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Finance ministers, stung by hit to economies, call for full Iran war ceasefire

Finance ministers, stung by hit to economies, call for full Iran war ceasefire

By William Schomberg WASHINGTON, April 15 (Reuters) - Finance ministers from almost a dozen countries led by Britain called on the U.S., Israel and Iran to implement their ceasefire in full on Wednesday and said the conflict would weigh on the global economy and markets even if it was resolved soon.
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Estonian Government Redirects Military Funds to Enhance Drone and Air Defense Capabilities

Estonian Government Redirects Military Funds to Enhance Drone and Air Defense Capabilities

Estonia has decided to halt its planned acquisition of new infantry fighting vehicles, redirecting funds towards drones, counter-drone measures, and air-defense systems. This decision, announced by Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur, is influenced by lessons from Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The existing fleet of CV90 vehicles will have their service life extended by at least 10 years. Estonia's approach contrasts with Latvia and Lithuania, which are acquiring new vehicles. The modernization plan includes upgrading electronics and weapon systems. Estonia's defense spending exceeds NATO's target, reflecting a strategic shift in military priorities.
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Ukraine's Zelenskyy pursues more arms deals with allies

Ukraine's Zelenskyy pursues more arms deals with allies

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country's top priority is securing help to buy and build more air defense systems
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Europe Plans for NATO Command Shift Amid U.S. Withdrawal Concerns

Europe Plans for NATO Command Shift Amid U.S. Withdrawal Concerns

European officials are advancing plans to establish a 'European NATO' to ensure military cohesion and nuclear deterrence in the event of a U.S. withdrawal from the alliance. This initiative, reported by the Wall Street Journal, focuses on replacing American military assets in Europe with European command-and-control structures. The plan, which gained traction following President Trump's controversial comments about NATO and his desire to acquire Greenland, aims to reduce reliance on U.S. military leadership. Recent tensions have been exacerbated by European refusal to support Trump's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, further straining the alliance. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has indicated a shift towards a more European-led alliance, reflecting growing concerns over U.S. commitment.
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Macron and Starmer hold international summit on reopening the Strait of Hormuz

Macron and Starmer hold international summit on reopening the Strait of Hormuz

The leaders of France and the U.K. are holding an international summit to push forward efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil route affected by the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran
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US Diplomacy with Iran Faces Challenges Amid Global Tensions

US Diplomacy with Iran Faces Challenges Amid Global Tensions

The US's diplomatic efforts with Iran are facing challenges as negotiations in Islamabad failed to produce a conclusive agreement. President Trump has escalated measures by declaring a blockade on Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz. This move is part of a broader strategy to exert pressure on Iran, alongside ongoing diplomatic initiatives with other nations such as Cuba, Russia, and Ukraine. The US's approach has raised concerns among international observers about its impact on global stability.
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Xi calls China-Russia ties 'precious' in current international context

Xi calls China-Russia ties 'precious' in current international context

Chinese President Xi Jinping has praised the stability and certainty of China-Russia relations, calling them precious in the face of an international landscape intertwined with changes and chaos
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Rattled by Trump, US allies eye Japan's biggest arms opening since WW2

Rattled by Trump, US allies eye Japan's biggest arms opening since WW2

By John Geddie and Tim Kelly TOKYO, April 15 (Reuters) - Japan's imminent easing of arms export rules has sparked strong interest from Warsaw to Manila, Reuters reporting found, as President Donald Trump wavers on security commitments to allies and the wars in Iran and Ukraine strain U.S. weapons
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The Trump and Leo chronicles: A president and a pope square off over Iran and its aftermath

The Trump and Leo chronicles: A president and a pope square off over Iran and its aftermath

Pope Leo XIV, a studious and soft-spoken cleric, and Donald Trump, an unapologetically bellicose and pugilistic politician, have long been on a rhetorical collision course
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Zelenskyy meets Merz in Berlin as Ukraine seeks more support from Germany against Russia

Zelenskyy meets Merz in Berlin as Ukraine seeks more support from Germany against Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is meeting with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin
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Orban's defeat topples a pillar of Europe's far right, prompts scrutiny of MAGA links

Orban's defeat topples a pillar of Europe's far right, prompts scrutiny of MAGA links

By Paul Carsten BERLIN, April 14 (Reuters) -  Europe's far right has lost one of its biggest champions with the defeat of Hungary's nationalist leader Viktor Orban in Sunday's election.
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US truckers' diesel spend hits record high on Middle East conflict

US truckers' diesel spend hits record high on Middle East conflict

By Nicole Jao and Lisa Baertlein NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES, April 14 (Reuters) - The more than 3 million U.S. truckers who move goods for everything from grocery stores to factories to construction sites are grappling with the highest diesel prices in years, compounding pressure on the industry as Iran