Victoria extends free public transport and introduces half-price fares
The Victorian government has announced an extension of its free public transport initiative through May 2026, followed by half-price fares from June until the end of the year.This policy aims to reduce fuel demand and ease economic pressures amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Public transport across both metropolitan and regional networks in Victoria will remain free for an additional month.Starting June 1, fares will be reduced by 50% until December 31, 2026.Transport Infrastructure Minister Gabrielle Williams confirmed that the initiative has already led to a roughly 10% increase in public transport patronage since the fare waiver began in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Apr 2026 01:30 LONDON
Iran re-closes Strait of Hormuz amid Middle East tensions
Iran has re-closed the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping less than 24 hours after briefly reopening it in response to a ceasefire declaration in Lebanon.The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that the strait would remain closed until the United States ends its naval blockade of Iranian ports.The IRGC controls the management of the strait and stated that the waterway has reverted to "strict management and control of the armed forces." This move came after Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi had declared the strait open for commercial vessels.The closure has caused distress among sailors in the Persian Gulf, with... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Apr 2026 00:30 LONDON
Iran Warns It Will Close Strait of Hormuz if US Blockade Persists
Iran has issued a warning that it will close the Strait of Hormuz again if the United States continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports.This statement came shortly after Iran temporarily reopened the strategic waterway following a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon brokered by the US.The Iranian parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stated that passage through the Strait of Hormuz would require Iranian authorization and that the waterway "will not remain open" if the blockade persists.Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baqaei described the US naval blockade as a violation of the ceasefire.Since the blockade began, US forces have directed... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 08:30 LONDON
UNESCO Grants Enhanced Protection to Middle East Cultural Heritage Sites Amid Ongoing Conflict
Since the Middle East conflict began on 28 February, multiple cultural heritage sites located in Israel, Iran, and Lebanon have sustained attacks. These sites hold significant cultural value. UNESCO, the United Nations agency responsible for education, science, and culture, has taken action to safeguard these landmarks by granting them 'enhanced protection' status. This measure is aimed at preventing further damage and preserving cultural heritage amidst ongoing hostilities in the region. The enhanced protection designation by UNESCO emphasizes the international commitment to preserving sites of major cultural significance during wartime conditions. No additional operational impacts or specific incidents related to these... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 19:33 LONDON
President Meloni Addresses Maritime Navigation and Security in Strait of Hormuz Conference
My thanks, of course, to President Macron and Prime Minister Starmer for this initiative. I consider this initiative to be extremely important, which is why I wanted to be here in person. Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is clearly an absolutely central issue for our nations , for Italy, for Europe, and for the international community as a whole. This is obviously about affirming a cornerstone principle of international law , a principle that applies to Hormuz and to any other passage on which global supply chains depend. However, it is obviously also a huge economic issue:... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 19:02 LONDON
Lebanese Army Reports Ceasefire Violations Shortly After Lebanon-Israel Truce Begins
A ten-day ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel came into effect on April 17, 2026, aimed at reducing hostilities along their shared border.However, the Lebanese army reported several violations of the truce in the southern border region shortly after the ceasefire started.The Lebanese military confirmed that despite the official start of the ceasefire, there were multiple incidents that breached the terms of the agreement.These violations were noted within hours of the truce taking effect.No immediate casualties or large-scale disruptions have been reported in connection with these violations.The Lebanese army has issued warnings regarding the breaches, underscoring the fragile nature of the... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 17 Apr 2026 11:31 LONDON
US President Trump announces historic talks between Israel and Lebanon leaders
US President Donald Trump announced that the leaders of Israel and Lebanon are scheduled to speak on Thursday, marking what could be the first direct communication between the two countries in decades.This announcement comes amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East involving Iran-backed groups.Trump's claim has not been confirmed by either Israeli or Lebanese officials.The proposed talks would represent a significant diplomatic development given the longstanding hostilities between the two nations.The conflict escalated after Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based armed group backed by Iran, attacked Israel on March 2.This led to an Israeli military offensive in Lebanon, intensifying regional tensions.Lebanese authorities have... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 11:31 LONDON
EU to Discuss Potential Sanctions on Israel Amid Middle East Tensions
European Union foreign ministers are scheduled to discuss the possibility of imposing sanctions on Israel during a meeting in Luxembourg on 21 April.The proposed sanctions include suspending the EU-Israel association agreement, which currently provides Israel with trade benefits worth approximately €1 billion annually.Several EU member states, including Belgium, Ireland, Malta, Slovenia, and Spain, have previously advocated for such measures.However, the final decision hinges on the position of Hungary's new government, which remains uncertain.Italy recently imposed defense sanctions on Israel, signaling a shift in its stance amid growing domestic opposition to Israeli policies.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has taken a... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 19:39 LONDON
Trump warns UK trade deal 'can always be changed' amid strained relations
US President Donald Trump has indicated that the existing trade deal between the United States and the United Kingdom "can always be changed." Speaking to Sky News on April 15, 2026, Trump described the trade agreement, which was signed in May last year, as favorable to the UK but suggested it remains subject to renegotiation.Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his government's stance on the ongoing US-Israel conflict, highlighting that the UK did not support the US in the war against Iran.He stated that the "special relationship" between the two countries "had been better" and expressed disappointment... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 12:09 LONDON
US Deploys Thousands of Troops to Middle East to Enforce Maritime Blockade Against Iran
The United States has deployed thousands of additional troops, including sailors and Marines, to the Middle East amid rising tensions with Iran.This deployment aims to enforce a maritime blockade targeting the Iranian regime in Tehran.The newly deployed forces are part of a broader US strategy to pressure Iran by controlling key strategic waterways, including the Strait of Hormuz.The move reflects an escalation in the ongoing conflict between the US and Iran.Officials have confirmed the arrival of these troops as part of efforts to tighten restrictions on Iranian maritime activities.The deployment is expected to increase military presence and operational capabilities in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 12:03 LONDON
Vice President JD Vance Heckled at Antiwar Protest During Turning Point USA Event
Vice President JD Vance was heckled during a Turning Point USA event on April 14, 2026, where he addressed opposition to US Middle East war policies.Vance acknowledged the concerns of young voters, stating, "I recognize that young voters do not love the policy we have in the Middle East, OK.I understand." The incident occurred amid Vance's remarks on the ongoing conflict with Iran, reflecting growing public dissent.The heckling disrupted his speech but did not result in any injuries or further disturbances.This event highlights the sensitivity surrounding US political discourse on the Middle East war, especially among younger demographics.Vance's comments came... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 06:12 LONDON
Diplomats seek second round of US-Iran talks amid US blockade escalation
Efforts are underway to arrange a second round of talks between the United States and Iran during the first day of an American blockade.The blockade marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict involving the US and Iran.Diplomatic sources confirm that negotiations are being pursued despite the heightened tensions caused by the blockade.These talks aim to address the broader conflict dynamics between the two nations.No casualties or direct disruptions from the blockade have been reported at this stage.Officials remain engaged in diplomatic channels to manage the situation.This development is significant as it occurs amid an escalation in hostilities, indicating attempts... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 19:36 LONDON
Italy Suspends Defence Cooperation Deal with Israel Amid Middle East Tensions
Italy has suspended the automatic renewal of its defence cooperation agreement with Israel, marking a significant shift in relations between the two countries.The decision was announced by Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on April 14, 2026, amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.The defence agreement, originally approved by Israel in 2006, facilitates cooperation in military equipment exchange, technology research, training of military personnel, and information technology.It is automatically renewed every five years, but Italy's government has now put this renewal on hold.This move follows recent criticism by the Italian government of Israeli military actions in Lebanon, which have resulted in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 16:06 LONDON
Hezbollah Opposes Lebanon-Israel Talks Amid Ongoing Conflict and Displacement
Hezbollah has declared it will not abide by any agreements resulting from the direct Lebanon-Israel talks scheduled to take place in Washington, urging Lebanon to withdraw from the negotiations.These talks represent the first direct diplomatic engagement between Lebanon and Israel in decades.Wafiq Safa, a senior member of Hezbollah's political council, stated that the group is not interested in or concerned with the outcomes of the negotiations.Separately, Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem called on Lebanon to pull out of the talks in a televised address.The talks come amid ongoing conflict in Lebanon, where Israeli strikes have killed at least 2,055 people, including... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 03:30 LONDON
