Category :

Trump Slams Pope Leo XIV as “Weak” Amid Iran War Dispute

U.S. President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized Pope Leo XIV, escalating tensions between the White House and the Vatican over the ongoing Iran conflict. Speaking to reporters at Joint .... read more

AKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has departed for Moscow, Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with discussions expected to cover various strategic issues amid changing global dynamics. Cabinet Secretary Teddy Indra Wijaya said Prabowo and his delegation departed from Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base here at about 11.10pm local time on Sunday, and were scheduled to meet with Putin on Monday evening upon arrival in Moscow. "The flight to Moscow will take 12 hours non-stop using the Garuda Indonesia-1 aircraft, PK-GIF," he said in a statement issued by the Presidential Secretariat's Press, Media and Information Bureau on Monday. Teddy said the two leaders are expected to focus on energy security, continued cooperation with the Russian government as well as ensuring the stability of the country's energy supply, including the availability of oil. He said the discussion also covered global geopolitical developments, with Indonesia expected to convey its strategic stance in maintaining world stability and peace. He said Prabowo was accompanied by Foreign Minister Sugiono and Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources Bahlil Lahadalia. He said Prabowo's visit to Russia this time was his third, after his second visit on Dec 10, 2025 and his first visit to Saint Petersburg on June 18 to 20, 2025. -- BERNAMA

Prabowo departs for Moscow, holds talks with Putin

JAKARTA: Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto has departed for Moscow, Russia to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin, with discussions expected to cover various strategic issues amid changing global dynamics. Cabinet .... read more

HAMILTON, April 13 -- United States (US) Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday that it will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 am ET (1400GMT), Anadolu Ajansi (AA) reported. “US Central Command (CENTCOM) forces will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April 13 at 10 am ET, in accordance with the President’s proclamation,” it said on X. Saying “the blockade will be enforced impartially against vessels of all nations entering or departing Iranian ports and coastal areas,” it added that it will include all Iranian ports on the Arabian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. “CENTCOM forces will not impede freedom of navigation for vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz to and from non-Iranian ports,” it noted. The command said it will notify commercial ships ahead of the blockade, advising all vessels in the Gulf of Oman and Strait of Hormuz to monitor maritime broadcasts and contact US naval forces if needed. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

US Central Command Announces Blockade Of All Iranian Ports As Of April 13

HAMILTON, April 13 — United States (US) Central Command (CENTCOM) announced Sunday that it will begin implementing a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports on April .... read more

MOSCOW, April 13 - Global oil prices jumped 8 per cent after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude exceeding US$102 per barrel, according to trading data, reported Sputnik/RIA Novosti. As of 22:01 GMT Sunday, June Brent crude futures were trading up 7.76 per cent from the previous close at US$102.59 per barrel, while May WTI futures were up 8.2 per cent at US$104.51. On Saturday, Iran and the US began talks in Islamabad after Trump announced an agreement with Tehran on a two-week ceasefire on Wednesday night. On Sunday morning, the head of the US delegation, Vice President J.D. Vance, announced that Iran and the US had failed to reach an agreement during protracted negotiations and that the US delegation would return home without a deal. On Sunday, Trump announced that the US would begin a blockade of all vessels attempting to enter and exit the Strait of Hormuz. He also instructed the US Navy to track and intercept all vessels that paid Iran to pass through the strait. US Central Command pledged to begin a blockade of "all maritime traffic entering and exiting Iranian ports" at 14:00 GMT on April 13. --BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

Oil Prices Rise 8 Pct After Trump Announces Blockade Of Strait Of Hormuz

MOSCOW, April 13 – Global oil prices jumped 8 per cent after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, with Brent crude exceeding US$102 per .... read more

ISTANBUL: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei said in a message on Thursday that the management of the Strait of Hormuz would "enter a new phase", stressing that Tehran would demand compensation for all war-related losses, Anadolu Agency reported. A message issued by his office on the 40th day since the death of his father, former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, described his passing as a "great blow" to the Iranian people, as well as one of the most painful moments in the country's recent history. The message describes the current phase as a continuation of his father's struggle and legacy. Mojtaba Hosseini said Iran will move towards a new strategic phase regarding the Strait of Hormuz. "Management of the Strait of Hormuz will definitely enter a new phase," he said without giving any details. Mojtaba Hosseini stressed that Iran will demand legal and material responsibility for the damage caused. "We will absolutely not let the invaders who attacked our country go unpunished," he said. Mojtaba Hosseini said Iran would "demand compensation for all damages, including the blood of the martyrs and those injured." The statement came as Iran prepares for talks with the United States (US) in Pakistan, which are expected to begin on Saturday under Pakistani mediation. Iran said the talks were aimed at finalizing the details of a potential agreement, while stressing that it did not mean the conflict was over. Mojtaba Hosseini also warned that Iran remains ready to respond to any new aggression. "Our hand remains on the trigger," he said, stressing that any mistake by the opponent will be met with a firm response. The region has remained on high alert since Israel and the US launched an attack on Iran on Feb 28, which killed at least 3,000 people, including its former supreme leader. Tehran then responded by launching drone and missile attacks targeting Israel, Jordan, Iraq and Gulf countries that host US military assets, causing casualties, infrastructure damage and disruption to global markets and aviation. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

West Asia Conflict: Iran’s Supreme Leader Foreshadows “New Phase” in Strait of Hormuz Management

ISTANBUL: Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei said in a message on Thursday that the management of the Strait of Hormuz would “enter a new phase”, stressing that .... read more

ISTANBUL: Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have claimed 24 lives in the past 24 hours, as at least 52 towns and areas were targeted, Lebanon's Health Ministry said on Thursday. The deadliest attack targeted a residential building in the southern Lebanese town of Zrariyeh, killing 10 people including women and children, Anadolu Agency reported , citing the country's official news agency. Seven more were killed in a separate attack in Abbassiyeh, while three more were killed and five injured in Jibsheet. In Borj Qallawiyeh, four paramedics were killed in an attack that also destroyed homes, shops, a mosque and a civil defense center. Israeli attacks also hit dozens of other towns and villages in southern Lebanon including Bint Jbeil, Khiam, Tire Debba, Bazouriyeh, Kafra, Harouf, Tebnine and Touline. In Beirut, Israeli warplanes attacked Shiite areas on the southern outskirts of the city for the second time in a matter of hours. The incident came as Israeli forces continued an expanded offensive on Lebanon since Wednesday, killing more than 303 people and wounding 1,150 others, according to Lebanon's Civil Defense. The fighting continues despite a two-week ceasefire announced on Tuesday by the United States and Iran, brokered by Pakistan as part of efforts to reach a broader agreement to end the conflict that Washington and Tel Aviv launched against Tehran on Feb. 28. While Islamabad and Tehran stated that the ceasefire also covers Lebanon, Washington and Tel Aviv denied it. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Israeli attacks kill 24 in southern Lebanon, 52 areas attacked in 24 hours

ISTANBUL: Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon have claimed 24 lives in the past 24 hours, as at least 52 towns and areas were targeted, Lebanon’s Health Ministry said on Thursday. .... read more

ISTANBUL: The United States (US) has "in principle" accepted a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the war, Iran said early Wednesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing a report by the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that the proposal would serve as a framework for negotiations aimed at finalizing a broader agreement, but did not detail the plan. IRIB, citing statements and related reports, said the proposals included guarantees of non-aggression against Iran, Iran's continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of Tehran's right to enrich uranium, the lifting of all primary and secondary US sanctions, the termination of United Nations (UN) Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency Board resolutions against Iran, payment of compensation, the withdrawal of US military forces from Iran and an end to hostilities in all places including Lebanon. According to the council, the talks do not mean the war is over, stressing that any final agreement depends on ensuring Iran's conditions and finalizing the details. He added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured during the negotiation period through coordination with the Iranian military. The talks are scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation and will last up to two weeks, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. US President Donald Trump said earlier that Washington would postpone strikes on Iran for two weeks, describing Tehran's proposal as a "workable basis" for negotiations. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

Malaysia Strongly Condemns Continued Israeli Aggression Against Lebanon

KUALA LUMPUR — Malaysia strongly condemns the continued military attacks by the Zionist Israel regime against Lebanon, which could risk global peace and security, according to the Foreign Ministry on .... read more

KUALA LUMPUR: Oil prices fell below US$100 per barrel after the United States (US) and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire plan in exchange for Tehran allowing safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Brent crude oil has fallen 13.20 percent to US$94.85 while West Texas Intermediate has fallen 14.58 percent to US$96.48 per barrel. SPI Asset Management Managing Partner Stephen Innes told Bernama: “What we are seeing now is not a structural change but more of a mechanical reduction in the geopolitical risk premium that has been factored in based on a worst-case scenario. "In the near term, oil prices could remain below US$100 but the minimum level is unstable. Without a concrete easing of tensions over the Strait of Hormuz, the risk of another price spike is very high," he said. Innes said the two-week ceasefire plan provided a fresh start. He said the situation gave the market room to reassess the situation but did not resolve the main issue as the lack of real progress in reopening the strait could cause prices to rise again. He said supply-side risks remained due to infrastructure damage which could take several months to repair. At the same time, he said the clear indication is that keeping the strait open to ship movement will greatly help lower prices. In that scenario, he said a return to the US$90 per barrel level would be appropriate if tensions eased and gained momentum. He said a more optimistic outcome depended on continued diplomatic coordination, although this remained uncertain. Meanwhile, he said the market had not fully factored in the expectation that the strait would remain open. Innes said political considerations related to the US midterm elections could curb a prolonged conflict, especially given its position as the world's largest oil producer. Bank Muamalat Malaysia Bhd Chief Economist Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid told Bernama that a two-week ceasefire would allow ships to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, where 20 percent of global oil supply depends. He said the continued easing of tensions, if achieved, would pave the way for the reconstruction of oil and gas facilities which would help ease supply constraints. "Recovery will happen in stages. What the market wants is certainty that the conflict will end and business can continue." "However, it is still too early. The current situation is very uncertain. Therefore, the expectation is that crude oil prices will remain unstable in the near future," he said.

Oil prices fall below US$100 per barrel driven by ceasefire talks

KUALA LUMPUR: Oil prices fell below US$100 per barrel after the United States (US) and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire plan in exchange for Tehran allowing safe passage for .... read more

WASHINGTON: Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to impeach President Donald Trump under 13 articles. "The resolution...accuses Donald J. Trump, US President, of high crimes and misdemeanors," according to the text of the document, Sputnik/RIA Novosti reported. The document accuses Trump of starting wars and assassinations, committing war crimes and piracy on the high seas. "Trump has unconstitutionally initiated wars of aggression or mutual hostility against Iran, Yemen, Lebanon, Syria, Nigeria and Gaza. "He has threatened military force against Panama, Colombia, Cuba and Greenland. In all of these efforts, President Trump has acted without the congressional authorization required by the Constitution," the resolution said. Democrats also accused the president of introducing a military element into domestic law enforcement, a series of unconstitutional arrests and deportations, retaliation against constitutionally protected speech or association, sabotaging the rule of law and other crimes. -- BERNAMA-SPUTNIK/RIA NOVOSTI

Members of the Democratic Party have introduced a resolution to impeach Donald Trump.

WASHINGTON: Democrats in the United States House of Representatives have introduced a resolution to impeach President Donald Trump under 13 articles. “The resolution…accuses Donald J. Trump, US President, of high .... read more

ISTANBUL: The United States (US) has "in principle" accepted a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the war, Iran said early Wednesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing a report by the state-run Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) network. Iran's Supreme National Security Council said in a statement that the proposal would serve as a framework for negotiations aimed at finalizing a broader agreement, but did not detail the plan. IRIB, citing statements and related reports, said the proposals included guarantees of non-aggression against Iran, Iran's continued control of the Strait of Hormuz, recognition of Tehran's right to enrich uranium, the lifting of all primary and secondary US sanctions, the termination of United Nations (UN) Security Council and International Atomic Energy Agency Board resolutions against Iran, payment of compensation, the withdrawal of US military forces from Iran and an end to hostilities in all places including Lebanon. According to the council, the talks do not mean the war is over, stressing that any final agreement depends on ensuring Iran's conditions and finalizing the details. He added that safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be ensured during the negotiation period through coordination with the Iranian military. The talks are scheduled to begin on Friday in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation and will last up to two weeks, with the possibility of extension by mutual agreement. US President Donald Trump said earlier that Washington would postpone strikes on Iran for two weeks, describing Tehran's proposal as a "workable basis" for negotiations. -- BERNAMA-ANADOLU

US accepts 10-point proposal to end war – Iran

ISTANBUL: The United States (US) has “in principle” accepted a 10-point proposal aimed at ending the war, Iran said early Wednesday, Anadolu Agency (AA) reported, citing a report by the .... read more