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Fears of Mideast war as US-Iran conflict flares
Countries around the world voiced fears of a Middle East conflagration after the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran Saturday, and Iran targeted US bases in the region in retaliation.
Could the US-Israel war on Iran drag on?
The US-Israeli strikes launched on Iran Saturday could become an extended operation, with strategic goals both multiple and complex -- aiming to decapitate the Islamic republic and eviscerate its security capabilities.
Iranians abroad jittery but jubilant at US, Israeli strikes
"War is no good but it's better than the regime killing our children," said a 39-year-old Iranian in Istanbul, saying he was "happy" US and Israeli warplanes were attacking Iran.
Republicans back Trump, Democrats attack 'illegal' Iran war
Republicans largely welcomed strikes launched Saturday by US forces and ally Israel against Iran but prominent Democrats condemned what they called an illegal aggression.
Afghanistan says civilians killed in Pakistan air strikes
Afghanistan accused Pakistan of killing civilians in rural Kandahar on Saturday, as deadly violence flared between the South Asian neighbours.
Residents flee as Iran missiles stun peaceful Gulf cities
A barrage of Iranian strikes caused havoc across the Gulf on Saturday, shattering the aura of peace so highly prized by the oil-rich region's wealthy rulers.
Streets empty and shops close as US strikes confirm Iranian fears
For weeks, Iranians had been nervously anticipating another attack by the United States and Israel, despite Tehran and Washington holding negotiations aimed at averting a violent showdown.
Israelis shelter underground as Iran fires missiles
Across Israel, city streets stood deserted on Saturday as residents took cover in shelters, while the blasts from Iranian missiles being intercepted reverberated overhead.
Iranians in Istanbul jittery but jubilant at US, Israeli strikes
"War is no good but it's better than the regime killing our children," said a 39-year-old Iranian in Istanbul, confessing he was "happy" that US and Israeli warplanes were attacking Iran.
Congo-Brazzaville president vows to keep power as campaign kicks off
Congo-Brazzaville's 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso promised to extend his decades-long time in power on Saturday as campaigning kicked off for next month's presidential election in the oil-rich central African nation.
US, Israel launch strikes on Iran, Tehran hits back across region
The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday, with Israel's public broadcaster reporting that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel.
Fight against terror: Trump threatens Tehran's mullahs
The latest attacks by the US and Israel on military and political targets in Tehran have shaken the Islamic Republic's regime. Under the code names ‘Operation Epic Fury’ (US) and ‘Call of the Lion’ (Israel), missiles were fired on 28 February 2026 at the office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Ministry of Defence, the nuclear facilities in Isfahan and other strategic bases. The strike was intended to destroy Iran's nuclear programme and ballistic research, while also hitting the nerve centres of the mullah regime, which has been considered a sponsor of terrorism and the greatest threat to regional stability for decades. Observers report thick clouds of smoke over Tehran, people in panic on the streets and a state that felt compelled to close its airspace and shut down communication services.In an eight-minute video address on Truth Social, the US president laid out his strategy: ‘To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the armed forces and the police: Lay down your weapons and secure full immunity, or you will face certain death,’ he said. Those who surrender will be treated fairly, while those who continue to fight will face ‘devastating force.’ These words were directed at the militias responsible for torture, shootings and the bloody suppression of protests within the country. The regime describes its own citizens as ‘terrorists and insurgents,’ while international human rights organisations report thousands of protesters killed, tens of thousands detained and systematic torture. The new protests against rising inflation, corruption and religious paternalism are said to be the largest since the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement in 2022/2023; estimates speak of up to 2,600 to over 12,000 deaths and more than 16,000 arrests since the unrest began. The decline of the national currency and the collapse of purchasing power have finally caused the situation to reach a boiling point.The president emphasised that the US had no interest in ground operations but was determined to destroy the regime's nuclear ambitions. ‘Iran must never possess a nuclear bomb,’ he stressed. He announced plans to ‘wipe out’ the country's ballistic missile industry and neutralise the Iranian navy. At the same time, he encouraged the population: ‘The hour of your freedom has come. Stay safe, don't leave your homes – bombs are falling outside. When we are done, take over your government. It will belong to you.’ This call to revolt is unprecedented in recent international politics and reflects the deep mistrust of a regime that has been chanting ‘Death to America’ since 1979, spreading anti-Semitic propaganda and financing terrorist groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria through its Revolutionary Guards.
Iran's Khamenei: ruthless revolutionary at apex of Islamic republic
Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, a pillar of its theocratic system since the Islamic revolution, has seen off a succession of crises throughout his rule with a mixture of repression and strategic manoeuvring but now could be facing his biggest challenge.
In Iran attack, Trump seeks what he foreswore -- regime change
Launching a major attack alongside Israel against Iran, US President Donald Trump is pursuing the goal he once adamantly rejected -- regime change.
Trump says US aims to destroy Iran's military, topple government
US President Donald Trump announced a major attack against Iran on Saturday, vowing to "annihilate" the country's navy and missile sites, and urging Iranians to overthrow their government.
US and Israel launch strikes against Iran
The United States and Israel launched a wave of strikes against targets in Iranian cities on Saturday triggering explosions and columns of smoke in the capital Tehran.
Afghanistan says Pakistan fighter jet down as cross-border strikes flare
A Pakistani fighter jet crashed in Jalalabad in Afghanistan's east, the Afghan military and police said on Saturday, after Islamabad launched air strikes on at least three cities in a flare-up of cross-border fighting.
US backs Pakistan's 'right to defend itself' after strikes on Afghanistan
Pakistan air strikes on Afghanistan drew diplomatic support from Washington as Islamabad said on Saturday it would not stop military operations pressuring the Afghan government, which it accuses of backing militancy.
MEWA Launches the First Saudi Water Week Next April to Shape the Future of the Water Sector Regionally and Globally
MEWA Launches the First Saudi Water Week Next April
Paramount acquires Warner Bros. in $110 bn mega-merger
US media conglomerate Paramount Skydance announced Thursday it will acquire Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valuing the combined company at $110 billion, after beating Netflix in a bruising bidding war.
Trump says frustrated with Iran, but mediator sees 'breakthrough'
President Donald Trump on Friday voiced frustration with Iran's stance in nuclear negotiations as US staff left Israel due to safety concerns -- but mediator Oman promoted what it said was a "breakthrough" to avert war.
Trump tells US govt to 'immediately' stop using Anthropic AI tech
President Donald Trump told the US government Friday to "immediately" stop using Anthropic's technology after the AI startup rejected the Pentagon's demand that it agree to unconditional military use of its Claude models.
Court orders Greenpeace to pay $345 mn to US oil pipeline company
Greenpeace must pay $345 million in damages to the operator of the US oil pipeline it protested, a North Dakota court ordered Friday.
IAEA stresses 'urgency' to verify Iran's nuclear material
The UN nuclear watchdog stressed on Friday the "utmost urgency" of its request to verify all nuclear material in Iran, according to a confidential report seen by AFP.
UN urges action to prevent full civil war in South Sudan
The UN rights chief voiced alarm Friday at the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, calling for swift action to avert a return to full-scale civil war.
Ukrainian, Slovak leaders to meet over oil pipeline dispute
The leaders of Ukraine and Slovakia agreed on Friday to hold a face-to-face meeting as they wrangle over a blocked pipeline that takes Russian oil to Slovakia and Hungary, officials said.
Ukrainian, Slovak leaders hold call amid energy spat
The leaders of Ukraine and Slovakia held a call on Friday amid an escalating row over Russian oil supplies via Ukraine to both Slovakia and Hungary.
UK police arrest man after Churchill statue sprayed with graffiti
A 38-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of racially aggravated criminal damage, UK police said Friday, after pro-Palestinian graffiti was sprayed on a Winston Churchill statue in central London.
Red Cross urges Afghanistan-Pakistan 'de-escalation'
The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross called on Friday for a de-escalation of hostilities between Afghanistan and Pakistan, insisting that civilians must be protected and healthcare access guaranteed.
Coup role revelations revive calls for return of Spain's ex king
Calls for Spain's former King Juan Carlos I to return from exile have resurfaced after declassified files confirmed his role in stopping a 1981 coup and defending the country's fledging democracy.
Macron to set out how France's nuclear arms could protect Europe
French President Emmanual Macron is Monday to reveal his vision for how France's nuclear arsenal could bolster defence in Europe, with the continent scrambling to re-arm against an aggressive Russia and as Washington turns away.
Starmer vows to fight 'extremes' after UK Labour election drubbing
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer vowed Friday to fight "the extremes in politics" after left-wing and hard-right parties both beat his ruling Labour in what had been a traditional stronghold.