Latest World News
US-Iran Peace Talks in Limbo as Trump Vows No Let-Up in Blockade
Iran has not decided on attending new US peace talks in Pakistan, accusing the US of violating ceasefire by blockading ports and seizing a ship in the Sea of Oman. President Trump warned Iran of bombing if no deal is signed and stated ceasefire extension is highly unlikely.
VP J.D. Vance is prepared to return for negotiations despite Tehran's uncertainty.
Over $90 Billion Needed to Rebuild War-Ravaged Gaza Over Next Decade
An EU-UN assessment estimates US$71.4 billion (S$90 billion) required for Gaza's recovery after two years of war causing unprecedented loss of life and humanitarian crisis. The report was developed with the World Bank and published on April 20.
Funds are essential to address catastrophic damage in the Palestinian territory.
US Navy Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship in Sea of Oman, Escalating Tensions
The US Navy intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship, which Iran claims violates the recent ceasefire. This follows Iran's shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz after briefly reopening it.
A survivor from a torpedoed Iranian warship accused the US of intending to kill the entire crew.
Israeli Soldier Filmed Destroying Jesus Statue in Southern Lebanon
An Israeli soldier was filmed destroying a statue of Jesus in southern Lebanon amid ongoing conflicts. Separately, a French peacekeeper was killed and three wounded in a UN patrol attack, blamed on Hezbollah by Macron, though denied by the group.
Israel has a history of targeting aid convoys in the area.
Mass Shooting in Kyiv, Ukraine Kills at Least Six
A 58-year-old gunman killed six and wounded over a dozen in Kyiv streets before taking hostages and being killed by police. Authorities probe it as terrorism; the suspect, born in Russia and from Donetsk, set fire to an apartment first.
Ukrainian President Zelensky highlighted the attacker's origins.
US Military Strike on Caribbean Boat Kills Three, Total Nears 200
US forces struck a Caribbean boat, killing three, claiming it carried drugs without evidence; since September, such strikes have killed nearly 200. Two US embassy staff and two Mexican officials died in a related car crash in northern Mexico after a drug operation.
Trump administration continues these actions.
Gunman Kills Canadian Woman at Mexico's Teotihuacan Pyramids
A gunman killed a Canadian tourist and wounded four others at the pyramids before suicide, shocking the site. Mexican authorities responded to the Monday incident outside Mexico City.
It adds to regional violence amid drug-related issues.
Trump Willing to Meet Iran Leaders but Ceasefire Extension Unlikely
President Trump expressed readiness to meet Iranian leaders if negotiations breakthrough, but called ceasefire extension highly unlikely as it expires Wednesday. This comes amid heightened US-Iran naval confrontations.
Markets dipped on Wall Street gauging these tensions.
China Warns US Against Blockading Iranian Ports in Strait of Hormuz
China stated the Strait of Hormuz is open to it and warned against US blockades on Iranian ports. This highlights Global South pushback on Western actions under international law.
Tensions involve debates over shipping restrictions.
Lula and Sánchez Lead Progressive Alliance Against Far-Right Rise
Brazil's Lula and Spain's Sánchez met to unite over 100 progressive parties from five continents countering far-right gains in US, Europe, South America. The gatherings followed bilateral talks in Spain.
It aims to combat rising extremism globally.
Hezbollah Denies Attack on French Peacekeepers in Lebanon
French President Macron blamed Hezbollah for killing a peacekeeper and wounding three in a UN patrol, but the group denied involvement. This follows a US-brokered 10-day Israel-Lebanon ceasefire.
Israel faces regional backlash including over Somaliland issue.