Asia

Iran closes Hormuz strait again over US blockade with ships mid-transit
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Iran closes Hormuz strait again over US blockade with ships mid-transit

Iran’s military says Strait of Hormuz stays under their strict control until the US restores full navigation access.

Turkey says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire 'more land'
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Turkey says Israel using security as a pretext to acquire 'more land'

Hakan Fidan says Israel has created an international illusion of acting for its own security, but recent years show it is more than that

Pakistan PM, army chief head home after Iran war diplomacy blitz
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Pakistan PM, army chief head home after Iran war diplomacy blitz

Second round of talks between United States and Iran is expected in Islamabad in coming days

Iran threatens to close Hormuz anew, if US blockade continues
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Iran threatens to close Hormuz anew, if US blockade continues

Iran’s foreign ministry says decisions on the Strait of Hormuz are not made on the internet but on the ground, with its forces ready to respond to any action

Australia, Japan ink multibillion dollar warship deal
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Australia, Japan ink multibillion dollar warship deal

Under last year’s deal, Australia pays Au$10 billion over 10 years for stealth frigates in one of Japan’s biggest post-World War II defense exports

US extends sanctions waiver on purchases of Russian oil
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US extends sanctions waiver on purchases of Russian oil

US gasoline prices have jumped, putting pressure on households ahead of key midterm elections this year.

Lebanon president says working on 'permanent agreements' after Israel truce
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Lebanon president says working on 'permanent agreements' after Israel truce

Joseph Aoun says the focus shifts from a ceasefire to lasting agreements that safeguard people’s rights, territorial unity, and national sovereignty

Lebanese civilians head home as truce with Israel takes effect
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Lebanese civilians head home as truce with Israel takes effect

Hezbollah says its finger remains 'on the trigger' in the event of any violations.

Trump says Hezbollah should ‘act nicely’ during ceasefire, claims Iran deal ‘very close’
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Trump says Hezbollah should ‘act nicely’ during ceasefire, claims Iran deal ‘very close’

Trump says he hopes Hezbollah abides by truce, calling for end to violence and suggesting ceasefire extension may not be needed if final deal is reached

Turkey hosts latest diplomatic push on Middle East war
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Turkey hosts latest diplomatic push on Middle East war

Erdogan says efforts are underway to reduce tensions, extend the ceasefire and continue negotiations

Countries to weigh future mission to secure Strait of Hormuz
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Countries to weigh future mission to secure Strait of Hormuz

Britain, France and other European states say joining a blockade would be involvement in the conflict but are ready to help secure the Hormuz after ceasefire

Ten-day ceasefire deal between Israel, Lebanon takes effect
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Ten-day ceasefire deal between Israel, Lebanon takes effect

As the ceasefire takes effect, Israel says it strikes over 380 Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and remains on high alert to resume attacks

Trump says Iran agrees to hand over its enriched uranium
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Trump says Iran agrees to hand over its enriched uranium

U.S. president says a deal with Iran is very likely, claiming Tehran agrees to return 'nuclear dust', though Iran gives no public sign it will surrender its stockpile

Pakistan says second round of US-Iran talks to resume soon, but timing, venue not confirmed
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Pakistan says second round of US-Iran talks to resume soon, but timing, venue not confirmed

Pakistan’s foreign ministry says a range of issues, including nuclear-related matters, are being discussed between the two sides

US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran
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US says optimistic about reaching peace deal with Iran

White House official says further talks will likely be held in Islamabad and expresses optimism about a deal.

Iran supreme leader's adviser threatens to sink US ships in Hormuz strait
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Iran supreme leader's adviser threatens to sink US ships in Hormuz strait

Iranian military adviser questions whether Trump should act as the Strait of Hormuz’s 'police', asking if that is truly the role of a US military

US announces new sanctions against Iran oil sector
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US announces new sanctions against Iran oil sector

Sanctions target oil transport by penalizing over two dozen individuals, companies, and ships in a petroleum shipping network

Pezeshkian says no power can force Iran to surrender
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Pezeshkian says no power can force Iran to surrender

Iran’s president asks what justification exists under international law for targeting civilians and destroying schools, hospitals and other vital infrastructure

India power plant blast death toll climbs to 19: police
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India power plant blast death toll climbs to 19: police

Indian paper reports the explosion likely occurred after a pipeline burst, releasing 'superheated steam' onto people having lunch at the time

Pakistan PM begins key diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey
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Pakistan PM begins key diplomatic tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Turkey

Official trip running until April 18 comes amid sensitive regional moment as Pakistan steps up diplomacy around potential US-Iran talks