Middle East Monitor Latest news from the Middle East and North Africa

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  France’s Bardella calls Trump’s Middle East policy ‘erratic’

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  French National Rally leader Jordan Bardella on Saturday described US President Donald Trump’s objectives in the Middle East as “totally erratic”, Anadolu reports. Speaking to reporters, Bardella said it was difficult to identify consistency in Trump’s actions. “The truths of Monday are not necessarily the truths of Tuesday, which are themselves contradicted on Wednesday,” he said. Bardella said France’s priority is the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the protection of its citizens and partners in the region. READ: France under fire over alleged surveillance of pro-Palestine MEP He highlighted the United Arab Emirates, which has defense ties with France, as well as Lebanon, which he described as a “friend” of France. Bardella also voiced concern about the humanitarian situation

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  Protesters in Swedish capital condemn Israel’s West Bank annexation plans, strikes on Lebanon

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Hundreds of people gathered in central Stockholm on Saturday to protest Israel’s reported plans to annex the occupied West Bank and its continued attacks in Lebanon, Anadolu reports. The demonstration, held at Odenplan Square and organized by several civil society groups, drew attention to what protesters described as Israel’s increasingly aggressive policies in the region. Demonstrators accused Israel of violating the Oct. 10 ceasefire by targeting civilian areas in the West Bank and Lebanon. They carried banners reading “Children are being killed in Gaza,” “Schools and hospitals are being bombed,” “Stop the attacks on Lebanon,” and “End food shortages.” READ: French soldier killed in attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon: Macron Rana Qadri, an activist at the protest, told Anadolu

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  Hezbollah denies role in attack that killed French UN soldier in southern Lebanon

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Lebanon’s Hezbollah group on Saturday denied any involvement in an incident that killed a French soldier and injured three others serving with the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon, Anadolu reports. In a statement, Hezbollah said it “denies any involvement in the incident that occurred with UNIFIL forces in the Ghandouriyeh​​​​​​​ area in the Bint Jbeil district.” The group urged caution, stressing the need “to avoid rushing to conclusions and accusations” before the circumstances of the incident are fully clarified. Hezbollah also emphasized the importance of continued coordination between local residents, UNIFIL and the Lebanese army, particularly under what it described as sensitive conditions. READ: French soldier killed in attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon: Macron It

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  US military prepares to board Iran-linked ships in coming days: Report

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The US military is preparing “to board Iran-linked oil tankers and seize commercial ships in international waters” in the coming days, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday, citing US officials. According to the Journal, the US military will pursue vessels around the world that are helping Iran should the two sides fail to conclude a deal. Washington’s decision to step up economic pressure is intended to force Iran to reopen the strait and make concessions on its nuclear program, which has been the focus of negotiations between the US and Iran, the report said. On Friday, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had declared that the strait is “completely open” for all commercial vessels. READ: Trump says ‘very good conversations going

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  Limited humanitarian aid enters Gaza via Zikim Border Crossing

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  A limited number of humanitarian aid trucks entered the northern Gaza Strip through the Zikim (Erez West) Border Crossing on Saturday, Anadolu reports. Following their entry, the vehicles transported essential supplies to several warehouses within Gaza City. Local sources confirmed that the aid will be distributed to Palestinian families in need across the blockaded enclave. The arrival comes amid daily Israeli violations of the ceasefire in effect since Oct. 10, 2025. The Health Ministry said those violations have killed 765 Palestinians and wounded 2,140 others so far. The ceasefire followed two years of Israeli genocide that began in October 2023, which has killed more than 72,340 Palestinians and wounded 172,250 others while destroying about 90% of the enclave’s infrastructure, according to

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  Jordanian foreign minister says ‘root causes of conflict’ must be addressed for regional stability

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Saturday said that achieving lasting stability in the Middle East requires addressing the “root causes of conflict,” and warned that the region “cannot remain hostage to uncertainties,” Anadolu reports. Speaking at a panel, titled A Middle East Beyond Zero-Sum Politics, during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Safadi said: “I think basically key to whatever we do going forward is ensuring that we address the root causes of conflict in a collective manner that will ensure the better future that we all want.” Safadi said regional countries do not seek confrontation with Iran “but in order for that to happen, causes for tension must be addressed,” citing issues such as “interventionism,” “meddling in internal affairs,” and “violation

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  Red Cross vice president says respect for laws of war key to lasting peace

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The vice president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said Saturday that respect for international humanitarian law is essential for mediation efforts and lasting peace, Anadolu reports. Speaking during a panel at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in southern Turkiye, Jurg Lauber said “even war has rules” and warned that growing disregard for those rules is making peace harder to achieve. “How wars are fought influences how and when they can be ended,” he said. Lauber said humanitarian law helps preserve “a minimum of shared humanity” and creates pathways toward de-escalation, ceasefires and peace agreements. He noted that the ICRC launched an initiative in September 2024 with Brazil, China, France, Jordan, Kazakhstan and South Africa to make international

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  In the end, the United States must acknowledge that Iran is inherently bound to the Strait of Hormuz

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The geography of the Strait of Hormuz is a cruel mistress to the logic of conventional military might, a reality that the world is rediscovering with agonizing clarity in the spring of 2026. For decades, the narrative of Western naval hegemony suggested that the sheer weight of American carrier strike groups could keep the world’s most vital energy jugular open by fiat. Yet, as the sun sets over the rugged, jagged cliffs of the Musandam Peninsula and the Iranian littoral, a different truth emerges: Iran has transformed the twenty-one miles of water at the strait’s narrowest point into a geostrategy fortress that the United States cannot simply bomb into submission.  The recent, fragile reopening of the waterway for commercial vessels

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  US adviser says Gaza Board of Peace is ‘great success story,’ complements UN role

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The US senior adviser for Arab and African affairs said Saturday that the Gaza Board of Peace initiative is a “great success story” and complements the work of the UN, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a session titled “Emerging Partnerships in International Peace Mediation” during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Massad Boulos said many stakeholders are involved in implementing different aspects of the plan. “There are hundreds of people, probably thousands, from numerous countries and organizations working together hand in hand towards the implementation of various aspects of this plan,” he said. “It’s absolutely complementary to the UN. It’s in no way taking any role away from the UN,” Boulos added. He said that Washington sees strong potential in the UN despite

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  Trump says ‘very good conversations going on’ with Iran

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  US President Donald Trump on Saturday said the US has “very good conversations going on” with Iran, Anadolu reports. “We have very good conversations going on. It’s working out very well. They got a little cute, as they have been doing for 47 years. Nobody ever took them on. We took them on,” Trump said in the Oval Office. “They have no navy, they have no air force, they have no leaders. They have no nothing. Actually … it is regime change. You call that enforced regime change, but we’re talking to them,” he added. “We’re talking to them … we’re taking a tough stand,” Trump said, adding: “We’ll have some information by the end of the day,” regarding the

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  Middle East solutions must be led by region, says EU representative for Gulf

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The EU’s special representative for the Gulf said Saturday that any lasting solution for the Middle East must be led by countries in the region rather than imposed from outside, Anadolu reports. Speaking at a panel during the Antalya Diplomacy Forum in southern Turkiye, Luigi Di Maio said the current crisis in the Gulf is another sign of the “further erosion of international law.” “If we want to try to find a solution for avoiding again another crisis, like the ongoing crisis or a wider crisis, a farther spillover, we need to work all together,” he said. Di Maio said the EU remains committed to multilateralism and international law, while stressing that Europe does not want to be “part of

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  French soldier killed in attack on UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon: Macron

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  French President Emmanuel Macron said Saturday that one French soldier was killed and three others were wounded in an attack in southern Lebanon targeting the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). In a post on the US social media platform X, Macron said: “Sergeant Major Florian Montorio of the 17th Parachute Engineer Regiment in Montauban was killed this morning in southern Lebanon during an attack against UNIFIL.” He said three others were wounded and evacuated. “The nation bows in respect and expresses its support to the families of our soldiers and to all our military personnel committed to peace in Lebanon,” Macron said. According to the president: “Everything suggests that Hezbollah is responsible for this attack.” Macron said France is

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  From Beirut to Baghdad and Sana’a… can this moment be generalized?

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  What the Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is attempting—at least on the level of political discourse—is nothing less than reclaiming the definition of the state from the grip of the “mini‑state.” His speech opens the door to a larger question: could what happened in Beirut be a precursor to what might one day unfold in Baghdad or Sana’a? In Iraq, the state remains hijacked by parties and militias whose loyalty to Tehran often outweighs their loyalty to Iraq itself. Every attempt to restore national decision‑making crashes into a wall of entrenched interests, weapons, and ideology. In Yemen, the country has become an Iranian dagger pointed at Saudi Arabia’s side, held firmly by the Houthis—who control territory, weapons, and a doctrinal narrative

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  US forces turn back 21 vessels since start of naval block on Iranian ports: CENTCOM

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  US forces have turned back 21 vessels since the start of a naval blockade on Iranian ports, the US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Friday, Anadolu reports. “Guided-missile destroyer USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) patrols the Arabian Sea, April 17, as U.S. forces enforce the naval blockade on ships attempting to enter or exit Iranian ports,” CENTCOM said in a post on US social media platform X. It added that “since commencement of the blockade, 21 ships have complied with direction from U.S. forces to turn around and return to Iran.” Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted since the US-Israeli war against Iran began Feb. 28, and a US naval blockade announced on April 13. READ: Strait

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  Tanker fired on after ‘being approached’ by 2 Iranian gunboats: British maritime agency

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said Saturday that it had received a report of a tanker being fired upon by two gunboats linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in waters between Iran and Oman, Anadolu reports. “The master of a tanker reports being approached by two IRGC gunboats, with no VHF (radio) challenge, which then fired upon the tanker,” the agency said in a statement on US social media platform X, with a map of the area in question, around the Strait of Hormuz. Officials are investigating the incident, which took place 20 nautical miles northeast of Oman, it said, adding that the tanker and its crew “are reported safe.” READ: Strait of Hormuz back to ‘previous state’

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  Iran has not yet agreed to next round of talks with US: Report

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Tehran has not yet agreed to a next round of negotiations with Washington, Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Saturday, citing “relevant authorities.” “Iran has not, up to this moment, agreed to the next round of talks” due to the US blockade of Iranian ports and Washington’s “excessive demands in the negotiations,” it said. “The absence of excessive US demands is a key condition for continuing talks,” the report claimed, adding that this message was relayed to the US via Pakistani mediators. Citing Iranian sources, CNN reported on Friday that Iranian and American officials were expected to arrive in the Pakistani capital, Islamabad, on Sunday to hold a second round of talks on Monday. Washington and Tehran held talks in

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  Fighting the Pope on his apostolic journey to Algeria further exposed Donald Trump as a warmongering fool

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Open conflict with the President of the United States was not something Pope Leo XIV expected when his Apostolic Journey took him to the largest country in Africa. The leader of some 1.4 billion Roman Catholics was in Algeria last week, following in the footsteps of Saint Augustine, his spiritual mentor, who was born there in the 4th Century AD.  Pope Leo was first received in the capital city of Algiers, at the Martyrs’ Memorial, where he paid tribute to the 1.5 million victims of the country’s eight-year war of independence from France, which ended in 1962. The Pope then visited the Algiers Grand Mosque – the third largest in the world after the ones in Mecca and Medina.   On April 14, there was a papal

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  Iran arrests 127 over alleged preparations for ‘enemy attack’

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) arrested at least 127 people across the country who it claimed were affiliated with the UK, US and Israel, and were “preparing the groundwork for a military attack by the enemy,” Anadolu reports. According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, the IRGC arrested seven suspects in East Azerbaijan province, alleging they “were preparing weapons and planning sabotage activities, while also sending coordinates of sensitive sites to their contact abroad.” Another 69 individuals were arrested in Mazandaran province, while in Kerman province, 51 others—including three “espionage teams” —were identified, it added. Tehran has detained dozens of people on spying charges following the US-Israeli war on Iran on Feb. 28, which has killed more than 3,000 people.

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  US, Iran likely on Monday to hold 2nd round for technical talks in Islamabad: Sources

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  US and Iranian teams are likely to hold a second round of talks involving their technical-level teams in Pakistan’s capital as early as Monday, Pakistani government sources told Anadolu on Saturday. Sources said that the technical-level teams of both sides are expected to meet in Islamabad for the next round of talks “most probably on Monday” to finalize a negotiated settlement of the weeks-long conflict between the US and Iran that has crippled global energy supplies and daily life in the wider Middle East. “Once they reach a draft, President (Donald) Trump, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and some other important heads of states will air dash to the capital (Islamabad) to sign the deal,” a source said, referring to multiple

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  Trump says US will get Iran’s nuclear dust ‘in a much more unfriendly form’ if deal fails

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  President Donald Trump warned Friday that the US will retrieve Iran’s nuclear dust by force if a deal is not reached, while ruling out any tolls on the Strait of Hormuz, Anadolu reports. “We’ll go in with Iran, and we will take it together, and we will bring it back to the US,” Trump told reporters on the way back to Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. “If we don’t do that, we will get it in a different form—a much more unfriendly form.” Asked whether he would extend the ceasefire or restart attacks if no deal is reached by Wednesday, when the two-week truce mediated by Pakistan expires, Trump left the door open to renewed strikes. “Maybe, I won’t extend

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  Board of Peace official says Israel’s border restrictions main obstacle to aid delivery

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Nickolay Mladenov, high representative of the Board of Peace, said Friday that Israel’s extensive restrictions at border crossings are the main obstacle preventing humanitarian aid from entering the Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports. Mladenov told Egypt’s Al-Qahera News channel that there are “multi-layered challenges” hindering the sustainable and adequate delivery of aid to residents. He warned that previous aid distribution mechanisms have been destroyed, while alternative systems are not yet in place. Mladenov stressed that Israeli restrictions at border crossings, particularly related to items classified as “dual-use,” constitute the “biggest obstacle.” He noted that the measures are used to limit the entry of essential goods needed for civilians and the health sector. Another major challenge is the deployment of Israeli forces

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  UNICEF condemns killing of 2 water truck drivers by Israeli in northern Gaza

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) expressed outrage on Friday on the killing of two drivers contracted to deliver clean water to families in the Gaza Strip, Anadolu reports. “The victims were killed by Israeli fire in an incident that took place early this morning at the Mansoura water filling point in northern Gaza,” UNICEF said in a statement, as it extended condolences. Stressing that the agency is “outraged” by the killings, UNICEF said it occurred during routine water trucking operations, with no changes in movement or procedures at the time of the attack. The Mansoura water filling point is the only operational truck filling point for the Mekorot water supply line serving Gaza City. “UNICEF and humanitarian partners use it

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  Iran’s Qalibaf says US, Israel could not win through ‘lies’; Tehran to control Hormuz transit

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  The Iranian parliament speaker said early Saturday that the US and Israel have failed to achieve their goals through “lies,” and that passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz would be subject to Iranian authorization, Anadolu reports. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf accused President Donald Trump of making false claims, saying that “seven claims made within an hour were all untrue.” Qalibaf said disinformation had not delivered results on the battlefield, and would similarly fail in diplomatic efforts. “They failed to win the war with such falsehoods, and they will certainly not succeed in negotiations either,” he said on US social media company X. He also warned that the continuation of pressure and blockade measures could affect the security of the Strait

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  Strait of Hormuz back to ‘previous state’ under ‘control of armed forces,’ says Iran, citing ongoing US blockade

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a Saturday statement that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its “previous state” under the control of its “armed forces,” citing the ongoing US blockade on Iranian ports. “Control over the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its previous state, and this strategic waterway is under the strict management and control of the armed forces,” the IRGC joint command said, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency. Until the US “restores full freedom of movement for vessels traveling to and from Iran, the situation in the Strait of Hormuz will remain strictly controlled and unchanged,” it argued. READ: Iran announces Hormuz ‘completely open’ for commercial shipping after Israel-Lebanon ceasefire The IRGC statement

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  Israel arrests 2 air force personnel for alleged spying for Iran: Report

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  Two Israeli Air Force personnel have been arrested on suspicion of spying for Iran, Israeli media reported Friday, citing a military official. According to Hebrew-language broadcaster i24 News, the head of the criminal investigations division of the military police, Lee Ayash, said the suspects have been in custody for about a month while an investigation is underway. Ayash said there are suspicions that Iranian intelligence operatives recruited the soldiers and exploited their positions to access sensitive information related to military systems, sites and high-ranking figures. The report suggested the case may extend beyond the two suspects, pointing to a broader network. It noted that additional arrests had been made in earlier stages of the investigation, including personnel from sensitive units

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  Indonesia and the Gulf must do more than soft power in a time of war

  by MI on April 18, 2026

  As tensions linked to the U.S.–Iran war continue to destabilize the Middle East, Indonesia and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states are expanding cooperation in culture, education, and the creative economy. These efforts are structured, growing, and politically safe. But they are also misaligned with the scale of the crisis. At a moment of active conflict, soft power is not enough. Recent engagements illustrate the current trajectory. The April 2026 visit of Saudi Culture Minister Prince Badr bin Abdullah bin Farhan Al Saud to Jakarta produced agreements on heritage preservation, museum cooperation, and creative industries. Indonesian Culture Minister Fadli Zon framed culture as a form of “soft power,” emphasizing its role in building long-term ties. These initiatives are not trivial. They

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  Global Sumud Flotilla continues journey toward Gaza

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The Global Sumud Flotilla continued its journey toward Gaza on Friday, after setting sail from Barcelona, Anadolu reports. The flotilla was created to break Israel’s blockade of Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid and draw international attention to the situation in the enclave. The mission includes around 70 vessels and nearly 1,000 participants from 70 countries, making it significantly larger than a previous mission in September 2025, which included 42 boats and 462 participants. READ: Global Sumud Flotilla sets sail again from Barcelona to Gaza with double participation

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  UK premier reiterates commitment to Lebanon’s security

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Reiterating the UK’s commitment to Lebanon’s security, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Friday said it was important to use the current Israel-Lebanon truce as a gateway to a lasting peace agreement, Anadolu reports. Starmer on Friday had a phone call with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to convey his condolences over the loss of life in Lebanon during the recent conflict. Both leaders discussed the recently announced 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Starmer’s office said in a statement. The prime minister said: “The UK would continue to support the Lebanese Armed Forces to ensure long-term stability in the country.” READ: Trump says Israel, Lebanon agree to 10-day ceasefire starting Thursday evening At least 2,196 people have been killed and 7,185

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  Trump claims Iran has agreed to indefinitely suspend its nuclear program

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program indefinitely, and will not receive any of its funds frozen by the US, President Donald Trump said Friday, Anadolu reports. Trump told Bloomberg News that direct talks with Iran over a permanent end to the war will “probably” take place this weekend, but did not specify who would be leading the US delegation. The US president said he “may” travel to Pakistan to sign an agreement. “Most of the main points are finalized. It’ll go pretty quickly,” Trump said during a brief telephone interview with the news outlet. A previous round of discussions held last weekend ended without an agreement, despite hours of negotiations. A two-week ceasefire brokered by Pakistan is slated

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  US military completes handover of major bases in Syria, says Central Command

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The US completed the transfer of all major military bases in Syria, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said Friday, Anadolu reports. “US forces have completed turning over all of our major bases in Syria, as part of a deliberate and conditions-based transition by Combined Joint Task Force – Operation Inherent Resolve,” spokesman Tim Hawkins told Anadolu. The US forces are still backing counterterrorism operations led by local partners, which Hawkins said are “essential” to sustaining ISIS (Daesh) defeat and improving security across the region. Syria’s Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ministry on Thursday welcomed the completed handover of military sites. READ: Britain sees ‘opportunity’ for Syria’s future after sanctions lifted: UK minister “The extension of Syrian state authority over areas that had previously

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  Unlawful attacks on Iran increased security risks in region: President Erdogan

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Turkiye’s President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Friday said unlawful attacks on Iran had increased security risks in the region, Anadolu reports. During his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the margins of the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, Erdogan said Turkiye would continue and intensify efforts to preserve the ceasefire and ensure lasting peace, according to Turkiye’s Communications Directorate. He also stated that the ongoing conflict in the region had demonstrated the need for a new and solidly grounded regional security architecture, adding that Turkiye would continue to discuss the issue comprehensively with the countries of the region. The three leaders also discussed the possible joint steps to achieve lasting and

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  UN chief welcomes Iran’s decision to keep Strait of Hormuz open during ceasefire

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday welcomed Iran’s announcement that the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open” for all commercial vessels for the remainder of the ceasefire, Anadolu Agency reports. “This is a step in the right direction,” the UN chief said in a statement. “The UN position remains clear: we need the full restoration of international navigational rights and freedoms in the Strait of Hormuz, respected by everyone,” Guterres said. Guterres also expressed hope that the decision, combined with the ceasefire, would help build confidence between the parties and strengthen ongoing diplomatic efforts facilitated by Pakistan. His spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters that Guterres remains “fully supportive” of the diplomatic efforts to find a peaceful path forward out

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  Netanyahu says Israel’s ‘mission’ against Hezbollah not over despite ceasefire with Lebanon

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that Israel’s “mission” against Hezbollah in Lebanon has not ended, despite a ceasefire that took effect earlier in the day, Anadolu reports. “There are things we plan to do regarding the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat, which I will not detail,” Netanyahu said in a televised statement. Addressing domestic criticism over the outcome of the northern front, Netanyahu said Israel had achieved “tremendous accomplishments.” “For the first time, we have established a broad security buffer zone along the entire northern border,” he said, adding that the zone stretches from Lebanon across the Golan Heights to Mount Hermon (Jabal al-Sheikh) and the Yarmouk area in southern Syria. He said the buffer, which

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  Britain sees ‘opportunity’ for Syria’s future after sanctions lifted: UK minister

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The UK sees an “opportunity” for peace and prosperity in Syria following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the easing of sanctions, a senior British minister said on Friday, as Western governments step up engagement with the country’s new authorities, Anadolu reports. Speaking at the Antalya Diplomacy Forum, British Minister for the Middle East Hamish Falconer said the United Kingdom acted early to lift sanctions on Syria, arguing that they were imposed in response to “the foul deeds of the Assad regime” and were never intended to “strangle the new Syria.” Britain made “a number of decisions early on,” he said, adding that he is “glad” that those steps were taken and that other partners have

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  Hamas-US Cairo talks end ‘without tangible progress’ on Gaza ceasefire’s 2nd phase

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Talks between Hamas and the United States held in Cairo ended “without tangible progress” on advancing the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire agreement, two Palestinian sources said on Friday, Anadolu reports. The discussions, the first of their kind since the ceasefire took effect in Oct. 2025, brought together Hamas Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, Egyptian officials, UN envoy Nickolay Mladenov, and US senior adviser Aryeh Lightstone, according to the sources, who spoke to Anadolu on condition of anonymity. One of the sources said “the talks ended without tangible progress toward moving to the second phase,” citing disagreements over key terms. The negotiations come as part of efforts to complete the ceasefire agreement under a plan proposed by US President Donald

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  Over 75,000 Palestinians attend Friday prayers at Al-Aqsa amid Israeli restrictions

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  More than 75,000 Palestinians offered weekly Friday prayers in congregation at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, despite ongoing Israeli restrictions imposed since October 2023, according to Islamic authorities, Anadolu reports. The Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem said in a statement that over 75,000 Muslim faithful were able to access the mosque compound. Hundreds of Israeli police officers were deployed around the Old City, including its alleys and at the external gates of the compound, witnesses said. Israeli police stopped several young Palestinians in the area and checked their identification documents, an Anadolu correspondent reported. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israeli authorities have barred Palestinians from the occupied West Bank from entering Jerusalem to

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  Iran war and the bankruptcy of Bangladesh foreign policy

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The US–Israel war on Iran has shaken the whole world. The surprising air attacks on February 28, amid ongoing diplomatic negotiations, came as a shocking development, drawing condemnations and muted responses from around the world. Bangladesh’s reactions to the war, crafted in measured words, condemned violations of sovereignty of the Gulf states by Iranian counterstrikes, but not Iran’s sovereignty violated by the US and Israel. The reference to Iran as the primary victim was missing, exposing not just economic vulnerability, which is widely acknowledged, but a deeper, structural weakness in Bangladesh’s foreign policy. The war has not created this weakness; it has simply revealed it. Bangladesh today finds itself scrambling to manage fuel shortages, rising prices, and diplomatic ambiguity while

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  Polish lawmaker says he is being punished for denouncing Israeli genocide

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  A Polish lawmaker who recently displayed an Israeli flag in which the Star of David was replaced with a Nazi swastika said Friday that he is being punished for speaking against Israeli genocide, Anadolu reports. “I have just been punished by the Marshal of the Sejm (parliament speaker), Wlodzimierz Czarzasty, for my recent speech on the genocide being carried out by Israel in the Middle East,” Konrad Berkowicz wrote on the US social media platform X. He noted that in addition to the financial penalty, the Czarzasty has also filed a request against him to the Prosecutor’s Office after he sparked outrage in parliament with a swastika-altered Israeli flag. READ: France under fire over alleged surveillance of pro-Palestine MEP “I am

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  ‘Enough is enough’: Trump says US prohibiting Israel from launching further attacks on Lebanon

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  US President Donald Trump said Friday that Washington is actively prohibiting Israel from carrying out additional attacks on Lebanon as a nascent ceasefire takes hold, Anadolu reports. “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are prohibited from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. He further maintained that the Lebanon-Israel ceasefire is completely detached from ongoing talks with Iran. He said Washington will continue to “work with Lebanon, and deal with the (Hezbollah) situation in an appropriate manner.” READ: Lebanese army reports Israeli breaches since start of truce Trump was referring to Lebanese Hezbollah, whose disarmament the US and Israel have long sought. Trump announced Thursday a 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon

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  US mulls releasing $20B in frozen Iranian assets in lieu of its enriched uranium stockpile: Report

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  The US is considering releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian assets in exchange for Iran relinquishing its stockpile of enriched uranium, the Axios news outlet reported on Friday, citing US officials. The report said that Washington and Tehran are in talks over a three-page framework aimed at ending the conflict that began on Feb. 28. Discussions have made consistent progress this week, though “significant gaps remain,” the report said. US President Donald Trump said Thursday that the US is “very close” to making a deal with Iran, as a two-week ceasefire between the two countries nears its expiration on April 22. The report mentioned that a top priority for the Trump administration is ensuring Iran cannot access the stockpile of

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  France under fire over alleged surveillance of pro-Palestine MEP

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  A French media report alleging that pro-Palestine member of the European Parliament Rima Hassan was subjected to months of police surveillance has sparked controversy in the country, Anadolu reports. Hassan had been under surveillance since January 2026, with authorities reportedly geolocating her phone and closely tracking her movements and daily schedule, reported Mediapart, a French investigative online newspaper. Opposition lawmakers have condemned the alleged surveillance as a “state scandal.” Antoine Leaument, a lawmaker from the left-wing party La France Insoumise (LFI), called on Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin to provide an immediate explanation regarding the claims. The incident has fueled a broader debate in France over what critics describe as disproportionate police surveillance targeting pro-Palestinian politicians. READ: Pro-Palestinian French member of European

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  Iran announces Hormuz ‘completely open’ for commercial shipping after Israel-Lebanon ceasefire

  by MI on April 17, 2026

  Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday declared the Strait of Hormuz “completely open” for all commercial vessels, linking it to the ceasefire in Lebanon, Anadolu reports. The decision was made “in line with the ceasefire in Lebanon,” Araghchi said in a statement on US social media company X. On Thursday, US President Donald Trump announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. He said the passage will remain “open for the remaining period of ceasefire” on the “coordinated route” as already announced by the Iranian Ports and Maritime Organization. A senior Iranian military official also told Iranian state media IRIB that the transit of military vessels through the Strait of Hormuz remains prohibited, adding that only non-military vessels are

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  Israel’s return to FIDAE sparks outrage in Chile’s Palestinian community

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  In a development that has sparked significant backlash, Israel’s participation in the 2026 International Air and Space Fair (FIDAE) in Chile has triggered widespread anger within the Palestinian community in the country. The event, which takes place every two years, marks Israel’s return to the exhibition after a two-year ban imposed by the previous Chilean administration. The return of Israeli companies to the prestigious aerospace and defence expo has reignited debates about Chile’s foreign policy, human rights, and its historical stance on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. This year’s FIDAE, which took place in Santiago, featured participation from over 440 companies and 35 countries, making it one of the largest gatherings of aerospace and defence professionals in Latin America.  Notably, the exhibition

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  The collapse is real – Lebanon ceasefire marks a historic strategic defeat

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  A ceasefire in Lebanon was announced on Thursday by US President Donald Trump, but its reality tells a very different story. The ceasefire was not the product of American diplomacy, nor Israeli strategic calculation. It was imposed—largely as a result of sustained Iranian pressure. Washington, Tel Aviv, and their allies—including some within Lebanon itself—will continue to deny this reality. Acknowledging Iran’s role would mean admitting that a historic precedent has been set: for the first time, forces opposing the United States and Israel have succeeded in imposing conditions on both. This is not a minor development. It is a strategic rupture. But it is not the only fundamental shift now underway: Israel’s very approach to war and diplomacy is itself

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  Iranian commander says Tehran warns of “harsh response” to any new aggression

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Ali Abdollahi, commander of Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, stated on Thursday that all equipment used during the wars with the United States and Israel “was domestically manufactured,” emphasizing that “the armed forces are prepared for comprehensive defence in the event of any new aggression.” During his meeting with Asim Munir, Pakistani Army Chief, in Tehran, Abdollahi expressed appreciation for the support shown by the Pakistani government and people toward Iran during what he described as “the second and third imposed wars,” according to Al-Sharq News Channel. He added: “If the enemy makes any further mistake, it will face a harsh response from the Iranian armed forces.” For his part, Pakistani Army Chief Asim Munir said: “We will continue our efforts

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  Hezbollah MP: Direct talks with Israel a “major blunder”

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  A Hezbollah member of the Lebanese Parliament, Hussein Hajj Hassan described direct negotiations with Israel as a “major blunder” by the Lebanese government, calling for an end to what he termed a “series of pointless concessions.” Speaking to AFP from his office in parliament, Hajj Hassan said that “direct negotiations with the enemy are a major sin and a huge fall from grace for the Lebanese government,” arguing that such talks serve “no interest of the nation, the citizens, or Lebanon.” His remarks followed a meeting in Washington between Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors — the first such face-to-face talks in decades — where both sides agreed to hold direct negotiations at a later stage. The talks are being sponsored by

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  Israeli High Court ‘temporarily’ restricts powers of National Security Minister Ben-Gvir

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  The Israeli High Court on Thursday “temporarily” restricted some of the powers of National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir after reviewing petitions seeking his dismissal for alleged interference in police affairs. “The High Court today issued temporary orders restricting the powers of the national security minister in a number of fields,” according to public broadcaster KAN. It added that the main areas affected include “appointments within law enforcement bodies and statements related to police use of force.” The report said that “the minister will not be able to proceed with senior appointments in law enforcement positions except upon police recommendation, and will be required to notify the government’s legal adviser (Gali Baharav-Miara) in advance.” READ: Israeli soldiers accused of sexually assaulting

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  “World is being ravaged by handful of tyrants,” says Pope Leo

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Pope Leo XIV said Thursday that the world is being “ravaged by a handful of tyrants,” days after a public spat with US President Donald Trump, Anadolu Agency reported. “Masters of war pretend not to know that it takes only a moment to destroy, yet often a lifetime is often not enough to rebuild,” he said during an address in Cameroon. “They turn a blind eye to the fact that billions of dollars are spent on killing and devastation, yet the resources needed for healing, education and restoration are nowhere to be found.” Leo, the first pope from the US, also condemned leaders who invoke religion to justify war. “Woe to those who manipulate religion and the very name of

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  Explosive revelations link Labour Together leadership to former IDF soldier

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Explosive revelations suggest that Labour Together, the think tank closely associated with former Downing Street Chief of Staff Morgan McSweeney, now has an ex-IDF soldier in its leadership. The details were uncovered by parliamentary candidate and campaigner Jody McIntyre, who pointed to earlier reporting describing Labour peer Jonathan Kestenbaum as a former Israeli soldier. Labour Together remains one of the most politically sensitive organisations in the Starmer orbit: the Guardian has described it as closely linked to McSweeney and central to reshaping Labour after the Corbyn period. McIntyre, who has made a series of exclusive revelations about Labour and its pro-Israel networks, pointed to a 2010 Jewish Chronicle article describing Kestenbaum-nominated to the House of Lords by the Labour Party

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  Israeli soldiers accused of sexually assaulting Palestinian detainee reinstated to duty

  by Marwa A on April 17, 2026

  Israeli Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir has approved the reinstatement of several soldiers to active reserve duty despite their being accused of sexually assaulting a Palestinian prisoner at the notorious Sde Teiman military base, according to reports. The case dates back to July 2024, when soldiers at the facility were accused of torturing and sexually assaulting a Palestinian detainee, resulting in serious injuries. According to Haaretz, the decision includes soldiers from Unit 100, despite their being accused of mistreating a Palestinian detainee from the Gaza Strip, and before the completion of an internal military investigation. The Israeli army stated that the ongoing investigation does not prevent reserve service, adding that the inquiry will be concluded as soon as possible. The