The measure comes after a process of sustained diplomatic dialogue between both parties, in which they agreed to resume institutional ties and move toward a new stage of bilateral cooperation, said the government in a statement.
The Venezuelan side is ready for a new stage in bilateral relations marked by the principles of mutual respect, the sovereign equality of states and cooperation between peoples, it said.
The lower chamber voted 212-219 — largely along party lines — to reject the resolution, which is intended to prevent Trump from ordering further military strikes on Iran without congressional approval.
On Wednesday, the Republican-led upper chamber blocked the resolution by a 53-47 vote.
The latest votes in Congress showed that Democrats and Republicans remain sharply divided over the issue, with Democrats largely criticizing the military strikes against Iran, while Republicans predominantly defended the president.
“We cannot allow a wannabe King to drag us into an endless war in the Middle East. Republicans can find billions for bombs, but nothing to bring down your grocery bill or healthcare costs,” Hakeem Jeffries, the top Democrat in the House, wrote in a post on social media platform X.
The U.S. artificial intelligence (AI) company said the model integrates recent advancements in reasoning, coding, and workflows, building on the capabilities of GPT-5.3-Codex.
OpenAI also introduced GPT-5.4 Pro, which it described as a more powerful version for complex tasks.
GPT-5.4 improves performance in spreadsheets, presentations, and documents, allowing for more efficient completion of professional work, said the company, adding the model also supports larger context processing and better web search integration.
The GPT-5.4 Thinking version in ChatGPT can outline its reasoning before providing a final answer, allowing users to adjust instructions during the response process. It also recognizes interface elements from screenshots, enabling it to perform mouse and keyboard operations across different software.
In benchmark tests, GPT-5.4 outperformed previous models. It matched or exceeded industry professionals in 83 percent of GDPval comparisons and achieved higher scores than its predecessor in coding ability tests, it said.
The model has improved factual accuracy and is less likely to produce incorrect information compared to GPT-5.2.
GPT-5.4 is available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, and to developers through the API. OpenAI plans to gradually retire GPT-5.2 Thinking in the coming months. Despite higher per-token costs, improved token efficiency may lower overall costs in some scenarios, it said.
The press conference came as the Middle East entered the sixth day of a rapidly escalating regional war, triggered by massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28.
The attacks, code-named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the U.S., targeted Iranian nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and leadership, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the opening strikes.
Iran’s counterattack, Operation True Promise IV, has involved waves of missiles and drones targeting U.S. bases across Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, as well as Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The conflict has disrupted international trade, closed airspaces, and triggered mass evacuations of foreign nationals, creating both a humanitarian and economic crisis.
“Iran wants to close the Strait of Hormuz to drive oil prices up and force the international community into applying pressure to end Israel’s operations,” Ambassador Weiss said. “This is a desperate measure by a country under attack, but it also affects Africa. You are not out of this game.”
The Ambassador emphasised the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, a shipping lane that handles about 20 percent of the world’s traded oil, and warned that disruptions could drive global oil prices higher. Recent data shows fuel prices have surged from $70 to over $85 per barrel, with global fuel costs increasing by more than 10 percent since the escalation of U.S.-Iran tensions.
Ambassador Weiss framed Israel-U.S. operations as preemptive measures designed to prevent Iran from acquiring capabilities to destroy Israel, stressing that strikes were carefully targeted at government and military infrastructure.
She described Iran’s support for proxy groups such as Hezbollah, Hamas, and Houthi forces in Yemen as a regional threat extending beyond the Middle East.
“Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Iran – they are all linked. Iran funds, arms, and directs these groups. The impact is global, including Africa,” she said.
Beyond security concerns, Weiss highlighted Israel’s development and humanitarian cooperation in Rwanda. Initiatives in agriculture, renewable energy, STEM education, and vocational training for women were cited as lessons in resilience and self-reliance during times of crisis.
“The lesson from Israel is how to remain self-sufficient even under siege,” she said. “Rwanda can apply the same principles to ensure food security, energy independence, and stability for its people.”
The Ambassador concluded with a message emphasising peace and solidarity, clarifying that Israel’s conflict is with the Iranian regime, not its people. She expressed hope for pragmatic engagement to prevent further escalation while advocating for regional stability.
“We hope for peace and normal lives for all, but we cannot wait for Iran to become fully equipped to destroy Israel. Our actions are about defence, deterrence, and protecting not just Israel but also the stability of the wider region,” she said.
From Tehran’s viewpoint, the conflict is not seen as a defensive struggle against terror but as a response to what Iranian officials describe as “unlawful aggression” by the United States and Israel. Iran’s government has condemned the February 28 strikes as a “clear act of aggression” that violates international law and the United Nations Charter, asserting that it targeted sovereign territory without justification.
Watch our recent exclusive interview with the ambassador below:
Organised by BAD Hair Uprooted, a global initiative founded by Mireille Liong that promotes acceptance of natural hair and challenges Eurocentric beauty standards, the gathering will bring together participants for an evening of discussion and cultural reflection.
The event aims to encourage dialogue about the meaning of hair in shaping identity, confidence and cultural pride. Organisers say such conversations remain important in many societies where perceptions of beauty have historically been influenced by external standards.
The dinner will also explore traditional African hairstyles and their cultural significance. In Rwanda, hairstyles such as Amasunzu once symbolised social status, creativity and beauty, reflecting a rich heritage of hair artistry that existed long before modern beauty norms.
Through discussions and cultural showcases, participants will examine how hair continues to play a role in shaping identity and self-expression.
The event will feature a three-course dinner and conversations centred on themes of pride, growth and choice, offering a space for reflection on how cultural traditions intersect with modern perspectives on beauty.
According to Liong, such discussions resonate beyond a single community and form part of a wider global conversation about identity and representation.
“Hair is often the first place where power touches the body,” she said. “When we allow hair to grow, we allow confidence to grow.”
Organisers say the gathering seeks to celebrate diversity in beauty while encouraging open dialogue about cultural identity across generations.
In a statement, Mushikiwabo deplored the loss of human lives and warned of the severe consequences for civilian populations caught in the crossfire. She reaffirmed the full solidarity of La Francophonie with all countries and communities in the region affected by the crisis.
“The Secretary-General urges all parties to exercise restraint, prioritise diplomatic solutions, and fully respect international law, particularly in safeguarding civilians,” the statement read.
The warning comes as the Middle East enters the sixth day of a rapidly expanding regional war, triggered by massive joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran that began on February 28. The attacks, code-named Operation Roaring Lion by Israel and Operation Epic Fury by the U.S., targeted Iranian nuclear sites, missile infrastructure, and leadership, and Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was reported killed in the opening strikes.
The conflict has since escalated far beyond its initial targets. Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, targeting Hezbollah, which formally joined the war on March 2. Meanwhile, Iranian drones struck locations in Azerbaijan, marking the first expansion of the fighting into the Caucasus.
In Turkey, NATO forces intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile aimed at its territory. The U.S. Navy also became directly engaged, with a submarine sinking the Iranian frigate IRIS Dena in the Indian Ocean, the first torpedo attack by a U.S. submarine since World War II.
Iran’s counterattack, known as Operation True Promise IV, has involved waves of missiles and drones targeting U.S. bases across Iraq, Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, as well as Israeli cities including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The conflict has also triggered a global humanitarian and economic crisis. Mass evacuations of foreign nationals are underway, airspaces and key shipping routes like the Strait of Hormuz and Bab El-Mandeb Strait are closed, and global oil prices have surged from $70 to over $85 per barrel.
La Francophonie, which comprises 90 states and governments, including 53 members, 5 associate members, and 32 observers, emphasised in Mushikiwabo’s statement the need for diplomacy and adherence to international law to prevent further humanitarian catastrophe.
The talks, held on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, were also attended by Nicholas Mutebi, NBA Africa’s Regional Partnerships and Sponsorships Lead, and journalist Andrew Mwenda, a close associate of Gen. Muhoozi.
Discussions focused on elevating basketball in Uganda to a professional level and creating pathways for young talent. Akamanzi highlighted NBA Africa’s initiatives across the continent, including partnerships with governments and private sector players to develop basketball-driven economic opportunities.
As part of these efforts, NBA Africa plans to collaborate with Uganda’s Ministry of Sports and Education to launch the “NBA Junior League,” a youth competition aimed at nurturing talent from secondary schools and preparing players for professional leagues.
Gen. Muhoozi and Akamanzi also explored the development of basketball infrastructure in Uganda to further stimulate economic growth. Akamanzi’s visit comes as the country invests in sports facilities, including the newly completed Hoima Stadium and plans to renovate the basketball court in Lugogo.
Meloni revealed the planned expansion while speaking at the conference “Laying the groundwork for jobs in Africa” held at the Bank of Italy on Wednesday, where she outlined Italy’s broader strategy for economic partnership with African countries.
“The Matte Plan has involved 14 countries, and in 2026, we will extend it to another 4: Congo, Rwanda, Gabon, and Zambia,” Meloni said.
The Mattei Plan is a strategic initiative launched by the Italian government to promote what it describes as a “non-predatory” and equal partnership with African nations.
The programme focuses on key sectors such as energy, infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture.
Backed by more than €1.2 billion in funding, the plan aims to boost development in partner countries while also helping to address the root causes of irregular migration toward Europe.
Meloni also stressed that the success of cooperation with Africa should be judged by practical results.
“We believe that the effectiveness of cooperation is measured not by good intentions but by the concrete results it achieves in terms of jobs created, businesses supported, and investments mobilized.
“This is our approach, and we believe it should also be the approach Europe and the West adopt toward Africa: less fragmentation, more coordination, less rhetoric, more construction projects, fewer promises, more innovative and concrete financial instruments, less charity, more development,” she noted.
Currently, the initiative involves 14 partner countries. The initial pilot group includes Algeria, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Côte d’Ivoire, Morocco, Mozambique, and Tunisia.
Additional partners later added to the programme are Angola, Ghana, Senegal, Mauritania, and Tanzania.
The agreement was simultaneouly signed on Thursday, March 5, 2026, in Addis Ababa by Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, and in Tokyo by Professor Dr. Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS.
According to a statement released by Africa CDC, the agreement establishes a framework for enhanced cooperation to address emerging and re-emerging public health threats and to strengthen pandemic prevention, preparedness, and response.
The partnership will promote closer collaboration in infectious disease surveillance and early warning systems, laboratory and research capacity, and coordinated responses to public health emergencies.
It will also support workforce development through structured training programs, institutional exchanges, and technical collaboration aimed at strengthening resilient public health institutions.
“Health threats cross borders, and preparedness depends on strong partnerships,” said Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC. “This cooperation with JIHS will strengthen scientific collaboration, reinforce public health institutions and workforce capacity, and accelerate our ability to prevent, detect, and respond to outbreaks.”
The collaboration will also advance One Health and climate-resilient approaches to address zoonotic diseases, antimicrobial resistance, and other emerging risks.
“JIHS was established as an integrated national institution combining infectious disease intelligence, research and development, clinical expertise, and international cooperation,” said Professor Dr. Norihiro Kokudo, President of JIHS. “Through this partnership with Africa CDC, we look forward to expanding joint research, strengthening workforce development, and building practical collaboration that contributes to regional and global health security.”
The cooperation reflects a shared commitment to strengthening science-based preparedness and fostering mutual learning between institutions, researchers, clinicians, and public health professionals from Africa and Japan.
It also supports Africa CDC’s Strategic Plan (2023–2027) and theAfrica Health Security and Sovereignty (AHSS) Agenda. The partners will operationalize the agreement through a Joint Action Plan that will define priority activities, timelines, and implementation mechanisms.
According to BBC, the five-minute film, launching on Thursday, was filmed on a rewilded farm at the Westacre Estate near King’s Lynn in Norfolk.
Written by Norfolk playwright Emma-Louise Howell, the script was created in collaboration with young farmers. It explores why people often talk about the weather but avoid discussions about climate change.
Howell said the farmers she spoke to are directly affected by shifting climates, adjusting daily to changes rather than seeing it as a distant concept.
The film features young Norfolk actor Hemi Grimsby, Ben Mansfield of Primeval, and Florence Wright from The Flash. Environmental group Climate Majority Project hopes it will help pupils and teachers speak “honestly and sensitively” about climate issues.
Howell described working with Sheen, known for Good Omens and The Twilight Saga, as a dream come true.
Director Harry Tomlin added that the Norfolk landscape provided the perfect backdrop, presenting the story through a child’s perspective in a gritty folk-horror style.
He said the film offers an accessible, engaging way to start climate conversations without feeling didactic or patronising.