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Category: Middle East

  • BREAKING: Trump orders U.S. Navy to destroy Iranian boats laying mines in Strait of Hormuz

    BREAKING: Trump orders U.S. Navy to destroy Iranian boats laying mines in Strait of Hormuz

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — U.S. President Donald Trump has directed the Navy to destroy any Iranian vessels found laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, following Tehran’s closure of the vital waterway.

    Trump, in a statement posted on Truth Social, said there should be “no hesitation” in carrying out the order. He added that U.S. mine-sweeping operations are already underway and instructed that the activity be intensified.

    “The United States Navy is to shoot and kill any boat, small boats though they may be, that is putting mines in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz. There is to be no hesitation. Additionally, our mine sweepers are clearing the Strait right now. I am hereby ordering that activity to continue, but at a tripled-up level,” Trump wrote.

    In another statement, the U.S. President claimed Iran is struggling with internal divisions. “Iran is having a very hard time figuring out who their leader is! They just don’t know! The infighting is between the ‘Hardliners,’ who have been losing badly on the battlefield, and the ‘Moderates,’ who are not very moderate at all (but gaining respect!), is crazy! We have total control over the Strait of Hormuz. No ship can enter or leave without the approval of the United States Navy. It is sealed up tight until such time as Iran is able to make a deal,” Trump declared.

    The Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit route for global oil and gas shipments, has become the focal point of escalating tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Analysts note that control of the strait could ultimately determine the trajectory of the conflict, given its centrality to Iran’s economy and U.S. strategic interests.

    Iran’s closure of the strait and Washington’s countermove highlight the high stakes of the confrontation, with both sides seeking to assert dominance over one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints.

  • Saudi Arabia condemns Iran- and Hezbollah-linked terrorist plot against UAE

    Saudi Arabia condemns Iran- and Hezbollah-linked terrorist plot against UAE

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the terrorist plot uncovered in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), describing it as an attempt to undermine national unity and stability.

    In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Riyadh commended the vigilance and efficiency of UAE security authorities in dismantling the terrorist network, apprehending its members, and thwarting its criminal plans. The Kingdom affirmed its full solidarity with the UAE and pledged support for all measures taken to safeguard security and stability while combating extremism and terrorism in all forms.

    The denunciation follows the UAE’s announcement in April 2026 that it had dismantled a terrorist network linked to external sponsors, including Iran and Hezbollah. Investigations revealed that the group was planning sabotage operations, recruiting Emirati youth, and funnelling money through commercial fronts to finance extremist activities. Members of the cell were arrested before they could execute their plans, marking a significant security success for the UAE.

    Authorities confirmed that the sponsors directed and funded the network’s operations with the aim of destabilising national unity and undermining security.

    The group’s activities included attempts to manipulate communities, launder money through suspicious foreign entities, and expand influence under ideological cover. The swift action by UAE security forces prevented the plot, with Saudi Arabia and other regional allies commending the vigilance that thwarted the attack.

  • IDF indicts soldiers over damage to Christian symbol in Southern Lebanon

    IDF indicts soldiers over damage to Christian symbol in Southern Lebanon

    MIDDLE EAST (NPA) — The Israel Defense Forces has concluded its inquiry into an incident involving the damage of a Christian religious symbol in southern Lebanon during ongoing operations against Hezbollah.

    In a statement titled “Findings and Conclusions of the Inquiry into the Conduct of an IDF Soldier Who Damaged a Christian Symbol in Southern Lebanon,” the IDF said the incident occurred during military activity in Debel.

    According to the findings, one soldier damaged the Christian symbol while another documented the act. Six additional soldiers were present but neither intervened nor reported the incident.

    The IDF said the conduct of the soldiers represented a clear deviation from its operational standards and core values.

    The military expressed deep regret over the incident, stressing that its operations in Lebanon are directed solely at Hezbollah and other militant groups, not civilians or religious institutions.

    It added that efforts were underway to assist the local community in replacing the damaged symbol.

    As part of disciplinary measures, the soldier who carried out the act and the one who recorded it have been removed from combat duty and handed 30 days of military detention. Other personnel present have been summoned for further questioning, with additional command-level actions to follow.

    The IDF noted that guidelines on respecting religious sites and symbols had been reinforced prior to deployment and would be reiterated to all troops operating in the area.

    The findings were presented to the Chief of the General Staff and the Commander of the Northern Command.

    “The Chief of the General Staff condemned the incident, describing it as unacceptable conduct and a moral failure that contradicts IDF values and expected standards of behaviour,” the statement said.

  • Netanyahu Condemns IDF Soldier’s Desecration of Religious Icon in Lebanon

    Netanyahu Condemns IDF Soldier’s Desecration of Religious Icon in Lebanon

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has condemned the actions of an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier who was filmed destroying a Catholic religious icon in southern Lebanon, as the military intensifies operations against Hezbollah in the region.

    Netanyahu described the incident as shocking and unacceptable, stressing that Israel, as a Jewish state, upholds values of tolerance and respect for all faiths. “All religions flourish in our land, and we view members of all faiths as equals in building our society and region,” he said.

    The Prime Minister noted that Israeli military authorities have launched a criminal investigation and pledged “harsh disciplinary action” against the offender. He expressed regret for the incident and any hurt caused to believers in Lebanon and worldwide.

    Netanyahu contrasted the situation with broader regional dynamics, claiming that while Christians face persecution in parts of Syria and Lebanon, Israel remains the only country in the Middle East where the Christian population is growing and enjoying improved living standards.

    “Israel is the only place in the Middle East that adheres to freedom of worship for all,” he said, adding that the government remains committed to protecting religious rights.

  • Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    Iran rules out further talks with U.S. amid Strait of Hormuz tensions

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The war in the Middle East involving the United States, Israel, and Iran shows no sign of easing, as Tehran has dismissed prospects for renewed negotiations with Washington.

    Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Esmaeil Baqaei, stated that Tehran has “no plan” for another round of talks with the U.S., adding, “If the U.S. sends a team to Islamabad, that is a matter that concerns them.” His remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that American envoys were en route to Islamabad to continue discussions aimed at ending the conflict.

    Baqaei stressed that Iran would not accept deadlines or ultimatums, reiterating that its “red lines” remain unchanged. He further clarified that the issue of transferring Iran’s enriched uranium stockpiles abroad was “never raised” and is “not on the agenda.”

    The spokesperson also criticized U.S. actions, describing the ongoing naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire. He accused Washington of making “unreasonable demands” and insisted that progress depends on “good faith” from the American side.

    Tensions have escalated following Iran’s decision to reimpose the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which the U.S. condemned as a breach of prior agreements. In response, President Trump warned of “devastating consequences” should Iran persist with the blockade.

    Analysts note that uncertainty over the Islamabad Talks and mutual accusations of violations have left the conflict at risk of further escalation, with trust between the two sides at a low point.

  • U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    U.S. forces disable Iranian vessel violating blockade

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced that U.S. forces disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel attempting to enter an Iranian port in violation of the ongoing naval blockade.

    CENTCOM said the operation was carried out on April 19 by the guided-missile destroyer USS Spruance (DDG 111), which intercepted the vessel, identified as M/V Touska, in the northern Arabian Sea while en route to Bandar Abbas, Iran.

    According to the command, U.S. forces issued multiple warnings to the vessel, informing its crew that it was in breach of the blockade. However, the crew reportedly failed to comply with the directives.

    CENTCOM said that after repeated warnings over a six-hour period, the destroyer ordered the crew to evacuate the engine room before disabling the vessel’s propulsion system by firing rounds from its 5-inch MK 45 gun into the engine compartment.

    The command added that U.S. Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit subsequently boarded the vessel, which is now in U.S. custody.

    It stated that the operation was conducted in a deliberate, professional and proportional manner to ensure compliance with the blockade measures.

    CENTCOM noted that since the commencement of the blockade, U.S. forces have directed at least 25 commercial vessels to turn back or return to Iranian ports.

    The development comes amid rising tensions in the region, following Iran’s reimposition of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz in response to U.S. restrictions, a move Washington has described as a violation of a ceasefire agreement reached after recent talks in Islamabad.

    U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences if Iran continues to restrict access to the strategic waterway.

  • Trump warns Iran of devastating consequences over Strait of Hormuz closure

    Trump warns Iran of devastating consequences over Strait of Hormuz closure

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — United States President Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences following Iran’s decision to close the Strait of Hormuz again, describing the move as a violation of a ceasefire agreement.

    Iran had earlier cited the refusal of the United States to ease sanctions and restrictions as the reason for reimposing the closure of the strategic shipping route.

    In a post on Truth Social, Trump alleged that Iran fired shots in the Strait of Hormuz, targeting a French vessel and a freighter from the United Kingdom.

    “That wasn’t nice, was it?” he said.

    He disclosed that U.S. representatives would travel to Islamabad, Pakistan, for further negotiations, expected to commence the following day.

    Trump also claimed that Iran’s decision to shut the strait was counterproductive, arguing that existing U.S. measures had already limited access to the passage.

    According to him, the closure would hurt Iran economically, estimating losses of about $500 million daily.

    The U.S. president said the United States would not be adversely affected, noting that oil shipments were being redirected, with vessels heading to ports in Texas, Louisiana and Alaska to supply international markets.

    He added that the U.S. had presented Iran with what he described as a fair and reasonable deal, urging Tehran to accept it.

    Trump warned that failure to do so could lead to strong military action (knocking out of Iran’s power and bridges and others), stressing that the United States would no longer adopt what he called a “Mr. Nice Guy” approach. “They’ll come down fast, they’ll come down easy and, if they don’t take the deal, it will be my honour to do what has to be done,” he said.

  • African Union condemns Israel’s appointment of envoy to Somaliland

    African Union condemns Israel’s appointment of envoy to Somaliland

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (NPA) — The African Union (AU) has condemned the decision by the Israeli government to appoint a diplomatic envoy to Somaliland, stressing that the union does not recognise Somaliland as an independent state.

    Israel’s action follows a visit by its officials to Somaliland on January 6, 2026, in what was described as a landmark diplomatic engagement. The delegation was led by Gideon Sa’ar, who met with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi and other senior government officials in Hargeisa.

    The visit focused on strengthening bilateral ties, including discussions on establishing formal diplomatic relations and areas of cooperation. It marked the first official Israeli engagement with Somaliland at that level, signalling growing interest in deeper political and strategic relations between both sides.

    The African Union, in a statement signed by Nuur Mohamud Sheekh, spokesperson to the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, reaffirmed its unwavering respect for the sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity of Somalia, in line with the Constitutive Act of the African Union and international law.

    The AU also recalled the communiqué of the 1324th meeting of the African Union Peace and Security Council held on January 6, 2026, stressing that any unilateral recognition of Somaliland is null and void and warning that such actions risk undermining regional stability.

    “The African Union remains committed to supporting Somalia’s peace, governance, and national cohesion,” the statement added.

  • Netanyahu mourns Israeli Soldier Killed in Southern Lebanon, prays for injured

    Netanyahu mourns Israeli Soldier Killed in Southern Lebanon, prays for injured

    INTERNATIONAL (NPA) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has mourned the death of an Israeli soldier, Staff Sergeant (res.) Lidor Porat, who was killed in battle in southern Lebanon amid the ongoing military offensive against the Iran-backed group, Hezbollah.

    In a statement, Netanyahu conveyed his deep condolences, as well as those of his wife, Sara Netanyahu, to the family of the fallen soldier.

    “My wife and I, along with all the citizens of Israel, join in their deep grief and extend our profound condolences to the family of Staff Sergeant (res.) Lidor Porat, who fell in battle in southern Lebanon,” he said.

    The Prime Minister also prayed for the speedy recovery of other soldiers injured in the operation, wishing them a swift and complete recovery.

    He noted that the deceased and the injured fought with valour to protect Israeli communities from attacks by Hezbollah, and reaffirmed that Israel would continue to take all necessary measures to safeguard its citizens.

    “May his memory be blessed,” the statement added.

  • UNICEF condemns killing of water truck drivers in Gaza

    UNICEF condemns killing of water truck drivers in Gaza

    INTERNATIONAL — 18 April 2026 (NPA) — The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has expressed outrage over the killing of two drivers operating trucks contracted to deliver clean water to families in the Gaza Strip.

    The organisation said the victims were killed by Israeli fire in an incident that occurred early Friday morning at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza. It extended its condolences to the families of the deceased.

    UNICEF noted that two other individuals were injured in the same incident, which took place during routine water trucking operations without any changes in movement or established procedures.

    It further explained that the Mansoura water filling point is currently the only operational truck filling facility connected to the Mekorot water supply line serving Gaza City. The facility is used several times daily by UNICEF and its humanitarian partners to maintain critical water distribution for hundreds of thousands of residents, including children.

    Following the incident, UNICEF said its contractors had been instructed to suspend on-site activities until security conditions improve.

    The organisation called on Israeli authorities to immediately investigate the incident and ensure full accountability. It stressed that humanitarian workers, essential service providers, and civilian infrastructure — including vital water facilities — must not be targeted.

    UNICEF also emphasised that protecting civilians and those delivering life-saving assistance is a legal obligation under international humanitarian law.

    As of the time of filing this report, there has been no immediate response from Israeli authorities about the circumstances surrounding the shooting and whether an investigation into the incident has commenced.