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Iran says coastal attack will lead to full Gulf closure and mine-laying

An attack on Iran's southern coast and islands will lead to Gulf routes being cut with the laying of sea mines, the country's Defence Council said on Monday, according to state media. The US is considering plans to occupy or blockade Iran's Kharg Island, the country's main oil export hub, to pressure Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to all shipping, according to Axios. "Any attempt to attack Iran's coasts or islands will cause all access routes in the Gulf (...) to be mined with various types of sea mines, including floating mines that can be released from the coast," the statement read. "In this case, the entire Gulf will practically be in a situation similar to the Strait of Hormuz for a long time (...) One should not forget the failure of more than 100 minesweepers in the 1980s in removing a few sea mines." The Defence Council recalled that non-belligerent states can only pass through the Strait of Hormuz by coordinating passage with Iran...
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Turkish spy chief meets Hamas delegation to discuss Gaza aid, ceasefire proposals

Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin held talks with senior Hamas officials in Ankara on Saturday to discuss humanitarian access to Gaza and proposals for a permanent ceasefire, according to Turkey’s state-run Anadolu news agency. Kalin, the head of Turkey’s National Intelligence Organisation (MIT), met Mohammad Darwish, head of Hamas’ political council, as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens amid Israel’s renewed military campaign. The discussions focused on aid delivery, a potential prisoner exchange deal, and diplomatic initiatives to end the conflict. Hamas reiterated its readiness to “immediately reach a comprehensive prisoner exchange agreement in return for a ceasefire,” along with demands for Israeli withdrawal, reconstruction of Gaza, and lifting of the blockade. Kalin reaffirmed Ankara’s support for Palestinian rights and expressed opposition to any attempts by Israel to forcibly displace Gaza’s population or annex territory. Hamas also voiced support for Egypt’s proposal to create a special governing body for Gaza comprising independent and qualified national figures. Israel has maintained a total blockade on Gaza since March 2. Humanitarian agencies, including the United Nations, warn the strip is facing its worst crisis since the war began in October 2023, following Hamas’ attack on Israel. Israel resumed its offensive on March 18 after a two-month ceasefire, with the Palestinian health ministry reporting 1,691 people killed since. The total Palestinian death toll has surpassed 51,000, most of them civilians. Israel says its blockade is necessary to pressure Hamas into releasing the remaining 59 hostages.

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At least 32 miners dead after bridge fails at cobalt site in southeast DR Congo

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