Taiwan must build 'self-deterrence' to counter Chinese threat: Report

IANS | April 4, 2026 3:51 PM

Washington, April 4 (IANS) Taiwan faces a stark challenge in preserving its democratic way of life amid persistent threats from the Chinese Communist Party (CCP). The answer lies in "self-deterrence" – developing the capacity to raise costs on aggression to make any attempt at subjugation prohibitively expensive for Beijing, a report mentioned.

Trump links Hormuz crisis to oil opportunity​

IANS | April 3, 2026 8:41 PM

Washington, April 3 (IANS) With tensions still simmering in the Gulf, U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday suggested the Strait of Hormuz could be reopened for oil gains, describing it as a chance to “MAKE A FORTUNE,” as maritime traffic shows early signs of revival.​

Disarming Hezbollah remains Israel's top objective in Lebanon: Defence Minister Katz

IANS | April 3, 2026 5:00 PM

Jerusalem, April 3 (IANS) Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz on Friday reiterated that the country's top objective in Lebanon remains disarming Hezbollah through military and political means. After an assessment with military officials, Katz said, "Israel’s policy in Lebanon has been and remains clear: the top objective is the disarmament of Hezbollah through military and political means, regardless of the Iran issue," 'The Times of Israel' reported.

UN chief urges diplomacy to stop Iran conflict​

Arul Louis​ | April 2, 2026 9:27 PM

United Nations, April 2 (IANS) With a firm message to Israel, the United States, and Iran to immediately stop the conflict, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called for supporting diplomacy to stop the threatened “spiral of death and destruction”.​