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Israel Defense Minister: Iran Nuke Enrichment Could Ignite Region

Israel’s defense minister claimed Thursday that Iran could have enough enriched uranium for five nuclear weapons, and warned Tehran that proceeding to weapons-grade enrichment could “ignite the region.” His remarks echoed international concerns, which have mounted over the past months, on Tehran enriching uranium closer than ever to weapons-grade levels.

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

Belgium Arrests 7 Suspected of Planning Terrorist Attack

Belgian police have arrested seven people on suspicion of preparing a terrorist attack, the prosecutor's office said on Thursday. The suspects had discussed several scenarios for an attack in Belgium but had not yet decided on the target, the statement said as well. "There was talk of the NATO buildings,…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

US Calls Russian Claim that Washington was Behind Drone Attack 'Ludicrous'

The United States dismissed Russia's allegation on Thursday that Washington was behind what it said was a drone attack on the Kremlin, saying Moscow's assertion was a lie. "Obviously it's a ludicrous claim," White House national security spokesman John Kirby said hours after Russia blamed the United States for what…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

Sudan Conflict Deals New Blow to Stagnant Economy

The conflict shaking Sudan has dealt a crippling blow to the heart of the country's economy in the capital Khartoum, as well as disrupting internal trade routes, threatening imports and triggering a cash crunch. Across swathes of the capital factories, banks, shops and markets have been looted or damaged, power…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

Ukraine's Zelenskiy Visits War Crimes Court in The Hague

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy on Thursday visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, which in March issued an arrest warrant for Russian President Vladimir Putin for suspected deportation of children from Ukraine. Zelenskiy, dressed in his trademark khaki, was welcomed at the court by its president, judge Piotr…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

UN Conference Seeks Final Funds for Yemen Safer Oil Tanker Operation

The United Nations on Thursday aims to raise the final $29 million needed to start salvaging 1.1 million barrels of oil from a decaying vessel moored off war-torn Yemen's coast and avert an environmental disaster. UN officials have been warning for years that the Red Sea and Yemen's coastline was…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

IMF: Gov. Strategy Helped the Saudi Economy

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) confirmed that government-led reforms and private investment growth in new sectors would help support non-oil economic growth in Saudi Arabia to be less dependent on oil. The Saudi economy grew 8.7 percent last year, while the real GDP during the fourth quarter of 2022 increased…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

Sudani Says Relations with Arab World Have Reached their Best

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammad Shia al-Sudani announced that his country’s relations with brotherly Arab countries “have reached their best through mutual respect and respect for the sovereignty of the Iraqi state.” On Wednesday, Sudani met with representatives of a number of oil companies operating in Iraq, and attended the launch…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

Riyadh Intensifies Contacts to Stop Escalation in Sudan

Saudi Arabia has ramped up its diplomatic efforts to mitigate the situation in Sudan, in addition to helping in evacuating thousands of nationals from over 100 countries via the Port Sudan. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan engaged in phone conversations on Wednesday with Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023

UN Warns of ‘Deeply Concerning’ Situation in Sudan

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has described the current situation in Sudan as "deeply concerning," reiterating his warnings of the conflict spreading to neighboring countries. Guterres spoke at a press conference in Nairobi, Kenya, and addressed the developments in Sudan and the clashes that began on April 15 between the Sudanese…

Asharq Al-Awsat · May 4, 2023