Iran defies US demands for surrender but apologises for strikes on neighbours
Iran’s president said on Saturday that a demand by the United States for an unconditional surrender is a “dream that they should take to their grave”. President Masoud Pezeshkian made the statement in a pre-recorded address aired by state television. He also apologised for Iran’s attacks on regional countries, saying that Tehran would halt them and suggesting they were caused by miscommunication in the ranks. He blamed the killing of the country’s supreme leader and other top officials for what... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong authorities propose ferry fare adjustments to keep operators afloat
Hong Kong transport authorities have proposed adjusting single-journey fares for six ferry routes from April 1, marking the first time in nearly three years, with some fares to rise by 12.5 per cent, while certain high-speed journeys will become cheaper. In a document submitted to the Islands District Council, the Transport Department said its fare adjustment proposal struck a balance between residents’ travel needs and the ferries’ financial viability. Under the proposal, fares for one-way... [Continue Reading]
Millions of workers facing uncertainty as tensions escalate in the Middle East
Across Asia, millions of migrant workers are facing increasing uncertainty as tensions escalate in the Middle East. In the Philippines alone, millions of overseas workers send home crucial remittances, even as governments consider possible repatriation plans amid the growing conflict. From construction sites across the Gulf to households in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh, the stakes are high, not only for the safety of the workers, but also for the economies that rely heavily on their income. Camille Knight takes a closer look. [Continue Reading]
Russia sharing intelligence information to help Tehran, officials say
Vladimir Putin, Russia’s president, expressed his condolences to Masoud Pezeshkian over the many civilian casualties caused by what he described as “Israeli-American armed aggression” against Iran, and called for an immediate halt to the fighting. Meanwhile, Associated Press reported that Russia has shared intelligence with Iran that could help Tehran target American warships, aircraft and other US assets in the region. France24 International Affairs editor Kethevane Gorjestani tells us more. [Continue Reading]
‘I can’t sleep’: Iranian in Hong Kong gripped by fear as war intensifies
Behzad Mirzaei, who has lived in Hong Kong for three decades, is losing sleep as tensions involving Iran escalate, worried about his elderly mother in Tehran. The founder of the Persian Club is among Hong Kong’s small Iranian community who are watching the war with mounting anxiety, waiting for daily updates and fearing for loved ones thousands of kilometres away. “Every night before I go to sleep, I have this nightmare – that anxiety – about what will happen,” the 57-year-old said. “On a few... [Continue Reading]
Israel raids deep into Lebanon: Israeli troops engage Hezbollah after helicopter raid
Many people in Lebanon are fleeing their homes after Hezbollah launched missiles into Israel from Lebanon in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and Israel retaliated with strikes on Lebanon. The latest from Beirut with our France24 correspondent Renée Davis. [Continue Reading]
Tornado in Union Lake, Michigan, kills three and injures 12 amid severe storm outbreak
In a devastating turn of events, a tornado believed to have struck the Union Lake area in Michigan recently resulted in the deaths of three individuals and left 12 more injured. This occurrence is part of a broader outbreak of severe storms that swept across southern Michigan, causing significant destruction and triggering tornado warnings throughout the region. Footage captured by onlookers reveals the catastrophic nature of the tornado as it tore through Union City, annihilating homes and uprooting trees. Another tornado struck the city of Three Rivers, where debris was seen swirling violently across a parking lot, highlighting the chaotic... [Continue Reading]
Hollywood turns on Timothee Chalamet after ‘uneducated and disrespectful’ remarks
'I'm taking shots for no reason,' the star admitted. [Continue Reading]
Southern Peru flooded after torrential rain
Southern Peru flooded after torrential rain [Continue Reading]
Soham double murderer Ian Huntley dies days after attack
Soham double murderer Ian Huntley has died in hospital after being attacked in the workshop of a British maximum security prison. [Continue Reading]
Kurdish Iraq draws a line: Erbil warns against attacks on Iran from Kurdish territory
In Iraq, Kurdish authorities are warning that their territory must not be used as a launchpad for attacks on Iran. Kurdish Iranian dissident groups say they will not act independently, but could potentially join a US ground invasion. Iran has already carried out several missile and drone strikes on Kurdish bases, escalating tensions in the area. On Friday, Iranian drones were shot down over Erbil in Iraq’s semi-autonomous Kurdish region. Nicholas Rushworth reports. [Continue Reading]
Xinjiang official reports growth in textile industry amid US sanctions during China's annual political gathering
During China's annual political gathering referred to as the "two sessions," Wang Kuiran, a prominent official from Xinjiang, asserted that the region's textile industry is experiencing substantial growth despite ongoing US sanctions. Wang emphasized the development of a comprehensive medium to long-term plan aimed at bolstering Xinjiang's textile and garment sector, highlighting the government's intent to provide legal support for businesses affected by American trade restrictions. Wang's remarks came during a session of the Xinjiang delegation at this paramount event, where both national legislative and advisory bodies convene to address policy reviews and establish the yearly agenda. The discussion surrounding... [Continue Reading]
Death toll mounts in Middle East war: Over 1,400 killed across Iran, Lebanon and Israel
The war in Iran has now entered its second week, with loud explosions reported in Tehran early Saturday morning. State television said blasts were heard in several areas of the Iranian capital but did not provide further details. Israel’s military said around 80 fighter jets dropped 230 munitions across Iran overnight, claiming several military sites were targeted. Meanwhile, US Central Command said American forces have struck more than 3,000 targets in Iran since last weekend. There are also mounting concerns about civilian casualties. Since the strikes began last Saturday, schools, landmarks and a hospital have reportedly been hit. The head... [Continue Reading]
Campaign seeks 50 objects to ‘take the heat’ out of Englishness debate
Billy Bragg, Sarah Lucas and Kojo Koram among those encouraging people to share cultural artefactsFor some people it’s a Morris Minor, for others, a beach windbreak, chicken tikka masala or Magna Carta.A new campaign is aiming to collect 50 objects that sum up Englishness in an effort to move the conversation away from reductive arguments over whether to hang a St George’s flag or not. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Trump team bashed Europe for a year. Now he wants support in war on Iran.
European leaders are ramping up their response to the crisis spreading outside Iran but remain wary of a conflict that could have untold ramifications. [Continue Reading]
Why is the U.S. at war with Iran? Here’s what the Trump administration says.
President Donald Trump and top administration officials have offered a range of rationales for launching Operation Epic Fury. [Continue Reading]
Rising star chip scientist Jiang Jianfeng leaves MIT for China’s Peking University
Most academics take eight to 10 years after earning a PhD to become doctoral supervisors. But semiconductor scientist Jiang Jianfeng has done it in just 18 months. The 30-year-old only earned his PhD in June 2024. After briefly serving as a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), he has now returned to Peking University to serve as a principal investigator, associate professor and PhD supervisor. Jiang’s research focuses on two-dimensional indium selenide... [Continue Reading]
China women living together for years spark discussions on female cohabitation and support
Two women in southern China who have lived together for 13 years have gone viral and sparked an online discussion about female cohabitation. Liang Shichun, 59, and her best friend Li Yan, 51, bought a house together in Nanning, Guangxi province, and share everything from household chores to the mortgage. Both women had unhappy marriages and chose not to remarry, instead opting to live together and support each other. Their friendship, which has lasted more than two decades, included Li being... [Continue Reading]
Stop dismissing Eastern European wine just because it’s cheap
Be sure to look out for these bottles in the supermarket. [Continue Reading]
Lebanon under fire from Israel: Clashes erupts as Israeli forces attempt landing operation
Hezbollah’s decision to enter the war comes at a time when the group appears to be weakened. Meanwhile, the Lebanese government seems to be taking advantage of the situation, having declared Hezbollah’s military activities illegal earlier this week in what looks like a move toward disarming the group. Maha Yaya, Director of the Carnegie Middle East Center in Beirut, shares her insights. [Continue Reading]
Explosion and fire in Syria due to falling drone debris
Videos documented an explosion and fire in the countryside of Daraa, Syria, due to a falling drone. [Continue Reading]
Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after HMP Frankland prison attack
School caretaker who killed 10-year-olds Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman in 2002 was reportedly assaulted with metal barAugust 2002: the summer we watched a senseless tragedy unfold in SohamThe child killer Ian Huntley has died after being attacked in prison.The former school caretaker killed Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman, both aged 10, in Soham, Cambridgeshire on 4 August 2002. The girls had left a family barbecue to buy sweets. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Soham murderer Ian Huntley dies after prison attack
Huntley, who murdered two schoolgirls in 2002, had his life support switched off on Friday, the BBC understands. [Continue Reading]
Obama attacks Trump at Jesse Jackson memorial
The US is facing daily assaults on democracy, former President Barack Obama has warned, as he lauded Jesse Jackson for fighting abuses of power at a memorial service for the longtime civil rights activist. [Continue Reading]
Iranian Kurd leader in Iraq says ground operation into Iran ‘highly likely’
Hosseini tells Al Jazeera that 'there is a strong probability of action' as the IRGC announces strikes on rebel targets. [Continue Reading]
‘46,800 jobs’: Xinjiang official says textile industry is growing despite US sanctions
Despite US-led sanctions, Xinjiang’s textile industry expanded last year to create tens of thousands of jobs, a senior official said, pledging stronger support for companies affected by the restrictions. Wang Kuiran, secretary general of the far western Xinjiang Uygur autonomous region government, said yarn output rose more than 20 per cent in 2025. According to Wang, fabric production increased 36 per cent year on year and the sector – a key target of Western sanctions – created 46,800 new jobs... [Continue Reading]
Radio personality and Agro puppeteer Jamie Dunn dies aged 76
Presenter who entertained children with his sharp-witted, furry puppet Agro Vation, remembered for his brash and unapologetic humourGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastJamie Dunn, a veteran radio personality who unleashed the puppet Agro on Australia, entertaining both children and adults alike for decades, has died aged 76.Dunn, who was once Australia’s longest-serving breakfast radio host, died on Saturday. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Man who tried to recruit child to Islamic State jailed
Shazad Ali posted hundreds of videos online in an attempt to promote the banned organisation. [Continue Reading]
Tornado in Michigan kills three and injures several as powerful storms sweep region
Three people were killed and 12 others injured after a tornado was believed to have struck the Union Lake area in the US state, authorities said. Powerful storms swept across the state on Friday, damaging buildings and knocking down trees as tornado warnings were issued across southern Michigan. [Continue Reading]
At least 7 killed in Ukraine as Russian missile hits Kharkiv apartment building
At least seven people were killed and 10 others, including three children, were wounded on Saturday by a Russian missile that hit a five-storey residential building in Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, officials said. President Volodymyr Zelensky condemned the attack and called for an international response. He said that Russia struck Ukraine overnight with 29 missiles and 480 drones, targeting energy facilities in Kyiv and other central regions, with damage reported in at least seven... [Continue Reading]
Nepal election: rapper-turned-politician Balen Shah poised to become next prime minister
A 35-year-old rapper and engineer who entered politics just four years ago holds an unassailable lead over a former prime minister in Nepal’s crucial parliamentary election, in a contest widely seen as a referendum on a generational shift in leadership after last year’s youth uprising. Balendra Shah – the former Kathmandu mayor widely known as Balen – has surged ahead of 74-year-old communist leader K.P. Sharma Oli in a race for a seat in Nepal’s House of Representatives in the eastern district... [Continue Reading]
US downplays reports Russia gave Iran intel to help Tehran strike US assets
Pentagon asserts US forces are tracking Russian-Iranian operations amid escalating conflict in the region. [Continue Reading]
Balendra Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party poised for majority in Nepal's parliamentary elections, according to Election Commission trends
In a significant political shift, Balendra Shah, a prominent figure who transitioned from rapper to politician, appears to be on track for a decisive victory in Nepal's parliamentary elections. As of March 7, trends released by the Election Commission indicate that Shah's party, the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is likely to secure a majority in the 275-member House of Representatives, the lower house of Nepal's parliament. This election follows a period of political instability marked by a surge of anti-corruption protests that led to the fall of the previous government. These elections, which were held on March 5, come about... [Continue Reading]
Donald Trump hammers Iran with ‘biggest’ bombing yet demanding ‘unconditional surrender’
Iran's president said the US can take their demands 'to their grave.' [Continue Reading]
Iran’s president apologises for attacking neighbouring countries
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian has apologised for attacking neighbouring countries, in a pre-recorded address. [Continue Reading]
Iran's president rejects US demands for surrender and apologises for strikes on Gulf countries
Masoud Pezeshkian also apologised for attacks on neighbouring countries, as fighting escalated with continued US-Israeli strikes on Iran and retaliatory Iranian attacks across Israel and Gulf states. [Continue Reading]
Explosions reported at Tehran's Mehrabad Airport amid escalating US-Israeli military strikes in Iran
Overnight, massive explosions rocked Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport as US-Israeli strikes intensified, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict. The airport serves as the city’s primary hub for domestic flights, making its targeting notable in the context of the current hostilities. Reports indicate that the strikes were part of broader military actions aimed at various locations across Iran, contributing to the heightened tensions in the region. The operations have been characterized by a series of aggressive airstrikes, resulting in substantial destruction and unrest. Al Jazeera reported that the latest bombing campaign is seen as part of a coordinated effort by... [Continue Reading]
Quick hits: Verstappen's big crash and Mercedes accused of sandbagging
Mercedes blitzed the competition in Melbourne, with McLaren's Oscar Piastri declaring the Silver Arrows had dropped the "sandbags" from their car. These are the key moments from qualifying at Albert Park. [Continue Reading]
From ‘peace president’ to Operation Epic Fury: Donald Trump’s road to war
In reality, US president’s opposition to foreign entanglements had only ever been partialMiddle East crisis live: latest news updatesDonald Trump ordered the launch of the war on Iran last Friday afternoon while on board Air Force One, as the presidential plane made its descent towards Corpus Christi, Texas.Trump was on his way to the port city to give a speech titled American Energy Dominance and had spent the three-hour flight chatting to Texas Republican politicians including the state’s two hawkish senators, John Cornyn and Ted Cruz, about his options in Iran. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Callum fears the worst as Lexi reveals she’s ill in EastEnders
Lexi is struggling more than she's letting on [Continue Reading]
Moment drone strikes Dubai International Airport
Moment drone strikes Dubai International Airport [Continue Reading]
Overnight US-Israeli strikes in Tehran target airport
Overnight US-Israeli strikes in Tehran target airport [Continue Reading]
The cause of the next global market crash is hiding in plain sight
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]
Polls close as vote counting begins in Nightcliff by-election
Nightcliff by-election candidates expect a close race as counting begins. [Continue Reading]
Iran to halt strikes on neighbours unless attacks from there: Pezeshkian
Arab states in the Gulf and beyond that house US assets have been targeted in Iranian retaliatory strikes in the war. [Continue Reading]
