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Category: Middle East

  • 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.

  • 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.