Mar 30 Iran says its ambassador won't leave Beirut despite Lebanon ordering his expulsion By Kareem Chehayeb, Associated Press Leaders warn the rift is hurting diplomacy and efforts to disarm Hezbollah that began before the current war. Continue reading
Mar 30 European museum heists continue, as thieves steal paintings by Renoir, Cézanne and Matisse from Italian private foundation By Associated Press Local media reported that the thieves were able to nab the paintings in less than three minutes and escape across the museum gardens. Continue reading
Mar 30 Trump issues new threat to Iran's energy infrastructure if a ceasefire isn't reached 'shortly' By Jon Gambrell, David Rising, Mike Corder, Associated Press Trump's new threat in a social media post and earlier comments in an interview with the Financial Times that suggested American troops could seize the country's Kharg Island oil export hub highlight a frequent tactic. Continue reading
Mar 30 Trump says he has 'no problem' with sanctioned Russian oil tanker bringing relief to Cuba despite blockade By Darlene Superville, Associated Press "We have a tanker out there. We don't mind having somebody get a boatload because they need… they have to survive," Trump told reporters as he flew back to Washington. Continue reading
Mar 29 North Korea conducts engine test for missile capable of reaching U.S. mainland By Hyung-Jin Kim, Associated Press While the test was in line with Kim's stated goal of acquiring more agile, hard-to-detect missiles targeting the U.S. and its allies, some experts speculate North Korea's claim may be an exaggeration. Continue reading
Mar 29 A Houthi missile attack on Israel raises concerns about Red Sea shipping routes being blocked By Sami Magdy, Associated Press A missile attack on Israel by Iranian-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen on Saturday raises concern that Tehran's proxies may again try to block Red Sea shipping routes. Continue reading
Mar 29 Stranded humpback whale in Germany's Baltic Sea weakens as hopes of its return to the Atlantic fade By Kirsten Grieshaber, Associated Press A stranded humpback whale in Germany’s Baltic Sea looks weaker, and experts fear it won’t be able to find its way back to the Atlantic despite several attempts at its rescue this week. Continue reading
Mar 29 Europe seeks to increase deportations, quietly adopting Trump administration tactics By Sam McNeil, Giada Zampano, Associated Press The European Union is expanding its powers to track, raid and deport migrants to "return hubs″ in third countries in Africa and elsewhere, quietly adopting tactics of the Trump administration. Continue reading
Mar 29 World of Frozen opens in Disneyland Paris By Thomas Adamson, Associated Press World of Frozen, an immersive land themed to the blockbuster animated franchise, opened Sunday as a centerpiece of a 2 billion euro ($2.18 billion) transformation at Disneyland Paris. Continue reading
Mar 29 Israeli police prevent Catholic leaders from celebrating Palm Sunday Mass at church in Jerusalem By Melanie Lidman, Nicole Winfield, Associated Press Jerusalem's major holy sites, including the church, are closed because of the ongoing Iran war, as the city has come under frequent fire from Iranian missiles. Continue reading