A South Sudan Community is Denied Aid as Government and Opposition Blame Each Other

By JOSEPH FALZETTA

1:23 AM EDT, April 28, 2026

CHUIL, South Sudan (AP) — Displaced people who took refuge from conflict in an isolated South Sudan village were denied lifesaving aid by the government even as deaths there mounted, eyewitnesses and aid groups said.

The Associated Press spoke with people who fled to the swamp-encircled community of Nyatim in recent weeks. They described having little food and no clean water in a place so desolate that a Starlink connection was used to call for help.

When aid workers reached out to South Sudanese authorities with a request to deliver emergency relief, however, it was denied. Reports that dozens of people had died, including some of apparent starvation, made no difference.

“It was a ‘no’ from local and national authorities and from the military,” said Yashovardhan, the head of mission for Doctors Without Borders in South Sudan, who goes by one name. “Meanwhile, people are eating leaves and roots to survive.”

The U.N. World Food Program, usually reticent about an issue that has simmered for years in South Sudan, also told the AP it had been blocked despite “numerous engagements with both national and local authorities,” according to the agency’s country director, Adham Effendi.

People say aid has been weaponized for years

It has happened over and over in South Sudan, whose people fought for years for independence from Sudan and then turned on each other. Whatever side that controls aid is accused of withholding it from the other, and civilians suffer.

This time, fighting has surged since Riek Machar, a longtime rival of President Salva Kiir, was suspended as first vice president and put under house arrest for alleged subversion last year. The two led opposing forces in a civil war that killed an estimated 400,000 people before a 2018 peace agreement brought them into a fragile unity government.

In December, opposition forces backing Machar seized military outposts in Jonglei state. Government forces struck back the following month.

On Feb. 7, soldiers reached the outskirts of Lankien town, where an aerial attack days earlier struck a hospital operated by Doctors Without Borders. Residents described artillery fire before soldiers stormed the town in armored vehicles.

Thomas Nim was among those who fled. With his pregnant wife, three children and mother, they made their way through swampland, hoping soldiers wouldn’t chase them.

They and many others soon filled Nyatim, about a day’s walk away.

“Some of the most vulnerable, like the elderly and children, ended up in Nyatim because they couldn’t make it any farther,” said Nim, a 43-year-old pharmacist.

As days passed and people began to die without food or good water, he called for help. But none came.

Opposition and authorities blame each other

Gatkhor Dual, an opposition official coordinating aid in Jonglei state, blamed county commissioner James Bol Makuei for blocking humanitarian access. Makuei does not want aid to reach people who “support the opposition,” Dual said, especially when they are near government-held areas.

Makuei acknowledged that access to Nyatim had been restricted but added that estimates of its evacuee-swollen population — 30,000, according to Doctors Without Borders — were exaggerated. He accused South Sudan’s main opposition group, known by its initials SPLM-IO, of holding civilians in Nyatim to attract aid and secure a foothold near the county seat of government.

Nim, the pharmacist, said there were no opposition forces in the area.

Concerns about aid diversion are not without precedent. Armed groups in South Sudan, including the military, have a long history of diverting humanitarian supplies for military purposes. During recent fighting in Jonglei, fighters looted more than two dozen humanitarian-run health facilities, according to the U.N.

Doctors Without Borders said it first reached out for help to Nyatim on Feb. 22. It asked again on March 3 after hearing reports of deaths. At the end of March, the medical charity issued a statement drawing attention to its efforts.

Delivering aid in South Sudan is never easy. Infrastructure is poor. River traffic, where available, has been attacked. Clearance from authorities is required.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis has deepened. In March, over half of the more than 1,000 children screened by Doctors Without Borders in Chuil, a community where South Sudan’s government has allowed humanitarian access to enter, were acutely malnourished.

Aid workers have been overwhelmed. In February, Doctors Without Borders began expanding a four-bed facility, first to 60 beds, then 80. It is now growing to 100.

Other people are giving up on remote Nyatim and going home to ruins.

“People are returning to their homes,” said one of them, Koang Pajok. “There was no food and shelter.”

The World Food Program turns to airdrops

Unable to reach the area by road or river, the World Food Program has airdropped 415 metric tons of food to Chuil since March, country director Effendi said.

But as civilians come seeking assistance, so do young men wielding Kalashnikovs. Some people worry that could make Chuil a target.

On a morning in April, a plane circling overhead drew anxious onlookers.

“It’s a surveillance plane,” said Gal Wai Tut, who had arrived days earlier with his wife and newborn child. He recalled seeing a similar plane over Lankien on the day he said a December airstrike killed at least 11 civilians.

Don’t gather in one place, an older man advised, saying a crowd is more likely to be targeted.

Plane Crashes on the Outskirts of South Sudan’s Capital, Killing 14 People

12:36 PM EDT, April 27, 2026

JUBA, South Sudan (AP) — A Cessna aircraft crashed Monday on the outskirts of South Sudan’s capital, killing all 13 passengers and the pilot, the civil aviation authority said.

The authority said preliminary reports indicate that the plane arriving from Yei town may have crashed due to weather conditions that caused poor visibility.

It said the dead included two Kenyans, and the rest were South Sudanese.

The authority said a team was dispatched to the site about 20 kilometers (12 miles) outside Juba.

Videos of the crash site shared on social media showed remains of the aircraft in flames. The location shown appeared hilly and misty.

Clashes Over Water Access Kill at Least 42 People in Chad

By MOUTA ALI

11:48 AM EDT, April 27, 2026

N’DJAMENA, Chad (AP) — Clashes between two families over access to water have killed at least 42 people in eastern Chad, the government says, as resources are stretched in a region where hundreds of thousands of refugees from neighboring Sudan have poured in.

Chad’s deputy prime minister, Limane Mahamat, said another 10 people were wounded in Saturday’s clashes in Igote village in Wadi Fira province near the border.

The situation is under control after the army intervened, Mahamat said Sunday, adding that a mediation process in the village had begun, as well as judicial proceedings to determine criminal responsibility.

Such clashes over resources are common in the Central African country. Last year, clashes between farmers and herders in southwestern Chad left 42 people dead and homes burned.

Mahamat said the government will take “all necessary measures” to prevent a destabilization of the border area.

In February, Chad closed the border with Sudan until further notice, calling it an attempt to limit the spread of that country’s war into its territory after multiple crossings by fighters with warring Sudanese factions.

ICC Awards $8.4 Million in Reparations to Victims of al-Qaida-linked Leader in Mali

Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud waits for judges to enter the courtroom of the International Criminal Court in The Hague, Netherlands, on June 26, 2024, to deliver the verdict in the trial of Al Hassan, accused of playing a key role in a reign of terror unleashed by al-Qaida-linked insurgents on the historic desert city of Timbuktu in northern Mali in 2012. (AP Photo/Peter Dejong, Pool, File)

By MOLLY QUELL

8:00 AM EDT, April 28, 2026

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The International Criminal Court on Tuesday ordered an al-Qaida-linked extremist leader to pay 7.2 million euros ($8.4 million) in reparations for atrocities he oversaw as head of the Islamic police in the desert city of Timbuktu in the West African country of Mali.

Al Hassan Ag Abdoul Aziz Ag Mohamed Ag Mahmoud was convicted of torture, religious persecution and other inhumane acts in 2024 and sentenced to 10 years in prison. Judges found he was a key figure in a reign of terror after Islamic extremist rebels overran Timbuktu in 2012.

“Mr. Al Hassan, as the person found responsible for the crimes, which caused the harm to the victims, is the person financially liable for the cost of repairing the harm,” Presiding Judge Kimberly Prost said, addressing the courtroom in the Dutch city of The Hague.

While the court has declared Al Hassan liable, it won’t be able to collect the money from the 49-year-old, who was declared indigent and represented by a court-funded lawyer during his trial.

Instead, reparations for the more than 65,000 victims will be paid by the Trust Fund for Victims, set up by the court’s member states to distribute the funds.

We are “one of the many innovations of the Rome Statute,” the fund’s executive director, Deborah Ruiz Verduzco, told The Associated Press.

Under the court’s founding treaty, the Rome Statute, the fund “responds to the harm resulting from the crimes under the jurisdiction.”

The 24 staff members in Ruiz Verduzco’s office are tasked with assisting victims and their families, establishing programs in communities destroyed by violence and drumming up financial support to fulfill its mandate.

In its two decades of operation, the trust fund has received money from perpetrators in only one case.

“Substantial fundraising will need to take place,” Prost said.

The bulk of the money will come from the court’s member states, though the fund also accepts private donations. In March, Germany gave 40,000 euros ($46,000). Sweden and the Netherlands are the two biggest supporters.

Judges guide how the reparations money will be allocated, though they solicit input from the victims through their lawyers and the trust fund.

In the Al Hassan case, the reparations will be used for “socio-economic support, educational programs or trainings and psychological support,” according to the decision. Projects should target women and girls, who suffered disproportionately under the extremist groups.

Communities in Mali have already seen some restitution. Ahmad Al Faqi Al Mahdi pleaded guilty and was convicted in 2016 for destroying historic mausoleums in Timbuktu. In 2021, the trust fund began a project to repair ruined buildings.

Mali, along with its neighbors Burkina Faso and Niger, has for over a decade battled an insurgency fought by armed groups, including some allied with al-Qaida and the Islamic State group. Following coups in all three nations in recent years, the ruling juntas have expelled French forces and turned to Russia’s mercenary units for security assistance instead.

Tuesday’s decisions comes days after an alliance of al-Qaida-linked militants and separatists carried out the largest coordinated attack in Mali in over a decade.

Islamic State Militants Kill at Least 29 in Attack on Northeast Nigeria Village

Source: Nana Karikari, Senior International Affairs and Political Analyst  

 28 April 2026 9:07am

Militants affiliated with the Islamic State launched a deadly overnight raid on a village in northeastern Nigeria, killing at least 29 people, authorities said Monday. This event marks the latest escalation in a complex security crisis within Africa’s most populous nation, which has long been battling multiple insurgencies. The violence underscores the persistent reach of extremist groups despite years of military operations.

Terror in Guyaku Village

The attack took place late Sunday in Guyaku, a village in the Gombi local government area of Adamawa state, lasting several hours and leaving significant property destroyed. Authorities and residents say the militants raided a football pitch where people had been gathering and opened fire at random. Before withdrawing, the attackers burned houses, places of worship, and motorcycles. The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the carnage in a message on the Telegram messaging app, though it did not specify a motive.

Official Response and Local Grief

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri denounced the attack as tragic and unacceptable during a visit to the village on Monday. “My heart breaks for the people of Guyaku,” Fintiri said in a social media post. “Today, I stood on the ground where our brothers and sisters were cruelly taken from us. This act of cowardice is an affront to our humanity and will not go unpunished.”

Local officials noted that the "atmosphere in the community remains tense, with grief and fear evident," and many families have abandoned their homes. In response, the governor stated, "We are intensifying security operations immediately to restore peace," adding that his administration would continue to support “military and vigilante groups” to secure the region.

A Landscape of Insurgency

Nigeria faces myriad security challenges, especially in the north, where an insurgency has simmered for more than two decades. The northeast remains the epicentre for the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), while a newer IS-linked group known as Lakurawa often attacks villages in the north-central states. While ISIL claimed the Guyaku raid, it remains unclear which specific affiliate was responsible. Earlier this month, almost 400 people were sentenced during mass trials for their links with Boko Haram and ISWAP. Since 2009, the conflict has led to the deaths of tens of thousands and the displacement of more than two million people.

Parallel Abductions in Kogi State

The Guyaku attack occurred on the same day that gunmen raided an orphanage in an "isolated area" of Lokoja, the capital of Kogi State, and abducted 23 pupils. The facility, Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was operating illegally, according to State Commissioner Kingsley Femi Fanwo. While 15 pupils were later rescued, the government said “intensive operations” were underway to “secure the safe return of the remaining eight victims." Analysts indicate that students have become "strategic" targets for armed gangs seeking to draw maximum attention to their activities, a trend that has come to define the region's insecurity.

Geopolitical Tensions and the Religious Debate

The surge in violence has reignited international debate over the nature of the conflict. U.S. President Donald Trump and other conservative voices have accused Nigerian authorities of failing to protect citizens from a “Christian genocide.” However, the Nigerian government maintains that people of all faiths—including Muslims and traditional worshippers—are targeted. Data from the crisis-monitoring group ACLED supports this, finding that out of 1,923 attacks on civilians through November 2025, only 50 specifically targeted Christians because of their religion.

International Intervention and Regional Stability

The jihadist conflict has expanded beyond Nigeria's borders, spreading to neighbouring Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. This regional instability has placed the government under intense pressure to curb insecurity ahead of the general elections in January. In response, the United States launched "powerful and deadly" air raids in December, followed by the February deployment of 100 soldiers to train and advise local forces. As the administration struggles to close security gaps, the persistence of coordinated attacks suggests that military and legal measures have yet to provide a definitive shield for the country's most vulnerable rural communities.

Implications for West African Collective Security

For the broader West African community, the persistent volatility in Nigeria raises alarms for neighbouring coastal states like Ghana, Togo, and Benin. Regional security analysts warn that the "southward drift" of extremist elements threatens the Accra Initiative—a cooperative effort aimed at preventing the spillover of terrorism from the Sahel. As Nigeria’s neighbours bolster their own border defences, the outcome of Abuja's military and legal strategies remains a focal point for the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). The persistence of coordinated attacks suggests that military and legal measures have yet to provide a definitive shield for the country's most vulnerable rural communities, leaving the stability of the entire sub-region in a delicate balance.

Gunmen Kill at Least 29 in Northeast Nigeria After Targeting Young People at Football Pitch

Africa

Gunmen killed at least 29 people in an hours-long attack in Nigeria's northeastern Adamawa state, local authorities said, burning homes and places of worship and opening fire on people watching a football match. Nigeria continues to struggle with armed attacks by jihadists and armed criminal gangs.

28/04/2026 - 10:08

By FRANCE 24

Gunmen have killed at least 29 people in northeastern Nigeria, a state governor said Monday, with locals saying the attackers targeted young people gathered at a football pitch, the latest bout of deadly unrest in Africa's most populous nation.

The attack on Sunday occurred in Adamawa state, which borders Cameroon and is a hotspot for violence by jihadists and local criminal gangs. Communal violence over land is also rife in the state.

The latest attack comes as Nigeria's security crisis is increasingly under scrutiny – both abroad and at home as general elections are less than a year away.

Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri visited the scene of the Sunday attack and "confirmed that no fewer than 29 people were killed in a deadly attack on Guyaku community in Gombi Local Government Area", his spokesman said in a post on social media.

Locals also gave a similar toll.

Armed gangs behind killings, kidnappings in Nigeria

Resident Philip Agabus told AFP that the attack occurred when "our people converged at a football pitch in Guyaku community ... [and] were attacked by insurgents who entered with guns and began shooting randomly".

The dead were "youths, including some ladies that were watching football", another local, Joshua Usman, said.

"They also burnt places of worship, houses and motorcycles," added Usman.

The state governor's office wrote that "the attackers operated for several hours, killing dozens of residents, burning places of worship, and destroying property including motorcycles", citing a local community leader, Aggrey Ali.

Local television showed footage of a burned church and several charred motor cycles.

The governor blamed the Boko Haram militants who are active in the northeast of Nigeria.

But a rival group, the Islamic State's West Africa Province (ISWAP) claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it "killed at least 25 ... Christians", and "torched a church and nearly 100 motorcycles", in a statement reported by the SITE monitoring group.

Fintiri condemned the attack, saying "it will not go unpunished" while he vowed "intensifying security operations immediately to restore peace".

Since 2009, the jihadist insurgency in Nigeria, led primarily by Boko Haram and its rival faction, the ISWAP, has left tens of thousands of people dead and millions displaced in the country's northeast, according to the United Nations.

The jihadist conflict has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon.

Nigeria is now looking to the United States for technical and training support for its troops fighting the jihadists after a resurgence of violence strained relationships between the two countries.

US President Donald Trump said last October that Christianity was facing an "existential threat" in the West African nation. Security experts say that both Muslim and Christian communities are targeted by armed groups.

A separate attack occurred Sunday in another district more 100 kilometres away which a local community blamed on communal clashes over farmland disputes in several villages in Lamurde area.

"Lives were lost, properties were also lost," Bulus Daniel, local government council chairman for Lamurde area told AFP.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Islamic State Militants Kill at Least 29 in an Attack on a Village ‌in Northeastern Nigeria

By CHINEDU ASADU and MARK BANCHEREAU

Updated 6:53 PM EDT, April 27, 2026

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Militants with the Islamic State group attacked a village overnight in northeastern Nigeria, killing at least 29 people, authorities said Monday. It was the latest violence in Africa’s most populous country that has long been battling a complex security crisis.

The attack took place late on Sunday in Guyaku, a village in the Gombi local government area in the country’s Adamawa state, according to the state governor.

The Islamic State group claimed responsibility for the attack in a message on the Telegram messaging app.

Adamawa State Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri denounced the attack as tragic and unacceptable during a visit to the village on Monday.

Nigeria is facing myriad security challenges, especially in the north, where an insurgency has simmered for more than two decades. In February, the United States sent troops to the West African nation to help advise its military on the fight against insecurity.

There are two major IS-backed militant groups in Nigeria but it wasn’t immediately clear which one was behind the attack in Guyaki.

The Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP, is known to be operating in the northeast, including in Adamawa state, while another IS-linked group known locally as Lakurawa often attacks villages further away in the northcentral states of Sokoto and Kebbi.

The Guyaki attack occurred on the same day that gunmen raided an orphanage in north-central Nigeria and abducted 23 pupils. Fifteen were later rescued and the government said “intensive operations” were underway to “secure the safe return of the remaining eight victims and apprehend the perpetrators.”

Students’ kidnappings have come to define the insecurity in Nigeria, where analysts say armed gangs see schools and students as “strategic” targets to draw attention.

The attack took place in an “isolated area” of Lokoja, capital of Kogi State, according to a statement by the state’s commissioner, Kingsley Femi Fanwo. The facility, Dahallukitab Group of Schools, was operating illegally, he said.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack in a region has seen an increase in kidnappings for ransom. The statement did not say how old the abducted children are, but the term “pupil” in Nigeria usually refers to someone in kindergarten or primary school, covering ages up to 12.

___

Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal.

Taiwanese FM Arrives in Eswatini After President Trip Denied Airspace

By Al Mayadeen English

Source: Agencies

26 Apr 2026 22:02

Taiwan postpones its president’s visit to Eswatini after several African states revoked overflight permits, as China defended the move as consistent with the "one-China" principle.

Taiwan’s Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung has accused China of interfering in international aviation arrangements after several African states denied overflight access for a planned presidential visit.

Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung delivered the remarks during a visit to Eswatini, where he attended the 40th anniversary of King Mswati III’s accession on behalf of President Lai Ching-te. Lai had postponed his trip after Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar withdrew previously granted overflight permissions without prior notice, marking the first time a Taiwanese leader has canceled a visit due to airspace denial.

Beijing, however, rejected claims of coercion and instead welcomed the decisions taken by the three countries, describing them as consistent with the widely recognized “one-China principle". Chinese officials maintained that such actions reflect adherence to international norms governing state sovereignty and diplomatic recognition.

At a press briefing, China’s Foreign Ministry criticized Washington’s response, stating that US accusations “completely confuses right and wrong,” and urged it to refrain from interfering in an internal matter.

One-China principle

The position reflects China’s long-standing policy that Taiwan is part of its territory and does not possess the legal standing to conduct official state-to-state relations. Countries that recognize Beijing are therefore expected to avoid facilitating activities that could be interpreted as endorsing Taiwan’s sovereignty.

Officials in the African states involved also pointed to their adherence to this framework. Madagascar, for instance, stated that its decision was taken “in full respect” of its sovereign control over airspace and its commitment to recognizing only one China.

Against this backdrop, Lin reiterated Taipei’s stance, writing, “No matter how China uses political power to interfere with normal international civil aviation operations, politicising and weaponising flight information ... it will not make Taiwan bow its head, nor will it stop our progress.”

He added, “No unreasonable blockade or pressure can shake our resolve and will to safeguard our dignity and connect with the international community.”

Diplomatic rivalry

The episode comes amid intensifying diplomatic competition between Beijing and Taipei, particularly in regions such as Africa, where China maintains extensive economic and political ties with nearly all countries on the continent.

While the United States condemned the developments as part of an “intimidation campaign", China framed the situation differently, as a reaffirmation of international consensus on its territorial integrity and a reflection of states exercising their sovereign right to manage airspace and diplomatic relations.

In 72 Hours, IOF Invade Syria 8 Times, Expanding Incursions

By Al Mayadeen English

Source: SANA

Today 14:19

3 Min Read

Reports detail intensified Israeli military incursions in southern Syria’s Daraa and Quneitra regions, including ground advances, aerial surveillance, and multiple security operations over 72 hours.

Israeli occupation forces advanced on Tuesday into the village of Maariya in the Yarmouk Basin area of western rural Daraa, deploying a military convoy of around 20 vehicles, the Syrian Arab News Agency (SANA) reported on Tuesday.

According to the report, the forces patrolled the village under drone surveillance before later withdrawing.

Eight incursions over three days

In parallel, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights stated that southern Syria has witnessed, over the past 72 hours, intense and unprecedented Israeli military activity, described as an attempt to impose a “fait accompli” through a series of ground operations extending deep into the border areas of Daraa and Quneitra.

The Observatory documented eight separate incursions across multiple locations, during which Israeli forces deployed bulldozers and heavy machinery to East Tal al-Ahmar in southern Quneitra countryside. There, they reportedly constructed earthen barriers and established observation points, while raising the Israeli flag over the hill overlooking western rural Daraa.

The operations also included the movement of a large military convoy of more than 20 vehicles from the al-Jazeera base, which patrolled Maariya village, alongside a similar incursion between the villages of Jamlah and Saisoun in the Yarmouk Basin area.

In rural Quneitra, temporary checkpoints supported by Humvee vehicles were set up in Mashara village and along the al-Samdaniyah al-Sharqiyah road, where civilians underwent thorough inspections.

The Observatory further reported raids on more than seven homes in Jubata al-Khashab and the targeting of a quarry in the same area. It also documented three arrests, including a young man from Umm al-Athamin village in northern Quneitra, who was reportedly taken to an unknown destination inside the occupied territories.

On the aerial level, surveillance activity continued with three reconnaissance aircraft and drones operating intensively over Daraa and Quneitra countryside for the past three days, accompanied by the deployment of illumination flares over villages in the Yarmouk Basin.

The Observatory noted that these developments come amid continued official silence from Syrian authorities, which have not issued any statement regarding the repeated violations of sovereignty.

Israeli settlers invate southern Syria

On April 22, Israeli settlers infiltrated from occupied Palestine into an area near the town of Hader in the northern countryside of Quneitra, southern Syria, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

Video footage circulating online shows illegal settlers at the foothills of Mount Hermon, ascending to the rooftop of a building overlooking the town in a provocative act conducted under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces.

The incident comes amid ongoing Israeli violations of Syrian sovereignty across the Quneitra and Daraa countrysides, including ground incursions, the establishment of temporary checkpoints, road closures, as well as raids and arrests targeting Syrian civilians.

In a clear breach of the Disengagement Agreement, engineering and military activity have been observed within the buffer zone, aimed at reinforcing occupation positions. United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) personnel were criticized for failing to intervene.

According to statements by occupation officials, the Israeli military is working to "repurpose abandoned Syrian military sites into technologically equipped positions," as part of efforts to entrench its occupation and consolidate a new reality on Syrian territory.

Talks Would Resume if US Accepts 3-phase Framework Iran Put Forward

By Al Mayadeen English

27 Apr 2026 00:20

Al Mayadeen reports that Tehran has outlined a staged negotiation approach covering ceasefire guarantees, maritime coordination in the Strait of Hormuz, and later discussions on its nuclear program.

Iran has informed mediators of a proposed three-phase framework for negotiations and says talks could resume if the United States agrees to the plan, Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Tehran reported.

The proposal, as described by our correspondent, outlines an initial phase focused on ending US-Israeli aggression and securing guarantees that fighting will not resume against Iran and Lebanon. During this stage, Iran would not discuss any other issues, the report said.

The plan envisions coordination with Oman

If agreement is reached on the first phase, discussions would move to a second stage centered on the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The plan reportedly envisions coordination with Oman to establish a new legal framework governing the strategic waterway.

The third phase would address Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran would only be prepared to discuss after agreements are reached on the first two phases, according to the report.

This is happening as Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has departed for Moscow, leading a diplomatic delegation.

Iranian ambassador in Moscow, Kazem Jalal, said earlier that Araghchi is set to meet with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his visit to Moscow, where he will hold consultations on the latest developments regarding negotiations and the ceasefire.

Two Israeli Soldiers Injured by Explosive Drone in South Lebanon

By Al Mayadeen English

Two Israeli soldiers have been wounded, one seriously, in South Lebanon after a drone detonated against the occupation force.

Two Israeli occupation forces were injured on Monday after “a booby-trapped drone fell during a military operation in southern Lebanon", according to the military’s spokesperson, who added that one of the troops sustained severe injuries.

Both soldiers were transferred to the hospital to receive treatment, and their families were notified, the spokesperson added.

Just yesterday, the Israeli Ministry of Health announced that 15 new injuries were recorded on Sunday, bringing the total number of casualties since February 28 to 8,497. According to official data, Israeli hospitals have received 8,497 wounded since the start of the war on Iran, reflecting the sustained toll of ongoing confrontations.

The ministry’s figures indicate that 596 injuries have been recorded on the northern front alone following the ceasefire with Iran. In addition, 178 injuries were documented after the ceasefire with Lebanon, underscoring the ongoing losses for the Israeli regime.

Hezbollah's drones haunt IOF 

Israeli troops along the occupied Lebanese-Palestinian border have been increasingly exposed to the Islamic Resistance's drones, particularly in light of the violations of the ceasefire reached in mid-April.

A report by Israeli outlet Ynet has highlighted the growing battlefield role of fiber-optic-guided FPV drones, describing them as a difficult-to-counter threat increasingly deployed by Hezbollah along the Lebanese front.

According to the report, the drones, equipped with fiber-optic spools that physically connect them to their operators, are effectively immune to electronic jamming, allowing uninterrupted real-time video transmission and command control. This capability enables operators to guide the drones precisely toward targets, even in heavily contested electronic warfare environments.

On Monday, Hezbollah targeted an Israeli Merkava tank in al-Qantara and a D9 military bulldozer in Bint Jbeil using FPVs. Both operations resulted in direct hits. 

Hezbollah also published footage showcasing an FPV drone operation that targeted a gathering of Israeli troops, achieving a direct hit, after which Hezbollah struck a medevac team working on evacuating the wounded Israeli troops.

No Talks Until a Ceasefire is Reached in Lebanon: Berri

By Al Mayadeen English

Lebanon’s Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri rules out a presidential meeting, saying the political process in Lebanon is in a stalemate until a ceasefire reached.

Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri said on Tuesday that all political discussions in Lebanon remain on hold until a real ceasefire is reached, ruling out the possibility of any presidential meeting in the near term.

Berri told visitors who met him at his residence in Ain al-Tineh that “everything is on hold, and no matters will be discussed before a ceasefire is reached,” stressing that the current priority is to halt the war.

Asked about the Lebanese president’s remarks calling for a ceasefire before negotiations, Berri deferred the question to the president, asking, “Where is the ceasefire today?”

Addressing reports of a potential government reshuffle discussed with a Saudi envoy, Berri reiterated that “the priority is a ceasefire,” adding that government matters remain on hold until the ceasefire in Lebanon is officially settled.

According to the visitors, Berri indicated that hopes remain tied to the possibility of serious progress in ongoing US-Iran negotiations in Islamabad.

He also warned against any attempts to manipulate the Lebanese pound’s exchange rate, cautioning that such actions could have catastrophic consequences on the country.

Meanwhile, confrontations continue along the Lebanese-Palestinian border, where the Resistance in Lebanon is confronting ongoing aggressive attacks by the Israeli occupation. 

Violations of the ceasefire agreement by the Israeli occupation have also persisted, with airstrikes targeting towns and villages across southern Lebanon, resulting in casualties and extensive destruction, including the demolition of homes and buildings.

Lebanon stresses ceasefire preconditions in talks with 'Israel'

Against this backdrop of stalled diplomacy and continued escalation on the ground, Lebanon’s top leadership has sought to present a unified position on the conditions for any future talks.

In the context of the Lebanese president's remarks yesterday, President Joseph Aoun said that Lebanon’s position on the ongoing engagement with "Israel" remains unchanged.

Speaking to a delegation from Hasbaya and Arkoub, Aoun said, “We informed the American side, which is commendably engaged in its efforts, from the very first moment that a ceasefire is a necessary first step for any subsequent negotiations. This is what we reiterated in the two sessions held at the ambassadorial level on April 14 and 23.”

He added that this position was already reflected in a US State Department statement following the first meeting, citing a "clear commitment" that “Israel will not carry out any offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, including civilian, military, and other state targets on Lebanese territory by land, sea, and air.” This commitment has yet to crystallize, as "Israel" continues to strike South Lebanon and Bekaa.

Aoun emphasized that this remains Lebanon’s official stance, saying, “This is the official position of the Lebanese state regarding what is happening in Lebanon or in Washington, and we are not concerned with any other statements, and there is no official Lebanese endorsement of them.”

West Losing Global Leadership to Global South: Putin

By Al Mayadeen English

Russian President Vladimir Putin declares that Western nations are losing their dominant position in global affairs, making way for the countries of the Global South.

In a video message to the Open Dialogue Forum, Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that a more complex, multipolar architecture of global development is being formed. He said that states which truly understand and appreciate the importance of national sovereignty in the political, economic, cultural and social spheres are playing an increasingly important role.

"Literally before our eyes, a more complex, multipolar architecture of global development is being formed," Putin said.

"States that truly understand and appreciate the importance of national sovereignty in the political, economic, cultural, and social spheres are playing an increasingly important role in it, and they can determine the vector of their own development based on their own values, resources, priorities, identity, and sovereign worldview."

Western actions accelerating their own decline

The Russian president noted that previous approaches and well-established norms and rules of business life and international relations are gradually losing their force.

He explained that this is happening in part due to the actions of Western states, which are losing their leadership positions and giving way to new growth centers and countries of the Global South.

"The events of recent years show that all elements of global growth — from economics and finance to technology and demography — are changing irreversibly," Putin said.

Equality and mutual respect as foundation for sustainable development

Putin emphasized that the global development model will be sustainable if it is based on the principles of equality and takes into account the interests of all countries. He added that no country can develop alone, at the expense of other states or to their detriment.

The Russian leader's remarks come amid shifting global dynamics following the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has exposed the limits of Western military power and accelerated the search for alternative economic and security arrangements.

Countries across Asia, Africa, and Latin America have increasingly asserted their independence from Western-dominated institutions during the war.

Putin praises Iranian people's heroic fight for sovereignty

This is not the first time Putin has voiced support for Iran amid the US-Israeli war on the country. During a meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in St. Petersburg on April 27, the Russian president stated that the Iranian people are "fighting courageously and heroically for their sovereignty."

Putin added that Russia hopes the Iranian people will pass through this period of trials and that peace will come soon. He also confirmed that he had received a message from Iranian Leader Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei.

"Please convey to the Supreme Leader the words of gratitude for this message and wishes of all the best, health and well-being," Putin told Araghchi.

He further said Russia will act in ways that serve the interests of regional countries to help bring peace to West Asia as quickly as possible.

“As for our part, we will do everything that meets your interests, meets the interests of all the peoples of the region, so that this peace can be achieved as quickly as possible,” Putin stressed.

Russia committed to strategic partnership with Iran

The Russian president further emphasized that Russia intends to continue developing its strategic relationship with Iran. "I would like to ask you to convey my most sincere words of gratitude and confirm that Russia like Iran intends to continue our strategic relations," Putin stated.

Araghchi, for his part, said relations between Tehran and Moscow are already at the level of a strategic partnership and will continue to grow stronger. "For us, Iranian-Russian relations represent a strategic partnership at the highest level. We will continue to move forward on this path," he declared.

The Iranian foreign minister also noted that the Iranian people, through resilience and determination, were able to withstand the US aggression and would continue to endure it. He expressed appreciation to Putin and Russia for their support.

Iran Ready to Share 'Defeating US' Experience with SCO: Talaei-Nik

By Al Mayadeen English

Source: News websites

Iran’s Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik says the US can no longer impose policies on independent nations, saying Tehran is ready to share its experience confronting the US with the SCO.

Iran’s Deputy Defense Minister for Strategic Planning and Management Development, Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, said on Tuesday that the United States is no longer in a position to impose its policies on independent nations, adding that Tehran is prepared to share its experience in confronting Washington with members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization.

Talaei-Nik made the remarks upon arriving in Bishkek, leading a military delegation to attend a meeting of defense ministers from Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states, including Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, and Belarus.

During separate meetings with defense officials, Talaei-Nik said that Washington would eventually be compelled to abandon what he described as "illegal and illogical demands", attributing this to the resilience of the Iranian people and its armed forces.

He added that Iran is ready to transfer its experience in “defeating the United States” to other SCO members, stating that “the entire world today views the United States and the Israeli entity as symbols of state terrorism.”

Talaei-Nik also emphasized that Iran, alongside maintaining readiness to defend itself and meet the needs of its armed forces, is prepared to share its defense and military capabilities with independent countries, particularly SCO members.

Stalemate in talks

Separately, sources familiar with the matter told CNN earlier that the United States and Iran may not be as far apart as publicly perceived, despite the absence of a second round of talks in Pakistan.

US President Donald Trump has previously stated that any agreement would require Iran to relinquish its stockpile of uranium enriched for military purposes and halt enrichment activities altogether, conditions Tehran has firmly rejected.

Iranian officials have repeatedly denied seeking nuclear weapons, maintaining that the country’s nuclear program is strictly for peaceful, medical, and technological purposes.

According to sources cited by Al Mayadeen’s correspondent in Tehran, Iran has proposed a three-stage negotiation framework to mediators, under which talks could resume if accepted by Washington. 

3-phase framework in detail 

The proposal, as described by Al Mayadeen's correspondent, outlines an initial phase focused on ending US-Israeli aggression and securing guarantees that fighting will not resume against Iran and Lebanon. During this stage, Iran would not discuss any other issues, the report said.

 If agreement is reached on the first phase, discussions would move to a second stage centered on the management of the Strait of Hormuz. The plan reportedly envisions coordination with Oman to establish a new legal framework governing the strategic waterway.

The third phase would address Iran’s nuclear program, which Tehran would only be prepared to discuss after agreements are reached on the first two phases, according to the report.

Trump dissatisfied with the proposal

Separately, Reuters reports that Trump is dissatisfied with Iran’s three-phased proposal, casting doubt on a near-term resolution to a war that has disrupted global energy markets and caused heavy losses. 

A US official familiar with internal discussions said Trump rejected the framework during a meeting with advisors on Monday, citing its failure to address core US demands.

The White House reiterated its stance publicly, with spokesperson Olivia Wales stating that the United States “will not negotiate through the press” and remains firm on its conditions for ending the war launched earlier this year alongside Israeli forces.

Araghchi Says Russia Proposed Mediation Role to Help End Iran War

By Al Mayadeen English

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi says Russia has offered to mediate efforts to restore calm, as Moscow reaffirms strategic ties with Tehran and pushes for regional de-escalation.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Russia has offered to mediate efforts aimed at restoring calm in the region, amid the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.

Speaking from Moscow, Araghchi welcomed Moscow’s support for diplomatic initiatives and highlighted the strength of ties between Iran and Russia. His remarks followed a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, marking the end of a regional diplomatic tour that included stops in Pakistan and Oman.

Araghchi said that “recent developments have laid bare the depth of the Russian-Iranian partnership,” adding that he valued the sustained high-level coordination with Moscow amid rapidly evolving regional developments.

He also confirmed that Russia had proposed acting as a mediator to help de-escalate tensions and end the US-Israeli war on Iran.

The Iranian minister described his meeting with Putin, which lasted more than 90 minutes, as “very good,” noting that discussions covered a wide range of issues in detail, including bilateral relations and regional developments.

Iranians fighting courageously, heroically for sovereignty

For his part, Putin reaffirmed Russia’s intention to strengthen its strategic partnership with Tehran. He also revealed that he had received a message last week from Iran’s leader, Sayyed Mojtaba Khamenei, and asked Araghchi to convey his gratitude and best wishes in return.

“Please convey to the Supreme Leader the words of gratitude for this message and wishes of all the best, health, and well-being,” Putin told Araghchi.

He said the Iranian people are “fighting courageously and heroically for their sovereignty,” adding that Russia hopes they will get through this difficult period and that peace will be achieved soon.

Putin further stated that Russia will act in ways that serve the interests of regional countries to help bring peace to West Asia as quickly as possible, stressing, “As for our part, we will do everything that meets your interests, meets the interests of all the peoples of the region, so that this peace can be achieved as quickly as possible,” Putin stressed.

Iran reviewing US proposal for talks amid standstill

As for the US-Iran talks, Araghchi said yesterday that Iran is studying the US's proposal to hold talks, as Washington stressed that any diplomacy would be conducted privately and on its own terms.

“The United States has offered Iran talks, and we are currently considering this possibility,” Araghchi said, without elaborating on the scope or timing of potential negotiations.

Meanwhile, a White House spokesperson told Al Mayadeen that "diplomatic talks with Iran are sensitive, and we will not conduct them through the media", adding that "the United States will not enter into any agreement that does not put the interests of the American people first".

UK Appeals High Court Ruling that Granted Palestine Action a Victory

The Home Office is challenging top judges who ruled that the proscription of the group as a terrorist organisation was unlawful.

By Anealla Safdar

28 Apr 2026

London, United Kingdom – The United Kingdom is appealing the High Court’s landmark ruling that the government’s ban on Palestine Action was illegal.

The two-day hearing, which begins on Tuesday at the Court of Appeal in London, comes after top judges described the proscription of the direct-action group as a terrorist organisation as “disproportionate” in February.

This week’s case marks the latest development in the legal battle between the state and the activist network whose stated mission is to target companies associated with the Israeli military.

Since the UK banned Palestine Action last summer, thousands of Britons have participated in a coordinated campaign of civil disobedience, with more than 2,700 people arrested under terror laws for holding up signs reading, “I oppose genocide. I support Palestine Action.”

Although the government’s case suffered a blow at the High Court, the proscription remained in place amid the appeals process – and it is still illegal to show support for the group.

The fate of those arrested remains uncertain.

London’s Metropolitan Police announced that it was unlikely to arrest supporters in the aftermath of the High Court ruling, but reversed that policy weeks later.

Earlier this month, more than 200 protesters were arrested in central London and last week, celebrities and scholars, including the novelist Sally Rooney, climate activist Greta Thunberg and Israeli historian Ilan Pappe, signed a seven-word letter in which they declared support for Palestine Action – a move that also risks arrests.

“We oppose genocide, we support Palestine Action,” it reads.

The letter, which has since been signed by more than 1,000 people including teachers, academics, reverends, and many retirees will be delivered to the court on Tuesday by the political philosopher and professor Peter Hallward.

Palestine Action was founded in 2020 by Huda Ammori, a Briton of Palestinian and Iraqi descent and former Extinction Rebellion activist Richard Barnard.

“The ban on Palestine Action has created a profound chilling effect, fostering a climate of fear at precisely the moment when speaking out against Israel’s unrelenting crimes against humanity has been most urgent. I hope the Court of Appeal will uphold the High Court’s ruling and bring this dystopian abuse of power to an end,” Ammori said in a statement sent to Al Jazeera.

Several remand prisoners – including those who engaged in a lengthy hunger strike demanding an end to the Palestine Action ban – and activists on bail have alleged that their human rights have been violated because of their alleged association with the group, a claim denied by the Ministry of Justice.

Rights groups condemned the UK’s ban on the group as an unprecedented overreach and urged the government not to appeal.

In its annual report, Amnesty International said the UK “continued to use counterterror laws to restrict peaceful protests against the genocide in Gaza and ban the organisation Palestine Action [as] arms exports to Israel continued.”

Proscribing the group put it on par with armed groups such as ISIL and al-Qaeda.

Last month, Human Rights Watch wrote, “When the state blurs the line between activism and terrorism, it is not defending security, it is undermining freedom.”

It is unclear when the Court of Appeal might hand down its judgment.

In a statement sent to Al Jazeera, the Home Office said, “There are many lawful ways to support the Palestinian cause without being a member or supporter of this harmful organisation.”

Moscow, Tehran to Support Each Other Amid US Aggression: Russia's Defense Minister

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 5:56 AM

This picture provided on April 27, 2026 shows Russian and Iranian defense officials meeting in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek.

Russia's minister of defense has expressed confidence that Moscow and Tehran would stand in support of each other amid the situation arising from the United States' unlawful aggression targeting the Islamic Republic.

Andrey Belousov made the remarks to Iranian Deputy Defense Minister Reza Talaei-Nik during a meeting in Kyrgyzstan's capital Bishkek on Monday, Russia's TASS news agency reported.

Belousov said the support would last "as before under any development of the situation," the report read.

The meeting came amid an illegal blockade of Iranian vessels and ports by the United States, despite announcement and subsequent unilateral prolongation of a ceasefire by US President Donald Trump earlier this month.

The Islamic Republic has denounced the so-called blockade as a continuation of American aggression and violation of the conditions of the ceasefire that was announced on April 7 following 40 days of unprovoked American-Israeli attacks targeting the Iranian soil.

"We support Iran's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Belousov added, noting, "I wish the brotherly Iranian people and its Armed Forces resilience and courage in overcoming all threats facing the country."

Additionally, he said Russia "advocates for resolving the conflict exclusively through diplomatic means," and underlined, "We are ready to do everything possible to resolve this situation."

The Iranian official, for his part, expressed appreciation for Moscow’s support of Tehran in international forums and for its commitment to strengthening bilateral and defense cooperation.

Iran responded to the aggression with a resolute retaliatory strike throughout its 40-day span and simultaneously closed down the strategic Strait of Hormuz to enemies and their allies.

The Islamic Republic began shutting down the chokepoint to all traffic in return for the preservation of the blockade. Tehran has negated rejoining negotiations with Washington as long as the blockade stays in place.

Ever since the launch of the aggression, Russia has expressed full support for Iran's reprisal.

Most recently, Russia’s representative to the international organizations in Vienna said that Washington’s long-standing policy of negotiating from a position of strength through military threats and illegal sanctions has failed against the Islamic Republic and had to be abandoned.

Mikhail Ulyanov stated that the United States had no choice, but to drop the elements of blackmail, ultimatums and artificial deadlines if it truly wished to move forward in any engagement with Iran

Iran Says EU’s Insistence on Sanctions Hastens its ‘Embarrassing Descent into Irrelevance’

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 5:33 AM

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson says the EU’s insistence on inhumane sanctions against Iran demonstrates Europe’s double standards and hastens its “embarrassing descent into irrelevance.”

On Monday, European Commission President Ursula Vonder Leyen said at a press brief in Berlin that “it is too early to talk about lifting sanctions on Iran.”

In a post on X late Monday, Esmaeil Baghaei strongly criticized the European Commission president’s insistence on maintaining sanctions against Iran under the guise of human rights, calling the stance hypocritical and disgraceful.

“The EU’s inhumane sanctions on Iran were never about ‘human rights’ — they were designed to trample the basic rights of ordinary Iranians,” Baghaei wrote. “No one is buying this tired moral theater.”

He added that such posturing will not earn Europe or its constituency “an ounce of credibility on the world stage.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei has warned European countries against sliding toward “historical #NAZI mindsets” by supporting the Israeli-US aggression against Iran.

“If anything, it only further demonstrates Europe’s ruling class’ double-standard & hypocrisy, and hastens Europe’s embarrassing descent into irrelevance,” the spokesperson further said.

Iranian officials have consistently condemned EU sanctions, arguing they are not about human rights but are a form of collective punishment designed to harm ordinary citizens and serve the political interests of Western powers.

US Can No Longer Dictate Its Policies to Independent Nations: Iran Defense Ministry

Tuesday, 28 April 2026 9:31 AM

Spokesperson for Iran's Ministry of Defense Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik speaks during a meeting with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) defense ministers on April 28, 2026, Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. (Photo by defapress.ir)

The spokesperson for Iran’s Ministry of Defense says the United States is no longer in a position to dictate its policies to independent nations, adding that this reality has been demonstrated to the world through the resilience of the Iranian people and armed forces.

Brigadier General Reza Talaei-Nik, speaking upon arrival in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, to participate in the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Defense Ministers’ meeting, stressed the importance of continuing the strong path of Iran’s armed forces and the exemplary resistance of the Iranian people on the international stage.

“The United States is no longer in a position to dictate its policies to independent nations,” the spokesperson said.

He added that this has been “revealed to the entire world through the endurance of the Iranian people and armed forces. The US will eventually accept that it must abandon its illegal and irrational demands.”

Talaei-Nik further stated that the entire world now recognizes the United States and the Israeli regime as “symbols of state terrorism.”

“Their shameless crimes in the massacre of innocents, especially the children and students of the Minab school, have destroyed the credibility of the Western world regarding the values they claim to uphold,” he added.

The IRGC says any new attack on Iran would be met with a response at the “strategic deterrence” level.

The US and Israel started a fresh round of military aggression against Iran on February 28, some eight months after they carried out unprovoked attacks on the country.

The US-Israeli aggression led to the martyrdom of then-Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and hundreds of Iranian civilians, including women and children, as well as several senior military commanders.

Iran began to swiftly retaliate against the strikes by launching barrages of missiles and drone attacks on Israeli-occupied territories as well as on US bases and interests in regional countries.

The Defense Ministry spokesperson reaffirmed the full readiness of Iran’s armed forces to confront any miscalculation by enemies.

“Today, while being fully prepared for powerful defense and meeting the needs of the armed forces, the Islamic Iran is ready to share its defensive and military capabilities with independent nations, particularly SCO member states,” he emphasized.

He described the SCO as a manifestation of the desire of nations and governments to move away from an unjust unipolar system toward a multipolar world.

Shortly after arriving in Bishkek, Talaei-Nik held separate meetings with the defense ministers of Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Pakistan, and Belarus — key and influential members of the SCO.

‘Neighbors Are Our Priority’: Araghchi Pledges Iran-Oman Partnership for Safe Hormuz Navigation

Monday, 27 April 2026 1:13 AM

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi (right) shakes hands with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman at the al-Baraka Palace in Muscat, Oman, on April 26, 2026.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi hails Oman’s warm hospitality and reaffirms the Islamic Republic’s commitment to regional cooperation, safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, and putting neighbors first.

In a message highlighting Iran’s constructive diplomacy, Araghchi on Sunday expressed gratitude to his Omani hosts following important high-level talks in Muscat.

“Appreciative of my gracious hosts in Oman,” Araghchi posted on X.

“Important discussions on bilateral matters and regional developments. As only Hormuz littoral states, our focus included ways to ensure safe transit that is to benefit of all dear neighbors and the world. Our neighbors are our priority,” he added.

The statement reflects the Islamic Republic’s consistent policy of strengthening brotherly ties with regional countries and advancing practical solutions for stability in the Persian Gulf -- solutions designed and implemented by the nations of the region themselves.

Earlier, Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi wrote on X that a good discussion was held on the Strait of Hormuz with Iran’s Foreign Minister Dr. Araghchi.

"As littoral states, we recognize our shared responsibility to the international community and the urgent humanitarian need to free the seafarers held for far too long. Much diplomacy is required and practical solutions to ensure lasting freedom of navigation."

As the two littoral states bordering the Strait of Hormuz, Iran and Oman bear a natural and primary responsibility for the safety and security of this vital international waterway. During the discussions, the two sides focused on concrete ways to guarantee safe transit that serves the economic interests of all neighbors and the broader international community.

Iran has long maintained that maritime security in the Persian Gulf must be handled collectively by regional states, without the destabilizing interference of extra-regional forces whose presence has only heightened tensions.

On Sunday, Araghchi returned to Islamabad from Oman for a second official visit in two days for further consultations with Pakistani mediators amid stalled negotiations with the United States.

Araghchi left the Omani capital of Muscat, where he met with Sultan Haitham bin Tariq of Oman and discussed ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving regional crises.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has returned to Islamabad for a second official visit in two days for further consultations with Pakistani mediators amid stalled negotiations with the United States.

Islamabad mediated and hosted a first round of talks between Iranian and American delegations on April 11–12, which ended without an agreement. Iranian negotiators blamed the US’s excessive demands and shifting positions for the failure of the talks.

Trump unilaterally extended the ceasefire hours before it was set to expire on April 22 and said he was awaiting a proposal from Iran.

US Policy of Threats and Sanctions Against Iran Has Failed, Must be Abandoned: Russia Envoy

Sunday, 26 April 2026 9:15 PM

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov

Russia’s Permanent Representative to the international organizations in Vienna, Mikhail Ulyanov, has said that Washington’s long-standing policy of negotiating from a position of strength through military threats and illegal sanctions has failed against the Islamic Republic of Iran and must be abandoned. 

In a statement on Sunday that aligns with Tehran’s consistent position, Ulyanov stated that the United States has no choice but to drop the elements of blackmail, ultimatums and artificial deadlines if it truly wishes to move forward in any engagement with Iran.

“The US is accustomed to conduct negotiations from the position of strength, threatening to use military force or tighten sanctions. It is obvious that this scheme doesn’t work with Iran,” Ulyanov stated.

“The best way ahead for the US under the current circumstances is to drop all those elements of its position which look like blackmailing, ultimatums and deadlines,” he added.

The Russian diplomat’s remarks come as the Islamic Republic continues to uphold its sovereign rights and legitimate interests in the face of repeated US attempts at coercion.

Iranian officials have repeatedly stressed that Tehran will never accept negotiations conducted under threat, nor will it bow to artificial timelines or sanctions designed to extract concessions.

For years, the Trump administration’s so-called “maximum pressure” campaign — including its illegal withdrawal from the 2015 JCPOA and the imposition of crippling unilateral sanctions — has only served to strengthen Iran’s resolve, boost its self-sufficiency and expose the futility of imperialist bullying.

Iranian leaders have long maintained that the United States must recognize the new realities and abandon its outdated hegemonic approach.

The Islamic Republic has proven time and again that it will not yield to threats, whether military or economic, and remains fully prepared to defend its national dignity and achievements in the nuclear, defensive and regional fields.

As international voices increasingly call for genuine diplomacy based on mutual respect and justice, the Russian envoy’s statement underscores a growing global consensus that Washington’s tactics of intimidation are not only ineffective but counterproductive.

Iran’s foreign minister will meet President Putin in Moscow: Ambassador

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday to discuss the latest developments following a temporary ceasefire that halted US and Israeli attacks against the Islamic Republic.

Iran has made its position crystal clear that any future dialogue with the United States must begin with the removal of the American naval blockade of its ports and the complete and unconditional removal of all illegal US sanctions and the end of coercive policies.

Iran states that it is ready for constructive engagement, but only on the basis of equality and without any form of pressure or deadline dictated by the United States.

Tensions have been running high in the region following the US-Israeli war of aggression against Iran, which was launched on February 28 with the assassination of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and several top military commanders.

On April 8, forty days into the war, a Pakistan-brokered temporary ceasefire took effect. Talks ensued in Islamabad but stopped short of an agreement amid the United States’ maximalist demands and insistence on unreasonable positions.

Mali: Guterres Calls for International Solutions to Curb Spread of Violent Extremism in the Sahel

UN Photo/Mark Garten Bystanders on the street of Kidal, Mali.

26 April 2026 

Peace and Security

There are reports of continuing clashes in Mali on Sunday, a day after a series of coordinated attacks across the landlocked African nation against Government forces by extremists and northern separatist rebels.

Gunfire and explosions were reported in the capital Bamako on Saturday and around a large military base outside the capital, as well as Gao and central areas, with gunfire continuing in the northern city of Kidal.

Assaults by Tuareg rebels looking to establish a breakaway ethnic state, focused on northern areas while the armed groups affiliated with Al Qaeda and ISIL had targeted towns across the country.

The country has been wracked by extremist violence for more than 14 years. The UN mission deployed in 2013 following a quickly subdued insurrection by separatist rebels attempting to take control of the north, and subsequent failed coup.

Mali’s current military Government – in power since two coups launched in the early 2020s – reportedly said on Saturday evening that it had launched a successful counter-offensive, killing hundreds of the insurgents.

Military ruler President Assimi Goïta came to power in 2021 promising to restore security against the growing control of armed groups in the north and central regions. 

He remains in control of military forces but Aljazeera is reporting on Sunday that Defence Minister General Sadio Camara was killed during Saturday’s coordinated attacks.

Guterres ‘deeply concerned’ 

UN Secretary‑General António Guterres said in a statement issued Saturday night that he was “deeply concerned” over attacks across Mali.

“He strongly condemns these acts of violence, expresses solidarity with the Malian people and stresses the need to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure.”

The Security Council-mandated UN peacekeeping mission, MINUSMA, drew down fully in 2023 after being asked to leave by the military government, worsening security conditions in the country. 

In 2022, French forces and the European Union Training Mission were also ordered out by the leadership in Bamako, which has retained the support of Russian mercenaries in its stabilization efforts.

‘Our thoughts are with all civilians’

UN humanitarian operations continue in Mali, coordinated under a needs and response plan which is targeting support for around 3.8 million people out of more than five million in need.

The UN’s top official in Mali who coordinates the organization’s work inside the country, Hanaa Hamdy-Singer, said in a social media post on Sunday: “Our thoughts are with all civilians affected particularly those who have already faced significant hardship and now confront renewed challenges.”

She added that the United Nations “remains steadfast in its commitment to support civilians in need and will continue to closely monitor developments.”

In the past few years, extremist groups – in particular al-Qaeda affiliate JNIM – have continued to encroach on territory across the wider Sahel region, targeting civilians, together with economic hubs and trading routes.

‘Robust’ coordination needed

In the light of this weekend’s attacks in Mali, the UN chief called for more “coordinated international support to address the evolving threat of violent extremism and terrorism in the Sahel,” and for urgent humanitarian needs to be better addressed.

“He reiterates his call for robust security coordination and collaboration across the region,” the statement concluded.

Malian Defense Chief is Killed as Jihadis and Rebels Seize Towns and Military Bases

By WILSON MCMAKIN

7:23 PM EDT, April 26, 2026

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Mali ‘s defense minister was killed in a sweeping attack by jihadis and rebels who seized several towns and military bases, authorities said Sunday, the latest violence in the junta-run country that has long battled militants linked to al-Qaida and the Islamic State group as well as a separatist rebellion in the north.

The Malian government confirmed the death of the defense chief, Gen. Sadio Camara, in a post on the defense ministry’s Facebook page, and expressed its condolences to his family. State-run television also broadcast the announcement of his death by spokesman Gen. Issa Ousmane Coulibaly.

Mali was struck on Saturday by one of the biggest coordinated attacks on its army in the capital, Bamako, and several other cities and towns in an assault that also challenged Mali’s security partner, Russia, which has forces on the ground in the West African country.

The government said Sunday the attacks appear to be over, but several questions remain, including who was in control of a key northern city that the separatists claim to have taken.

The government has not provided a death toll from Saturday and previously said only that at least 16 people were wounded in what it denounced as terror attacks.

The separatists have been fighting for years to create an independent state in northern Mali, while al-Qaida and IS-aligned militants have been fighting the government for over a decade.

According to the government statement, Camara’s residence was targeted by a suicide car bomber and other attackers on Saturday.

“He engaged in an exchange of fire with the assailants, some of whom he managed to neutralize,” it said. “During intense clashes, he was wounded and then transported to the hospital, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.”

Separatists claim control of the northern town of Kidal

A spokesperson for the separatist Tuareg-led Azawad Liberation Front, or FLA, said the Russian Africa Corps troops and the Malian military withdrew from the city of Kidal following the attack on Saturday, after an agreement was reached for their peaceful exit.

“Kidal is declared free,” said FLA spokesperson Mohamed El Maouloud Ramadan.

In a statement on state TV late Sunday night, Gen. Oumar Diarra, head of the armed forces, confirmed that the Malian army had left the city and that its forces were repositioning in Anefis, a city about 100 kilometers (62 miles) south of Kidal.

The separatists have been fighting for years to create an independent state in northern Mali.

Kidal had long served as a stronghold of the rebellion before being taken by Malian government forces and Russian mercenaries in 2023. Its capture marked a significant symbolic victory for the junta and its Russian allies.

Militants unite with separatists to coordinate attacks

Saturday’s wave of attacks was the first time the separatists joined forces with the al-Qaida-linked group JNIM, which said it was also part of the attack on Kidal and had also targeted a town outside of the capital of Bamako and three other cities on Saturday.

The FLA spokesperson confirmed the coordinated push.

“This operation is being carried out in partnership with the JNIM, which is also committed to defending the people against the military regime in Bamako,” Ramadan said.

The separatists called on Russia to “reconsider its support for the military junta” in Mali, saying its “actions have contributed to the suffering of the civilian population.”

Wassim Nasr, a specialist for the region and senior research fellow at the Soufan Center security think tank, said this “coordination, conducting attacks all over the country at the same time,” the united push by the two groups and the call for the Russian military to leave was a first.

It extended beyond the military, he said, to the political level because both groups “acknowledged that they worked together.”

Following the attacks, a three-day overnight curfew, from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m., was also announced for the Bamako district.

Mali’s government spokesperson, Coulibaly, said civilian and military personnel were among the 16 wounded and that several militants were killed. He did not provide a death toll.

A threat to the wider region

The Economic Community of West African States condemned Saturday’s attacks in Mali and called on “all states, security forces, regional mechanisms and populations of West Africa to unite and mobilize in a coordinated effort to combat this scourge.”

Following military coups, the juntas in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso turned from Western allies to Russia for help in combating Islamic militants.

But the security situation in the region has worsened in recent times, with a record number of attacks by militants. Government forces have also been accused of killing civilians they suspect of collaborating with militants.

In 2024, an al-Qaida-linked group claimed an attack on Bamako’s airport and a military training camp in the country’s capital, killing scores of people.

Ulf Laessing, from the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, said that the separatists and JNIM are unlikely to take control of Bamako in the near term due to opposition from the local population.

Still, the attacks undermined the Malian junta’s Russian partners.

“The attacks are a major blow to Russia as the mercenaries had no intelligence about the attacks and were unable to protect major cities,” Laessing said.

UAE Assures Safety of 30,000 Kenyans As Middle East Tensions Persist

UNFCC/Flickr

Expo City Dubai (file photo).

24 April 2026

Capital FM (Nairobi)

Nairobi — The United Arab Emirates (UAE) government has assured Kenyan families that their relatives working in the Gulf nation are safe despite ongoing regional tensions.

In an interview with Capital FM Kenya, UAE Minister of State Saeed bin Mubarak Al Hajeri said the safety of all residents, including approximately 30,000 Kenyans, remains a top priority.

"The Kenyan community is not a guest in the UAE - it is part of our family, and we will do everything necessary to ensure its safety," the Minister of Foreign Affairs said.

"Indeed, citizens and residents, including our valued African community, are going about their daily lives, businesses remain open, and essential services continue to operate seamlessly at full capacity."

He cited efforts by UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who has personally visited injured civilians.

He added; "Let me speak directly to Kenyan families: your loved ones are safe. His Highness President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, visited injured civilians in hospital, among them an Indian national, and affirmed: "They are all our responsibility".

The Minister added that businesses remain open, essential services are fully operational and daily life continues uninterrupted.

While acknowledging that regional instability poses challenges to trade, security, and infrastructure, Al Hajeri framed the situation as a test of the UAE's long-standing model of tolerance, coexistence, and economic openness.

"Our vision and our determination to prosper under any conditions, however challenging, remain unwavering. Backed by strong institutions, decisive leadership, and a resilient people, we will ensure - and indeed, continue to grow and prosper," Al Hajeri said.

Data by the Kenya's Ministry of Trade approximates about 30,000 to 50,000 Kenyans live and work in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as of late 2024-2025.

"They are employed in various sectors, including hospitality, security, transport, ICT, aviation, and domestic work, with the majority residing in Dubai. This population is supported by a 2018 memorandum of understanding on labor between the two countries," according to the Ministry's Website.

The ministry noted that recognising the great potential to leverage on the untapped skilled labour needs in the UAE, the 4th Kenya- UAE Session of the Joint Commission for Cooperation (JCC) held between 11th - 14th August, 2024 highlighted the need to address the absence of mutual recognition of academic, technical and professional qualifications and certificates that has prevented skilled Kenyans accessing the job market in the UAE.

The outcome was the commitment from both sides to undertake the necessary steps to engage UAE officials with Kenyan tertiary and institutions of higher learning to demonstrate the high standard of the existing infrastructure and richly diverse curricula in the education sector.

The Ministry led by Lee Kinyanjui adds that Kenya and the UAE have seen an expansion in direct air connectivity, facilitating ease of travel and exchange of goods between the two countries.

In addition to the frequent passenger and cargo flights by Emirates Airlines, Etihad Airways, the second largest airline, resumed both passenger and non-passenger flights on the Nairobi- Abu Dhabi route last year after a three-year hiatus following the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, signalling the importance of Kenya as an aviation hub for UAE based carriers. Furthermore, Flydubai Airlines that operates flights between the UAE and Mombasa since January 2024 has supported tourism, investment, and access to opportunities for our coastal communities.

Read the original article on Capital FM.