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 ...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 2nd of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
UK's Mandelson quits Labour over fresh Epstein payment claims
Former British cabinet minister Peter Mandelson has resigned from the Labour Party following new reports alleging he received $75,000 in payments from disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Mandelson, who was dismissed as Britain’s ambassador to the US last year over similar connections, strongly denied the claims but stated he was stepping down to avoid causing "further embarrassment" to Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s party.
Iran warns U.S. attack would ignite regional war
Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has warned that any American military strike would trigger an escalating regional conflict, even as Tehran pursues diplomatic channels through Türkiye and Russia. While Washington has deployed a naval force to the region following warnings from U.S. President Donald Trump, Iranian officials insist they remain open to negotiations despite their forces being on high alert.
Hundreds feared dead in DR Congo mine collapse
More than 200 people are believed to have died after a massive landslide struck the rebel-held Rubaya coltan mine in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The disaster, blamed on heavy rains and unstable ground in the M23-controlled North Kivu province, has claimed the lives of miners and local traders, though rescue efforts remain hampered by communication blackouts and insecurity in the region.
Israel reopens Rafah crossing in pilot scheme
Israel has reopened the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt for a "pilot operation," marking the first significant movement at the terminal in nearly two years. The reopening, a key component of the current ceasefire framework, will initially allow a limited number of Palestinian patients and their families to leave for medical treatment, with operations supervised by Egyptian and EU officials.
Pakistan security forces kill 145 militants in Balochistan
Pakistan’s security forces have killed 145 militants in the southwestern province of Balochistan during a 40-hour clearance operation following a wave of coordinated attacks by the separatist Baloch Liberation Army, according to authorities. The violence, which targeted multiple districts including Gwadar and Quetta, left at least 17 security personnel and 31 civilians dead, with Islamabad accusing external actors of fuelling the insurgency.
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.
Canada and the five Nordic countries have agreed to deepen cooperation in military procurement and other areas, in the latest push by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to build new global alliances.
Top U.S. and Chinese economic officials launched a new round of talks in Paris on Sunday (15 March) to resolve issues in their trade truce. The discussions aim to smooth the way for U.S. President Donald Trump’s visit to Beijing to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping at the end of March.
Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.
French voters head to the polls on Sunday (15 March) to elect their mayors in a closely watched ballot seen as a test of the strength of the far-right and the resilience of mainstream parties ahead of next year's presidential vote.
Tens of millions of Vietnamese were voting on Sunday (15 March) to elect members of parliament from a list of candidates almost exclusively fielded by the Communist Party, ensuring the party's continued overwhelming dominance.
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