Latest News and Breaking Stories

live Trump says U.S. could strike Iran ‘hard’ as Tehran warns of economic fallout- Middle East conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.

U.S. scraps deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland

01:18

U.S.-Poland

U.S. scraps deployment of 4,000 troops to Poland

The Pentagon has scrapped plans to send around 4,000 U.S.-based troops to Poland, according to two American officials. The unexpected move has drawn strong criticism from lawmakers and revived debate over U.S. President Donald Trump’s wider plans to reduce U.S. military presence in Europe.

France opens new judicial inquiry into Jamal Khashoggi killing

17:11

Khashoggi case

France opens new judicial inquiry into Jamal Khashoggi killing

French authorities have opened a new judicial inquiry into the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, bringing renewed legal attention to a case that continues to draw international focus nearly eight years after his killing.

India deepens defence, energy ties with UAE during PM Modi visit

01:31

India-UAE

India deepens defence, energy ties with UAE during PM Modi visit

India and the United Arab Emirates have agreed on a framework for a strategic defence partnership, according to India’s foreign ministry.

16:52

Pope Leo XIV

Pope Leo XIV to visit France in September

Pope Leo is set to visit France from 25 to 28 September, with a stop at UNESCO headquarters in Paris expected to form a significant part of the trip.

WUF13

14:25

World Urban Forum

Azerbaijan, UN-Habitat hold talks on WUF13 preparations in Baku

Azerbaijani President met with UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach in Baku on 16 May ahead of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), with both sides highlighting Azerbaijan’s preparations and expanding cooperation in urban development.

17:47

WUF13

Baku prepares to host WUF13 with 176 countries registered to take part

Baku will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) from 17 to 22 May, bringing together around 25,000 participants from 176 countries to address the global housing crisis and sustainable urban development.

17:47

Urban development

Azerbaijan hosts major urban development conference before WUF13

Ahead of next week’s World Urban Forum (WUF13), Baku State University and Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture have organised an international conference on sustainable cities and human capital in urban development.

Rwandan genocide suspect Félicien Kabuga dies in UN custody aged 93

15min ago

Rwanda genocide

Rwandan genocide suspect Félicien Kabuga dies in UN custody aged 93

Félicien Kabuga, one of the last remaining suspects linked to the 1994 Rwandan genocide, has died in custody at the age of 93, a United Nati...

27min ago

Middle East Conflict

live Trump says U.S. could strike Iran ‘hard’ as Tehran warns of economic fallout- Middle East conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would...

Jeffrey Sachs: South Caucasus can become key connector in a multipolar world

1h ago

Expert view

Jeffrey Sachs: South Caucasus can become key connector in a multipolar world

Jeffrey D. Sachs, an economist, public policy analyst, Columbia University professor, and UN advisor, said Azerbaijan and the wider South Caucasus ...

Israeli attack targeting Hamas leader leaves seven dead in Gaza City

2h ago

Israel-Gaza

Israeli attack targeting Hamas leader leaves seven dead in Gaza City

Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians in Gaza on Friday (15 May), including a child, as Israel said it had launched an operation ta...

Tens of thousands join rival London immigration and pro-Palestinian protests

3h ago

London march

Tens of thousands join rival London immigration and pro-Palestinian protests

Tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of central London on Saturday (16 May) as two large-scale protests unfolded simultaneously -...

Region

South Caucasus Central Asia Middle East

Aliyev joins OTS leaders at informal summit in Kazakhstan

20:09

OTS Summit

Aliyev joins OTS leaders at informal summit in Kazakhstan

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is participating in the informal summit of the heads of state of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Turkistan, Kazakhstan, on 15 May. The summit focuses on regional cooperation, digital development and transport connectivity.

Baku hosts landmark World Urban Forum as cities face climate and housing pressures

16:36

Expert view

Baku hosts landmark World Urban Forum as cities face climate and housing pressures

Baku is hosting the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), bringing together political leaders, urban planners, architects and development experts as cities worldwide face mounting pressure from climate change, rapid urbanisation and housing shortages.

Erdoğan calls for Turkic solidarity at informal OTS summit in Kazakhstan

20:09

View from Türkiye

Erdoğan calls for Turkic solidarity at informal OTS summit in Kazakhstan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has called for deeper solidarity among Turkic states amid rising geopolitical tensions and rapid technological change.

Georgia pitches itself as Europe’s next energy corridor amid political tensions

21:50

View from Georgia

Georgia pitches itself as Europe’s next energy corridor amid political tensions

Georgia is positioning itself as a future energy bridge between the Caspian and Europe, backed by major infrastructure plans and growing EU support. But behind the ambitious pitch lies a far more complicated political reality.

World

World News

Eight killed and dozens injured after freight train hits bus in Thailand

18:34

Train accident

Eight killed and dozens injured after freight train hits bus in Thailand

At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.

17:48

U.S.-China relations

Five key takeaways from the Trump-Xi summit as U.S.-China relations enter a new phase

President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping sought to project stability and renewed dialogue during a closely watched summit in Beijing this week, even as major disagreements over Taiwan, trade and global security remained unresolved.

Putin to visit Beijing days After Trump as China hosts both world powers

23:40

View from China

Putin to visit Beijing days After Trump as China hosts both world powers

Russian president Vladmir Putin is expected to land in Beijing on 20 May, just days after Trump's departure, for a one-day visit with Chinese Presdient Xi Jinping.

U.S. plans to unveil criminal charges against Raul Castro next Wednesday

15:13

U.S.-Cuba relations

U.S. plans to unveil criminal charges against Raul Castro next Wednesday

The Trump administration plans to announce criminal charges against former Cuban president Raul Castro next Wednesday, according to a U.S. Justice Department official, in a move that would escalate the pressure campaign against the island's communist government.

Finland says Helsinki drone threat has ended, reopens airport

12:42

European security

Finland says Helsinki drone threat has ended, reopens airport

Finland said that suspected drone activity in the skies above the country's capital region on Friday no longer posed a threat and that the situation was returning to normal as Helsinki's airport reopened.

Business

Business Economy Markets

Samsung fails to reach deal with union as strike risk rises

08:22

Business

Samsung fails to reach deal with union as strike risk rises

Negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its workforce on Wednesday have broken down, officials said, raising fresh concerns over potential disruption to South Korea’s export-heavy economy.

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

10:43

Markets

Monday morning market report: Oil surges, dollar firms as Middle East conflict enters 11th week

The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

08:42

China Export

China's exports surge as overseas buyers rush orders

China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

10:30

Markets

Asian stocks surge to record highs on Middle East peace hopes

Asian stocks surged to record highs on 7 May as investors priced in growing hopes of a potential Middle East peace deal, while oil prices eased and the U.S. dollar weakened amid shifting global risk sentiment.

Most viewed

02:59

Middle East conflict

Iran says it has no trust in U.S. as nuclear tensions and talks continue- Middle East conflict

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Tehran has “no trust” in the United States and will only consider negotiations if Washington shows seriousness. His remarks came as talks on Iran’s nuclear programme continued, with Trump and Xi also opposing Iran acquiring nuclear weapons.

23:07

Middle East Conflict

live Trump says U.S. could strike Iran ‘hard’ as Tehran warns of economic fallout- Middle East conflict

Eurovision 2026: Azerbaijan’s Jiva takes to the stage as Vienna hosts second semi-final

08:10

Eurovison 2026

Eurovision 2026: Azerbaijan’s Jiva takes to the stage as Vienna hosts second semi-final

The second semi-final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 takes place tonight in a rain-soaked Vienna, with the final 10 places in Saturday’s grand final still up for grabs.

Russia and Ukraine exchange dead and POWs amid massive Moscow aerial assault

21:36

Russia-Ukraine

Russia and Ukraine exchange dead and POWs amid massive Moscow aerial assault

Russia and Ukraine exchanged prisoners of war as well as the bodies of fallen soldiers, on Friday (15 May). The swap came as Ukranian officials said Moscow had carried out its largest aerial attack over 48 hours since the conflict started.

11:47

Musk

Musk accused of 'selective amnesia' and Altman accused of lying as OpenAI trial nears end

A high-powered lawyer representing Elon Musk attacked the personal and professional credibility of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman on Thursday, as a landmark federal trial in California nears its conclusion.

Culture

Culture News Lifestyle Art

08:03

Eurovision 2026

Eurovision 2026 in Vienna overshadowed by boycott and controversy

The Eurovision Song Contest's final takes place in Vienna on Saturday, with the organisers hoping the annual show of glitz and Europop will be a success despite five countries' withdrawal over Israel taking part.

07:57

Lawsuit

Dua Lipa files $15m lawsuit against Samsung over alleged copyright infringement

British pop star Dua Lipa has filed a lawsuit against South Korean tech giant Samsung Electronics, seeking at least $15 million in damages over allegations that her image was used without permission to promote television sets.

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

08:28

Visual arts

Venice Biennale hit by geopolitical disputes over Russia and Israel

The 61st Venice Biennale has opened under grey skies and political tension, with disputes over Russia and Israel, resignations on the jury, and protests marking the start of one of the art world’s most high-profile events.

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

19:25

Kanye West Europe tour

Banned in Britain, booked in Tbilisi: Ye set to perform in Georgia

Ye will perform in Tbilisi on 12 June as part of a Georgian government-funded programme, despite being barred from entering the U.K. and facing mounting concert cancellations across Europe.

Singer Katy Perry to perform at 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku

13:19

Formula 1

Singer Katy Perry to perform at 10th Azerbaijan Grand Prix in Baku

The Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix 2026 will mark its 10th anniversary with a major entertainment programme in Baku, headlined by global pop star Katy Perry.

Health

Health news Healthcare

09:29

Hantavirus

Hantavirus risk to public remains very low, U.S. health official says

The risk from hantavirus to the general public remains very low, and the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has more than 100 staff members actively working on the outbreak, a governmental health official said on Wednesday.

13:09

Hantavirus

WHO: 'This is not COVID' as countries track passengers of Hantavirus-hit cruise ship

Countries worldwide sought to prevent the further spread of the hantavirus on Thursday, after an outbreak on a cruise ship, by tracking those who had disembarked before the virus was detected and anyone who had close contact with them since.

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

21:02

Haiti Hunger Crisis

WFP urges urgent funding as 5.8 million Haitians face acute food insecurity

More than half of Haiti’s population is facing acute food insecurity, prompting the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) to warn that recent progress in tackling hunger remains fragile and could quickly be reversed without urgent support.

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

20:46

meningitis Outbreak

Six new meningitis cases reported in UK bringing total to 27

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said that as of Wednesday evening, it has identified six new cases of meningococcal disease in Kent, bringing the total of confirmed or suspected cases to at least 27.

Travel

Travel News Destinations

14:43

Travel

World's largest travel firm TUI says demand for holidays holding up despite Iran war

TUI has reported sustained demand for holidays despite the Iran war, as the world’s biggest travel company posted lower-than-expected quarterly losses and said bookings for the second half of the year remained strong.

11:59

Travel

Mediterranean destinations and rail travel benefit as Iran war disrupts summer holiday plans

Travellers worried about costs and flights by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East are changing their summer holiday plans, with lastminute bookings, safer destinations such as Spain, and rail travel all growing in popularity.

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

13:23

Fuel crisis

ITA Airways plans fare rises as Middle East conflict drives up fuel costs

ITA Airways is preparing to raise ticket prices by between 5% and 10% this year as soaring fuel costs linked to the conflict involving Iran, Israel and the U.S. continue to pressure airlines worldwide.

12:14

Tourism

Dubai's tourism, revenues and restaurants shrink as Iran war impacts travel

Dubai chef Shaw Lash at Mexican restaurant Lila Molino flies in her avocados and tomatillos, small, tart green fruits native to Central America that are a staple of Mexican cuisine and key for her colourful and spicy dishes.

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

11:58

Travel Restrictions

Dubai caps flights, raising pressure on Indian airlines and travel sector

Dubai has restricted foreign airlines to one daily flight to its airports until 31 May due to the Iran crisis, raising fears of significant revenue losses for Indian carriers, industry letters show.

Science

Artificial Intelligence Innovations & Technology Science News

08:20

At Cannes, Japanese director Fukada says AI undermines the creative process

Japanese filmmaker Koji Fukada has said that the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to “jump straight to the result” risks undermining the purpose of art, which he believes should be rooted in self-expression and a deeper understanding of the world.

00:02

Spain

Spain pushes ahead with social media, AI rules despite Big Tech lobbying pressure

The Spanish government has issued a defiant message to Silicon Valley, confirming it will push ahead with stringent new legislation designed to make social networks and Artificial Intelligence (AI) demonstrably safer.

Humanoid says AI 'brain' can train robots in days as humanoid race accelerates

14:58

Artifical Intelligence

Humanoid says AI 'brain' can train robots in days as humanoid race accelerates

A robotics startup says it has built an AI “brain” that can teach humanoid robots new physical skills in days rather than months, as the race to deploy human-shaped machines in factories and warehouses accelerates.

EU agrees softened AI rules with delays after industry pressure

12:48

EU AI rules

EU agrees softened AI rules with delays after industry pressure

European Union countries and European Parliament lawmakers have agreed on a softened version of the bloc’s landmark artificial intelligence rules, including delayed implementation, in a move critics say reflects growing concessions to major technology firms.

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