News
Sunni militant attack on security forces jolts Iran
At least three military bases in Iran’s south-eastern province of Sistan-Baluchestan have come under insurgent attacks in the early hours of April 4 security forces with at least 12 security forces reported killed.
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Iran to ration fuelling at petrol stations amid price hike rumours
Iranian motorists will have to use “only” their fuel cards to fill up their cars at petrol stations as of April 13, Oil Minister Javad Owji said, as the government is set to cut down high fuel consumption.
Romanian bank analysts don't expect rate cut before May
Ahead of BNR rate-setting meeting, BCR and ING analysts say they expect no change in April but policy rate to be reduced to 5.75-7% by end-2024.
Ukraine recruiting war mercenaries from Tajikistan, Russia’s security council chief reported as saying
Nikolai Patrushev said to have claimed Kyiv is running the recruitment via an operation at its embassy in Dushanbe.
Iran's leadership remains muted on response to Israeli airstrike
Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, has been unusually muted in his first official response to the killing of seven military officers in Damascus on April 1.
Nato chief proposes $100bn fund to aid Ukraine
Up to now voluntary Western support for Ukraine has been co-ordinated through the Ramstein group headed by the US.
US told Moscow that Crocus City Hall was terrorist target
According to officials speaking to the American outlet, the US highlighted the venue as a possible target, two weeks before terrorists from Islamic State – Khorasan Province (ISIS-K) killed 144 people and injured hundreds more.
Turkey’s official March annual inflation up 2 pp at 69% y/y, but monthly figure falls again
ENAG’s alternative headline figure calculated at 125% y/y.
Georgia's ruling party reintroduces 'foreign agents law' despite past protests
Western partners of Georgia view the law as an obstacle to Georgia's Western integration.
Romanian president's hopes of leading Nato fade
Estonia and Lithuania announced support for rival candidate Mark Rutte on April 2, while the US also confirmed its backing for the Dutch PM.
Defiant RBI under fire as Deripaska Strabag deal proceeds
Washington could reportedly impose penalties on the bank for violating sanctions if deal goes ahead.
Iran currency hits new record low
The Iranian rial reached yet another new low against the dollar on April 2.
Czech spy agency says pro-Kremlin media ring targets European Parliament elections in several states
Far-right politicians across the EU have been promoted on the Voice of Europe media platform ahead of the European Parliament elections.
Russian hard discounter eyes Hungarian retail market
Svetofor faces challenges in its supply chain due to war and sanctions, but is going ahead with plans to expand in Eastern Europe.
Local elections victory is Turkish main opposition party’s first national polls win since 1977
AKP loses 11 cities it controlled since last municipal vote. For ruling party, big consolation is that next general election is not due until 2028.
Putin calls up 150,000 more soldiers
Russian President Vladimir Putin has signed his annual spring conscription decree, calling up a new swathe of young Russians for compulsory military service.
Russian Foreign Ministry blames Ukraine’s secret service for Moscow terrorist attack
Russian investigators have officially accused Ukraine of being behind the deadly terrorist attack that killed at least 144 people in Moscow on March 22.
Turkey’s opposition sweeps to big city victories in local elections, dealing blow to Erdogan
CHP party now faces challenge to re-energise and seek avenue to snap polls that could bring down regime. Next scheduled major vote is not until 2028.
Colossal floods stun Kazakhstan
The irony is that while Kazakhstan routinely struggles with floods in spring, the months that follow often deliver drought.
Bulgaria and Romania join air and sea Schengen area
After long delays and vetoes by Schengen members, Bulgaria and Romania celebrate partial entry to Europe's border-free Schengen area.