Rubio Meets Pope Leo Amid Rising US–Vatican Tensions

Image show Marco Rubio and Pope Leo shaking hands at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Thursday.

Rubio Meets Pope Leo Amid Rising US–Vatican Tensions The US Secretary of State Marco Rubio is set to meet Pope Leo XIV at the Vatican’s Apostolic Palace on Thursday. The visit comes amid weeks of public tension between President Donald Trump and the pope over issues including Iran policy, immigration, and broader US foreign policy … Read more

Israel Strikes Beirut for First Time Since Hezbollah Ceasefire

Smoke and flames rise above Beirut’s densely packed southern suburbs after a powerful airstrike, with dark clouds covering the skyline and damaged residential buildings visible in the foreground.

Israel Strikes Beirut for First Time Since Hezbollah Ceasefire Israel launched an airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Wednesday evening, marking the first strike on the Lebanese capital since the April 16 ceasefire with Hezbollah. The attack targeted Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold. The strike aimed at a commander from Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force. Israeli Prime … Read more

Oil Prices Ease After US Pauses Project Freedom

Graphic showing falling Brent crude oil prices amid Iran tensions, with a chart, oil barrels, the Strait of Hormuz, an oil rig, and a photo of former President Donald Trump alongside text about the US pausing 'Project Freedom'.

Oil Prices Ease After US Pauses Project Freedom in Hormuz Operation Oil prices dropped in early Asian trade on Wednesday. The decline followed US President Donald Trump’s announcement to pause “Project Freedom.” The operation was aimed at guiding ships through the Strait of Hormuz. However, the pause signaled a possible shift in approach toward the … Read more

Putin and Zelenskiy announce rival ceasefires before Russia’s Victory Day

Image shows, Putin and Zelenskiy announce competing ceasefires ahead of Russia’s Victory Day.

Putin and Zelenskiy announce rival ceasefires before Russia’s Victory Day Russian President Vladimir Putin declared a two-day ceasefire for May 8 and May 9, which is linked to Russia’s Victory Day commemorations. The day marks the Soviet victory in World War Two and also remains a major national event in Russia. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr … Read more

US Destroys Iranian Fast Boats Following Attack on UAE Fujairah Port

Image shows a American helicopter is chasing to Iranian fast boat in the Strait of Hormuz.

US Destroys Iranian Fast Boats Following Attack on UAE Fujairah Port Tensions in the Middle East have escalated sharply after the United States attacked fast Iranian boats in the Strait of Hormuz. This action came as Iran launched attacks on targets in the United Arab Emirates, including a key oil port of Fujairah. The incidents … Read more

Iran Warns US Over Hormuz as Trump Plans Ship Rescue

Iranian and U.S. naval forces face off in the Strait of Hormuz, with a bold headline warning of rising tensions.

Iran Warns US Over Hormuz as Trump Plans Ship Rescue Iran warned United States forces not to enter the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions in a key oil route. The warning followed remarks by Donald Trump, who said the US would help stranded commercial ships move safely. However, Iranian officials stressed that their armed forces … Read more

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Makes Surprise Eswatini Visit

Image showing Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and Eswatini Prime Minister Russell Dlamini on Eswatini airport.

Taiwan President Lai Ching-te Makes Surprise Eswatini Visit Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te arrived in Eswatini on Saturday, days after his government said a planned trip had been derailed when several Ocean states withdrew overflight permission for his aircraft. Taipei has blamed Chinese pressure for the denial. Eswatini is Taiwan’s only diplomatic ally in Africa, and … Read more

New Israeli maps show expanded Gaza military control zone

Israeli military control map showing expanded Gaza zones with dark blue background.

New Israeli maps show expanded Gaza military control zone Israel’s newly released map of Gaza Strip show an expanded military control zone. An added “orange line” extends beyond the earlier “Yellow Line” marked buffer area. This change has increased restricted land by about 11%. Israeli officials frame the changes as necessary for operational flexibility. Together, … Read more

UAE Considers Leaving OPEC Amid Rising Middle East Tensions

Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, the UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure. The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on April 28, 2026, that it will officially withdraw from OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance.

UAE to Quit OPEC as Middle East Conflict Pressures Oil Markets The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave OPEC and the broader OPEC+ alliance from May 1, 2026, marking a major break after nearly six decades in the cartel. The move comes on day 60 of the Iran led war in the Middle … Read more

India-New Zealand Signs Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

This image captures a significant diplomatic moment in New Delhi on April 27, 2026, where Union Minister of Commerce & Industry Piyush Goyal and New Zealand Minister for Trade and Investment Todd McClay signed a landmark Free Trade Agreement (FTA).

India–New Zealand Trade Deal Opens New Economic Pathways India and New Zealand have signed a free trade agreement in New Delhi, marking a decisive step toward stronger economic ties. The agreement focuses on boosting bilateral trade, increasing investment flows, and expanding market access for businesses in both countries. It signals a shared intent to deepen … Read more