Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 11th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
The United Nations Security Council is set to convene today to vote on two competing resolutions aimed at addressing the escalating crisis in the Middle East. A major draft, sponsored by over 90 nations, demands an immediate halt to all Iranian and proxy attacks against six Gulf states and Jordan, whilst explicitly condemning any threats to international shipping in the vital Strait of Hormuz. Conversely, a rival resolution tabled by Russia avoids naming specific countries entirely, instead offering a broad condemnation of violence against civilians and urging all parties to lay down their arms and return to the negotiating table.
Meteorological services across Central Asia have firmly dismissed widespread social media rumours suggesting that "acid clouds", formed by U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iranian oil infrastructure, are drifting towards the region. Following reports of dark, acidic precipitation in Tehran after approximately 30 oil storage tanks were targeted, experts from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan clarified that hazardous pollutants dissipate significantly over long distances through natural atmospheric mixing. With monitoring data showing no trace of harmful emissions approaching their borders, authorities are urging the public to rely exclusively on official environmental updates and disregard the unfounded speculation.
The United States has officially designated Taliban-led regime in Afghanistan as a "State Sponsor of Wrongful Detention", accusing the regime of utilising hostage diplomacy to extract political concessions from Washington. Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanded the immediate release of multiple detained American citizens, warning that the U.S. will impose "harsh consequences" for the continued use of such terrorist tactics. In response, the Afghan foreign ministry expressed regret over the designation, denying that foreign nationals are being held for diplomatic leverage and insisting that ongoing talks with Washington remain constructive.
China's top economic planner has announced significant increases to the retail prices of petrol and diesel, raising costs by approximately 695 yuan and 670 yuan per metric tonne respectively in response to surging global crude oil prices. While the immediate adjustments are a direct result of the geopolitical volatility gripping international energy markets, the price hikes coincide with Beijing's aggressive, long-term strategy to reduce fossil fuel dependency. Under its 15th Five-Year Plan, the world's largest electric vehicle market is heavily investing in smarter, greener transport networks and expansive charging infrastructure to accelerate the transition away from combustion engines.
Iran has launched its "most intense and heaviest" missile barrage to date against U.S. and Israeli targets across the region, according to state media reports cited by AFP. The unprecedented overnight salvo comes just as Washington significantly escalates its own military campaign; the U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously warned that Tuesday would mark the absolute peak of 'Operation Epic Fury', featuring the highest volume of American bombers and fighter jets deployed against Tehran since the conflict began.
Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile and drone strikes across the Middle East - all the latest updates throughout the day on AnewZ...
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reporte...
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the...
Tensions are rising in the South Caucasus after a reported strike near Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan exclave, fuelling fears that instability linke...
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including thr...
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reported a man inside the vehicle set himself alight. Three others were injured and taken to hospital, while authorities continue their investigation.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
Iran and the U.S. exchanged threats on Tuesday, as U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned Tehran to expect the “most intense day" of attacks so far. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “anyone who entertains the illusion of destroying Iran knows nothing of history."
The Strait of Hormuz has become a focal point of global concern as tensions rise following the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel. Tehran has threatened to block the strategic waterway, raising fears of disruption to global oil shipments and energy markets.
Tensions in the region remained high on Tuesday (10 March), as the United States and Iran exchanged increasingly sharp warnings, including threats over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a critical artery for global oil supplies.
China has urged Afghanistan and Pakistan to resolve their dispute through dialogue after Chinese envoy Yue Xiaoyong met Afghan Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, as fighting between the two neighbours entered its eleventh day.
Entry and exit across the state border between Azerbaijan and Iran for all types of cargo vehicles, including those in transit, will resume on 9 March, according to a statement by the Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan.
Iranian civilian and military officials have pledged their obedience to the new leader, Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Khamenei, with President Masoud Pezeshkian saying his leadership “will herald a new era of dignity and authority for the Iranian nation.”.
Kazakhstan has evacuated more than 7,300 citizens from the Middle East since regional tensions escalated, using both air and land routes to bring nationals home while closely monitoring political developments and potential economic effects linked to rising oil prices.
At least six people have died after a bus caught fire in Kerzers, Switzerland, in what police say may have been a deliberate act. Witnesses reported a man inside the vehicle set himself alight. Three others were injured and taken to hospital, while authorities continue their investigation.
Iran and Israel continue to exchange missile and drone strikes across the Middle East - all the latest updates throughout the day on AnewZ
U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Mike Waltz, has addressed the U.N. Security Council, saying the world must consider how effective its engagement with the Taliban-run country is as millions face hunger.
British MPs have rejected a proposal to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for under-16s, opting instead to give ministers flexible powers to impose restrictions on platforms.
Australia has granted humanitarian visas to five Iranian women footballers who sought asylum, fearing persecution after refusing to sing their national anthem at an Asia Cup match.
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