Forwarded from Xinhua News Agency Latest News
Xi says normal passage through Strait of Hormuz should be maintained
BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained.
Xi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Xi pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia and has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, Xi said China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to seize this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, and enhance exchanges at all levels, so as to continuously expand the breadth and depth of bilateral relations and set as an example for advancing relations between China and Arab countries.
On the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xi stressed that China calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and remains committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.
Xi said that the normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community, adding that China supports regional countries in building a common home marked by good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, mastering their own future and destiny, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
Mohammed, for his part, said that Saudi-China relations are strategic and developing relations with China is vital to his country, noting that the current conflict in the Middle East undermines the security of Gulf nations and severely impacts global energy supply and economic operation.
Saudi Arabia, committed to resolving disputes and differences through dialogue, hopes to prevent the situation from escalating, he said, adding that China, as a responsible major country, has consistently upheld fairness and justice and supported good neighborliness, dialogue and cooperation among countries in the Middle East.
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2026-04-20 20:50:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
BEIJING, April 20 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz should be maintained.
Xi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
Xi pointed out that China attaches great importance to developing relations with Saudi Arabia and has always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit.
Noting that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Saudi Arabia, Xi said China is willing to work with Saudi Arabia to seize this opportunity to deepen strategic mutual trust, strengthen practical cooperation, and enhance exchanges at all levels, so as to continuously expand the breadth and depth of bilateral relations and set as an example for advancing relations between China and Arab countries.
On the current situation in the Middle East and the Gulf region, Xi stressed that China calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, supports all efforts conducive to restoring peace, and remains committed to resolving disputes through political and diplomatic means.
Xi said that the normal passage through the Strait of Hormuz serves the common interests of regional countries and the international community, adding that China supports regional countries in building a common home marked by good-neighborliness, development, security and cooperation, mastering their own future and destiny, and promoting long-term peace and stability in the region.
Mohammed, for his part, said that Saudi-China relations are strategic and developing relations with China is vital to his country, noting that the current conflict in the Middle East undermines the security of Gulf nations and severely impacts global energy supply and economic operation.
Saudi Arabia, committed to resolving disputes and differences through dialogue, hopes to prevent the situation from escalating, he said, adding that China, as a responsible major country, has consistently upheld fairness and justice and supported good neighborliness, dialogue and cooperation among countries in the Middle East.
...
2026-04-20 20:50:15
[Source: Xinhua] [Full Text]
Emirati political scientist calls for US bases to be closed while still seeking Washington’s most advanced weapons
Emirati political scientist and commentator Abdulkhaleq Abdulla has called for the closure of US military bases in the UAE, while stressing the country should continue acquiring top-tier US weapons.
His remarks, made in a widely circulated X post, reflect shifting views on the cost and role of the long-standing US military presence amid the war on Iran.
“The UAE no longer needs the United States to defend it, as it demonstrated during the Iranian aggression that it is fully capable of defending itself. What the UAE needs is simply to acquire the best and most advanced weapons the US has. Therefore, the time has come to consider closing American bases, as they are a burden rather than a strategic asset.”
Emirati political scientist and commentator Abdulkhaleq Abdulla has called for the closure of US military bases in the UAE, while stressing the country should continue acquiring top-tier US weapons.
His remarks, made in a widely circulated X post, reflect shifting views on the cost and role of the long-standing US military presence amid the war on Iran.
“The UAE no longer needs the United States to defend it, as it demonstrated during the Iranian aggression that it is fully capable of defending itself. What the UAE needs is simply to acquire the best and most advanced weapons the US has. Therefore, the time has come to consider closing American bases, as they are a burden rather than a strategic asset.”
The United States has reportedly suspended all funding and security coordination with the Iraqi government and has halted dollar shipments to Iraq's central banking system, according to Saudi channel Al-Hadath.
Washington says the suspension will remain in effect until a new Iraqi government is formed and Baghdad provides information on pro-Iranian militia members who have attacked U.S. targets in Iraq.
Iraq's economy is 90% dependent on oil revenue paid in dollars into a Federal Reserve account in New York. Every month, Baghdad flies in $1-2 billion in cash from that account to pay salaries and conduct government functions. Cutting dollar access means the Iraqi government cannot operate—salaries go unpaid, the dinar collapses, and the state grinds to a halt.
Iraq is currently forming a new government after November 2025 elections. The U.S. threatened in January to suspend engagement if any of 58 pro-Iranian MPs were included in the cabinet.
Washington says the suspension will remain in effect until a new Iraqi government is formed and Baghdad provides information on pro-Iranian militia members who have attacked U.S. targets in Iraq.
Iraq's economy is 90% dependent on oil revenue paid in dollars into a Federal Reserve account in New York. Every month, Baghdad flies in $1-2 billion in cash from that account to pay salaries and conduct government functions. Cutting dollar access means the Iraqi government cannot operate—salaries go unpaid, the dinar collapses, and the state grinds to a halt.
Iraq is currently forming a new government after November 2025 elections. The U.S. threatened in January to suspend engagement if any of 58 pro-Iranian MPs were included in the cabinet.
Grossi’s Claims: The IAEA Must Be Involved in Any U.S.-Iran Agreement
Nuclear Arms Race Warning: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told The Daily Telegraph that a war with Iran could trigger a nuclear arms race.
Global Impact: He noted that conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could spark a nuclear arms race involving up to 20 countries.
Necessity of the IAEA: Any U.S. agreement to end hostilities against Iran will not be successful without the participation of the IAEA.
Verification is Key: "Without verification, any agreement is not truly an agreement. It is merely the illusion of an agreement, and you would have no way of knowing whether it is being upheld."
Neutrality and Expertise: "We know Iran—and all its facilities—very, very well. We are the only ones who can guarantee absolute neutrality."
Nuclear Arms Race Warning: Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), told The Daily Telegraph that a war with Iran could trigger a nuclear arms race.
Global Impact: He noted that conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East could spark a nuclear arms race involving up to 20 countries.
Necessity of the IAEA: Any U.S. agreement to end hostilities against Iran will not be successful without the participation of the IAEA.
Verification is Key: "Without verification, any agreement is not truly an agreement. It is merely the illusion of an agreement, and you would have no way of knowing whether it is being upheld."
Neutrality and Expertise: "We know Iran—and all its facilities—very, very well. We are the only ones who can guarantee absolute neutrality."
https://weekly.islamicsocietiesreview.org/2026/04/how-journalistic-narrative-shapes_22.html
How Journalistic Narrative Shapes History—and Why Power Fears It - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
How Journalistic Narrative Shapes History—and Why Power Fears It - Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
Islamic Societies Review WEEKLY
How Journalistic Narrative Shapes History—and Why Power Fears It
The Pen and the Sword: How Journalistic Narrative Shapes History—and Why Power Fears It
German Marshall Fund Think Tank: War Against Iran Has Created Division Among U.S. Allies
🔹 The reputable German Marshall Fund think tank stated: "A war against Iran has further strained transatlantic relations, driving allies increasingly apart."
🔹 Emmanuel Macron, President of France, recently convened a conference on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz—without U.S. participation.
🔹 Washington's closest European partners, including Germany and Italy, have openly begun to distance themselves from the United States.
🔹 The reputable German Marshall Fund think tank stated: "A war against Iran has further strained transatlantic relations, driving allies increasingly apart."
🔹 Emmanuel Macron, President of France, recently convened a conference on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz—without U.S. participation.
🔹 Washington's closest European partners, including Germany and Italy, have openly begun to distance themselves from the United States.
Iraqi President Urges Swift Nomination of Prime Minister Candidate During Meeting with Nouri al-Maliki
Nizar Al-Obaidi, President of Iraq, during a meeting with Nouri al-Maliki, head of the "State of Law" coalition, emphasized the necessity of adhering to the legal timeline for appointing a prime minister.
The Iraqi President called on the Coordination Framework to nominate a candidate for prime minister within the constitutionally stipulated deadline.
Nizar Al-Obaidi, President of Iraq, during a meeting with Nouri al-Maliki, head of the "State of Law" coalition, emphasized the necessity of adhering to the legal timeline for appointing a prime minister.
The Iraqi President called on the Coordination Framework to nominate a candidate for prime minister within the constitutionally stipulated deadline.
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Chang Byung-hwa, Special Envoy of South Korea's Foreign Minister, met with Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Iran's Foreign Minister
Who's been profiting from weapons of war?
The United States is gradually losing its dominant position in the global arms market. This trend is becoming increasingly noticeable, including in the Middle East.
U.S. global arms exports fell slightly from 43% market share in 2024 to 42% in 2025 indicating fall pattern.
The U.S. has provided over $100 billion in military aid to Ukraine and Israel since 2022, depleting stockpiles that require years to replenish.
A Turkish Bayraktar TB2 costs $5 million, a U.S. Reaper costs over $30 million.
Emerging suppliers offer faster deliveries and fewer restrictions, reducing Washington's leverage.
The United States is gradually losing its dominant position in the global arms market. This trend is becoming increasingly noticeable, including in the Middle East.
U.S. global arms exports fell slightly from 43% market share in 2024 to 42% in 2025 indicating fall pattern.
The U.S. has provided over $100 billion in military aid to Ukraine and Israel since 2022, depleting stockpiles that require years to replenish.
A Turkish Bayraktar TB2 costs $5 million, a U.S. Reaper costs over $30 million.
Emerging suppliers offer faster deliveries and fewer restrictions, reducing Washington's leverage.
IEA chief warns Hormuz crisis wiped 13m barrels of oil per day from global markets (https://thecradle.co/articles/iea-chief-warns-hormuz-crisis-wiped-13m-barrels-of-oil-per-day-from-global-markets)
The organization has called the US-created disruption of oil and gas flows the 'biggest energy security threat in history'
The organization has called the US-created disruption of oil and gas flows the 'biggest energy security threat in history'
US official pressures FIFA to 'replace' Iran with Italy during World Cup (https://thecradle.co/articles/us-official-pressures-fifa-to-replace-iran-with-italy-during-world-cup)
Italian-born US Special Representative for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli has pressed FIFA to “remove” Iran from the 2026 World Cup and “replace” it with Italy, the Financial Times (FT) reported on 23 April.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” said Zampolli, describing the proposal he raised with US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA insists Iran, qualified on merit, 'should play,' despite political pressure and hostilities between Tehran and Washington
Italian-born US Special Representative for Global Partnerships Paolo Zampolli has pressed FIFA to “remove” Iran from the 2026 World Cup and “replace” it with Italy, the Financial Times (FT) reported on 23 April.
“I confirm I have suggested to Trump and Infantino that Italy replace Iran at the World Cup,” said Zampolli, describing the proposal he raised with US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
FIFA insists Iran, qualified on merit, 'should play,' despite political pressure and hostilities between Tehran and Washington
Over two-thirds of US-Israeli targets in Tehran 'not linked to military': Report (https://thecradle.co/articles/over-two-thirds-of-us-israeli-targets-in-tehran-not-linked-to-military-report)
Tehran recently confirmed around $270 billion in direct and indirect damage as a result of US-Israeli airstrikes
Tehran recently confirmed around $270 billion in direct and indirect damage as a result of US-Israeli airstrikes
— The secretary general recalls that civilians, including journalists, must be respected and protected at all times
- The UN on Thursday condemned Israel's targeting of a group of journalists in the southern Lebanese
- Reporter Amal Khalil was killed, and her colleague, Zeinab Faraj, was wounded
Lebanon’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Caroline Ziadeh on Thursday urged UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to intervene over Israel’s killing of 28 Lebanese journalists since 2023
- The UN on Thursday condemned Israel's targeting of a group of journalists in the southern Lebanese
- Reporter Amal Khalil was killed, and her colleague, Zeinab Faraj, was wounded
Lebanon’s Permanent Representative to the UN in Geneva Ambassador Caroline Ziadeh on Thursday urged UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk to intervene over Israel’s killing of 28 Lebanese journalists since 2023