Türkiye reaffirms commitment to global mine action efforts

Türkiye has announced it will resolutely continue its regional and global efforts to counter the threat of landmines, guided by a humanitarian approach. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued the statement on the UN-declared International Day for Mine Awareness. Ankara also reaffirmed its active support for international cooperation under the Ottawa Convention through the Turkish National Mine Action Center.

Berlin calls for scrapping EU unanimity on foreign affairs

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on the European Union to abandon its unanimity principle in foreign and security policy before the current legislative term ends. Citing Hungary’s blockade of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, Wadephul argued that qualified majority voting would make the bloc more effective on the global stage. He stressed that the current system undermines EU unity and credibility.

Iranian diplomat issues stark warning after Bushehr bombing

Iran’s foreign minister warned that radioactive fallout from strikes on its Bushehr nuclear plant would endanger Gulf Cooperation Council capitals, not Tehran. Abbas Araghchi said US-Israeli forces have bombed the facility four times. His remarks followed a joint American-Israeli attack that killed one person at Bushehr. Araghchi also pointed to strikes on Iranian petrochemical sites as proof of Western intentions.

Top US archbishop rejects Iran war as unjust

The Catholic archbishop overseeing all US military personnel has declared that America's war with Iran fails the church's just war criteria. Archbishop Timothy Broglio told CBS News the conflict targets a potential nuclear threat rather than an actual one. He also criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's religious framing of the war as "problematic," stating Jesus "brought a message of peace." The interview airs on Easter Sunday.

Hormuz shipping rebounds to Asia, Latam

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is steadily recovering, with tankers carrying crude and LPG heading to China, India, and Latin America. Following a 95% drop after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, vessels now transit via an Iranian-controlled corridor. Many ships broadcast false identifications—claiming Chinese ownership or "food for Iran"—to secure safe passage. Tehran permits diplomatic negotiations with countries like Pakistan and India while requiring extensive documentation from commercial vessels.

MSF: Gaza medical supplies critically low

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that Israeli restrictions have pushed Gaza's medical supplies to critical shortages, with no supplies entering the enclave since Jan. 1. Nearly half of essential medications for chronic diseases are at dangerously low levels, forcing MSF to stop admitting new patients. The organization warns of preventable deaths and says it is close to using non-sterile gauze as a last resort due to infection risks.

No detainee abuse at Texas ICE hub: Probe

A federal investigation into the largest ICE detention facility in Texas found no evidence of detainee mistreatment, though inspectors identified 49 safety and security violations. The inspection of Camp East Montana in El Paso revealed 22 use-of-force and restraint issues, including failure to document incidents. None of the 49 randomly interviewed detainees reported discrimination or abuse. ICE has hired a new contractor to address deficiencies at the $1.2 billion facility.

32 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon

The Lebanese Health Ministry has raised the injury toll from Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon to 32, including three paramedics. The attacks targeted the Al-Hosh area near Tyre and the town of Maarakeh, also damaging the Lebanese Italian Hospital, which remains operational. Separately, two airstrikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs early Saturday. More than 1,345 people have been killed and 4,000 wounded since Israel's offensive began on March 2.

Iran retaliatory strikes damage Tel Aviv

A fire broke out at a factory in southern Israel's Negev region after an Iranian missile struck the industrial area, according to Israeli media. Iran launched two waves of attacks, with the first targeting southern Israel and the second striking central Israel, including the greater Tel Aviv area. Damage was reported to an apartment building in Rosh HaAyin and several streets in Tel Aviv. Missile debris fell across seven cities.

24 health workers killed in Iran since start of US-Israeli offensive

At least 24 health care workers have been killed in Iran since the United States and Israel launched their joint military offensive on Feb. 28, according to the Mehr news agency. Jafar Miadfar, head of Iran's Emergency Medical Services Organization, confirmed that three of the deceased were personnel from the 115 Emergency Service. The remaining victims include doctors, nurses, and medical technicians working across various departments.

Iran humiliates US with direct embassy hit

The Wall Street Journal has revealed that Iran's drone attack on the US Embassy in Saudi Arabia caused far more destruction than Washington admitted. Two drones struck Riyadh's Diplomatic Quarter on March 3, breaching the CIA station and severely damaging three floors. While Saudi officials called it a minor fire, US sources say the blaze burned for hours, causing irreparable damage. A former CIA chief admitted Iran could have hit "anything they wanted" in the Saudi capital.

Rocket from Lebanon hits northern Israel

A rocket launched from Lebanon struck a residential neighborhood in Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel, damaging several homes, vehicles, and a road, according to Israeli media. Fire crews responded to a damaged gas cylinder and checked for leaks. Warning sirens did not activate before impact, though no injuries were reported. The Israeli military is investigating the siren failure. Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel since early March in retaliation for Israeli strikes.

Russia, Egypt call for immediate Gaza ceasefire

Russia and Egypt have jointly called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East, urging a return to political dialogue amid escalating tensions. Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov warned that the US must stop hostilities rather than simply demand Iran unblock the Strait of Hormuz. Lavrov also accused unnamed actors of trying to sabotage negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear issue.

Kuwait, Saudis, Bahrain repel overnight drone attacks

Three Gulf nations—Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Bahrain—spent the night intercepting waves of drones and missiles amid escalating regional warfare. Kuwait confirmed its air defenses repelled hostile projectiles, while Saudi forces destroyed an aerial drone. Bahrain reported warning sirens sounding three times. The attacks are linked to Iranian retaliation following the US-Israeli joint military operation on Feb. 28, now in its 35th day.

Deadly 5.8 quake kills 8 in Afghanistan

A powerful 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck the Hindu Kush region on Friday, killing at least eight people in central Afghanistan's Bagrami district. The deep tremor, registered at 181 kilometers below the surface, was felt across Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Indian-administered Kashmir. One person was also reported injured, with another missing. The quake caused panic in multiple major cities including Kabul and Islamabad.

France sends 39 VABs to Lebanese army

France has delivered 39 armored personnel carriers to the Lebanese Armed Forces, fulfilling a pledge by French officials to bolster the country's defense capabilities. The VAB vehicles are designed to enhance troop mobility and protect against small-arms fire. French Deputy Defense Minister Alice Rufo stated the delivery aims to safeguard Lebanon's territorial integrity, protect civilians regardless of faith, and preserve state institutions amid ongoing regional warfare.

Trump briefed on US jet downed over Iran

The White House has confirmed that President Donald Trump was briefed on the downing of a US fighter jet over Iran, a significant escalation in the region. As search operations continue for one missing airman, reports indicate a second American aircraft, an A-10, crashed in the Persian Gulf. Despite the incident, Trump stated the downing will not affect ongoing negotiations with Tehran.

Erdoğan warns water will replace oil as source of future conflict

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said Thursday that the struggle for oil and carbon fuels in the past century will be replaced by water as competition for power intensifies. "The signs of this struggle are already visible in the armed conflicts taking place around the region," he warned.

Erdoğan extends Passover greetings to Türkiye's Jewish citizens

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan extended his greetings to Türkiye's Jewish citizens for the Passover holiday, wishing that the holiday brings "peace, stability, prosperity, and well-being to our region and all humanity." The message reflects Türkiye's tradition of recognizing religious holidays of all communities.

Fidan attends UK-organized online meeting on Strait of Hormuz crisis

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Thursday attended an online meeting on the situation in the Strait of Hormuz, the critical Mideast waterway that has been largely blocked for weeks. The meeting was organized by the United Kingdom, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.

Türkiye condemns EOKA attack on Turkish Cypriots, blames Greek Cypriot administration

Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz condemned an attack targeting citizens of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus by members of the EOKA terrorist organization, stating responsibility "lies with the Greek Cypriot Administration." The attack occurred in the buffer zone in Lefkosa using stones and explosive materials.

Israel plans to demolish Lebanese border villages for ‘security zone’

The Israeli army will present a plan to the government this week to demolish all villages and towns along the southern Lebanese border, creating a permanent “security zone” three kilometers deep. Displaced Lebanese residents would be permanently barred from returning, according to state broadcaster KAN.

Missile debris injures 12 in UAE after interception, officials say

Twelve people, mostly Nepali and Indian nationals, were wounded by falling missile debris in the Ajban area of the UAE following a successful air defense interception. One Nepali citizen sustained serious injuries, according to the Abu Dhabi Media Office.

Russia condemns US-Israeli strike near Orthodox church in Tehran

Moscow has strongly condemned a US-Israeli attack near St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Tehran, calling it a “flagrant violation” of believers’ rights. The church, administered by the Russian Orthodox Church and listed as a Iranian cultural heritage site, sustained serious damage in the April 1 strike.

Abu Dhabi halts gas plant ops after missile debris strike

Operations at Abu Dhabi’s Habshan gas facilities have been suspended after debris from an intercepted missile struck the site, causing a fire. No injuries were reported. The incident comes amid escalating tit-for-tat strikes between Iran and US-Israeli forces in the Gulf region.