Iran foreign ministry denies US hostage swap imminent
Al Jazeera
Contradictory statements may be latest example of clashes between political factions as presidential vote looms.
Tehran, Iran – Iran’s foreign ministry says a state television report on prisoner swaps with the United States cannot be confirmed as a political rift widens ahead of presidential elections in June. Foreign ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said on Monday that the report could not be confirmed and that the issue of swapping prisoners is being reviewed by both sides. The state-run broadcaster had quoted an unnamed official on Sunday as saying four Iranian prisoners held in the US for circumventing sanctions would be swapped with four American dual nationals in Iran, and $7bn in frozen Iranian funds will be released.
Foreign Minister Fidan threatens military action against PKK-linked YPG group if they fail to meet Ankara’s demands.
Trump’s grandstanding covered Ukraine joining NATO, Israel’s war on Gaza, and Greenland.
Deschamps, who led France to the FIFA World Cup title in 2018, will step away after the 2026 edition in North America.
Some frightened residents were forced to abandon their cars and flee on foot from rapidly growing conflagration.
Bangkok police chief says initial investigation suggests a gunman was hired to carry out Tuesday’s shooting.
Syria’s new leadership faces an economy devastated by war and sanctions, with inflation and a decimated currency.
HMPV infections are spreading in China, while cases of flu-like disease have also been found in India and the UK.
Moscow blames Ukraine for halting gas transit and Moldova for financial spat; Chisinau suspects Russia of seeking to influence upcoming elections.
Verifying casualty figures for soldiers in the Russia-Ukraine war is difficult, as experts call it ‘a war of narratives’.
Authorities say they are investigating the cause of the crash off island located near Perth, Western Australia.
Analysts predict a tough year, as Islamabad prepares for more US belligerence towards China, the closest Pakistan ally.
President Maduro said the group included mercenaries and ‘hit men’, describing two US detainees as ‘very high level’.
Here are the key developments on the 1,049th day of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Consumer Financial Protection Bureau says change will strike $49bn in medical debt from credit reports.
Lim Kimya, 74, had refused to flee Cambodia even after former PM Hun Sen threatened to make opposition MPs lives ‘hell’.
Al Jazeera’s correspondent says fear dominates in Gaza as Israeli attacks intensify, targeting ‘humanitarian safe zone’.
Israeli forces kill 5 children in al-Mawasi as Trump warns Hamas that ‘all hell will break out’ if captives not freed.