The repatriation of the bodies of 84 Iranian sailors killed in a torpedo attack by a US Navy submarine is set to commence today, as confirmed by Sri Lanka's defence ministry. The sailors were part of a crew from the Iranian warship, Iris Dena, which was reportedly sunk on 4 March approximately 40 km (25 miles) off Sri Lanka's southern coast. The attack resulted in the sinking of the Iris Dena when it was thought to be carrying around 130 seafarers. A police escort transported the bodies to Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport for their return to Iran. These remains had... [Continue Reading]
Recent events in Dubai have escalated concerns regarding the safety and legal implications for foreign nationals in the wake of missile strikes believed to be from Iran. On Friday morning, explosions were reported in Dubai’s financial district, resulting in visible black smoke and damage from debris attributed to an intercepted missile. Local authorities confirmed that a building was affected by this debris, emphasizing the ongoing volatility in the region. In light of these incidents, the British Embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has issued a warning to British nationals against photographing or sharing images related to the missile strikes.... [Continue Reading]
It comes after a British man was charged in Dubai for allegedly filming Iranian missiles. [Continue Reading]
In a significant development this week, Mohammad Pournajaf, a former senior Iranian diplomat, has been granted asylum in Australia after his defection from the Iranian regime. This news comes alongside the recent asylum approvals for six members of the Iranian women's football team, highlighting a growing trend of Iranian citizens seeking refuge abroad due to political and social upheaval. Pournajaf served as the charge d'affaires at the Iranian embassy in Canberra until at least early 2023, and the circumstances surrounding his defection reflect the broader struggles faced by many fleeing from repressive regimes. Pournajaf arrived in Australia in 2018 but... [Continue Reading]
In a significant rise of tensions in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and Israel, thousands of protesters gathered in Athens to condemn the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. The demonstration, which took place outside the US Embassy, is part of a larger global movement responding to the escalating hostilities in the region. Participants voiced their opposition to what they described as unjustified military actions that exacerbate regional instability. The protests in Athens are emblematic of a broader outcry; similar demonstrations have been seen in various cities worldwide as individuals rally against perceived imperialistic policies. In their march, participants carried banners and... [Continue Reading]
Protesters in Athens have marched to the US Embassy to condemn the US-Israeli attacks on Iran. [Continue Reading]
British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper landed in Saudi Arabia on March 12 to demonstrate unwavering UK support for Gulf allies confronting aggressive Iranian missile and drone strikes. These attacks have targeted critical Saudi oil facilities and the US Embassy in Riyadh, heightening tensions across the region. The UK government's decision to dispatch a senior minister underscores the severity of the threat and the need for direct engagement. Saudi Arabia, a key economic and strategic partner for the UK, hosts numerous British businesses and tourists, placing UK interests and citizens at risk amid ongoing hostilities. The visit aims to bolster regional... [Continue Reading]
Norwegian authorities have arrested three brothers in connection with an explosion outside the US embassy in Oslo. The incident occurred on Sunday, resulting from an improvised device placed at the embassy's entrance, causing minor damage but thankfully no injuries. This early morning blast raised immediate concerns regarding security at the embassy and the implications surrounding its potential links to terrorism. The brothers, all in their 20s and identified as Norwegian citizens with ties to Iraq, were taken into custody after an investigation led police to believe they were connected to the bombing. The police attorney, Christian Hatlo, stated in a... [Continue Reading]
Norwegian authorities announced the arrest of three brothers, all in their 20s and of Iraqi heritage, following a bombing incident outside the US Embassy in Oslo. The explosion occurred over the weekend, resulting in minor damage but fortunately no casualties. The arrests were made on Wednesday afternoon, with police continuing to investigate the incident as a potential act of terrorism. The bombing, described as a "terrorist bombing" by police, has raised significant concerns among security officials regarding possible links to foreign state involvement and terrorist groups. Police prosecutor Christian Hatlo stated during a press conference that the bomb was a... [Continue Reading]
Norway police on Wednesday said they had arrested three brothers suspected of a "terrorist bombing" outside the US Embassy in Oslo that caused minor damage but no injuries, as investigators probed possible motives including links to Iran. [Continue Reading]
Three Norwegian citizens with Iraqi heritage arrested as investigators probe possible foreign state involvement. [Continue Reading]
Norway's police attorney says the authorities are investigating whether a foreign state actor was involved. [Continue Reading]
Trio held on suspicion of ‘terrorist bombing’ that caused minor damage but no injuriesThree Norwegian brothers have been arrested on suspicion of a “terrorist bombing” at the US embassy in Oslo that caused minor damage at the weekend but no injuries.The police prosecutor Christian Hatlo told a press conference that the brothers, who were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin, had been arrested in Oslo and that police were investigating the motive. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Norwegian police said on Wednesday that three brothers had been arrested on suspicion of a “terrorist bombing” over a weekend explosion at the US embassy in Oslo that caused minor damage but no injuries. Police prosecutor Christian Hatlo told a press conference the brothers, who were Norwegian citizens of Iraqi origin, had been arrested in Oslo around 3.30pm and that police were investigating the motive. “We are still working from several hypotheses. One of them is whether this is an order from... [Continue Reading]
The second Government charter flight from Abu Dhabi, aimed at repatriating Irish citizens stranded in the Gulf region, has arrived in Dublin today. The flight, part of an ongoing effort to assist citizens amidst current challenges, was part of a coordinated initiative supported by the Irish embassy in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). On board the flight were 217 passengers, which included 27 citizens from other European Union member states, all accommodated under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism. This program assists various EU citizens, facilitating their return from overseas during exceptional circumstances. The focus of the operation has been particularly... [Continue Reading]
Alireza Salarian says Iran’s new supreme leader was lucky to survive strike that killed six of his family membersMiddle East crisis – live updatesIran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the 28 February attack that killed six of his family members, including his father, Tehran’s ambassador to Cyprus has confirmed.In an interview conducted at his embassy compound in Nicosia, Alireza Salarian elaborated on the circumstances in which Khamenei, 56, was injured, saying he was lucky to survive the strike, which levelled the late ayatollah’s residence. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
The player was advised by teammates and encouraged to contact the Iranian embassy, Australian minister says. [Continue Reading]
Police in Oslo are investigating an explosion that occurred outside the United States Embassy in the Norwegian capital, Oslo, during the early hours of Sunday morning. The blast, which resulted in minor material damage but no reported injuries, is being treated as a potential act of terrorism, although authorities are exploring other possible motives. According to Frode Larsen, head of the Oslo police investigation unit, the incident appears to have been a “targeted attack,” although the exact motive remains unclear at this time. The explosion created a scene of chaos, with witnesses reporting thick smoke blanketing the street following the... [Continue Reading]
Thousands of demonstrators gathered in London this afternoon to protest against ongoing airstrikes in Iran, calling for an end to military actions by the United States and Israel. The protest took place outside the US embassy in Nine Elms, where a significant turnout of around 5,000 participants expressed their dissent, highlighting the rising tensions in the region and their opposition to what they perceive as unjustified warfare. The protesters began their march from Millbank Tower, a prominent site near Westminster, carrying signs with messages such as “Stop Trump’s Wars,” “Stop the War on Iran,” “Stop Arming Israel,” and “No War... [Continue Reading]
The Cuban government has announced the closure of its embassy in Quito, Ecuador, following a directive from President Daniel Noboa's administration giving Cuban diplomats just 48 hours to leave the country. This abrupt expulsion has intensified tensions between the two nations, with the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Minrex) criticizing the decision as "unilateral and unfriendly." The embassy's operations officially ceased at 10 AM local time on Saturday, March 7. In a communique, Minrex expressed deep regret over the actions taken by the Ecuadorian government, stating that the decision undermines the historically positive bilateral relations that have existed between Cuba... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of tensions, Azerbaijan has announced the withdrawal of its diplomatic staff from Iran in response to alleged drone attacks linked to military hostilities exacerbating the situation between the two nations. This move comes after four drones reportedly launched from Iran crossed into the Azerbaijani exclave of Nakhchivan, prompting a strong condemnation from President Ilham Aliyev, who labeled the actions as an "act of terror." The statements made by Aliyev reflect a growing frustration over Iran's military behavior amid the ongoing regional conflict and the complicated dynamics involving Iran's sizeable ethnic Azerbaijani population. The latest drone incidents... [Continue Reading]
A Region on Edge: The Latest Escalation In recent months, tensions between Iran and the United States have intensified once again, fueled by disputes over regional security, nuclear development, maritime incidents in the Persian Gulf, and the broader strategic balance in the Middle East. Officials in Washington have expressed renewed concern over Iran’s uranium enrichment levels, while leaders in Tehran have accused the United States of economic warfare through sanctions and diplomatic isolation. The fragile equilibrium that followed earlier rounds of indirect negotiations appears increasingly strained, with both sides engaging in sharp rhetoric at the United Nations, reinforcing military postures... [Continue Reading]