Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, received a phone call from South Africa’s Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Ronald Lamola. The two officials reviewed the escalating military tensions affecting the region and discussed the broader implications for regional and global security. During the conversation, Sheikh Mohammed strongly condemned recent Iranian attacks on Qatari territory, stressing that such actions are unacceptable under any justification. Qatar reiterated its commitment to remaining neutral in regional conflicts and its efforts to foster dialogue as a means to resolve disputes peacefully. This condemnation comes amid... [Continue Reading]
On May 6, 2024, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) issued a travel advisory strongly cautioning all British citizens against travelling to Israel and Palestine. This follows significant regional escalation that has increased security risks, resulting in widespread disruption and uncertain safety conditions. The advisory signals growing instability impacting both local populations and international visitors. The FCDO urges UK nationals currently in Israel or Palestine to register their presence with the UK government to receive timely updates and safety information. The alert highlights the importance of avoiding areas near military or security facilities, where conflict risks are elevated.... [Continue Reading]
Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty held a phone call with Massad Boulos, Senior Advisor to the US President on Arab and African Affairs, to address escalating crises across the Middle East and Africa. The discussion focused on conflict hot spots including Sudan, Libya, the Great Lakes region, eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, and the Horn of Africa. Both sides stressed the urgency of de-escalation and the implementation of political and diplomatic solutions to contain tensions. The talks also focused on Egypt’s critical water security challenges, a key national concern linked to regional dynamics. The US official recognized Egypt’s pivotal role... [Continue Reading]
During a UN Security Council meeting, the United Kingdom voiced strong condemnation of Lebanese Hezbollah’s ongoing assaults on Israel, attributing coordination to Iran. These attacks have led to deaths and inflicted harm on civilians on both sides of the Blue Line, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. The conflict has displaced many Lebanese civilians, intensifying humanitarian needs. The UK, alongside European partners, called for the immediate cessation of hostilities and is collaborating with the Lebanese government and humanitarian agencies to provide support for those affected. The UK emphasized the risk of a broader conflict in Lebanon if violence continues... [Continue Reading]
Qatar’s Cabinet held its regular meeting on March 11, where Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani strongly condemned recent military escalations in the region. These tensions have directly affected Qatar, including attacks on its territory and some vital civilian facilities. The cabinet emphasized the gravity of these developments and their impact on national security. The rising regional conflict risks destabilizing Qatar’s environment, potentially endangering civilians and critical infrastructure. The government stressed that despite these threats, Qatar remains secure and stable due to effective leadership under the Amir, societal unity, and the dedication of state... [Continue Reading]
The United Kingdom, through its Politico-Military Counsellor Ankur Narayan, publicly denounced Russia's continued breach of international law and OSCE principles in its invasion of Ukraine. The UK reiterated its full support for Ukraine and urged Russia to cease hostilities and participate genuinely in negotiations aimed at a just peace. Russia faces accusations of invading a sovereign nation, trying to annex parts of Ukraine, and carrying out attacks on civilian populations and essential infrastructure, including residential zones, energy grids, and transportation networks. Independent reports from the UN and OSCE document widespread and systematic damage to civilian life. This condemnation highlights the... [Continue Reading]
More than 700,000 people have been forced to leave their homes in Lebanon since the country was dragged back into war with Israel on March 2. FRANCE 24’s reporter met with displaced families who have found refuge in Beirut’s overwhelmed emergency shelters, and others who have no choice but to sleep out in the streets of the Lebanese capital. [Continue Reading]
On March 11, Qatar's Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani held a phone conversation with Sweden's Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson. The Swedish leader voiced strong condemnation of ongoing Iranian aggression targeting Qatar and expressed Sweden's solidarity with Qatar in the face of these threats. He also acknowledged the Qatari government's care for Swedish nationals residing in the country. The discussion extended to broader regional developments and their implications for security and stability both regionally and internationally. Both leaders emphasized the necessity of de-escalation and prioritizing political solutions to address tensions. This exchange underlines growing international concern over Iran's actions and... [Continue Reading]
Payment for Inditex founder, the world’s 15 richest person, tops last year’s dividend of €3.1bnThe billionaire founder of Zara is to receive a company record €3.23bn (£2.8bn) dividend this year from the world’s biggest fashion retailer.Amancio Ortega, who still controls 59% of Spain’s Inditex and whose daughter Marta Ortega Pérez is now chair, will receive half his dividend in May and half in November – as will other shareholders. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
On January 28, 2026, the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office released an update to the UK's sanctions list concerning Afghanistan. This update included new designations of individuals and entities subject to sanctions, as well as revocations, delistings, and other adjustments to the existing sanctions framework. Due to technical issues, changes made on March 11 to this regime will be publicly detailed on March 12. The sanctions stem from the Afghanistan (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020, which ensure continued UK enforcement of measures initiated under earlier international mandates post-Brexit. The sanctions target those linked to destabilizing activities in Afghanistan, aiming... [Continue Reading]
During the 69th United Nations Commission on Narcotic Drugs session held in Vienna, Qatar publicly underscored its commitment to bolstering international cooperation in addressing the escalating global drug problem. Ambassador Jassim Yaaqob Al Hamadi conveyed Qatar’s call for a comprehensive strategy that integrates prevention, healthcare treatment, law enforcement, and sustainable development initiatives. This stance responds to the troubling findings of the World Drug Report 2025 and UNODC’s updates, which highlight a growing and increasingly complex drug market worldwide. Qatar’s position recognizes that unilateral actions are insufficient and stresses that only coordinated global efforts can curb this multifaceted challenge. The rising... [Continue Reading]
Lack of public appearances prompted speculation about new leader’s mortality after multiple family members perishedThe confirmation that Iran’s new supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, was injured in the first wave of Israeli attacks underlines how desperate the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (ICRG) was to ensure their wounded choice was elevated to high office, and how confident it is that the wartime machinery can operate almost on automatic pilot without him.The full scale of Khamenei’s injuries and speed of his recovery remain unclear, but a broken leg and facial injuries are the minimum. It is not a medical bulletin on which the... [Continue Reading]
More than a week into the US-Israel war on Iran, president has provided little clarity on how the conflict might endThis was originally published in This Week in Trumpland; sign up to receive it in your inbox every WednesdayOne week into the war with Iran, the central questions about the conflict remained largely unanswered: what would constitute victory, how long the crisis might last and whether the United States was responsible for a deadly strike on a girls’ elementary school that has come to embody the war’s early controversy.On Saturday, leaning against the bulkhead outside the press cabin as Air... [Continue Reading]
Documents also suggest the peer explored the possibility of a £500,000 severance payment after being sacked as US ambassador. [Continue Reading]
Qatar's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Sultan bin Saad Al Muraikhi, engaged in a crucial phone conversation with Albanian Foreign Minister Igli Hasani to address recent military tensions in the Middle East. The discussion focused on escalating conflicts, particularly Iran’s recent attacks on Qatari soil. Qatar strongly condemned these attacks, labeling them unacceptable under any circumstances. The phone call highlighted the broader risks the escalation poses to regional and global security. Both officials stressed the importance of an immediate cessation of hostilities to prevent further deterioration. Qatar reaffirmed its longstanding position of neutrality in regional conflicts while emphasizing its... [Continue Reading]
Grammy-winning singer is in advanced talks to lead an adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s novel for Oscar-winning writer-directorGrammy-winning singer-songwriter Billie Eilish is set to make her big screen acting debut in an adaptation of Sylvia Plath’s semi-autobiographical novel The Bell Jar.According to Deadline, the 24-year-old will take on the lead role for Sarah Polley, the writer-director who previously won an Oscar for her Women Talking screenplay. Eilish is reportedly in advanced talks for the part. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Green party leader has said he immediately apologised for comments made in 2013 Sun interview, but footage six days later shows him standing by claimZack Polanski’s claim to have immediately apologised for offering hypnosis intended to increase a woman’s breast size has been cast into doubt by the emergence of a 2013 interview with the Green party leader.In 2013, before he entered politics, Polanski was approached by a Sun journalist to see if a hypnotherapy session could make her breasts bigger. This experience was then written up as an article. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
A garda has told a murder trial in Cork that the accused appeared "highly intoxicated" and was "raving" when they arrived at the apartment where his partner died. [Continue Reading]
Crew on-board a nearby vessel at Oman’s Salalah port filmed the moment a drone struck the oil facility. [Continue Reading]
Iranian officials warn of a long ‘war of attrition’ and global economic chaos as energy supplies from the region are throttled Iran dramatically escalated its strategy of striking civilian infrastructure and transport networks across the Gulf on Wednesday, attacking commercial ships travelling through the Gulf and targeting Dubai’s international airport, as US and Israeli warplanes launched new waves of strikes on the Islamic Republic.Senior Iranian officials struck a defiant tone, warning of a long “war of attrition” that will threaten global economic chaos as energy supplies from the oil and gas rich region are throttled. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani held talks with Germany's Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul at the Amiri Diwan on March 11. The discussions focused on the rising military escalations in the Middle East, which have heightened concerns about regional stability and broader international security. During the meeting, Sheikh Mohammed strongly condemned recent attacks by Iran on Qatari territory, describing them as unacceptable under any circumstances. Qatar reaffirmed its consistent stance of avoiding involvement in regional conflicts and promoting dialogue between Iran and the wider international community. The officials also addressed the serious repercussions... [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]
Russian President Vladimir Putin and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a phone conversation to address the intensifying conflict in the Middle East. Both leaders called for an immediate halt to military operations, urging all parties to prioritize dialogue and diplomatic efforts over armed confrontation. The ongoing violence threatens regional stability and risks wider geopolitical ramifications. The conversation highlights Moscow and Baku’s shared interest in reducing tensions in a region critical to their strategic and economic interests. While the initial focus was on halting the fighting, the leaders also discussed strengthening their bilateral cooperation, reaffirming the importance of their partnership. The... [Continue Reading]
Jason Hughes died after slipping into the road as teens fled a prank involving toilet paperSign up for the Breaking News US email to get newsletter alerts in your inboxThe parents of a high school student charged in the death of his teacher after a prank gone wrong, have released a statement saying that the teacher “meant the world to our son” and their family is in “deep remorse and grieving”.Jason Hughes, 4o, a teacher at North Hall high school in Georgia, died last week after being run over by a student driving away from a prank involving toilet paper.... [Continue Reading]
United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and Irish Prime Minister Micheal Martin conducted a phone call to address rising regional tensions following recent Iranian attacks. Martin strongly condemned Iran’s assaults on UAE soil and violations against diplomatic and consular premises, labeling these as infringements of international law and UN principles. The situation has heightened fears of instability in the strategically vital Middle East, affecting not only regional states but also international trade and diplomatic relations. The UAE faces direct security threats, while countries like Ireland show solidarity, signaling growing global unease about Iran's military provocations. Iran’s actions risk... [Continue Reading]
The Victorian government says it will make home sellers pay for building and pest inspections rather than home buyers if it wins this year's state election in November. [Continue Reading]
On March 9, 2026, Mary’s Harbour RCMP responded to a report of a stolen pickup truck taken from a home in Port Hope Simpson, Newfoundland and Labrador. At approximately 7:45 p.m., officers spotted the vehicle traveling toward St. Lewis and attempted to pull it over, but the driver fled. The chase lasted nearly an hour, with RCMP officers from Forteau assisting in tracking the vehicle. The suspect finally stopped near Red Bay where police arrested him without further incident. The man, identified as 38-year-old Simon Garceau from Fermont, Quebec, was transported back to Mary’s Harbour to face charges including possession... [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 nominees won't be walking away empty handed! [Continue Reading]
A Thai-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, was attacked while sailing near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, leaving three Thai crew members trapped on board. The Royal Thai Navy confirmed the attack and stated efforts are underway to provide urgent assistance to the stranded sailors. The cause and perpetrators of the attack remain under investigation, with no parties yet blamed. This incident directly affects the safety of the Thai crew and highlights the growing risks to commercial shipping in a highly volatile region. The Strait of Hormuz is a critical maritime chokepoint for global energy supplies, and disruptions there can have... [Continue Reading]
US financial service group Citi and two other companies in Dubai's financial centre asked employees to evacuate their offices on Wednesday after Iran threatened to strike US and Israel-linked banks in the Middle East. FRANCE 24's Camille Knight has more. [Continue Reading]
President Trump has told reporters that the US has destroyed Iran’s navy, anti-aircraft systems, radars and leadership. [Continue Reading]
Chevron U.S.A. Inc. has agreed to a civil penalty of just over $1 million following violations of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) under the Clean Air Act. The company admitted it improperly generated more than 2.2 million advanced biofuel credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs), by reusing credits on renewable diesel that had already been accounted for and sold. This misconduct occurred between January and August 2022, undermining the RFS program’s goal of encouraging real production of renewable fuels. Chevron has also retired credits worth about $3.6 million to correct the issue. The Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources... [Continue Reading]
A former developer at Bluepoint Games has suggested Sony's move away from PC gaming could be due to the fear of Valve's Steam Machine. [Continue Reading]
An Iranian drone assault struck fuel storage tanks at Oman's Salalah Port, a critical facility in the region, causing damage without casualties. Omani forces intercepted several of the drones, minimizing the impact of the attack. The controversial incident underscores growing security risks for Gulf states amid heightened Iranian aggression. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) strongly condemned the attack, reiterating full support for Oman’s efforts to protect its sovereignty, stability, and vital infrastructure. The GCC condemned any aggressive acts jeopardizing security or civilian safety in member countries. The incident reflects escalating tensions between Iran and GCC countries, heightening concerns over regional... [Continue Reading]
The Higher Education trade union, the Irish Federation of University Teachers (IFUT), has announced that up to 150 research positions are at risk due to the closure of several research centres, including Trinity College's CRANN and AMBER centres. This upheaval follows the non-renewal of core funding, which has raised significant concerns about the stability of research employment in Ireland. Robert McNamara, Assistant General Secretary of IFUT, expressed the union's alarm, stating that while some staff categories have started a consultation process regarding their employment status, research staff still await a structured parallel engagement. The uncertainty surrounding their job futures has... [Continue Reading]
From January to December 2025, an unprecedented international law enforcement operation named Custos Viridis targeted organized criminal networks involved in environmental crimes such as waste trafficking, pollution, money laundering, tax evasion, and corruption. Led by Europol and involving 71 countries, including the United States through the Justice Department’s Environment and Natural Resources Division and the EPA, this global crackdown spanned five continents. The operation aimed to dismantle the criminal enterprises that profit from illegally dumping and trafficking hazardous waste, a practice that poses severe risks to public health and ecosystems worldwide. By disrupting these networks, authorities hope to reduce environmental... [Continue Reading]
Recent military actions by the United States and Israel against Iran have prompted significant tactical successes, as characterized by military analysts. However, these tactical achievements do not necessarily equate to long-term strategic victory for the US, which has been shifting its objectives daily. As confirmed by Daniel Schneiderman, Director of Global Policy Programs at Penn Washington, the US transition in goals, from neutralizing Iran’s military and nuclear capabilities to aiming for regime change, indicates a complex, evolving conflict lacking a clear resolution. The situation escalated amidst an ongoing conflict that has seen various military operations targeting Iran. The United States... [Continue Reading]
Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and Germany’s President Frank-Walter Steinmeier spoke by phone addressing the escalating security challenges in the Middle East. The German President condemned recent Iranian attacks on Bahraini territory, affirming Germany’s solidarity and support for Bahrain’s efforts to preserve its sovereignty and security. The King of Bahrain reiterated the kingdom’s policy of moderation and constructive engagement with Arab, regional, and international partners to promote peace and stability in the region. He also commended Germany’s supportive stance, which signals growing European attentiveness to Gulf security concerns amid increasing Iranian hostility. This exchange underscores heightened tensions between... [Continue Reading]
'It's just really great fun.' [Continue Reading]
Did someone say 40% off? [Continue Reading]
Dan Johnson hears from Iranians at a crossing in north-west Iran about their thoughts on the war and regime. [Continue Reading]
Matt Canavan's rise to the Nationals leadership gives the Coalition a fighter capable of taking on Pauline Hanson, but beating back One Nation is only part of the opposition's electoral dilemma. [Continue Reading]
The indicted tycoon Alex Saab is being detained in Venezuela on a U.S. request. His case tests President Trump’s sway over the country’s new rulers. [Continue Reading]
Used electric cars are now priced around 11% below comparable diesel vehicles, according to a new report. [Continue Reading]
Ready for an early-season getaway? [Continue Reading]
Higher education trade union IFUT has warned that up to 150 research jobs could be at risk following the closure of a number of research centres after core funding was not renewed. [Continue Reading]
The storm, called a kona low, is expected to churn slowly across the islands all week. [Continue Reading]
Rapper Liam O'Hanna welcomes ruling in case he says was 'never about any threat to the public, never about terrorism'. [Continue Reading]