Middle East

US sharpens rhetoric towards Iran, slams nuclear deal

On Wednesday, the US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson called Iran the world's "leading state-sponsor of terrorism". His comments come as President Donald Trump ordered a review into whether sanctions against the state should be reinstated.

Business & Economy

Emirates president: US flight cut 'not permanent'

Airline's president says decision to cut 25 of the 126 weekly flights a temporary measure because of fall in demand.

Science & Technology

China launches first cargo spacecraft

The Tianzhou-1 spacecraft successfully enters orbit taking the country a step closer to building its own space station.

Middle East

Iraqi forces 'make further gains' against ISIL in Mosul

Army commanders say areas west of the Old City have been recaptured and a senior ISIL operative was killed.

Middle East

Egypt says Sinai air raids kill ISIL affiliate's chiefs

Three leaders were among 19 members of Sinai Province group who were killed in air raids, Egyptian military says.

Asia Pacific

Australian leader seeks tougher citizenship laws

Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull plans to toughen the country's citizenship rules. It would mean foreigners wanting to become citizens will have to sit an "Australian values" test, and demonstrate a higher proficiency in English.

Israeli–Palestinian conflict

Israel 'lobbying FIFA' to prevent settlement teams' ban

FIFA to discuss in May sanctions call over six teams based in Israeli settlements in occupied Palestinian territory.

Middle East

Lebanon: Vintage posters offer glimpse of Arab history

One of the Arab world's most extensive collections of vintage film posters can be found in a cellar below Beirut's busiest shopping district.

Weather

Does Atlantic storm hint at early hurricane season?

A rare sub-tropical depression has formed over open water.

US & Canada

US environment agency vows to fight lead contamination

The head of the US Environmental Protection Agency, Scott Pruitt, has vowed to save a city that's water supply is contaminated by lead.

Pakistan

Pakistan court orders corruption probe into PM Sharif

Supreme Court rules not enough evidence to order prime minister’s removal over alleged corruption, orders investigation.

Latin America

14 killed, 20 missing in new Colombia landslide

Mud and debris spill through streets of city in west Colombia that received equivalent of one month of rain overnight.