#Just_In: President Trump announces five-day pause on #US strikes targeting #Iran’s energy infrastructure amid reported talks
Donald Trump has announced a five-day halt to U.S. military strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure, citing what he described as “very good and productive conversations” between Washington and Tehran over the past two days.
Trump said the discussions were aimed at achieving “a complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East,” signaling a possible de-escalation following days of heightened tensions.
The announcement came as Iran’s National Defense Council warned that any attack on its coastline or islands would trigger severe retaliation, including mining “all communication lines” in the Persian Gulf. The warning coincided with the expiration of a U.S.-imposed deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transit route.
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#Just_In: #Iran says Strait of Hormuz ‘completely open’ during #Lebanon ceasefire
Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the Strait of Hormuz will remain “completely open” to all commercial vessels during the ongoing 10-day ceasefire in Lebanon.
In a statement posted on X, Araghchi said the move aligns with the ceasefire period, adding that maritime traffic will continue along “coordinated routes” previously announced by Iran’s Ports and Maritime Organisation.
The development follows a U.S.-brokered ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel that took effect late Thursday, after talks involving U.S. President Donald Trump, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The 10-day truce aims to halt weeks of cross-border hostilities.
#Just_In: #China urges early peace talks in call with #Iran’s FM
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi has called for an early push toward peace negotiations during a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi, according to a statement cited by Al Jazeera.
“Talking is always better than fighting,” Wang told Araghchi, stressing that “all hotspot issues should be resolved through dialogue and negotiation, not by using force.”
For his part, Araghchi said Iran is committed to achieving “a comprehensive end to the conflict, not just a temporary ceasefire,” while also expressing appreciation for China’s humanitarian assistance.
The call, which was held at Tehran’s request, underscores Beijing’s continued diplomatic engagement as tensions persist in the region.
China remains a key partner to Iran but has signaled limits to its support, stating it “does not go along” with Tehran’s strikes on Gulf states hosting US bases, and reiterating its call for a ceasefire.
#Just_In: #Somalia terminates all security and defense agreements with #UAE
The Council of Ministers of Somalia has formally terminated all existing bilateral security and defense agreements and understandings with the UAE, citing the need to protect the country’s sovereignty and constitutional order.
The Cabinet resolution said the decision was taken “to safeguard the unity, territorial integrity, and constitutional order of the Federal Republic of Somalia.” It also states that all previous security and defense arrangements with the UAE are considered null and void.
The decision comes amid reports today of an Emirati military drawdown in Somalia. Middle East Eye reported that the UAE has begun removing its military presence from Bosaso, with Emirati forces withdrawing hardware and personnel from several Somali bases after Somalia moved to end the agreements.
The outlet linked the withdrawal to rising regional tensions, noting that the development comes as Saudi-UAE rivalry intensifies in the Red Sea.
#Just_In: #Ethiopia declares three days of national mourning after deadly landslide in #Gamo_Zone claims 80 lives
Ethiopia has declared three days of national mourning for victims of the devastating landslide and flooding that struck parts of Gamo Zone in the South Ethiopia Regional State, claiming at least 80 lives.
Speaker of the House of Peoples' Representatives of Ethiopia, Tagesse Chafo, said the fatalities were confirmed among by a massive landslide that occurred on 11 March in Laka Kebele, Gacho Baba Woreda. He noted that search operations are ongoing to recover the remaining bodies, adding that the House is deeply saddened by the tragedy that has befallen the affected communities.
The Speaker said the decision to declare national mourning was made in accordance with the constitution, which authorizes the House to determine days of national mourning....
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#Just_In: #UAE to exit #OPEC effective May
Addis Abeba — The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries will lose one of its longstanding members after the United Arab Emirates announced on Tuesday that it will withdraw from the group effective 1 May 2026, citing a strategic realignment of its energy policy and economic priorities.
In a statement, the UAE said the decision reflects its “long-term strategic and economic vision” and an evolving energy profile driven by accelerated investments in domestic production capacity. Authorities said that the move is intended to enhance flexibility in responding to global market dynamics while maintaining a “responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets.”
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#Just_In: #Israeli weapons factory torched in the #Czech_Republic
A facility linked to Israeli arms giant Elbit Systems has been set ablaze in the Czech Republic, with an underground group claiming responsibility.
Czech authorities have launched an investigation as police said they were looking into “a possible terrorist link”.
According to Al Jazeera, several buildings at the site, a joint operation involving a Czech company and Elbit Systems, were destroyed in the early morning attack.
Elbit Systems describes itself as a key supplier of land and air weapons used by the Israeli military in its wars, including in Gaza and Iran.
A group calling itself The Earthquake Faction said on Telegram: “The site is central to the European operations of Israel’s biggest weapons producer. Now, it’s in flames.
“There is no time to beg the complicit international governments… we will take necessary action to quash their means to kill.”
#Just_in: #US Central Command to begin maritime blockade on #Iranian ports following President Trump’s warning
Addis Abeba — The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has announced it will begin enforcing a maritime blockade on all traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports starting April 13 at 10:00 a.m. ET, in line with a directive issued by U.S. President Donald Trump.
In a statement released an hour ago, #CENTCOM said the blockade would be applied “impartially” to vessels of all nations operating in and out of Iranian ports and coastal areas, including along the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.
The command, however, said U.S. forces would not interfere with freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz, provided they are traveling to or from non-Iranian ports.
CENTCOM added that additional guidance will be issued to commercial shipping operators through formal maritime notices ahead of the blockade’s implementation.
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#Just_In: Missile, drone attacks trigger fire at #Fujairah petroleum site as #UAE reports intercepting missiles fired from #Iran
Addis Abeba – A fire broke out at a petroleum industrial facility in Fujairah following a reported drone attack launched from Iran, according to the emirate’s media office.
The alerts mark the first such attacks since the #US-#Iran ceasefire came into effect. The fire report came shortly after the UAE Ministry of Defense said four missiles had been fired toward the country.
The Ministry said that its defense system is “currently engaging with missile attacks and incoming drones from Iran”.
“The Ministry of Defense confirms that the sounds heard in various parts of the country are the result of the UAE air defense systems intercepting ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones,” it said in a statement on X.
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