Qatar’s Interior Minister and head of the Internal Security Force, Sheikh Khalifa bin Hamad Al-Thani, has received numerous messages of support from allied countries following a recent attack on Qatar attributed to Iran. Officials from Pakistan, France, and other nations expressed solidarity, denouncing the assault as a threat to regional stability. The targeted attack has heightened concerns over security in the Gulf, prompting calls for increased intelligence sharing and joint measures to counteract similar threats. Qatar’s security apparatus and its allies are now focused on preventing further escalations that could destabilize the already volatile region. This show of international solidarity... [Continue Reading]
In a recent phone call, New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon expressed strong condemnation of Iran’s continuing aggressive actions toward Qatar and the broader Gulf region. He praised the leadership of Qatar’s Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani for successfully managing the crisis and safeguarding the safety of diverse residents on Qatari soil, including New Zealand nationals. Luxon’s remarks reflect rising global unease about Iran’s destabilizing activities in the Middle East. The call illustrates the solid diplomatic relationship between New Zealand and Qatar, with both leaders emphasizing the urgency of halting Iranian provocations. This dialogue comes amid a background of... [Continue Reading]
In a troubling incident early Thursday, customers of Lloyds Bank, Halifax, and Bank of Scotland experienced a significant security lapse, gaining unintended access to the financial information and transaction histories of other users. The alarming glitch, reported between 10 AM and 11 AM, allowed individuals to view sensitive details, including recent purchases and National Insurance numbers, affecting user confidence in these widely-utilised apps. The issue arose when users attempted to log in to their respective banking apps, leading to unexpected visibility of account details belonging to others. In some cases, individuals reported seeing the accounts of multiple users. One Bank... [Continue Reading]
The ongoing conflict in Iran has significantly escalated, resulting in the largest disruption of oil production ever recorded, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). As Iranian forces ramp up their attacks on key infrastructure and energy transport networks across the Gulf, oil prices have surged back above $100 a barrel, igniting fears of a severe global economic crisis due to escalating tensions in the region. This crisis marks a pivotal point in the conflict, which has seen Iran targeting commercial shipping as well as civilian facilities. On Wednesday, reports highlighted Iran's tactical shifts, with strikes on commercial vessels and... [Continue Reading]
The hostilities in the Middle East have renewed concerns about Israel’s widely known but officially unacknowledged nuclear arsenal, with an expert warning of catastrophic consequences if the weapons were used in the armed conflict. According to Alicia Sanders-Zakre, head of policy at the Geneva-based International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN), it is “widely acknowledged among experts that Israel is a nuclear-armed country, but this has never been formally acknowledged by Israel or... [Continue Reading]
Iranian attacks on Gulf shipping, including two tankers set ablaze in Iraqi waters, have disrupted global oil supplies and sent prices soaring above $100 a barrel, despite President Trump’s claims that the US has “won” the war. [Continue Reading]
‘I doubt myself so much and over-procrastinate.' [Continue Reading]
Northern Ireland's chief vet today confirmed that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 has been found at a commercial poultry premises near Omagh. [Continue Reading]
A former RUC Special Branch officer has told the trial of Gerry Adams in London that intelligence reports stated that he "was a senior member of the IRA Army Council and the de facto leader of the IRA." [Continue Reading]
Conflict is forcing producers to slash production and close ports as Iran steps up attacks on energy infrastructure. [Continue Reading]
Al Jazeera breaks down the events surrounding the Iranian team – from the national anthem row to the players' escape. [Continue Reading]
The data showed imports dipped and exports rose in the month before the Supreme Court struck down most of the president’s tariffs. [Continue Reading]
Dyshan Best later died after having to wait 10 extra minutes for next ambulance, according to Connecticut investigationA man who was shot by police and later died had to wait 10 extra minutes for an ambulance after an officer having a “mild anxiety attack” took the first one that arrived at the scene, according to a newly released state investigation.Dyshan Best, 39, was shot in the back last year as he fled from officers in Bridgeport, Connecticut. A report released this week by the state’s inspector general found that the shooting was justified because Best had a gun in his... [Continue Reading]
Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper landed in Saudi Arabia on March 12 to demonstrate the United Kingdom’s backing of its Gulf allies amid escalating Iranian aggression marked by repeated missile and drone assaults. Saudi Arabia, a key UK partner with strong economic and security ties, has been targeted particularly over recent months in attacks damaging oil facilities and diplomatic sites such as the US Embassy in Riyadh. This is the first UK ministerial visit to the region since hostilities intensified. The visit underscores Britain's commitment to supporting regional stability and protecting UK interests, including the safety of British nationals amid the... [Continue Reading]
The German has been in his current role since 2024. [Continue Reading]
Figures recorded by Femicide Census over last 12 months indicate highest rate of matricide in 16 yearsThe names of 19 women believed to have been killed by their sons in the last year will be read out in parliament on Thursday, as research showed that almost one in five women killed by men since the last International Women’s Day were victims or suspected victims of matricide.For the 11th year running, Jess Phillips will read out the names of the 108 women killed in the UK by men – or where a man has been charged – in the last 12... [Continue Reading]
'I think it is just celebrating the mundane. My wife is fully supportive of my peculiarities.' [Continue Reading]
Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist form a new-look second row and Zander Fagerson is back in the starting XV as Scotland chase victory away to Ireland that could lead to a first Six Nations title. [Continue Reading]
Worlds collide. [Continue Reading]
Jean-Emile Jammine is pleased to welcome Dr H. A. Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) for Defence and International Security Studies in London. The succession process currently unfolding in Iran must be understood within the extraordinary context of wartime decision-making, Dr Hellyer explains. The debate over Mojtaba Khamenei’s appointment is less about dynastic succession than about institutional power inside the Islamic Republic. Hence, his relationship with Iran's powerful IRGC is of utmost importance. [Continue Reading]
Democrats have written to ask the defence secretary whether the US was responsible, but he says the issue is being investigated. [Continue Reading]
Oil prices again rise over $100 a barrel as Iran threatens long ‘war of attrition’. Plus, San Francisco slashes air pollution Good morning.Iran dramatically escalated its strategy of striking civilian infrastructure and transport networks across the Gulf on Wednesday, attacking commercial ships and targeting Dubai’s international airport as US and Israeli warplanes launched new waves of strikes.Who has borne most of Iran’s strikes? More than two-thirds of Iran’s attacks have been on the UAE. Dubai, a center of global finance and international tourism, is facing an existential threat as foreigners flee.What do we know about the US defense secretary’s attitude... [Continue Reading]
The UK government announced a significant £50 million Defence Growth Deal focused on expanding Scotland’s strategic contribution to national defence and advanced manufacturing. The deal aims to position Scotland as a global leader in maritime defence, space technology, quantum computing, and advanced engineering. By targeting multiple regions from the Clyde to the East Coast, the plan seeks to create high-value jobs and boost skills development. Among the highlighted initiatives is a £5 million investment in the Arrol Gibb Innovation Campus at Rosyth. This facility will foster collaboration among major defence contractors, research institutions, small and medium-sized enterprises, and local authorities... [Continue Reading]
Authorities have said most of those who died were found buried in mud. [Continue Reading]
The perfumier sold the rights to her name in 1999 but has previously said she regretted the move. [Continue Reading]
The United States has sent a military patrol aircraft to the Taiwan Strait weeks before the Xi-Trump summit, triggering People’s Liberation Army jet manoeuvres near Taiwan after several days of pause. A US Navy P-8A Poseidon transited the Taiwan Strait in international airspace on Wednesday, the US Seventh Fleet said on Thursday. The passage through the waterway separating Taiwan and mainland China illustrated the US’ commitment to “a free and open Indo-Pacific”, Commander Matthew Comer, a... [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong’s leader has pledged to align with national strategies outlined in the country’s latest five-year plan and transform the city’s “new positionings, functions and missions” assigned by Beijing into “tangible outcomes” to drive economic growth. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu also said on Thursday that he would lead the local government in fulfilling its primary responsibility to unite society in proactively aligning with the 15th five-year plan, which outlines China’s economic and... [Continue Reading]
Russia has earned an estimated €6bn in fossil-fuel, or €510m per day, since the attacks on Iran, according to a new analysis published on Thursday. [Continue Reading]
He said he was 'absolutely gutted'. [Continue Reading]
In a significant escalation of tensions, various companies in Dubai's financial district have initiated evacuations following threats from Iran towards assets linked to the United States and Israel in the region. Major firms, including US group Citi and consultancies Deloitte and PwC, have either closed their offices or instructed employees to leave as of Wednesday. This move underscores the heightened state of alert among businesses in what is considered the heart of the Middle East's financial hub. The evacuations follow a series of Iranian attacks and retaliatory threats aimed specifically at the UAE, which has become a focal point for... [Continue Reading]
Consultants who deal with emergency medicine for children have reported a significant rise in the number of children suffering injuries from e-scooter use. [Continue Reading]
Footage from January and February 2026 captures Israeli aircraft spraying herbicides over agricultural land in southern Syria. The FRANCE 24 Observers team spoke to a farmer who described the significant losses resulting from these spraying operations. [Continue Reading]
According to travel experts, tickets will 'certainly be cheaper' thanks to the new route. [Continue Reading]
Iran has escalated its military operations in the Gulf region, targeting oil tankers and critical infrastructure in retaliation for ongoing conflicts with US and Israeli forces. This recent wave of attacks marks a significant development in the broader Middle East war, as Iran seeks to assert its influence and send a message of resilience amidst both domestic and international challenges. On March 12, Iranian explosives struck two oil tankers off the coast of Iraq, adding to the growing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit route for global oil supplies. This incident brings the total number of reported... [Continue Reading]
Exclusive: Lab tests discover ‘new form of insider risk’ with artificial intelligence agents engaging in autonomous, even ‘aggressive’ behavioursRobert Booth UK technology editorRogue artificial intelligence agents have worked together to smuggle sensitive information out of supposedly secure systems, in the latest sign cyber-defences may be overwhelmed by unforeseen scheming by AIs.With companies increasingly asking AI agents to carry out complex tasks in internal systems, the behaviour has sparked concerns that supposedly helpful technology could pose a serious inside threat. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Countries around the world are feeling the impact of the conflict and the resulting energy price shock. [Continue Reading]
Lloyd’s, Halifax and Bank of Scotland customers say information including national insurance numbers and recent purchases was on view Some customers of Lloyds, Halifax and Bank of Scotland were able to see the bank accounts of other customers when they logged into their app on Thursday morning.Customers reported difficulties logging into their bank accounts and in some cases were able to view account details and transactions that did not belong to them. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Copilot and other AI tech wasn't mentioned at all at Xbox’s GDC keynote speech about Project Helix and its plans for retro re-releases. [Continue Reading]
Click for expert fashion advice too. [Continue Reading]
Experts warn younger people not to dismiss symptoms such as rectal bleeding as diagnoses rise for those under 50Sign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxColorectal cancer is now the leading cause of cancer death in the US for people under 50, according to a new analysis from the American Cancer Society, prompting both experts and those in that age group with the disease to warn others to take certain symptoms seriously.Becca Lynch, who works in cyber security in Denver, Colorado, was diagnosed with advanced colon cancer last year, when she was just... [Continue Reading]
Sources have claimed he's lost one leg and suffered serious abdomen injuries. [Continue Reading]
Three Asiatic lion cubs born in Fota Wildlife Park are to leave their east Cork home for Wingham Wildlife Park in Canterbury in the UK, with visitors here having a final opportunity to see them over the coming weeks. [Continue Reading]
Hacker group Handala claimed responsibility for attack that caused ‘global disruption’ to Stryker Corporation’s systemsAn Iran-linked group said it hacked a US medical company, causing “global disruption” to its systems, in retaliation for the bombing of the Minab school in Iran, in an attack seen as widening the Middle East into the cyber realm.Handala, a hacker group, claimed responsibility for the attack on Wednesday on the Stryker Corporation, which makes medical devices and is based in Michigan. It affected thousands of employees using the company’s Microsoft systems. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
On paper, the race looks almost embarrassingly straightforward. [Continue Reading]
They can't stop winning. [Continue Reading]
Hong Kong drivers are increasingly heading to mainland China to replenish their tanks, while city authorities continue to crack down on suspected illegal filling operations as global oil prices surge. Motorists are exploring different ways to cope with rising fuel costs as the conflict in the Middle East pushes up oil prices. Ringo Lee Yiu-pui, governor and honorary life president of the Hong Kong, China Automobile Association, on Thursday highlighted a sharp rise in the number of local drivers... [Continue Reading]
Court makes finding pending final hearing that trafficking victim ‘likely to suffer harm to his mental health’ if returnedA high court judge has halted the removal of an Eritrean trafficking victim to France under the UK’s “one in, one out” scheme, after raising concerns that forcibly sending him back could cause him harm.The controversial deal, under which one asylum seeker who arrives in the UK on a small boat is forcibly returned to France in exchange for another being brought over legally, was launched last summer. As of 5 March, 370 people have been brought to the UK legally and... [Continue Reading]