Author: EchoAsiaNews

France has deployed its aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle toward the southern Red Sea as part of preparations for a potential multinational mission aimed at restoring navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, according to French officials. Paris said the carrier’s movement is intended to signal readiness to secure the vital waterway and demonstrate the capability to act if required. A senior aide to President Emmanuel Macron said the deployment sends a message that France and its partners are prepared to ensure maritime security in the region. The Strait of Hormuz, through which roughly one-fifth of global crude oil shipments typically…

An Israeli court on Wednesday rejected an appeal challenging the detention of two foreign activists abducted by Israeli forces from a Gaza-bound flotilla in international waters, prompting strong condemnation from a rights group representing them as well as international calls for their immediate release. Saif Abu Keshek, a Spanish national of Palestinian origin, and Brazilian activist Thiago Avila were among dozens of participants aboard the Global Sumud Flotilla, which was intercepted by Israeli forces off the coast of Greece last Thursday. While most activists were transferred to the Greek island of Crete and later released, the two men were taken…

US President Donald Trump has said a diplomatic agreement with Iran remains “very possible,” even as he warned that military action could resume if negotiations fail. Speaking to reporters, he stated that if Iran agrees to terms already discussed, the conflict would end, but if not, strikes could return “at a much higher level and intensity.” Despite this optimism, Iran has not yet formally responded to a new US proposal. Iranian officials have described Washington’s approach as coercive, with chief negotiator Abbas Araghchi saying Iran’s position is still under review and will be conveyed through mediator Pakistan once finalized. Tehran…

Pakistan’s military has warned of a “stronger and more decisive response” to any future aggression, as the country marked the first anniversary of Marka-e-Haq, a military confrontation with India that Islamabad describes as a defining moment in its recent security history. In statements released on Wednesday, the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the armed forces, particularly the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), were commemorating what it called a “historic milestone” that reinforced operational readiness, institutional confidence, and defence modernisation. The military said Pakistan remains committed to peace but is fully prepared to respond to any violation of its sovereignty. “Any hostile…

Armed assailants on motorbikes killed a political aide linked to India’s ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Kolkata on Wednesday night, escalating tensions in West Bengal just days after a closely watched state election, police and hospital officials said. Police said Chandranath Rath, 41, a close associate of West Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was attacked near his residence around 11 p.m. local time. The assailants reportedly intercepted his vehicle using motorcycles before opening fire at close range. West Bengal police chief Siddh Nath Gupta told AFP that the attackers fired approximately a dozen rounds, with multiple bullets striking Rath…

A United States-based news outlet, Axios, has reported that the United States and Iran are close to finalizing a one-page memorandum of understanding aimed at ending hostilities and establishing a framework for future nuclear negotiations. Citing U.S. officials and other sources, the report said Washington is expecting Tehran’s response on several key issues within the next 48 hours. According to the report, the proposed arrangement would include Iran agreeing to suspend uranium enrichment activities, while the United States would consider lifting sanctions and releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. It also suggests that both sides may ease restrictions…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has expressed gratitude to U.S. President Donald Trump following Washington’s announcement of a pause in the “Project Freedom” operation in the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on social media platform X, the prime minister said he was “grateful” for what he described as Trump’s “courageous leadership” and the timely decision to halt the operation. He stated that the move came in response to requests from Pakistan and other regional partners, including Saudi Arabia. Sharif also referred to Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman, noting that coordinated diplomatic efforts had contributed to the…

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has paid tribute to journalists killed in attacks attributed to Israel, marking the country’s annual Martyrs’ Day commemoration and highlighting what he described as media workers “deliberately targeted” for reporting from conflict zones. In a statement cited by Al Jazeera, Aoun honoured media professionals killed during recent hostilities, saying they had “refused anything but to convey the reality on the ground, paying with their lives for a sacred message.” “Their blood stands as testimony that the Lebanese word cannot be defeated,” he said. Martyrs’ Day is observed annually in Lebanon to honour those who were executed…

The AS-Level Business Studies examination paper under Cambridge International Education (CIE) has reportedly been leaked online ahead of its scheduled sitting, raising renewed concerns over exam security and integrity. The paper, identified as “9609 Paper 1,” was allegedly circulated on social media platforms on Monday night, just hours before the examination was due to take place. The incident comes days after CIE acknowledged a separate breach involving an Advanced Subsidiary (AS) Mathematics Paper 1, which the board said was “shared prematurely against our regulations.” In a statement issued on April 30, CIE confirmed that the AS Level Mathematics Paper 12…

Pakistan has issued spot tenders to procure liquefied natural gas (LNG) for May as it moves to secure energy supplies amid growing uncertainty over regional shipping routes, sources told Geo News on Wednesday. According to Petroleum Division sources, Pakistan LNG Limited (PLL) has invited bids from international suppliers for two LNG cargoes. Companies have been asked to submit bids by May 7, with the same-day opening scheduled for evaluation. The first LNG shipment is expected to arrive between May 12 and 14, while the second is planned for delivery between May 24 and 26. Officials said the decision comes as…