US begins Iran port blockade as Tehran threatens retaliation

The United States has launched a naval blockade targeting vessels leaving Iranian ports, sharply escalating tensions following the collapse of ceasefire talks in Islamabad.

Donald Trump, US president said the operation would extend to any ship complying with Iranian-imposed transit conditions, framing the move as a response to what he described as Tehran’s attempt to “blackmail” global trade. The decision comes as Iran continues to exert control over the Strait of Hormuz, a corridor responsible for roughly a fifth of global crude shipments.

Tehran has responded with warnings of retaliation, including potential action against ports in neighbouring Gulf states. While diplomatic channels remain open with Shehbaz Sharif confirming ongoing mediation efforts the situation has already rattled energy markets, pushing oil prices back above $100 per barrel and raising fears of prolonged supply disruptions.

Despite the escalation, US officials insist negotiations have not entirely collapsed, suggesting limited “forward motion” towards a possible agreement, though Washington maintains a hardline stance against any outcome that would allow Iran to develop nuclear weapons.

US court dismisses Trump’s $10bn defamation case against Wall Street Journal

A federal judge has dismissed a $10bn defamation lawsuit filed by Donald Trump, the United States president, against The Wall Street Journal and its publisher over a report linking him to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein.

Darrin Gayles, US District Judge ruled that Trump failed to meet the high legal threshold required in defamation cases involving public figures — namely proving “actual malice”. The judge said the complaint did not plausibly demonstrate that the newspaper knowingly published false information or acted with reckless disregard for the truth.

The case centres on a July report alleging Trump’s name appeared in a personal “birthday book” compiled for Epstein in 2003. Trump has denied the claims and vowed to refile the lawsuit, with his legal team indicating an amended complaint will be submitted before the court’s late-April deadline.

The ruling underscores the legal protections afforded to media organisations in the United States, particularly in cases involving public officials and matters of public interest.

Israeli strikes intensify in Southern Lebanon amid widening conflict

At least six people have been killed in a new wave of Israeli air strikes across southern Lebanon, according to state media, as the conflict shows signs of further regional spillover.

Strikes hit multiple regions including Bazouriyeh, Nabatiyeh El Faouqa and areas surrounding Tyre, with additional casualties reported in surrounding towns. A facility linked to the International Committee of the Red Cross in Tyre was also struck, damaging vehicles and raising concerns over the safety of humanitarian infrastructure.

Israeli forces claim to have surrounded a key town in the South, while artillery shelling has expanded across a wide arc of villages. The scale and geographic spread of the operations suggest a shift towards broader ground and air coordination.

The escalation comes against the backdrop of the wider Iran-linked conflict, fuelling fears that Lebanon could become a more central front in the regional confrontation.

Meloni rebukes Trump over criticism of Pope Leo

Giorgia Meloni, Italian Prime Minister has publicly criticised Donald Trump, US president for remarks targeting Pope Leo XIV, calling the comments “unacceptable”.

Trump had described the Pope as “weak” on crime and ineffective in foreign policy, following the pontiff’s criticism of the ongoing Iran conflict. The remarks mark a rare public rift between Meloni and Trump, who are otherwise seen as ideological allies.

Meloni defended the Pope’s role as a moral authority advocating for peace, while opposition figures in Italy accused her of initially hesitating to respond. Coalition partner Matteo Salvini also distanced himself from Trump’s comments, suggesting attacks on the papacy were neither constructive nor strategic.

Pope Leo, for his part, has declined to engage directly in a political confrontation but reaffirmed his commitment to speaking out against war and promoting dialogue.

UK man jailed after throwing girlfriend from tower block

A 22-year-old man has been sentenced to five years in prison after throwing his girlfriend from a fourth-floor flat in Solihull, in a case that has drawn attention to patterns of coercive control and domestic abuse.

Jordan Herring was convicted of wounding and had previously been found guilty of controlling behaviour towards the victim, Bobbie Goodman, who sustained serious injuries including fractures to her spine, pelvis and ribs.

The court heard that emergency services were not contacted until more than an hour after the incident, despite clear signs of severe injury. The victim described the aftermath as life-altering, recounting weeks in hospital and a prolonged period of immobility.

The case highlights ongoing concerns in the UK over delayed intervention in domestic violence incidents and the lasting physical and psychological impact on survivors.

AFRICA

Pope Leo begins historic Africa tour with Algeria visit

Pope Leo XIV has begun a major tour of Africa with a landmark visit to Algeria — the first ever by a sitting pope.

The 11-day tour will take him across four countries and 11 cities, reflecting the growing importance of Africa to the Catholic Church, where membership is expanding rapidly.

More than 288 million Catholics now reside on the continent, making it one of the faith’s most dynamic regions.

Algeria holds particular significance as the birthplace of St Augustine, whose teachings have shaped the pope’s theological outlook.

The visit includes a planned Mass in Annaba, the ancient city of Hippo where Augustine once served as bishop.

The Vatican says the trip will focus on themes of peace, migration and interfaith dialogue, positioning Africa as central to the Church’s global mission.

Wadagni set to lead Benin after opposition concedes defeat

Romuald Wadagni is poised to become Benin’s next president after opposition candidate Paul Hounkpe conceded defeat following Sunday’s election.

Wadagni, a former finance minister backed by outgoing president Patrice Talon, had been widely expected to win, particularly after the main opposition party failed to field a candidate.

The early concession underscores the uneven political landscape in Benin, where recent political tensions — including a failed coup attempt — have raised concerns about democratic consolidation.

Attention now turns to how Wadagni will navigate governance and legitimacy in a system where opposition participation remains constrained.

Ghana pushes reparations talks as France signals openness

Ghana says France is open to discussions on reparations for transatlantic slavery, following high-level talks in Paris.

President John Dramani Mahama and Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa raised the issue during a meeting with Emmanuel Macron.

According to Ghanaian officials, discussions included not only financial reparations but also the return of looted artefacts and broader structural inequalities rooted in the legacy of slavery. French officials confirmed talks on restitution but were more cautious on wider reparations commitments.

The development signals growing diplomatic momentum behind African-led calls for historical accountability and economic redress.

Botswana signs strategic energy and mineral deals with Oman

Botswana has signed a series of agreements with Oman aimed at expanding cooperation in energy and mineral exploration.

President Duma Boko oversaw the deals during a state visit, including a major joint exploration initiative targeting previously untapped areas covering roughly 70 percent of Botswana’s territory.

The agreements also include plans for oil storage infrastructure and renewable energy development, reflecting Botswana’s broader strategy to diversify its economy beyond diamonds.

With global demand shifting and diamond revenues under pressure, the government is increasingly looking to critical minerals such as copper, gold and graphite to drive future growth.