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At least 8 killed in latest US air attacks on Yemen

US-led coalition Yemen

The Al Masirah TV satellite news channel reported early on Monday that eight people were killed in a US strike targeting the ​​Bani al-Harith district north of Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.

The US also struck Yemen’s Amran and Saada governorates on Sunday night, Houthi officials said, and two people were reported killed in an earlier attack on Sanaa.

“Eight martyrs, including children and women,” the channel reported after the attack that targeted the Thaqban area in Bani al-Harith.

A later report by the station claimed that dozens were reported killed in the US bombing of Saada, where a detention centre was struck.

The latest US bombing raids raise the death toll from US strikes on Yemen to 228 people, according to a tally of Houthi announcements on casualties.

The US military said on Sunday that since March 15, it had struck more than 800 targets in Yemen and killed hundreds of rebel fighters.

“These strikes have killed hundreds of Houthi fighters and numerous Houthi leaders,” the US military’s Central Command (CENTCOM), which is responsible for military operations in the Middle East, said in a statement.

CENTCOM also added the attacks on Yemen would continue and details of US strikes would not be revealed to the public.

“To preserve operational security, we have intentionally limited disclosing details of our ongoing or future operations,” CENTCOM said.

“We are very deliberate in our operational approach, but will not reveal specifics about what we’ve done or what we will do,” it added.

The US has not commented on civilian casualties from its intense bombing of Yemen, which began on March 15 and has involved almost daily attacks.

US forces say they are targeting the Houthis because of the group’s attacks on shipping in the Red Sea, and on Israel. The Houthis say they launched their attacks on Red Sea shipping linked to Israel in retaliation against Israel’s war on Gaza.

On April 18, a US strike on Yemen’s Ras Isa fuel port killed at least 74 people and wounded 171 others in the deadliest-known attack to date by the US on Yemen.

The increase in US attacks also comes as President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to pressure Iran – the main supporter of the Houthis – into agreeing to a new deal on its nuclear capabilities.

The US is conducting strikes from its two aircraft carriers in the region – the USS Harry S Truman in the Red Sea and the USS Carl Vinson in the Arabian Sea.

Houthi forces, nevertheless, continue to launch missiles at Israel and US vessels in the Red Sea, as well as US military drones.

Tehran holds prayer ceremony in memory of Pope Francis I

The ceremony brought together members of the Christian community, religious figures, and representatives from various organizations to pay tribute to the pontiff’s life and legacy.

The event featured prayers, moments of reflection, and messages emphasizing Pope Francis I’s commitment to peace, compassion, and interfaith dialogue throughout his papacy.

More in pictures:

Iran president underlines stronger Azerbaijan ties with focus on economy, energy

In an interview with Azerbaijan’s state television, AzTV, on Sunday, the Iranian president outlined a vision for closer bilateral relations across multiple fields “without any limitations,” highlighting opportunities for collaboration in health, industry, trade, and joint investment initiatives.

Reaffirming Iran’s commitment to fostering regional relationships, he remarked, “Our primary focus is on cooperation and interaction with neighboring countries.”

Clean energy emerged as a key area for collaboration, with the president pointing to the Aras River as a “God-given resource” for generating sustainable energy through existing dams.

He also proposed joint ventures in solar and wind energy, calling on “industries and universities to take the lead in this endeavor.”

Academic partnerships were emphasized as a priority, with the president stating that “interaction among universities and professors is of utmost importance.”

President Pezeshkian also spoke about the historic and cultural ties uniting the two peoples, stressing that “borders between Iran and Azerbaijan are of no importance.”

He urged political leaders to prevent “irresponsible behavior by a few” from straining diplomatic ties, expressing Iran’s “deep love and affection for the Azerbaijani people.”

Addressing regional and international concerns, the president advocated respect for territorial integrity and peaceful dispute resolution, particularly between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“We believe in respecting countries’ borders and resolving differences within the framework of international laws,” he affirmed.

Iran’s Leader calls for full probe into deadly port incident

Ayatollah Khamenei

In his message, the Leader expressed deep sorrow over the tragic event, offered prayers for the souls of the victims, wished patience and solace for their bereaved families, and a swift recovery for the injured.

Ayatollah Khamenei stressed the critical responsibility of security and judicial authorities to thoroughly investigate the incident.

He instructed them to uncover any negligence or deliberate wrongdoing and to pursue appropriate legal action in accordance with the law.

Highlighting the broader duty of all officials to take proactive measures to prevent such catastrophic incidents, the Leader urged comprehensive efforts toward safety and risk mitigation across all sectors.

Furthermore, he expressed sincere gratitude to the compassionate citizens who, in a moment of urgent need, readily volunteered to donate blood to the injured.

Death toll from Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port explosion rises to 40

Many others remain hospitalized with severe injuries, and authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as rescue and medical efforts persist.

In a gesture of national mourning and solidarity with the grieving families, Tehran’s iconic Milad Tower went dark on Sunday night from 9 to 10 PM local time.

Meanwhile, Iran’s President, Masoud Pezeshkian, personally visited the hospital where many of the injured are receiving treatment.

During his visit, President Pezeshkian, a heart specialist, engaged with the victims, offering medical advice, emotional support, and words of comfort to help boost the morale of the survivors.

The Iranian government and emergency services remain fully mobilized to provide aid to the affected families, and numerous public figures and institutions have joined in expressing their condolences and solidarity with the people of Hormozgan during this national tragedy.

The cause of the blast has yet to be determined.

Severe thunderstorm hits Tehran, 2 killed, 41 injured

Of the injured, some individuals were treated at the scene while the others were hospitalized.

Authorities have warned that the number of casualties may rise as assessments continue.

The sudden storm brought intense rainfall and rapidly changed weather conditions to the capital, uprooting trees and causing significant disruptions across the city. Dramatic footage circulating on social media captured the apocalyptic scenes of the storm’s arrival, with strong winds and torrential rain battering streets and neighborhoods.

Emergency response teams remain on high alert as they continue to address damage and potential injuries resulting from the severe weather.

 

Judiciary: Iran ready to execute perpetrator of Azerbaijani embassy attack

Azerbaijan Embassy Tehran

Asghar Jahangir confirmed that the trial, primary court ruling, and final approval of the qisas sentence by the Supreme Court have all been completed. “The Judiciary is fully prepared to carry out the execution,” he stated.

Jahangir explained that under Iranian law, for a qisas sentence to be executed, the victim’s blood owners—or their legal representatives—must formally request the enforcement of the sentence or be present at the appointed time for its execution. “So far, neither the blood owners nor their attorneys have approached us for this purpose. Therefore, despite the Judiciary’s full readiness and the completion of the legal process, the execution has not yet taken place,” he added.

This comes after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev claimed the embassy attack was “a premeditated terrorist act” against Azerbaijan.

He criticized the slow progress and called on Iran’s new administration to ensure that not only the individual who carried out the attack but also those “who were behind him” face justice.

On 27 January 2023, an armed individual infiltrated the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Tehran, killing the head of the embassy’s security team, and injuring three other Azerbaijani nationals. The attacker cited personal and family problems as his motive.

Qatari PM says Gaza ceasefire negotiations make progress

Gaza War

“We have seen on Thursday a bit of progress compared to other meetings yet we need to find an answer for the ultimate question: how to end this war. That’s the key point of the entire negotiations,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who also serves as foreign minister.

Mossad Director David Barnea traveled to Doha on Thursday to meet Sheikh Mohammed amid efforts to reach a new ceasefire in Gaza, Axios reported last week.

Sheikh Mohammed didn’t say which elements of the ceasefire talks had progressed in recent days, but stated Hamas and Israel remained at odds over the ultimate goal of negotiations.

He added the Palestinian group is willing to return all remaining Israeli hostages if Israel ends the war in Gaza. But Israel wants Hamas to release the remaining hostages without offering a clear vision on ending the war, he continued.

“When you don’t have a common objective, a common goal between the parties, I believe the opportunities (to end the war) become very thin,” Sheikh Mohammed stated at a press conference with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.

Fidan said talks Turkish officials have held with Hamas had shown the group would be more open to an agreement that goes beyond a ceasefire in Gaza and aims for a lasting solution to the crisis with Israel, including a two-state solution.

Israel resumed its offensive in Gaza on March 18 after a January ceasefire collapsed, saying it would keep up pressure on Hamas until it frees the remaining hostages still held in the enclave. Up to 24 of them are believed to still be alive.

The Gaza war started after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack which killed 1,200 people and saw 251 hostages taken to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel’s offensive on the enclave killed more than 51,400, according to local health officials.

Iran says ready to share its achievements with African countries

Pezeshkian was speaking at the opening ceremony of the Third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference in Tehran on Sunday.

The conference, which was also attended by First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref and Minister of Industry, Mines and Trade Mohammad Atabak, brought together representatives from over 50 African countries, including heads of chambers of commerce.

The event seeks to broaden economic relations between Iran and Africa and has reportedly attracted more than 700 traders from 38 African nations.

“We are ready to share with you all the achievements we have made, to share with you what we possess in the areas of healthcare, trade, industry, agriculture, security, peace and tranquility in order to create a world where all people on Earth can coexist in prosperity, security, calm and serenity,” Pezeshkian said.

He emphasized the need for cooperation and solidarity, calling for the creation of an environment based on health, love, compassion, freedom, and humanity.

“Instead of sowing seeds of hatred and resentment, we must nurture the will and belief of friendship, fraternity and love, travel and trade together, and respect each other’s rights,” he added.

Noting that it is the belief in brotherhood and love that can ease life for everyone, the Iranian president stated, “We and you can build a future for all people of the world that is full of love, compassion, mercy and humanity.”

The third Iran-Africa Economic Cooperation Conference is being held in Tehran from April 27 to 29. The event is set to continue in the central Iranian city of Isfahan between April 30 and May 1.

Four specialized panels are scheduled to take place at the ministerial level, focusing on petrochemicals, mining and metal industries, agriculture and food industries, as well as healthcare and pharmaceuticals.

Hunger deepens in besieged Gaza as food supplies run out: UNRWA

Gaza War

“Hunger is deepening in Gaza,” UNRWA announced in a statement.

“People, including many children, are hoping to get some food to survive during a warm meal distribution by charitable organizations.”

The refugee agency said that its flour supplies in the enclave have run out this week.

“Nearly 3,000 UNRWA trucks of lifesaving aid are ready to enter Gaza,” it noted, adding, “The siege must stop.”

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said that Palestinian children in the blockaded Gaza are starving.

“The Government of Israel continues to block the entry of food and other basics,” he stated, adding “A manmade and politically motivated starvation. Calls to bring in supplies are going unheeded.”

Since March 2, Israel has kept Gaza’s crossings closed to food, medical, and humanitarian aid, deepening the humanitarian catastrophe, according to government, human rights, and international reports.

Nearly 51,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza in a brutal Israeli onslaught since October 2023, most of them women and children.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.