live Iran unveils map asserting control over Strait of Hormuz, state media says- Monday, 4 May
Iran warned U.S. forces on Monday not to enter the Strait of Hormuz after President Donald Trump said the United S...
Syria on Wednesday finalised 12 major investment agreements totalling $14 billion, part of an ongoing effort to repair its economy and infrastructure after more than a decade of civil conflict.
The contracts were signed during a ceremony in Damascus, attended by interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, and cover sectors such as transportation, infrastructure, and real estate.
Among the most high-profile deals is a $4 billion agreement with Qatar’s UCC Holding to construct a new international airport in Damascus. Additionally, the UAE's national investment corporation will fund a $2 billion subway system in the Syrian capital – a first for the country.
Another flagship project, the $2 billion Damascus Towers development, was signed with Italy-based firm UBAKO, focusing on luxury mixed-use towers expected to reshape the city skyline.
These new agreements follow a separate $6.4 billion deal inked with Saudi Arabia in July, which included housing and industrial projects. Syria’s Ministry of Economy said these partnerships are “part of a national strategy to attract foreign investment for post-war reconstruction.”
Syria’s civil conflict, which began in 2011, has devastated its economy, leaving more than 90% of the population living in poverty, according to the United Nations. More than 13 million people remain displaced or in need of humanitarian assistance.
Ukraine is monitoring “unusual activity” along its border with Belarus, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video statement released on Saturday (2 May). He warned that Kyiv is ready to respond if necessary amid continued regional tensions linked to Russia’s war.
China has moved to block U.S. sanctions on five of its oil refineries, in a fresh escalation of tensions over trade and energy policy.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said he will “soon be reviewing” a new 14-point proposal sent by Iran, casting doubt on the chances of a deal after Tehran called for security guarantees, an end to naval blockades and a halt to the war across the region, including in Lebanon.
Malian authorities have launched an investigation into suspected soldiers accused of involvement in coordinated attacks on military bases carried out by militants linked to al Qaeda and separatist Tuareg rebels on 25 April 2026.
Ukraine has launched a new wave of drone strikes on Sunday (3 May) across Russia, hitting key infrastructure and causing casualties in several regions, officials on both sides said.
Australia began public hearings on Monday in an inquiry into the Bondi Beach mass shooting in December, with Jewish Australians giving evidence about their experiences of rising domestic antisemitism.
Armenia is host to the 8th meeting of the European Political Community which opened in Yerevan on Monday (4 May). Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan welcomed European Union leaders and heads of international organisations, including NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
European allies are stepping up efforts to meet military commitments following criticism from U.S. President Donald Trump, according to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 4th of May, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is expected to travel to the Vatican and Italy this week for a series of meetings, according to Italian media reports, in a visit that comes amid strained relations between Washington and parts of Europe and heightened tensions involving Pope Leo XIV.
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