World


Belarus frees political prisoners in exchange for easing of US sanctions

Minsk, Sep 12 (UNI) Dozens of political prisoners have been freed from Belarusian prisons as part of a deal between authoritarian leader Alexander Lukashenko and US President Donald Trump.
Fifty-two prisoners have been released, including trade union leaders, journalists and activists, but more than 1,000 political prisoners remain in jail, reports BBC.
In exchange, the US has said it will relieve some sanctions on Belarusian airline Belavia, allowing it to buy parts for its airlines.
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Shipping industry experts call Trump’s 20pc cargo charge on goods transiting Strait of Hormuz ‘impractical’

14 Jul 2026 | 8:57 PM

Washington, Jul 14 (UNI) US President Donald Trump's proposal to impose a 20% charge on cargo transiting the Strait of Hormuz has led to heavy criticism from shipping industry experts, who have warned that it could dramatically increase costs on one of the world's most important maritime trade routes.

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Israel hopes Rome talks will advance Lebanon withdrawal plan

14 Jul 2026 | 8:42 PM

Jerusalem, Jul 14 (UNI) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said on Tuesday that ongoing negotiations with Lebanon in Rome could help advance the implementation of an agreement covering two "pilot zones" in southern Lebanon from which Israeli forces may withdraw.

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Iran says more than 200 vessels coordinated Hormuz transit before renewed closure

14 Jul 2026 | 8:41 PM

Tehran, Jul 14 (UNI) Iran's Persian Gulf Strait Authority (PGSA) said on Tuesday that more than 200 foreign commercial vessels coordinated their movements with Iranian authorities during the three weeks following the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Tehran and Washington, prior to its closure of the vital waterway post renewed tensions with the US.

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Oman says it is working with all sides to restore navigation through Strait of Hormuz

14 Jul 2026 | 8:38 PM

Muscat, Jul 14 (UNI) Oman on Tuesday said that it remains engaged with all parties in efforts to restore freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, amid growing tensions over control of the strategic waterway.

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US accuses Iran of backing Houthis, violating UN resolutions over Yemen and Gulf attacks

14 Jul 2026 | 7:44 PM

New York, July 14 (UNI) The United States has accused Iran of providing military support to Yemen’s Houthi movement and "violating UN Security Council resolutions," warning that Tehran’s actions are "threatening regional stability and maritime security" in the Gulf and Red Sea.

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