Trump blasts CNN and NYT as 'seditious' over Iran war reporting

US President Donald Trump has launched a scathing attack on CNN and The New York Times over their reporting on the US-Israeli war on Iran. Speaking at the White House, Trump labeled the cable network "stupid" and accused the newspaper of sedition for suggesting Iran might be gaining ground in the ongoing military conflict.

US officials: Iran conflict costs near $50B, double Pentagon claim

Washington's military campaign against Tehran has incurred expenses far exceeding official projections, with internal assessments placing the actual price tag at nearly $50 billion. The revised calculation starkly contrasts with the $25 billion figure presented to Congress earlier this week, revealing significant gaps in public accountability regarding the sustained aerial operations and equipment losses.

East Jerusalem under siege: Israeli arrests, Al-Aqsa bans, camp raids

Israeli security forces launched a fresh wave of arrests across occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday, targeting Palestinian civilians and religious officials near the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The operations extended into Shuafat refugee camp and Silwan district, involving physical assaults, movement restrictions, and punitive economic measures against local businesses.

Trump Medicare portal exposes provider Social Security numbers

A Medicare provider directory launched under the Trump administration has exposed sensitive personal data after healthcare workers' Social Security numbers were inadvertently displayed online. The cybersecurity lapse affected medical professionals registered with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, with journalists identifying dozens of exposed records. Federal officials attributed the breach to data entry errors while pledging immediate remedial action to secure the compromised information and prevent future violations.

Australia stockpiles jet fuel, diesel over Middle East supply risks

Canberra has initiated emergency measures to reinforce national energy security through substantial fuel acquisitions. The Australian government confirmed securing millions of liters of aviation and diesel supplies destined for strategic port cities. These procurements aim to insulate the nation's transport and logistics infrastructure from escalating volatility in global petroleum markets triggered by ongoing geopolitical instability across the Middle East region.

Trump border wall damages ancient Native American site in Arizona

Archaeological destruction in Arizona's desert has sparked outrage as the Trump administration's accelerated border wall construction ravages a millennium-old Native American geoglyph. The fish-shaped earthwork at Cabeza Prieta National Wildlife Refuge suffered significant damage when contractors bypassed environmental safeguards, drawing condemnation from indigenous communities and conservationists who decry the administration's $46.5 billion expansion project.

Ireland condemns Israeli seizure of Gaza aid flotilla, demands release

Irish Foreign Minister Helen McEntee strongly criticized Israel's interception of the Global Sumud Flotilla in international waters near Greece, calling for the immediate release of detained Irish citizens. Dublin confirmed consular support through its Athens embassy while urging Tel Aviv to respect international maritime law regarding the humanitarian aid mission to blockaded Gaza.

Latin Patriarchate condemns racist attack on French nun in Jerusalem

Bishop William Shomali of Jerusalem's Latin Patriarchate strongly condemned the racist assault on a French Catholic nun by an Israeli extremist in occupied East Jerusalem. The senior clergy member described the violent incident, which left the elderly religious worker with head injuries, as extremely serious and despicable, urging Israeli authorities to take decisive action against rising attacks targeting Christian and Muslim religious figures in the holy city.

Germany expects US to retain key bases despite Trump troop threat

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed confidence Thursday that Washington will maintain its critical military installations on German soil, despite President Donald Trump's recent warning of potential troop reductions. Speaking from Rabat, Wadephul emphasized that strategic facilities including Ramstein Air Base and Landstuhl Hospital remain indispensable for NATO operations and transatlantic security cooperation.

UK lawmakers demand action on Israel's Gaza Flotilla interception

British parliamentarians have issued an urgent appeal to Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper regarding Israel's detention of 175 activists aboard the Gaza-bound Global Sumud flotilla. The cross-party group of seventeen MPs and one peer condemned the interception in international waters near Crete as a grave violation of maritime law, demanding immediate diplomatic intervention to secure the release of detained British nationals and civilian vessels carrying humanitarian assistance to the besieged Palestinian territory.

UN condemns Israeli seizure of Gaza aid flotilla in international waters

United Nations officials expressed grave alarm Thursday regarding Israeli naval forces' interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian convoy in Mediterranean waters near Crete, demanding strict adherence to international maritime law and unrestricted humanitarian access to the besieged Palestinian territory.

Russia Kazakhstan launch Soyuz-5 rocket in Baiterek mission

Russia and Kazakhstan have marked a milestone in bilateral space cooperation with the successful maiden launch of the Soyuz-5 rocket from Baikonur Cosmodrome. The joint Baiterek project vehicle, equipped with the world's most powerful liquid-propellant engine, lifted off Thursday evening Moscow time, heralding a new era of cost-effective, environmentally sustainable space exploration for Central Asia and beyond.

Russia deploys interceptor drones and laser systems to counter UAV threats

Russia has officially expanded its border defense capabilities by deploying advanced interceptor drones and laser weapon systems. The new measures, announced Thursday through a government resolution, aim to protect critical infrastructure and national airspace from growing unmanned aerial vehicle threats. The updated defense protocol incorporates sophisticated radar systems, electronic warfare tools, and multi-layered aerial countermeasures along sensitive frontier zones.

Italians protest Israeli attack on Gaza aid flotilla in mass rallies

Widespread demonstrations swept through Italy's major urban centers as citizens rallied against the Israeli naval interception of the Global Sumud humanitarian mission heading to Gaza. Protesters denounced the operation in international waters as a violation of maritime law and demanded stronger government action.

Israel to transfer Gaza flotilla activists to Greece after Crete raid

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed Thursday that authorities will transfer 345 detained humanitarian activists from the Gaza-bound aid flotilla to Greek territory within hours. The vessels, intercepted in international waters near Crete, carried participants from 39 nations including Turkey. The operation marks the second attempt by the Global Sumud coalition to breach the blockade on the Palestinian enclave.

Italy's Meloni slams Gaza aid flotilla as counterproductive diplomatic burden

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has reaffirmed her strong opposition to the Global Sumud Flotilla bound for Gaza, arguing that the humanitarian mission generates complications rather than relief. Speaking at a press briefing Thursday, the Italian leader maintained that such initiatives fail to deliver meaningful assistance to the besieged Palestinian territory.

EU commissioner meets Turkish minister in Brussels for cooperation talks

Turkish Family and Social Services Minister Mahinur Ozdemir Goktas met with European Commissioner Hadja Lahbib in Brussels to discuss enhancing bilateral cooperation. The talks centered on gender equality, digital child safety, and post-disaster assistance mechanisms. Lahbib emphasized Ankara's crucial role as a strategic partner in addressing these critical social challenges facing the continent.

Gaza families torch tents as truce fails to halt Israeli fire

Displaced Palestinians in Gaza's Zeitoun district have set fire to their own tents in a dramatic protest against deteriorating security conditions and unlivable standards. The desperate act at Dar al-Salam camp highlights mounting frustration over continued Israeli gunfire despite an October ceasefire agreement, as residents demand urgent protection and humanitarian aid amid severe shortages of water, food, and essential supplies.

Israeli attacks kill 3 Palestinians in Gaza amid ceasefire violations

Fresh Israeli military strikes have claimed three Palestinian lives and left ten others wounded across the Gaza Strip, marking the latest escalation in ongoing ceasefire violations. The attacks targeted multiple locations including Gaza City and Deir al-Balah, compounding the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory where aid delivery remains severely restricted despite international agreements.

French MPs slam Israel's Gaza flotilla seizure as 'abduction' on high seas

European parliamentarians from France have strongly condemned Israeli forces for intercepting a humanitarian convoy bound for Gaza, characterizing the detention of over 180 activists in international waters as an act of abduction. The lawmakers demanded immediate sanctions against Tel Aviv and suspension of the EU-Israel association agreement, citing clear violations of maritime law and international humanitarian standards.

Axel Springer chief demands staff align with pro-Israel principles

Media magnate Mathias Döpfner has issued an ultimatum to employees of Axel Springer, declaring that those who reject the conglomerate's staunch pro-Israel stance should seek employment elsewhere. The German publisher, which controls Politico and the Daily Telegraph, defended its corporate "essentials" during a tense internal meeting after journalists raised concerns about editorial neutrality.

China-US trade talks seek cooperation ahead of Trump Beijing visit

Senior economic officials from Washington and Beijing convened Thursday via video conference to address ongoing trade disputes and pave the way for strengthened bilateral relations. The high-level discussion between Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng and US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent occurred weeks before President Donald Trump's anticipated visit to China, signaling efforts to stabilize economic ties between the world's largest economies despite persistent tensions over American trade restrictions targeting Chinese industries.

Erdogan urges unity, brotherhood amid regional challenges

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called for setting aside differences of origin, sect, and disposition to embrace unity and brotherhood during a painful period for the region. “The strongest line of resistance against those who try to turn brother against brother is to stand united like a wall,” he said.

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan meets Vienna mayor during Austria visit

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan met with Vienna Governor and Mayor Michael Ludwig during his official visit to Vienna, Austria, on April 30, 2026. The meeting focused on bilateral relations and cooperation between Türkiye and Austria.

Baykar unveils Mizrak long-range loitering munition with over 1,000 km range

Turkish defense giant Baykar will showcase its new Mizrak intelligent and autonomous long-range loitering munition at SAHA 2026 in Istanbul. The system boasts an operational range of over 1,000 kilometers, over seven hours of endurance, and AI-powered autonomous navigation without GPS.