If financial markets can survive the United States’ war on Iran and Russia’s war against Ukraine, does this mean that financial crashes have become a thing of the past? Or have markets just not grasped the true nature of the current threats to the financial system? The latter is almost certainly the case, as former Goldman Sachs CEO Lloyd Blankfein suggested when he said in a recent Financial Times interview that people had “got more complacent” about financial risks since the 2008 crisis. It is... [Continue Reading]
Russian missile strikes in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second-largest city, have resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, including two children. The assaults, confirmed by the region's governor, Oleh Syniehubov, have also left over ten people injured, with children's injuries reported among them. This incident underscores the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region as Ukraine continues to contend with ongoing aggression from Russia. The missile strikes specifically targeted a five-storey residential building in Kharkiv, leading to significant damage and prompting immediate rescue operations. Emergency responders quickly mobilized to clear the debris, searching for any individuals who may have been trapped beneath the... [Continue Reading]
Russian missile strikes have killed seven people in Kharkiv, Ukraine's second largest city. [Continue Reading]
Russia has shared intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran strike US warships, aircraft and other American assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with US intelligence – the first indication Moscow may be stepping into the war launched last week by the United States and Israel. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine has said three people were killed in Russian strikes on an apartment block, triggering a nationwide air alert and prompting neighbouring Poland to scramble military planes. [Continue Reading]
In an escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, reports have surfaced indicating that Russia may have shared intelligence with Iran concerning American military assets. Sources familiar with US intelligence detail that the information could aid Iran in targeting US naval vessels and aircraft operating in the region. This development marks Russia's first notable involvement in the recent hostilities that erupted following US-Israel military actions against Iran launched a week ago, raising significant concerns about regional stability. According to anonymous officials, US intelligence has not yet established that Russia is directing Iran on how to utilize this information.... [Continue Reading]
In his National Cybersecurity Strategy, President Trump sought an expanded role for private firms in cyberwarfare. He did not take on China or Russia in the document. [Continue Reading]
There has been anger across the Gulf for repeated Iranian drone and missile strikes that Tehran says were targeting US military assets. [Continue Reading]
The United States is reportedly contemplating the lifting of additional sanctions on Russian oil. This consideration comes against the backdrop of escalating energy prices spurred by ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, particularly the recent conflict between the US-Israel coalition and Iran. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent indicated on Friday that the new measures would not ease restrictions on Russia but would instead apply to supplies already in transit. This potential policy shift reflects the increasing urgency for the US to address soaring global oil prices, which have significantly impacted markets in recent days. On Friday, crude oil prices surged... [Continue Reading]
Russia is one of a small number countries that maintains friendly relations with Tehran, which has faced years of isolation over its nuclear programme and its support of proxy groups across the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
Washington says new measures not aimed at easing restrictions on Moscow and only affect supplies already in transitThe US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, said on Friday that his government was considering lifting sanctions on more Russian oil, a day after it temporarily authorised India to buy from Moscow as global oil prices surged.The US-Israel war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region have upended the world’s energy and transport sectors, virtually halting activity in the strait of Hormuz. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
In a fresh escalation of military conflict in the Middle East, U.S. airstrikes targeting Iranian military assets have intensified over the past week, following the commencement of hostilities reportedly initiated by the U.S. and Israel. This military operation comes amid alarming reports of Russian intelligence support to Iran, with some analysts speculating on the implications for U.S. forces operating in the Gulf region. According to recent statements from U.S. officials, Russia has begun sharing intelligence with Iran that may help Tehran target American military assets, including warships and aircraft in the Persian Gulf. However, the White House has asserted that... [Continue Reading]
Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike American warships, aircraft and other assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with US intelligence on the matter. The officials, who were not authorised to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that US intelligence has not uncovered that Russia is directing Iran on what to do with the information as the US and Israel continue their bombardment and Iran... [Continue Reading]
Russia’s flag was paraded at the opening ceremony of the Paralympics for the first time since 2014 prompting a boycott by several nations led by Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine has embarked on a programme to deploy armed robots on the battlefield against Russian forces. [Continue Reading]
The Russian flag is flown at the Winter Paralympics for the first time in more than a decade, with Ukraine among eight countries to boycott the opening ceremony at Verona Arena in protest. [Continue Reading]
As part of ongoing diplomatic efforts, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited frontline troops in eastern Ukraine on Friday. This visit coincided with the completion of a significant prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, which involved 500 soldiers from each side. This exchange represents a rare tangible outcome amidst diplomatic dialogues aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict. Zelensky was at the eastern front line, specifically in areas near Druzhkivka and Kostiantynivka in the Donetsk region. He expressed his appreciation for the Ukrainian forces defending these strategic positions against increasing Russian military pressure. Reports suggest that Moscow is gearing up for an... [Continue Reading]
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky visited frontline troops in eastern Ukraine on Friday as Kyiv and Moscow completed a two-day prisoner-of-war exchange involving 500 soldiers from each side. The swap was one of the few tangible outcomes of ongoing diplomatic talks aimed at ending the war. [Continue Reading]
Emma Raducanu makes an impressive start at Indian Wells as the British number one records a straight-set victory over Russian Anastasia Zakharova. [Continue Reading]
Athletes from Russia and Belarus parade behind their nations' flags at the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics as the 50th anniversary edition of the Games officially gets under way. [Continue Reading]
The Russian flag has returned to the global sporting stage, appearing at the Winter Paralympics for the first time in over a decade. [Continue Reading]
Swarms of low-cost drones used by the Russians in Ukraine have been breaching U.S. air defense systems and striking targets across the Middle East. [Continue Reading]
Some spectators booed Russia's athletes as they marched under their own flag in the opening ceremony of the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics on Friday. The International Paralympic Committee in February lifted a long-running ban on Russian and Belarusian athletes competing under their own flags and anthems due to their role in the ongoing war in Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
This week marked a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict surrounding Iran as airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted key Iranian leaders and military infrastructures. Early on Saturday morning, air raids reportedly assassinated Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and over forty senior Iranian officials within a five-minute window. This action initiated a broad bombing campaign aimed at military bases and logistical centers across Iran, as well as hitting targets belonging to the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and other paramilitary forces. As of now, the conflict has entered its seventh day, and Iran's military response escalated dramatically. Iranian forces retaliated... [Continue Reading]
Foreign minister wants ‘conversation’ about closing UK military sites following lack of warning of impending attack on RAF AkrotiriMiddle East crisis – live updatesCyprus’s foreign minister has said there are “questions” about the future of the UK’s military bases on the island after the drone strike last Sunday.The attack on RAF Akrotiri, suspected to have been launched by Hezbollah in Lebanon, caused minimal damage and did not result in casualties. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Completion of two-day POW exchange one of few tangible results as peace talks stall amid Middle East turmoil. [Continue Reading]
Heightened military actions characterized by US and Israeli airstrikes against Iran and associated targets have intensified. Amid this escalation, Donald Trump publicly declared that no negotiation with Iran would be possible without “unconditional surrender.” This statement was made as the conflict enters its second week, mirroring continued tensions between Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah, which have involved severe clashes in Lebanon's southern suburbs. The urgency of the situation in Lebanon was highlighted by the UN refugee agency, which described the ongoing clashes as a “major humanitarian emergency.” Reports indicate that Israeli airstrikes have caused significant destruction in Beirut, leading to civilian... [Continue Reading]
A Voice in the Wilderness of War: Who Still Dares to Speak Truth While Empires March There are moments in history when the world suddenly accelerates toward disaster, moments when anyone who has studied history can feel the temperature rising even before the explosions reach their peak. The current escalation in the Middle East is one of those moments. According to the facts we now see unfolding, the United States and Israel made the unilateral decision to attack Iran without the approval of the United Nations, without a global coalition mandate, and without the support of most of the international... [Continue Reading]
The ongoing diplomatic rift between Hungary and Ukraine has intensified following the seizure of two Ukrainian armoured bank vehicles by Hungarian authorities. The convoy, carrying a staggering €35 million and $40 million along with 9 kilograms of gold, has been the focus of a money-laundering investigation initiated by Hungary's national tax and customs administration. Seven Ukrainians accompanying the convoy were arrested, leading to accusations from Ukraine's foreign minister, Andrii Sybiha, who condemned the actions as both "hostage-taking" and "theft." This incident marks a significant escalation in the fraught relationship between Kyiv and Budapest, with context rooted in historical grievances and... [Continue Reading]
Iran has launched multiple missile and drone attacks targeting U.S. allies in the Gulf region on March 6, as tensions in the Middle East escalate following recent U.S. strikes. The strikes have reportedly hit locations in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain, countries that host U.S. military forces. These developments occur on the eve of the first week of a burgeoning conflict, as U.S. President Donald Trump demands “unconditional surrender” from Iran in order to end the hostilities. Reports indicate that the Iranian strikes are retaliatory measures against U.S. military actions in the region. Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, Majid Takht-Ravanchi,... [Continue Reading]
President Donald Trump said on March 6 that only Iran's "unconditional surrender" would bring an end to the Middle East war. this comes as The Washington Post reports that Russia is providing Iran with targeting information that includes locations of U.S. warships and aircraft in the Middle East. On the eve of the first week of this war, FRANCE 24's Douglas Herbert looks at where the conflict stands. [Continue Reading]
The attacks, which involved self-igniting packages, targeted couriers in Poland, Germany and at a DHL depot in the UK in 2024. [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]
Petrol and diesel prices across Europe are predicted to surpass €2 per litre, with concerns escalating among fuel garage operators about imminent price hikes. This situation follows the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East, which began last Saturday, and has been compounded by significant increases in global oil prices. The average price for unleaded petrol rose from €1.73 per litre last month to levels exceeding €1.80, while diesel has also approached €1.90 at many pumps. The ramifications of the ongoing conflict are already evident in the home heating oil market, where costs have surged dramatically. For instance, data from... [Continue Reading]
Various countries, including the United States have asked Ukraine for its expertise in countering Iran’s Shahed drones. Russia has fired tens of thousands of these drones at its neighbour since the war began just over four years ago. Ukraine's President Zelensky said they will provide assistance as long as it doesn't weaken his country' own defences. [Continue Reading]
Shahed-type drones have been one of the main pillars of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. Four years later, Ukraine is now intercepting around 80% of all Moscow-launched UAVs with home-made interceptors, which have become a central piece in Ukraine’s drone air defences. [Continue Reading]
Residents of Lebanese capital fled in panic before assaults on claimed Hezbollah targets, while Tehran continues to launch retaliatory attacks. Plus, why is Pedro Sánchez the only European leader to take on Trump?Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up hereGood morning.Israel has launched intense strikes against the southern suburbs of Beirut just hours after its military ordered the entire population of the area – more than 500,000 people – to evacuate immediately.What else is happening with the war? The US granted Indian refiners a 30-day waiver to buy Russian oil after the US-Israel war on Iran sparked... [Continue Reading]
International Energy Agency warns against politically and economically wrong return to reliance on Russian energy. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine, which has years of experience in downing Russia's Iran-made drones, wants to assist the US and Israel. [Continue Reading]
China has responded to the escalating conflict in Iran with familiar language: calls for restraint, condemnation of military escalation and appeals for dialogue. But beneath the carefully calibrated diplomacy lies a harder strategic reality. What happens in Iran carries significant implications for Beijing’s energy security, regional positioning and global rivalry with the United States. For China, Iran is not an ideological ally in the way Russia appears to be. The relationship is rooted in... [Continue Reading]
Zelenskyy says more US-made Patriot defence systems were used in three days of the Iran war than in Ukraine since 2022. [Continue Reading]
In recent developments, Russian forces have escalated their offensive in eastern Ukraine, specifically targeting the city of Kramatorsk in the Donetsk region. The intensified shelling, which began on February 27, has been reported as part of Russia's ongoing military campaign as the conflict enters its fifth year. This increase in hostilities comes amidst claims of significant territorial gains by Ukrainian forces recently. Reports indicate that the Russian military's renewed aggression is characterized by heavy artillery attacks on the outskirts of Kramatorsk, a strategic city that has witnessed severe destruction due to the ongoing war. While specific casualty figures from the... [Continue Reading]
Masoud Pezeshkian says any talks must address ‘those who underestimated the Iranian people and ignited this conflict’Middle East crisis – live updatesIran’s president, Masoud Pezeshkian, has said for the first time that some countries have begun mediation efforts to end the war with the US and Israel, without identifying those countries, adding that any talks should address those who started the war.Qatar, Turkey, Egypt and Oman have all offered to mediate at some point since US and Israel launched joint strikes last Saturday. Two days ago, Iran’s foreign ministry said it was a time for defence of the country, not... [Continue Reading]
Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine shows how the continent has not yet solved the problem of what order comes after imperial collapse [Continue Reading]
The targeting information has included the locations of American warships and aircraft in the Middle East, the officials said. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine has won back some territory this year for the first time since 2023 amid claims of soaring Russian losses. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine police investigating what foreign ministry calls a ‘hostage’ situation involving seven employees of Oschadbank stopped by HungaryIcelandic foreign minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir submitted a government motion for a referendum on resuming accession talks with the European Union, proposing the vote should take place on 29 August, state broadcaster RUV has reported.The draft resolution will be put to Icelandic parliament for approval next week. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
PRESS REVIEW – Friday, March 6: International papers discuss US President Donald Trump's "warrior transformation" and speculate about how the new war in the Middle East could benefit Russia. Also: the US Department of Justice publishes an interview that outlines sexual assault allegations against Trump. Finally, is the US president trying to distract attention from the Epstein files with the new war? This question has inspired quite a few cartoons. [Continue Reading]
Residents of Dubai have received emergency alerts urging them to seek immediate shelter amidst heightened missile threats originating from Iran. Reports indicate that the threats are part of a significant increase in missile strikes by Iran, described as "its most intense barrage of missile strikes yet." Multiple alerts were issued, with at least two sent in quick succession to residents, including those who are British expatriates. Emergency advisories recommended that individuals remain sheltered until further instructions were relayed. The situation escalated dramatically as Dubai reported incidents involving drones being intercepted. Debris from these drones has caused fires at notable landmarks,... [Continue Reading]
South-east Asian country limits air conditioning and travel for public officials amid soaring fuel pricesMiddle East crisis – live updatesThe Philippines is searching for ways to conserve energy in response to surging fuel costs, with public officials ordered to cut back on air conditioning usage and reduce travel.All national government agencies, state universities and colleges, and local government branches have been told to reduce fuel consumption by at least 10% in response to the crisis in the Middle East. Government offices have been told to adopt flexible work arrangements, and to set air conditioning units no lower than 24 degrees.... [Continue Reading]
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent gives India a 30-day waiver to buy Russian crude as a "stop gap measure". [Continue Reading]
As conflict continues to escalate, Iran-backed militias are intensifying their attacks against the United States, Israel, and their allies. This situation unfolds in the context of a joint military offensive launched by the United States and Israel against Iran, marking a significant uptick in both military activity and geopolitical tension in the region. Reports indicate that the war has now entered its second week, with the Iranian regime facing mounting pressure both from domestic and international fronts. Since the United States and Israel initiated their military operations targeting Iran's Islamic regime and the now deceased Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's Republican Guard,... [Continue Reading]
Canada’s defence agreement with South Korea signals the two countries’ “middle-power answer” to increasing cooperation between Beijing and Moscow in the Arctic region and Washington’s pressure on its allies for defence burden sharing, according to analysts. The agreement, signed on February 25 as part of a 2+2 foreign and defence ministerial meeting, followed the security and defence cooperation partnership established by the two countries in October. According to a joint statement issued after... [Continue Reading]
The conflict in Iran may give Moscow a short-term boost economically and in Ukraine. But it has also shown the limits of Russia’s partnerships. [Continue Reading]
The Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics start on Friday with an opening ceremony clouded by a boycott by several countries in protest at Russian athletes competing under their national flag for the first time since 2014. [Continue Reading]
Controversy is overshadowing the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, which kick off Friday with an opening ceremony boycotted by several countries protesting the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags for the first time since 2014. [Continue Reading]
Venezuela has officially announced the restoration of diplomatic relations with the United States, signaling a pivotal moment in their historically fraught partnership. This decision comes as part of a commitment by the Venezuelan government, led by acting President Delcy Rodriguez, to enter a “new stage” of bilateral relations focused on mutual respect. The announcement was made on Thursday, following a two-day visit by US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum to Venezuela, part of a broader initiative led by US President Donald Trump to enhance American access to Venezuela’s vast mineral resources. The re-establishment of diplomatic and consular relations between the two... [Continue Reading]
The United States Treasury has announced a temporary waiver allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea. This decision arrives amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East, which have been disrupting crude oil shipments. The waiver, valid for 30 days, aims to facilitate oil flow into the global market, as indicated by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. The waiver specifically authorizes transactions involving oil that is already stranded and does not extend broader purchasing privileges to India. According to Bessent, this measure is designed not to substantially benefit the Russian government but to ensure that the global oil... [Continue Reading]
This blog is now closed. Our live coverage of the Middle East crisis continues hereTell us: how have you been affected by the latest events in the Middle East?Iran and Lebanon were hit with a wave of intense Israeli strikes overnight.Israel’s military said Friday morning it had begun “a broad-scale wave of strikes” on Tehran, Iran’s capital. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Ukrainian president orders equipment and expertise to be provided to US in return to diplomatic support against Russia, saying ‘we help to defend from war those who help us’The United States and its allies in the Middle East are seeking Ukraine’s expertise in countering Iran’s Shahed drones, president Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said.Various countries, including the US, have approached Ukraine for help in defending against the Iranian drones, Zelenskyy said late on Wednesday. He said he has spoken in recent days to the leaders of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait about possible cooperation. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
‘Stopgap measure’ designed to keep oil flowing into global market as Middle East crisis disrupts crude shipmentsBusiness live – latest updatesThe US has temporarily allowed India to buy Russian oil currently stuck at sea in an effort to keep global supplies flowing and temper further price increases.On Thursday the US treasury issued a 30-day waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil, having previously imposed heavy sanctions related to the war in Ukraine. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
India’s trade deal with President Trump was supposed to end its imports of oil from Russia. But then the conflict in the Middle East has cut off alternative supplies. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine and Russia each free 200 prisoners, the first part of an exchange that will see them swap 500 people each in total, officials say. [Continue Reading]
The last time a global energy crisis sent Australian power bills skyrocketing was when Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. What's changed this time? [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump on Thursday said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was the main obstacle to reaching a deal with Russia, describing Russian President Vladimir Putin as cooperative. Trump said Zelensky “has to get on the ball” and make compromises to secure an agreement. [Continue Reading]
Exchange comes amid a deadlock in US-brokered negotiations to end the four-year war between the two countries. [Continue Reading]
US President Donald Trump described Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky as the obstacle to a deal with Russia, whose leader, Vladimir Putin, he insisted was cooperative. [Continue Reading]
The US has asked Ukraine for help fending off Iranian drone attacks in the Middle East, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Thursday, adding that he had ordered expert support to be given. During Russia’s four-year invasion, Kyiv has developed a range of cheap and effective drone interceptors – aerial craft designed to hit incoming attack drones mid-air – that it says are world-leading. Zelensky on Tuesday offered US allies in the Middle East a swap of some of their air defence... [Continue Reading]
No UK government ministers or officials will attend the Winter Paralympics opening and closing ceremonies after Russian and Belarusian athletes were invited to compete under their national flags. [Continue Reading]
In a dramatic escalation of hostilities, the United States and Israel have initiated widespread airstrikes across Iran, targeting both military installations and civilian infrastructure. These strikes come amid an intense period of conflict that has already led to significant casualties, including at least 1,230 confirmed deaths in Iran, over 70 in Lebanon, and approximately a dozen in Israel, according to official reports. The air offensive marks a continuation of escalating tensions in the region. The strikes were reportedly aimed at pivotal military sites, signaling a calculated effort by Israeli and U.S. forces to undermine Iran's military capabilities. Footage from Tehran... [Continue Reading]
Men 'lured' into fighting in the Ukraine war say Africans were subjected to worse treatment on the front lines. [Continue Reading]
By hosting a pavilion again this year, Russia continues its efforts to shed its status as a cultural and sporting pariah. [Continue Reading]
An Iranian drone attack has struck the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, an exclave of Azerbaijan, intensifying hostilities in a conflict that has already engulfed the region as tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States escalate. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported that at approximately 12 noon local time on Thursday, one drone targeted the terminal building of the Nakhchivan international airport while another drone crashed near a school in the village of Shakarabad, leading to condemnation from Azerbaijani authorities. In its official statement, the Azerbaijani government asserted its "right to an appropriate response," signaling a potential escalation in military... [Continue Reading]
François Picard welcomes Alexander Abdelilah, an investigative journalist for Forbidden Stories who has just published a report on how the Iranian regime secretly acquired FindFace in 2019, a powerful facial recognition system developed by Russian company NTechLab. Abdelilah explores how this system operates both technically and politically. FindFace allows authorities to run recorded footage from CCTV cameras, street recordings, or even social media videos through an algorithm capable of matching a face in a crowd and tracing individuals who participate in protests. [Continue Reading]
In the latest developments, Israel has intensified its military operations targeting Iranian assets in Tehran and surrounding areas, further escalating tensions in the Middle East. Reports indicate that neighboring countries such as Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia have reported fresh acts of aggression, while Qatar has taken precautionary measures by evacuating residents near the U.S. Embassy in Doha. This latest phase of conflict suggests a significant escalation in Israel's approach to counter perceived threats from Iran. As part of the ongoing conflict, Iranian missile systems have reportedly launched an attack against U.S.-registered oil tankers in the Persian Gulf. Iranian news agency... [Continue Reading]
François Picard welcomes Alexander Abdelilah, Investigative Journalist for Forbidden Stories who just published an investigative report on how the Iranian regime secretly acquired FindFace in 2019, a powerful facial recognition system developed by Russian company NTechLab. Mr. Abdelilah explores how this system operates both technically and politically. FindFace allows authorities to run recorded footage: from CCTV cameras, street recordings, or even social media videos, through an algorithm capable of matching a face in a crowd and of tracing individuals who participate in demonstrations. [Continue Reading]
Ukraine has raised the prospect of postponing future peace talks aimed at ending its four-year-old war with Russia, because of the Iran conflict. [Continue Reading]
Iran maintains ties with a range of countries, including Turkey, India, Russia and China. Yet in this war, their support is mostly rhetoric. [Continue Reading]
Some in the Kremlin believe a prolonged U.S. war could work in Russia’s favor by boosting oil prices and diverting key weapons from Ukraine. [Continue Reading]
Russia and China have condemned the US-Israeli attack on Iran but stopped short of offering military support. [Continue Reading]
For sheer escalatory potential, look no further than the speed at which the six-day-old war in Iran has drawn in countries across the Middle East, causing the biggest energy shock since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. While the long-term consequences of military action by the United States and Israel against Iran are unpredictable, worst-case scenarios for the global economy and markets have begun to unfold. Although the least important thing about any war is how it affects... [Continue Reading]
A significant escalation in military tensions has unfolded in the Middle East as the United States and Israel intensified their bombardment of Iran, targeting key areas including Sanandaj and Tehran. This aerial offensive has generated plumes of smoke visible across the night sky and raises pressing questions about the legality and future of military operations in the region. The current military actions coincide with a recent vote in the United States Senate. In a landmark decision, Senate Republicans blocked a war powers resolution that sought to limit President Donald Trump's authority to engage further in military actions against Iran without... [Continue Reading]
This liveblog is closed. Follow live coverage of the Middle East crisis here Iran says it has targeted Kurdish groups in Iraq and warned “separatist groups” against action in the widening war.Tehran said on Thursday it had hit Iraq-based Kurdish groups “opposed to the revolution”, as reports said the US was looking to arm Kurdish militias to infiltrate Iran.We will not tolerate them in any way. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
A significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine has unfolded in the Mediterranean Sea, where the Russian LNG tanker, Arctic Metagaz, has sunk following an alleged drone strike by Ukraine. Sharing the incident details, Moscow claimed that Ukrainian drones targeted the ship late on a recent Tuesday night while it was approximately 150 miles (240 km) off the coast of Libya, carrying 61,000 tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG). Although there were no fatalities reported among the crew of 30, the vessel went ablaze before ultimately sinking. The Russian government has strongly condemned this alleged act, with... [Continue Reading]
A Russian tanker carrying liquefied natural gas (LNG) has sunk in the Mediterranean Sea, a significant development as tensions escalate between Russia and Ukraine. The incident occurred near the Libyan port of Sirte, with the Libyan port authority reporting that the vessel was struck by "sudden explosions followed by a massive fire," leading to its eventual sinking. This event marks a significant escalation in hostilities between the two nations, with Russian President Vladimir Putin publicly accusing Ukraine of responsibility. According to reports, the tanker was involved in transporting LNG across the Mediterranean when it was struck. The Libyan port authority... [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of military hostilities in the Middle East, the United States and Israel have intensified their airstrikes against Iran, marking the fifth day of a deadly offensive. Bombing campaigns targeting government, military, and civilian infrastructure in Tehran have raised alarms across the region, exacerbating geopolitical tensions and drawing ire from global leaders. The strikes reportedly focus on nuclear-related facilities, further escalating the already fraught relationship between Tehran and both Washington and Tel Aviv. The Iranian response has been equally aggressive, with reports indicating that Iran has launched hundreds of missiles and drones aimed at various Persian Gulf... [Continue Reading]
Explosions erupted in Beirut, Lebanon, as Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed at least 11 individuals in various locations, including Baalbek and areas south of the capital. This military escalation marks the fifth day of hostilities within the context of a broader war involving Israel and Iran, which has raised international concerns regarding safety and stability in the region. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced complete control of the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial maritime route for global oil and gas supplies. They warned that any vessels attempting to navigate these waters would face potential missile threats or drone attacks. This assertion underscores... [Continue Reading]
Recent military operations by the United States and Israel targeting Iran have drawn significant diplomatic backlash from Russia and China. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi communicated directly with his Israeli counterpart, Gideon Saar, emphasizing the need to halt military actions that reportedly disrupt ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding regional security concerns. This escalating situation bears implications for diplomatic relations and international stability. In a detailed statement, Wang urged for an immediate cessation of military strikes, warning that continued aggression could exacerbate tensions and lead to broader conflict. He pointed out that recent advances in negotiations were promising before... [Continue Reading]
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]
In a significant legal development on Monday, a French court reduced the prison sentences for three individuals connected to the 2020 murder of teacher Samuel Paty. The decision, made by the Paris Court of Appeal, has drawn sharp reactions due to the sensitive nature of the case, which involved extremist violence and freedom of expression issues in France. Samuel Paty, a 47-year-old educator, was murdered in October 2020 by 18-year-old Abdoullakh Anzorov, who was acting on extremist motives after Paty showed his students cartoons depicting the Prophet Muhammad during a lesson on freedom of expression. Anzorov was subsequently killed by... [Continue Reading]
For two decades I have watched wars unfold not only on battlefields, but on screens. Today’s incident over Kuwait, involving the downing of a U.S. F-15 Strike Eagle, is not just another headline in the Iran conflict. It may be a signal that something larger is unfolding behind the noise. Iranian state outlets rapidly circulated imagery of an ejected pilot. Washington responded cautiously. But beneath the spectacle lies a deeper question, whose technology was truly being tested? The Gulf as a live-fire laboratory For years, China has refined export-ready variants of its air defense systems, particularly the HQ-9 family and... [Continue Reading]
In a shocking escalation of military conflict in the Middle East, three United States soldiers were killed, and five others sustained serious injuries during Operation Epic Fury, the US military confirmed recently. This operation is a direct response to Iran's aggressive military actions, including drone and missile strikes aimed at US bases across the region, following the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The announcement from US Central Command came as tensions between the US and Iran reached unprecedented levels. The military operation, dubbed Operation Epic Fury, was launched in response to Iran's retaliatory strikes, reflecting a significant increase in hostilities.... [Continue Reading]
Residents of Kharkiv, a northeastern city in Ukraine, are adjusting to life under constant threat as air raid alerts become a regular part of their daily routine. The alarming sounds echo through the city’s snow-covered streets, signifying the persistent tensions that have plagued the region for years. Despite the risks, Kharkiv's residents maintain a semblance of normalcy, walking through busy roads, highlighting their resilience amid ongoing conflict. Recent reports from Kharkiv indicate that air raid alerts occur multiple times throughout the day, often signaling imminent danger. However, the brief nature of these alerts sometimes leads to a collective sense of... [Continue Reading]
In a dramatic escalation of military operations, the United States and Israel have launched a coordinated series of strikes against Iranian targets amid rising tensions in the Middle East. Confirmed reports indicate that both nations initiated a joint operation dubbed as necessary to counter what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described as an “existential threat” posed by Iran. This operation is part of a broader strategy aiming at regime change in Iran, as emphasized by US President Donald Trump, who stated that major combat operations had commenced. Since the initiation of these strikes, a significant number of flights have been... [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]
Power, Greed, Oil, and the Theater of Modern Geopolitics The Business Model of Power Donald Trump does not govern like a traditional politician. He governs like a negotiator who believes every geopolitical crisis is leverage, every war threat is a bargaining chip, and every market panic is an opportunity. When markets tremble, someone profits. The question is, who? Global markets react instantly to political tension. Gold rises when conflict looms. Oil spikes when instability threatens production. Stock markets collapse on fear, then rebound on reassurance. Volatility is not chaos, it is opportunity. Historically, gold has surged during major geopolitical crises,... [Continue Reading]