European leaders reject military involvement in Strait of Hormuz
Pushback comes as US President Donald Trump says NATO allies should help secure key waterway amid soaring oil prices.
European takeover battle hots up with UniCredit’s ‘unfriendly attack’ on Commerzbank
Milan-based bank plans to up its near-30% stake in German lender to trigger formal talks despite strong opposition from Berlin
Two European banking powerhouses have become embroiled in a €35bn (£30bn) takeover battle after Italy’s UniCredit stepped up its long-running pursuit of German lender Commerzbank, despite strong opposition from the German government.
UniCredit first took a stake of 9% in Commerzbank in September 2024 and has since built up its holding to just under 30%. It said on Monday it was pushing to increase that holding further and push the rival lender into formal merger talks.
Continue reading...Kenya and Russia agree no Kenyans will be recruited for Ukraine war
Kenyan foreign minister meets Russian counterpart amid reports that hundreds of Kenyans are fighting in Russia, Ukraine.
Russia agrees to stop using Kenyan recruits in Ukraine conflict, Kenya says
Some 1,000 Kenyans are believed to have recruited to fight in Ukraine - many say they were lured under false pretences.
US says it has destroyed Iran missile capacity: How is Iran still shooting?
Despite degraded launch capabilities, Iran has enough missiles to fire strategically, keep region on edge, say experts.
Qatar calls on Iran to stop Gulf attacks, urges diplomatic solution
Qatar foreign ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari accuses Iran of targeting civilian areas as he calls for de-escalation.
Iranian footballer says ‘everything will be fine’ as she trains with Australian team
Several players were granted Australian visas after concerns the team would face repercussions at home.
The US-Israeli strategy against Iran is working. Here is why
Every aspect of Iran’s ability to project regional power is being successfully degraded.
Qatar insists Iran is targeting civilian areas
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al Ansari says Iranian attacks have targeted residential areas.
Iran hits key UAE oil port and Dubai airport
The port of Fujairah plays a crucial role in helping keep global supplies moving when the Strait of Hormuz is blocked.
Whistleblower murder suspect is former elite officer, South African police say
Marius van der Merwe was shot dead three weeks after accusing police officers of killing a robbery suspect.
Whistleblower murder suspect is former elite officer, South African police say
Marius van der Merwe was shot dead three weeks after accusing police officers of killing a robbery suspect.
Pope Leo asks media to show suffering of war, not amplify ‘propaganda’ – Reuters
- Pope Leo asks media to show suffering of war, not amplify 'propaganda' Reuters
- To criticize an American-led war, an American pope turns to allies The Washington Post
- Pope Leo urges war leaders to halt fighting after deadly strike on school sparks outrage Fox News
- Pope questions Christians’ role in wars, implies need for confession EWTN News
- Pope urges ceasefire in Middle East EWTN News
Africa particularly vulnerable as Iran conflict disrupts supply chains, say experts
Food production in many African countries depends heavily on fertiliser imported from the Gulf through the strait of Hormuz
Countries in Africa, where farmers depend heavily on imported fertiliser and a large share of household income goes on food, are particularly vulnerable to supply chain disruptions caused by the war in the Middle East, experts have said.
The conflict has drastically disrupted trade through the strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping lane not just for oil and gas but also for fertiliser, which is produced in vast quantities in the Gulf.
Continue reading...Ecuador deploys 75,000 soldiers and police to combat drug gangs
Citizens of the most violent-wracked provinces have been warned the government is "at war" with the gangs.
French national jailed for 10 years in Azerbaijan for spying
Martin Ryan was accused of collecting secret information about Baku's military co-operation with Turkey and Pakistan.
Who wants what from the Iran war?
Most people, although not everybody, want this war to end as quickly as possible. But on what terms?
Nicolas Sarkozy back in court for fresh trial over alleged Libya funding
Ex-French president, who was jailed last year for criminal conspiracy, to be tried at Paris appeal court on four counts
Nicolas Sarkozy appeared at the Paris court of appeal to face a fresh trial over allegations he conspired to receive illegal election campaign funding from the regime of the late Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi.
The former rightwing French president, who was in office between 2007 and 2012, denies any wrongdoing.
Continue reading...After Trump’s Call to Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz, Nations Respond With Caution – The New York Times
- After Trump’s Call to Send Warships to Strait of Hormuz, Nations Respond With Caution The New York Times
- Live updates: Iran war news; Trump urges China, allies to help with Strait of Hormuz crisis CNN
- Trump threatens NATO allies over Strait of Hormuz help WBUR
- Exclusive: Trump Administration Plans to Announce Coalition to Escort Ships Through Strait of Hormuz WSJ
- 'We will remember': Trump warns countries to help secure Strait of Hormuz as shipping stalls CNBC
Far-left and far-right gains throw French mainstream parties into a quandary
Awkward choices emerge for mainstream parties after the first round of mayoral elections.