News
Venezuelan foreign minister brands US Secretary Rubio "obsessed" over leftist regimes
Venezuela lashed out at US Secretary of State Marco Rubio, branding him a “pathetic obsessed man” after he labelled Cuba, Nicaragua, and Venezuela as “enemies of humanity” and blamed them for the ongoing migration crisis in the region.
Colombia’s Petro claims cocaine “no worse than whiskey” in controversial broadcast
Colombian President Gustavo Petro sparked controversy during a heated live-broadcast cabinet meeting by claiming cocaine's illegal status stems from Latin American prejudice rather than science-based health concerns.
Iranian President rules out nuclear weapons programme to foreign diplomats
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on February 6 that Iran has never sought and will never seek nuclear weapons, stressing that verification of this stance "is not at all difficult."
Germany looks to repurpose Nord Stream 2 for green gas project
German authorities are considering re-tasking the Nord Stream 2 pipeline to deliver green hydrogen or natural gas from Finland.
France awards top military honour to Iraqi commander
France awarded its highest military honour to a senior Iraqi commander for his role in combating terrorism, Iraq's Joint Operations Command announced in Baghdad.
USAID spent $20mn on Iraqi Sesame Street project
A US senator has criticised the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) for spending $20mn on an Iraqi version of Sesame Street, among other projects she described as "wasteful and dangerous spending."
Israel's defence minister orders IDF to facilitate Trump resettlement plan
Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz ordered the IDF on January 6 to develop a plan facilitating voluntary emigration from Gaza, following US President Donald Trump's recent proposal to relocate Gaza residents permanently.
Iran unveils first drone carrier and 'Qahar' drone
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) unveiled its first multi-purpose drone carrier, the Shahid Bagheri, on February 6 in the waters of the Persian Gulf.
New Aga Khan takes helm of Ismaili Shi'ite Muslims
Prince Rahim al-Hussaini has been named the new Aga Khan, becoming spiritual leader of 15mn Ismaili Muslims following the death of his father in Lisbon aged 88.
Arson attacks against former ruling party rock Bangladesh
A series of attacks have targeted properties linked to senior figures of Bangladesh's Awami League, including businesses and murals associated with the party’s legacy, as unrest continues in the country.
US, Ukraine and Russia all soften their positions ahead of mooted ceasefire talks
Leaders in the US, Russia and Ukraine have all softened their positions slightly in the last week, making the start of ceasefire talks in the coming months more likely.
Xi Jinping, Thai PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra discuss online scams, strengthen ties amid global uncertainty
China's President Xi Jinping welcomed Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to Beijing on February 6, marking a significant moment in the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations.
Azerbaijan releases Russian 'golden judge' despite Moscow’s extradition request
Azerbaijan typically complies with such extradition requests, but relations with Russia have deteriorated recently.
Erste warns Romania needs further fiscal correction but downgrade risk remains low
Downgrade to junk only likely if Romania fails to show credible fiscal consolidation plans, says new Erste report.
Serbian pensioners rally in Belgrade to support student protests
Hundreds of pensioners turn out with banners saying "baby boomers are with you" as ongoing unrest tests the resolve of the Serbian government.
Malaysia rejects Trump proposal for Palestinian displacement from Gaza
Malaysia has issued a firm statement opposing any initiatives that would involve the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, responding to former US President Donald Trump's recent proposal
Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte impeached, senate to act after congress resumes in June
In a historic move, the Philippines House of Representatives impeached Vice President Sara Duterte on February 5, making her the second-highest official in the country to face such a charge.
Russian military in Ukraine riding on donkeys amid vehicle shortage
The Russian military in Ukraine is using donkeys and horses to transport ammunition due to a severe shortage of vehicles, war correspondents have claimed.The development follows previous confirmed reports of Russian troops resorting to civilian cars.
Kyrgyzstan resists Russian pressure to give sanctions-busting firms lenient treatment
Kyrgyz bank is latest entity to join US sanctions list.
Iran's largest carmaker shifts control to private sector in landmark deal
Iran's largest automaker Iran Khodro (IKCO) has transferred management control to private sector company Crouse Group following an extraordinary general meeting on February 5.