US Navy Seizes Iranian Ship Amid Gulf Blockade, Iran Vows Retaliation
The US Navy intercepted and seized an Iranian-flagged cargo ship in the Gulf after it failed to respond to warnings to stop, US President Donald Trump announced on social media.This is the first ship seized since the US began its naval blockade of Iranian ports following the US-Israel conflict with Iran that started in late February.Iran condemned the seizure as a violation of the ceasefire and described it as an "act of armed piracy," promising to retaliate soon.No immediate casualties or disruptions have been reported by US authorities following the operation.The seizure marks a significant escalation in maritime enforcement in... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 21:01 LONDON
U.S. Forces Disable Iranian Cargo Vessel Attempting to Enter Iranian Port, Enforce Naval Blockade
On April 19, U.S. forces operating in the Arabian Sea disabled an Iranian-flagged cargo vessel that was attempting to enter a port in Iran. The vessel was intercepted and prevented from proceeding as part of the enforcement of U.S. naval blockade measures against Iran. The blockade aims to restrict the movement of Iranian maritime traffic, particularly cargo vessels attempting to reach Iranian ports. This enforcement action demonstrates the continued operational presence and control exercised by U.S. naval forces in the region. The disabling of the vessel was conducted under the authority of ongoing sanctions and blockade policies targeting Iran's maritime... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 19:04 LONDON
US Treasury Sanctions Network Supporting War in Sudan, Calls for Humanitarian Truce
On April 17, 2026, the United States Treasury Department announced sanctions against a recruitment network identified as enabling the armed conflict in Sudan. The action aims to disrupt support structures fueling the violence in the region. Concurrently, the Treasury also imposed sanctions on commanders of Iraqi militias backed by Iran as part of an economic campaign aimed at curtailing their influence and operations. Alongside these sanctions, the US called for the establishment of a humanitarian truce in Sudan to alleviate civilian suffering amid the conflict. No further operational details about the recruitment network or militia commanders were provided. These coordinated... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 19:00 LONDON
Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria Party Wins Parliamentary Election
Bulgaria's eighth parliamentary election in five years concluded with a decisive victory for former president Rumen Radev's Progressive Bulgaria party.Official results show the party secured 44.7% of the vote, likely winning around 130 of the 240 parliamentary seats, which would give it a majority.Radev, who served as Bulgaria's president for nearly a decade before resigning in January to run for prime minister, positioned himself as an outsider campaigning against corruption and the oligarchic governance model.His party's strong performance raises hopes for a more stable government after years of political instability marked by fragile coalitions and repeated elections.The election outcome may... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 14:31 LONDON
EU Summit in Cyprus to Address Fragile Middle East Ceasefires and Regional Cooperation
An EU summit is scheduled to take place in Cyprus on April 23-24, bringing together EU member states and Middle Eastern leaders to discuss ongoing fragile ceasefires in Lebanon and Iran.The two-day meeting will also include the secretary general of the Gulf Cooperation Council and a video address from Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky.Leaders from Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, and Syria have been invited to participate in the summit, which aims to provide political guidance on regional security issues.Lebanon's prime minister, Nawaf Salam, is expected to attend in person.The summit will focus on efforts to de-escalate tensions, protect freedom of navigation through... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 06:30 LONDON
US Navy Seizes Iranian Cargo Ship Touska After Warning Ignored
The US Navy has seized the Iranian-flagged cargo ship Touska in the Gulf of Oman after the vessel ignored warnings to stop, escalating tensions in the region.US President Donald Trump announced the interception on his social media platform, stating that the ship was stopped by a US guided missile destroyer after failing to comply with orders.According to Trump, the USS Spruance fired on the Touska, hitting its engine room and disabling the vessel.US Marines have since taken custody of the ship and are inspecting its contents.The Touska is subject to US Treasury sanctions due to its prior history of illegal... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 20 Apr 2026 03:00 LONDON
Zelensky condemns US extension of Russian oil sanctions waiver
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky has condemned the United States' decision to extend a waiver allowing the sale of Russian oil despite existing Western sanctions.The waiver permits countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products already loaded on vessels at sea until May 16, 2026.The US government stated that the waiver aims to ease the energy supply crunch caused by the ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran.This conflict has disrupted energy markets, particularly due to Iran's near closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for about 20% of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas transport.President Zelensky... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Apr 2026 12:00 LONDON
North Korea fires multiple short-range ballistic missiles into East Sea
North Korea launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles into the East Sea on April 19, 2026, South Korea's military reported.The missiles were fired from the Sinpo area and flew approximately 140 kilometres.South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff confirmed the launches and stated that South Korean and US intelligence agencies are conducting a detailed analysis of the missiles' exact specifications.The launches were detected at around 6:10 am local time.No casualties or damage have been reported so far.In response, South Korea's presidential office held an emergency security meeting.Seoul emphasized maintaining a firm combined defense posture with the United States, which stations about 28,000... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 19 Apr 2026 10:00 LONDON
US Treasury Imposes Sanctions on Officials, Firms Linked to Nicaraguan Regime and Seizure of US Property
On April 17, 2026, the US Treasury Department issued sanctions against multiple actors involved in the seizure of US-owned property. The sanctions include government officials and gold firms linked to the Nicaraguan regime. These entities and individuals are implicated in activities resulting in the confiscation of US assets. In addition to the measures against Nicaraguan-linked entities, the Treasury also sanctioned Iran-backed Iraqi militia commanders, targeting their role in destabilizing regional security. Furthermore, a recruitment network facilitating war efforts in Sudan was sanctioned, with the Treasury calling for a humanitarian truce in the conflict-affected area. These coordinated sanctions reflect a broader... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 15:30 LONDON
U.S. Treasury Targets Iran-Backed Iraqi Militia Commanders Over Recruitment Network
Treasury Department imposed sanctions on commanders leading Iran-backed Iraqi militia recruitment networks. These networks are reportedly involved in activities that support continued conflict and destabilization within the region. The sanctions form part of a broader U.S. campaign, evidenced by Treasury actions on April 16 targeting government officials, Nicaraguan regime-linked gold firms, and individuals involved in seizing U.S.-owned property. In parallel, the Treasury also sanctioned groups facilitating the war in Sudan and called for humanitarian truces. The targeted Iraqi militia commanders are identified explicitly as agents supported by Iran, indicating Tehran's continued involvement in Iraq through proxy networks. The sanctions aim... [Continue Reading]
Breaking-360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 15:30 LONDON
Trump Administration Extends Sanctions Exemption on Some Russian Oil Amid High Gas Prices
The Trump administration has extended a sanctions exemption allowing the purchase of certain Russian oil and petroleum products until May 16, 2026.This announcement came shortly after Iran declared the Strait of Hormuz open to commercial shipping.The exemption applies to oil loaded onto vessels between April 17 and May 16, continuing a previous waiver that expired on April 11.The US Treasury Department issued the extension despite earlier indications that the waiver would not be renewed.No immediate casualties or disruptions have been reported in connection with this policy update.The move aims to alleviate surging global energy prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.This development... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 18 Apr 2026 05:00 LONDON
Repsol regains control of Venezuelan oil assets after new deal
Spanish energy company Repsol has reached an agreement with the Venezuelan government and state oil company PDVSA to regain operational control of its oil assets in Venezuela.The deal includes a payment mechanism through oil shipments and aims to significantly expand production, with plans to triple output within three years.Repsol's Executive Managing Director of Exploration and Production, Francisco Gea, confirmed the company's commitment to Venezuela, where it has operated continuously since 1993.The agreement marks a reversal of previous operational constraints caused by US sanctions on Venezuela's energy sector.The new framework is expected to provide Repsol with greater financial security and help... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 13:32 LONDON
Deadly Russian missile and drone strikes hit Ukraine cities
Russia launched its deadliest attack this year with coordinated missile and drone strikes targeting multiple Ukrainian cities overnight.The attacks focused on Kyiv, Odesa, and Dnipro, causing significant destruction and loss of life.Nearly 700 drones and 19 ballistic missiles were fired in the assault, according to official reports.Fires broke out in several locations, with emergency services working through the night to control blazes and clear debris.At least 16 civilians were killed, including a 12-year-old child, and scores more were wounded.Kyiv's mayor reported four deaths in the capital, including the child, while Odesa suffered nine fatalities and Dnipro two.President Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 16 Apr 2026 11:01 LONDON
IAEA Reports Serious Increase in North Korea's Nuclear Weapons Capability
The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has confirmed a rapid increase in North Korea's nuclear weapons production capabilities.During a visit to Seoul on April 15, IAEA chief Rafael Grossi reported significant operational increases at the Yongbyon nuclear reactor and related facilities.Grossi detailed that the Yongbyon reactor, its reprocessing unit, and the light-water reactor have all shown heightened activity.Additionally, a new enrichment facility similar to the existing one at Yongbyon has been constructed, indicating an expansion of uranium enrichment capacity.The IAEA estimates that North Korea's nuclear weapons stockpile could now number several dozen warheads.North Korea has been under United Nations sanctions... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 23:00 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
US Temporarily Eases Sanctions on Venezuelan State-Run Banks
The United States Treasury has temporarily eased sanctions on Venezuela's central bank and several other state-run financial institutions.This move allows these banks to use US dollars and re-enter global financial markets.The easing of sanctions was announced by the US Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) on April 15, 2026.Licences were issued authorising commercial links with the Central Bank of Venezuela, Banco de Venezuela, Banco Digital de los Trabajadores, and Banco del Tesoro.Sanctions had been in place since 2019, restricting these banks' ability to process and move money internationally.The temporary easing could facilitate the flow of revenue from Venezuelan oil... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 15 Apr 2026 14:01 LONDON
Belgium Changes Security Firm Guarding Russia's Frozen EU Assets
Belgium will replace the French security firm guarding Russia's frozen EU assets with a Belgian company.The financial services firm Euroclear, which holds €193 billion in Russian central bank assets frozen under EU sanctions, had previously employed the French firm Amarante for security.Amarante provided protection for Euroclear's CEO Valérie Urbain and most of its executive board amid Russian threats.Amarante, ranked as the world's 10th largest private security firm, is set to leave Euroclear by the end of May.The decision to switch to the Belgian boutique security firm Mentor Worldwide Security (MWSS) was reportedly made on financial grounds.Euroclear had negotiated hard for... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews | 14 Apr 2026 18:54 LONDON
Shadows of Fire: The Long Arc of Iran–United States Tensions
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 19 Feb 2026 08:49 LONDON
There Is Good in Every Bad
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]
360LiveNews-Opinion | 18 Feb 2026 17:11 LONDON
