ISTANBUL, April 8 (Reuters) - Turkish authorities have detained 10 people in connection with Tuesday's gun attack near the Israeli consulate in Istanbul as the investigation widened, Turkish media reported on Wednesday.
One attacker was killed and two others were wounded in the extended gun battle with police outside the tower building in Istanbul's main financial district that houses the consulate.
April 8 (Reuters) - The U.S. and Iran have confirmed a two-week ceasefire following mediation by Pakistan.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced the ceasefire less than two hours before his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face devastating attacks on its civilian infrastructure.
Trump said the deal was contingent on Iran reopening the narrow channel, which handled about a fifth of global oil shipments before the U.S. and Israel attacked Iran on February 28.
KYIV, April 8 (Reuters) - Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Wednesday he welcomed the ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, adding that Kyiv was ready to "respond in kind" if Moscow ceased strikes.
"Ukraine has always called for a ceasefire in the war waged by Russia here in Europe against our state and our people, and we support the ceasefire in the Middle East and the Gulf that paves the way for diplomatic efforts," he wrote on X.
"It is obvious to everyone that a ceasefire can create the right preconditions for agreements," he added.
Two French nationals who returned home Wednesday after being held for almost four years in Iran said they had never given up hope and would speak out about the "daily horror" of their Iranian prison.
Cecile Kohler, 41, and Jacques Paris, 72, landed in Paris earlier Wednesday, with President Emmanuel Macron hailing "the end of a terrible ordeal" before he greeted them at the Elysee Palace.
The pair, arrested on espionage charges their families have denied, were imprisoned for three years before being sent to house arrest at the French embassy last November.
VATICAN CITY, April 8 (Reuters) - Pope Leo said on Wednesday that he welcomed the announcement of a two-week ceasefire in the Iran war with "great satisfaction".
The pope, who has emerged as an outspoken critic of the conflict in recent weeks, had said on Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump's threats against the population of Iran were "unacceptable".
(Reporting by Joshua McElwee, editing by Giulia Segreti)
SEOUL, April 8 (Reuters) - South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Wednesday that the government would do its best to ensure the country's ships can pass through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible based on conditions created under a two-week ceasefire agreed between the U.S. and Iran, local media reported.
South Korea would consult with shipping companies and accelerate communication with related countries to ensure the passage of the ships, the reports said.
April 8 (Reuters) - Greece will ban access to social media for children under the age of 15 from January 1, 2027, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Wednesday, citing rising anxiety, sleep problems and the addictive design of online platforms.
In a video message addressed to young people, Mitsotakis said children spending long hours in front of screens do not allow their minds to rest and face growing pressure from constant comparison and online comments.
WASHINGTON, April 7 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump told AFP on Thursday that he believes China got Iran to negotiate a ceasefire in the war against Israel and the United States.
The Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday that it welcomed the ceasefire, adding that China had made its own efforts towards realising lasting peace in the Middle East.
"China has consistently advocated for an immediate ceasefire and cessation of hostilities, as well as the resolution of disputes through political and diplomatic channels," ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said.
BRUSSELS, April 8 (Reuters) - EU leaders on Wednesday welcomed the two-week ceasefire agreed by the United States and Iran.
"I welcome the two-week ceasefire the US and Iran agreed last night. It brings much needed de-escalation", European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said on social media platform X, adding it was crucial negotiations continue for an enduring solution.
European Council President Costa added on X that he urged "all parties to uphold its terms in order to achieve sustainable peace in the region".
PARIS, April 8 (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron said about 15 countries were planning to facilitate the resumption of traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world's oil supply usually flows, after a ceasefire between the United States and Iran was announced.
