Trump's Communications with Iraqi Kurdish Leaders Amid Rising Regional Tensions Confirm No Encouragement for Ground Incursion into Iran
Recent communications between US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Kurdish leaders have garnered significant attention as tensions rise in the region following a series of military strikes. Reports indicate that discussions took place at the onset of the conflict, with speculation surrounding Trump's intentions. However, sources have confirmed that Trump did not encourage Kurdish armed groups in Iraqi Kurdistan to initiate a ground incursion into Iran during these conversations. This clarification comes amidst widespread rumors that such an operation was being planned. In a series of calls made last weekend, Trump spoke with key political figures in northern Iraq, including... [Continue Reading]
Revealed: New details of phone calls between Trump and Iraqi Kurdish leaders
Sky News has obtained a detailed insight into the phone calls between US President Donald Trump and Iraqi Kurdish leaders in northern Iraq at the start of the war last weekend. [Continue Reading]
Russia is helping Iran target US military forces, officials say
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]
CUHK professor suspended for posing as schoolboy to take photos of pupils in Australia
The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK) has suspended an academic who reportedly pleaded guilty to posing as a schoolboy to photograph pupils at an elite boys’ school in Australia. Australian media reported that Johnny Li Siu-hang, a professor at CUHK’s business school, was arrested on Tuesday after allegedly dressing in the uniform of the Sydney institution to mingle with pupils and take photos of them. A CUHK spokeswoman said on Friday evening that the university was aware of the incident... [Continue Reading]
Brisbane man drowns in surf on Sunshine Coast
A Brisbane man has died on the Sunshine Coast after he went missing in the surf on Saturday afternoon. [Continue Reading]
Honest radio and an antidote to depression. Why these fans love Kyle and Jackie O
An actress, electrician and real estate agent all have one thing in common – their love for Kyle and Jackie O. Here's why they've stuck by the pair through thick and thin. [Continue Reading]
SA Liberals back One Nation as leader won't condemn Bernardi comments
South Australia's Liberal opposition will preference One Nation over Labor at the upcoming state election, as other parties condemn "outrageous" comments by One Nation's Cory Bernardi. [Continue Reading]
Explainer: How air raid sirens and alerts shape daily lives across Middle East
Residents across the Gulf region now live in the harrowing reality of thunderous explosions overhead. As the Iran war shows no sign of slowing down, the authorities are helping educate people on what to do and how to handle this new reality. [Continue Reading]
Iranian missiles intercepted over Saudi, Jordan, drones launched at Qatar
Qatar says it came under a wave of drone attacks, with 10 fired from Iran, nine intercepted. [Continue Reading]
Media personality Jamie Dunn, known for the puppet Agro, has died at the age of 76
Jamie Dunn, a cherished media personality and the voice behind the iconic puppet Agro, has passed away at the age of 76. The broadcaster, who garnered recognition throughout Australia, died recently, sending waves of grief across the entertainment community and his loyal fanbase. Dunn was particularly known for his long-standing role as a host on the breakfast program at B105 radio station in Brisbane. His station confirmed his death via social media, stating, "we've lost a legend of B105." Dunn became a household name during the 1990s largely due to his work with Agro, a puppet that gained immense popularity... [Continue Reading]
UK must stockpile food in readiness for climate shocks or war, expert warns
Prof Tim Lang says country produces far less food than it needs to feed population and is particularly vulnerable The British government should be stockpiling food, according to a leading expert on food policy, as it is not prepared for climate shocks or wars that could cause the population to starve.Prof Tim Lang of City St George’s, University of London said the UK produced far less food than it needed to feed itself, and as a small island that relied on a few large companies to feed its giant population, it was particularly vulnerable to shocks. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Latest news bulletin | March 7th, 2026 – Morning
Catch up with the most important stories from around Europe and beyond this March 7th, 2026 - latest news, breaking news, World, Business, Entertainment, Politics, Culture, Travel. [Continue Reading]
From rivals to partners, China and Europe are retooling ties, adviser says
China’s international clout and economic stability are rebalancing Beijing’s relations with Europe, putting more focus on cooperation and less on rivalry, according to a former Chinese envoy. “With European leaders coming to China one after another, they are coming with their own considerations: hoping to strengthen bilateral relations in the new context and find ways to benefit from China’s continued development,” said Wu Ken, China’s ambassador to Germany from 2019 to 2024. On the sidelines of... [Continue Reading]
Pakistan imperils its IMF rescue as Afghanistan border violence rages
Pakistan can ill afford to go to war. Neither can Afghanistan. Yet here they are, trading blows across one of South Asia’s most combustible borders – just as a team of International Monetary Fund inspectors arrived in Islamabad to decide on the country’s next financial lifeline. The inspectors had come for a third-round review of Pakistan’s economic recovery programme: the kind of visit that, if it went well, would unlock the next tranche of rescue funding and steady the nerves of skittish... [Continue Reading]
Foreigners flock to Chinese malatang eateries, host birthdays, believe rich soup is healthy
A growing global craze has seen foreigners flock to malatang restaurants to celebrate birthdays and go on dates. The trend has sparked widespread online sharing and lively discussions on mainland social media. Malatang, which literally means “numbing, spicy and hot”, is a popular Chinese street food originating from Sichuan province in southwestern China. It consists of various self-selected meats, vegetables and noodles boiled in a broth. Often described as a “personal hotpot”, diners choose... [Continue Reading]
Iran succession: Mojtaba Khamenei linked to luxury European property network
According to media reports, an Iranian businessman is said to have built up a property empire in Europe. This includes luxury hotels in Germany. Traces of the company are now said to lead to the son of the slain spiritual leader Ali Khamenei. He could become his successor. [Continue Reading]
Lauren makes huge decision in EastEnders but Max could ruin everything
Daddy dearest... [Continue Reading]
Mario Kart World is badly underrated and the best game on Switch 2 – Reader’s Feature
A reader is convinced that Mario Kart World is one of the best games of recent years, and argues that it was underrated in terms of last year’s game awards. [Continue Reading]
Gripping horror hailed as ‘perfection’ and 4 other films you can stream this week
Here's our pick of films to watch this weekend! [Continue Reading]
Irish Oscar winners - the full roll call
At the Oscars on 15 March, Jessie Buckley could become the first Irish woman to win Best Actress. Here's every Irish Oscar winner so far, from George Bernard Shaw's early writing win to Cillian Murphy's Best Actor moment. [Continue Reading]
Hero teen reunited with rescuers who saved family swept out to sea
A WA family who made global headlines when they were rescued after being swept out to sea have been reunited with the local heroes who saved them. [Continue Reading]
Iran war: What is happening on day eight of US-Israel attacks?
At least 1,332 people have been reported killed in US-Israeli attacks on Iran since launch of war last weekend. [Continue Reading]
Russian strike on Kharkiv appartment block kills three
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]
Explosions rock Tehran as US official warns 'biggest bombing' of war is coming
There is no foreseeable end to the fighting and the Trump administration approved a new $151 million arms sale to Israel after Trump said he would not negotiate with Iran without its "unconditional surrender." [Continue Reading]
Man robbed of HK$6 million in crypto and silver in Hong Kong, probe under way
Hong Kong police are investigating an attack and robbery in which a man lost about HK$6 million (US$767,070) in cryptocurrency and silver. The force said it received a report at 3.52am on Saturday that a 25-year-old mainland Chinese man was attacked by three men and a woman at a hotel near Man Lok Street in Hung Hom and robbed of cryptocurrency worth HK$5 million from his account. The suspects later took the victim to another unit in an industrial building, where they seized silver items worth... [Continue Reading]
Pro-Palestinian activist records questioning by German border police
Pro-Palestinian German activist Yasemin Acar told Al Jazeera about what she says was harassment at a Berlin airport. [Continue Reading]
For Xi, Trump’s Embrace of War Proves China Needs More Power
China is learning lessons from the war in Iran. Chief among them, the United States may pose an even greater threat than Beijing thought. [Continue Reading]
Pakistani man convicted for plotting to kill former President Trump and US politicians in connection with Qassem Suleimani's death
A Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, has been convicted of plotting to kill former President Donald Trump and other high-profile US politicians. This conviction is tied to a plan initiated two years ago aimed at avenging the death of Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani, who was killed during an airstrike authorized by Trump in 2020. The case, which has significant implications for US-Iran relations and highlights international terrorism issues, was confirmed by the US Department of Justice. Merchant was accused of attempting to recruit operatives within the United States to participate in this assassination scheme. Federal prosecutors detailed that his targets... [Continue Reading]
Caught between Iran and Saudi Arabia, can Pakistan stay neutral for long?
As Iran strikes Gulf targets, Pakistan navigates alliance with Riyadh while avoiding confrontation with Tehran. [Continue Reading]
Russia reportedly shared intelligence with Iran on US military assets amid escalating conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran
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]
Surfers in Munich (Yes, Munich) Just Want Their Wave Back
For decades, enthusiasts rode the cresting Eisbach creek in the southern German city, some 200 miles from the nearest coast. But the wave has vanished, prompting arguments about how to restore it. [Continue Reading]
Israel launches new wave of 'broad-scale' strikes on Iran
Israel has announced a new wave of "broad-scale" strikes on Tehran as US President Donald Trump said only Iran's unconditional surrender would bring an end to the escalating Middle East war. [Continue Reading]
As Iran war closes Middle East skies, how high can Cathay Pacific fares fly?
Travellers are paying double the usual airfare on Cathay Pacific Airways flights from more than 50 cities to Hong Kong as the Iran war drives up demand for routes that avoid the conflict zone, with London, Madrid and Chennai seeing the steepest surges, the South China Morning Post has found. The US-Israeli attacks on Iran and subsequent retaliatory strikes that spilled over into neighbouring Gulf states over the course of a week have forced much of the Middle East’s airspace to remain closed,... [Continue Reading]
Canada’s Carney wants Andrew removed from UK line of succession over Epstein ties
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has called for former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor to be removed from the royal line of succession over his “deplorable” links to Jeffrey Epstein. The former duke was arrested in February on suspicion of misconduct in public office following allegations he shared sensitive information with the paedophile financier while serving as the UK’s trade envoy. Speaking to reporters in Tokyo, Carney said: “I certainly think his actions are deplorable and... [Continue Reading]
Live: Titans' new era starts against Sharks in Cronulla
The Gold Coast Titans kick off the Josh Hannay era at Shark Park before Manly halfback Jamal Fogarty faces his old Raiders teammates at Brookvale Oval. Follow live. [Continue Reading]
Media personality, broadcaster, and Agro puppeteer Jamie Dunn dies aged 76
Dunn was a long-standing host of the B105 breakfast program but was known across the country as Agro , a puppet made out of a bath mat that rose to fame in 1990s. [Continue Reading]
Live: Perry at the crease as Australia aims for first-innings lead on day two
Australia will be hoping its star-studded middle order can provide it a first-innings lead as India searches for wickets on day two at the WACA. Follow live. [Continue Reading]
Live: Giants, Hawks clash in Sydney before premiers open campaign in Brisbane
An injury-hit GWS side opens their season against Hawthorn in Sydney, before the Brisbane Lions unfurl their premiership flag against the Bulldogs. Follow live. [Continue Reading]
Trump Calls On Private Companies to Take On a Bigger Role in Cyber
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]
Russia allegedly provided Iran with intel to help it strike US military, sources say
A fifth of the world’s crude oil and LNG supplies passes through the waterway and Kpler said on 4 March that traffic through the strait was down 90%. [Continue Reading]
UK sees highest temperature of the year, snow and blood rain in last 48hrs
Spring has started on a relatively dry and mild note but as Chris Fawkes explains, a change to wetter, windier and colder weather is on the way next week. [Continue Reading]
Pakistani man convicted of plotting to kill Trump over death of Iranian commander
Asif Merchant accused of trying to recruit people in 2024 plan to target Trump, Biden and other politicians in retaliation for killing of Qassem SuleimaniA Pakistani man has been convicted of planning to kill Donald Trump and other prominent US politicians two years ago at the behest of Iran.Asif Merchant was accused of trying to recruit people in the US in a plan targeting Trump and others in retaliation for the killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Suleimani in 2020, during Trump’s first term as president. Continue reading... [Continue Reading]
Live: F1 qualifying up next in Melbourne for Australian Grand Prix
Oscar Piastri has qualified fifth for Sunday's Australian Grand Prix, as Mercedes driver George Russell dominated to take pole. Follow live. [Continue Reading]
Why Yemen’s Houthis are staying out of Israel-US fight with Iran – for now
Yemen's Houthi leadership cautious, fearing Israeli retaliation following past air strikes and leadership losses. [Continue Reading]
Middle East crisis live: explosions rock Tehran as Iran war enters second week
IDF says Revolutionary Guard training site in Tehran among targets of new strikes; Trump says he would only accept Tehran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as war expandsTell us: how have you been affected by the latest events in the Middle East?The Saudi defence minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, urged Iran on Saturday to “avoid miscalculation” after missile and drone launches at the kingdom.Saudi Arabia’s defence ministry said earlier in the day it had blocked repeated missile launches at an airbase housing US military personnel and drone attacks at a major oilfield.We stressed that such actions undermine regional security and stability and expressed... [Continue Reading]
US Considers Lifting Sanctions on Russian Oil Amid Rising Energy Prices Due to Middle East Conflicts
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]
Evacuations Underway for Two Northern Territory Aboriginal Communities Amid Severe Flooding
Authorities in Australia's Northern Territory have initiated evacuations for two remote Aboriginal communities, Palumpa (Nganmarriyanga) and Daly River (Nauiyu), as severe flooding continues to threaten the region. This unprecedented flood emergency has prompted around 600 residents to be airlifted to safety in Darwin, where they will remain until conditions improve and floodwaters recede. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has reported that a monsoon trough and a tropical low system are expected to bring continuous wet weather throughout the weekend. The situation is critical in Palumpa, where approximately 400 individuals are being relocated, alongside 200 evacuees from Daly River. Emergency services... [Continue Reading]
Clashes Intensify in Bekaa Valley as Israeli Forces Engage Hezbollah Militants
Clashes have intensified in eastern Lebanon's Bekaa Valley, with reports of anti-aircraft fire as Israeli forces attempt to land in the region. The ongoing engagement involves Israeli commandos and Hezbollah militants in the town of Nabi Chit. This flare-up follows a series of escalations between the two entities, emphasizing the fragile security situation along the Israel-Lebanon border. Witnesses in the Bekaa Valley have described a night filled with gunfire and tense standoffs. The apparent Israeli incursion appears to be part of broader operational tactics aimed at rooting out Hezbollah positions, which have reportedly been reinforced in recent weeks amid heightened... [Continue Reading]
