A visual guide to Iran’s coastline and strategic islandsThis article will be opened in a new browser window
From the Strait of Hormuz to Kharg Island, Al Jazeera tours 10 key islands, ports and energy hubs shaping Gulf trade.
![The world's most populous nation has kicked off a census that will take a year to complete [File: RS Iyer/AP]](/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/image-1775073989.jpg?resize=770%2C513&quality=80)
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Iran authorities await war ‘victory’ as supporters mark 1979 anniversary
Officials, government supporters take to streets to mark Islamic Republic Day, even as US, Israel continue bombing.
‘This is an apartheid regime’: Critics decry Israel’s new death penalty law
Celebrations in the Israeli parliament mark the passing of legislation intended to apply to Palestinians only.
History’s biggest census: Why India’s new population count is controversial
The population count, which was delayed by five years, will include caste enumeration for the first time in a century.
UK to host meeting of 35 countries on reopening Strait of Hormuz
Before talks with 35 countries, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer says reopening strait ‘will not be easy’.
From: Counting the Cost
What can nations do to make up for the ongoing energy shortfall?
The Middle East conflict has cut off 20 percent of the world’s fuel supply. Countries are scrambling for alternatives.
Published On 1 Apr 2026
Russia says will continue helping Cuba after first oil shipment arrives
Foreign ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova also called on the US to lift its energy blockade on the island nation.
From: Counting the Cost
Can Russia help fill the global energy gap?
Higher crude prices due to the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz have helped Russia earn more from energy exports.
Published On 1 Apr 2026
Minerals for aid: Are new US health deals ‘exploiting’ African countries?
Zimbabwe and Zambia have pushed back against ‘lopsided’ agreements after US asks for health data and minerals.
From: Talk to Al Jazeera
US messages via Witkoff and intermediaries are not negotiations: Araghchi
Iran’s foreign minister says message exchanges continue with Washington, but insists there are no negotiations or trust.
Published On 1 Apr 2026
India begins world’s largest population census
More than three million Indian officials have begun the yearlong task of counting the country’s population.
