US announces new sanctions on Iran after missile and drone strike on Israel

US announces new sanctions on Iran after missile and drone strike on Israel

The United States announced new sanctions on Iran targeting its unarmed aerial vehicle production following its missile and drone strike on Israel. The sanctions targeted individuals and entities enabling Iran’s UAV production, as well as companies providing materials for steel production to Iran’s largest steel producer. Additionally, Iranian automaker Bahman Group subsidiaries were also designated for supporting Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Britain and the European Union also imposed sanctions on Iranian military organizations, individuals, and entities involved in Iran’s UAV and ballistic missile industries. The U.S. statement came after the Group of Seven industrial democracies and EU leaders decided to step up sanctions against Iran to prevent a wider conflict in the Middle East. Iran launched the April 13 attack in retaliation for Israel’s suspected strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, leading to threats of retaliation from Israel and a potential review of Iran’s “nuclear doctrine.”

Tehran could review , ‘nuclear doctrine’ amid Israeli threats

Tehran could review , ‘nuclear doctrine’ amid Israeli threats

Iran could review its “nuclear doctrine” following Israeli threats, raising concerns about Tehran’s nuclear program. Israel has threatened to retaliate against Iran’s missile and drone attack, which was in response to a suspected Israeli strike on its embassy compound in Damascus. Ahmad Haghtalab, a senior Iranian Revolutionary Guards commander, stated that threats against Iran’s nuclear facilities could lead to a change in their nuclear doctrine. Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has the final say on the nuclear program, which the West suspects has military purposes. Talks between Tehran and Washington to revive the 2015 nuclear pact have stalled since 2022. Iran continues to enrich uranium at rates up to 60% purity, far beyond the needs for commercial nuclear use.

Fuel prices rise after ending fuel tax reduction

Fuel prices rise after ending fuel tax reduction

The average price of fuel in Cyprus has increased by 4.5 cents per litre for petrol, 1.3 cents per litre for diesel, and 0.4 cents per litre for heating oil following the termination of the government’s reduced tax measure. Gasoline prices had already increased by 8.3 cents per litre before the tax measure was lifted.

Greek economy surges after decade of pain

Greek economy surges after decade of pain

Fact: The Greek economy is forecast to grow nearly 3 per cent this year, approaching its pre-crisis size of 2009 and far outpacing the eurozone average of 0.8 per cent.

Electricians to go on 24-hour , ‘warning strike’

Electricians to go on 24-hour , ‘warning strike’

Mechanics and electricians will go on a 24-hour strike on Thursday due to a deadlock between the association of electricians and mechanics (Semiek) and the labour ministry over collective agreements, pay raises, and benefits.

Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

Israeli tanks push back in northern Gaza, warplanes hit Rafah, say residents

Israeli tanks re-entered parts of northern Gaza and carried out air strikes on Rafah, killing and injuring several people. Tanks surrounded schools where displaced families were seeking refuge, ordering evacuations and detaining men. The Israeli military continued operations in central Gaza, targeting gunmen and destroying terrorist infrastructure. Israel is still imposing restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, despite some claims of increased aid flows. The Palestinian health ministry reported over 33,000 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire since October.

Putin tells the Middle East to pull back from a catastrophic clash

Putin tells the Middle East to pull back from a catastrophic clash

Russian President Vladimir Putin urged all sides in the Middle East to avoid actions that could lead to a new confrontation with catastrophic consequences for the region. Putin spoke to Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi about Iran’s retaliatory measures against Israel and emphasized the need for restraint to prevent further escalation. The root cause of instability in the Middle East was attributed to the unresolved conflict between Palestinians and Israel. Both leaders confirmed their support for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and a political settlement of the crisis. Iran has provided Russia with powerful missiles and drones used in Ukraine.

Ukraine says it ‘ran out of missiles’ to stop Russian strike ruining power station

Ukraine says it ‘ran out of missiles’ to stop Russian strike ruining power station

A lack of air defense missiles prevented Ukraine from stopping a Russian missile attack that destroyed the largest power plant near Kyiv. President Zelenskiy mentioned that they ran out of missiles to defend the plant, which was hit by four of the 11 missiles that were launched. The power plant had a capacity of 1,800 megawatts and its destruction has led to a power shortage in the region. Russia has been targeting Ukraine’s energy system with missile and drone strikes, causing significant damage to power generating capacity. Despite Ukraine’s urgent calls for additional air defense systems, Western allies have been hesitant to provide more support.

Markets remain volatile, despite relief rally

Markets remain volatile, despite relief rally

The text discusses a small market relief rally following Iran’s missile and drone strike on Israel, with US stock futures rising and gold and oil prices slightly lower. The CEO of deVere Group warns investors not to be complacent, as the situation in the Middle East remains volatile and any disruption in oil production could have significant implications for energy prices worldwide. The ripple effects on financial markets could impact investor sentiment, corporate profits, consumer spending, inflation, and central bank monetary policy. Investors are advised to seek refuge in sectors less sensitive to geopolitical risks and to conduct thorough research, diversify portfolios, and consult with a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

Russia calls for restraint after Iranian strikes on Israel

Russia calls for restraint after Iranian strikes on Israel

Russia expressed extreme concern over Iranian strikes on Israel, calling for all parties to show restraint. Tensions will remain high until the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians is resolved. Russia condemned Israel’s strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus and warned that unresolved crises in the Middle East could escalate tensions. Former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev said that a war between Israel and Iran would harm Joe Biden’s chances of being re-elected as U.S. president.