Iran’s supreme leader said the United States has faced a serious defeat and rejected President Donald Trump’s warning about a possible U.S. naval blockade that could last for months. A conflict expert said Iran will not give in and called the U.S. attack a mistake.
Key Facts
Iran’s supreme leader declared the U.S. has suffered a shameful defeat.
President Donald Trump warned that the U.S. may enforce a naval blockade on Iran lasting months.
Iran rejected this warning and said they will not surrender or give in.
Oliver McTernan, a conflict resolution expert, said Iran will not capitulate.
McTernan described the U.S. aggression toward Iran as a miscalculation.
The expert spoke during an interview with FRANCE 24 journalist Sharon Gaffney.
The ongoing tensions involve threats of economic and military pressure by the U.S. on Iran.
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Brazil’s congress has approved a law that reduces the prison sentence of former president Jair Bolsonaro, who was convicted of attempting a coup. The lower house overturned President Lula’s veto, and the senate agreed, but a supreme court justice must confirm the change for it to take effect.
Key Facts
Jair Bolsonaro was convicted of trying to overthrow Brazil’s 2022 election results.
Congress passed a bill to lower Bolsonaro’s prison sentence from 27 years and 3 months to 22 years and 1 month.
The time Bolsonaro would spend in a strict prison regime could also be shortened, possibly allowing him to move to a less strict regime by 2028.
President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva vetoed the bill in January, but Congress overrode his veto in both the lower house and the senate.
Bolsonaro is currently under house arrest and his sentence reduction requires a supreme court review and approval.
The bill affects about 280 others convicted for their roles in the attempted coup.
Lula’s nominee for the supreme court was rejected by the senate, marking a rare defeat for a sitting president in Brazil.
The political battle reflects deep divisions ahead of Brazil’s upcoming election, where Lula and Bolsonaro’s son Flávio are major competitors.
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The UK government has raised the terrorism threat level from "substantial" to "severe," meaning a terrorist attack is highly likely in the next six months. This decision follows a stabbing attack on two Jewish men in London and reflects growing threats from Islamist and extreme right-wing groups.
Key Facts
Two Jewish men were stabbed in Golders Green, north London, in an attack treated as terrorism.
The UK terrorism threat level was raised to "severe," the second-highest level, indicating a high chance of attack.
The rise in threat is linked to increased Islamist and far-right extremist dangers.
The last time the threat level was "severe" was in February 2022.
The attacker, Essa Suleiman, a British citizen originally from Somalia, is in custody accused of attempted murder.
Suleiman had previously been referred to a government anti-terror program called Prevent, but the case was closed in 2020.
Recent months have seen several attacks on the UK Jewish community, including a deadly assault in Manchester last year and attacks on synagogues in London.
Security decisions were made by the Joint Terrorism Analysis Centre (JTAC), independent from government ministers.
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Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe became the first person to officially run a marathon in under two hours, finishing in 1 hour 59 minutes and 30 seconds in London. After his achievement, President William Ruto of Kenya welcomed and praised Sawe for his success.
Key Facts
Sabastian Sawe is a runner from Kenya.
He ran a marathon in less than two hours for the first time officially.
His time was 1 hour, 59 minutes, and 30 seconds.
The marathon race took place in London.
President William Ruto of Kenya greeted Sawe at State House.
President Ruto said Sawe expanded what humans can do.
Sawe dedicated his record to Kenya.
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US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said reports that the US might review its support for the UK's claim over the Falkland Islands were just based on one internal email and called the reaction overblown. The US maintains a neutral position on the dispute between the UK and Argentina, recognizing British administration but not taking sides on sovereignty claims.
Key Facts
The Falkland Islands are a British overseas territory claimed also by Argentina.
Argentina invaded the islands in 1982 but was defeated by British forces after 10 weeks.
The US has recognized British control but officially stays neutral in the sovereignty dispute.
A leaked Pentagon email suggested the US might reconsider its position on the Falklands as part of wider NATO-related issues, but Rubio clarified it was just an "email with some ideas."
The Falkland Islanders have voted overwhelmingly to remain under British rule, including a 2013 referendum with over 90% turnout and almost unanimous support.
The UK keeps a military presence of over 1,000 forces on the islands for defense.
The US and UK have cooperated militarily, but the UK did not join US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which upset President Donald Trump.
Rubio discussed the Falklands issue with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper, reaffirming the US's neutral stance.
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Palestinian journalist Ali al-Samoudi was released from an Israeli prison in poor health, showing signs of severe weight loss and possible mistreatment. His family said he was held without formal charges and worried about his safety while in custody.
Key Facts
Ali al-Samoudi is a Palestinian journalist.
He was held in an Israeli prison.
He was released showing serious weight loss.
There are visible signs that suggest he was mistreated or tortured.
He was held without any official charges against him.
His family feared he might die while in prison.
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The U.S. and Israel began joint military actions against Iran on February 28. Since then, 13 U.S. service members have died, and many others have been hurt. Iran has responded with counterattacks in the Persian Gulf region.
Key Facts
The joint U.S.-Israel military operation against Iran started on February 28.
The conflict has lasted for more than two months.
13 U.S. service members have died in this conflict so far.
Hundreds of U.S. personnel have been wounded.
Iran has launched counterstrikes in the Persian Gulf area.
The conflict involves military actions and responses between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
The ongoing situation highlights tensions in the Middle East, especially around the Persian Gulf.
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A man who shared a jail cell with Jeffrey Epstein said he found a note inside a book in July 2019, one month before Epstein died. The note, which may be a suicide note, was reportedly sealed away during legal cases and not seen by investigators reviewing Epstein’s death.
Key Facts
Nicholas Tartaglione, Epstein’s cellmate, said he found a note inside a book in Epstein’s cell in July 2019.
The note allegedly said investigators found nothing on Epstein and included words like "time to say goodbye."
The note has been sealed as part of Tartaglione’s criminal case and was reportedly not available to investigators checking Epstein’s death.
The New York Times has asked a judge to unseal the note.
Epstein died by apparent suicide on August 10, 2019, in a New York City jail while awaiting trial.
The Department of Justice said it could not comment on the note because they have not seen it and have produced millions of pages of records related to the case.
Epstein was held at the Metropolitan Correctional Center in Manhattan.
The note’s authenticity was reportedly confirmed by Tartaglione’s attorneys, but questions remain.
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Activist Omer Aslan said that Israel stopped 22 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla on Wednesday. Despite this, he said the remaining boats will continue to try to bring humanitarian help to Gaza.
Key Facts
Israel intercepted 22 boats from the Global Sumud Flotilla.
The incident happened late on Wednesday.
The Global Sumud Flotilla is trying to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Activist Omer Aslan said the interception will not stop the flotilla’s mission.
Aslan described how his own boat managed to avoid the Israeli actions.
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Pavel Talankin, co-director of the Oscar-winning documentary "Mr Nobody Against Putin," lost his Oscar statuette after TSA agents at New York's JFK airport made him check it as luggage. The statuette was packed in a cardboard box for the flight but went missing by the time Talankin arrived in Frankfurt, Germany.
Key Facts
Pavel Talankin is the star and co-director of the documentary "Mr Nobody Against Putin," which won an Academy Award.
TSA agents at JFK airport said the 8.5-pound Oscar could be used as a weapon and forced Talankin to check it in instead of carrying it on the plane.
Talankin had previously flown with the Oscar without problems.
Lufthansa airline agents wrapped the Oscar in bubble wrap and labeled the box for transport.
The box containing the Oscar did not arrive in Frankfurt, and Lufthansa reported it lost.
An executive producer and co-director expressed surprise that an Oscar would be forced into checked baggage and questioned whether Talankin’s treatment was related to his background or language skills.
Talankin originally left Russia with footage for the film, which criticizes Russian propaganda and is banned in Russia for promoting negative views of the government.
The film highlights how people lose their countries through small acts that support oppressive systems.
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Mali held a tribute for its Defence Minister, Sadio Camara, who was killed last weekend. The article also mentions other news, such as a Kenyan runner’s success in the London Marathon and a new documentary about Winnie Mandela.
Key Facts
Defence Minister Sadio Camara of Mali died last weekend.
Mali held a tribute to honor him.
Kenyan runner Sabastian Sawe received a hero's welcome after his London Marathon achievement.
A new Netflix documentary about Winnie Mandela has been released.
The article references ongoing issues in Mali, including attacks and rebel activity.
It also briefly mentions other international news topics unrelated to Mali.
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Israel has caused large-scale damage to homes and civilian buildings in Lebanon, forcing about 20% of the people to leave their homes. Israeli officials say they are using the same military methods in Lebanon that they used earlier in Gaza.
Key Facts
Israel has destroyed many homes and civilian facilities in Lebanon.
One-fifth of Lebanon’s population has been displaced because of the damage.
Israel’s defense minister confirmed using similar tactics in Lebanon as in Gaza.
The article includes insights from experts on Lebanon, Middle East wars, and humanitarian protection.
The experts discuss the impact of military actions on civilians in Lebanon.
The situation reflects broader regional conflicts involving Israel.
The discussion involves perspectives from groups like Human Rights Watch and Oxfam.
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President Donald Trump said he is okay with Iran playing at the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in the US, Canada, and Mexico. FIFA confirmed that Iran will participate and play their games in the United States, despite recent political and diplomatic tensions.
Key Facts
President Trump said, “If Gianni [FIFA President Infantino] said it, I’m OK,” referring to Iran’s participation.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran will play in the 2026 World Cup as planned.
The 2026 World Cup will be held in the US, Canada, and Mexico.
Iran’s presence was uncertain due to rising US-Iran tensions after the war between the US and Israel against Iran began in February.
Iran wanted to move their group games from the US to Mexico, but FIFA rejected this request.
Iran’s soccer officials left a FIFA meeting in Canada early after a conflict with Canadian border officers.
Canada labeled Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) a terrorist group and barred related individuals from entering.
Iran’s national team will be based in Tucson, Arizona, and play against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt in Group G.
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Oil prices went up sharply to $126 per barrel, reaching their highest point in four years. This increase happened because of tensions related to the conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
Oil prices rose to $126 a barrel, the highest level in four years.
The price surge occurred overnight from Wednesday to Thursday.
The rise in oil prices is linked to the conflict involving Iran.
After reaching the peak, oil prices fell again.
The news was reported by CBS News MoneyWatch correspondent Kelly O'Grady.
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The first direct commercial flight from the United States to Venezuela in seven years took off from Miami to Caracas. This happened after the U.S. captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in January and renewed diplomatic relations in early March.
Key Facts
Direct flights between the U.S. and Venezuela had been suspended for seven years.
A flight from Miami to Caracas took place on Thursday, marking the resumption of direct travel.
The resumption follows the U.S. capturing former President Nicolas Maduro in January.
Diplomatic relations between the U.S. and Venezuela were restored in early March.
The flight represents a significant step in improving ties between the two countries.
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Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, said the United States has been defeated in its conflict with Iran and claimed the US only belongs "at the bottom of" the Persian Gulf waters. He emphasized Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz and vowed to protect the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities despite US efforts to limit them.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei became Iran’s supreme leader on March 9, 2026.
Khamenei’s statement was made on Iran’s national "Persian Gulf" day and was read on state television.
He declared that the US is defeated in its military efforts against Iran and stated the US belongs only underwater in the Persian Gulf.
Iran claims new control and legal management over the Strait of Hormuz, a key global oil route.
The US, led by President Donald Trump, has imposed a naval blockade on Iran to stop its oil exports.
Oil prices rose to $126 per barrel due to tensions and restricted oil flow through the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump is considering new diplomatic plans with allies to keep the strait open while continuing the blockade on Iranian ports.
Iran denies that its nuclear program is for weapons and pushed to delay related negotiations.
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The Metropolitan police chief criticized Green party leader Zack Polanski for sharing a post that questioned how officers arrested a suspect involved in a stabbing attack in Golders Green, London. The police say the arrest was necessary to protect the community and warn that public criticism could discourage officers from doing their jobs.
Key Facts
Two Jewish people were stabbed in Golders Green, a neighborhood in north-west London.
Police arrested a 45-year-old man and used a stun gun to control him.
The attack is being treated as terrorism, and the Crown Prosecution Service is involved.
Zack Polanski shared a post accusing police of using excessive force on the suspect.
Met Police Chief Mark Rowley said the post was inaccurate and praised officers for their actions.
Rowley warned that criticizing police publicly could discourage them and harm community safety.
The Jewish community in London has faced multiple targeted attacks recently and feels scared.
The Green party expressed solidarity with the Jewish community and said more information about the police response is needed.
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Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has condemned Israel for capturing three journalists on a Gaza aid flotilla while it was in international waters. The Israeli military stopped the flotilla, detained 211 people, and held the journalists, raising concerns about their safety and international law violations.
Key Facts
Three journalists on the Gaza-bound Global Sumud Flotilla were detained by Israeli forces in international waters.
The journalists are Hafed Mribah and Mahmut Yavuz from Al Jazeera, and Alex Colston from US media outlet Zeteo.
RSF and Al Jazeera held Israel responsible for the journalists' safety.
The flotilla was intercepted off Greece's Peloponnese Peninsula, far from Gaza’s coast.
Israel detained 211 people from 22 out of 58 vessels on the flotilla and plans to transport them to Greece.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez accused Israel of breaking international law and suggested the EU freeze ties with Israel.
Past reports and testimonies describe harsh treatment and abuse of detained Palestinian journalists by Israeli authorities.
Israel denies allegations of mistreatment, calling them “fake news.”
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Keir Starmer, the current Labour Party leader in the UK, faces uncertainty about his leadership ahead of the May elections. While some MPs question his future, many believe removing him now could cause instability during ongoing challenges like the cost of living crisis. Other potential leaders like Angela Rayner and Andy Burnham remain under consideration, but face their own obstacles.
Key Facts
Keir Starmer’s public approval is low, but most Labour MPs want to avoid a messy leadership change.
Many MPs worry about a lack of a strong alternative leader within the party.
Angela Rayner left the cabinet due to tax issues but might return if given a significant role.
Rayner wants to avoid triggering a leadership contest and is still under investigation for underpaid stamp duty.
Andy Burnham, Greater Manchester mayor, is popular with the public and MPs but is still outside Westminster politics.
Some Labour MPs think a leadership change during a cost of living crisis would look selfish to voters.
Starmer’s supporters say he has time to improve the party’s standing before the next general election in 2029.
There is ongoing debate about who could realistically succeed Starmer if he steps down.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that Iran will take part in the 2026 World Cup and will play matches in the United States. He emphasized that football helps bring people together despite political conflicts.
Key Facts
Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup.
Iran’s games will be held in the United States.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino spoke about unity through football.
Iran had previously said it would not join the event amid tensions involving the US and Israel.
A ceasefire has been in place since April 7 regarding the conflict.
The event is seen as a chance to unite people from different countries.
The announcement was made during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
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