International News from Friday, April 3rd, 2026
-
Iran shoots down US fighter jet, reports say one pilot rescued
One US crew member has been rescued after Iran shot down a warplane on Friday, Israeli and US media reported, as the war looked set to intensify with US President Donald Trump threatening more attacks on civilian infrastructure.
-
Zelenskyy accuses Russia of 'Easter escalation'
A large-scale daytime Russian strike killed at least two people in Ukraine on Friday, officials said, in what President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced as an "Easter escalation", as Moscow shifts tactics to avoid Ukrainian air defences.
-
Kuwait reports Iranian attack at power, desalination plant
Kuwait's Ministry of Electricity, Water, and Renewable Energy has reported material damage to a power and water desalination plant due to an Iranian attack on Friday.
-
Bangladesh cuts working hours to save energy amid Middle East crisis
Bangladesh has launched fresh measures to curb energy consumption, cutting office hours and trimming public spending as conflict in the Middle East disrupts global fuel markets and strains power supply in the South Asian nation.
-
Fire breaks out at Kuwaiti refinery following drone attack
The Kuwaiti Petroleum Corporation (KPC) has reported a drone attack that targeted its Mina al-Ahmadi refinery early on Friday, which resulted in a fire breaking out at its operating units, with no injuries reported.
-
UN to vote on Hormuz resolution as China opposes authorisation of force
The UN Security Council is to vote on a Bahraini resolution to protect commercial shipping in and around the Strait of Hormuz, diplomats said on Friday, but veto-wielding China made clear its opposition to authorising any use of force.
-
Trump threatens to strike Iran's bridges and electric power plants
US President Donald Trump has warned late on Thursday about striking and destroying bridges and electric power plants in Iran in his latest threat to hit the country's infrastructure.
-
Cuba to free 2,010 prisoners from island jails in 'sovereign gesture'
Cuba announced on Thursday that it would free more than 2,000 prisoners from the island's jails, according to state-run media, the second time this year its government has announced a prisoner amnesty amid talks with the administration of US President Donald Trump.
News
-
Twelve injured by falling debris in Abu Dhabi's Ajban areaAuthorities confirmed on Friday that an incident reported earlier in Abu Dhabi's Ajban area resulted in injuries to 12 members of the public, ranging from minor to major.
-
EGA says Al Taweelah output could take a year to recoverEmirates Global Aluminium (EGA) said on Friday full restoration of primary aluminium production at its Al Taweelah site could take up to 12 months, following damage caused by recent missile and drone attacks.
-
40 million take part in Arab Reading Challenge, says H.H. Sheikh MohammedMore than 40 million students from 60 countries have taken part in the latest edition of the Arab Reading Challenge, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Friday.
