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Category: Middle East

  • Macron condemns renewed Iranian Strikes on UAE, calls for security guarantees in Gulf

    Macron condemns renewed Iranian Strikes on UAE, calls for security guarantees in Gulf

    PARIS, France (NPA) — President Emmanuel Macron of France has condemned the resumption of missile attacks reportedly carried out by Iran against the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following UAE claims that its military intercepted incoming projectiles launched from Iranian positions.

    Macron said strikes targeting civilian infrastructure in the Gulf state were “unjustified and unacceptable,” warning that such actions risk further destabilising an already fragile regional security environment.

    “As it has done since the start of the conflict, France will continue to support its allies in the Emirates and in the region for the defence of their territory,” he said.

    The French President stressed that any durable resolution to the crisis would require the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to unrestricted maritime traffic, alongside a comprehensive security agreement addressing regional threats.

    He said such a framework must include firm guarantees against what he described as Iran’s nuclear ambitions, ballistic missile activities, and wider regional destabilisation.

    The renewed hostilities come amid heightened tensions following a United States initiative dubbed “Project Freedom,” announced by former President Donald Trump, aimed at deploying U.S. naval assets to secure safe passage for commercial vessels transiting the strategic waterway.

    U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine, speaking jointly to reporters, today, described the operation as a humanitarian mission designed to protect neutral shipping interests in the region.

    Hegseth clarified that the renewed reports of Iranian missile activity in the Gulf did not signal the collapse of ongoing ceasefire arrangements, adding that diplomatic engagements were still underway to de-escalate tensions and bring an end to the conflict.

  • Iran warns against escalation in Strait of Hormuz, says no military solution

    Iran warns against escalation in Strait of Hormuz, says no military solution

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Iran has reiterated that there is no military solution to the growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz involving the United States, warning that further escalation could plunge the region into a deeper crisis.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi said on Monday that recent developments in the strategic waterway underscored the need for political dialogue rather than military confrontation.

    “Events in Hormuz make clear that there’s no military solution to a political crisis,” Araghchi stated, adding that diplomatic talks were making progress through mediation efforts led by Pakistan.

    He also cautioned the United States and the United Arab Emirates against being drawn into what he described as a regional “quagmire” by “ill-wishers.”

    Araghchi dismissed the “Project Freedom” initiative announced by Donald Trump, describing it instead as “Project Deadlock.”

    Earlier, Trump accused Iran of targeting vessels belonging to countries not directly involved in the dispute, including a South Korean cargo ship, and suggested that Seoul should participate in the maritime security initiative.

    The U.S. president further claimed that American forces had destroyed seven Iranian “fast boats,” stating: “It’s all they have left.”

    Trump also rejected Iranian claims that Tehran had successfully struck a U.S. military vessel, saying that apart from the South Korean cargo ship incident, “there has been, at this moment, no damage going through the Strait.”

    He added that U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine would address a news conference on Tuesday morning to provide additional details on the situation.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes, and rising tensions in the area continue to raise fears of wider regional instability and disruptions to global energy supplies.

  • BREAKING: UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, drones as Gulf tensions escalates

    BREAKING: UAE intercepts Iranian missiles, drones as Gulf tensions escalates

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on Monday as the United Arab Emirates Ministry of Defense announced that its air defence systems were actively intercepting incoming ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones launched from Iran, signalling a possible collapse of the fragile ceasefire arrangement involving the United States and the Islamic Republic of Iran.

    In an official statement, the ministry confirmed that explosions and loud sounds heard across various parts of the country were linked to ongoing interception operations by the UAE’s air defence systems.

    “UAE air defence systems are actively engaging missiles and UAV threats,” the ministry stated, adding that the noises reported nationwide were the result of defensive military operations targeting incoming aerial threats.

    The latest development came shortly after Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for attacks targeting U.S. naval assets in the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most strategic maritime oil routes.

    The reported exchange marks a significant escalation in regional hostilities and raises concerns over wider instability across the Gulf region, particularly involving U.S. military interests and allied states.

    As of the time of filing this report, neither the United States nor Israel had issued an official response to the claims or the unfolding military developments.

  • U.S. launches “Project Freedom” to escort neutral ships through Strait of Hormuz

    U.S. launches “Project Freedom” to escort neutral ships through Strait of Hormuz

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The President of the United States, Donald Trump, has announced that Washington will assist neutral countries in freeing their ships currently stranded in the Strait of Hormuz amid the heightened tensions in the Middle East.

    Trump said numerous nations, uninvolved in the ongoing regional dispute, had requested U.S. support to secure the safe passage of their vessels. He emphasized that the initiative, dubbed Project Freedom, is intended as a humanitarian gesture to protect neutral ships and crews caught in the crisis.

    According to the president, U.S. representatives have assured affected countries that their ships will be guided safely out of restricted waterways beginning Monday morning, Middle East time. He noted that discussions with Iran are ongoing and could yield positive outcomes for regional stability.

    Trump stressed that many of the stranded ships are running low on food and essential supplies, underscoring the humanitarian urgency of the operation. He described the effort as goodwill toward Iran, the Middle East, and the wider international community.

    The president warned that any interference with the humanitarian process would be met “forcefully,” while reiterating that the primary goal is to free neutral nations, companies, and crews who are “victims of circumstance” and have no involvement in the regional conflict.

  • Saudi leadership congratulates Polish President on Constitution Day

    Saudi leadership congratulates Polish President on Constitution Day

    RIYADH, Saudi Arabia (NPA) — The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Prime Minister, have congratulated President Karol Nawrocki of the Republic of Poland on the occasion of his country’s Constitution Day.

    In separate cables, King Salman and the Crown Prince extended warm wishes of continued good health and happiness to President Nawrocki, and expressed hopes for steady progress and prosperity for the government and people of Poland.

    A part of the statement shared by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on its official channels reads: “The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques @KingSalman and HRH Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman congratulate the President of the Republic of Poland on his country’s Constitution Day.”

    The Ministry emphasized that the gesture reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and fostering goodwill with Poland.

    The Constitution Day in Poland commemorates the adoption of the May 3, 1791 Constitution, a landmark document that introduced modern democratic principles and sought to reform the Polish‑Lithuanian Commonwealth. Though short‑lived, it is regarded as one of Poland’s greatest achievements, symbolizing the nation’s pursuit of sovereignty and justice.

    Today, it is celebrated as a national holiday with parades, ceremonies, and public events, and is considered as significant to Poles as July 4 is to Americans.

  • U.S. warns shipping firms against paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz passage

    U.S. warns shipping firms against paying Iran for Strait of Hormuz passage

    WASHINGTON, United States (NPA) — The United States Department of the Treasury has warned shipping operators, financial institutions and maritime service providers against making payments to Iran for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, citing serious sanctions risks.

    In an alert issued on May 1, the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) said it had received reports of alleged Iranian threats to commercial shipping and demands for “toll” payments in exchange for secure transit through the strategic waterway.

    According to the advisory, the payments could take several forms, including fiat currency, digital assets, informal swaps, offsets and charitable donations allegedly directed to Iranian-linked organisations and embassy accounts.

    OFAC warned that both U.S. and non-U.S. entities could face sanctions exposure for participating in such transactions.

    The agency stated that U.S. sanctions generally prohibit American persons and U.S.-owned foreign entities from engaging in transactions involving the Government of Iran or the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which Washington designates as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.

    The Treasury Department also cautioned that non-U.S. financial institutions involved in the transactions risk secondary sanctions that could restrict access to the American financial system. “Non-U.S. persons engaging with blocked Iranian digital asset exchanges may also risk sanctions for operating in or supporting the sanctioned Iranian financial sector,” the statement said.

    The advisory further warned insurers, reinsurers and other maritime-linked businesses that facilitating such payments could expose them to civil and criminal liability under U.S. sanctions laws.

    OFAC urged maritime service providers to conduct enhanced due diligence on vessels attempting to transit the Strait of Hormuz and to investigate possible dealings with Iranian authorities.

    The agency advised operators to examine voyage plans for signs of transit through Iranian territorial waters and seek details from counterparties regarding any safe-passage arrangements involving Iran.

    The U.S. government also reiterated that vessels entering or departing Iranian ports remain subject to multiple sanctions authorities targeting Iran’s shipping, petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

    Mariners were encouraged to coordinate with U.S. naval authorities, including the Fifth Fleet and NAVCENT NCAGS, for operational guidance in the region.

    The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most strategically important maritime chokepoints, handling a significant share of global oil and gas shipments amid rising geopolitical tensions in the Gulf region.

  • Israel intercepts Gaza‑bound flotilla, thanks Greece for cooperation

    Israel intercepts Gaza‑bound flotilla, thanks Greece for cooperation

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The Israeli Government has announced that the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) successfully blocked what it described as attempts to breach the lawful naval blockade on Gaza, preventing the arrival of vessels from the latest flotilla, including one intercepted last night.

    Officials clarified that all participants removed from the vessels were taken off unharmed. In coordination with the Greek Government, Israel confirmed that those transferred from the flotilla will be disembarked on a Greek beach in the coming hours. Israel expressed gratitude to Greece for its cooperation and urged groups interested in humanitarian aid to Gaza to channel assistance through the Gaza Board of Peace (BOP)—an international body overseeing post‑war governance, reconstruction, and humanitarian coordination.

    The government noted that the BOP also issued a statement supporting Israel’s action, warning that breaches of the lawful naval blockade will not be permitted.

    The latest flotilla, known as the Global Sumud Flotilla, was intercepted near the Greek island of Crete in the eastern Mediterranean. Several vessels had departed from European ports including Marseille (France), Barcelona (Spain), and Syracuse (Italy), before converging en route to Gaza in an attempt to break the blockade.

  • Netanyahu Names Hotovely, Cohen, Cohen to key roles, tasks appointees with serving Israel’s interests

    Netanyahu Names Hotovely, Cohen, Cohen to key roles, tasks appointees with serving Israel’s interests

    JERUSALEM, Israel (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced three key government appointments, describing them as “outstanding” selections aimed at strengthening public service and national coordination in Israel.

    The appointments include Tzipi Hotovely as Head of the National Public Diplomacy Array, Doron Cohen as Commissioner of the Civil Service, and Col. (Res.) Nati Cohen as Head of the National Digital Array.

    Netanyahu said the appointees are expected to serve with distinction and contribute to the overall success and wellbeing of Israeli citizens.

    As Head of the National Public Diplomacy Array, Hotovely will be responsible for coordinating Israel’s strategic communications and international messaging, promoting the country’s image abroad, and managing government outreach during diplomatic and security developments.

    Doron Cohen, as Civil Service Commissioner, will oversee the administration and reform of the public service, ensuring efficiency, accountability, and professionalism across government institutions, as well as supervising appointments and workforce management within the civil service.

    In his role as Head of the National Digital Array, Nati Cohen will lead efforts to strengthen Israel’s digital infrastructure, cybersecurity resilience, and technological innovation, including the integration of digital systems across government agencies to enhance service delivery.

    The Prime Minister emphasised that the appointments are part of broader efforts to improve governance, modernise state institutions, and reinforce national capacity in key sectors.

    Meanwhile, Newpost Africa, earlier, reported that Netanyahu has reacted to reports of an alleged assassination attempt on U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C.

    He expressed shock over the incident and relief that Trump and the First Lady were safe. Netanyahu, alongside his wife Sarah, also extended best wishes for a speedy recovery to an injured police officer and commended the United States Secret Service for its swift response.

  • Macron meets Middle East leaders, pledges support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional stability

    Macron meets Middle East leaders, pledges support for Lebanon’s sovereignty and regional stability

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday met with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa, and Jordan’s Crown Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II on the sidelines of the informal European Council meeting in Cyprus. The discussions focused on addressing the challenges facing countries in the Middle East and strengthening cooperation between the region and Europe.

    Macron stressed the importance of working together on a shared agenda of sovereignty, stability, and prosperity, noting that both Europe and the Middle East are grappling with the consequences of ongoing regional conflicts. He emphasized that the Middle East is poised to become a central link in supply routes with the European Union, a development he said would benefit both peoples and economies.

    The French President announced that France will continue to play its part in advancing these objectives, particularly by supporting Lebanon in its efforts to uphold sovereignty and territorial integrity. He underscored France’s backing for the Lebanese state’s monopoly over weapons, describing it as a categorical plan to disarm Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed armed group operating in Lebanon.

    Macron further stated that France stands ready to mobilize its partners when the time comes, including by organizing a conference in support of Lebanon’s armed and security forces as well as the country’s economic recovery.

    European diplomats at the Cyprus meeting welcomed Macron’s initiative, noting that France’s leadership could help galvanize broader EU support for stability in the Middle East. They emphasized that coordinated action is essential to prevent further escalation and to strengthen regional partnerships.

    The meeting in Cyprus highlighted France’s ongoing diplomatic engagement in the Middle East, with Macron positioning his country as a key partner in efforts to stabilize the region and foster closer ties with Europe.

  • UNIFIL mourns Indonesian peacekeeper, cites UN Resolution 1701

    UNIFIL mourns Indonesian peacekeeper, cites UN Resolution 1701

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has expressed deep sorrow over the death of Corporal Rico Pramudia, an Indonesian peacekeeper who succumbed to injuries sustained in a projectile explosion at his base in Adchit Al Qusayr on March 29.

    Corporal Pramudia, 31, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2026, at a hospital in Beirut after weeks of critical care.

    In a statement, UNIFIL extended condolences to his family, friends, the Indonesian Army, and the Government and people of Indonesia, describing the loss as tragic and irreparable.

    The mission called on all actors to uphold their obligations under international law and ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and property at all times. UNIFIL stressed that deliberate attacks on peacekeepers constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701, warning that such acts may amount to war crimes.

    Adopted in August 2006, Resolution 1701 ended the 34-day conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It called for a full cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon, and the deployment of Lebanese armed forces alongside UNIFIL peacekeepers. The resolution also strengthened UNIFIL’s mandate, authorizing it to monitor hostilities, support humanitarian access, and assist the Lebanese government in securing its borders to prevent the flow of arms to non-state actors.

    UNIFIL reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining peace and stability in southern Lebanon, while honoring the sacrifice of Corporal Pramudia and the dedication of all peacekeepers serving under the UN flag.