BEIRUT – Hezbollah chief Naim ​Qassem on Monday ‌called on the Lebanese government to ​cancel a ​Tuesday meeting between ⁠the Lebanese and ​Israeli ambassadors ​in Washington, describing the talks as pointless.

Deadline passes for US blockade of Hormuz, Iran threatens to retaliate against Gulf neighbours

WASHINGTON/DUBAI – The deadline passed on Monday for the start of a U.S. military blockade of ships leaving Iran’s ports, and Tehran threatened to retaliate against ports of ​its Gulf neighbours after weekend talks on ending the war broke down.

FM discusses regional tensions with Saudi, Iraqi counterparts and IAEA chief

Egypt’s Foreign Minister and Minister of International Cooperation, Badr Abdel-Aati, held phone calls on Monday with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, Iraq’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein, and Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency. The consultations came amid heightened regional developments following U.S.–Iran negotiations in Islamabad on April 11.

Egypt, Eritrea strengthen economic, trade ties

Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aati and Investment and Foreign Trade Minister Mohamed Farid Saleh received on MondayEritrean President’s Economic Adviser Hagos Gebrehiwet and Eritrean Trade and Industry Minister Nasruddin Saleh. The meeting underscored Egypt’s commitment to deepening strategic relations with Eritrea, particularly in economic, investment, trade, and industrial fields, in support of Eritrea’s national development efforts.

Barcola returns for UCL Liverpool tie

PARIS — Paris St Germain forward Bradley Barcola has been named in the squad for their UEFA Champions League quarter-final second leg at Liverpool, the Ligue 1 club said.

Alcaraz: Sinner test is motivation

PARIS — Spanish tennis star Carlos Alcaraz said his battle with new world No 1 Jannik Sinner was giving him extra inspiration ahead of the Barcelona Open.