19:21

Middle East Conflict

U.S. counterterrorism head Kent resigns, says 'cannot in good conscience support' Iran war

Joseph Kent, head of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center, resigned on Tuesday (17 March), becoming the most senior official in President Donald Trump’s administration to step down over the war in Iran. Kent cited his opposition to the conflict, stating that Tehran posed no imminent threat.

14:47

South Caucasus

EU drops Kulevi port from sanctions list after Georgia and SOCAR vow to shut out Russia’s shadow fleet

The European Union has removed Georgia’s Kulevi oil terminal from its sanctions list after receiving assurances from both the Georgian government and Azerbaijan’s state energy company SOCAR that the facility will no longer be used in ways that could bypass sanctions on Russian oil.

14:45

View from Afghanistan

‘More than 400 killed’ in Kabul hospital strike as Pakistan rejects blame

More than 400 people were killed and around 250 injured in an air strike on a drug rehabilitation hospital in Kabul late on Monday, Afghan officials said, while Pakistan rejected the claim, calling it “false and misleading.”

14:37

Energy

Green energy corridor linking Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan moves forward

Kazakhstan’Kazakhstan’s lower house has approved plans for a green energy corridor with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Once implemented, the project would see renewable electricity generated in the two Central Asian countries transmitted to Europe via Azerbaijan.

14:28

Middle East conflict

Ali Larijani killed: What to know about Iran's late Security Chief

Iran has confirmed the death of its top security Chief, Ali Larijani after Israel claimed responsibility for his death. They also confirmed the killing of Basij commander Soleimani.

12:35

Trade

Will the Iran war provide an economic opportunity for Georgia?

When the current confrontation around Iran eventually fades into history, the real story for the South Caucasus may not be about missiles or military balances. It is likely to be about ports, railways and trade routes.

11:51

EU-Armenia

EU sends team to Armenia to counter democratic threats ahead of summer elections

The European Union will send a team to Armenia to counter democratic threats ahead of its parliamentary elections in June.   

08:00

South Caucasus

Azerbaijan court jails French national Martin Ryan for 10 years over spying

A court in Baku has sentenced a French national, Martin Ryan, to 10 years in prison after finding him guilty of espionage, according to reporting by Reuters and other outlets citing the Russian state news agency RIA.

07:59

Afghanistan-Pakistan

‘It was like doomsday’: Survivors describe devastation after deadly Kabul rehab centre strike

A survivor of the air strike on a Kabul drug rehabilitation centre described scenes of devastation, saying patients were engulfed in flames moments after explosions tore through the facility late Monday (16 March).

00:00

Middle East conflict

Trump says Iran’s Mojtaba Khamenei not seen after strike – Latest on Middle East crisis

President Trump called on countries to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, while Starmer said the UK is working with allies to restore navigation and stabilise oil markets. It comes as a strike near Iraq’s western border killed several Hashed al-Shaabi fighters, raising regional tensions.

18:33

Middle East conflict

Trump’s call to guard Hormuz shipping faces reluctant global response

Governments around the world are responding cautiously to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for countries to send naval ships to the Strait of Hormuz to protect commercial shipping and help restore the flow of global oil supplies.

16:58

View from Kyrgyzstan

Kyrgyz MP Shairbek Tashiev resigns after questioning by investigators

Kyrgyzstan lawmaker Shairbek Tashiev has resigned from parliament after being questioned by investigators. The Central Election Commission confirmed it has formally terminated his parliamentary mandate.

16:26

KAZAKHSTAN ELECTIONS

Kazakhstan to hold next presidential election in 2029, Tokayev says after constitutional referendum

Kazakhstan’s next presidential election will be held in 2029 in line with the Constitution, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said after voting in a referendum on a draft new Constitution amid debate over whether the reforms could signal a future transfer of power.

16:02

View from Afghanistan

China urges Afghanistan and Pakistan to hold talks and declare ceasefire

China’s special envoy for Afghanistan has begun visits to Kabul and Islamabad to mediate between the two countries, as cross-border clashes continue following Pakistani airstrikes inside Afghanistan in February.

15:13

Middle East Conflict

Israel set to approve mobilisation of 450,000 reserve troops as ground attacks in southern Lebanon step up

Israel is set to approve the mobilisation of up to 450,000 reserve troops at the request of the military, as Israeli forces begin further ground attacks in southern Lebanon against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah.

14:05

Baykar

Turkish drone manufacturer Baykar unveils UAV able to coordinate with other drones without humans

Türkiye’s leading drone manufacturer has unveiled its newest long-range kamikaze drone, capable of operating alongside other drones without human intervention. The K2 Kamikaze UAV, developed by Baykar, can carry out missions up to 2,000km from its launch point.

12:42

India

At least 10 dead in Indian hospital fire

At least 10 people have died after a fire broke out at a hospital trauma unit in eastern India on Monday (16 March). The victims, who were all patients, were being moved to safer areas away from the blaze when they died, officials said.  

08:29

Kazakhstan Politics

Kazakh voters approve new constitution that could allow Tokayev stay in power beyond 2029

Kazakhstan has adopted a new constitution that could allow President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to stay in power beyond 2029. The Central Election Commission confirmed that 87.15% of voters backed the constitution in a referendum held on Sunday (17 March).   

21:02

Middle East conflict

Iran is 'open' to talks on Strait of Hormuz, Iranian FM says - Middle East conflict on 15 March

Iran says it is open to talks with countries seeking safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz - disrupted by recent attacks - as Israel continues to launch wide‑scale strikes on Iranian infrastructure in the west. This live report tracks the latest developments.

16:37

Politics

Six more people evacuated from Iran to Azerbaijan

The process of evacuating foreign diplomats and citizens from Iran to Azerbaijan through the Astara state border crossing continues on Sunday (15 March), ensuring smooth and efficient transit for those arriving.