Afghan women footballers celebrate ‘historic moment’
A FIFA rule change allowing Afghanistan’s women footballers to compete in official matches is a “historic moment” and “basic human right”, former captain Khalida Popal told AFP on…
Iran defies Trump’s blockade as oil prices soar
Tehran: Iran warned the United States on Thursday that its naval blockade was doomed to fail, after President Donald Trump signalled it could be enforced for months to come, in a c…
Tropical forest loss eases in 2025 from record high, report shows
SAO PAULO: Destruction of the world’s tropical forests eased in 2025 from a record high, a report showed on Wednesday, underscoring how decisive policy can help keep trees standing…
Nizwa Hospital recognised as ‘baby-friendly’ facility
Muscat:The Ministry of Health (MoH) celebrated on Thursday the designation of Nizwa Hospital as a “Baby-Friendly Hospital,” following its successful completion of the final evaluat…
Sinner stops Jodar to book spot in Madrid Open semis
Madrid: Jannik Sinner ended the inspired run of teen home favourite Rafael Jodar with a 6-2, 7-6 (7/0) victory at the Madrid Open on Wednesday to complete his set of semi-finals r…
LAFC beats Toluca 2-1 in CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final first leg
Los Angeles, United States: Nkosi Tafari’s late header gave Los Angeles FC a 2-1 win in the first leg of their CONCACAF Champions Cup semi-final against Mexico’s Toluca on Wednesda…
US pushing for new coalition to restart Hormuz traffic: reports
The United States is pushing for a new international coalition to restart commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz as talks with Tehran stall, according to US news outlets.The S…
Oman advances 7 places in global press freedom index
Muscat: The Sultanate of Oman has advanced seven positions in the 2026 Press Freedom Index released by Reporters Without Borders, ranking 127th globally compared to 134th in 2025.A…
Israel says intercepted 175 Gaza flotilla activists on 20 boats
Israel’s foreign ministry said Thursday that Israeli forces had arrested about 175 activists aboard 20 ships from an aid-laden flotilla bound for Gaza.”Approximately 175 activists…
Oman suspends LPG station applications temporarily
Muscat: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promotion has announced a temporary suspension on receiving applications for establishing stations dedicated to filling an…