Author: EchoAsiaNews

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…

A Ghanaian footballer, Dominic Frimpong, has been killed during an armed robbery attack on his club’s team bus while returning from an away fixture in the Ghana Premier League, the country’s football authorities confirmed. According to the Ghana Football Association, the incident occurred on Sunday between Goaso and Bibiani as the team from Berekum Chelsea were travelling back after their match against Samartex in Samreboi. The club stated that the bus was ambushed by armed men who blocked the road and opened fire as the driver attempted to reverse. Players and staff reportedly abandoned the vehicle and fled into nearby…

A recent survey conducted by researchers at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem indicates deep divisions within Israeli public opinion regarding the ceasefire involving Iran. According to the poll, nearly two-thirds of respondents oppose the Iran ceasefire, while opinion is split on whether Israel should adhere to the two-week truce or resume military operations. The survey suggests that 39 percent of Israelis support continuing strikes on Iran, 41 percent favor respecting the ceasefire, and 19 percent remain uncertain. The poll, carried out by Agam Labs at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, was conducted shortly after an agreement between United States and Iran…

Pakistan’s stock market declined sharply on Monday as investor sentiment weakened following the failure of US–Iran talks to reach a lasting agreement, while renewed tensions over the Strait of Hormuz pushed global oil prices back above $100 per barrel. The benchmark KSE-100 Index at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) traded in negative territory throughout the session, hitting an intraday high of 163,560.94 points, down 3,630.43 points or 2.17%, and a low of 161,638.07 points, down 5,553.3 points or 3.32%, compared to the previous close of 167,191.37. Market analysts said sentiment was hit by rising geopolitical uncertainty and concerns over energy…

BTS concluded their three-night concert series at Goyang Stadium on April 12, marking the opening leg of their “ARIRANG” World Tour with massive fan turnout and high-profile performances. The shows featured a mix of the group’s major hits, including DNA and Fake Love, along with live stage debuts from their latest album, drawing strong audience response throughout the event. The performances were highlighted by tightly executed choreography for Run BTS and several fan-focused moments, including Jin’s interaction with the crowd that went viral on social media. The concerts also reportedly included appearances by celebrities such as Im Si-wan and IU…

A police officer deployed to protect an anti-polio vaccination team was killed and four others injured after unidentified armed assailants opened fire in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s Hangu district on Monday, officials said. According to Hangu SDPO Mujahid Hussain, the attack targeted a police van carrying five personnel assigned to provide security to a polio vaccination team in the Chapri Waziran area. All five officers sustained bullet injuries, while one later succumbed to his wounds. The injured personnel were shifted to a nearby medical facility for treatment, the police official added. The incident took place on the opening day of Pakistan’s second…

Justin Bieber delivered a widely discussed performance at Coachella, presenting a career-spanning set that drew strong reactions from fans and fellow artists alike. Among those praising the show was Lizzo, who shared her admiration for the Canadian singer following his return to the festival stage over the weekend. Taking to Instagram, the Grammy-winning artist described Bieber’s performance as “beautiful” and “transcendent,” saying she was deeply moved by the set. During his Saturday night appearance, Bieber performed some of his biggest hits, including Baby and Never Say Never, and was joined on stage by The Kid Laroi, Wizkid, Tems, and Dijon.…

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to visit Saudi Arabia within the next 48 hours after receiving an invitation from Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to Geo News. During the visit to Riyadh, Pakistan’s premier is likely to hold high-level consultations on regional and international developments, reflecting continued diplomatic coordination between the two long-standing allies. The trip comes in the backdrop of recent high-stakes US–Iran talks held in Islamabad, which continued for 21 hours from Saturday into early Sunday. The discussions marked the first direct engagement between Washington and Tehran in over a decade and the most senior-level contact…

According to Reuters, oil tankers have begun avoiding the Strait of Hormuz amid rising geopolitical tensions after failed US–Iran peace negotiations over the weekend and reports of an impending US naval blockade in the region. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that the US Navy would move to block the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions following marathon talks that failed to produce a deal to formally end hostilities and reinforce a fragile two-week ceasefire. The announcement triggered immediate concern across global shipping and energy markets due to the strait’s critical role in international oil transport. US Central Command reportedly stated…

Australia has appointed Lieutenant General Susan Coyle as the country’s first-ever female Chief of Army, marking a historic leadership change in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) amid ongoing efforts to increase gender representation and address allegations of misconduct within the military. The government announced on Monday that Coyle, currently serving as Chief of Joint Capabilities, will assume command of the army in July, replacing Lieutenant General Simon Stuart. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the appointment as a landmark moment in the 125-year history of the Australian Army, saying it reflects both progress and the growing role of women in national…