Pentagon official says U.S. war in Iran has cost $25 billion so far
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 bi...
The 14th Gabala International Music Festival opened on 24 July with a grand ceremony honouring the 140th anniversary of Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli.
The event, nestled in the heart of Azerbaijan brings together global performers for a week of concerts across classical, folk, jazz, and opera genres.
Organised by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, with support from the Ministry of Culture, the Baku Music Academy, and “Gilan,” this year’s edition marks Hajibeyli’s 140th anniversary, to whom the festival is dedicated.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials including Farah Aliyeva, Anar Alakbarov, and Culture Minister Adil Karimli, alongside prominent public figures and music lovers from across the region.
Festival Artistic Director and People’s Artist Farhad Badalbeyli underlined the event’s growing role as a cultural bridge since its inception in 2009, highlighting its mission to foster international musical dialogue and spiritual unity.
The opening concert featured the Azerbaijan State Orchestra of Folk Instruments conducted by Aghaverdi Pashayev and the Choir of the Azerbaijan State Song and Dance Ensemble.
The evening began with Hajibeyli’s “Jangi” and included pieces by Said Rustamov, Vasif Adigozalov, Fikret Amirov, and others, blending classical compositions with folk traditions.
Running until 29 July, the festival offers a rich, inclusive programme featuring performers and ensembles from Azerbaijan, Latin America, Lithuania, and Georgia.
All performances are open to the public free of charge.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
President Donald Trump said on Sunday Iran could telephone if it wants to negotiate an end to their two-month war. Tehran said the U.S. should remove obstacles to a deal, including its blockade of Iran's ports. Meanwhile Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi arrives in St Petersburg for talks.
Tensions between the United States and Iran remain high after a U.S. official said President Donald Trump was unhappy with a proposal from Tehran that does not deal with its nuclear programme. Washington is insisting that any talks must address Iran’s nuclear activities.
The death toll from a train collision near Indonesia’s capital Jakarta rose to 14 women on Tuesday (28 April), with 84 people injured, after rescuers completed efforts to free passengers trapped in the wreckage, the state rail operator said.
The decision by the United Arab Emirates to leave OPEC+ on 1 May has put renewed focus on one of the most influential groups in global energy - and how its decisions can shape oil prices worldwide.
The President Cup 2026 continued with a dynamic programme, as the second day marked the official start of the international regatta.
A new Georgian-language broadcaster backed by Poland’s public media has launched with promises of objectivity - but it is already fuelling debate over influence, trust, and politics.
Armenia and Georgia will co-host the 2029 FIFA U-20 World Cup, the sport’s global governing body announced on Wednesday (29 April), bringing the youth tournament to the South Caucasus for the second consecutive edition after the 2027 event.
Former security chief Kamchybek Tashiev has been questioned in connection with an alleged attempt to seize power by force, Kyrgyz lawyer Sherdor Abdykaparov said.
Afghan and Russian officials have discussed expanding political, economic and security cooperation during talks in Kabul, Afghan ministries said.
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