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 ...
The following story summaries are from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across Africa and beyond.
Voters across Benin cast their ballots on Sunday (11 January) to elect members of parliament and local government officials. The elections are the first nationwide vote since officials announced they had foiled a coup plot in December, heightening attention on the country’s political climate.
President Patrice Talon’s ruling allies are seeking to maintain control of the National Assembly as the country prepares for a presidential election next year. Talon is constitutionally barred from running again, making the parliamentary vote a key indicator of political alignment ahead of the transition.
Analysts say the elections represent an important test for the West African nation's stability, as the country looks to reassure both citizens and regional partners following the failed coup attempt and ahead of a crucial presidential race.
Israel has firmly denied reports suggesting it intends to relocate displaced Palestinians to Somaliland, a self-declared breakaway region of Somalia, amid growing regional and international scrutiny.
The reports surfaced shortly after Israel became the first country to recognise Somaliland as an independent state. Somalia’s federal government has strongly opposed the idea, warning that any transfer of people to the region would be illegal and a violation of international law.
Israeli officials said there are no plans to move displaced Palestinians to Somaliland and described the reports as unfounded.
Uganda has increased its security presence in the capital Kampala, deploying heavy military vehicles and joint patrols days before national elections on the 15 January, in a move authorities say is meant to prevent violence. The Ugandan military says the deployment is a precautionary measure aimed at deterring unrest and maintaining law and order.
President Yoweri Museveni, who has been in power for nearly four decades, is seeking another term in office. Security forces have warned that any attempts to disrupt the electoral process will be dealt with firmly.
However, opposition groups and human rights organisations have criticised the show of force, arguing that it creates fear among voters and may suppress political participation.
A long-running investigation has suggested that the street artist known as Banksy may be legally named David Jones. A report indicates that Jones was previously known as Robin Gunningham, a name long associated with Banksy, before legally changing his name several years ago.
A widening conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel has triggered escalating military strikes across the Middle East, disrupted shipping through the strategic Strait of Hormuz and raised concerns over global energy supplies. This live report tracks the latest developments.
North Korea fired what appeared to be a ballistic missile on Saturday (14 March), Japanese and South Korean officials said. The development comes amid the joint annual U.S.-South Korea "Freedom Shield" military drills and South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok's visit to Washington.
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.
Ukrainian drones struck an oil refinery and a key port in Russia’s southern Krasnodar region overnight (13-14 March), local authorities said, causing injuries and damage. In separate action, Russian air attacks on Ukrainian territory killed and wounded civilians near Kyiv, officials reported.
In a special edition of Context, Orkhan Amashov reports from Washington on the inaugural meeting of the Board of Peace, examining plans for Gaza’s reconstruction, a proposed stabilisation force, and the wider diplomatic impact of the U.S.-led initiative.
Here are the latest stories from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across the African continent.
Here are the latest stories from AnewZ’s Africa News programme, focusing on political and security developments across the African continent.
In today’s Prime Time, we covered the following conversations: Azerbaijan has shipped petroleum products to Armenia by rail for the first time in decades, marking a significant step toward economic cooperation and regional integration in the South Caucasus.
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