War against Iran: How far will it go?
Redi Tlhabi challenges former US Ambassador to the UN John Bolton on why he supports war and regime change in Iran. [Continue Reading]
Israeli Air Force Launches Extensive Airstrikes Across Iran Amid Ongoing Military Operations
The military confrontations between Iran and Israel have escalated sharply as a significant joint US-Israeli military operation enters its second week. Over 80 Israeli warplanes conducted extensive airstrikes across Iran, targeting key strategic infrastructure such as a military academy, an underground command center, and missile storage facilities. This latest campaign is reported to be the largest since the conflict intensified, which began with attacks from both nations on February 28. Iran's government has claimed that over 1,200 people have been killed and more than 2,000 injured due to the bombardments, prompting international concerns over potential violations of international law. On... [Continue Reading]
Iran will continue to defend itself against aggression, ambassador to UK says
Seyed Ali Mousavi says Iran has a "right to self-defence" if the UK directly joins US-Israeli attacks. [Continue Reading]
Israel says began new strikes on Iran's Tehran, Isfahan
Over 80 Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes across Iran overnight in the largest bombing campaign since the fighting began last Saturday. The Israeli military said the attacks targeted strategic infrastructure, including a military academy, an underground command center and a missile storage facility. However, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations accused both the United States and Israel of striking densely populated civilian areas, calling the actions war crimes and crimes against humanity. According to the Iranian government, more than 1,200 people have been killed and 2,000 injured since the attacks began on February 28. Caroline Baum. [Continue Reading]
Top envoy urges China-Russia border infrastructure as sanctions stymie transport
China’s top envoy to Russia has urged more transport infrastructure along the countries’ shared border to cut logistics costs and address challenges. Zhang Hanhui, Beijing’s ambassador to Moscow, said on Thursday that the two countries could explore cross-border transport corridors as major maritime logistics had been affected by sanctions. “I have suggested to the Russian side that more convenient crossings should be built along the China-Russia border, such as cross-river bridges,” Zhang said... [Continue Reading]
From rivals to partners, China and Europe are retooling ties, adviser says
China’s international clout and economic stability are rebalancing Beijing’s relations with Europe, putting more focus on cooperation and less on rivalry, according to a former Chinese envoy. “With European leaders coming to China one after another, they are coming with their own considerations: hoping to strengthen bilateral relations in the new context and find ways to benefit from China’s continued development,” said Wu Ken, China’s ambassador to Germany from 2019 to 2024. On the sidelines of... [Continue Reading]
Pakistani man convicted for plotting to kill former President Trump and US politicians in connection with Qassem Suleimani's death
A Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, has been convicted of plotting to kill former President Donald Trump and other high-profile US politicians. This conviction is tied to a plan initiated two years ago aimed at avenging the death of Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani, who was killed during an airstrike authorized by Trump in 2020. The case, which has significant implications for US-Iran relations and highlights international terrorism issues, was confirmed by the US Department of Justice. Merchant was accused of attempting to recruit operatives within the United States to participate in this assassination scheme. Federal prosecutors detailed that his targets... [Continue Reading]
US, Israel, and Iran Conflict Escalates as Iran Closes Strait of Hormuz Amid Attacks on Energy Facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia
The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has escalated, marking a significant transition in geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. As fighting continues, Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for global oil shipments. Attacks on energy facilities in neighboring Qatar and Saudi Arabia have compounded the crisis, crippling vital energy supplies and threatening global economic stability. As this conflict unfolds, the implications for energy prices are immediate and severe. Oil prices have surged past $90, with those increases reflected at gas pumps across the United States, where prices have reached their highest in... [Continue Reading]
Iranian UN ambassador condemns US-Israeli ‘criminal war’
Iranian Ambassador to the United Nations Amir-Saeid Iravani urged the UN Security Council to stop the US-Israeli war. [Continue Reading]
Jesse Jackson hailed as ‘ambassador of hope’ at memorial attended by Clintons, Obama and Biden
Thousands in Chicago honored civil rights ‘champion’ who ‘stepped forward again and again’, Obama saidAt the longtime civil rights activist’s memorial celebration on Friday, the Rev Jesse Jackson was remembered as a “champion” for the “poor and the dispossessed” – as well as “one of the most effective community and political organizers of our time”.Such tributes came from past Democratic US presidents Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and Joe Biden, along with former vice-president Kamala Harris, who received cheers and applause while they joined thousands of others in a Chicago church for a celebration of life for Jackson. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Iran, Europe & Churchill: The View from a Former British Ambassador to Iran
In this edition of the Spotlight, we speak to Richard Dalton, the former British ambassador to Iran and Libya and a former consul general in Jerusalem, to unpack the first week of war and what may come next. [Continue Reading]
Australia news live: luxury car tax change could seal EU trade deal; flights from Dubai land in Sydney and Melbourne
This blog has now closedGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastNew Israeli ambassador to Australia says war with Iran will continue ‘as long as we need’Israel’s new ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, said the conflict between the country and Iran will continue “as long as we need” to achieve multiple objectives, including removing the threat of Iranian nuclear and ballistic missile programs.The people of Iran must decide their future. We’re not deciding for them their future. It’s their choice. But we’re trying to remove the fear barrier. The people do want to change. They want to... [Continue Reading]
Senators demand investigation after ninth American killed by Israeli settlers or soldiers in West Bank
Lawmakers cite ‘consistent pattern’ in which Americans are being killed ‘without justice or accountability’Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxMore than 30 US senators have signed a letter demanding that the Trump administration open an independent investigation into the February killing of a 19-year-old American in the occupied West Bank, the ninth US citizen killed by Israeli soldiers or settlers since 2022.The letter, led by Senator Chris Van Hollen of Maryland and addressed to the US secretary of state, Marco Rubio; the US attorney general, Pam Bondi; and the US ambassador to... [Continue Reading]
Israeli military conducts air strikes on Iranian assets and Lebanon following missile launches from Hezbollah
The Israeli military has initiated a significant wave of air strikes targeting Iranian assets and infrastructure, alongside attacks in Lebanon, according to recent reports. This escalation follows earlier missile launches from Lebanese territory, attributed to Hezbollah, which triggered air raid alerts in various locations within Israel. On March 4th, the Israeli military confirmed it had engaged in operations aimed at Iranian launch sites, aerial defense systems, and associated infrastructure. As the first reports emerged, air raid sirens sounded across multiple regions in Israel, including Metula, a town bordering Lebanon. Witnesses reported hearing loud blasts associated with missile interceptions, although no... [Continue Reading]
Russian authorities detain Daria Trepova in connection with café bomb explosion that killed military blogger Vladlen Tatarsky
In a significant development from St. Petersburg, Russian authorities have detained Daria Trepova, a 26-year-old suspect in connection with a bomb explosion at a café on Sunday. This incident led to the death of Vladlen Tatarsky, a prominent military blogger known for his pro-war stance amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. The explosion has heightened tensions within the country, leading to a notable crackdown on dissent and those perceived as threats to the regime. The explosive device reportedly detonated during a gathering at the café, an event attended by various military and political figures. The blast resulted in immediate chaos,... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel Conduct Airstrikes on Iran, Prompting International Scrutiny and Legal Concerns
Recent airstrikes on Iran, executed jointly by the United States and Israel, have escalated tensions in the region, drawing international scrutiny and economic repercussions. Since their initiation over the weekend, there have been immediate concerns raised about the legality of the strikes by the United Nations, which have been strongly contested by Israeli officials. Israel's new ambassador to Australia, Hillel Newman, has publicly dismissed these claims, asserting the right to self-defense due to long-standing attacks from Iran and its proxies. Hillel Newman stated that the recent military actions were justified, emphasizing, "Israel has been under attack from Iran and its... [Continue Reading]
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed in US-Israeli airstrikes, escalating conflict in the Middle East
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East has reached a critical juncture following the death of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei due to US-Israeli airstrikes. These strikes were aimed at destabilizing Iran's political regime. In the wake of these attacks, Iranian cities have faced significant bombardments, and retaliatory missile strikes from Tehran have targeted locations in Israel, further escalating tensions across the region. Reports have emerged of bombings resulting in hundreds of civilian casualties, with Iran’s UN ambassador claiming that airstrikes specifically targeted civilian neighborhoods. In a related development, the UK’s RAF Akrotiri airbase in Cyprus experienced a suspected... [Continue Reading]
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, confirmed killed in US and Israel air strikes, sparking celebrations across Iran
Reports have confirmed that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, has been killed in a series of air strikes conducted by the United States and Israel. The situation has led to widespread celebrations across Iran, with many citizens expressing hopes that his death may signal the end of a repressive regime. Protesters, particularly in cities like Amol, have voiced their exhilaration over the news, rallying to commemorate this moment as a potential turning point for their country's future. The air strikes, part of a coordinated military operation dubbed Operation Epic Fury by the United States and Operation Roaring Lion by... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel Conduct Military Operations Against Iran, Prompting UN Security Council Emergency Meeting
In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, the United States and Israel have conducted coordinated military operations targeting Iran's clerical leadership. The strikes, which occurred recently, have drawn immediate condemnation from Iran, which labeled the resulting civilian deaths as a "war crime" during an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council. This incident has raised concerns about violations of international humanitarian law and the potential for further conflict in the region. US Ambassador Mike Waltz defended the operations, emphasizing the international community's longstanding commitment to preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. He stated, “The international community has... [Continue Reading]
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reportedly killed in airstrike by Israel and the United States in Tehran
In a staggering escalation of military action, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader, was reportedly killed during a coordinated airstrike conducted by Israel and the United States. The attack has resulted in significant destruction in central Tehran, severely impacting the secure residence known as the Leadership House. High-definition satellite imagery indicates that the compound is now almost unrecognizable, with substantial damage evident. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the death of Khamenei, labeling it a critical moment for the Iranian people that could allow for a reassertion of national autonomy. "This is the Iranians' greatest chance to reclaim their country," Trump... [Continue Reading]
US and Israel conduct military strikes; reports suggest death of Iranian leader Khamenei, claims remain unconfirmed
Recent coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel have reportedly resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, although this claim remains unconfirmed by Iranian authorities. US President Donald Trump proclaimed the strikes a success, asserting that they were aimed at eliminating significant threats posed by Iran's missile capabilities and naval forces. Following the attacks, which Mr Trump announced while at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, he expressed a commitment to continuing military efforts against Iran if it proceeds with its nuclear and ballistic missile programs. However, Iranian news outlets maintain that Khamenei remains in... [Continue Reading]
