Author: EchoAsiaNews

Japan’s Nissan Motor Co. has announced a major overhaul of its global strategy, including cutting its vehicle lineup and expanding artificial intelligence-based driving technology across most of its models as part of a long-term turnaround plan. The company said it will reduce its global automobile lineup from 56 models to 45, focusing on more profitable segments and discontinuing underperforming vehicles. The restructuring is aimed at strengthening profitability and improving competitiveness in key markets. Nissan also plans to deploy AI-driven autonomous technology across around 90% of its vehicle range in the long term, marking a significant push toward advanced mobility systems.…

Pakistan has strongly condemned Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon, urging immediate de-escalation and unhindered humanitarian access during a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation held at the United Nations headquarters. Speaking at an ambassadorial-level session, Pakistan’s Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, Usman Jadoon, described the humanitarian situation in Lebanon as “catastrophic” and rapidly deteriorating. He said recent Israeli bombardments, particularly in southern and densely populated areas, have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread damage to infrastructure. Pakistan, he added, “condemns in the strongest terms” what it termed continued military aggression by Israel, reaffirming its support for the sovereignty…

Senior diplomats from Israel and Lebanon are set to hold rare direct talks in Washington, D.C. on Tuesday, marking an unusual diplomatic engagement between the two sides amid ongoing hostilities. According to Al Jazeera, Lebanese Ambassador Nada Hamadeh and Israeli Ambassador Yechiel Leiter will meet at the United States Department of State at 11:00 a.m. local time (15:00 GMT). Marco Rubio is expected to join the working-level discussions, which are likely to focus on securing a ceasefire in Lebanon, where Israeli military operations have intensified, including sustained airstrikes and a ground offensive. The talks are also expected to address the…

A tanker sanctioned by the United States transited the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, despite a US-imposed blockade in the area, according to shipping data from London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). The vessel, identified as Rich Starry, is reportedly Chinese-owned and operated with a Chinese crew, the data showed. The development underscores ongoing challenges in enforcing restrictions in one of the world’s most critical maritime oil routes. The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital corridor for global energy supplies, and any breach of enforcement measures is likely to raise concerns over maritime security and sanctions compliance.

Israeli strikes have caused significant damage to a hospital in southern Lebanon, Al Jazeera reported. A footage shows widespread destruction at Tebnin Governmental Hospital, with debris and shattered glass covering corridors and medical equipment left overturned inside several rooms. Outside the facility, vehicles appear to have been hit by falling rubble. According to the National News Agency, the attack led to casualties. Israeli operations across Lebanon, many focused on the southern region, have reportedly killed more than 2,000 people since March 2.

Germany’s leading defence manufacturer Rheinmetall has announced plans to begin producing cruise missiles for the first time, marking a significant expansion of its weapons portfolio. The Düsseldorf-based firm said it will partner with Dutch defence technology company Destinus to establish a joint venture later this year, subject to regulatory approvals. The collaboration will focus on developing and manufacturing advanced missile systems. Chief executive Armin Papperger stated that the partnership combines Rheinmetall’s large-scale production capabilities with Destinus’s technological expertise in system design. He emphasised the need to strengthen Europe’s defence manufacturing capacity, citing growing demand for modern military systems. Cruise missiles…

Iran has resumed rail services on key routes after repairing infrastructure damaged during the recent conflict involving the United States and Israel, according to state media reports cited by AFP. Authorities have accelerated reconstruction efforts in recent days, focusing on restoring bridges, railway lines, and other critical transport infrastructure impacted during nearly 40 days of fighting. In the northwestern Azerbaijan region, railway services have restarted from the city of Tabriz, reconnecting to major destinations including the capital Tehran and the northeastern city of Mashhad. Railway official Alireza Soleimani confirmed that operations resumed after a disruption lasting four to five days,…

Türkiye has accused Israel of attempting to designate it as a “new enemy,” as tensions between the two countries intensify amid the broader regional crisis. Speaking to media, Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Israel “cannot live without an enemy” and is now seeking to portray Türkiye in that role, according to AFP. The remarks come as diplomatic strains escalated over the weekend, with President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan warning Donald Trump of potential “provocations and sabotage” that could undermine a preliminary ceasefire arrangement in the ongoing US-Israel war involving Iran. Ankara’s statements signal growing friction between Türkiye and Israel, raising…

Hundreds of protesters gathered in Paris to demonstrate against a proposed anti-Semitism bill, which critics say could have implications for freedom of expression and public political activism, including pro-Palestinian advocacy. The proposed legislation, which is set to be discussed in the French Parliament, is intended to address what its supporters describe as “renewed forms” of anti-Semitism. However, opponents argue that the bill could risk restricting civil liberties and limiting legitimate political speech. Ahead of the parliamentary debate, public opposition to the measure has grown, with a petition against the bill reportedly gathering more than 660,000 signatures. The demonstration in Paris…

Israel’s ambassador to the United States, Yechiel Leiter, has come under renewed scrutiny following his involvement in early-stage discussions with Lebanon amid rising regional tensions and ongoing conflict involving Israel and Hezbollah. Leiter recently held what is described as a first-ever phone call with Lebanon’s envoy to Washington, Nada Hamadeh Moawad, in what marks a rare diplomatic engagement between the two countries, which do not maintain formal relations. The conversation reportedly also included the US ambassador to Lebanon and was held under the auspices of the US State Department. According to statements attributed to Leiter, the talks are expected to…