Lebanon’s Ministry of Health said Israeli attacks on Habbouch and Al-Zarariyeh killed eight people , including a child and two women, and wounded 21 others.

The Israeli army had earlier issued evacuation warnings to residents of several towns and villages in southern Lebanon, including Habbouch. It later said it had carried out strikes on Hezbollah targets in the south, claiming to have killed fighters and destroyed about 50 Hezbollah-linked infrastructure sites.

The Lebanese Health Ministry said the death toll from Israeli military operations since March 2 had reached 2,618 by May 1, with 8,094 people injured.

The strikes come despite a U.S.-announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon that took effect on April 17 and was later extended by three weeks. Both Israel and Hezbollah have continued to accuse each other of violating the truce.

Israel has also maintained what it calls a “yellow line” in southern Lebanon, a buffer zone where residents have been warned not to return. The Israeli military says its presence is aimed at countering Hezbollah activity, while Lebanese residents and officials have accused Israel of preventing displaced civilians from going back to their homes.

“I just had a good conversation with the Prime Minister of Slovakia. Officially, we appreciate that Slovakia has taken steps to unblock the European support package for Ukraine and the sanctions package against Russia ,” Zelensky said.

The Ukrainian leader said both sides agreed on the need to maintain strong bilateral relations despite recent differences. According to Ukraine’s presidential office, Zelensky and Fico also discussed a possible in-person meeting, with their teams expected to work on scheduling details.

Zelensky said Slovakia had reaffirmed its support for Ukraine’s bid to join the European Union. Ukraine’s presidential office said Fico told Zelensky that Slovakia supports Ukraine’s EU membership and is ready to share its own experience of accession.

The comments follow weeks of tensions over EU support for Ukraine, including a €90 billion package and additional sanctions against Moscow. The funding had been held up amid objections from Hungary and Slovakia linked to disputes over Russian oil flows through the Druzhba pipeline, Viory reports.

Ukraine said the pipeline had been damaged by a Russian strike and later repaired it after requests from the European Union. Zelensky said on April 21 that Kyiv had completed “all necessary steps” on its side and expected the EU to deliver on its commitments.

Hungary, under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, had repeatedly blocked or delayed EU measures in support of Ukraine. Orbán’s Fidesz party lost Hungary’s April 12 election to Péter Magyar’s Tisza party, raising expectations in Kyiv and Brussels that Budapest’s stance on Ukraine could shift.

Orbán had accused Ukraine and the EU of interfering in Hungary’s election campaign, allegations that his opponents denied. The dispute over Ukraine aid, sanctions and energy transit had become a central issue in Hungary’s election campaign and in EU negotiations on support for Kyiv.

“We demand the release of the Spanish citizen who has been unlawfully detained by Netanyahu’s government ,” Sánchez said.

His comments followed the interception of vessels from the Global Sumud Flotilla, a civilian-led aid mission seeking to break Israel’s naval blockade of Gaza . Israeli authorities detained activists from the flotilla, including Spanish-Swedish activist Saif Abukeshek and Brazilian activist Thiago Ávila, according to AP.

The flotilla began its Barcelona departure window in mid-April, with organisers describing it as one of the largest civilian-led maritime missions to Gaza. AP reported that more than 70 boats and over 1,000 activists were involved in the mission, with departures delayed by bad weather .

Israel’s foreign ministry said about 175 activists were detained after Israeli forces intercepted 22 vessels. Flotilla organisers accused Israel of carrying out an unlawful seizure in international waters, while several governments criticised the operation. Turkey described the interception as “piracy,” and Italy demanded the release of its nationals.

At the Málaga rally, Sánchez also rejected calls for Spain to raise defence spending to five percent of GDP, a target backed by the United States and discussed within NATO.

“It would mean an extra €3,000 per citizen in Spain, €80 billion more per year,” Sánchez said. “That would mean raising taxes or cutting the welfare state.”

He added that his government would “always stand on the side of the welfare state.”

Sánchez has previously opposed NATO’s proposed five percent defence spending target, calling it unreasonable and incompatible with Spain’s welfare priorities. Spain later secured an agreement with NATO allowing it to avoid the five percent target while raising defence spending to 2.1 percent of GDP.

This means drivers will now receive at least 92% of each fare, up from about 80%.

Prabowo said the decision was driven by concerns over fairness in the sector, where drivers shoulder most of the work and risk.

The change comes in one of the region’s biggest ride-hailing markets. The sector in Indonesia is expected to be worth about $4 billion in 2026, with steady growth in the years ahead as more people rely on app-based transport.

It’s also a highly concentrated market. Two companies, GoTo and Grab, dominate the space, together controlling more than over 90%  of ride-hailing services.

That level of dominance is quite different from some of Indonesia’s neighbours. In countries like Vietnam and Thailand, the market is more fragmented, with several players competing more actively. Singapore, on the other hand, has a smaller market, shaped by tighter regulation.

Indonesia also stands out for how people use these services. Motorbike taxis account for a large share of trips, more than 60%, making ride-hailing cheaper and more accessible in congested cities like Jakarta.

The regulation also requires ride-hailing companies to provide accident and health insurance for their drivers, adding a layer of social protection in an industry long criticised for weak welfare support.

The new rules are expected to affect major players such as GoTo and Grab, which dominate Indonesia’s ride-hailing market.

A start date for the policy has not yet been announced.

Speaking at the event, Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health and Environment in the Federal Capital Territory, explained that the drug is strictly for prevention.

“Lenacapavir is long-acting and is for the prevention of HIV/AIDS,” she said, stressing the importance of testing negative before receiving the injection. “If you're positive, the medicine doesn't work… and may even be injurious to your health.”

“You cannot claim you will lift all sanctions while you are actually intensifying them,” he said, accusing the US of further escalating tensions through what he called “acts of maritime piracy.”

Note: Date mentioned in the article has been corrected from Friday, April 30, to Friday, May 1.

May Day rallies are held every year on May 1 in France and across the world , with workers and unions using the occasion to demand better wages, improved working conditions, and expanded social protections. In Paris, this year’s inter-union march was expected to move from Place de la République to Place de la Nation.

The demonstrations come amid renewed tensions over workers’ rights in France, including opposition from unions to proposed changes affecting work rules on the May 1 public holiday.

SAFTU National Spokesperson Newton Masuku said the mobilisation was held under the theme: “Unite the employed and the unemployed, fight the jobs bloodbath, fight austerity, and fight illicit trading.”

“This is a call that we are making to the government , that it must intervene against this unemployment,” Masuku told Viory.

He said that although the union had submitted formal memorandums, the march was also aimed at strengthening internal mobilisation among workers.

“The petitioning of the government is merely a formality,” Masuku said. “But in actual fact, it provides us with an opportunity to speak to our membership and therefore to disseminate our ideas on how we think the economy should be sorted out.”

Masuku added that the May Day activities were intended to raise awareness among union members about what he called the “misery of the system.”

Protesters also raised concerns about recent amendments to labour laws, which they said were weakening protections originally designed to safeguard workers.

“We decided to celebrate May Day since last year when we were fighting against the amendments of the labour laws, which is a direct attack on workers,” one protester said.

The protester added that while unions were becoming weaker, capital was becoming more organised.

“I don’t call it a war. I’d rather have a military operation,” Trump said. “Iran is dying to make a deal.”

He added that Iran “want[s] to make a deal badly,” but said uncertainty over Iran’s leadership had complicated negotiations.

“We have a problem because nobody knows for sure who the leaders are,” Trump said. “The leaders have been wiped out along with their military, almost all of their military.”

Trump’s comments came after Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, released a statement promising what he described as a “new chapter” for the Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz. Khamenei said the region’s future would be one “without America ,” and warned that foreign powers had no place in the waters of the Gulf.

“Outsiders who, driven by greed, come from thousands of miles away to stir trouble have no place there, except at the bottom of its waters,” the statement read.

A first round of talks in Islamabad last month failed to produce a deal, while a planned second round did not materialise. Trump later moved to extend the existing ceasefire to allow more time for negotiations, Viory reports.

Pakistan has played a key role as a mediator between the two sides, but major disagreements remain, including over Iran’s nuclear programme and control of the Strait of Hormuz.

According to Boulos, the coalition includes the African Union, the European Union, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United States, and several regional and international partners, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Sudan, Chad, Uganda, the United Arab Emirates, the United Nations, the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, and the League of Arab States. He said the group had delivered a “clear and unified message” that the war in Sudan “must end, now.”

The Berlin Principles call for an immediate humanitarian truce, followed by a ceasefire, full humanitarian access, increased funding for relief operations, and an end to external military support for the warring parties.

They also urge a renewed push for negotiated peace through an inclusive political process, a civil society-led national dialogue, and a transition to a civilian-led government.

Boulos said the principles were “not just words,” but reflected a firm collective commitment to ending the war and supporting a peaceful future for Sudan. Sudan’s civil war has entered its fourth year, with the country’s two main rival forces locked in a prolonged war of attrition.

Background

The conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), led by Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, widely known as Hemedti.

The fighting has left Sudan largely divided, with the SAF controlling much of the east and the RSF holding large parts of the west.

The war has triggered what is now described as the world ’s largest displacement and hunger crisis. Reports of rape and sexual violence have become widespread, while the country’s cultural heritage has also suffered severe destruction.

Beyond Sudan’s borders, the conflict has drawn in foreign interests, with more than 10 countries accused of backing opposing sides in the war.

Visibly emotional, Sawe shared the moment with supporters, insisting the achievement was a collective effort. “All the things that we have done in London, I didn't do them myself but as a team,” he said. “This is a record for all of us.”

It focuses on offshore gas exploration, particularly in the Deltana Platform and the Loran gas field, key areas in Venezuela’s northeastern energy reserves.

Speaking at the ceremony, Rodríguez described BP’s return as a signal of the kind of international partnerships Venezuela aims to rebuild. She said the government is pursuing “relations of respect” and cooperation based on shared benefits, adding that the deal forms part of a broader energy agenda designed to support economic recovery and job creation.

The Jewish Association of Peru condemned the remarks, saying they lacked historical rigour and echoed “dark medieval times.” It called on Balcazar to issue a public apology.

The German Embassy in Peru also urged the president to retract the statement, describing it as “absurd” and stressing that “the Holocaust cannot be trivialised under any circumstances.”

Balcazar had not publicly responded to the backlash or issued an apology at the time of publication.

Lara said prosecutors would review whether the evidence was strong enough to justify arrest warrants. He added that if governors or senators were involved, Mexico would first need to begin proceedings to remove their legal immunity.

The prosecutor also criticised U.S. authorities for publicly revealing details of the case, saying the process should remain confidential under bilateral rules. Rocha Moya has denied the allegations, calling them baseless, while Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said documents provided by the U.S. Embassy did not include enough evidence to establish responsibility.

The ICJ is set to begin oral hearings on May 4 in the dispute over Essequibo, a resource-rich region administered by Guyana but claimed by Venezuela. Guyana is asking the court to uphold the 1899 arbitral award that fixed the current boundary, while Venezuela insists the matter should be handled under the 1966 Geneva Agreement.

Rodriguez also announced an oil production agreement with Italian energy firm Eni, saying it would support Venezuela’s economic recovery and public welfare. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello, speaking at the same event, blamed U.S. sanctions for damaging the country’s economy and rejected claims that he holds assets abroad.

Wameso said the policy also aligns with efforts to comply with anti-money laundering rules and international sanctions , including measures targeting individuals linked to conflict in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. He added that the reforms were important as the country seeks to attract significant foreign investment, Viory reports.

Under the new rules, which took effect on April 9, individuals can still hold foreign currency but must use Congolese francs for cash transactions. Dollars can be deposited into bank accounts and used electronically. The policy is part of efforts to reduce dollarisation, which has persisted since the hyperinflation era of the 1990s.

The central bank said the reforms come amid improving economic indicators , with growth reaching 5.8% in 2025 and projected to rise further, alongside stable inflation and stronger foreign reserves.

“Very good ideas were put forward, and there are now very good grounds for cooperation,” he said, adding that Putin praised the resilience of the Iranian people .

According to Araghchi, the Russian leader said that “not only Russia, but the whole world is studying the Iranian people for their steadfastness in the face of America and, in essence, for their victory in this unequal and unfair war.”

Local reports said gunfire and explosions were heard during what appeared to be a coordinated assault. Mali’s main military base at Kati, outside Bamako, was also reportedly targeted.

The African Union strongly condemned the attacks, warning that the hostilities risked exposing civilians to serious harm.

In the women’s race, Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa broke her own world record with a time of 2:15:41, finishing ahead of Kenya’s Hellen Obiri and Joyciline Jepkosgei, another clean sweep for African athletes.

When it comes to marathon running at the highest level, Africa, particularly East African runners, has dominated the London Marathon for more than two decades.

Athletes like Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge, a four-time London winner widely regarded as the greatest marathon runner in history, helped cement that legacy. Year after year, the winners’ lists have been overwhelmingly African

First held in 1981, the London Marathon has grown into one of the world’s most prestigious long-distance races, alongside events in Boston, New York, Berlin, Chicago, and Tokyo.

Founded by former Olympic champion Chris Brasher and athlete John Disley, the race was inspired by the inclusive spirit of the New York Marathon, combining elite competition with mass participation and charity fundraising.

Today, it attracts more than 50,000 runners annually and raises hundreds of millions of pounds for charitable causes, making it as much a social event as a sporting spectacle.

Netanyahu also warned that Israel would continue operations against threats from Lebanon. “We maintain full freedom of action against any threat. Even emerging threats,” he said, adding that Israel was determined to restore security for residents in the north.

His remarks come as a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains under strain, following weeks of fighting and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Talks held in Islamabad earlier this month failed to produce a breakthrough.

In Lebanon, cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah has continued despite calls for de-escalation. Lebanese officials have accused Israel of violating sovereignty through air strikes and incursions, while Israel says its operations are aimed at pushing Hezbollah away from the border.

He said no country could defeat inequality alone and called for major reforms to global financial and political institutions, including the United Nations Security Council. Ramaphosa argued that the current system does not adequately serve developing countries or protect global peace.

His remarks came during the second meeting of the International Panel on Inequality, launched under South Africa’s G20 presidency and backed by Brazil , Norway and Spain. The panel aims to become a leading global source of inequality data, with South Africa expected to push for its permanent establishment at the UN General Assembly.

The march began on April 8 in El Porvenir with around 100 participants, but organisers say the movement has grown significantly, now drawing about 3,000 people .

Demonstrators are calling for the repeal of Law 1720, which they say could undermine land rights in Indigenous and rural communities.

Feyfer Quajiru, Executive Secretary of the Harakbut, Yine, and Matsiguenga Council, said the protest movement has three main demands.

“We have three demands. First, the immediate repeal of Law 1720. Second, the immediate legal protection of our lands. And third, the anti-blockade law, which we will not accept either, just as we will not accept other laws being passed without consultation, without proper engagement with the public,” he said.

One visiting monk described the gathering as both rare and moving.

“I feel very happy and deeply moved by what we are seeing here today. It is very rare to witness monks from across the country gathering together like this from more than 40,000 temples,” he said.

Another monk said the event reflected the vitality and unity of Buddhism in the country.

“When you see the monastic community gathered together here at Dhammakaya Temple, it makes you feel that Buddhism is truly flourishing,” he said.

“Why do we want Venezuela free of sanctions? Because we want Venezuela to be able to fully expand, without any kind of restriction, all of its capacities, all of its potential, its immense wealth that has made Venezuela,” she said.

Rodríguez also urged political leaders and citizens to reflect on the events of January 3, saying the violence should never be repeated.

The independent commission, led by retired Chief Justice Mohamed Chande Othman, found that 518 people were killed during clashes between security forces and protesters. It also identified major failures in security protocols and law enforcement across several regions.

Samia expressed regret over the deaths and announced measures including a special criminal investigation body, a reconciliation commission and possible constitutional reforms to improve electoral transparency.

She also accepted recommendations to fast-track a new constitution by 2028, reform the National Electoral Commission before the 2029 local polls and review the 2014 draft constitution with fresh public input.

The comment came after Trump reportedly reposted criticism of birthright citizenship in the United States that used the term to refer to India, China and others. A U.S. embassy spokesperson later sought to ease concerns, stressing the strength of U.S.-India relations and noting that Trump had praised India’s leadership.

Jaiswal also addressed maritime security concerns linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz. He said Indian nationals were aboard two foreign-owned vessels recently fired upon, but confirmed they were safe and in contact with authorities.

India said 10 Indian vessels had safely exited the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks, while 14 remained in the Persian Gulf . Jaiswal reiterated New Delhi’s call for “unimpeded access and transit rights for commercial shipping” through the key waterway.

“We have total control of the Strait. And the fact that it's closed, you know, they would have opened it up three days ago,” Trump said.

According to the president, Iranian officials had approached the United States proposing to reopen the vital shipping route.

“They came to us, and they said, we will agree to open the Strait. And all my people were happy. Everybody was happy, except me,” he said.

At a press conference in Mexico City, Türk said it was painful to hear testimonies from relatives who have spent years searching for loved ones without answers, often putting their own lives at risk. He called for a national commitment centred on truth, transparency, recognition of victims’ pain and firm state action.

Türk’s visit focused heavily on enforced disappearances, a crisis the UN has repeatedly described as one of the most serious in the world . According to UN figures, more than 130,000 people are officially registered as disappeared or missing in Mexico.

The warning comes weeks after the UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances asked for Mexico’s case to be urgently referred to the UN General Assembly under Article 34 of the convention, citing the scale and persistence of the crisis. The committee pointed to thousands of clandestine graves, tens of thousands of unidentified remains and a severely strained forensic system.

Tanzania, which imports nearly all of its fuel, is particularly vulnerable to global price swings. Energy Minister Deogratius Ndejembi said petrol prices rose by 69% between February and March 2026, while diesel jumped by 104%, with kerosene and jet fuel also seeing sharp increases.

Economist Kelvin Mouris pointed to the potential of natural gas and electric vehicles to reduce costs, but noted that infrastructure gaps remain a challenge despite Tanzania’s large gas reserves.

The government has introduced measures to stabilise supply, including building fuel reserves to cover at least three months. The price surge is linked to disruptions in global oil supply chains, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.

The interim leader rejected suggestions that the delay signalled a rupture with Washington, saying Peru had no intention of confronting the United States and remained committed to maintaining strong diplomatic and commercial ties. His comments came days after U.S. ambassador Bernie Navarro warned that Washington would act to protect its interests if Peru negotiated “in bad faith”.

The proposed deal has faced criticism at home, with opponents questioning increased defence spending while Peru grapples with shortages in health and education. Defence Minister Carlos Diaz and Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela resigned on Wednesday in protest , saying contracts signed in April should be respected and warning that suspending payments could harm Peru’s national interests and relations with the United States.

“The EU asked Ukraine to repair the Druzhba oil pipeline, which Russia had destroyed. We have repaired it. We hope the EU will also deliver on the agreed commitments,” he said.

Zelensky also expressed concern over what he described as a lack of progress on additional EU sanctions against Russia, warning that delays risk weakening international pressure on Moscow.

“In a world wounded by arrogance, people are hungry and thirsty for justice. We must value those who believe in peace and dare to implement policies that go against the tide, focused on the common good,” he said during a speech.

“We see daily statements, I don’t know if jokingly or not, from President Trump saying that he has already ended eight wars and still hasn’t won the Nobel Peace Prize,” Lula said.

“So it’s important that we quickly give a Nobel Prize to President Trump so that there are no more wars,” he added sarcastically.

Lula’s comment came as he reiterated Brazil’s commitment to maintaining balanced relations with global powers rather than aligning with geopolitical blocs.

Footage from the capital showed groups of protesters marching through central Nairobi as police vehicles moved in and several people were detained. Residents said the anger was being driven by record pump prices and the wider cost-of-living squeeze, with transport costs rising sharply for ordinary Kenyans.

Many businesses remained open, but there were reports of blockades and clashes in parts of the central business district before police dispersed the crowds. The demonstrations came despite President William Ruto’s recent insistence that protests would not lower prices and that the focus should be on finding practical solutions.

The protests unfolded against the backdrop of a wider global energy shock linked to the war in the Middle East and restrictions on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. The International Energy Agency has described the disruption as “the greatest threat to global energy security in history,” with oil supply and tanker movements severely affected.

Petro further criticised Noboa over border closures, arguing that the restrictions had pushed more people in both countries towards illegal trafficking networks. He also alleged that criminal groups based in Ecuador were plotting to assassinate him and Senator Iván Cepeda, widely seen as a potential contender in Colombia’s next presidential race.

The remarks add to a growing rift between Bogotá and Quito. Petro said earlier this week that he planned legal action against Noboa over claims linking him to Ecuadorian crime boss Adolfo Macías, known as “Fito”. The diplomatic clash comes amid a worsening trade dispute that began after Ecuador imposed tariffs on Colombian imports, prompting retaliatory measures from Bogotá.

The new policy allows Tokyo to export weapons such as fighter jets, missiles and destroyers to 17 partner countries, including the United States , Australia and the Philippines. Previously, exports were limited to non-lethal items such as rescue, transport and surveillance equipment.

Takaichi argued the shift would strengthen allied defence capabilities and help prevent conflict. “No country can protect its own peace and security alone,” she said, adding that closer defence cooperation was essential.

Takaichi also said Japan was working to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions persist following a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran .

Tanzania’s tourism sector continues to expand, with visitor numbers reaching 5.9 million by December 2025 as the government targets eight million arrivals by 2030. Tourism currently contributes about 17 percent to the national economy, with plans to raise this to 20 percent. Natural Resources and Tourism Minister Ashatu Kijaji said the growth reflects strong collaboration between government and private stakeholders, as well as sustained marketing efforts such as The Royal Tour. She stressed the need for a supportive legal environment, warning that “we must not allow laws to become an obstacle to achieving the target of eight million tourists by 2030.”

Universal electricity access by 2030

Tanzania is accelerating efforts to achieve nationwide electricity access, with plans to connect the remaining 14,000 hamlets by 2030. So far, about 40,000 hamlets, over 60 percent, have been electrified, while more than 11,000 are currently under implementation. Despite progress, rural access remains uneven at 37.1 percent compared to a national average of 52 percent. Authorities say expanding rural electrification is key to boosting economic activity, education and healthcare delivery.

Luxury safari camp gains global recognition

Mapito Safari Camp near the Serengeti has been nominated for “Africa’s Leading Luxury Tented Safari Camp” at the 2026 World Travel Awards, marking a milestone for Tanzania’s high-end tourism sector. The camp , part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection, highlights growing international investment in conservation areas. However, its development also raises questions about balancing luxury tourism with environmental protection and community impact, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions like the Serengeti.

President Samia leads reconciliation talks with former presidential candidates

President Samia Suluhu Hassan has held high-level consultations with candidates from the 2025 general election, bringing together representatives from 16 political parties in a push for national unity. The discussions focused on strengthening reconciliation, democratic governance and political tolerance, in line with her “R4” philosophy, Reconciliation, Resilience, Reforms and Rebuilding. Participants emphasised the need for ethical leadership and sustained dialogue to maintain stability and public trust.

Government bans foreign food aid

Tanzania has directed organisations providing relief food to procure supplies locally, rejecting imported fortified food aid from the United States. Agriculture Minister Hussein Bashe said the country has sufficient domestic production and urged that funds be redirected to support local farmers instead. “Let us purchase the maize, beans and rice from our local farmers,” he said , adding that the policy aims to boost agricultural output and reduce import dependence while strengthening food security.

Trump said Washington was offering Iran a “reasonable deal” but threatened severe military action if Tehran rejected it.

“The United States will destroy all power plants and all bridges in Iran,” he said, adding that Iranian leaders “will be overthrown quickly” if they do not agree to a deal.

“If they do not accept the AGREEMENT, it will be my honor to do what needs to be done, what should have been done to Iran by other presidents over the last 47 years,” Trump wrote. “Enough of being nice!”

Confusion emerged shortly after Trump’s statement over who would represent the United States in the talks.

A White House source told AFP that Vice President JD Vance would lead the American delegation in Pakistan, alongside special envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

But Trump later said Vance would not make the trip, citing security concerns.

“It’s just for safety,” Trump told ABC News . “JD is excellent.”

The Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route through which nearly 20 percent of global hydrocarbon trade passed before the war, remained closed on Sunday amid the ongoing conflict triggered by the United States and Israel ’s military campaign against Iran on February 28.

Iran said on Saturday that it had once again shut the strategic waterway, only hours after announcing it would reopen it.

The closure came despite a truce that followed inconclusive negotiations held in Pakistan on April 11 and 12.

Tehran said it would not reopen the key maritime corridor until the United States lifts its blockade of Iranian ports.

On Sunday, Trump repeated his accusation that Iran had violated the ceasefire.

“Iran decided to fire bullets yesterday in the Strait of Hormuz: a total violation of our ceasefire agreement!” he wrote.

At least three commercial vessels attempting to pass through the strait came under gunfire on Saturday, according to the account.

Trump had earlier said a deal was “very close” and suggested Iran was ready to transfer its enriched uranium stockpile. Tehran has firmly denied agreeing to such terms, AFP reports.

Diplomatic efforts are continuing behind the scenes, with Pakistan playing a mediating role. Officials from Islamabad have engaged with Iran as well as regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey. Egypt has also joined mediation efforts, saying it is “working tirelessly” toward a final agreement.

However, recent direct talks between Iran and the United States in Islamabad, the first at that level since 1979, ended without a breakthrough, and no date has been set for further negotiations.

Despite the stalled talks, Iran announced a partial reopening of its airspace and key airports, offering a limited sign of normalisation after weeks of conflict .

Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said Iran would not accept U.S. pressure, insisting: “The Americans cannot impose their will to lay siege to Iran.” The move comes despite ongoing diplomatic efforts following a fragile two-week ceasefire between Tehran and Washington.

Shipping disruptions quickly followed. U.S. Central Command said 23 vessels had turned back under its directives since the blockade began, while maritime data showed some ships reversing course in the strait. The UK Maritime Trade Operations agency also reported that Iranian boats had opened fire on an oil tanker, though no injuries were reported.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned in a written message that the navy was “ready to make the enemy taste the bitterness of further defeats.”

A French man of Algerian origin was also released on Saturday after completing a three-month sentence for throwing a water bottle during the match.

The unrest erupted after the referee awarded Morocco a late penalty shortly after ruling out a Senegal goal. Senegal’s players briefly walked off the pitch in protest , while some supporters attempted to enter the field and hurled objects onto the grass.

The match later resumed, with Moroccan forward Brahim Díaz missing the penalty. Senegal eventually won 1-0 in extra time through a goal by Pape Gueye.

The controversy has continued beyond the final. On March 17, the Confederation of African Football awarded the title to Morocco, prompting Senegal to appeal the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport .

“South Africa supports climate action. We are committed to the just transition towards a low-carbon economy ,” he said. “But new regulatory frameworks, including the EU Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, must not become instruments that inadvertently punish emerging economies for emissions they did not historically cause.”

The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism introduced by the European Union aims to prevent so-called carbon leakage by placing a carbon price on certain imported goods.

From January 2026, under the policy’s definitive phase, importers of carbon-intensive products such as steel , cement, aluminium, fertilisers, electricity and hydrogen will have to pay for the emissions associated with their production as part of the EU’s broader plan to reach climate neutrality by 2050.

Republican Representative María Elvira Salazar, who chairs the panel, praised President Donald Trump’s Venezuela policy and said no recent administration had gone as far. In opening remarks released by the committee, Salazar said Maduro’s fall had changed the region and increased pressure on other authoritarian governments, especially Cuba.

Democrats on the panel, however, questioned both the legality and the motives behind U.S. action in Venezuela. Representative Joaquin Castro argued that the intervention was driven less by democratic ideals than by oil and warned that a similar strategy toward Cuba could further destabilise the region.

"This administration did not invade Venezuela because it was outraged by that theft, though. And to be clear, I would not have supported an invasion to enforce the results of the election. We know why the president ordered US service members into harm's way. Venezuela's oil, not democracy ," Castro said.

His remarks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Havana, with Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel recently warning against any U.S. attack and saying such a move would have serious regional consequences.

Speaking at an official event, Rodríguez thanked the United Arab Emirates, Brazil, Qatar and the United States for supporting the process, and also acknowledged U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Viory reports. The reopening comes after relations with the IMF were effectively paused in 2019 amid disputes over international recognition of Venezuela’s government.

Rodríguez also enacted Venezuela’s new Organic Mining Law, saying it would help attract major domestic and foreign investment into the sector.

"This is good news for Venezuela, good news for our people . In national unity, we will continue paving the way so that, together, we can build a Venezuela free from sanctions, for the well-being and happiness of our people," she said.

According to recent reporting, the legislation replaces a nearly 30-year-old framework, allows multiple ownership structures including public, private and mixed companies, and offers broader legal guarantees and a more flexible tax regime for investors.

The mining reform forms part of a push by Caracas to open the sector to foreign capital as it looks for new revenue sources beyond oil.

The pope also emphasised dialogue, human rights and support for vulnerable groups, urging leaders to turn past divisions into opportunities for renewal. He highlighted the importance of investing in young people, describing it as a “strategic choice for peace” and long-term stability.

President Biya welcomed the visit, saying it came at a time of global uncertainty and conflict, and praised the pope’s message of peace . Leo XIV is on his first apostolic trip to Africa, which includes stops in Algeria, Angola and Equatorial Guinea, with his Cameroon visit running from April 15 to 18.

Defrin said the military needs parliament to pass legislation dealing with compulsory service and to revise reserve duty rules, arguing that the current legal framework no longer matches the scale of Israel’s present security demands. He said the existing reserve service law was designed for an earlier period and now needs to be reworked to better support reservists and active-duty soldiers.

According to Defrin, the manpower gap has practical consequences on the battlefield, including thinner staffing in combat units. He said the shortage effectively means fewer troops available at the battalion level, at a time when the army says its missions are continuing to expand.

The comments come amid a broader debate in Israel over military conscription and the growing strain on reserve forces. Recent reporting has shown senior military officials warning of mounting pressure on troop numbers as the army tries to sustain operations across multiple theatres.

Organisers said the mission is supported by a coalition of more than 70 vessels and around 1,000 participants from over 70 countries. According to a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the initiative has entered its final departure phase from Barcelona.

Ghada said the twins were born 17 years after her older children . The family had already been displaced once during the conflict in November 2023 but returned home in March 2025, hoping the situation had stabilised.

Their hopes were short-lived when violence resumed about a year later, forcing them to evacuate again.

Galarreta said the Armed Forces had previously managed the task without major incident and suggested they could also be allowed to vote earlier, with their ballots kept secure until counting begins. He framed the proposal as a practical response to the setbacks seen in the first round.

His comments follow complaints over the conduct of the election, which was extended into a second day in some places because of ballot delays and other logistical disruptions. International observers from the European Union found problems in the process but said there was no credible evidence of fraud, despite allegations from some candidates.

With most votes counted, Fujimori was leading the race with just under 17% of the vote, ahead of Roberto Sánchez, setting up a runoff on June 7 after no candidate came close to an outright majority.

Galarreta also rejected claims that Peru’s democratic order had broken down, pointing instead to the findings of international observer missions, which highlighted administrative failures but did not back accusations that the vote had been manipulated.