupied" territories in southern Lebanon and to "release all prisoners..."

Two sanctioned cargo ships crossed the Strait of Hormuz, apparently heading towards Iranian ports, despite the blockade imposed by the United States as part of the war in the Middle East, according to tracking data released on Thursday. In the two days prior, only a small number of vessels transited this strategically important trade route, after Washington established a counter-blockade following the failure of peace negotiations to halt the conflict, which has now lasted for nearly seven weeks. The U.S. military reported on Thursday via X that "after 72 hours of implementing the measure, 14 vessels turned back to comply with the blockade at the order of U.S. forces." However, unlike previous reports, the statement did not confirm that all attempts to cross to or from Iranian ports had been prevented. On Wednesday night, the sanctioned container ship Zaynar 2 sailed west through the strait towards the Gulf, according to Marine Traffic. The platform indicated that its destination was Larak Island, near the Iranian port of Bandar Abbas, and its last transponder signal was detected near that area. Another cargo ship subject to sanctions, the Neshat, followed a similar route along the Iranian coast, and according to the platform, was also headed to Bandar Abbas. Its last recorded position, at 15:00 GMT, showed it anchored approximately 16 kilometers from the port. "There are indications that the..."

Following the implementation of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, the President of the United States, Donald Trump, expressed his confidence in the possibility of reaching an agreement next weekend to end the war with Iran, and urged the terrorist group Hezbollah, an ally of the Iranian regime, to cease hostilities in the conflict zone. The U.S. President indicated that there is a possibility of extending the two-week ceasefire with Tehran, although he considered that it might not be necessary, as the Iranian administration is interested in reaching an agreement. "We will see what happens. But I believe we are very close to reaching an agreement with Iran," he stated. From the Iranian side, the spokesman for the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ismail Bagaei, welcomed the 10-day cessation of hostilities, but raised concerns about the risks associated with the agreement between the U.S. and Iran, as he demanded the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. In that region, after the Israeli army clashed with Hezbollah, Lebanese citizens are eager to return to their homes, according to reports from the Lebanese channel Al-Mayadeen, which is affiliated with the armed group. Below is minute-by-minute coverage: /america/mundo/2026/04/17/trump-califico-el-inicio-de-la-tregua-entre-israel-y-libano-como-un-dia-historico-e-insto-a-hezbollah-a-actuar-correctamente/ Brent crude fell by more than 1%, to $98. The price of a barrel of Brent crude oil...

The Executive Branch authorized the entry of U.S. troops into national territory for the military exercise "Atlantic Dagger," which will begin on April 21st and conclude on June 12th, 2026. It also approved the deployment of local forces for the naval exercise "PASSEX," which will take place in the Exclusive Economic Zone between April 26th and 30th. The decree was published on April 17th in the Official Gazette and was signed by President Javier Milei and the Cabinet of Ministers. According to official regulations, these exercises strengthen Argentina's international image as a reliable partner in terms of regional stability and global security. The ongoing conflict in the Middle East forced the postponement of joint military exercises with the United States, which were scheduled to take place in early April. The new schedule aims to maintain the bilateral defense commitment while both countries adjust their resources in the face of an increasingly complex international context. According to the provisions, the "Atlantic Dagger" exercise will bring together Argentine and U.S. forces in terrestrial, aerial, maritime, and fluvial jurisdictional areas, with activities taking place at the Puerto Belgrano Naval Base, the Córdoba Military Garrison, and the VII Air Brigade of the Argentine Air Force, located in Moreno, Buenos Aires province. Furthermore, the activities of "PASSEX" will include...

The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, accused the Israeli government on Thursday of being the biggest obstacle to peace in the Middle East and of attempting to "revive the shame of apartheid 32 years after its collapse in South Africa" with its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories. "The Israeli government, the biggest obstacle to the peace and tranquility of its own people, of Palestine, and of our region, continues to act with impunity despite all the efforts of the international community," Erdogan stated at the 152nd General Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), where he referred to both the attacks by the Israeli army in the Gaza Strip and its military campaign in Lebanon. The Turkish leader also denounced that "since the signing of the ceasefire on October 10, 2025, Israeli forces have killed 755 Palestinians and injured 2,100," while the government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, "by failing to fulfill its commitments under the ceasefire, is also hindering the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza." Similarly, he criticized that the "aggressive policies" of Israel "towards Jerusalem, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and the West Bank, along with the terror of illegal settlements, continue with full force." "Israel, openly declaring its plan to turn the West Bank into a new Gaza, seeks to revive the shame of apartheid, 32 years after its co..."

Anthropic’s new Claude Mythos Preview model could expose vulnerabilities in lenders’ cyber defences

Six human rights experts from the United Nations called for a comprehensive and transparent investigation this Thursday into allegations of systematic trafficking of women for sexual exploitation, following the release by the U.S. Department of Justice of documents related to the case of convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. In a statement, the UN Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Siobhán Mullally, and the five members of the UN Working Group on Discrimination against Women and Girls, stated that "we must move from media coverage to effective action." This refers to the need for "accountability and urgent measures to ensure access to justice, reparations focused on survivors, guarantees of non-repetition, and truth, recognizing the extreme trauma and violence suffered, and the systemic and widespread nature of the serious human rights violations that have occurred." The statement also notes that the documents implicate high-ranking political figures, public figures, diplomats, business leaders, and prominent academics in networks of sexual abuse, where there were "devastating failures in preventing, identifying, assisting, and protecting victims and survivors." "Epstein files": UN experts express concern over credible allegations of systemic trafficking of young women and girls for sexual exploitation; they call for a full and transparent investigation. "States...

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has aligned his TeraFab megafab initiative with Intel, in a move that had been signaled in recent months.

Dozens of people were injured across the country during the night following Russia's launch of nearly 700 drones and dozens of ballistic missiles.

The Pakistani Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed this Thursday that contacts are being maintained to organize a new meeting between delegations from the United States and Iran, with the aim of reaching an agreement that would end the war, but clarified that no date has yet been set for that meeting. Spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that Islamabad continues to play its role as a mediator, and that the details regarding the composition and size of the delegations will be determined by the parties involved. "As mediators, it is essential that we maintain the confidentiality of the discussions. We have the information that has been entrusted to us by the negotiators," Andrabi said at a press conference. The official described the outcome of the first round, held on April 12 in Islamabad, as a process that "made no decisive progress, but also did not result in any major setbacks," and confirmed that nuclear issues continue to be the main obstacle to reaching an agreement. Andrabi avoided providing details about the specific points under discussion, but emphasized that Pakistan maintains an active communication channel between the delegations and that the mediation is part of a broader regional strategy known as the "Islamabad Process." The announcement came alongside an intense diplomatic agenda for Pakistani authorities. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is currently on a tour that has already taken him to Jeddah and Doha, and is expected to include a stop in…

This week, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is holding its annual Spring Meetings, where it published its World Economic Outlook, reporting the good news of an upward revision in Chile's growth estimate, from 2.0% to 2.4%. However, in another report, it subtly criticized fiscal policies. The institution also published the Fiscal Monitor, prepared by its Department of Public Finances, headed by the former Chilean Finance Minister, Rodrigo Valdés, which this time focuses largely on the effects of the war in Iran on the fiscal resources of countries, within a context of tighter budgets. Both the report and the press conference given by Valdés in Washington warn that the conflict is catching countries "with less fiscal flexibility and in a situation of tight budgets." "There are many calls for fiscal support" due to the rise in fuel prices. "The focus and intensity of the countries' response matters," he notes, adding that it is necessary to protect the most vulnerable while maintaining fiscal health. "Subsidizing prices or implementing measures to reduce them are not the best tools," Valdés said. Therefore, assistance for the rise in fuel prices should be "temporary and focused on those most in need." The director of the Department of Public Finances also indicates that there were virtually no improvements in fiscal conditions worldwide during 2025, and that countries "must..."

The G7 finance ministers and central bank governors agreed this Thursday to maintain a coordinated response to mitigate the economic impact of the conflict in the Middle East, and they called for an agreement that restores free navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway through which 20% of the world's oil flows. The meeting, held in Washington on the sidelines of the spring meetings of the IMF and the World Bank, brought together, for the first time since the club's founding in 1975, finance ministers, central bank governors, and energy officials in a single forum. In a statement released by the French government, which holds the rotating presidency of the G7 this year, the seven countries agreed that "it is urgent to limit the cost that a prolonged conflict would entail for the global economy" and reaffirmed "the pressing need to move towards a lasting peace." The document did not specify intervention mechanisms, but it demanded a return to free transit through the strait and warned that a prolongation of the blockade would represent "serious additional risks" to global financial stability. Since the start of U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran on February 28, the traffic of oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz has collapsed from approximately 40 transits per day to virtually zero. Gulf countries have reduced their production by more than 11 million barrels per day, and…

LONDON – The Archbishop of Canterbury, Sarah Mullally, leader of the Anglican Church, praised on Thursday the "courageous call" of Pope Leo XIV, who has been the target of attacks in recent days by Donald Trump, following a strong speech against war. "I join my brother in Christ, His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, in his courageous call for a kingdom of peace," declared Sarah Mullally in a statement. She is scheduled to meet with the Pope at the end of April in Rome. Mullally also emphasized the importance of the Pope's message "in these times of hatred, division, and violence," as a response to the U.S. president, who on Sunday said he was "not a big fan of the Pope." On his Truth Social platform, Trump described Leo XIV as "weak on crime and terrible on foreign policy," and suggested that the cardinals only elected him as the head of the Catholic Church in May 2025 because he was American, in an attempt to establish a possible bridge with Washington. The following day, the Pope stated: "I am not afraid, neither of the Trump administration, nor of proclaiming aloud the message of the Gospel." "I believe that the Church has a moral duty to speak out clearly against war and in favor of peace and reconciliation," added Leo XIV, although he reiterated that he does not consider himself a "politician" and has no intention of "debating" with Trump. This Thursday, in statements made during a visit to Cameroon, he...

Israel and Lebanon reached a ten-day cessation of hostilities agreement this Thursday, following intense direct negotiations held in Washington under the mediation of the United States. The agreement establishes unprecedented measures to reduce tensions on Israel's northern border, address the role of non-state armed groups in Lebanese territory, and lay the groundwork for a comprehensive peace negotiation. The new framework includes commitments from both sides regarding sovereignty, disarmament, and international monitoring mechanisms, as well as the establishment of a permanent diplomatic channel to follow up on outstanding issues. Below are the key points of the agreement, according to the outline released by the U.S. Department of State, and how they will be implemented: Ten-day cessation of hostilities The agreement provides for the implementation of a temporary truce that will begin this Thursday at 5:00 PM, Washington time. The initial ceasefire period is ten days and is presented as a gesture of goodwill from Israel to create the necessary atmosphere for the advancement of permanent negotiations. Possibility of extending the truce Both sides have left open the possibility of extending the cessation of hostilities if the negotiations show concrete progress and Lebanon is able to strengthen its exercise of sovereignty over its territory, especially in controlling non-state armed groups such as Hezbollah. Commitment to direct negotiations…

WASHINGTON. Donald Trump's increasingly erratic behavior is putting to the test the willingness of the Christian right in the United States to turn a blind eye to his heresies and boasts. Trump claimed to have God's support for his foreign adventures, even as he threatened to erase one of humanity's oldest civilizations. On Easter Sunday, he posted a lengthy rant that included profanity and ended with "Praise be to Allah." He also launched an attack on a very popular pope, the first to be born in the United States, and used his social media to spread an image depicting him as Jesus. Among the many surprises that the Trump era has brought, one notable aspect is the fervor with which religious conservatives in the United States have embraced an irreverent real estate developer from Manhattan, who is married three times and prone to frequent outbursts of vulgarity, lies, and resentment. But now, "he is pushing his followers into uncomfortable positions, and if they don't support him, he attacks them," says Erick Erickson, a conservative evangelical radio host who has both praised and criticized the president. "That's not the way to preserve an alliance, because these things accumulate and begin to alienate the evangelical voter." It was one thing for Trump, for example, to post a humorous meme, as he did last year during the papal conclave...

The Rosario branch of the ATE, a union representing government employees, invited two members of Palestinian terrorist groups to give a lecture next Friday in that city, as part of an event organized by the Assembly for Action on Palestine. The speakers are Osman Bilal, a member of Hamas, and Nader Sadaqa, a commander of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), who will participate in a presentation for "Palestinian Prisoner's Day" organized by various groups. Both had been convicted by the Israeli justice system and released as part of an exchange agreement for Israeli hostages after the October 2023 attacks in that country. The event will take place next Friday at 6:00 PM at the ATE Rosario headquarters, located at San Lorenzo 1879. "We are providing the venue," sources from the union told LA NACIÓN. The Speakers: Bilal is one of the Hamas members who received 27 life sentences for their involvement in attacks that the Israeli government and international organizations have classified as terrorist. Sadaqa, on the other hand, was convicted of having held command positions in the organization of bombings in Israel during the early 2000s, which led to his arrest. Following the Hamas attacks in Israel in October 2023, both were released through an exchange agreement for Israeli hostages. For this occasion, they were presented by…

The commander of the U.S. Space Command, General Stephen Whiting, warned that Russia is considering placing a nuclear weapon in orbit, a weapon capable of destroying hundreds of civilian and military satellites with a single detonation. The warning, delivered at the Space Symposium held this week in Colorado Springs, places the militarization of outer space at the center of the transatlantic security agenda at a time when Europe is accelerating its rearmament due to doubts about Washington's commitment to NATO. "They are considering placing a nuclear anti-satellite weapon in orbit that would put all satellites in low Earth orbit at risk, and that would be a result we simply could not tolerate," Whiting told the British newspaper The Times. The general added that Russia "remains a sophisticated space power" that continues to invest in weapons to neutralize foreign orbital capabilities. Russian logic stems from a precise strategic calculation: Moscow perceives a conventional superiority of the United States and NATO that it cannot reverse on the ground. Faced with this asymmetry, the Kremlin would seek unconventional ways to level the playing field, and the neutralization of Western space capabilities—navigation, military communications, intelligence reconnaissance—would be the most disruptive. "They believe that novel ways to try to undermine the United States and NATO, such as neutralizing our capabilities...

The Prime Minister of Pakistan, Shehbaz Sharif, met with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, in Doha on Thursday, as part of a regional tour aimed at reviving the peace process between Washington and Tehran. Both leaders emphasized the need to push for a second round of talks, following the failure of the first attempt held in Islamabad last weekend. During the meeting, Sharif and the Qatari Emir discussed the situation in the Middle East and reaffirmed their support for de-escalation efforts. "Both sides supported actions to reduce tensions and improve international coordination in favor of regional security and stability, particularly the preservation of energy supply chains," the Pakistani Prime Minister's office stated. The Emir of Qatar praised Islamabad's role as a key mediator within the international community and emphasized the importance of maintaining open channels of dialogue. Following the meeting, Tamim traveled to Oman, where he discussed with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq the urgency of reaching a definitive agreement to resolve the conflict and restore normalcy in the region. The Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that both leaders agreed on the priority of addressing the crisis "at its roots." Qatar has been a central player in diplomatic mediation efforts in the region in recent years, particularly in the conflict in Gaza and…

The Rosario branch of the Association of State Workers (ATE) announced that two former Palestinian terrorist prisoners – released after exchange agreements involving Israeli hostages – will be speakers at an event commemorating "Palestinian Prisoner's Day," organized jointly with pro-Palestinian groups in the city of Rosario. The event will take place at San Lorenzo 1879 in that city this Friday, April 17th, at 6:00 PM. The organization "Assembly Action for Palestine" confirmed that the speakers are Osman Bilal, a member of Hamas convicted of multiple attacks, and Nader Sadaqa, a commander of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP). Bilal was responsible for terrorist attacks in Israel in the 1990s, resulting in dozens of deaths and injuries. His name is among those of Hamas militants who received 27 life sentences for their involvement in attacks classified as terrorism by the Israeli government and international organizations. On December 7th, he participated in an online webinar in Canada, invited by activist organizations in that country. The online seminar, "The Stone Intifada," was organized by Masar Badil and its youth movement Tariq El-Tahrir, in collaboration with the Basil Al-Araj Prisoner Committee based in Vancouver, the organization Students United for Equality and Palestinian Return at the University of Washington (SUPER UW), and the organizations…

In his column on Infobae al Mediodía, Andrei Serbin Pont described the heightened state of alert that the U.S. government is experiencing following the conflict with Iran, with missile and ammunition stockpiles at historically low levels, and a Pentagon determined to mobilize the civilian industry to prevent shortages in future military conflicts. In a conversation with Maru Duffard, Jimena Grandinetti, Fede Mayol, and Facundo Kablan, the international analyst was emphatic: "The Department of Defense, or the Department of War, as it is now called, has been in contact with General Motors, Ford, and several other major factories in the automotive sector, because they are very concerned about how the American logistical chain is functioning for defense purposes." The Pentagon warns of ammunition depletion following the conflict with Iran. Serbin Pont specified: "Approximately 850 Tomahawk missiles were fired, which represents about 17% of the stockpile that the United States had. Forty percent of the THAAD and Patriot interceptor missiles have been used." According to the data presented, the cost of the Tomahawk missiles reached $1.9 billion, a figure that reflects the magnitude of the logistical crisis. The focus of the debate shifted to the risks of facing a conflict of a larger scale with such depleted inventories. "If this happened with Iran, what would happen tomorrow if we had a conflict with Russia or China?" the analyst asked. "Then you would no longer be dependent on..."

WASHINGTON.- Amid a fragile truce in the Middle East, U.S. President Donald Trump stated on Thursday that a new round of negotiations between Washington and Iran could take place this weekend, in an attempt to solidify the cessation of hostilities after weeks of intense clashes. However, the president introduced uncertainty about the continuation of the process, noting that he is not sure whether it is necessary to extend the current ceasefire. Before leaving the White House, Trump told reporters that the prospects of reaching an agreement with Iran were good, and that Tehran is now willing to accept conditions that it previously rejected. Trump also announced that Israel and Lebanon had agreed to a ten-day truce, which, according to him, also includes Hezbollah, a key player in the regional escalation. The president warned, however, that if an agreement is not reached, fighting could resume, although he insisted that he does not consider it necessary to extend the current truce. Developing story.

PARIS – Europe has approximately "six weeks of jet fuel remaining," the director of the International Energy Agency (IEA) stated on Thursday in a comprehensive interview with AP, warning of potential flight cancellations "soon" if oil supplies continue to be disrupted by the conflict with Iran. The CEO of the IEA, Fatih Birol, described the grim outlook on the global repercussions of what he called "the biggest energy crisis" ever faced, stemming from the disruption of oil, gas, and other vital supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. According to the expert, the blockade of the strait will have significant implications for the global economy. "And the longer it lasts, the worse it will be for economic growth and inflation worldwide," he warned. The impact will translate into "higher prices for gasoline, gas, and electricity," Birol explained to AP. "The economic impact will be felt unevenly, with some countries being "more affected than others," he specified, mentioning Japan, South Korea, India, China, Pakistan, and Bangladesh as being the most vulnerable to the energy crisis. "The countries that will suffer the most will not be those whose voices are often heard. They will primarily be developing countries, the poorest countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America," he stated. "...

President Javier Milei reaffirmed his support for the State of Israel ahead of a new trip to the country, stating that the cause of that nation is "just," amidst the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. "I always say: I defend the cause of Israel and the Jewish people because it is a just cause. I do so without any political agenda or in any way. I do it because I truly believe it, and as head of state, I have the responsibility to align this vision," Milei said in an interview with the Israeli media outlet Canal 14, which was broadcast on Thursday. The president stated that, from his perspective, "the cause of Israel is a just cause. I have no conflict between what I feel and what I believe is right, and that is why I defend the cause of Israel with the strength that I do," he clarified. He also said he was "moved" to be invited to light a torch at the celebration commemorating the creation of the State of Israel, which will take place on Tuesday, April 21st. Canal 14 described this as a "historic event" because it is the first time a foreign head of state has participated in the festivities in this way. New trip to Israel Milei will be in Israel on Tuesday, April 21st, to participate in the celebrations marking the 78th anniversary of the creation of the Jewish state, which took place on May 14, 1948. The visit will take place amidst the tension and bombings in the Middle East. It is also expected that…

Mohammed Lubbad's wife, Amal, was pregnant when she died in Israeli airstrikes. He was later informed that she had given birth.

Panama has initiated the process of updating the trade agreement it has with the Dominican Republic, with the aim of adapting it to the current conditions of bilateral trade and expanding the scope of an instrument that has been in effect since the 1980s. The review seeks to adjust regulations, incorporate areas not covered in the original framework, and facilitate a broader exchange between the two markets, in a context where the economic relationship shows increased activity and sustained trade volume. The Minister of Commerce and Industry, Julio Moltó, stated that a roadmap already exists to advance this update, with the goal of strengthening trade. "The relationship with the Dominican Republic holds a strategic position, and we must update the agreement to strengthen trade," he said during the Dominican Republic Week in Panama 2026, an event that brought together representatives from the public and private sectors of both countries to discuss commercial and investment opportunities. The impetus for the review of the agreement comes amid a surge in bilateral trade relations. In 2025, exports from Panama to the Dominican Republic, including operations from the Colón Free Zone, exceeded $500 million, a figure that demonstrates the scale this market has reached for Panama. This data also reinforces the need for an updated framework that allows for greater access and improved conditions for…

The United States government has issued a travel advisory for Albania following the detection of risks related to attacks potentially linked to groups associated with Iran. The alert, released on April 1, 2026, by the U.S. Embassy in Tirana, applies to those traveling to or residing in Albania, a destination that has gained popularity among American tourists due to its Adriatic coastline and affordable prices, according to the U.S. Embassy in Tirana. The embassy's statement specifies that the advisory is based on recent regional tensions and the presence of Iranian dissidents in Albania. The State Department indicated that there is a risk that actors linked to Iran may attempt to attack U.S. interests or those of the Iranian opposition within Albanian territory. Authorities advise travelers to "exercise increased caution" and avoid areas with high concentrations of people. This situation follows previous diplomatic incidents between Albania and Iran, including cyberattacks and the expulsion of diplomats, according to the Albanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The European country is among the destinations under observation by U.S. agencies dedicated to the safety of citizens abroad. Why has the United States issued a travel advisory for Albania? The alert published by the U.S. Embassy in Tirana is based on a risk assessment derived from the activities of groups linked to…

Panama has presented its first official assessment of the impact of climate change on human mobility, with figures that reflect a reality that is becoming increasingly evident in the country. The Ministry of Environment (MiAmbiente), through the National Committee on Climate Change, spearheaded the report, which highlights a key statistic: approximately 15,411 internal displacements were recorded between 2012 and 2024, linked to extreme weather events. This figure, considered one of the most important indicators in the document, illustrates how phenomena such as floods, storms, and landslides are already forcing entire communities to abandon their territories. The document, developed with the support of public institutions, civil society organizations, and international partners, serves as the first national baseline study on this phenomenon in Panama. The report details that these displacements are not only due to sudden events, but also to gradual processes such as rising sea levels and prolonged droughts. These conditions have primarily affected rural, coastal, and indigenous populations, where structural vulnerability is combined with direct exposure to climate risks. One of the central elements of the report is the proposal for a National Protocol for Planned Relocations, an instrument that aims to organize the government's response to scenarios where ensuring safety is no longer possible…

The State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) inaugurated the National Counterterrorism Center (CNA) in an event attended by Argentine government officials and representatives from the United States. The event brought together intelligence officials, delegates from international agencies, and key figures such as U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas, representatives from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the Secretary of Intelligence, Cristian Auguadra, and the Undersecretary of the area, José Lago Rodríguez. The National Counterterrorism Center, created by Decree 717/2025, has the primary mission of coordinating the exchange of counterterrorism information and intelligence with foreign organizations and national ministries. According to the State Intelligence Secretariat, the new center facilitates cooperation between the Ministries of Defense, Security, Justice, and Foreign Affairs, as well as financial, customs, and immigration control agencies, with the aim of centralizing and strengthening the detection and prevention of threats within a specific structure within the national intelligence system. During the inauguration ceremony, the FBI's representative in Argentina, Rick Hernandez, was part of the agency's delegation in the country, along with Lamelas, Auguadra, and Lago Rodríguez. The creation of the CNA is part of a reorganization of the Argentine intelligence system aimed at the prevention and comprehensive management of risks related to terrorism.

President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo reacted to the recognition from Time magazine, which named her one of the 100 most influential people of 2026, and stated that "we govern to always be close to the people." During her morning press conference in the Treasury Hall of the National Palace, Sheinbaum Pardo emphasized that "serving the people of Mexico, and as long as we don't deviate from that, there will be support, because that is what this magazine is showing in any case." "There is no disconnect between the people and the government, because our strength comes from the people, and no one else. It doesn't come from business leaders, it doesn't come from Time magazine, it doesn't come from any foreign leader, it only comes from the people," she said. "And we will maintain that strength with the people as long as we don't betray them. We will always consult with the people and be close to them," she added. Also read: Sheinbaum, once again among Time's 100 most influential leaders in the world; she appears in 2026 alongside Pope Leo XIV and Trump. Yesterday, in the "Leaders" section of Time magazine, Sheinbaum Pardo shared the recognition with personalities such as Pope Leo XIV, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, U.S. President Donald Trump, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, and the Mayor of New York, Zohran Mamdani. According to Time, the federal leader began her first year in office "under pressure from all sides," including tariff threats from her counterpart...

Lebanon's ⁠President Joseph ​Aoun will not ​hold a call with Israeli Prime Minister ​Benjamin Netanyahu ‌in ⁠the near future, ‌three Lebanese officials told Reuters ⁠on Thursday, after US President Donald ​Trump said leaders ‌of both countries would speak. Two of ‌the Lebanese officials ​said that the Lebanese embassy in Washington had informed ​the US ​administration before ​a call between Aoun and ​Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday that Aoun would ⁠not speak to Netanyahu. FRANCE 24's Renée Davis reports from Beirut, Lebanon.

Despite recent rapprochements between Israel and Lebanon, marked by the first direct dialogue between the two nations in decades, Lebanese media reported this Thursday that Tel Aviv had detonated a strategic bridge in the south of the country and reported an attack on a key route connecting Beirut with the Syrian capital, Damascus. "Enemy aircraft launched two consecutive attacks against the Qasmiyeh bridge, the last bridge between the regions of Tyre and Sidon, completely destroying it," reported the state-run National News Agency (ANI). The Israeli military again urged the civilian population this Thursday to evacuate the entire southern region of Lebanon up to the Zahrani River, about forty kilometers north of the border. The Lebanese agency also reported the death of one person as a result of an Israeli attack on a vehicle traveling on a route connecting Beirut with the Syrian capital, Damascus. The attack occurred after this week's talks between representatives of Israel and Lebanon in Washington, led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, aimed at reaching a ceasefire that includes the territory, and amid negotiations between the United States and Iran to reach an agreement that would end the war in the Middle East. Furthermore, last night, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun had spoken…

Following the end of a 32-hour Orthodox Easter truce, marked by mutual accusations of massive violations by both countries, Russia and Ukraine resumed attacks. At least 16 people were killed in Ukraine, local authorities reported on Thursday, after Moscow launched hundreds of missiles and drones against its neighbor during the night. Since the beginning of the war four years ago, Moscow has fired hundreds of drones at Ukraine almost every night. Kyiv regularly responds with attacks within Russian territory. This time, the missile and drone attacks on the southern Ukrainian port city of Odesa resulted in nine deaths, according to a Telegram post by the head of the regional military administration, Sergiy Lysak. Three people died in the central Dnipropetrovsk region, as reported in a Telegram post by the head of the regional administration, Oleksandr Ganzha. In the northeastern city of Kharkiv, a drone attack injured a 77-year-old woman and a 66-year-old man, according to a Telegram post by the head of the regional military administration, Oleg Synegubov. At least four deaths in Kyiv In the capital, Kyiv, the attacks caused at least four deaths, including a 12-year-old child, and left at least 45 people injured, including several medical personnel, according to Mayor Vitali Klitschko. In the Podilsky district, rescue teams pulled a child from the rubble of a residential building that collapsed after a drone "literally..."

A 15-second video has once again placed the powerful chief of the Pakistani army in the global spotlight. The video, posted by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, shows General Syed Asim Munir disembarking from an airplane in military uniform and receiving a warm embrace. The Pakistani official traveled to the heart of the conflict to attempt to ease tensions and facilitate a second round of negotiations between Tehran and Washington. Pakistan has acted as a key mediator between Iran and the United States, and much of the attention has focused on Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar, partly because they have been posting messages on Twitter and issuing press releases about their efforts. However, another figure has also been crucial in the process: the chief of the army. Here are some things you should know about his role: Behind the scenes, but a key player Since Pakistan announced a few weeks ago that it was mediating between Iran and the United States, Sharif has tasked Munir with maintaining discreet contact with American and Iranian political and military leaders in an effort to de-escalate the growing regional crisis, according to Pakistani officials. Beyond the images that have been publicly released, no specific details have been disclosed about the chief of the army's activities or with whom he has met. However...

The Government, Justice, and Constitutional Affairs Committee of the National Assembly has endorsed draft Law 353, an initiative presented by Deputy Ariana Coba, which proposes to amend the Criminal Procedure Code to exclude the crime of femicide from plea bargaining agreements. The proposal is based on the premise that this type of crime represents the most extreme form of violence against women and, therefore, requires a different treatment within the criminal justice system. According to the legislative document, the initiative seeks to align the legal framework with constitutional and international standards, strengthening the state's response to crimes of high gravity. The term "endorsement" within the legislative process implies that a committee formally adopts a draft law to initiate its discussion and analysis in the first debate. The document argues that allowing these mechanisms in crimes of this nature can create a perception of impunity, weaken confidence in the judicial system, and undermine the social message of sanction against gender-based violence. In practical terms, a plea bargaining agreement is a mechanism within the Accusatory Criminal System that allows the Public Prosecutor's Office and the defendant to negotiate the terms of the proceedings, such as the acceptance of facts or effective cooperation, in exchange for a reduction in the sentence. This mechanism aims to expedite judicial proceedings, reduce the burden on the courts, and avoid…

Iranian authorities secretly acquired a spy satellite from China, which has the capability to identify U.S. military bases in the Middle East. The device has enabled Iranian forces to attack U.S. positions as part of the recent conflict, which erupted at the end of February, after the United States and Israel launched a joint offensive against the Islamic Republic. This is according to an investigation conducted by the Financial Times, which gained access to leaked Iranian military documents that show the satellite. According to reports, the satellite is known as TEE-01B and was acquired by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps at the end of 2024, after its launch from the Asian giant. How Iran used a Chinese spy satellite to identify and attack U.S. bases. The documents accessed by the Financial Times include lists of coordinates with dates and times, satellite images, and orbital analyses, which suggest that Iranian military commanders subsequently assigned the satellite the mission of monitoring key U.S. military bases in the region. The satellite records were taken in March, before and after drone and missile attacks against those positions, according to the newspaper. Among the military bases monitored with the TEE-01B are Prince Sultan Air Base (Saudi Arabia) and Muwaffaq Sal… Air Base.

Global stocks are rising again, reaching new all-time highs thanks to market confidence in a swift agreement to end the war in the Middle East. The MSCI World Index, a benchmark for global equities, is up 0.23% compared to yesterday's session, reaching an unprecedented 4,592 points. This increase follows yesterday's performance on Wall Street, where the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq broke through 7,000 and 24,000 points, respectively, also reaching levels never seen before. Stock markets have been rising in recent days due to the possibility of a peace agreement between the United States and Iran. President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Fox Business, broadcast on Wednesday, that the war with Iran is "very close to ending," reiterating that Tehran "urgently wants to reach an agreement." A White House official told CNBC on Tuesday that a second round of negotiations between Washington and Iran is being considered. According to the official, who requested anonymity to avoid revealing details about the government's internal plans, no official meetings have been scheduled yet. Oil prices, on the other hand, are showing slight increases of around 1%, but both Brent and WTI are trading below $100. "Traders are clinging to the hope that a new round of peace talks will materialize in the coming days..."

The military said the measures had been taken to "mitigate the risk of harm to civilians"

The President of Lebanon, Joseph Aoun, emphasized this Thursday that the ceasefire will be "the starting point" in negotiations with Israel, as direct contacts with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are expected, following discussions initiated in Washington to end the clashes between the Israeli army and the Shia militia Hezbollah. "The ceasefire that Lebanon demands from Israel will be the natural starting point for direct negotiations between the two countries, according to the presidential initiative," he stated in a message released by his office, after a meeting with the British Secretary of State for the Middle East, Hamish Nicholas Falconer. In this regard, the Lebanese President insisted on Lebanon's "commitment" to "stopping the escalation in the south and in all Lebanese regions," emphasizing that attacks against "innocent civilians" and "the destruction of homes in Lebanese towns and cities" must cease. According to Aoun, Lebanese authorities will be "the only ones responsible for the negotiations," stressing that sovereign issues are being discussed, and therefore "no one else can intervene." He also pointed out that a key step would be the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Lebanese territory. Furthermore, he mentioned the redeployment of the Lebanese army "to the international borders," "fully extending state authority and...

An international team of scientists has made a groundbreaking discovery while analyzing an Egyptian mummy, over two thousand years old, that was housed in a museum in Wrocław, Poland. According to Arkeonews, using advanced imaging techniques, they detected the presence of a papyrus hidden beneath the bandages on the chest, which likely contains the identity of an eight-year-old child. This provides new insights into the funerary rituals of Ptolemaic Egypt and opens a window into the history of this enigmatic specimen. Mummies are human or animal bodies that have been preserved naturally or artificially, preventing their decomposition over time. This process can result from extreme environmental conditions, such as cold, dryness, or lack of oxygen, or through techniques developed by various cultures, with ancient Egypt being one of the most well-known examples. Mummification allows the original tissues and characteristics of the body to remain intact for centuries, or even millennia. Beyond their physical preservation, they represent a unique window into the past. Many of these bodies hold secrets about the funerary practices, daily life, diseases, and rituals of ancient civilizations. A 2000-year-old mummy with a secret papyrus. The city of Breslau, when it was still part of the German territory, received the mummy of an infant in 1914. It was acquired by Adolf Bertram, who that same…

Inter Miami has made a change in the team's coaching staff. This Tuesday, Javier Mascherano announced his departure from the club, citing personal reasons. Ángel Guillermo Hoyos has taken his place. The former coach of Universidad de Chile has taken the helm of the team, and he was presented to the media this Wednesday. He shared his initial impressions, highlighting the close relationship he has with Lionel Messi, a relationship that began when Hoyos coached Messi in the youth academy of Barcelona. "I have a feeling of immense excitement and joy. I am a believer, and I live by that faith. It truly feels like a great blessing. That's what I'm left with, because it is an immense blessing," he commented when asked about the opportunity to coach Messi. "Friendship is not something to be taken lightly. We have a friendship that has developed over the years. And we have a friendship with many players, because we have worked in different countries. That friendship doesn't mean that we can always be on the same level." However, he emphasized that "we must respect everything, the privacy and what we have. We must be very careful and, above all, work quietly, striving to grow and develop this approach, because everything is new. Being with the best player in history on the field is something extraordinary. I am very grateful." He also highlighted the achievements of Javier Mascherano at the club.

The President of the United States, Donald Trump, stated this Wednesday that "the two leaders" of Lebanon and Israel will speak "tomorrow," Thursday, after the governments of both countries agreed on Tuesday to continue their negotiations to end the clashes between the Israeli military and the Shia Hezbollah party-militia, which have been renewed since March 2nd. "Trying to create some space between Israel and Lebanon. The two leaders haven't spoken in a long time, about 34 years. It will be tomorrow," Trump said in a brief message on social media, without explicitly mentioning the Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, or the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, neither of whom has confirmed that such a high-level contact will take place. However, the Israeli Minister of Science and Technology, Gila Gamliel, stated in an interview with the Army Radio that Netanyahu will have a conversation with Aoun during the day. Gamliel, a member of Israel's security cabinet, noted that this conversation will take place "after many years of complete disconnection in the dialogue between the two states." "I hope that this move will ultimately lead to prosperity," she said. Lebanese authorities have not yet commented on Trump's words, after both countries agreed on Tuesday to continue their bilateral negotiations following a meeting between their delegations in Washington...

The conflict in the Middle East entered its 48th day of war on Thursday, April 16th. Following the failed negotiations in Pakistan and the United States' blockade of Iranian ports, tensions have escalated. Donald Trump stated that a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials would take place this Friday. Kristalina Georgieva, head of the IMF, warned that "difficult times" could be ahead for the global economy if the siege on Tehran continues. Here are the key points to understand what is happening and why it is concerning the world. Key news developments in the conflict today: Donald Trump stated that a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials would take place this Friday. Kristalina Georgieva warned that "difficult times" could lie ahead if the conflict in the Middle East continues. The United States has activated a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, and Trump stated that Iran wants to continue the dialogue. Officials from Russia and China are meeting to discuss the conflict in the Middle East. Other important developments: A meeting will be held between Iranian and Pakistani officials to discuss the messages exchanged with the United States. Pope Leo XIV called for peace in Lebanon and demanded a ceasefire. In response to the Pope's statements, the U.S. President replied: "I don't want a Pope who thinks it's okay for Iran to have a nuclear weapon." Why the United States and Israel attacked Iran Eight months ago…

Russia launched a massive attack against Ukraine using drones and missiles during the night and early morning of Thursday. The bombardment resulted in the deaths of at least 14 people, including a child, and triggered air raid alerts in the capital, Kyiv. "As a result of the enemy attack on the capital, two people died: a 12-year-old boy and a 35-year-old woman," reported the mayor of Kyiv, Vitali Klitschko, on his social media channels. He later added that two more people had died. In Kyiv, rescuers pulled a child from the rubble of a residential building that had collapsed in the Podilsky district, according to Klitschko. The attack on the capital left at least 45 people injured, including several rescuers. In addition, a fire broke out in a building in the Obolonsky district after debris from missiles fell, with several vehicles catching fire. Tymur Tkachenko, head of the military administration of Kyiv, urged civilians to seek shelter until the air raid alert was lifted. A separate attack in the central city of Dnipro caused two more deaths, according to Oleksandr Ganzha, head of the regional administration. He also stated that the attack left 27 people injured, including a 40-year-old woman who was hospitalized in "critical condition." It was not immediately clear whether the hospitalized woman was the same one who was initially reported as deceased. In the city of Kharkiv, a drone attack injured a 77-year-old woman and a man...

It is believed that the United States is in discussions with Iran regarding a second round of talks for a ceasefire, coinciding with the arrival of a Pakistani delegation in Tehran. Currently, a two-week ceasefire remains in effect, following more than twenty hours of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran – organized by Pakistan – which concluded on Sunday without achieving significant progress. Just one day after those inconclusive discussions, President Donald Trump announced what he described as his new strategy towards Iran, which includes a blockade of Iranian ports. How should we interpret this initial failure to reach an agreement and the prospect of future talks? Are Iran and the United States heading towards a controlled escalation, or an inevitable slide into a larger-scale war? We present four possible scenarios regarding what might happen next. A fragile ceasefire as a "tactical pause" After weeks of fighting, the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran seemed to indicate a willingness to contain the crisis. However, from the beginning, it has been surrounded by ambiguities. Differences in the interpretation of the terms – including its geographical scope, the types of targets covered, and even the definition of a "ceasefire violation" – have led some observers to view the agreement more as a tactical pause than as a sustainable framework. "The probabilities...

The chief of the Pakistani army, Asim Munir, will meet with Iranian officials in Tehran this Thursday to promote a new round of negotiations between the United States and Iran before the ceasefire expires next week. The visit takes place in a context of heightened regional tensions, marked by the continued naval blockade imposed by the United States on Iranian ports and new threats of economic sanctions from Washington. According to the White House, any new dialogue between the two countries will "likely" take place in Islamabad, although it clarified that there is still no definitive decision regarding the formal resumption of negotiations. Pakistan has taken on a central role in diplomatic mediation in recent days, having hosted direct talks between US and Iranian representatives in its capital. According to those involved, these meetings helped to reduce differences between the two sides and opened the possibility of a new round of talks before the ceasefire expires next week. In parallel with the diplomatic efforts, the US naval blockade on Iran continued without modification. In Washington, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent adopted a tougher tone, foreshadowing new sanctions against countries that maintain trade relations with Tehran. The official described the strategy as the "financial equivalent...

Donald Trump stated that a meeting between Israeli and Lebanese officials would take place this Friday. "It has been a long time since the two leaders spoke, about 34 years," he wrote on his Truth Social account. According to CNN, officials from Iran and the chief of the Pakistani armed forces, Asim Munir, will meet in Tehran this Thursday to discuss messages exchanged with the United States following the failure of the negotiation round held in Islamabad. On Wednesday, Munir met with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Following the meeting, the Iranian official released a statement reaffirming Iran's commitment to "promoting peace and stability in the region." The Managing Director of the IMF, Kristalina Georgieva, warned on Wednesday that "difficult times" are ahead for the global economy if the war in the Middle East is not resolved and oil prices remain high, according to AFP. "We must prepare for difficult times" if the conflict persists, she told journalists at a press conference held during the spring meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in Washington. "We are concerned about the risks to inflation, which could be passed on to food prices if the supply of fertilizers at a reasonable price is not resumed soon," Georgieva explained. Through his c...

The United States warned on Wednesday night that it is capable of maintaining the economic sanctions against Iran "indefinitely," following a week in which U.S. armed forces have restricted maritime access to ports in the Islamic Republic as part of the pressure being exerted amid the two-week ceasefire agreement reached between the parties. White House National Security Advisor Stephen Miller was direct when referring to the scope of the measure. "We have the ability to block them indefinitely if Iran chooses the wrong path," he stated in an interview with Fox News, when asked about the strategy adopted by the administration of President Donald Trump in the Middle East. Miller also stated that the embargo imposed on Iran's port infrastructure is already having a significant internal impact. "It is creating an economic crisis and chaos," he noted, while emphasizing that, in his opinion, Tehran will not be able to sustain this situation for long. The official's statements came 24 hours after the U.S. Central Command announced that it had completely blocked Iranian ports, a measure that the White House had anticipated following the failure of negotiations held over the weekend in Islamabad. Washington's diplomatic and military offensive deepened with the announcement of the deployment of approximately 4,200 troops to the Middle East in the coming…

This Wednesday, it was revealed that the United States and Hamas held their first direct talks since the ceasefire in Gaza, in Egypt. This was part of efforts to advance the fragile agreement negotiated by Washington, according to two sources within the Palestinian political and paramilitary organization. A delegation led by U.S. advisor Aryeh Lightstone met on Tuesday night in Cairo with Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator for Hamas, according to CNN. During the meeting, Lightstone was accompanied by Nickolay Mladenov, the Special Representative for Gaza of the peace process supported by the White House, as reported by these officials. The same sources also stated that al-Hayya, who survived an Israeli assassination attempt in Doha, the capital of Qatar, last September, pressed the U.S. advisor on the need for Israel to fully fulfill its commitments in the first phase of the agreement, including ending attacks and allowing more humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip, in order to move on to the next phase. The meeting on Tuesday took place a few days after Lightstone met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure Israel's commitment to fully comply with its demands in the initial phase of the ceasefire, according to a U.S. source and a diplomat familiar with the meeting who spoke to CNN. Another source indicated that Jerusalem…

During his first official visit to Chile, the President of the Czech Republic, Petr Pavel, delivered a keynote speech to the University of Chile community, addressing the interconnectedness of contemporary international conflicts and their impact on the global order. The event, part of the university's "International Dialogues" initiative, was attended by its rector, Rosa Devés; the Czech ambassador, Pavel Bechný; the Dean of the Faculty of Government, Leonardo Letelier; the director of the Institute of International Studies, Dorotea López; and the director of International Relations, Alicia Salomone, among others. In his lecture, "When Conflicts Collide: The Central European Perspective," the Czech president discussed how contemporary international conflicts are interconnected and how they affect the world order. "We must find innovative ways to cooperate between the various democracies of the world, between intermediary powers, and among all countries that have a stake in this international order," Pavel emphasized in his speech. In this context, he also argued that "the stability of the international order depends largely on the commitment of the United States, regardless of who is in the White House, including scenarios such as a potential return of Donald Trump." "The tensions...

Australia will raise defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product by 2033, Defense Minister Richard Marles said, including increased outlays on drones as it responds to rising conflict globally and China’s military buildup.

Daniel Duggan was arrested in 2022 over claims he illegally trained the Chinese military in South Africa.

DEAR EDITOR: After reading the wise statements made by Pope Leo XIV and Cardinal Chomali regarding the situation in Iran, and hearing the surprising response from President Trump to the first, I would recommend that the current occupant of the White House consider the wise words of Don Quixote: "We've had our fill of the Church, Sancho." Demetrio Infante Figueroa

Over the past year, the stock price of Sonda, the technology company controlled by the Navarro family, has fallen by nearly a third, to around $290, despite the stock market rising by more than 40%. In 2025, the company's profits decreased by almost half compared to the previous year, reaching $16.969 billion (US$18.7 million), despite a slight increase of nearly 2% in its revenue, reaching $1.4 trillion (US$1.592 billion). In 2024, the company had also shown a decline in profits. The reasons the company cited for the recent decrease in its latest earnings report were increased provisions for uncollectible accounts, along with an expansion of its commercial structure and a restructuring of projects in Brazil. Following a shareholders' meeting held this Wednesday, the chairman of Sonda, José Orlandini, stated that the decline in the stock price was difficult to explain, as he believed it depended on variables not solely related to the company's business. "The trading volume of the stock is relatively low, which makes it less attractive. However, from the perspective of business results, we have no explanation," he commented, because despite the decrease in profits, the stock price did not fall in the same proportion. He emphasized, however, that despite the decline in profits, there was a slight increase in sales, which partially offset the increase in costs, which was what the company had anticipated in the previous fiscal year. "...

The U.S. Department of the Treasury announced on Wednesday sanctions against more than two dozen individuals, companies, and ships linked to the network of Iranian shipping magnate Mohammad Hossein Shamkhani, in what it described as its largest action against Iran since 2018. This measure adds to the campaign of maximum pressure that Washington intensified following the February 28th attacks on Tehran, and which, as of 2025, had already resulted in more than 875 designations against Iranian individuals, ships, and aircraft. Hossein Shamkhani is the son of Ali Shamkhani, who, until his death in Operation Epic Fury, served as a political advisor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and was for many years a central figure in Iran's security architecture and nuclear program. According to the Treasury Department, the son leveraged this influence to build a massive fleet of oil tankers and cargo ships that transported crude oil and derivatives from Iran and Russia to buyers around the world, primarily in China, accumulating tens of billions of dollars in profits. The network reportedly controlled a significant portion of Iran's crude oil exports, as revealed by the Treasury Department itself when it first sanctioned Shamkhani in July 2025. The network operates through shipping management companies and shell corporations – some publicly presented as legitimate financial services firms – to conceal the origin of the capital and the identity of its owners…

Israel's security cabinet met this Wednesday to assess the possibility of a ceasefire on the Lebanese front, amidst an intensified offensive against the Hezbollah terrorist group, and as diplomatic efforts by the United States aim to push for an agreement, according to reports from Reuters, The Times of Israel, The Guardian, and the Jerusalem Post. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed the continuation of military operations in southern Lebanon and Israel's determination to prevent any Hezbollah presence between the border and the Litani River. Lebanese diplomatic sources and Israeli officials confirmed to Reuters and The Jerusalem Post that the Trump administration has been pressuring Israel to accept a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon, with the aim of creating space for peace negotiations. The Israeli cabinet concluded the meeting without making a definitive decision on a ceasefire. Some sources within the Netanyahu government advocate for a further escalation, while other sectors, supported by the United States, believe that a tactical pause could facilitate a diplomatic solution to the conflict and strengthen Israel's position in future agreements. Meanwhile, sources from Hezbollah and the Lebanese government told Reuters that efforts for a ceasefire are underway, although the start date or the duration of the cessation of hostilities are unknown. Lebanese officials indicated…

The CAP Group, which operates businesses in the mining, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, renewed its executive team during its ordinary shareholders' meeting on Wednesday. The board of directors now consists of seven members, with Jorge Salvatierra as chairman, replacing Juan Enrique Rassmuss, who held the position previously. This day was special for the company, as it marked its 80th anniversary. "In the coming years, we will focus on continuing this path of transformation, deepening our policy of alliances to maximize the value of our assets and solidify CAP's legacy with a forward-looking vision and a firm commitment to its sustainable development," Salvatierra stated after assuming his position. The CAP board of directors will now include Jorge Salvatierra (chairman), Roberto de Andraca (vice-chairman), Juan Enrique Rassmuss, André Sougarret, Carolina Schmidt, Patricia Núñez, and Koji Uchino. Increased Stake in Rare Earths CAP is closely monitoring a project involving rare earth elements in the municipality of Penco. Two years ago, the company signed a strategic partnership agreement with Aclara Resources to develop these minerals. This materialized at the beginning of last year, when CAP acquired a 10% stake in the Canadian parent company. In March, the company also announced that it would increase this stake to 13%. Currently, the project is undergoing environmental review…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ruled out any ceasefire in Lebanon on Wednesday, and conditioned negotiations with Beirut on the complete dismantling of the Hezbollah terrorist group, while Israeli forces intensified their offensive on Bint Jbeil, a city he described as "Hezbollah's main stronghold" in southern Lebanon. At the same time, he warned that Israel is "prepared for any scenario" if the conflict with Iran resumes. The statements came hours after the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors met in Washington on Tuesday with Secretary of State Marco Rubio in the first direct bilateral meeting between the two countries since 1983. Lebanon demanded an immediate ceasefire; Israel attended with instructions not to agree to one. "These negotiations have not taken place for over 40 years. They are happening now because we are very strong, and it is the countries that are approaching us, not just Lebanon," Netanyahu stated. Netanyahu set two non-negotiable conditions: the dismantling of Hezbollah and a "sustainable peace, achieved through force." He also announced that he had instructed the military to extend the security zone eastward, towards Mount Hermon, to protect the Druze population. The fighting is concentrated in Bint Jbeil, a town just four kilometers from the Israeli border and of immense symbolic importance to Hezbollah. It was there, in the year 200…

Stocks on Wall Street closed at new record highs, fueled by high expectations that the conflict between the United States and Iran will soon end, more than a month and a half after the conflict began. The S&P 500 index rose 0.80% to an unprecedented 7,022.95 points, while the Nasdaq advanced 1.59%, closing at 24,016.02, a record high. The technology index accumulated its eleventh consecutive day of gains, while the S&P 500 registered its tenth positive session in eleven days, suggesting a disconnect between investor sentiment and the fluctuations of the military conflict, beyond the signals surrounding a potential agreement between Tehran and Washington. "Two iconic indices reaching peaks simultaneously sends a strong signal about the current state of investor appetite. The main driver behind this extraordinary recovery has been the gradual easing of tensions between the United States and Iran," said Emanoelle Santos, market analyst at XTB. It is worth noting that just two weeks ago, the situation was radically different in the world's largest stock market, when the S&P 500 had accumulated a decline of more than 9% from its highs, while the Nasdaq 100 had entered a technical correction, falling 12% from its previous record. "The fear of a stagflation cycle similar to the 1970s, driven by rising oil prices, dominated the debate in the markets," added the expert. In …

Last June, the Colombian company Isa Vías, through its subsidiary Autopostas del Maipo, submitted its environmental impact assessment for a third lane project on Route 5, from Rancagua southwards. However, two months later, its status in the Environmental Impact Assessment System (Seia) changed to "not qualified." "The company was notified of the early termination resolution, within the framework of the environmental impact assessment procedure for the project 'PID Expansion to Third Lanes between the Southern Access to the Rancagua Bypass and the Los Lingues Overpass,' owned by Autopistas del Maipo," stated the SEA in the latest publicly available document regarding the finalized project. Now, almost eight months later, Isa Vías (Isa Intervial) is resubmitting the US$398.5 million project. "The project includes geometric improvements in plan and elevation, to bring the road to a uniform design speed of 120 km/h throughout the entire section," the company explains again to the Seia in the initiative now called "Improvement and Expansion of Route 5 South between the Southern Access to the Rancagua Bypass and the Los Lingues Overpass." Other features of the initiative include "proposing improvements to existing structures, such as bridge designs, pedestrian walkways, service roads, bike lanes, earth retention systems, soil improvement, drainage and sanitation, road safety, bus stops, and complementary works for traffic flow..."

The United States and Iran have held indirect talks aimed at extending the two-week ceasefire beyond its expiration date of April 22, while the chief of the Pakistani army arrived in Tehran to continue mediation efforts. Karoline Leavitt, White House press secretary, denied on Wednesday that the United States had formally requested an extension of the two-week ceasefire, but added that Washington remained deeply involved in these negotiations. A second round of negotiations would likely take place in Islamabad, she stated, and added that the White House was optimistic about the prospects of a deal, just days after the failure of talks to reach a peace agreement. "It is very likely that it will be in the same location as the last time," Leavitt said. "The Pakistanis have been exceptional mediators throughout this process, and we greatly appreciate their friendship and their efforts to achieve this agreement. They are the only mediators in this negotiation," she stated in a press briefing, denying that an extension of the ceasefire had been agreed upon at the time. Leavitt also stated that while "many countries around the world have wanted to offer their assistance" in the process, Washington hopes that Pakistan will continue to be the channel of communication to facilitate contacts between the parties. "We are optimistic about...

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore (D) signed the Vax Act, which directs the state's health secretary to issue official recommendations for immunizations, screening and preventive services, rather than relying on the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).

Panama has recorded a decrease in the most severe cases of dengue fever so far in 2026, and according to the latest data from the Ministry of Health (Minsa), no new deaths have been reported. However, authorities remain on alert due to the increase in incidence among minors, a trend that necessitates strengthening epidemiological surveillance and preventative measures throughout the country. Despite the positive trend, authorities warn that the disease's behavior still shows signs of concern, particularly the increase in incidence among minors, which requires reinforcing epidemiological surveillance and preventative measures nationwide. As of epidemiological week 12, the country has accumulated 1,791 cases of dengue fever, of which 1,566 are cases without warning signs, 214 present warning signs, and 11 have been classified as severe dengue. Despite the number of infections, hospitalizations have decreased by 32% compared to the same period in 2025, reflecting a reduced burden on the healthcare system. One of the most concerning aspects for authorities is the impact on the younger population. Data shows that the most affected group is children and adolescents between 10 and 14 years old, with an incidence rate of 52.6 cases per 100,000 inhabitants, which indicates a change in the pattern of disease prevalence. This trend has raised health alerts, due to…