Trump: “I Have Time, Iran Doesn’t — Time Is Running Out”
ARK News.. U.S. President Donald Trump said the United States is not in a hurry to end the war with Iran, warning that “time is running out” for the Islamic Republic, as a third aircraft carrier arrives in the Middle East.
Speaking on social media on Thursday, April 23, 2026, Trump said: “I have time, but Iran doesn’t — time is running out!”
He added that the Iranian military has been “destroyed” and that “their leaders are no longer among us,” asserting that “the blockade is tight and strong, and from here, the situation will only get worse.”
Trump had earlier ordered the U.S. Navy to destroy any Iranian boat caught planting mines in the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has been blockading since the start of the war that expanded across the region following a large-scale U.S.-Israeli attack on the country.
The U.S. military announced on Thursday the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush in the Middle East, bringing the number of major American warships operating in the region to three.
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Syrian Authorities Seize 335,294 Captagon Pills on Homs–Hama Highway
ARK News.. Syrian anti-narcotics units have foiled an attempt to smuggle a large quantity of drugs that were professionally concealed inside a passenger bus on the Homs–Hama Road.
According to a statement by the Syrian Ministry of Interior via its official platforms, the operation was carried out following careful surveillance and monitoring of suspects’ movements. Units set up a tight ambush on the international highway between Homs and Hama, leading to the arrest of the bus driver and his assistant without any clashes.
The ministry said a thorough inspection of the bus revealed tires stored in the luggage compartment, which were used as a concealment method to hide the narcotics and evade detection. Upon opening the tires, large quantities of Captagon pills were found tightly packed inside.
Authorities estimated the seizure at approximately 335,294 Captagon pills, which were intended for smuggling to one of the Gulf countries, as part of an organized network using advanced transportation and concealment methods.
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UK Provides Additional Financial Support Exceeding $9.5 Million to Syria
ARK News.. The British Chargé d’Affaires to the United Nations stated that the visit of Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to London in late March was important for deepening relations between the two countries and advancing progress on several key issues related to Syria’s stability, including ensuring the lasting defeat of the Islamic State and supporting economic recovery.
In a session of the United Nations Security Council on Syria, the UK Chargé d’Affaires, James Kariuki, welcomed the new task force “Freedom Breath,” which will work to destroy chemical weapons stockpiles in Syria.
Kariuki noted that the United Kingdom is an active member of the task force and will provide additional financial support exceeding $9.5 million, allocated to fund chemical weapons destruction operations directly overseen by the Syrian government. He added that the funding announcement coincided with President al-Sharaa’s visit.
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CENTCOM: 31 Iranian Vessels Forced to Turn Back
ARK News.. The United States Central Command announced a tightening of the naval blockade on Iran, affirming that its forces deployed across the Middle East are fully prepared to carry out their missions as part of what it described as “the strongest army in history.”
In a statement posted on the platform X, CENTCOM said it had issued orders to 31 vessels—most of them oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz—to immediately return to their ports or alter their routes.
The command noted that the majority of those vessels complied with the U.S. instructions as part of measures aimed at tightening economic pressure on Tehran.
At the same time, The Wall Street Journal reported that the current naval blockade is inflicting heavy losses on the Iranian economy, estimated at around $500 million per day.
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Mohammed Ismail: Kurdish Journalism Will Remain a Platform for Struggle and a Pillar of Awareness and Freedom
ARK News.. Mohammed Ismail, Secretary of the Kurdistan Democratic Party – Syria and head of the Kurdish National Council in Syria, issued a statement on the occasion of Kurdish Journalism Day, affirming that Kurdish journalism represents the identity of a people carried forward by generations across different phases.
Statement Text:
On April 22 of each year, we proudly commemorate Kurdish Journalism Day, a milestone that began with the publication of the newspaper “Kurdistan” by Prince Miqdad Badirakhan, as a living voice reflecting the identity and will of a people.
Kurdish journalism has never been merely a means of conveying news; rather, it has been part of an ongoing struggle and the embodiment of a people’s identity, carried by generations through various stages—from clandestine and banned work, to periodical publications, and today’s digital media. In every phase, the free word has been the most powerful tool in facing difficulties, preserving collective memory, and strengthening the morale of our people.
On this occasion, we recall the sacrifices of the pioneers and salute every free pen that has contributed to delivering the voice of truth, reaffirming that Kurdish journalism will remain a platform for struggle and a fundamental pillar in the journey of awareness and freedom.
Wishing Kurdish journalism continued presence and greater impact with each passing year.
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Nechirvan Barzani: Free and Courageous Press Is a Key Partner in Advancing Good Governance
ARK News.. President of the Kurdistan Region, Nechirvan Barzani, affirmed that a free and courageous press is an effective partner in consolidating the foundations of good and just governance. In a congratulatory message issued on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, marking the 128th anniversary of the publication of the Kurdistan newspaper—founded by Miqdad Medhat Badirakhan—and the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, Barzani extended his warm congratulations to journalists and media professionals across the Kurdistan Region, wishing them continued success.
Below is the full text of the message:
On the occasion of the 128th anniversary of the publication of the newspaper Kurdistan, founded by Prince Miqdad Medhat Badirakhan, and the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all journalists and media professionals in the Kurdistan Region, wishing them continued success and prosperity.
On this occasion, we reaffirm our firm and unwavering commitment to protecting freedom of the press and freedom of expression, as they are fundamental pillars of democracy and a developed civil society.
We will continue working to provide a suitable environment free from restrictions on media work, ensuring access to information and guaranteeing professional protection for journalists.
A free and courageous press is a vital partner in establishing the foundations of good and just governance. Therefore, I call on journalists to adhere to the highest standards of credibility and professionalism, safeguard the public interest and social peace, and play their role in promoting a culture of coexistence, acceptance of others, tolerance, and strengthening national spirit and love of homeland.
We pay tribute and respect to the souls of fallen journalists and all pioneers who dedicated their lives to serving the free word.
Nechirvan Barzani
President of the Kurdistan Region
April 22, 2026
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Masrour Barzani Congratulates Kurdish Journalism Day, Reaffirms Support for Media Freedom
ARK News.. Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region, Masrour Barzani, extended his congratulations on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, to the journalistic community in Kurdistan on the occasion of Kurdish Journalism Day and the anniversary of the publication of the first issue of the Kurdistan newspaper, reaffirming the government’s support for media freedom.
Below is the full text of the Prime Minister’s message:
On the occasion of Kurdish Journalism Day, and the publication of the first issue of the newspaper “Kurdistan” by Miqdad Medhat Badirakhan, which coincides with the anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate, I extend my sincere congratulations and best wishes to the entire journalistic family in Kurdistan, wishing them continued success in their professional journey.
On this occasion, we reaffirm the Kurdistan Regional Government’s enduring commitment to defending freedom of media work, promoting free journalistic practices, and continuing to provide all necessary facilities to enable media professionals to carry out their duties and mission. At the same time, we look to national writers and journalists to rise to the responsibility entrusted to them by performing their work with professionalism and objectivity, guided by applicable laws, professional ethics, and international journalistic standards. In doing so, they serve as a fundamental pillar in raising public awareness, a stronghold in defending national achievements, and a force for promoting peaceful coexistence among all components, while safeguarding the constitutional entity of the Kurdistan Region.
Blessed be Kurdish Journalism Day to all champions of the word in Kurdistan.
Masrour Barzani
Prime Minister of the Kurdistan Region
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Barzani Congratulates Kurdish Journalism Day, Reaffirms Support for Journalists
ARK News.. Masoud Barzani extended his congratulations to journalists and media professionals in Kurdistan on the occasion of Kurdish Journalism Day, reaffirming his support for their work.
In a message issued on Wednesday, April 22, 2026, Barzani congratulated journalists across the region on the occasion, which marks the 128th anniversary of the publication of the first issue of the "Kurdistan" newspaper, founded by Miqdad Medhat Badirakhan, and coincides with the anniversary of the establishment of the Kurdistan Journalists Syndicate.
Barzani expressed his sincere wishes for success to all journalists and media workers in Kurdistan, emphasizing his continued support for them in carrying out their duties.
He also highlighted the important role of journalists in defending the just cause of the Kurdish people, promoting a culture of peace and coexistence, and preserving the noble values of Kurdistan society.
Masoud Barzani
April 22, 2026
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Israeli Army Chief: Forces Ready to Resume Fighting on All Fronts
ARK News.. Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir said the army is fully prepared to resume combat operations across all fronts, despite an ongoing truce in Lebanon and the extension of the ceasefire with Iran.
According to Hebrew media reports, Zamir stated: “We have been working to rebuild and reinforce our military strength since October 7,” stressing the goal of decisively defeating Hamas.
He added that Israeli forces are currently engaged in “intense fighting” in Lebanon aimed at enhancing the security of northern communities, claiming that the military has achieved “unprecedented accomplishments” on all fronts.
Earlier, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps warned it would deliver “crushing” strikes against what it described as enemy assets in the region if hostilities resume.
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Key Disputes Cloud Prospects of U.S.–Iran Agreement Ahead of Islamabad Talks
ARK News.. U.S. Vice President J. D. Vance is set to depart Washington on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, accompanied by senior American officials, heading to Pakistan ahead of a new round of negotiations related to the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Informed sources indicate that a second round of talks between the U.S. and Iranian delegations is scheduled for Wednesday in Islamabad, though the atmosphere remains cautious and volatile amid continued exchanges of sharp statements between the two sides.
Current indications point to several unresolved core issues obstructing a potential agreement include the fate of Iran’s uranium stockpiles, restrictions on uranium enrichment, and the security of maritime navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.
These sticking points continue to cast uncertainty over the outcome of the anticipated talks.
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