Published on: 04/29/2026 - 00:36 Last updated: 04/30/2026 - 01:05
The US President urged Iran on Wednesday to be sensible and expedite the conclusion of an agreement with Washington that would put a final end to the war, at a time when diplomatic efforts are stalled and Iran insists on its demands. Meanwhile, the Lebanese President stressed the need for Israel to “fully” adhere to the ceasefire with Hezbollah before directly negotiating with it, at a time when Israeli raids killed more than 20 people within two days.
Iraqi security sources: A reconnaissance drone was shot down near the American embassy in Baghdad
Iraqi security sources said early on Thursday morning that a reconnaissance drone flying near the US embassy in Baghdad was shot down.
It was not immediately clear how it was shot down. The Iraqi air defense systems and those of the American embassy were activated.
Trump says he may reduce the number of American forces in Germany
The US Secretary of Defense gives his first testimony in Congress regarding the Iran war
US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced harsh criticism from Democratic representatives on Wednesday during his first testimony in Congress about the war in Iran, which he estimated had cost about $25 billion so far.
Hegseth, along with the Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Kaine, faced questions from members of the House Armed Services Committee for hours.
Since the outbreak of war with the first American and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, lawmakers from both the Republican and Democratic parties have criticized the American administration for not providing briefings in this regard to Congress, while it is customary to regularly inform it of information classified under “defense secret.”
Democratic Representative Adam Smith said in his opening remarks, "Where are we going? How will these tactical victories turn into a form of strategic success?" Especially with regard to the Iranian nuclear program, mentioning the war in the Middle East, the killing of 13 American soldiers in this war, and the losses among civilians.
The Canadian government, in response to a question regarding the delegation of the Iranian Football Federation: Iranian Revolutionary Guard officials are prohibited from entering the country
Army Radio, citing an Israeli source: Israel has begun controlling aid ships heading to Gaza away from its coast.
Israeli Army Radio, citing an Israeli source, reported on Wednesday that Israel has begun controlling aid ships heading to Gaza, away from its coast.
The report did not specify the number of ships involved or their exact location.
A second fleet carrying humanitarian aid to the Palestinians in Gaza sailed from the Spanish port of Barcelona on April 12, in an attempt to break the Israeli blockade.
Agency: The Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament and the Iranian Foreign Minister discuss developments in Lebanon and the region during a phone call
Wall Street Journal: Saudi Arabia withdraws its funding for the Leaf Golf Series competitions
The American Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia has decided not to continue financing the Live Golf Series competitions after the end of the current season.
The newspaper added, citing people familiar with the matter, that the Leaf Golf chain intends to inform players and employees by tomorrow, Thursday, that the Saudi Public Investment Fund will not continue to finance the tournament after the end of this season.
The series has pumped billions of dollars into the game and attracted some of the most prominent players.
Canada says that the Revolutionary Guard has “no place” on its soil after Iran canceled its participation in the FIFA conference
Canada said on Wednesday that members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard "have no place" on its territory, after Iran's delegation to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) conference left the country due to an "insult" it was subjected to in the immigration section of Toronto airport.
Iranian media reported that the Iranian delegation "returned to Türkiye on the first flight due to the inappropriate behavior of the immigration officials at the airport and the insult to one of the most honorable bodies of the Iranian Armed Forces."
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada said it could not comment on specific cases due to privacy, but added that "Revolutionary Guard officials are not permitted to enter Canada."
Omani Foreign Ministry: Al Busaidi and Guterres stressed the need for all parties to have the necessary flexibility to reach practical solutions to resolve differences.
Omani Foreign Ministry: Minister Al Busaidi and Guterres stressed the importance of intensifying international efforts to resume the security, safety and freedom of maritime navigation.
Trump: The time is right to lower interest rates
President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the time is right to lower record interest rates in the United States.
Trump added to reporters in the Oval Office of the White House, “It is the right time to reduce it.”
Powell: Events in the Middle East contribute to uncertainty
US Central Bank Chairman Powell: Inflation is high, including due to high energy prices
Trump: Iran has come a long way, and the question is whether it will go far enough?
Trump: We are having conversations on the phone
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that talks with Iran are taking place over the phone, after he canceled the visit of American negotiators to Pakistan at the weekend to hold talks with Iranian officials.
Trump: Now all Iran has to do is say we surrender
The price of Brent crude exceeds $119 per barrel, the highest level since 2022
The price of a barrel of Brent crude rose on Wednesday to more than $119, the highest level since early 2022, which increases the severity of the economic consequences of the war in the Middle East.
By 17:15 GMT, Brent futures rose by 7.6% to reach $119.69, the highest level since the first days of the war in Ukraine in 2022, and oil prices have jumped since the US-Israeli war prompted Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump on the UAE's withdrawal from OPEC: I think it's a wonderful thing
US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Wednesday that he believes the UAE’s withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) is a wonderful thing.
The Iranian Football Federation cancels its participation in the FIFA conference after its delegation was subjected to “insult” at Toronto Airport (local media)
Iranian media reported that the Islamic Republic's delegation to the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) conference, scheduled for this week in Vancouver, left Canada on Wednesday before the conference was held due to an "insult" it suffered in the immigration section of Toronto International Airport.
The media reported that the Iranian delegation “returned to Turkey on the first flight due to the inappropriate behavior of the immigration officials at the airport and the insult to one of the most honorable services of the Iranian Armed Forces,” without providing further details.
Trump: Relations with King Charles may help improve matters with Starmer
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that his good relationship with King Charles of Britain would likely contribute to improving matters with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, whose relationship with Trump is tense.
France 24/ Agencies
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