Central Asian forecasters dismiss Iran 'acid cloud' rumours
Reports of so-called “acid clouds” moving from Iran towards Central Asia are not supported by scientif...
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro announced in a televised address on Saturday that his government has reached an agreement with the United States to resume repatriation flights of Venezuelan migrants, with the first flights scheduled to begin on Sunday.
“Tomorrow, thanks to the government's perseverance, we'll resume flights to continue rescuing and freeing migrants from prisons in the United States,” Maduro declared. The move comes amid escalating tensions over recent deportation flights that sent hundreds of Venezuelan migrants to El Salvador as part of President Donald Trump’s rapid U.S. deportation program.
In a related development, Venezuela’s Parliament President Jorge Rodríguez released a statement earlier in the day confirming the deal, emphasizing that “migrating isn't a crime, and we won't rest until everyone who wants to return is back and we rescue our kidnapped brothers in El Salvador.” Families and legal representatives, who have been desperate for news regarding their missing relatives, welcomed the decision, hoping it would pave the way for reuniting those stranded abroad.
The decision to resume repatriation flights comes as part of an ongoing diplomatic spat between Venezuela and the United States over the handling of Venezuelan migrants. Maduro specifically criticized El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele for the deportations, stating, “To Nayib Bukele, El Salvador's President, we say that you're responsible,” and urging that the affected migrants—allegedly not involved in any criminal activity—be treated with respect for their health and rights.
While the White House did not immediately respond to requests for comment, U.S. officials have maintained that the deportees were identified as members of Venezuela's Tren de Aragua gang—a claim that Venezuela's interior minister has denied. The Trump administration now faces a March 25 deadline to provide further details on the deportations, as U.S. District Judge James Boasberg reviews whether officials violated his order that temporarily blocked the expulsions.
The resumption of these flights marks a critical juncture in ongoing efforts to address the humanitarian fallout from the U.S. deportation policies and highlights the delicate balance between enforcing immigration controls and safeguarding the rights of migrants.
Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is a hardline cleric with strong backing from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. His rise signals continuity in Tehran's anti-Western policies.
Global oil prices surpassed $119 a barrel on Monday (9 March, 2026), an almost four year high, as the Middle East conflict rumbled on.
Welcome to our live coverage as the conflict involving Iran enters its 11th day. Tensions in the region remain high as the United States and Iran exchange increasingly sharp warnings 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.
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.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 10th of March, covering the latest developments you need to know.
U.S. President Donald Trump called his recent phone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin “very good.” The two leaders spoke on Monday about the situation in Iran and other international issues.
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