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 ...
President Donald Trump has named newly confirmed FBI Director Kash Patel as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF). The move consolidates Patel’s leadership over two major law enforcement agencies during a period of transition.
President Donald Trump has appointed Kash Patel, the newly confirmed FBI Director, as the acting head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), a source familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Patel, a strong Trump ally, secured his role as FBI Director despite Democratic and moderate Republican opposition. His appointment to oversee the ATF comes at a time of shifting enforcement priorities within the administration.
A known advocate for gun rights, Patel has received backing from pro-firearm groups such as Gun Owners of America. His leadership at the ATF is expected to prioritise deregulation, aligning with Trump’s criticism of the agency for its handling of gun licenses.
The appointment follows a major shakeup at the ATF. Attorney General Pam Bondi recently fired the agency’s Chief Counsel, Pamela Hicks, citing claims that the office was unfairly targeting gun owners. Bondi has redirected the ATF’s focus towards immigration enforcement, a move that has drawn controversy.
Trump’s administration has increasingly consolidated leadership positions. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also serves as Acting Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), which Trump aims to dissolve. Similarly, Russ Vought, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, is Acting Head of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, another agency targeted for elimination.
The dual roles signal a broader strategy to reshape federal agencies under Trump’s second term, potentially redefining their missions to align with his administration’s priorities.
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.
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.
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.
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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