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Shafaaq News Agency
Site URL: shafaq.com/en?rss=1
Feed URL: shafaq.com/rss/en
Posts: 392
Followers: 1
Lahur Sheikh Jangi begins hunger strike, Alleges judicial interference
Published: April 19, 2026 23:00
Shafaq News- Al-Sulaymaniyah The Leader of the Kurdistan People’s Front (PFP), Lahur Sheikh Jangi, and his brother Polad announced on Sunday the start of a hunger strike until what they described as the rule of law is upheld in their case. Sheikh Jangi…
Tehran vows retaliation after us seizes vessel
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Tehran-vows-retaliation-after-us-seizes-vessel
Published: April 19, 2026 22:34
Shafaq News- Tehran On Monday, Iran threatened retaliation after US forces attacked and seized the Iranian cargo vessel TOUSKA in the Gulf of Oman, describing the incident as armed maritime piracy. The Spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam Al-Anbiya Central…
Iran warns of consequences over US blockade
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-warns-of-consequences-over-US-blockade
Published: April 19, 2026 21:57
Shafaq News- Tehran Iranian President Masoud Pezhakian on Sunday discussed regional developments and ongoing negotiations with Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. According to Iranian Presidency, Pezhakian criticized what he described as…
Half a million captagon pills seized in Syria–Iraq operation
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Half-a-million-captagon-pills-seized-in-Syria-Iraq-operation
Published: April 19, 2026 21:08
Shafaq News- DamascusSyrian authorities said on Sunday they had foiled an attempt to smuggle around 500,000 captagon pills intended for export, in coordination with Iraq’s General Directorate for Narcotics and Psychotropic Substances.In a statement, the…
Trump: US navy fires on Iran-flagged vessel in Oman Gulf
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Trump-US-navy-fires-on-Iran-flagged-vessel-in-Oman-Gulf
Published: April 19, 2026 20:38
Shafaq News- Washington US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that US naval forces intercepted an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel in the Gulf of Oman after it attempted to breach the naval blockade imposed on Iran. Trump noted that the US Navy…
Netanyahu warns Iran war could resume at any moment
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Netanyahu-warns-Iran-war-could-resume-at-any-moment
Published: April 19, 2026 19:41
Shafaq News- Middle EastIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that war with Iran could resume at any moment, warning that the conflict “has not ended” and may escalate again.“We are at war with Iran, which spreads instability in the…
Iraq targets unemployment reduction via farm, industry push
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-targets-unemployment-reduction-via-farm-industry-push
Published: April 19, 2026 18:36
Shafaq News- BaghdadIraq is seeking to reduce unemployment, currently around 13%, by expanding domestic production through agriculture and industry, Prime Minister’s financial adviser Mudher Mohammed Salih said on Sunday.Salih told Shafaq News that the…
US Envoy heads to Pakistan for Iran talks as Trump warns of escalation
Published: April 19, 2026 17:48
Shafaq News- Washington US President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington will send Middle East Envoy, Steve Witkoff, to Pakistan to resume negotiations with Iran, as efforts continue to reach a deal before the current ceasefire expires. Trump…
Coordination Framework faces critical 72 hours to name Iraq PM
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Coordination-Framework-faces-critical-72-hours-to-name-Iraq-PM
Published: April 19, 2026 17:07
Shafaq News- Baghdad The next 72 hours will be critical for Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) to agree on a nominee for prime minister, MP Ahmed Salem al-Saadi of Al-Hikma (Wisdom) Movement told Shafaq News on Sunday, pointing to mounting time…
Israel reports nearly 700 soldiers wounded in Lebanon operations
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Israel-reports-nearly-700-soldiers-wounded-in-Lebanon-operations
Published: April 19, 2026 16:30
Shafaq News- Middle East About 690 Israeli soldiers have been wounded since the start of military operations in Lebanon on March 2, the army said on Sunday. In a statement, the military indicated that 42 remain in critical condition and 96 sustained…
Iraq’s Al-Anbar Council elects Hamid Al-Alwani as chairman
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-s-Al-Anbar-Council-elects-Hamid-Al-Alwani-as-chairman
Published: April 19, 2026 15:47
Shafaq News- Al-Anbar Al-Anbar Provincial Council on Sunday elected Hamid Al-Alwani as chairman during a voting session held within its fourth electoral term, succeeding acting head Akram Al-Mahlawi. Al-Alwani secured the required absolute majority,…
Al-Sudani’s camp challenges Nouri Al-Maliki’s nomination ahead of key vote
Published: April 19, 2026 15:12
Shafaq News- BaghdadThe Reconstruction and Development Coalition, led by caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, stated on Sunday it had withdrawn support for Nouri al-Maliki’s bid for prime minister, reaffirming al-Sudani as its sole…
Hormuz shipping halt threatens global oil supply
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Hormuz-shipping-halt-threatens-global-oil-supply
Published: April 19, 2026 14:48
Shafaq News- Middle EastCommercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has halted completely, disrupting flows of around 20 million barrels of oil per day, or roughly 20% of global consumption, according to vessel tracking data reported on Sunday.The…
Rights body urges probe after engineers assaulted at Basra protest
https://shafaq.com/en/society/Rights-body-urges-probe-after-engineers-assaulted-at-Basra-protest
Published: April 19, 2026 14:40
Shafaq News- BasraIraq’s High Commission for Human Rights called on Sunday for an immediate investigation into assaults on engineers during a protest outside Basra Oil Company.Mahdi al-Tamimi, head of the commission’s Basra office, told Shafaq News that…
Dawa Party reaffirms Nouri al-Maliki bid as CF sets decisive meeting
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Dawa-Party-reaffirms-al-Maliki-bid-as-CF-sets-decisive-meeting
Published: April 19, 2026 14:07
Shafaq News- BaghdadIraq’s Islamic Dawa Party said on Sunday that its leader, Nouri al-Maliki, remains the sole candidate for prime minister, denying any move to nominate an alternative, as the Coordination Framework (CF) called for a decisive meeting to…
US dollar drops in Baghdad and Erbil markets
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/US-dollar-drops-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-8
Published: April 19, 2026 14:01
Shafaq News- Baghdad/ ErbilThe US dollar closed Sunday's trading lower in Iraq at around 153,000 dinars per 100 dollars.According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 153,000 dinars per 100…
Israel warns Beirut: We will expand military operations
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Israel-warns-Beirut-We-will-expand-military-operations
Published: April 19, 2026 13:50
Shafaq News- Middle EastIsrael’s Defense Minister Israel Katz on Sunday threatened to expand military operations in Lebanon under a 10-day ceasefire if the Lebanese government fails to meet its “security commitments.”According to the Israel Broadcasting…
Iraq: Israel Somaliland envoy could fuel territorial disputes
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-Israel-Somaliland-envoy-could-fuel-territorial-disputes
Published: April 19, 2026 13:20
Shafaq News- BaghdadIraq’s Foreign Ministry on Sunday rejected Israel’s appointment of a diplomatic representative to Somaliland as a violation of Somalia’s sovereignty and international law.The ministry said the step reflects “intentions to encourage…
Ceasefire without sovereignty: how Lebanon's fragmented power blocks a peace with Israel
Published: April 19, 2026 13:14
Shafaq News Two days before a ten-day ceasefire came into effect, the Lebanese and Israeli ambassadors sat across from each other in Washington on April 14, 2026 —the first direct meeting at that level in more than three decades. The encounter did not…
IEA proposes Basra–Ceyhan pipeline to bypass Hormuz
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/IEA-proposes-Basra-Ceyhan-pipeline-to-bypass-Hormuz
Published: April 19, 2026 13:06
Shafaq News- BasraA new oil pipeline linking Iraq’s Basra fields to Turkiye’s Ceyhan terminal on the Mediterranean has been proposed to reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz and strengthen energy supply security, particularly for Europe, Executive…
Netanyahu defends stance on Iran nuclear threat
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Netanyahu-defends-stance-on-Iran-nuclear-threat
Published: April 19, 2026 12:54
Shafaq News- Middle East Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Sunday against Iran’s nuclear ambitions, stressing that without Israel’s actions, the Jewish people would have faced the “beginning of their end.” Speaking to reporters,…
Six ISIS operatives detained in pre-emptive raid in Iraq’s Basra
https://shafaq.com/en/Security/Six-ISIS-operatives-detained-in-pre-emptive-raid-in-Iraq-s-Basra
Published: April 19, 2026 12:25
Shafaq News- Basra Iraq’s security forces arrested six suspects linked to ISIS, Basra Intelligence and Counterterrorism Directorate said on Sunday, adding that the group had been preparing imminent attacks in the southern Iraqi province. The operation,…
Turkiye backs US–Iran deal push as breakthrough seen in talks
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Turkiye-backs-US-Iran-deal-push-as-breakthrough-seen-in-talks
Published: April 19, 2026 12:00
Shafaq News- AnkaraWashington and Tehran have a genuine willingness to reach an agreement, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said on Sunday, adding that Ankara would support efforts to advance the process.Fidan said talks between the two sides were…
Man arrested after shooting at Kurdish flag in northeastern Syria
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Man-arrested-after-shooting-at-Kurdish-flag-in-northeastern-Syria
Published: April 19, 2026 11:32
Shafaq News- HasakahSyrian Kurdish security forces (Asayish) arrested a man on Sunday after a video showed him shooting at a Kurdish flag in Qamishli, sparking protests and tensions across northeast Syria.In a statement, Asayish said they detained the…
Al-Maliki aide warns against stalling in Iraq’s PM nomination process
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Al-Maliki-aide-warns-against-stalling-in-Iraq-s-PM-nomination-process
Published: April 19, 2026 11:00
Shafaq News- Baghdad The media director for State of Law Coalition leader Nouri Al-Maliki, Hisham Al-Rikabi, on Sunday criticized delays within Iraq’s Shiite Coordination Framework (CF) in naming a prime minister, while rejecting claims that Al-Maliki has…
Iraq loses $590M to fake food ration recipients
https://shafaq.com/en/society/Iraq-loses-590M-to-fake-food-ration-recipients
Published: April 19, 2026 10:31
Shafaq News- BaghdadIraq hemorrhaged nearly $590 million in a single year distributing food rations to more than three million ineligible recipients, including the deceased and citizens living abroad, officials told Shafaq News.With a population of roughly…
Israeli explosions rock Lebanese villages despite temporary ceasefire
Published: April 19, 2026 09:50
Shafaq News- Beirut Israel on Sunday carried out a series of explosions in southern Lebanon despite the recently signed 10-day ceasefire agreement with Beirut. According to Lebanese media, the blasts hit the villages of Hanine, Naqoura, Khiam, and Bint…
Iraq’s Najaf: Libraries resurrecting history from the ashes
https://shafaq.com/en/Report/Iraq-s-Najaf-Libraries-resurrecting-history-from-the-ashes
Published: April 19, 2026 09:15
Shafaq News In the narrow alleys of Najaf, behind wooden Mashrabiyya (ornamental lattice) screens and heavy doors, four libraries safeguard one of the Islamic world’s most significant concentrations of manuscript heritage. Some of their holdings are more…
Gold prices rise in Baghdad, stabilize in Erbil
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-rise-in-Baghdad-stabilize-in-Erbil-2-2
Published: April 19, 2026 08:35
Shafaq News- Baghdad/ ErbilOn Sunday, gold prices hovered around 1 million IQD per mithqal in Baghdad and Erbil markets, according to a survey by Shafaq News Agency.Gold prices on Baghdad's Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling price of 1,046,000 IQD per…
Dollar rises in Baghdad and Erbil markets
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-rises-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-8
Published: April 19, 2026 08:02
Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil The US dollar opened Sunday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 153,000 dinars per 100 dollars. According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 153,200…
Iran champions nuclear autonomy
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-champions-nuclear-autonomy
Published: April 19, 2026 07:41
Shafaq News- Tehran Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed on Sunday that Tehran does not seek to expand regional conflicts, while maintaining Iran’s ‘’legitimate right to self-defense if attacked.’’ Speaking during a press conference,…
EIA: Iraq’s oil exports to US dip over the week
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/EIA-Iraq-s-oil-exports-to-US-dip-over-the-week-0-2
Published: April 19, 2026 06:59
Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Washington Iraq’s crude oil exports to the United States dropped 11,000 barrels per day (bpd) last week, US Energy Information Administration (EIA) data showed on Sunday. Iraqi shipments averaged 109,000 bpd last week, 9.17%…
US and Israel ready new Iran offensive
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/US-and-Israel-ready-new-Iran-offensive
Published: April 19, 2026 06:15
Shafaq News- Middle East The United States and Israel have updated their joint target bank, placing greater focus on Iran’s energy infrastructure, Israeli media outlets reported on Sunday, as preparations continue for a possible breakdown of the current…
Trump pursues Iran nuclear breakthrough
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Trump-pursues-Iran-nuclear-breakthrough
Published: April 19, 2026 05:33
Shafaq News- Washington US President Donald Trump is anticipating a possible breakthrough in negotiations with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing a source familiar with the talks. According to the outlet, Washington is seeking…
Baghdad plants 60K trees, targets 300K in spring campaign
https://shafaq.com/en/society/Baghdad-plants-60K-trees-targets-300K-in-spring-campaign
Published: April 18, 2026 23:00
Shafaq News- BaghdadBaghdad municipality has planted about 60,000 trees across the capital since mid-March as part of a spring greening campaign, officials said on Saturday.Municipal spokesperson Uday Al-Jandil told Shafaq News the campaign is expanding…
Iraqi Airways restarts Basra flights after 40-day shutdown
https://shafaq.com/en/society/Iraqi-Airways-restarts-Basra-flights-after-40-day-shutdown
Published: April 18, 2026 22:30
Shafaq News- BasraIraqi Airways on Sunday said it will resume flights from Basra to Dubai, Istanbul, and Cairo following the reopening of Iraqi airspace after a 40-day closure.The airline said Basra–Dubai flights will restart on April 23 with two weekly…
US patrols ‘enforce’ blockade on Iran as Hormuz tensions rise
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/US-patrols-enforce-blockade-on-Iran-as-Hormuz-tensions-rise
Published: April 18, 2026 21:54
Shafaq News- Middle EastA US Navy guided-missile destroyer is patrolling regional waters to enforce a blockade that has halted Iran’s maritime trade, US Central Command (CENTCOM) said on Saturday.The USS Pinckney (DDG-91) is operating as part of a wider…
Kataib Hezbollah ties Iraq PM to Al-Maliki or Al-Sudani blocs
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Kataib-Hezbollah-ties-Iraq-PM-to-Al-Maliki-or-Al-Sudani-blocs
Published: April 18, 2026 21:48
Shafaq News- Baghdad Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned Iraqi armed faction, on Saturday rejected any move to concentrate Iraq’s top political posts within a single bloc, as political forces remain deadlocked over selecting the next prime minister. In a…
Opinion: Washington pursues regional de-escalation through fragile frameworks
Published: April 18, 2026 21:19
Shafaq News- WashingtonA tentative push to ease tensions in the Middle East is taking shape —from Lebanon-Israel talks to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz— two political experts briefed Shafaq News on Saturday, while cautioning that the underlying…
Hezbollah warns of response to Israel violations, outlines five truce conditions
Published: April 18, 2026 20:29
Shafaq News- Beirut Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem on Saturday warned that the group will respond to any Israeli violations despite the recent ceasefire, crediting Iran’s backing and pressure as a factor in forcing the truce. In a message, he…
IRGC confirms Hormuz closure, warns ships
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/IRGC-confirms-Hormuz-closure-warns-ships
Published: April 18, 2026 19:45
Shafaq News- TehranIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy on Saturday confirmed it had closed the Strait of Hormuz and warned ships against approaching the waterway until a US naval blockade on Iranian vessels and ports is lifted.The navy…
KDP boycotts Iraqi parliament sessions over “constitutional violations”
Published: April 18, 2026 19:00
Shafaq News- Erbil The Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) announced on Saturday that it will boycott sessions of Iraq’s Parliament until further notice, days after lawmakers elected Nizar Amedi of the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK), its main Kurdish…
ISIS claims attacks in Syria’s Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/ISIS-claims-attacks-in-Syria-s-Raqqa-and-Deir-ez-Zor
Published: April 18, 2026 18:40
Shafaq News- DamascusISIS on Saturday claimed responsibility for two attacks in Syria’s Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor provinces over the past two days, with no immediate confirmation from Syrian authorities.The group said in its Al-Naba publication that it…
IRGC claims drone strike on opposition sites in Kurdistan Region
https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/IRGC-claims-drone-strike-on-opposition-sites-in-Kurdistan-Region
Published: April 18, 2026 18:05
Shafaq News- Erbil Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Saturday that it carried out a drone strike targeting opposition groups in Iraq’s Kurdistan Region, reporting three people killed and five others injured. In a statement, the…
Iran attacks ships, re-closes Strait of Hormuz
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-attacks-ships-re-closes-Strait-of-Hormuz
Published: April 18, 2026 17:10
Shafaq News- TehranIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on Saturday launched three attacks on commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz and reimposed a closure of the waterway, according to international media reports.Britain’s maritime…
Source: Qaani meets Iraqi factions in Baghdad as PM talks stall
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Source-Qaani-meets-Iraqi-factions-in-Baghdad-as-PM-talks-stall
Published: April 18, 2026 16:32
Shafaq News- Baghdad Iran’s Quds Force commander, Esmail Qaani, arrived in Baghdad in an unannounced visit, holding talks with Iraqi political and armed faction leaders as negotiations over the next prime minister remain unresolved, a well-informed source…
Iraq’s CF postpones meeting to nominate PM
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Iraq-s-CF-postpones-meeting-to-nominate-PM
Published: April 18, 2026 16:21
Shafaq News- Baghdad A meeting of Iraq’s Coordination Framework (CF), a coalition of ruling Shiite political parties, scheduled on Saturday, was postponed to Monday, at the request of caretaker Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani, a political source…
Hezbollah refutes French blame for fatal UNIFIL ambush in southern Lebanon
Published: April 18, 2026 16:02
Shafaq News- Beirut Hezbollah on Saturday rejected French allegations linking it to a deadly attack on a United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) convoy in the Ghandourieh-Bint Jbeil area of southern Lebanon, calling on the Lebanese Army to…
President Barzani backs Ammar Al-Hakim after Al-Hikma re-election
https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/President-Barzani-backs-Ammar-Al-Hakim-after-Al-Hikma-re-election
Published: April 18, 2026 15:43
Shafaq News- ErbilKurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani on Saturday congratulated Shiite Iraqi leader Ammar Al-Hakim on his re-election as head of the National Wisdom (Al-Hikma) Movement, wishing the party “continued success.”Barzani said he looked…
Iraq's industrial output trails imports despite 1,200 projects
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-s-industrial-output-trails-imports-despite-1-200-projects
Published: April 18, 2026 15:22
Shafaq News- BaghdadIraq’s industrial sector generates no more than 7 trillion Iraqi dinars (≈ $5.34 billion) annually, far below imports that exceed 100 trillion dinars (≈ $76 billion), economist Manar Al-Obaidi said on Saturday.Al-Obaidi explained that…
President Barzani at ADF2026: Bolsters Ankara-Erbil cooperation
https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/President-Barzani-at-ADF2026-Bolsters-Ankara-Erbil-cooperation
Published: April 18, 2026 15:04
Shafaq News- Antalya Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan discussed strengthening ties between Turkiye, Iraq, and the Kurdistan Region on Saturday, according to an official statement.I was delighted to…
Lebanon condemns killing of a UNIFIL French soldier
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Lebanon-condemns-killing-of-a-UNIFIL-French-soldier
Published: April 18, 2026 14:11
Shafaq News- Beirut The presidents of Lebanon, parliament, and the government on Saturday condemned the killing of a French soldier serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), calling for investigations to clarify the circumstances…
Dollar rises in Baghdad and Erbil markets
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-rises-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-0-9
Published: April 18, 2026 14:00
Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil The US dollar closed Saturday’s trading higher in Iraq, hovering around 153,000 dinars per 100 dollars. According to a Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 152,750…
President Barzani at ADF2026: Pushes regional stability in talks with Arab League chief
Published: April 18, 2026 13:42
Shafaq News- Antalya Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed the need to protect regional stability and prevent further escalation during talks on Saturday, according to an official…
Hezbollah official says Iran imposed ceasefire, rejects direct negotiations with Israel
Published: April 18, 2026 13:25
Shafaq News- Beirut Iran played a vital role in securing the ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel, a senior Hezbollah official said on Saturday, attributing it to “international pressure tools.” In press remarks, Mahmoud Qomati, deputy head of…
France blames Hezbollah for deadly UNIFIL attack in Lebanon, calls for accountability
Published: April 18, 2026 13:07
Shafaq News- Paris/ Beirut French President Emmanuel Macron held Hezbollah responsible on Saturday for an attack on a UNIFIL patrol in southern Lebanon that killed a French soldier and wounded three others. On X, Macron confirmed that Staff Sergeant…
US carrier Gerald R. Ford enters Red Sea amid Hormuz tensions
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/US-carrier-Gerald-R-Ford-enters-Red-Sea-amid-Hormuz-tensions
Published: April 18, 2026 12:52
Shafaq News- TehranThe US aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford (CVN-78) has entered the Red Sea, accompanied by two US Navy destroyers, the Associated Press reported on Saturday.The carrier is heading toward areas near the Strait of Hormuz to reinforce US…
Israeli military reports strikes near the southern Lebanon “yellow line”
Published: April 18, 2026 12:31
Shafaq News- Beirut The Israeli military said on Saturday it carried out air and ground strikes after identifying armed individuals approaching its forces south of the “Yellow Line” in southern Lebanon, describing it as a ceasefire violation. In a…
Khamenei: Iran’s navy poised to inflict fresh defeats
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Khamenei-Iran-s-navy-poised-to-inflict-fresh-defeats
Published: April 18, 2026 12:20
Shafaq News- Tehran Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said on Saturday that the country’s navy is ready to deliver “new defeats” to its enemies, marking the anniversary of the Army of the Islamic Republic of Iran. In a message carried by…
IRGC intercepts Iraqi oil tanker in Hormuz as ships forced back
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/IRGC-intercepts-Iraqi-oil-tanker-in-Hormuz-as-ships-forced-back
Published: April 18, 2026 11:57
Shafaq News- TehranIran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) navy intercepted two vessels in the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, forcing them to turn back, including a tanker carrying Iraqi oil, according to media reports.The TankerTrackers said IRGC…
Iran disputes Trump claims on nuclear settlement
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-disputes-Trump-claims-on-nuclear-settlement
Published: April 18, 2026 11:38
Shafaq News- Tehran Iran has yet to approve a new round of nuclear talks with the United States, as tensions intensify over renewed accusations and disputed maritime security claims, local media reported on Saturday. According to Tasnim News, Tehran…
CF may delay key meeting on the prime minister nominee
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/CF-may-delay-key-meeting-on-the-prime-minister-nominee
Published: April 18, 2026 11:16
Shafaq News- Baghdad Iraq’s Coordination Framework (CF), a coalition of ruling Shiite political parties, may postpone a planned meeting to nominate a candidate for prime minister until Monday, a senior political source told Shafaq News on Saturday. The…
US-Iran negotiations hit roadblocks over nuclear enrichment
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/US-Iran-negotiations-hit-roadblocks-over-nuclear-enrichment
Published: April 18, 2026 10:53
Shafaq News- Washington/ Tehran Talks between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program remain unresolved, with key differences still blocking progress on uranium enrichment and the length of any suspension, CBS News reported Saturday. …
Gold prices climb in Baghdad, dip in Erbil
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Gold-prices-climb-in-Baghdad-dip-in-Erbil
Published: April 18, 2026 10:20
Shafaq News- Baghdad/ ErbilOn Saturday, gold prices rose in Baghdad to around 1.04 million IQD per mithqal for 21-carat gold, while declining in Erbil, according to a market survey by Shafaq News.Gold prices on Baghdad’s Al-Nahr Street recorded a selling…
Barzani at ADF2026: Talks with Turkiye center on security and stability
Published: April 18, 2026 09:45
Shafaq News- Antalya Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani and Turkish Defense Minister Yasar Guler discussed regional security, the ongoing US-Iran temporary ceasefire, as well as the broader Middle East stability on the sidelines of the fifth…
Iran announces renewed closure of Strait of Hormuz
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-announces-renewed-closure-of-Strait-of-Hormuz
Published: April 18, 2026 09:25
Shafaq News- TehranIran has again closed the Strait of Hormuz, returning it to its previous status, a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said on Saturday, confirming that the waterway remains under the control of the country’s armed…
Regional conflict strains Iraq’s credit standing
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Regional-conflict-strains-Iraq-s-credit-standing
Published: April 18, 2026 09:11
Shafaq News- Baghdad Moody’s Investors Service on Saturday downgraded Iraq’s outlook to negative, citing rising regional tensions and increasing risks to the country’s oil-dependent economy and export flows. The agency warned that Iraq’s reliance on…
PM Barzani demands security measures following deadly Erbil strikes
https://shafaq.com/en/Kurdistan/PM-Barzani-demands-security-measures-following-deadly-Erbil-strikes
Published: April 18, 2026 08:43
Shafaq News- Erbil Kurdish Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Saturday condemned the recent attacks targeting the Kurdistan Region despite the US-Iran temporary ceasefire implemented on April 8, reiterating that Erbil is not part of the war. In a post…
Iran reopens parts of airspace, resumes flights in phases
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-reopens-parts-of-airspace-resumes-flights-in-phases
Published: April 18, 2026 08:21
Shafaq News- TehranIran’s Civil Aviation Organization announced on Saturday the partial reopening of the country’s airspace and several airports, marking the start of a phased resumption of flight operations.In a statement, the authority said air routes in…
Dollar drops in Baghdad and Erbil markets
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-drops-in-Baghdad-and-Erbil-markets-9
Published: April 18, 2026 08:11
Shafaq News- Baghdad/ Erbil The US dollar opened Saturday's trading lower in Iraq, hovering around 152,000 dinars per 100 dollars. According to Shafaq News market survey, the dollar traded in Baghdad's Al-Kifah and Al-Harithiya exchanges at 152,500…
Iran: Strategic military might remains unused
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-Strategic-military-might-remains-unused
Published: April 18, 2026 08:04
Shafaq News- Tehran Iran has not yet deployed its full geostrategic capabilities and considers its conflict with the United States ongoing, the country’s Defense Ministry indicated on Saturday, warning that Tehran would respond if other parties resort…
Basrah crudes post weekly gains as global oil prices decline
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Basrah-crudes-post-weekly-gains-as-global-oil-prices-decline
Published: April 18, 2026 07:33
Shafaq News- BasrahBasrah Heavy and Basrah Medium crude closed higher last week, recording gains despite a sharp decline in global oil prices.Basrah Heavy rose by 76 cents in the latest trading session to $116.59 per barrel, posting weekly gains of $1.62,…
Tankers resume Hormuz transit after Iran reopening
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Tankers-resume-Hormuz-transit-after-Iran-reopening
Published: April 18, 2026 06:50
Shafaq News- TehranA convoy of tankers departed Gulf ports and transited the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday after Iran announced the waterway’s reopening, according to Reuters.Vessel-tracking data, including from MarineTraffic, showed at least six vessels,…
Iran keeps curbs on Hormuz shipping despite ceasefire
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Iran-keeps-curbs-on-Hormuz-shipping-despite-ceasefire
Published: April 18, 2026 06:15
Shafaq News- TehranIran has told mediators it will continue restricting the number of vessels allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz and impose transit fees for the remainder of the ceasefire period, officials told The Wall Street Journal on…
Opinion: KDP, PUK, and the fracturing of Kurdish political partnership in Iraq
Published: April 18, 2026 05:24
Shafaq NewsBy Ali Hussein FeyliKurdistan Region is widely regarded, in many external assessments, as one of the Middle East's most notable federal experiments, not only because it rests on a constitutional framework within the Iraqi state, but also because…
Trump: US to control Iranian nuclear materials under proposed deal
https://shafaq.com/en/World/Trump-US-to-control-Iranian-nuclear-materials-under-proposed-deal
Published: April 17, 2026 23:00
Shafaq News- Washington On Friday, US President Donald Trump said that negotiations with Iran are progressing and could lead to an agreement soon. Trump told reporters that talks will continue over the weekend, adding that he does not believe there…
Iraq resumes oil loading at Basra
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Iraq-resumes-oil-loading-at-Basra
Published: April 17, 2026 22:20
Shafaq News- Basra The first oil tanker arrived at Basra ports on Friday, marking the resumption of loading operations for the first time since the outbreak of war between the United States, Israel, and Iran on February 28. Iraq’s Oil Ministry said a…
US urges Iraq to dismantle Iran-aligned factions
https://shafaq.com/en/World/us-urges-Iraq-to-dismantle-Iran-aligned-factions
Published: April 17, 2026 21:43
Shafaq News- Washington On Friday, the US State Department called on the Iraqi government to dismantle Iran-aligned armed groups, warning that those supporting them “would face consequences,” following sanctions imposed on seven of their leaders. In a…
US sanctions Iraqi factions’ leaders over attacks on American interests
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/US-sanctions-Iraqi-factions-leaders-over-attacks-on-American-interests
Published: April 17, 2026 20:45
Shafaq News- WashingtonThe Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on Friday imposed sanctions on seven Iraqi armed groups’ commanders, accusing them of planning, directing, and executing attacks against US personnel, facilities, and interests in Iraq.In a…
US maintains Iran naval blockade, 19 ships turn back
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/US-maintains-Iran-naval-blockade-19-ships-turn-back
Published: April 17, 2026 20:12
Shafaq News- Washington The naval blockade on Iran remains in force, with more than 10,000 US sailors, Marines, and airmen enforcing restrictions on vessels attempting to enter or leave Iranian ports and coastal areas, the US Central Command (CENTCOM)…
US-Iran tensions and Hormuz security shape regional outlook
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/US-Iran-tensions-and-Hormuz-security-shape-regional-outlook
Published: April 17, 2026 19:49
Shafaq News- Washington Iran’s opening of the Strait of Hormuz can be a tactical step aimed at later imposing transit fees on vessels, as the final contours of such a policy remain unclear, a US academic told Shafaq News on Friday. Thomas Warrick, a…
Al-Sulaymaniyah: Health authorities investigate private hospital over death of Iranian opposition fighter
Published: April 17, 2026 19:13
Shafaq News- Al-Sulaimaniyah The Health Ministry in the Kurdistan Region on Friday launched a legal investigation to hold those responsible accountable after a private hospital reportedly refused to admit an injured Iranian opposition fighter, leading to…
Al-Maliki gains ground in Iraq PM race ahead of key bloc meeting
https://shafaq.com/en/Iraq/Al-Maliki-gains-ground-in-Iraq-PM-race-ahead-of-key-bloc-meeting
Published: April 17, 2026 18:35
Shafaq News- BaghdadCompetition between former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and caretaker premier Mohammed Shia al-Sudani for Iraq’s next government leadership has begun to ease, as al-Maliki consolidated support within the ruling Shiite bloc, a…
Trump: Iran to suspend nuclear program as ceasefire deal nears
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Trump-Iran-to-suspend-nuclear-program-as-ceasefire-deal-nears
Published: April 17, 2026 17:58
Shafaq News- WashingtonUS President Donald Trump said Friday that Iran has agreed to suspend its nuclear program “indefinitely,” as negotiations to end the war enter what he described as their final phase.Speaking to Bloomberg, Trump stated that a deal is…
Protest under “Law and Dignity” slogan launched in Damascus, tensions erupt
Published: April 17, 2026 17:28
Shafaq News- Damascus Dozens of protesters gathered on Friday in Damascus, under the slogan Law and Dignity, Shafaq News correspondent reported, while a counter-rally by government supporters took place at the same location. Participants raised banners…
Israel draws "Yellow Line" in Lebanon, bars return to 55 villages
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Israel-draws-Yellow-Line-in-Lebanon-bars-return-to-55-villages
Published: April 17, 2026 17:06
Shafaq News- Beirut Israel's military established a designated operational zone inside Lebanon modeled on tactics used in Gaza, senior Israeli military commanders disclosed in a briefing on Friday, adding that the zone barred residents of 55 southern…
Dollar declines on hopes of de-escalation after Hormuz reopening
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Dollar-declines-on-hopes-of-de-escalation-after-Hormuz-reopening
Published: April 17, 2026 16:29
Shafaq NewsThe US dollar fell on Friday and was on track for a second consecutive weekly decline, extending losses after Iran said the Strait of Hormuz was open, raising hopes the Middle East conflict is nearing an end. Iranian Foreign MinisterAbbas…
Drone, missile attacks on Iranian opposition sites in Erbil kill 3 people
Published: April 17, 2026 16:22
Shafaq News- Erbil Drone and missile strikes hit camps of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups in Erbil, the capital of the Kurdistan Region of Iraq, a local source told Shafaq News on Friday. The attack left three people dead and several others wounded in…
Netanyahu: War on Hezbollah not over, peace with Lebanon long road
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Netanyahu-War-on-Hezbollah-not-over-peace-with-Lebanon-long-road
Published: April 17, 2026 16:09
Shafaq News- Middle East Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday stressed that the fight against Hezbollah is not over, hours after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire aimed at halting hostilities with Lebanon. “The road to peace…
Oil drops 13% as Iran reopens Strait of Hormuz
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Oil-drops-13-as-Iran-reopens-Strait-of-Hormuz
Published: April 17, 2026 15:58
Shafaq News Oil prices plunged by about 13% on Friday after Iran's foreign ministersaidpassage for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz was open for the remaining ceasefire period, and US President Donald Trump said Iran has agreed to…
Hezbollah warns against 10-day Lebanon ceasefire terms
Published: April 17, 2026 15:50
Shafaq News- Beirut The recently announced ceasefire must apply to all Lebanese territories and include a halt to hostilities and restrictions on Israeli military movement, Lebanon’s Hezbollah's parliamentary bloc (Loyalty to the Resistance) warned on…
Trump: Israel PROHIBITED from hitting Lebanon, no cash in Iran deal
https://shafaq.com/en/World/Trump-Israel-PROHIBITED-from-hitting-Lebanon-no-cash-in-Iran-deal
Published: April 17, 2026 14:52
Shafaq News- Washington/ Beirut/ Tehran US President Donald Trump on Friday pledged that Israel would halt strikes on Lebanon, hours after announcing a US-brokered ceasefire aimed at de-escalating cross-border hostilities. “Israel will not be bombing…
US maintains Hormuz blockade despite Iran reopening shipping
https://shafaq.com/en/World/US-maintains-Hormuz-blockade-despite-Iran-reopening-shipping
Published: April 17, 2026 14:51
Shafaq News- Washington US President Donald Trump said on Friday that the Strait of Hormuz will remain under blockade despite Iran’s announcement that it has fully reopened the waterway to commercial shipping. Trump noted that the naval blockade will…
Iran reopens commercial Hormuz shipping after Israel-Lebanon ceasefire
Published: April 17, 2026 14:25
Shafaq News- Tehran Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on Friday the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz following a ceasefire agreement between Lebanon and Israel. Araghchi said that commercial passage will stay open for “the…
First oil tanker reaches Basra as Iran reopens Hormuz
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/First-oil-tanker-reaches-Basra-as-Iran-reopens-Hormuz
Published: April 17, 2026 14:07
Shafaq News- Basra An oil tanker arrived on Friday at the ports of Basra, Iraq's most oil-rich province and main export hub, marking the first such entry since the outbreak of regional conflict in late February. A source told Shafaq News that the vessel…
UN Women reports 38K+ women and girls killed in Gaza war
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/UN-Women-reports-38K-women-and-girls-killed-in-Gaza-war
Published: April 17, 2026 13:45
Shafaq News- Gaza More than 38,000 women and girls have been killed during the war in Gaza, UN Women revealed on Friday, warning that they remain at severe risk despite a ceasefire in place since October 2025. In a report titled The Cost of the War in…
Israel says Hezbollah ceasefire temporary, no withdrawal
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Israel-says-Hezbollah-ceasefire-temporary-no-withdrawal
Published: April 17, 2026 13:15
Shafaq News- Middle EastIsraeli Defense Minister Israel Katz on Friday claimed that the “Hezbollah ceasefire” is temporary and Israeli troops will not withdraw from positions inside Lebanon, with military operations set to continue.According to Israeli…
President Barzani at ADF2026: Discusses war fallout with Iran, EU, UK, Jordan officials
Published: April 17, 2026 12:32
Shafaq News- Antalya Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani held a series of meetings on Friday with Iranian, European, British, and Jordanian officials on the sidelines of the 5th Antalya Diplomacy Forum (ADF2026), focusing on the fallout of the…
Syria demands Israel withdraw from Golan as US signals talks
https://shafaq.com/en/Middle-East/Syria-demands-Israel-withdraw-from-Golan-as-US-signals-talks
Published: April 17, 2026 11:48
Shafaq News- AntalyaSyrian transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Friday urged Israel's withdrawal from the Golan Heights and return to the 1974 disengagement lines, as a US official signaled possible talks between the two sides.Speaking at the Antalya…
Al-Sharaa: Iraq starts oil exports via Syria route
https://shafaq.com/en/Economy/Al-Sharaa-Iraq-starts-oil-exports-via-Syria-route
Published: April 17, 2026 10:56
Shafaq News- AntalyaSyrian transitional President Ahmad Al-Sharaa on Friday said Iraq's oil exports via Syria to the Mediterranean have begun, highlighting the country’s role as a “potential transit hub” in global energy supply chains.Speaking at the…
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