US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

US will not take part in retaliatory action against Iran, White House says

President Joe Biden warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the U.S. would not participate in a counter-offensive against Iran if Israel decides to retaliate for a mass drone and missile attack on Israeli territory overnight. The threat of open warfare between the two countries has caused global powers and Arab nations to urge restraint to avoid further escalation. The U.S. will continue to help Israel defend itself but does not want war, according to the White House’s top national security spokesperson. Iran launched the attack in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its consulate in Syria, causing only modest damage in Israel as most missiles were shot down with the help of the U.S., Britain, and Jordan. Israel is not planning an immediate retaliation and is seeking to build a regional coalition to address the threat posed by Iran.

Somali pirates say hijacked ship MV Abdullah released after $5 million ransom was paid

Somali pirates say hijacked ship MV Abdullah released after $5 million ransom was paid

Somali pirates released the hijacked ship MV Abdullah and its crew of 23 after a million ransom was paid. The money was divided and avoided government forces. The Bangladesh-flagged bulk carrier was hijacked in March while en route from Mozambique to the United Arab Emirates. Somali pirates had been dormant until late last year when activity started to increase again.

Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iran seizes cargo ship in Strait of Hormuz, Iranian media says

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards seized an Israeli-linked cargo ship, the MSC Aries, in the Strait of Hormuz. The ship is leased by MSC from Gortal Shipping, an affiliate of Zodiac Maritime, partly owned by Israeli businessman Eyal Ofer. Tensions are rising in the region since Israel’s campaign in Gaza, with threats and warnings being issued by Iran, the United States, and Israel. Iran has also threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz if necessary. Yemen’s Houthi group has been disrupting global trade by attacking ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea. The United States and Britain have responded with strikes against Houthi targets. The Joint Maritime Information Center has advised caution for vessels navigating the Strait of Hormuz.

Gaza aid could reach 1,500 tonnes a week

Gaza aid could reach 1,500 tonnes a week

Relief for aid-stricken Palestinians in the Gaza strip could reach about 1,500 tonnes a week once a U.S.-built jetty is operational, with international donors coming forward to finance the infrastructure, including a million donation from the United Arab Emirates to the Amaltheia Fund.

US envoy asked Middle East foreign ministers to mediate with Iran

US envoy asked Middle East foreign ministers to mediate with Iran

The U.S. Middle East envoy contacted the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, and Iraq to ask them to urge Iran to lower tensions with Israel after a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria.

Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights

Middle East on alert for Iranian attack as Lufthansa suspends Tehran flights

Lufthansa extended the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the situation in the Middle East, which is on alert for Iranian retaliation for a suspected Israeli air strike on Iran’s embassy in Syria. The region and the United States have been on alert for a retaliatory attack by Iran since April 1, when Israeli warplanes were suspected of bombing the Iranian embassy compound in Syria.

Turning camels into cows: megafarms are being set up to produce camel milk on industrial,  scales

Turning camels into cows: megafarms are being set up to produce camel milk on industrial,  scales

Camels are increasingly being enclosed in large dairy farms in the Middle East, where they are milked by machine. This industrialized farming model is driven by the growing demand for camel milk as an alternative to cow, sheep, and goat milk. The traits of camels make them resilient to climate change, but there are concerns about the loss of traditional knowledge and cultural heritage associated with mobile camel herders. The camel milk market is expected to grow rapidly, with estimates ranging from US billion to billion by the end of the decade.

WTI rises to $86.20 on threats against Israel

WTI rises to $86.20 on threats against Israel

The West Texas Intermediate (WTI) oil price is trading around .20 a barrel in Asian trading on Friday, with the rise attributed to potential supply disruptions amid escalating geopolitical tensions.

UAE, ’s non-oil business activity growth eases slightly in March

UAE, ’s non-oil business activity growth eases slightly in March

Fact: Growth in the United Arab Emirates’ non-oil business sector eased slightly in March, with supply constraints from shipping disruption in the Red Sea contributing to backlogs.