Kazakhstan vows to fast-track AZAL crash investigation amid rising diplomatic tensions
Kazakhstan has vowed to speed up its investigation into the Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) crash near Aktau, as mounti...
Pope Leo XIV, in his inaugural Sunday noon blessing, called for peace in Ukraine, a ceasefire in Gaza, and the release of hostages, emphasizing humanitarian aid and unity during a message delivered from St. Peter’s Basilica.
Pope Leo XIV, in his first Sunday noon address as pontiff, appealed for peace and humanitarian action, urging a just resolution in Ukraine and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. He also called for the release of hostages and the swift delivery of humanitarian aid.
Speaking from the loggia of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo XIV reflected on the historical significance of peace, recalling the end of World War II and quoting Pope Francis in describing the global conflicts as a “third world war in pieces.”
The address coincided with Mother’s Day, prompting the pope to extend greetings to mothers worldwide, including those “in heaven.” The gathering at St. Peter’s Square, marked by the presence of Jubilee marching bands, responded with enthusiastic cheers and music as the basilica’s bells tolled.
This marked the pope's first return to the loggia since his historic election as the first American pope on Thursday, during which he also delivered a message of peace. Earlier in the day, he celebrated a private Mass near the tomb of St. Peter with the head of his Augustinian order, Rev. Alejandro Moral Anton.
The Kremlin is utilising the recent United States and Israeli military strikes on Iran to validate its ongoing war in Ukraine. Russian officials are pointing to the escalation in the Middle East as evidence that Western nations do not adhere to international rules.
Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Saudi Aramco closed its Ras Tanura refinery on Monday following an Iranian drone strike, an industry source told Reuters as Tehran retaliated across the Gulf after a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iranian targets over the weekend.
The Middle East crisis intensifies after the deadly attack on the compound of the Supreme Leader of Iran Ali Khamenei on Saturday that killed him, other family members and senior figures. Iran has launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. targets in the region.
U.S. President Donald Trump said the U.S. military has enough stockpiled weapons to fight wars "forever"; in a social media post late on Monday. The remarks came hours before conflict in Iran and the Middle East entered its fourth day.
Türkiye raised its security level for Turkish-flagged vessels in the Strait of Hormuz to Level 3 on Sunday (2 March). The development follows Iranian restrictions on shipping after U.S. and Israeli strikes and confirmation of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s death.
Strikes across the Middle East are intensifying, fuelling travel disruption, driving up global energy prices and forcing diplomatic missions to shut their doors as tensions continue to rise.
U.S. President Donald Trump has said the United States has a “virtually unlimited supply” of munitions and is capable of sustaining military action indefinitely, as the conflict with Iran entered its fourth day.
The United Nations has called for an investigation into a deadly attack on a girls’ primary school in Iran, which Iranian officials say has killed more than 100 children. The U.S. has said its forces “would not” deliberately target a school.
U.S. first lady, Melania Trump chaired a UN Security Council meeting on children and education in conflict on Monday (2 March), a move criticised by Iran as hypocritical following U.S. and Israeli strikes that triggered a UN warning about risks to children.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top news stories for the 3rd of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment