live Iran closes Strait of Hormuz again over U.S. blockade, state media says- Saturday 18 April
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a Saturday statement that the Strait of Hormuz has...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 13th July, covering the latest developments you need to know.
1. Erdoğan, Aliyev discuss ties and security across South Caucasus
President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a phone call to discuss bilateral relations and regional developments, with Erdoğan reaffirming Türkiye’s commitment to closer cooperation and lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Erdoğan also emphasised that the Terror-Free Türkiye initiative would enhance regional stability, a goal Aliyev strongly supported.
2. New Caledonia to gain more autonomy under French deal
France has announced a new autonomy agreement for New Caledonia, proposing the creation of a “state of Caledonia” within the French Republic and recognising a distinct Caledonian nationality. While hailed by President Macron as historic, the deal faces criticism for not fulfilling the Kanak people’s long-standing demand for full independence.
3. Israeli and Syrian officials hold a rare meeting in Baku
Israeli and Syrian officials held a rare in-person meeting in Baku during Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s visit, focusing on Israel’s military activities in Syria. Though unconfirmed publicly by either side, the discreet talks suggest a tentative step toward regional coordination amid evolving diplomatic dynamics.
4. North Korean leader Kim reaffirms support for Russia in Ukraine conflict
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un pledged unconditional support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine during a meeting with Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Wonsan, as both countries held strategic talks to deepen their alliance. The visit underscored growing military and political ties, with Pyongyang reportedly providing troops, arms, and reconstruction aid to support Moscow’s war effort.
5. Hungary's opposition flags "New Deal" to kickstart stagnating economy
Hungarian opposition leader Péter Magyar has unveiled a “Hungarian New Deal” aimed at reviving the economy through large-scale investment, anti-corruption measures, and improved public services if his Tisza party wins next year’s election. As Tisza leads in opinion polls, the plan positions Magyar as the strongest challenger to Prime Minister Viktor Orbán in over a decade.
The past 24 hours of the Russia-Ukraine war have seen a drastic escalation in both aerial bombardment and frontline losses.
Iran reopened the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping on Friday (17 April) for the first time since the U.S. and Israel killed Iran's ex-Supreme Leader in air strikes, triggering the Middle East conflict, at the end of February. A U.S. blockade on Iranian ports, however, remains in force.
Russia published addresses of manufacturers allegedly producing drones or components for Ukraine on Wednesday (15 April), warning European countries against plans to step up UAV supplies to Kyiv.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said in a Saturday statement that the Strait of Hormuz has returned to its "previous state" under the control of its "armed forces," citing the ongoing U.S. blockade on Iranian ports.
Netflix shares fell sharply on Friday after the streaming group issued a weaker-than-expected outlook and said chairman and co-founder Reed Hastings will step down from the board.
The Trump administration extended a sanctions exemption on some Russian oil as prices continue to skyrocket in the wake of the U.S.- Israeli war against Iran on Friday (17 April).
Australia and Japan signed contracts on Saturday (18 April) launching their landmark A$10 billion ($7 billion) deal to supply Australia with warships, Tokyo's most consequential military sale since ending a military export ban in 2014.
Leaders from across Europe and beyond gathered in Paris on Friday for a summit aimed at managing the global impact of the Middle East conflict.
European leaders have set out plans for a coordinated defensive mission to restore freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once security conditions allow, following talks involving more than 40 countries.
NeaNearly 900 Rohingya refugees were reported missing or dead in the Andaman Sea off Myanmar in 2025, making it the deadliest year on record, the United Nations Refugee Agency said on Friday.
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