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Ceremony in Türkiye’s Rize province honors 600 Quran memorizers

The Israeli army has warned that a significant manpower shortage has reached an “unbearable” level, urging legislative action to expand recruitment. Military spokesperson Efi Defrin stated that the army is currently lacking between 12,000 and 15,000 personnel amid ongoing operations across multiple fronts. He noted that part of the shortfall is linked to the continued exemption or avoidance of military service among some Haredi communities, which has intensified the burden on active forces.
Israeli army warns of 12,000–15,000 troop shortage

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UEFA European Under-21 Championship

The crisis unfolding around the Strait of Harmuz—the narrow waterway through which roughly one-third of global seaborne oil passes—is forcing a fundamental reassessment of the petrodollar system that has underpinned US financial hegemony for decades. The informal arrangement, in which Gulf oil producers price crude in dollars and reinvest revenues in US assets, emerged as a cornerstone of American economic power following the collapse of the Bretton Woods system. But with the US-Israeli campaign against Iran now in its second month, the strait’s uncertain fate is raising urgent questions about whether that order can survive. The ongoing war is placing Gulf monarchies in a difficult position. Perceptions that Washington is recalibrating its security priorities in the region have eroded trust among key US allies. Critics argue that the long-standing bargain—security guarantees in exchange for dollar loyalty—has become increasingly one-sided, prompting Gulf capitals to quietly explore alternative arrangements. More consequential are emerging reports that Iran is allowing oil shipments through the strait to be transacted in currencies other than the dollar, particularly the Chinese yuan and the Iranian rial. If Gulf states, driven by security concerns, begin to distance themselves from the dollar-based energy trade, the ripple effects could be profound: reduced demand for the greenback, waning appetite for US Treasury debt, and a gradual erosion of the dollar’s reserve currency status. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell recently highlighted underlying vulnerabilities, warning that US national debt—now at $38.86 trillion and growing faster than the economy—could end badly if left unaddressed. Meanwhile, data from The Kobeissi Letter shows the dollar’s share of global foreign exchange reserves has fallen to approximately 40 percent, the lowest level in two decades. Central banks have been diversifying into gold, signaling a clear shift in reserve preferences.
Strait of Hormuz crisis challenges petrodollar supremacy

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Missiles fall short distance from US troops

🟡 #BREAKING 14 people wounded after Iranian missiles hit central Israel, says Israeli ambulance service.
Iranian missiles injure 14 in central Israel

Pope Leo XIV on Sunday warned that no one can use Jesus to justify war, saying he rejects violence and those who wage it. “Jesus is the King of Peace, who rejects war, whom no one can use to justify war,” the pope said during his Palm Sunday Mass at St. Peter’s Square, according to Vatican News. He said Jesus “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war, but rejects them.” “Lay down your weapons! Remember that you are brothers and sisters!” he added. The pope also prayed for victims of violence. “Holy Mary, woman of the third day, grant us the certainty that, in spite of all, death will no longer hold sway over us; that the injustices of peoples are numbered; that the flashes of war are fading into the twilight; that the sufferings of the poor are breathing their last,” he said.
Pope says no one can use Jesus to justify war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he has ordered the military to expand the occupation in southern Lebanon, vowing to continue attacks until Israel achieves its objectives. Israel is “determined to fundamentally change the situation in the north,” Netanyahu said in a video statement released on the US social media platform X. He said military operations in Lebanon would continue, adding that Israeli forces would act with force until their goals are met. The Israeli army has pounded Lebanon with airstrikes and launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon since a cross-border attack by Hezbollah on March 2. The region has been on alert since the US and Israel launched an air offensive on Iran on Feb. 28, so far killing over 1,340 people, including then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Jordan, Iraq, and Gulf countries hosting US military assets, causing casualties and damage to infrastructure while disrupting global markets and aviation.
Netanyahu orders expansion of Israeli occupation

An Israeli soldier who was born in the United States has been killed during combat operations in southern Lebanon, according to Israeli authorities. The Israel Defense Forces identified the soldier as 22-year-old Moshe Yitzchak Hacohen Katz, originally from New Haven, Connecticut. The military stated that he was promoted from the rank of corporal to sergeant following his death.
US-born Israeli soldier killed

The United States has put forward a 15-point proposal aimed at resolving the conflict with Iran, according to US media reports. The New York Times detailed that the plan would require Tehran to halt all uranium enrichment on its soil, decommission enrichment facilities, and establish a free navigation zone in the Strait of Hormuz. The initiative comes as Washington signals both diplomatic engagement and military readiness. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth adopted a combative tone, stating: “We are negotiating with bombs.” The Pentagon is preparing to deploy a brigade combat team from the 82nd Airborne Division, comprising approximately 3,000 soldiers, to the Middle East. Fox News reported that the division’s commander and senior headquarters staff have received orders to move, a step seen as preliminary to a full deployment. The Wall Street Journal confirmed that deployment orders are expected imminently. US officials are reportedly considering operational plans involving potential incursions or the seizure of strategically vital Kharg Island. Iran launched a new wave of retaliatory missile strikes against Israel, with one projectile hitting the city of Bnei Brak, wounding at least seven people and causing extensive property damage. Israeli media alleged that one missile carried cluster munitions. Meanwhile, Iran’s Atomic Energy Organization confirmed that the Bushehr nuclear power plant site was struck during US-Israeli attacks, though officials reported no casualties or technical damage. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Western inaction, declaring that “international law is dead in practice” due to double standards over Gaza and Ukraine. President Donald Trump claimed Washington is communicating with “the right people” in Iran, asserting that Tehran is eager for a deal. “We fly freely over Iran; we can do whatever we want,” Trump said, adding that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons. He also suggested that the killing of Iranian leaders amounted to a “regime change.” In contrast, the Israeli military announced that its operational plans regarding Iran and Lebanon remain unchanged despite ongoing US diplomacy.
US presents 15-point Iran deal as troops deploy to Middle East

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Woman with knives detained

The US has accelerated military deployments to the Middle East, sending elite special operations forces and the 82nd Airborne Division to the region, raising questions about a potential ground operation against Iran. The deployments include the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (Night Stalkers), the 75th Ranger Regiment, and Delta Force, according to US media reports, while the New York Times reported that approximately 3,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division could be used to seize Iran's Kharg Island. Despite President Donald Trump's announcement of a five-day pause on strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure and claims of ongoing negotiations, US and Israeli forces struck two gas facilities and a pipeline in Isfahan and Khorramshahr on Tuesday. Iranian media reported damage to a gas administration building and pressure reduction station in Isfahan, while Khorramshahr's governor confirmed a munition struck outside a gas pipeline processing station. Iran launched a new wave of missile strikes targeting central Israel overnight, wounding six people. Israeli police reported a missile struck a road in Tel Aviv, causing damage to nearby buildings and vehicles, with shrapnel falling in three additional areas. The Israeli military said its air defense systems were active in intercepting the missiles. Earlier, Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned that if Israel targets civilians in Palestine or Lebanon, Israeli forces in the north and Gaza would be struck "unlimitedly." Iran's Atomic Energy Organization announced that a missile hit the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant site during US-Israeli strikes, though there was no technical damage or casualties. The organization condemned the attack as a "clear violation of international law and a serious threat to regional security."
US sends elite troops to Middle East as Iran strikes continue

Germany's state-owned broadcaster Deutsche Welle has drawn criticism after publicly undermining President Frank-Walter Steinmeier's remarks criticizing the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, adding a note that his role is "largely symbolic" and does not represent government policy. Steinmeier, who described the joint US-Israeli attacks on Iran as a violation of international law, was targeted by DW after his comments were shared on the broadcaster's platform. A note added beneath the video of his statement read: "The role of the German president is largely symbolic and does not represent the government's position." The move represents a rare public rebuke of the head of state by a state-funded media outlet. The incident follows previous allegations that DW pressured employees to downplay Israel's military operations in Gaza. Last year, 13 current and former DW staff members, along with former religious affairs correspondent Martin Gak, accused the broadcaster's management of attempting to whitewash Israeli actions in Gaza. Critics say the network prioritizes alignment with government policy over journalistic independence. The controversy comes amid growing international criticism of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran, launched Feb. 28, which has killed more than 1,340 people including former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. While the German government has maintained strong support for Israel, Steinmeier's remarks reflected unease within parts of Germany's political establishment about the scope and legality of the military campaign.
German broadcaster DW dismisses president's role as 'symbolic'

US President Donald Trump revealed Tuesday that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was the first to say "let's do it" when deciding to launch the Feb. 28 strikes on Iran. Speaking at the Safe Task Force summit in Memphis, Tennessee, Trump shared details of the critical decision-making moment that led to the operation. "We could continue like this and increase the death toll to 50,000, 55,000, even 60,000. There's no end to it! Or we could stop and take a small step toward the Middle East and eliminate this big problem entirely," Trump said. "I called Pete, I called General Caine. I said, let's talk. We have a problem in the Middle East, its name is Iran. They've been a source of terrorism for 47 years. And Pete, I think you were the first to speak, and you said 'let's do it.' Because you couldn't allow them to have nuclear weapons." Trump emphasized that a nuclear-armed Iran was unacceptable, framing the operation as a necessary step to eliminate what he described as a long-standing source of regional instability and terrorism. Israel and the US launched joint military attacks on Iran on Feb. 28, while negotiations between Tehran and Washington were still ongoing. The strikes killed former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior Iranian officials. According to Iranian authorities, over 1,348 people have been killed and more than 17,000 injured in the attacks. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel, along with Qatar, the UAE, Bahrain, and other Gulf countries hosting US military assets. The conflict has expanded to include a ground offensive in Lebanon that has displaced over one million people, and the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, disrupting global energy supplies.
Pete Hegseth was first to say 'let's do it' on Iran strikes

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Explosion hits major Valero refinery in Texas

Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the founder of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), stated in a 1999 interview that Israel would no longer exist by 2027. “Israel was established on oppression and the confiscation of land. Such regimes are destined to collapse. I affirm openly that by 2027, there will be no entity called Israel,” Yasin said. He explained his view by referencing the Qur’an: “The Qur’an teaches us that nations go through major changes every 40 years. The first 40 years after Israel’s establishment were what I call the ‘Catastrophe Period.’ The second 40 years were defined by the intifada, resistance, struggle, and confrontation. In the third 40-year period, God willing, we will witness the awaited end.”
"There will be no entity called Israel"

Iran’s Vice President Ismail Sekab Isfahani responded to remarks by Donald Trump, who warned that Washington could strike Iranian power plants if Tehran fails to ensure the full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The exchange highlights rising friction over one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes. In a statement shared on the X platform, Isfahani addressed civilians in Israel and Gulf countries, urging them to prepare for potential escalation. “Store water and charge your phones within 48 hours,” he said, suggesting that any confrontation could have direct consequences for infrastructure and daily life across the region. He also argued that recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz have increased pressure on Washington, adding that possible Iranian responses targeting regional assets could further complicate the US position. Iranian First Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref warned that strikes on Iran’s infrastructure would not remain contained. “Any attack on Iran’s infrastructure will lead to widespread power outages across the region,” he stated, pointing to the interconnected nature of energy systems in the Middle East. The warning underscores concerns that escalation could disrupt electricity networks and oil flows, particularly in Gulf states that rely on stable maritime routes and energy infrastructure. The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital corridor for global oil shipments, making it a focal point in US-Iran tensions. In his earlier remarks, Trump said the United States would target Iran’s power facilities if the waterway is not fully secured, stating that major energy sites could be “hit and destroyed” if demands are not met. The exchange reflects growing risks to global energy markets and regional stability, as both sides escalate rhetoric tied to military and economic leverage in the Gulf.
Iran warns of retaliation after Trump Strait of Hormuz threat

A detailed analysis by The New York Times concludes that Israeli and US expectations of triggering an uprising in Iran were fundamentally flawed. The report highlights intelligence gaps, internal disagreements in Washington, and Türkiye’s diplomatic warnings, underscoring how assumptions about regime collapse in Tehran failed to align with realities on the ground. The report by The New York Times reveals that Israeli and US officials misjudged the likelihood of sparking a mass uprising in Iran, despite early optimism during the conflict. The analysis, based on interviews with senior American and Israeli figures, indicates that expectations of rapid regime destabilisation in Tehran did not materialise, exposing critical flaws in strategic planning. According to the report, Mossad presented a detailed proposal to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlining how internal unrest could be ignited in Iran. The plan suggested that coordinated intelligence operations, combined with early military strikes, could mobilise opposition groups within days and potentially trigger wider instability capable of weakening the Iranian leadership. The proposal reportedly included scenarios such as targeting senior Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, alongside psychological and covert operations aimed at encouraging mass protests. Mossad chief David Barnea also presented the same framework to senior officials in Washington during a visit earlier this year. While Donald Trump was described as receptive to the plan, several US intelligence and military officials expressed reservations. They warned that the conditions inside Iran were not conducive to a large-scale uprising, particularly under external military pressure. Officials argued that widespread airstrikes would likely deter, rather than encourage, civilian mobilisation. “People are unlikely to take to the streets while bombs are falling,” one assessment indicated, reflecting concerns that the strategy overlooked Iran’s internal dynamics and security environment.
Israel Iran uprising plan deemed strategic miscalculation

Occupying Israel has closed Al-Aqsa Mosque, using the war with Iran as a pretext. For the first time since Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967, Muslims are unable to perform Tarawih prayers at the mosque during Ramadan, and the traditional practice of I‘tikaf in the last ten days of the month cannot be observed there. Last year, despite all the restrictions imposed by Israel, Palestinians performed Tarawih prayers at Al-Aqsa Mosque on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power). This year, under the pretext of the war with Iran, Al-Aqsa Mosque has been closed for days, and Muslims are not leaving their mosque alone, praying in its vicinity.
Occupying Israel has closed Al-Aqsa Mosque

‘No right to pass’: Iran reiterates control of Strait of Hormuz

The FBI has issued a warning to local police departments that Iran could potentially attack California and the US West Coast with kamikaze drones, as the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Tehran continues to escalate. The federal alert reflects growing concern about Iran's ability to project power beyond the Middle East and strike American soil directly. Israel and the US launched a joint military attack on Iran on Feb. 28, while negotiations between Tehran and Washington were still ongoing. According to Iranian authorities, more than 1,332 people have been killed in the strikes, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous senior officials. Iran has retaliated with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries hosting US military assets, including Qatar, the UAE and Bahrain. The FBI warning suggests US intelligence believes Iran may possess the capability to conduct long-range drone attacks against the American homeland, particularly the West Coast. Kamikaze drones, also known as loitering munitions, can be programmed to strike specific targets after loitering in an area, making them difficult to defend against. California, with its large population and critical infrastructure, could be a potential target in any Iranian retaliation. The warning comes as President Donald Trump has declared the US has "won" the war with Iran while vowing to continue operations until the job is finished. Trump claimed US forces have "virtually destroyed Iran" and knocked out 58 Iranian naval ships. However, Iran has demonstrated continued capability to strike regional targets, and the FBI alert indicates concerns about potential attacks reaching US shores.
FBI warns Iran may target California with kamikaze drones

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf took to social media Wednesday to refute American claims that US military operations have crippled Iran's missile arsenal, asserting that Tehran's strike capabilities have actually grown more sophisticated. The remarks come as the US-Israeli campaign against Iran continues to intensify, with both sides trading blows across the region since Feb. 28. "The US claims it has destroyed Iran's missile capacity," Ghalibaf stated in his post, directly challenging Washington's narrative of military success. He elaborated on Iranian tactical evolution, explaining that "the first waves of large-scale missile strikes were aimed at blinding enemy radars and defense systems." This strategic approach, he suggested, has yielded improved results, declaring that "now Iran can target any point it wishes with fewer missiles." Ghalibaf's statement represents a direct rebuttal to US assertions of having degraded Iranian offensive capabilities during the ongoing conflict that has claimed more than 1,200 lives, including Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. His characterization of Iranian missile development suggests Tehran has shifted from quantity-based barrages to precision strikes, potentially complicating defensive efforts by US and allied forces in the region. In a pointed reference to Israel's renowned air defense system, Ghalibaf mockingly observed that "today, the Iron Dome has turned into an irony." The remark alludes to recent Iranian missile strikes that have reportedly penetrated Israeli defenses, including projectiles that landed near Jerusalem despite activation of the country's network. The speaker's taunt reflects Tehran's confidence in its ability to challenge Israeli and American military superiority despite sustaining significant losses in the conflict.
Iranian speaker denies US claim on missiles

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Jewish man provokes pro-Palestine activists, then fakes attack on himself

US President Donald Trump warned Iran on Monday, saying that any attempt to disrupt oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz would trigger a response “twenty times harder” than previous US strikes. "If Iran does anything that stops the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America twenty times harder than they have been hit thus far," he said on his Truth Social platform. Trump said the US would target “easily destroyable” sites in Iran, potentially preventing the nation from rebuilding itself. “Death, Fire and Fury will reign upon them — But I hope, and pray, that it does not happen!” he added. He framed the warning as a protective gesture for global trade, particularly benefiting China and other nations heavily reliant on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. "This is a gift from the United States of America to China, and all of those Nations that heavily use the Hormuz Strait. Hopefully, it is a gesture that will be greatly appreciated," he added.
Trump warns Iran of response '20 times harder' if Strait of Hormuz blocked

#BREAKING 460 killed, 4,309 injured in Tehran since start of Israel-US war on Iran on Feb. 28, says Tehran's emergency department
460 killed, 4,309 injured in Tehran since start of Israel–US war on Iran

Author and activist Arundhati Roy has sharply criticised the Indian government for remaining silent on recent United States–Israel strikes on Iran, calling the leadership “spineless” and “gutless” for failing to denounce a continuation of the Gaza genocide and a grave escalation that risks a wider war and nuclear catastrophe. Roy said Iran was “standing up” while India was “cowering”, arguing that New Delhi has abandoned its earlier reputation for dignity and non-alignment, reduced itself to a subordinate of Western powers, and humiliated its citizens by aligning with Israel even as civilian casualties mount in the region. She questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Israel and embrace of Benjamin Netanyahu on the eve of the offensive, accusing the government of moral cowardice and warning that India’s refusal to criticise Washington and Tel Aviv over assassinations and bombings leaves the country complicit in a new phase of conflict in West Asia.
“Iran is standing up to them, while India cowers"

A survey published by the Jewish Community Federation of America has uncovered a significant shift in attitudes among young conservative voters, with approximately 50 percent of young Republicans expressing the view that Jews pose a threat to the American way of life. The findings point to a notable transformation in how the next generation of Republican voters perceives the Jewish community. The research highlights a clear generational divide within the Republican Party regarding views on Jews and Israel. While older Republican voters maintain traditionally strong support for both Jewish Americans and the Israeli state, younger conservatives are adopting increasingly skeptical and critical positions. This divergence suggests a fundamental shift in conservative attitudes toward constituencies that have long been considered reliable allies of the party. Political observers note that these findings could have significant implications for the future of US-Israel relations, which have historically enjoyed robust Republican backing. The erosion of favorable views among younger GOP voters raises questions about whether the party's pro-Israel stance will endure as this demographic gains greater influence. Experts suggest the trend may reflect broader changes in how younger conservatives evaluate both domestic religious communities and international alliances. The survey results contribute to growing evidence that younger Americans across the political spectrum are reassuming long-standing assumptions about foreign policy and domestic social relations. As this generation moves into positions of greater political influence, their perspectives could reshape party platforms and national policy approaches in ways that challenge traditional bipartisan consensus on issues related to Jewish Americans and the US-Israel relationship.
Half of young US Republicans see Jews as threat to American lifestyle

A bombshell report from Iran's semi-official Tasnim News Agency has ignited a firestorm of speculation about the fate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming he may have been killed or seriously wounded in recent retaliatory strikes. The report points to Netanyahu's complete disappearance from public view for nearly four days—a dramatic departure from his usual practice of daily video messages—as evidence that something significant has occurred. Sources cited by Iranian media note that all statements attributed to Netanyahu since his disappearance have been issued only in written form, with no accompanying video or photographic confirmation. The area around the Prime Minister's residence has reportedly been placed under extraordinary security measures, though no official explanation has been provided. The Tasnim report further alleges that far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Netanyahu's brother Iddo may also have been killed, claims that remain entirely unconfirmed. Adding to the intrigue, US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner abruptly canceled a planned visit to Israel scheduled for Tuesday . The trip was intended for high-level talks on the ongoing war with Iran, which has now killed more than 1,200 people including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei . Israeli media reported the cancellation without explanation, and neither US nor Israeli officials have commented on the reason . Some sources suggest possible disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over the scope of military operations against Iranian oil installations . Most striking is the complete absence of any denial from Israeli authorities or Netanyahu's office regarding the Iranian claims. The official silence, combined with the canceled US visit and extraordinary security measures, has allowed speculation to flourish across international media. The conflict that began February 28 with joint US-Israeli strikes has now expanded to include Hezbollah engagements on Israel's northern border and Houthi-related tensions in Yemen, with total casualties exceeding 2,000 and hundreds of thousands displaced .
Iranian media claims Netanyahu killed in strikes

US President Donald Trump claimed Saturday that Iran had apologized to neighboring countries and vowed to stop firing at them following ongoing military pressure from the US and Israel. In a post on the social media platform Truth Social, Trump said Tehran had backed down as a result of sustained attacks carried out by Washington and its regional ally. “Iran, which is being beat to HELL, has apologized and surrendered to its Middle East neighbors, and promised that it will not shoot at them anymore. This promise was only made because of the relentless US and Israeli attack,” Trump wrote on Saturday. He also claimed that Iranian ambitions to dominate the region had been halted, saying: “They were looking to take over and rule the Middle East. It is the first time that Iran has ever lost, in thousands of years, to surrounding Middle Eastern Countries.” Trump added that regional leaders had expressed gratitude to him. In the same post, Trump criticized Iran, declaring: “Iran is no longer the ‘Bully of the Middle East,’ they are, instead, ‘THE LOSER OF THE MIDDLE EAST,’ and will be for many decades until they surrender or, more likely, completely collapse!” He also warned of additional military action, stating: “Today Iran will be hit very hard! Under serious consideration for complete destruction and certain death, because of Iran’s bad behavior, are areas and groups of people that were not considered for targeting up until this moment in time.” The remarks came amid escalating tensions and reported strikes involving the US and Israel targeting sites in Iran.
‘Today Iran will be hit very hard!’

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Iran Strikes Central Tel Aviv

Russia provided Iran with intelligence on US military targets in the Middle East, the Washington Post claimed Friday, citing three officials familiar with the matter, implying for the first time that another major American adversary may be indirectly involved in the conflict. The unnamed officials alleged that Russia has been providing Iran with the locations of US military assets, including warships and aircraft, since the war began Saturday. “It does seem like it’s a pretty comprehensive effort,” one of them was quoted by the newspaper as saying. The scope of Russia’s targeting support to Iran remains unclear. Officials claimed that Iran’s own capability to track US forces had already been weakened less than a week after the fighting began. Moscow has previously urged an end to the war, describing it as an “unprovoked act of armed aggression.” Touching upon Iran's assistance role to Russia in getting and sharing information about Ukraine, one of the sources said: "The Russians are more than aware of the assistance that we’re giving the Ukrainians." “I think they were very happy to try to get some payback.” Six US troops were killed and several others injured in an Iranian drone strike in Kuwait on Sunday. Iran has launched thousands of attack drones and hundreds of missiles at US military sites, embassies, and civilians, as the joint US-Israel attacks have hit more than 2,000 targets in Iran. Meanwhile, White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly claimed that the Iranian regime is suffering significant losses, but she did not address reports of Russian support for Iran, the Washington Post said in its report. “The Iranian regime is being absolutely crushed,” Kelly said. “Their ballistic missile retaliation is decreasing every day, their navy is being wiped out, their production capacity is being demolished, and proxies are hardly putting up a fight.” When asked about his message to Russia and China, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said he had no specific message for them, adding that "they're not really a factor here.” Meanwhile, two officials familiar with Russian support to Iran said that China seemingly did not support Iran’s defense efforts, according to the Washington Post report. Beijing has also called for an end to the conflict. Dara Massicot, a Russian military expert at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told the newspaper that Iran’s attacks have hit early warning and over-the-horizon radars with notable accuracy. “They’re doing this in a very targeted way. They’re going after command and control,” she said, underscoring the precision of recent strikes. Iran has only a few military-grade satellites and no satellite constellation, making imagery from Russia’s more advanced space capabilities highly valuable, especially as Moscow has improved its targeting skills during the war in Ukraine, Massicot said. Nicole Grajewski, an expert on Iran–Russia relations, told The Washington Post that Iranian attacks have shown a high degree of “sophistication” in both target selection and their ability in some cases to penetrate defenses. “They’re getting through air defenses,” she said, noting Iran’s strike quality seems to have improved compared with last summer’s 12-day war with Israel. People familiar with the matter told the Pentagon that Washington is rapidly depleting its stock of precision munitions and air defense interceptors, according to the Post.
Russia provided Iran with intelligence on US military targets

The escalating military confrontation between US-Israeli forces and Iran has delivered a devastating blow to Dubai's luxury tourism sector, with hotel occupancy rates crashing to below 20 percent following widespread reservation cancellations. The conflict, which began with American-Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and has expanded to include Iranian retaliation against Gulf states hosting US assets, has transformed the region into a theater of war, sending shockwaves through the hospitality industry. Properties in Dubai's most prestigious districts, including the iconic Palm Jumeirah and bustling Downtown areas, have been forced to implement drastic price reductions to attract remaining guests. Hotels that routinely commanded premium rates before the conflict erupted are now offering rooms at substantially reduced prices. Industry observers note that establishments typically booked months in advance are now struggling to fill even a fraction of their capacity as tourists flee the region and new reservations evaporate. Travelers from key European and Asian source markets have canceled their Dubai plans en masse, citing safety concerns following Iranian missile strikes targeting US military installations in Gulf Cooperation Council nations. The security fears intensified after Tehran launched retaliatory attacks against American assets in the region, bringing the conflict dangerously close to the UAE's tourism heartland. Hotel operators report that the cancellation wave has overwhelmed reservation systems, with no immediate signs of recovery as the conflict shows no signs of abating.
Dubai hotel prices drop sharply

Israeli authorities shut down Al-Aqsa Mosque on February 28, invoking the escalating conflict with Iran as justification for the unprecedented closure during the holy month of Ramadan. The move, which prevented Muslims from performing the first Tarawih prayers, represents what Palestinian officials describe as the effective suspension of the 1967 status quo governing the holy site. Throughout February, restrictions on worshippers intensified as settler presence in the mosque compound expanded dramatically under Israeli police protection. According to a detailed report from the Jerusalem Governorate, nearly 5,000 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound during February alone, while an additional 8,637 individuals entered under the guise of tourists. Israeli authorities banned the entry of iftar meals, established checkpoints before evening prayers, and on multiple days completely prevented worship. The systematic nature of these measures, documented in the governorate's report, suggests a coordinated policy rather than sporadic security responses. The crackdown extended beyond worship restrictions to mass detentions, with 114 Palestinians arrested in Jerusalem during February, including women, children, journalists, and activists. Most arrests occurred during nighttime raids conducted with overwhelming force. Simultaneously, over 400 Jerusalem residents received bans preventing them from entering Al-Aqsa and the Old City, targeting journalists, imams, and community leaders with restrictions lasting up to six months. The targeting of media figures suggests an effort to suppress documentation of events at the holy site. The Jerusalem Governorate's report contextualizes these actions within a broader Israeli strategy, stating: "What is happening in Jerusalem is not isolated security measures but an official and systematic policy aimed at displacing Palestinians and altering the city's religious and demographic character." During the same period, settler groups openly performed Talmudic rituals in the mosque courtyard under police protection, further inflaming tensions during an already volatile period of regional conflict.
Israel closes Al-Aqsa during Ramadan

Israeli authorities shut down Al-Aqsa Mosque on February 28, invoking the escalating conflict with Iran as justification for the unprecedented closure during the holy month of Ramadan. The move, which prevented Muslims from performing the first Tarawih prayers, represents what Palestinian officials describe as the effective suspension of the 1967 status quo governing the holy site. Throughout February, restrictions on worshippers intensified as settler presence in the mosque compound expanded dramatically under Israeli police protection. According to a detailed report from the Jerusalem Governorate, nearly 5,000 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa compound during February alone, while an additional 8,637 individuals entered under the guise of tourists. Israeli authorities banned the entry of iftar meals, established checkpoints before evening prayers, and on multiple days completely prevented worship. The systematic nature of these measures, documented in the governorate's report, suggests a coordinated policy rather than sporadic security responses. The crackdown extended beyond worship restrictions to mass detentions, with 114 Palestinians arrested in Jerusalem during February, including women, children, journalists, and activists. Most arrests occurred during nighttime raids conducted with overwhelming force. Simultaneously, over 400 Jerusalem residents received bans preventing them from entering Al-Aqsa and the Old City, targeting journalists, imams, and community leaders with restrictions lasting up to six months. The targeting of media figures suggests an effort to suppress documentation of events at the holy site. The Jerusalem Governorate's report contextualizes these actions within a broader Israeli strategy, stating: "What is happening in Jerusalem is not isolated security measures but an official and systematic policy aimed at displacing Palestinians and altering the city's religious and demographic character." During the same period, settler groups openly performed Talmudic rituals in the mosque courtyard under police protection, further inflaming tensions during an already volatile period of regional conflict.
Israel closes Al-Aqsa during Ramadan

Iranian state television said Iran had struck a US oil tanker in the Gulf with a missile on Thursday, the latest Iranian attack on the energy industry in the region, according to AFP The ship "was hit by a missile in the north of the Persian Gulf" and "is currently on fire", Iran's Revolutionary Guards said in a statement reported by state television.
Tehran struck US oil tanker in Gulf

The Israeli Army reported on Thursday that it had identified a new salvo of missiles launched from Iranian territory toward Israel as the region remains on high alert for an escalation of hostilities.
Israel says new wave of missiles launched from Iran detected

The United States' military campaign against Iran has revealed a new dimension of 21st-century warfare: cognitive operations powered by artificial intelligence and Silicon Valley's technological infrastructure. Beyond the bombs and missiles of "Operation Epic Fury," Washington simultaneously deployed psychological warfare tools aimed at the Iranian public's perception and the regime's internal cohesion, exemplified by President Trump's direct video appeal urging Iranians to "seize your government" and targeted SMS campaigns flooding Iranian phones. America's dominance in cognitive warfare stems from a fundamental structural reality: nearly all major global social media platforms—Meta, X, Google—are US-based corporations, giving Washington unparalleled access to data flows and algorithmic control. This ecosystem, integrating private sector capabilities with defense and intelligence agencies, creates what analysts describe as an interactive warfare infrastructure. During the Iran strikes, AI-powered tools were deployed to amplify narratives of regime fragility, elite divisions, and protest visibility. The CIA's official X account began posting in Farsi, instructing Iranians on secure communication channels and encouraging transmission of images from critical regions via Telegram, effectively transforming civilian smartphones into intelligence collection nodes. Project Maven, originally developed by Google to process massive data streams from US drones in the Middle East, has evolved into a sophisticated AI system capable of automatically identifying military targets from surveillance footage. After modernization by Palantir, Maven was reportedly used to map hidden underground bunker networks by processing radar signals and satellite imagery, enabling the precision strikes that characterized the operation against Iran's leadership. The system's ability to process vast amounts of intelligence data appears to have contributed to the successful targeting of senior commanders and nuclear facilities.
How AI and Big Tech shaped the Iran strikes

European gas prices surged more than 100% after joint US and Israeli attacks on Iran disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and forced QatarEnergy to halt production at major liquefied natural gas (LNG) facilities, sharply escalating fears of supply shortages. Commercial shipping traffic has largely ground to a halt in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint that handles about 20% of global liquefied natural gas exports, including nearly all of Qatar’s LNG shipments to international markets. After Iranian drone strikes targeted energy infrastructure in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed, QatarEnergy suspended LNG production at the sites, citing security concerns. The combination of halted LNG output and disrupted tanker traffic rattled markets, which were already sensitive to geopolitical risk. At the Dutch Title Transfer Facility (TTF), Europe's most liquid gas trading hub, April futures rose to €65.50 ($76) per megawatt-hour as of 1720 GMT (2.20 p.m. local time). That compares with a closing price of €31.95 per megawatt-hour on Feb. 27, before the attacks. On the day, prices were up about 47% from the previous session. Qatar accounts for around 20% of global LNG export capacity, making the shutdown of Ras Laffan and Mesaieed one of the most significant shocks to gas markets since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022. QatarEnergy's force majeure declaration has added to uncertainty for buyers with long-term contracts, raising the prospect that some may need to seek cargoes on the spot market. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed, competition between Europe and Asia for alternative LNG supplies, particularly from the United States and Australia, is expected to intensify. Gas storage levels across the European Union are hovering near 30%, well below levels seen at the same time last year, leaving the region more exposed to further disruptions. The European Union’s Natural Gas Coordination Group is set to meet on March 4 to assess the impact of the escalating Middle East tensions and evaluate potential response measures.
European gas prices surge more than 100% amid Hormuz closure

A missile launched from Iran, heading towards Turkish airspace through Iraq and Syria, has been destroyed by NATO air defense systems, Turkish officials said on Wednesday. "A ballistic munition launched from Iran, which was detected passing through Iraqi and Syrian airspace and heading towards Turkish airspace, was engaged in a timely manner by NATO air and missile defence assets stationed in the eastern Mediterranean and rendered inactive," the defense ministry said in a statement.
Missile launched from Iran towards Türkiye destroyed

Foreign embassies in eight Arab countries have faced attacks, closures and protests amid Iranian strikes launched in retaliation for an ongoing US-Israeli military offensive that began Saturday morning. 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia The Saudi Defense Ministry spokesman, Turki al-Maliki, said Tuesday that two drones targeted the US Embassy in Riyadh. The US Embassy in Riyadh issued a security alert urging American citizens in Saudi Arabia to shelter in place and avoid approaching diplomatic facilities. The embassy said it is closed on Tuesday. 🇰🇼 Kuwait The US Embassy in Kuwait also said Tuesday that it would remain closed “until further notice” and canceled all routine and emergency consular appointments. 🇯🇴 Jordan The US Embassy in Amman said in a statement that it had evacuated all personnel Monday evening as a precautionary measure to address a potential security threat. 🇧🇭Bahrain The US Embassy in Bahrain said Monday it would remain closed indefinitely, warning US citizens about possible attacks on hotels in the capital, Manama. 🇱🇧 Lebanon The US Embassy in Beirut said Sunday it would extend its closure through Tuesday as tensions escalated between Israel and Hezbollah in the wake of US-Israeli attacks on Iran. 🇦🇪 UAE Israeli media reported Sunday evening that the Israeli Embassy in Abu Dhabi sustained damage from an Iranian drone attack, without specifying the extent. 🇴🇲 Oman The US Embassy in Oman urged staff and US citizens Sunday to shelter in place.
Embassies close across 8 Arab states amid US-Iran war

In a video message, Cooper said the operation—now in its fourth day—represents the largest US military buildup in the Middle East in a generation. He said US and Israeli forces have struck nearly 2,000 targets across Iran using more than 2,000 munitions since the campaign began. Iran has responded with large-scale retaliatory attacks, launching more than 500 ballistic missiles and over 2,000 drones, according to Cooper. "We are also sinking the Iranian Navy, the entire navy. Thus far, we've destroyed 17 Iranian ships," he said. Despite the retaliation, Cooper said Iran’s ability to strike US forces and allies is declining as the campaign continues. Tensions have escalated across the region since the US and Israel launched large-scale attacks on Iran on Saturday, killing nearly 800 people, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and top military officials. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting Israel as well as Gulf countries, which are home to US military assets. Six US service members were killed and several others wounded in an Iranian strike on a tactical operations center in Kuwait during the operation, CENTCOM announced.
Over 50,000 American troops involved in US-Israeli attacks on Iran

The US has lost nearly $2 billion worth of military equipment amid its military operations against Iran since Saturday, according to estimates and data compiled by Anadolu. The chief driver of the cost is a US AN/FPS-132 early warning radar system at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, valued at $1.1 billion, which was hit with a missile strike by Iran on Saturday. Qatar confirmed that the radar was hit and damaged. On Sunday, 3 F-15E Strike Eagles were lost in a friendly fire incident by Kuwaiti air defenses. While all six aircrew survived, the planes did not; the cost of replacing them is estimated at $282 million. During its opening attack Saturday, Iran struck the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet headquarters in Manama, Bahrain, destroying two satellite communications terminals and several large buildings. Using open-source intelligence reports, the targeted SATCOM terminals were identified as AN/GSC-52Bs, which approximately cost $20 million, factoring in deployment and installation costs. Iran also claimed to have destroyed the AN/TPY-2 radar component of the THAAD Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) System deployed at Al-Ruwais Industrial City in the United Arab Emirates. Satellite imagery through open-source intelligence reports suggests that there has been a hit. The destroyed radar component is estimated to be worth $500 million. Combining these costs, Iran has damaged $1.902 billion worth of US military assets in the region. Iran has so far targeted at least seven US military sites across the Middle East since the United States and Israel began striking Iran on Saturday: the US Fifth Fleet’s headquarters in Bahrain, Camp Arifjan, Ali Al Salem Air Base and Camp Buehring in Kuwait, Erbil Base in Iraq, the UAE’s Jebel Ali Port, the US Navy's largest port of call in the Middle East, and Al-Udeid Air Base in Qatar. In Kuwait, images taken Sunday afternoon revealed collapsed rooftops at multiple points within Ali Al Salem Air Base following reports of an Iranian strike the previous day. Camp Arifjan was the primary site where six US service members were killed. A widely circulated video recorded Sunday inside Camp Buehring in Kuwait showed a drone flying over the installation before exploding within its perimeter. Footage and photographs confirmed by the New York Times suggested that Iran repeatedly targeted the military installation at Erbil International Airport in Iraq, where US forces are stationed, throughout Saturday and Sunday. Smoke and flames were visible rising from the area. By Sunday morning, satellite images showed that four structures in one section of the base had been damaged or destroyed, with fires still burning into early Monday. Meanwhile, satellite imagery Sunday of Jebel Ali Port in Dubai showed smoke rising from a large building within a fenced US Navy recreational zone. Although not an official US base, Jebel Ali is among the navy’s most frequently used ports. In addition to the military bases, US diplomatic missions in Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE have also been a target of strikes. The US Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was hit by two drones. The Saudi Defense Ministry reported "limited fire and minor material damage" to the compound. According to The Washington Post, the CIA Station inside the compound was also hit. The US Embassy in Kuwait City, Kuwait was attacked with drone and missile strikes described as a "brutal" Iranian attack by Kuwaiti officials. Smoke was reported near the compound, with damage details remaining limited in public reporting. The embassy closed "until further notice" with non-essential staff and families being evacuated. The US Consulate General in Dubai, UAE was hit by a suspected Iranian drone that struck a parking lot adjacent to the chancellery building. A fire started but was quickly contained by local authorities. The consulate grounds sustained some impact but no major structural destruction.
US lost nearly $2B worth of military equipment in first 4 days of strikes against Iran

Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar addressed international mining industry representatives Tuesday at the Prospectors & Developers Association of Canada (PDAC) 2026 convention in Toronto. Speaking during a panel titled "The Strategic Role and Future of Mining in the Economy," Bayraktar shared Türkiye's perspective on the sector's growing importance amid global economic shifts. PDAC stands as one of the world's premier mining events, drawing industry leaders, investors, government officials and geoscientists from across the globe. The 2026 convention provides a platform for discussing exploration trends, investment opportunities and the critical role of mineral resources in the transition to green energy and technological advancement. Bayraktar's participation underscores Türkiye's engagement with international mining markets and its interest in attracting investment to the domestic sector. Bayraktar's remarks at the Toronto panel offered insights into Ankara's strategic approach to mineral resources and their contribution to economic development. With global demand for critical minerals rising amid the energy transition and technological competition, countries rich in mineral resources are reassessing their extraction and processing strategies. Türkiye possesses significant mineral wealth and has been working to develop its mining sector as part of broader economic diversification efforts. The minister's presence at PDAC 2026 also signals Türkiye's interest in fostering international partnerships in mining exploration, technology transfer and sustainable extraction practices. As global supply chains for critical minerals become increasingly strategic, forums like PDAC facilitate the connections between resource-rich countries, technology providers and capital markets essential for sector development.
Bayraktar highlights mining's strategic role

🗞️The New York Times published headlines emphasizing Iranian claims of dozens killed in a U.S.-Israeli strike on a school in southern Iran, such as "Iran Says Dozens Are Killed in Strike on School," while framing an Israeli casualty from an Iranian missile near Jerusalem more factually as "9 Killed in Israeli City Near Jerusalem After Iranian Missile Strike." 🔴 In the first headline, "Iran says" casts doubt, and by writing "in strike," The New York Times avoids assigning responsibility to Israel. 🔴 In contrast, the second headline states "9 killed" as a fact. It also names the actor, whereas no actor was mentioned in the first headline. ⚫️ Do you think The New York Times just serves Israel’s purpose❓
NYT’s headline hypocrisy

🚀🔻 The Iranian Revolutionary Guard announced that Netanyahu's office and the Israeli Air Force Command headquarters were targeted with Khyber missiles. 🚀 According to a Tasnim News Agency report, the Revolutionary Guard stated Netanyahu's fate is "uncertain" after the attack. 🔻Israeli officials have not yet issued an official statement on these claims.
ICC-wanted war criminal Netanyahu's office targeted with Khyber missiles

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Iran targets US bases

The closure of airspace over multiple Gulf nations has triggered a global aviation crisis, with over 3,400 flights canceled since hostilities erupted. Six major aviation hubs—including Dubai International, Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, and Doha's Hamad International Airport—have suspended operations indefinitely, creating a domino effect across worldwide flight networks. The region serves as a critical transit corridor between Europe, Asia, and Africa, making these disruptions particularly devastating for international travel. An estimated 300,000 travelers remain stranded across Gulf terminals, with social media images showing passengers forming long queues at reservation counters and sleeping in airport concourses while awaiting assistance. The United Kingdom has reportedly dispatched teams to the region to help evacuate its citizens, as commercial options disappear. Travelers face mounting frustration with no clear timeline for when airspace might reopen, as military operations continue across multiple fronts following US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iranian retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf states. The aviation shutdown represents one of the most significant air travel crises in recent decades, affecting not only regional connectivity but global supply chains and passenger movements. Airlines are scrambling to reroute flights around closed airspace, adding hours to journey times and straining fuel reserves. With no end to hostilities in sight, industry analysts warn that prolonged closures could have lasting impacts on the aviation sector and regional economies heavily dependent on transit traffic and tourism.
Gulf airspace closure strands 300,000

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US F-15 crashes in Kuwait

Explosions were reported overnight in Iran’s capital Tehran as well as the nearby city of Karaj, Iranian media reported early Monday. Tasnim News Agency said airstrikes also targeted Isfahan, Yazd and Khuzestan. A joint US-Israeli military campaign launched Saturday has already killed several senior Iranian officials, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, Tehran has carried out drone and missile strikes targeting Gulf countries. Casualties from the escalation include three US service members killed and five seriously wounded, according to initial reports.
Explosions rock Tehran & Karaj overnight

Following the assassination of Khamenei, Iran struck a US base in Erbil, Iraq, with a Shahed‑136 drone. 🚀 Air defense systems, particularly MIM‑104 Patriot batteries, were deployed at the base in Erbil.
Iran struck US base

Plumes of smoke were seen rising from the vicinity of the U.S. Embassy in Kuwait, media reports said.
Plumes of smoke seen near US Embassy in Kuwait

Israelis take shelter at metro stations

Sirens sounded in Jordan and Bahrain on Saturday after missiles were launched from Iran toward Israel following Israeli and US attacks, officials said. In Bahrain, the Interior Ministry urged citizens and residents to remain calm and head to the nearest safe place after sirens were activated across the country. The ministry also called on the public to use main roads only when necessary to maintain public safety and allow authorities to operate efficiently.
Sirens sound in Jordan, Bahrain

Initial Israeli strikes on Iran on Saturday killed and wounded numerous Revolutionary Guard personnel, including key operational staff, ISNA news agency reported, citing a source. Further explosions followed the strikes in the cities of Qom, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Lorestan, the Mehr news agency said, indicating the attacks extended beyond the capital. Senior Iranian officials were also targeted in the Israeli attack on Tehran, according to Israeli media reports. Israeli Channel 12 said Israel is preparing in the initial phase for four days of intense joint attacks on Iran, citing a security official. In response, Ebrahim Azizi, head of Iran’s parliament National Security Committee, said in a post on US social media company X: “We warned you! Now you have started down a path which end is no longer in your control.”
Israeli strikes kill, wound Revolutionary Guard personnel

Explosions were heard in Tehran on Saturday, with thick smoke seen rising over parts of the city, as the Israeli defense minister said Israel launched a "preemptive" strike against Iran. Sirens also sounded across Israel, which declared a “special and immediate” state of emergency across the country that includes a prohibition on educational activities, gatherings, and workplaces, except for essential sectors. Israel's Channel 12 said the US and Israel launched the attack jointly. The strikes come amid diplomatic efforts between US and Iranian officials for a deal on Iran’s nuclear program. Badr Albusaidi, Oman's foreign minister, who mediated the talks, met US Vice President JD Vance on Friday. “I am grateful for their engagement and look forward to further and decisive progress in the coming days. Peace is within our reach,” he wrote on US social media company X after the meeting.
Israel launches ‘preemptive’ strike on Iran

Pakistan's defense minister declared "open war" with Afghanistan's Taliban government after border clashes. "Our patience has now run out. Now it is open war between us," Khawaja Mohammad Asif posted on X. The declaration follows intense overnight fighting after Taliban forces launched what they described as "large-scale offensive operations" against Pakistani military positions. Afghan authorities stated the operations were retaliatory, claiming Pakistani airstrikes on February 22 killed at least 18 Afghan civilians, including women and children. The civilian deaths appear to have triggered the Taliban's aggressive response. Casualty figures remain disputed and unverified. Pakistan reported that its operation, codenamed "Gazab Lil Hak," killed over 130 Taliban fighters. Afghanistan countered that 55 Pakistani soldiers were killed and several captured.
Pakistan declares 'open war' with Afghanistan

NYC mayor Mamdani shares suhoor with service workers

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“India stands with Israel firmly”

"Israel is the fatherland"

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Monday that the country is navigating "complex and very difficult" days amid escalating tensions with Iran, signaling growing concern over the prospect of a broader regional confrontation. Speaking before the Knesset, Netanyahu said the coming period would "touch the life of the nation," adding that "no one knows what tomorrow holds" and calling for national unity as Israel prepares for possible escalation. Opposition leader Yair Lapid voiced support for the government's tough stance while urging even more aggressive action. "You know I am the opposition leader and Netanyahu and I are rivals, but on this he is right. Iran must be attacked with full force," Lapid said, according to daily Yedioth Ahronoth. He called for striking Iranian oil fields and energy facilities, claiming such attacks would help bring down the "Ayatollah regime" even at the cost of diplomatic friction with Washington. "If a confrontation erupts, we will all set aside our disagreements," he added. Israeli Channel 13 reported that Netanyahu convened a "limited" security meeting with Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Mossad chief David Barnea, and Military Intelligence head Shlomi Binder to discuss the possibility of a US strike on Iran. Public broadcaster KAN reported that Israel is preparing for potential US-imposed restrictions during the first hours of an American attack, but would receive a "green light" to immediately retaliate if Iran launches ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv. US refueling aircraft reportedly landed at Ben Gurion Airport Monday evening, underscoring Washington's military buildup in the region.
Netanyahu warns of 'complex, difficult' days ahead amid Iran tensions

Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the war has become Europe's most devastating conflict since World War II, leaving a trail of human suffering, territorial loss, and economic destruction across the region. As the war enters its fifth year, the staggering toll continues to mount on both sides. According to the UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission, approximately 15,000 Ukrainian civilians have been killed and over 40,000 wounded, with 2025 proving the deadliest year for non-combatants. The conflict has triggered Europe's largest refugee crisis since the 1940s, with 5.9 million Ukrainians fleeing abroad and millions more internally displaced from a pre-war population of approximately 42 million. An estimated 5 million people remain in Russian-occupied territories, while thousands of children have been allegedly forcibly transferred to Russia. Military losses on both sides have been immense. Independent researchers estimate Russian forces have suffered 1.2 to 1.25 million total casualties, including at least 325,000 killed. Ukraine acknowledges approximately 600,000 military casualties, with an estimated 140,000 killed—though President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has given a lower figure of 55,000 soldiers killed. At the war's outset in 2022, Russia controlled about 26% of Ukrainian territory. Following Ukrainian counteroffensives and subsequent Russian advances, Moscow currently holds approximately 19.3% of the country—roughly 116,000 square kilometers—including most of Crimea, Zaporizhzhia, and Donbas regions. The war has dramatically inflated defense spending for both nations. Russia's military budget surged from $102 billion in 2022 to approximately $149 billion in 2024, while Ukraine's reached a record $71 billion in 2025—largely financed by Western support. International aid to Kyiv from the United States, European Union, and other partners has totaled $297 billion as of December 2025. Western sanctions have frozen more than half of Russia's gold and foreign currency reserves, with European authorities allocating these funds for Ukraine's military and reconstruction needs.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine by the numbers

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Iftar preparations in Gaza warzone

A Palestinian commission has accused Israeli prison authorities of preventing detainees of observing fasting “at the right time” during the holy fasting month of Ramadan. In a statement released Saturday night, the Palestinian Commission of Detainees’ Affairs said authorities at the Ofer Prison in the West Bank city of Ramallah refuse to alert detainees about the times of dawn and sunset prayers to allow prisoners to start and break their fast. “Prisoners observe Ramadan without suhoor (a pre-dawn meal), while iftar (a fasting-breaking meal) turns into a long ordeal,” Khaled Mahajneh, a lawyer with the commission, told the official Voice of Palestine radio. He said Palestinian detainees at Gilboa Prison in northern Israel were not alerted about the start of the fasting month of Ramadan, the holiest month in the Islamic lunar calendar. He said one of the prisoners learned of the Ramadan start while attending an Israeli court session. “For more than two years, Palestinian detainees are forced to eat only food scraps for iftar,” Mahajneh said. "The occupation is trying to erase the joy of Palestinian prisoners of religious occasions, and deliberately makes the joy of their families incomplete and painful over the abuse and torture of their sons behind bars,” he added. More than 9,300 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli prisons, including 350 children, and they face torture, starvation, and medical neglect that has led to the deaths of dozens, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights organizations.
Israeli prison authorities prevent Palestinian prisoners from Ramadan fasting ‘at right time’

Bangladesh has navigated a delicate electoral transition, completing general elections without the widespread violence many feared and signaling democratic maturation after years of political turbulence. The peaceful vote strengthens Bangladesh's regional position and offers the international community cautious optimism about the country's stabilization trajectory under incoming Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, whose Bangladesh Nationalist Party now leads the government. The election produced a noteworthy parliamentary arithmetic with Jamaat-e-Islami assuming main opposition status for the first time, enhancing representative diversity. Rahman's pre-inauguration courtesy visits to rival party leaders and Jamaat's acceptance of results while pledging constructive opposition suggest potential for rational political equilibrium essential for internal peace. The functioning of democratic institutions and constructive political transformation will determine Bangladesh's successful navigation of this critical period. Ankara demonstrated concrete commitment to Bangladesh's democratic process by deploying the second-largest observer mission and actively engaging through the Turkish Parliamentary Friendship Group. This support strengthened democratic mechanisms without interfering in internal affairs. Dhaka's decision to specifically invite Türkiye to Rahman's inauguration ceremony, where Deputy Foreign Minister Berris Ekinci represented Ankara, signals Bangladesh's recognition of Türkiye as a strategic partner. Such diplomatic gestures provide crucial confidence during transitional periods.
Türkiye's steady support for Bangladesh's democratic restoration

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has issued emergency instructions to senior aides outlining succession procedures and command structures in the event he is killed in a potential US or Israeli attack, The New York Times reported Thursday, citing Iranian officials, Revolutionary Guards members, and former diplomats. The preparations come as Washington considers military options following stalled nuclear negotiations. According to the report, Khamenei's directives cover authority delegation and command chains for emergency situations, establishing multiple layers of successors for key military and political positions. If communications are severed or he is killed, decision-making authority would transfer to close associates. The report also claims Khamenei elevated Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, to a central management role during recent protests, effectively placing him in charge of state affairs. Larijani reportedly managed crackdowns on demonstrations, handled sensitive nuclear diplomacy with Washington, and coordinated with allies including Russia, Qatar, and Oman while conducting war planning against potential US attacks. Iran has placed its armed forces on high alert, deploying missiles around Iraq and the Persian Gulf while conducting military exercises in preparation for possible conflict. Public statements from Khamenei have maintained a defiant tone, promising strong retaliation against any attack. The military posture reflects Tehran's assessment that the window for diplomacy may be closing, with President Trump stating clarity on a potential deal would emerge within days and warning that without agreement "bad things happen."
Khamenei prepares succession plan

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee argued that Israel has a biblical right to the land stretching from the Nile to the Euphrates rivers, saying, "It would be fine if they (Israel) took it all,” on a podcast released Friday. Huckabee made the remarks in an interview with US journalist Tucker Carlson, during which he defended Israel’s actions in the Gaza Strip and voiced support for the concept After Huckabee claimed Israel had a divine right to vast portions of the Middle East, Carlson asked him to clarify “what land are you talking about?” Interpretations of the biblical phrase “river of Egypt” vary, with some scholars identifying it as a riverbed in the Sinai Peninsula and others as the Nile. “It would be fine if they took it all,” Huckabee replied, referring to Israel’s biblical right to the territory stretching from the Nile River to the Euphrates. “But I don’t think that’s what we’re talking about here today. … They don’t want to take it over, they’re not asking to take it over,” he said. Huckabee said Israel is referring to the territory where the State of Israel currently exists and seeks to live in peace, emphasizing that Israel is not attempting to take control of Jordan, Syria, Iraq or any other country, but wants to safeguard its population. Carlson brought up allegations that Israel developed its nuclear program using stolen US materials. Huckabee did not deny that Israel has nuclear capabilities. When Carlson said, “I don't want anyone to have a bomb, including Israel. I don't know why we're okay with Israel having nuclear weapons ... It's mass murder,” Huckabee argued that Iran poses a genuine threat because of its nuclear ambitions and long-standing anti-American rhetoric, maintaining that deterrence helps preserve peace rather than provoke conflict. “What are the costs if they were to get a nuclear bomb? They’ve said for 47 years, ‘Death to America.’ They’ve targeted us. They’ve targeted President Trump specifically,” he said.
‘It would be fine if they took it all': US envoy says about Israeli biblical claims

Syrian children continue to face poverty, displacement, and education disruption despite a fragile recovery following political changes, UNICEF goodwill ambassador Muzoon Almellehan said Friday after a visit to the country. Briefing press in Geneva via link, she described both hope and hardship: communities are rebuilding, but millions of children remain vulnerable. At least 2.45 million children are still out of school, while 1.6 million more risk dropping out due to damaged infrastructure, poverty, and displacement. More than 4 million Syrians remain internally displaced outside camps, with another 1.35 million living in camps. "Without safety, children cannot learn. Without a school, there is no future," Almellehan said. According to Almellehan, explosive remnants of war remain a major threat, with nearly 1,000 incidents recorded and hundreds of child casualties. The continued presence of unexploded ordnance prevents safe return to communities and schools. Almellehan urged sustained international investment in education, health care, and basic services, warning that declining funding threatens progress. Young people, she said, are ready to rebuild the country but need opportunity rather than charity. The appeal comes as Syria grapples with massive reconstruction needs following years of conflict.
2.45 million Syrian children out of school

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Turkish schools launch Ramadan virtue awareness campaign

The United States is preparing to withdraw all approximately 1,000 troops from Syria, according to US media reports citing unnamed American officials, potentially ending a decade-long military presence in the country. The withdrawal process is reportedly underway and expected to be completed within two months, marking a significant shift in Washington's Middle East posture. The reported withdrawal follows recent US military transfers of key installations to Syrian government forces, including the Shaddadi base in Hasakeh countryside and the strategic Al-Tanf garrison located at the intersection of Syrian, Iraqi, and Jordanian borders. These handovers have fueled speculation that Washington is preparing to terminate its military footprint in Syria entirely, consolidating forces and equipment ahead of a full exit. Administration officials emphasized that the decision is not linked to current tensions with Iran but rather reflects a strategic reassessment of conditions on the ground. According to sources cited by The Wall Street Journal, the Trump administration has concluded that the PKK/YPG presence has been largely dismantled and that integration of these forces into President Ahmed al-Sharaa's Syrian army is proceeding, rendering the US military mission no longer necessary. The assessment suggests Washington views the original objectives that prompted intervention as substantially achieved. US forces first entered Syria in 2015 under the Obama administration, initially focused on combating Daesh/ISIS alongside local partners. The mission evolved over subsequent years to include countering Iranian influence, supporting Kurdish-led forces, and maintaining pressure on remaining terrorist elements. A full withdrawal would represent a major policy shift, aligning with President Trump's longstanding skepticism of foreign military entanglements and his campaign promises to bring American troops home from lengthy overseas deployments. The move would also fundamentally alter the security dynamics in northeastern Syria, where US presence has served as both a deterrent and a source of tension with regional actors.
US preparing to withdraw all 1,000 troops from Syria

German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius praised Türkiye's indispensable contribution to NATO's defense architecture on Wednesday, following his observation of the alliance's Steadfast Dart 2026 military exercise in the Baltic Sea. Speaking at a press conference, Pistorius emphasized that Türkiye "has always played a central role" in NATO and "today probably plays an even greater one," underscoring Ankara's growing strategic significance within the alliance. Pistorius specifically highlighted Türkiye's critical position on NATO's southeastern flank, describing the country as a "very important NATO partner" whose geographic location and military capacities are essential to alliance defense planning. He expressed gratitude for Turkish participation in the exercise and drew attention to Ankara's modern military equipment, noting that "the Turkish Navy's new amphibious boats, proven to be very high quality, possess remarkable capabilities." The minister's remarks acknowledged Türkiye's substantial investment in indigenous defense technologies and their operational effectiveness. The Steadfast Dart 2026 exercise, involving forces from multiple NATO members, demonstrates the alliance's ability to respond rapidly to security challenges across its territory. Pistorius observed that Türkiye's robust participation "shows that NATO is bigger than some believe," pushing back against narratives of alliance weakness or internal division. His commendation of Turkish contributions reflects the high value NATO places on Ankara's military assets, particularly in naval operations and power projection capabilities that strengthen the alliance's overall deterrent posture.
German minister praises Türkiye's 'central role' in NATO

Two Hindu leaders elected on a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) ticket are set to join the cabinet of the BNP-led government headed by Tarique Rahman, with one also expected to serve as Speaker. The appointments of Goyeshwar Chandra Roy and Nitai Roy Chowdhury have drawn attention to minority representation in the Muslim-majority nation of approximately 170 million people. Their inclusion has prompted debate in neighboring India, where critics have contrasted Bangladesh’s cabinet composition with the absence of a Muslim minister in India’s ruling party-led Union Cabinet. The discussion has intensified amid claims by some Hindutva groups regarding the safety of Hindus in Bangladesh. In the recent elections, the BNP secured a two-thirds majority, winning 209 seats with nearly 50 percent of the vote. Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami recorded its strongest performance, while the National Citizen Party emerged as a smaller but notable force. The polls also saw participation from 79 minority candidates across multiple parties, underscoring the ongoing focus on religious and ethnic representation in national politics.
Bangladesh appoints Hindu ministers

An elderly Muslim tea vendor in Uttar Pradesh was publicly threatened and compelled to remove his shop banner after members of a Hindu extremist group objected to the stall’s name. The incident occurred near the Roohery Bypass in Hathras district and was captured on video, which later circulated widely on social media. The tea stall operated under the name “Kundan Tea Stall” and displayed the words “Baba Shamsher.” Activists led by Deepak Sharma of Rashtriya Swabhiman Dal accused the owner, Shamsher Khan, of concealing his Muslim identity by using the name “Kundan.” When the vendor struggled to remove the banner, one of the men tore it down while police officers stood nearby. Officers were also seen asking the individual recording the video to stop filming. Legal specialists stated that Indian law does not prohibit business owners from choosing such names unless trademark or regulatory violations occur. “Running a shop under chosen name is not illegal,” a local lawyer said, noting no statute prevents Muslim citizens from using words like “Kundan.” Police have not issued a detailed public statement regarding action against those involved.
Hindu extremists target elderly Muslim

More than 80 current and former participants of the Berlin International Film Festival publicly criticized the event’s silence on the war in Gaza. Prominent figures including Javier Bardem, Tilda Swinton and Adam McKay signed an open letter arguing that cinema and politics cannot be separated, directly challenging remarks made by jury president Wim Wenders during the festival’s opening press conference. The controversy intensified after Wenders suggested filmmakers should remain outside political debates when questioned about the Gaza and Germany’s support for Israel. Following backlash, including the withdrawal of author Arundhati Roy, festival director Tricia Tuttle defended artists’ freedom of speech while maintaining that they should not be compelled to comment on every political issue. Signatories accused the Berlinale of censoring pro-Palestinian voices and called on the festival to explicitly condemn Israel’s actions in Gaza. The dispute has fueled wider discussions across the international film industry about artistic responsibility, political expression and institutional accountability.
Open letter condemning Berlinale silence on Gaza war

The Ibrahimi Mosque, revered by both Muslims and Jews who refer to it as the Cave of the Patriarchs, has long been a focal point of tensions in Hebron. Palestinians regularly face severe access limitations, with the site partially divided and subject to Israeli military control. Wednesday's closure coincides with heightened Israeli security measures across occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank for Ramadan, including age-restricted permits for Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased settler activity. The first day of Ramadan began Wednesday amid intensified Israeli operations across the West Bank since the Gaza war erupted Oct. 8, 2023. Palestinians view the escalating restrictions on worship, alongside killings, arrests, displacement, and settlement expansion, as part of systematic efforts to consolidate occupation and preclude a future Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. The International Court of Justice declared Israel's occupation illegal in July 2024.
Israel closes Ibrahimi Mosque to Palestinians

Indian Grand Mufti Kanthapuram A.P. Aboobacker Musliyar said that Muslims in India face no security threats following his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi. Speaking to media after the visit, he stated that he did not raise any grievances during the discussions and emphasized national development and social harmony instead. “There are no obstacles or security issues for Muslims in the country. Everyone is safe here,” Kanthapuram said, adding that the focus of his talks with the Prime Minister was on working together for India’s progress. He underscored the importance of unity beyond caste and religious differences. The meeting, held at the Prime Minister’s official residence and attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, has been viewed as politically significant amid ongoing debates on minority rights. Critics have described the remarks as an attempt to soften concerns, while the Centre’s outreach to sections of the Muslim community appears to be expanding. Discussions reportedly also touched on efforts related to Nimisha Priya, with diplomatic engagement involving Yemen noted.
Muslims are safe in India

Governments across the Islamic world have introduced modified working schedules for Ramadan, shortening daily office hours in both public and private sectors. The changes are intended to align workplace routines with the demands of fasting during the holy month.
Countries that revise working hours for Ramadan

The 2026 Munich Security Conference laid bare the contours of President Donald Trump's second-term vision for transatlantic relations: a hardened, transactional alliance where burden-sharing is non-negotiable and liberal internationalism gives way to civilization-focused power politics. Secretary of State Marco Rubio's address, punctuated by themes of "Christian values," migration crises, and deindustrialization, delivered a polished but unmistakable message—the post-war order is over, and Europe must choose: adapt to Washington's new world design or go it alone. Washington's strategic clarity now poses a direct challenge to NATO's collective defense ethos. The administration's "flexible realism" conditions American leadership on European defense spending increases, signaling that the alliance's normative foundation is being replaced by a pure power-interest calculus. Two paths emerge: either Europe dramatically boosts capabilities and command structures, transforming NATO into a European-led complement to US forces, or the alliance atrophies into a paper tiger. Rubio's pointed absence from a Ukraine session underscored that Europe must increasingly manage its neighborhood crises independently. Brussels faces an even more complex challenge. Trump's preference for bilateral engagement with individual European capitals over Brussels-based institutions amplifies centrifugal forces already straining the Union. The president's cultivation of ties with Italy, Poland, and Hungary, combined with implicit support for EU-skeptic parties, threatens to undermine common policy-making in defense, energy, and migration. With Germany and France grappling with domestic pressures, the window for deepening European strategic autonomy may be closing. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen's recent signals about moving toward a "multi-speed" Europe reflect growing acknowledgment that consensus-based integration faces paralysis under external pressure.
NATO or EU?

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has said that Sheikh Hasina’s stay in India will not obstruct efforts to strengthen India-Bangladesh relations. In remarks delivered in Dhaka, he argued that bilateral ties should extend beyond a single dispute, even as Bangladesh continues to press for Hasina’s extradition over human rights abuses during the 2024 uprising. He affirmed that legal proceedings against Hasina and former Awami League officials would proceed under Bangladesh’s judicial process. At the same time, he signaled openness to deeper trade and development cooperation with India, describing broader engagement as a “statesmanlike approach.” He highlighted upcoming negotiations over the Ganga Waters Treaty renewal, Farakka water-sharing issues, and border killings as matters requiring structured dialogue. Alamgir rejected calls for confrontation, stating that war with India was not an option and emphasizing the need for sustained diplomatic engagement. He also underscored reconciliation within Bangladesh, warning that revenge-driven politics could undermine democratic recovery following the 2024 unrest.
BNP says Hasina's presence in India won’t derail ties

Authorities in Bihar, India, have introduced restrictions on the open sale of meat ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. The directive calls for clearer regulatory oversight, including transparent implementation and simplified licensing procedures, with officials emphasizing safeguards against potential discrimination. The move places Bihar alongside other BJP governed states where meat sale regulation has generated political debate. Observers note that the issue has become increasingly sensitive, intersecting with broader discussions on minority rights, religious freedom, and governance. As Ramadan approaches, attention is likely to focus on whether the measure remains within the scope of municipal regulation or develops into a wider controversy within India’s ongoing discourse on majoritarian politics and constitutional protections.
Indian state enforces open meat sales restrictions

A Bosnian war criminal convicted for participation in the Srebrenica genocide died in a traffic accident Tuesday when his car veered off the road and plunged into a river near the town of Kladanj. Ostoja Stanisic, a former commander of the Zvornik Brigade's 6th Battalion, was found dead at the scene, authorities confirmed. The Bosnia and Herzegovina court had convicted Stanisic for his role in implementing the plan to forcibly expel Bosniak civilians from the UN-declared safe area of Srebrenica. Prosecutors established that Stanisic knowingly assisted indicted war criminals Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic, with his battalion accepting prisoners transported from Srebrenica and participating in security operations. Under Stanisic's command, detainees were held in a village school near Zvornik deprived of basic necessities, physically abused, with at least 20 subsequently executed. Stanisic was initially sentenced to 11 years imprisonment, but following a retrial, his sentence was reduced to five years in 2018. The conviction stemmed from his command responsibility during the July 1995 Srebrenica massacre, when Bosnian Serb forces overran the UN-protected enclave and systematically executed more than 8,300 Muslim men and boys. The incident remains Europe's worst atrocity since World War II, with thousands of victims still being identified from mass graves across eastern Bosnia.
Srebrenica genocide convict dies in Bosnia car crash

President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan arrived in Ethiopia's capital Tuesday for an official visit, receiving a warm welcome from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and other senior officials at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. The Turkish delegation's arrival marks another milestone in the growing relationship between Ankara and Addis Ababa, with both sides emphasizing the strategic importance of their deepening partnership. Prime Minister Abiy expressed his "greatest pleasure" welcoming Erdoğan to Ethiopia, which he described as "the Land of Origins." In a social media post, Abiy highlighted that the exchange of visits underscores the "strength of the deep partnership" between Türkiye and Ethiopia. He emphasized his anticipation for "productive discussions that will further deepen cooperation and strengthen the enduring bonds between our two ancient nations." The Ethiopian leader extended warm hospitality, noting Erdoğan would "never feel like a stranger but a dear friend" and suggesting they could share coffee "first discovered in these lands" while developing tangible partnership opportunities. The visit provides opportunity for high-level discussions on enhancing cooperation across multiple sectors, building on existing ties between the two countries. Türkiye and Ethiopia have cultivated increasingly robust relations in recent years, with this direct engagement expected to yield concrete outcomes. The official visit reflects Ankara's broader strategy of deepening engagement with African nations, recognizing the continent's growing geopolitical and economic significance.
Erdoğan arrives in Ethiopia for official visit

Different words, same blessed feeling. How do you say Ramadan Kareem in your language? 🌙 #Ramadan #Ramazan #RamadanKareem
Ramadan greetings in different languages

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a forceful call to action at the 62nd Munich Security Conference, warning that Europe faces a growing Russian threat requiring military preparedness and industrial integration. "We must be able to deter aggression and yes, if necessary, be ready to fight," Starmer declared, citing NATO assessments that Moscow could be positioned to use military force against the alliance by decade's end. Starmer emphasized that even if peace is achieved in Ukraine, Russia's rearmament would only accelerate, intensifying rather than diminishing the danger to European security. "The danger there will not be over for Europe. It will increase," he stated, urging comprehensive response to what he described as a full-spectrum threat. His remarks reflect growing European concern about long-term Russian military posture regardless of Ukraine conflict outcomes. Describing Europe as a "sleeping giant," Starmer pointed to the continent's economic superiority—more than ten times larger than Russia's—and substantial defense capabilities that remain underutilized through fragmentation. "When these are stacked together, the sum often comes out less than its true value," he observed, calling for integrated capabilities, coordinated spending, and a common European defense industry. "We must stand on our own feet as Europeans," he concluded, framing collective defense industrial integration as the only viable path forward.
Europe must prepare for war to deter Russian aggression

UpScrolled, a TikTok alternative developed by Palestinian-Australian software engineer Issam Hijazi, was temporarily removed from Google Play Store before being reinstated following widespread criticism. The platform announced the issue was resolved through "close cooperation" with Google. Launched in June 2025, the app gained prominence amid growing allegations that mainstream platforms engage in "shadow banning" of pro-Palestinian content. Its user base surged from 150,000 to millions within a single week. YouTube simultaneously faced backlash over its handling of US activist Guy Christensen, known for anti-Israel and pro-Palestine content. After his channel was suspended, online protests forced the video-sharing giant to reinstate his account. Christensen announced the development on X, confirming both his channel and revenue were restored. He celebrated the outcome as a testament to "the power of collective action and solidarity," highlighting how organized user responses can influence major technology companies. Both incidents underscore the growing impact of pro-Palestine online communities on digital platform policies. Social media users have increasingly voiced concerns about content moderation practices they perceive as biased against Palestinian voices. The coordinated responses to UpScrolled's removal and Christensen's suspension demonstrate how rapidly mobilized digital activism can challenge decisions by some of the world's most powerful technology firms. The reversals reopen questions about how tech giants handle politically sensitive content, particularly regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Critics have long accused platforms of inconsistent enforcement that disproportionately affects Palestine supporters. For global audiences including Türkiye, where public opinion strongly supports Palestinian rights, these incidents highlight both the vulnerabilities and potential of digital activism in holding powerful corporations accountable. The episodes suggest that coordinated user pressure may increasingly influence how technology companies navigate contentious geopolitical issues.
Google, YouTube reverse decisions after Palestine solidarity backlash

Appearing on Brian Tyler Cohen's "No Lie" podcast, the 44th American president addressed the enduring mystery surrounding UFOs and alleged government cover-ups. Obama offered his personal conviction on the matter in strikingly direct terms, telling listeners: "Aliens are real but I have never seen them." The statement has reignited public fascination with the possibility of extraterrestrial life. The former president specifically addressed the legendary Nevada military installation that has fueled conspiracy theories for generations. Area 51, a highly classified US Air Force facility in the Nevada desert, has long been rumored to house recovered UFOs and even alien bodies. Obama firmly debunked these claims, stating: "They are not being held in Area 51. Unless there is a massive conspiracy, there is no underground facility. If such a facility exists, they must have hidden it from the US president." The secretive base, officially a remote detachment of Edwards Air Force Base, was established in the 1950s primarily for testing experimental aircraft and weapons systems. Its extreme secrecy during the Cold War, when the U-2 spy plane and later the SR-71 Blackbird were developed there, naturally spawned speculation. Over decades, popular culture transformed the facility into the imagined epicenter of government-alien collaboration, where captured flying saucers and extraterrestrial beings are supposedly studied through reverse engineering. Obama's comments represent the most authoritative dismissal of these theories by a former US leader. Obama's remarks add a unique voice to the ongoing debate about humanity's place in the cosmos. While confirming no evidence of alien contact during his tenure, his personal belief in extraterrestrial life reflects a perspective shared by many scientists who consider the vastness of the universe makes other life forms statistically probable. For audiences worldwide, including in Türkiye where UFO sightings occasionally make headlines, the former president's candid comments bridge the gap between governmental authority and enduring public curiosity about what—or who—might exist beyond Earth.
Obama denies government cover-up at Area 51

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Soldiers' dorm turned into madrasah

Israeli authorities have planned to restrict Muslims' access to al-Aqsa Mosque for prayers during the upcoming Islamic holy month of Ramadan, a well-known Muslim scholar and former grand mufti of Jerusalem said in an interview with Anadolu. Sheikh Ekrima Sabri, former grand mufti of Jerusalem and head of the Supreme Islamic Council in Jerusalem, expressed regret for the Israeli administration's plan to restrict access to the third-holiest mosque for Muslims during Ramadan, which begins midweek. Israel's ill intentions were clear when Maj. Gen. Avshalom Peled was appointed as a new police commander in occupied East Jerusalem in the first week of January, a move seen as an attempt to advance plans by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Israeli newspaper Haaretz wrote, "It seems Ben-Gvir is doing everything he can to fan the flames." “Muslims welcome Ramadan with optimism, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad, who used to welcome the month at the end of Shaaban,” Sheikh Sabri told Anadolu. “But regarding Jerusalem, we regret the harsh measures the occupying authorities will impose on Muslims coming to Al-Aqsa Mosque.” He said: “Israeli authorities have already barred dozens of young men from entering the mosque and announced that they will not ease restrictions during Ramadan for worshippers arriving from the occupied West Bank.” “This means there will be tighter restrictions,” Sabri said. “The number of worshippers at Al-Aqsa will be lower than in previous years. This contradicts freedom of worship and disrupts Muslims’ observance of the fasting month.” Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from the West Bank usually travel to occupied East Jerusalem during Ramadan to pray at al-Aqsa Mosque. However, since the war began on Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli authorities have tightened restrictions at military checkpoints, limiting West Bank residents’ access to Jerusalem. Over the past two years, only small numbers have received Israeli army-issued permits, which Palestinians say are difficult to obtain. Authorities have not announced any special arrangements for Ramadan this year. In recent days, Israeli authorities also issued temporary orders against hundreds of Palestinian residents of East Jerusalem—most of them young men—banning them from entering al-Aqsa during Ramadan. Some of the orders extend up to six months. The measures come as Israel’s right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, faces criticism from Palestinian officials over what they describe as changes to the long-standing “status quo” at the site. However, local police have unilaterally allowed Israeli extremists to forcibly enter the mosque compound since 2003, despite repeated demands by the Islamic Waqf Department to stop the incursions. “There is no doubt the right-wing government aims to implement its aggressive plan regarding al-Aqsa Mosque,” Sabri said. “For years, they demanded public entries, open prayers, the use of ritual horns, and prostration. What were once hidden ambitions have now become public.” He added: “We have long warned that Israel seeks to impose sovereignty over the site and reduce the Islamic Waqf’s authority.” However, Israeli measures are not limited to al-Aqsa Mosque. They also extend to Palestinian neighborhood demolition in the occupied East Jerusalem in general, and especially those near the mosque. “The demolition policy is a racist, unjust, illegal, and inhumane policy, and it is an extension of Britain’s unjust policy in Palestine during the period of British colonial rule,” he lamented. Sabri urged Arab and Islamic peoples to extend help to Palestinians in Jerusalem and called on Arab and Muslim leaders to shoulder their responsibilities toward Jerusalem and al-Aqsa Mosque.
Israel plans to restrict access to al-Aqsa mosque

London's Metropolitan Police said on Friday that officers will prioritize gathering evidence over making arrests following a High Court ruling that said the UK government's ban on Palestine Action under terrorism legislation was unlawful. Judges said the proscription was “disproportionate” and “the nature and scale of its activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription.” However, the group will remain banned for now to allow for further legal arguments. The goverment said it will appeal the decision. In a statement released after the court’s decision, police, however, warned that the ban on the group remains in place and that showing support for Palestine Action is still a criminal offence. Still, Met Police acknowledged, the “unusual circumstances” may cause confusion among the public about what happens next. The statement said officers will “continue to identify offences where support for Palestine Action is being expressed, but they will focus on gathering evidence of those offences and the people involved to provide opportunities for enforcement at a later date, rather than making arrests at the time.” “This is the most proportionate approach we can take, acknowledging the decision reached by the court while recognising that proceedings are not yet fully concluded. “This approach relates solely to the expression of support for Palestine Action. We will continue to intervene and make arrests where we see people crossing the line from lawful protest to intimidate, to damage property, to use violence, to stir up racial hatred or to commit other offences.” Palestine Action was banned in July 2025 after members of the group entered a Royal Air Force base and spray painted two aircraft. The ban was challenged by the group's co-founder, Huda Ammori.
UK police say will no longer make arrests for supporting Palestine Action

US President Donald Trump on Friday signaled support for the idea of regime change in Iran. “Seems like that would be the best thing that could happen," Trump told reporters after a visit to Fort Bragg in the state of North Carolina. "For 47 years, they've been talking and talking and talking. In the meantime, we've lost a lot of lives while they talk. Legs blown off, arms blown off, faces blown off. We've been going on for a long time. So let's see what happens," he added. Trump also reiterated that "tremendous power" has arrived to the region. The US has steadily built up military forces in the region since Trump has threatened strikes against Iran following the eruption of countrywide protests in late December. "Additional power, as you know, and other carriers going out shortly, so we'll see it now, if we could get it settled for once," he said. When asked who he wants to "take over" Iran, Trump replied, "I don’t want to talk about that. There are people." Trump has said the US is prepared to deploy a “very big force” if ongoing negotiations with Iran fail. "Well, in case we don't make a deal, we'll need it ... If we have a deal, we could cut it short. It'll be leaving. It'll be leaving very soon. We have one out there that just arrived ... We have it ready. A big, a very big force," Trump told reporters when asked why he decided to send a second aircraft carrier to the region. His remarks came after local media reported that the US will send the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East to back up the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group. In North Carolina, Trump was asked what Iran could do to avoid a US attack. "If they give us the right deal, we won't do that — but, you know, historically, they haven't done that. I will say they want to talk. But so far, they do a lot of talking and no action," Trump replied. The president reiterated that the US does not want any nuclear enrichment by Iran. The US and Iran held indirect talks in the capital Muscat on Feb. 6 with Omani mediation to discuss Tehran’s nuclear program. The sit-down marked the end of a roughly eight-month suspension after the US launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities during an escalation of the Iran–Israel conflict in June 2025. Amid the negotiations, the US has significantly increased its military footprint in the region as Trump warns Iran that it must make a deal. Uranium enrichment remains a central point of dispute. The US demands Iran halt uranium enrichment and transfer highly enriched uranium out of the country. Washington has also sought to include Iran’s missile program and its support for armed groups in the region in the negotiations, but Tehran has repeatedly said it would not negotiate issues beyond its nuclear program.
Trump says regime change in Iran

The co-founder of Palestine Action on Friday won a legal challenge in the UK over the group's ban as a "terrorist organization." Huda Ammori had challenged the ban at a trial in the High Court in London, where judges ruled that the group’s proscription under terrorism legislation was unlawful. "The High Court ruled the Palestine Action ban is unlawful as it is disproportionate to free speech and the Home Secretary breached her own policy," Ammori said on X. "The court ordered the ban be quashed. Details of lifting the ban will be decided and completed at a later date." Overall, the court said in a summary published on its website, the proscription of the group was "disproportionate" and "the nature and scale of its activities falling within the definition of terrorism had not yet reached the level, scale and persistence to warrant proscription." Palestine Action, however, will remain banned to allow for further legal arguments. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said the government will appeal against the High Court's decision, arguing that the proscription of the group "followed a rigorous and evidence-based decision-making process," endorsed by the parliament. "I am disappointed by the Court’s decision and disagree with the notion that banning this terrorist organisation is disproportionate," she wrote on X. Palestine Action was banned in July 2025 under the Terrorism Act after members of the group entered a Royal Air Force base and spray-painted two aircraft, causing £7 million ($9.44 million) in damage, according to police. Hundreds of pro-Palestine activists have since been arrested across the UK. Former Labour Party leader Jeremy Corbyn termed the decision an "enormous victory for the Palestinian solidarity movement, for civil liberties and for our common humanity." "The real crime is this government’s complicity in genocide - and we will not rest until we have justice for the Palestinian people," he added, referring to Israel's war on Gaza that killed more than 71,000 people in over two years and destroyed the territory that now needs to be rebuilt.
Palestine Action group wins legal challenge in UK

🇻🇪 Venezuela has shipped crude oil to Israel for the first time since 2020. 🚢 The shipment is reportedly destined for the Bazan Group, one of Israel’s largest refinery companies, marking the resumption of energy trade that had been suspended for years. This move renews the flow of oil between Venezuela and Israel after nearly six years. 🛢 This development comes roughly a month after President Nicolás Maduro was abducted by American forces and taken to the U.S. mainland. In the post-Maduro era, Venezuela’s oil export routes have shifted rapidly, with sales that were previously conducted through limited channels now being redirected to different countries. 💰 The shipment to Israel represents one of the most significant steps in the new era for Venezuela under U.S. control.
Venezuela sends crude oil to Israel

NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte issued a forceful deterrent message to Russia on Thursday, warning that any attempt to seize territory for a land corridor to Kaliningrad through the strategic Suwalki Gap would trigger an overwhelming allied response. "Let no one think they can attack us, because our reaction will be devastating," Rutte stated during a press conference ahead of the NATO Defense Ministers' meeting. The Polish-Lithuanian border strip remains one of the alliance's most vulnerable flashpoints. Rutte confirmed that NATO leaders will convene in Ankara this July, with less than five months remaining until the summit hosted by Türkiye. The agenda will focus on implementing decisions taken at last year's Hague summit, including increased defense spending and industrial capacity building. Additionally, the alliance launched "Arctic Watcher," a unified command initiative consolidating NATO activities in the Arctic region in response to growing Russian military presence and Chinese interest in polar routes. The Secretary-General reported that 99% of military aid to Kyiv is provided by NATO allies, who also coordinate its delivery. Ukraine's new Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov will attend Friday's ministerial talks. Addressing European defense capabilities, Rutte acknowledged the continent cannot currently secure itself without the United States but praised accelerated European investment. "Europe is rapidly strengthening, defense spending is rising at a dizzying pace," he said, dismissing suggestions that U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's absence signals diminished American commitment.
NATO chief Rutte warns Russia

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Ramadan — the month of the Quran

In India, the International School of Bombay in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has been accused of segregating Muslim students into separate "M" classroom sections and organizing distinct annual functions for them on February 2, 2026, compared to non-Muslim students the next day. Parents from the Muslim-majority Khajrana neighborhood report unequal treatment, such as shorter events without dignitaries for Muslim children, past removal of Muslim surnames from school magazines, and entry denials for those in traditional attire, fueling claims of Islamophobia.
School in India segregates Muslim students

Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Tuesday that an assassination attempt against him was being planned, forcing him to reroute a helicopter flight he took on his way to the northern department of Cordoba. Petro made the revelation during a cabinet meeting in Monteria, where he said that the threat materialized Monday night as he traveled by helicopter to that city to address a severe flooding emergency. He said intelligence reports warned that the aircraft would be shot down at its intended landing site—where the lights had pointedly not been turned on—prompting a mid-air diversion. “I have to confess here that I was running away from being killed,” he said during the live broadcast, telling his cabinet that concerned for his safety and that of his children aboard the helicopter, he altered course and avoided his scheduled destination after his planned landing site was compromised. “We headed out to open sea for four hours, and I arrived somewhere we weren’t supposed to go, escaping from being killed,” he added. The accusation was made amid a spike in violence that is shaking up the election campaign three months before the presidential vote. The president attributed the plot to a "new drug trafficking cartel" that he said has targeted him since his inauguration in August 2022. But the most immediate source of tension in Cordoba involves the Gulf Clan, the country's most powerful criminal organization. The relationship between the government and the criminal group reached a breaking point last week, following Petro's high-profile meeting with US President Donald Trump. During the summit, the two leaders agreed to a joint manhunt for the Gulf Clan's top leader, Jobanis de Jesus Avila Villadiego, alias “Chiquito Malo.” In retaliation, the group suspended ongoing peace talks that had been held in Qatar, accusing the government of acting in bad faith. ​​​​​​​ This is not the first time Petro has reported such an attempt. In July 2024, a similar alleged plot prevented him from attending the traditional July 20 military parade.
Colombia’s president survives assassination attempt

Bangladesh is heading to the polls on Thursday for a general election widely viewed as one of the most consequential in its history — the first since the July 2024 revolution that ended India-backed dictator and ICT-wanted criminal Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule. The unrest that tumultuous year, prompted by controversial civil service job quotas, left around 1,400 people dead and thousands injured, according to the UN. Hasina was forced to flee to India, where she remains. Now, in the country’s 13th parliamentary election, more than 127 million eligible voters will determine the country’s new course after 15 years of Awami League rule and two years of interim governance. Notably, nearly one-fourth of the electorate are first-time voters. Many of them played a prominent role in the July-August 2024 protests and are now seeking a fundamental change in the country’s political and administrative culture. The general election will be held alongside a referendum on political and institutional reforms. Over 2,000 candidates -- representing more than 50 political parties as well as independent contenders -- are vying for the 300 seats in parliament. The parliament also has 50 seats reserved for women that are allocated on a basis of voter percentage to parties. The election has two main competitors, especially after Hasina's Awami League party was barred from competing: former allies the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami party. Both parties are leading alliances. 🔻The BNP is led by Tarique Rahman, who took the party helm after the death of his mother Khaleda Zia, herself a former premier. After living in exile in the UK for decades, he returned to Bangladesh following her passing. His party is leading a 10-party alliance. The BNP has put forward candidates for 292 of the 300 seats, keeping the remaining constituencies for its coalition partners. 🔺An 11-party alliance was also formed under Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami, which was banned for years under Hasina. It is contesting 224 seats. Dr. Shafiqur Rahman is the party’s leader. 🔸The National Citizen Party (NCP), whose leaders led the "July Revolution" that deposed Hasina's government, is also a part of the alliance. It is contesting 30 seats. The remaining seats are allocated to other coalition partners.
Bangladeshi voters to set nation's course in its first post-Hasina election

Following its recent administrative seizure of West Bank cities, Israel is now directing its efforts toward Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, raising alarms over a planned alteration of its Islamic character. A heavy Israeli police deployment in the city and escalating settler incursions into the holy compound signal a strategy of enforced spatial division, modeled after the earlier takeover of the Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron. The Ibrahimi Mosque in Hebron, one of Islam's four holiest sites, has been forcibly divided since 1997, with part of it converted into a synagogue under Israeli military control. Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has personally led raids on the mosque and removed Palestinian police officials. This systematic erosion of Islamic authority at a major holy site is seen as a direct precedent for Israel's actions in Jerusalem, providing a blueprint for imposing demographic and religious change through force and lawfare. Despite international agreements placing Al-Aqsa under Jordanian Islamic custodianship, Israeli settler raids under police protection have become frequent, with 21 documented incursions in January alone. During these raids, settlers perform Talmudic rituals in clear violation of the historical status quo. Simultaneously, Israel continues extensive excavations beneath the mosque grounds, allegedly searching for Jewish temple remnants, a practice that physically threatens the stability of the Islamic holy site and aims to lay historical claim over it. Israel is accelerating its demographic war in Jerusalem, using discriminatory property laws to evict Palestinian families from neighborhoods like Silwan, adjacent to Al-Aqsa. This "Judaization" campaign seeks to cement Israeli control over all of Jerusalem. While U.S. President Donald Trump has verbally opposed West Bank annexation, his administration has taken no concrete action to prevent the systematic steps that are dismantling Palestinian presence in Jerusalem and threatening the future of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Al-Aqsa Mosque after seizing control in West Bank

Hundreds of Muslim voters' names erased in India

Netanyahu's former bodyguard revealed that the Israeli prime minister's wife suffers from kleptomania, often stealing gifts and even towels from hotels during their stays together. Despite their son Yair once physically assaulting his father, she remains convinced that Yair will eventually succeed Netanyahu. The bodyguard added that Netanyahu himself habitually left restaurants without settling the bill, repeating this behavior on multiple occasions.
Israeli prime minister's wife suffers from kleptomania

In Kotdwar, Uttarakhand, India, Deepak Kumar's Hulk Gym has seen membership plummet from 150 to around 15 after he defended a 70-year-old Muslim shopkeeper from Bajrang Dal harassment on January 31. The incident, where Kumar called himself "Mohammad Deepak," sparked a viral video, communal tensions, protests, and an economic boycott by locals, leaving the gym nearly empty despite police FIRs and vigilance against further threats like a planned February 12 march. Facing Rs 40,000 monthly rent and Rs 16,000 home loan payments, the family depends on his elderly mother's tea stall, though some online support and visits from figures like CPI(M) MP John Brittas have emerged.
'Mohammad Deepak' pays heavy price for defending elderly Muslim

Indonesia is preparing a historic deployment of up to 8,000 troops to Gaza, positioning itself as the first nation to commit forces to phase two of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement established last year. The mission will focus on enforcing peace, stabilizing the enclave, and supporting humanitarian efforts in the region.
Indonesia prepares to deploy 8,000 troops to Gaza