The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Friday that it conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, targeting what it described as militant infrastructure, even though a ceasefire had been announced. The Israeli Air Force said it struck military facilities in the Khirbet Salam and Tulin regions of southern Lebanon. According to the statement, these sites were allegedly being used by Hezbollah to plan and support attacks against Israeli forces and the State of Israel.
The IDF further stated that the strikes were carried out in response to rocket fire launched by Hezbollah toward the Shlomi area the previous night, suggesting that the operation was retaliatory in nature despite ongoing ceasefire discussions. The development comes amid reports that a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon had been extended for an additional three weeks. This followed talks reportedly involving senior officials from both countries and mediated discussions linked to the United States.
At the White House, former US President Donald Trump told reporters that representatives from Israel and Lebanon had agreed to extend the ceasefire. He also said that leaders from both countries were expected to visit the United States in the coming weeks to continue discussions. Trump expressed optimism about the situation, saying that a temporary halt in hostilities had been agreed upon, although he acknowledged that challenges remain, particularly involving Hezbollah. He emphasized hope that the ceasefire would continue, while noting the complexity of achieving lasting calm in the region.
Trump also announced that the ceasefire extension had been agreed upon and said the United States would assist Lebanon in strengthening its ability to counter threats from Hezbollah. He described the meeting between US, Israeli, and Lebanese officials as highly successful and “historic” in nature.
US Vice President JD Vance also commented on the development, calling the extension of the ceasefire a significant achievement. He credited Trump’s direct involvement in facilitating the agreement and described the step as an important move toward reducing tensions in the region.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@IDF.
On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Hidayat Bhutto, UK and Europe Organiser of the World Sindhi Congress, strongly condemned the incident and accused Pakistan of supporting cross-border terrorism in a statement. Expressing grief, Bhutto told ANI, “We remember with profound sadness and unequivocal condemnation the innocent lives that were brutally taken, and the families whose lives have been forever marked by grief and loss.”
He said the attack highlights the ongoing threat posed by militant groups operating in South Asia, alleging that Pakistan’s support for non-state actors has played a major role in regional instability. According to him, “Pakistan's alleged role in supporting cross-border terrorism remains a persistent and deeply concerning factor in regional instability,” adding that multiple international reports have suggested such groups receive training, funding, and logistical assistance enabling attacks in India and Afghanistan.
Bhutto also referred to global terrorism assessments, noting Pakistan’s ranking in the Global Terrorism Index as evidence of deeper systemic concerns. He further pointed out remarks by Pakistani officials, including Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, which have acknowledged past associations with militant organisations, increasing international scrutiny.
He warned that continued tolerance of such groups has fuelled cycles of violence and mistrust, weakened global counter-terrorism efforts, and allowed extremist networks to expand. Calling for action, Bhutto urged a firm and coordinated global response, stating that only a lawful, consistent, and accountable approach can dismantle these networks and prevent future attacks.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.
As the two-week ceasefire window in West Asia approaches its end on April 22, India has brought back over 11 lakh passengers from the region through ongoing flight operations from multiple countries and alternative routes. According to Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) in the Ministry of External Affairs, shared during a press briefing in New Delhi on Monday, these evacuations have been carried out since February 28, with airlines continuing limited commercial services depending on airspace availability and safety conditions. He said that around 11,30,000 passengers have travelled from the region to India so far, and approximately 110 flights are scheduled from the UAE to India on the day of the briefing.
He further noted that flights are operating from Saudi Arabia and Oman to various Indian cities, while Qatar’s partially open airspace is allowing Qatar Airways to run around 10–11 flights to India. Bahrain has also kept its airspace open, and Gulf Air plans to resume limited services, including non-scheduled flights from Dammam in Saudi Arabia to India.
Mahajan added that Iran’s airspace remains partly open for cargo and charter flights, and Indian missions are helping citizens travel via Armenia and Azerbaijan. So far, 2,423 Indians, including students and fishermen, have exited Iran through these routes. He also mentioned that Iraq’s airspace is open with limited regional flights, while Kuwait’s airspace remains closed, with airlines like Jazeera Airways and Kuwait Airways operating non-scheduled flights from Dammam. Israel’s airspace is open with restricted operations, and India is assisting nationals in travelling via Jordan and Egypt.
The MEA said it is closely monitoring the evolving situation in West Asia to ensure the safety and welfare of the large Indian diaspora. A dedicated control room is functioning round-the-clock in coordination with Indian missions to provide assistance and respond to queries. Special attention is also being given to Indian seafarers with support from local authorities.
Officials also noted that National Security Advisor Ajit Doval recently visited Saudi Arabia, where discussions focused on regional developments and strengthening bilateral ties. The ministry emphasized that continued engagement with countries in the region is vital to safeguard India’s strategic and economic interests amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from YoutubePIBIndia.
European nations, including Belgium, the Netherlands, and France, have the capability to carry out mine-clearing operations to secure key shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz, French Defence Minister Catherine Vautrin said on Friday, according to French broadcaster TF1. Vautrin told TF1 that European countries could also offer “fully supported escort services” for vessels passing through this strategically important waterway. She added that plans to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would be part of discussions later in Paris on Friday.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to co-host a virtual meeting of global leaders to address efforts to reopen the strait and protect vital maritime routes, CNN reported. Around 40 countries are likely to participate in the summit, which will focus on maintaining a fragile ceasefire involving Iran and ensuring safe passage through the key shipping corridor.
According to the UK Prime Minister’s Office, the talks will also consider forming an international mission to reopen the strait. The proposed initiative would be defensive in nature and involve a coordinated multinational military effort once conditions allow, CNN reported. The summit is also expected to review support for the International Maritime Organization’s efforts to improve the safety of ships and crews in the region. Starmer, who is due to arrive in Paris to co-host the meeting with Macron, is expected to stress that reopening the strait is a shared global responsibility and essential for restoring energy and trade flows.
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is also expected to attend, with Germany indicating it may contribute to securing safe passage if a clear legal framework is established. This could include mine-clearance vessels or maritime surveillance support, areas in which the German military has expertise.
US Central Command said two of its ships had begun operations related to clearing mines in the Strait of Hormuz as part of efforts to secure the waterway, though Iran rejected the claim. CENTCOM stated that USS Frank E. Peterson and USS Michael Murphy had transited the strait and operated in the Arabian Gulf as part of a broader mission to ensure the route is free of sea mines allegedly placed by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. CENTCOM commander Admiral Brad Cooper said a new safe passage route was being established and would soon be shared with the maritime industry to support the free flow of commerce.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@CaVautrin.
Iran has said it will not charge conventional transit fees for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, but is working on a new system linked to security arrangements, according to reports. Iranian officials stated that maritime traffic through the strait would be regulated under Iranian supervision, with vessels required to coordinate passage with Tehran. They also indicated that foreign military ships from countries seen as hostile, including the US and Israel, could be denied access, while other vessels may be allowed under prior approval. Iran has further emphasized that the US will have no role in managing security in the waterway. Some officials also suggested that commercial vessels might be charged fees under the new framework, depending on political and regional conditions. Iranian authorities have stressed that control over the Strait of Hormuz, including routes and regulations, will be decided on the ground rather than through external pressure or statements.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.
Since the beginning of March, three cabinet secretaries have either resigned or been removed from the US administration. Reports now indicate that additional officials may also be at risk of losing their positions. Jonathan Freedland discusses with MS NOW White House correspondent Laura Barrón-López why Donald Trump appears to be acting with greater decisiveness and severity in his second term.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Donald Trump has reportedly ordered a large-scale naval operation in the Strait of Hormuz following unsuccessful peace talks held in Pakistan. The operation is said to target ships moving through Iranian ports in the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. In a related discussion, analysts including Stephen Zunes provided insights on the latest developments, as presenters Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman examined the situation.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.
As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
Journalist and author of The Lasting Harm, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, discusses the grooming strategies used by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking to Annie Kelly, Lucia emphasizes that Epstein isn’t unique or mysterious. “Viewing him as special distracts from the reality,” she says. “There are many others like him. These abuses occur in communities and institutions worldwide, following the same patterns repeatedly.”
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.
