Strait of Hormuz blockade should continue says Iran's new Supreme Leader: Middle East conflict on 12 March
Iran should continue “blocking the Strait of Hormuz,” while the U....
European Union leaders agreed on Wednesday in Copenhagen to strengthen the bloc’s defences against Russian drones after recent airspace intrusions rattled Denmark and other member states.
The summit followed multiple incidents in which Russian drones entered Polish airspace and fighter jets flew over Estonia. Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Europe must be able to defend itself and called for increased production of drones and anti-drone systems, along with a European network to neutralise intrusions.
European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen highlighted the need for a “drone wall” — a network of sensors and weapons to detect, track, and neutralise drones. She said Europe’s eastern flank would be a priority, though the system would protect the entire continent.
Finland’s Prime Minister Petteri Orpo stressed readiness, while French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called for comprehensive approaches, including early-warning systems and deterrence capabilities. NATO forces have already responded to drone incursions with fighter jets, helicopters, and Patriot systems, shooting down several drones.
Russia has denied responsibility for the incidents and criticised Europe’s plans, with Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov calling a “drone wall” a bad idea.
The Copenhagen meeting also saw EU leaders discuss proposals to use Russian assets frozen in Europe to fund a major loan to Ukraine. While some leaders supported the idea, others expressed caution, and the Kremlin condemned it as “pure theft.”
The 32 countries belonging to the Internatioanl Energy Agency agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil on Wednesday (11 March), in efforts aimed at bringing down the price of crude oil, which has soared since fighting between Iran, Israel and the U.S. started at the end of February.
The U.S. should shut down its military bases in the Middle East, Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said on Thursday (12 March). His words were read out by a broadcaster on state Iranian television.
A towering lava fountain from Kilauea shot about 400 metres into the air late on Tuesday (11 March) on Hawaii Island, prompting temporary closures at Hawaii Volcanoes National Park and part of a key highway as volcanic ash and debris fell over nearby areas.
More than 68,000 children in eastern Afghanistan have been displaced after clashes between Afghan and Pakistani forces intensified along the border, according to a new report by Save the Children.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Freight transport on the China–Europe Railway Express grew strongly in the first two months of 2026, highlighting the growing importance of rail links between Asia and Europe. The network moved about 352,000 shipping containers between January and February, a 25% increase from a year earlier.
At least 64 people have been killed in southern Ethiopia following recent landslides and floods, the regional government’s communications office said on Thursday (12 March), citing local police
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 12th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
Norwegian police apprehended three brothers suspected of carrying out Sunday's (8 March) bombing at the U.S. embassy in Oslo, in an attack investigators have branded an act of terrorism.
Oil prices continue to fluctuate as a result of the conflict in the Middle East with Iran and the insecurity of ships sailing through the key Strait of Hormuz route. Iran has said it will target any ship linked to the U.S., Israel or their allies.
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