DUBAI -- The United Arab Emirates (UAE) said Tuesday it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance, with effect from May 1, 2026, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
The decision reflects the UAE's long-term strategic and economic vision and evolving energy profile, including accelerated investment in domestic energy production, and reinforces its commitment to a responsible, reliable, and forward-looking role in global energy markets, WAM reported. (UAE-OPEC-Exit)
- - - -
JERUSALEM -- Israel views the extension of the current ceasefire through mid-May as the final window for reaching a permanent agreement with Lebanon, state-owned Kan TV reported Tuesday, citing Israeli officials.
A government source told the broadcaster that Israel has agreed to continue talks for two more weeks but intends to escalate military operations targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon if no permanent deal is reached. (Israel-Lebanon-Ceasefire)
- - - -
RIYADH -- Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary General Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi said on Tuesday that GCC states have rejected Iran's illegal measures to close the Strait of Hormuz and obstruct navigation through the waterway.
The statement was made at the 19th Consultative Meeting of GCC leaders held in Saudi Arabia's port city of Jeddah on Tuesday. (GCC-Strait of Hormuz-Closure)
- - - -
BEIRUT/JERUSALEM -- At least seven people were killed in Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon on Tuesday, including three Lebanese Civil Defense rescuers, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry.
The ministry's Emergency Operations Center said the preliminary toll from the Israeli airstrike targeting the village of Majdal Zoun included five dead, among them three civil defense paramedics who were trapped under the rubble after being targeted while carrying out a rescue mission. (Lebanon-Israeli airstrike-Casualties) ■
