Trump blames Iran for tanker attacks, fears of confrontation rise
U.S. President Donald Trump blamed Iran on Friday for attacks on two oil tankers at the entrance to the Gulf despite Tehran’s denials, raising fears of a confrontation in the vital oil shipping route.
U.N. chief calls for independent probe into Gulf tanker attacks
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on Friday for an independent investigation to establish the facts and who was responsible for attacks on two oil tankers this week in the Gulf of Oman.
Iran fast-boats preventing towing of damaged Altair tanker: source
Iranian military fast-boats in the Gulf of Oman are preventing two privately owned tug boats from towing away an oil tanker damaged in attacks on Thursday, a U.S. official said on Friday, speaking on condition of anonymity.
‘Moldova is free’ cheers new premier as rival steps aside
Moldova’s new prime minister Maia Sandu consolidated her power on Friday as her predecessor resigned, appearing to ease a crisis that shook the country for the past week as two rival governments jostled for control.
Celebrating arrests, but still pushing for change, protesters rally in Algeria
Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in the Algerian capital for the 17th consecutive Friday, demanding the removal of the ruling elite and prosecution of former officials linked to former President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
Trump administration unlikely to move on Hong Kong barring dramatic escalation: U.S. official
The Trump administration is unlikely to move to revise a 1992 act that gives Hong Kong special trade and business privileges unless there is a dramatic escalation by China in response to street protests there, a senior U.S. official said.
Maoist rebels kill five policemen in eastern India
Maoist rebels killed five policemen in the eastern Indian state of Jharkhand on Friday, a senior police official said, the latest in a series of attacks on security forces.
Swiss women stage mass strike demanding overdue equality
Hundreds of thousands of women across Switzerland held a strike on Friday to highlight their wealthy nation’s poor record on female rights, recreating the passion of the last such walkout 28 years ago.
EU finds Russian disinformation, says tech firms must do more
Russian online outlets spread disinformation to sway voters in last month’s European Union elections, the bloc said on Friday in a report calling for social media firms to take greater action or risk regulation.
U.N. chief condemns oil tanker attacks, says independent probe needed
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told reporters on Friday the truth needed to be established after two oil tankers were attacked this week in the Gulf of Oman, adding that the international body condemned the attack.
