Air strikes hit military bases in Iraq that belong to forces supported by Iran. Members of the Popular Mobilisation Forces say the United States is responsible for the attacks.
Key Facts
Air attacks occurred in Iraq targeting military bases.
The bases belong to Iran-backed forces.
The United States is blamed by the Popular Mobilisation Forces for the strikes.
The Popular Mobilisation Forces are a group in Iraq.
The strikes are part of ongoing tensions involving the US and Iran-backed groups in the region.
The National Weather Service reported a sudden drop in temperatures in Maryland, leading to significant snowfall. Temperatures fell from 71 degrees to 36 degrees in just seven hours, resulting in heavy snow in some areas. The snow prompted weather advisories and alerts for hazardous conditions.
Key Facts
Temperatures in Maryland fell from 71 degrees to 36 degrees between 5 a.m. and noon.
The sudden temperature drop was caused by a passing cold front.
Heavy snow began falling shortly after the temperature drop.
Snowfall ranged from 1 to 2 inches, with some areas seeing up to 4 or 5 inches.
A winter weather advisory was issued for parts of Maryland, with hazardous conditions expected in some regions.
Colder, drier weather is predicted to follow as the cold front moves southeast.
The Maryland area is expected to have equal chances of normal temperatures in the coming weeks.
President Donald Trump called a shooting at Old Dominion University in Virginia "tragic." The FBI is investigating the act as terrorism. One person died and two were injured in the incident.
Key Facts
President Trump commented on the Old Dominion University shooting, calling it "tragic."
Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a former Army National Guardsman with a past conviction for supporting ISIS, is identified as the alleged shooter.
The shooting resulted in one death and two injuries.
The FBI is treating the incident as an act of terrorism.
Two of the injured were members of the Army ROTC program at Old Dominion University.
The suspect died after being subdued by students at the scene.
Old Dominion University’s President thanked emergency responders for their quick actions.
Jalloh previously served 11 years in prison for attempting to aid ISIS.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel is growing stronger as it works with the United States in a conflict against Iran. Israeli attacks have reportedly caused significant harm to Iranian military forces and nuclear scientists. These actions are part of efforts to address threats and improve regional alliances.
Key Facts
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu claims Israel is becoming stronger while at war with Iran.
The conflict has involved Israeli attacks on Iranian military targets, including nuclear scientists.
Israeli operations reportedly damaged Iran’s Revolutionary Guard and Basij forces.
Netanyahu suggests Iran's nuclear and missile projects are weakened by recent attacks.
Netanyahu expressed support for Iranians protesting against their government.
The conflict has affected regional security, as seen in Iran launching strikes on Gulf countries.
The United Nations Security Council condemned Iran’s attacks, urging it to cease hostilities.
Israel aims to strengthen ties with regional countries, despite geopolitical tensions.
Rising fuel prices are leading to long lines at gas stations and protests in many countries. This is primarily caused by disruptions in the global energy market due to the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran.
Key Facts
There are long queues at gas stations around the world due to rising fuel prices.
Many countries are experiencing protests related to these high fuel costs.
The ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran is affecting the global energy supply.
Disruptions in the energy market are contributing to the increase in fuel prices.
The situation is impacting both consumers and businesses globally.
NASA plans to launch the Artemis II mission to fly astronauts around the Moon in early April. The mission was delayed due to a helium leak which has been repaired, and NASA plans to move the rocket back to the launch pad on March 19. The mission includes four astronauts and aims to orbit the far side of the Moon.
Key Facts
NASA's Artemis II mission is set for an early April launch.
This will be the first mission to the Moon since 1972.
The mission faced a delay due to a helium leak in the rocket.
The rocket repairs have been completed, and it will return to the launch pad on March 19.
The mission includes three U.S. astronauts and one Canadian astronaut.
They will fly on NASA's Space Launch System and the Orion spacecraft.
The mission will last 10 days and travel around the far side of the Moon.
NASA decided not to conduct another "wet dress rehearsal," a pre-launch test.
In September, the United States conducted military strikes on suspected drug-smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific, resulting in 157 deaths. The identities of the victims have not been revealed, and international law experts are pushing for a UN investigation to gain transparency and accountability. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights plans to hold a hearing to investigate the legality and justification of these strikes.
Key Facts
The U.S. began military strikes on suspected drug boats in September.
These strikes killed 157 people, but their identities remain undisclosed.
International experts, including those from the United Nations, seek an investigation.
The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) will hold a hearing to look into these incidents.
The IACHR aims to determine if there is a legal basis for the strikes.
Victims' families have identified some of the deceased, but the U.S. has not confirmed identities.
President Trump claims the strikes target "narco-terrorists," but critics argue against this justification.
The IACHR is an independent body that investigates human rights issues in the Americas.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is growing, with Israel conducting air and ground operations in southern Lebanon. The BBC spent a day with emergency teams in the city of Nabatieh, observing the aftermath of Israeli strikes. Many people in the area have been killed or forced to leave their homes due to the ongoing violence.
Key Facts
The war involves Israel and Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and labeled a terrorist group by several countries.
Israeli operations in southern Lebanon have caused deaths and large-scale evacuations.
The BBC joined rescue workers in Nabatieh, witnessing several bombings and their impact on the city.
Hezbollah's attacks on Israel followed the assassination of Iran's supreme leader, bringing Lebanon into the conflict.
Israel claims Hezbollah uses civilian areas for military activities, which Hezbollah denies.
Strikes have targeted civilian areas not under evacuation orders, without warnings given.
Many residents in Nabatieh have fled north to escape the fighting.
The city is near Israel, around 16 kilometers (10 miles) away, making it a significant location in the conflict.
The Israeli military has dropped charges against five soldiers who were accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee. This decision came after complications in the case, including challenges in evidence handling and other legal issues. Some leaders praised the decision, while human rights groups criticized it.
Key Facts
Five Israeli soldiers were accused of abusing a Palestinian detainee from Gaza.
The alleged abuse happened in July 2024 at a military prison in southern Israel.
Charges against the soldiers included aggravated abuse and serious bodily harm.
The decision to drop charges was influenced by "exceptional circumstances" affecting prosecution.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supported the decision.
Human rights activists criticized the decision, alleging systemic abuse in Israeli jails.
CCTV footage of the incident was leaked by a former senior military lawyer.
The detainee was treated for serious injuries and was later released back to Gaza.
Mel Schilling, a dating coach on the TV show "Married at First Sight," has revealed that her bowel cancer has spread to her brain. Schilling shared her condition on Instagram, noting her declining health and urging others to get medical checks if they feel unwell. She has decided to step back from her role on the Australian version of the show to focus on her family and health.
Key Facts
Mel Schilling was diagnosed with bowel cancer in December 2023.
The cancer has spread to her lungs and the left side of her brain.
She has undergone 16 rounds of chemotherapy while working on the show.
Schilling was scheduled for a clinical trial but experienced worsening symptoms.
She announced her decision to leave the Australian version of "Married at First Sight" to focus on her health.
Schilling's Instagram post included a photo with her family and a call for others to get health checks.
John Aiken will replace Schilling on the UK series of "Married at First Sight."
Channel 4 and the production company expressed their support for Schilling during this difficult time.
The UAE's Minister of State, Lana Nusseibeh, urged Iran to stop its strikes on Gulf countries, saying the UAE will recover from the damage. Iran has targeted the UAE and other Gulf states following conflicts involving the US and Israel. Nusseibeh stated the UAE would not use its territory to attack Iran, but reserved the right to defend itself.
Key Facts
Lana Nusseibeh is the UAE's Minister of State.
She reported that over 1,800 drones and missiles have hit the UAE.
Notable structures like the Fairmont The Palm and Burj Al Arab hotels have been damaged.
Flights at Dubai International Airport have been affected, with many cancellations.
Other Gulf countries, like Qatar and Saudi Arabia, have also been targeted.
Trade and shipping through important areas like Jebel Ali port and the Strait of Hormuz have suffered.
Nusseibeh emphasized the UAE's resilience and growth, citing 5.1% economic growth last year.
Criticism of the UAE government is illegal, and the country controls the flow of information.
King Charles met with First Nations leaders to discuss concerns about a separatist movement in Alberta, Canada. The leaders asked the King to recognize treaties between First Nations and the Crown. The separatist movement wants Alberta to become its own country.
Key Facts
King Charles met with First Nations chiefs at Buckingham Palace.
The meeting focused on concerns about an Alberta separatist movement.
First Nations leaders see the movement as a threat to long-standing treaties.
The Alberta separatist movement is collecting signatures for a referendum.
One Alberta First Nation has taken legal action, saying the movement violates its treaty rights.
The separatist group, Alberta Prosperity Project, believes the province would be better off financially as its own country.
Alberta's Indigenous relations minister wants to discuss these concerns with First Nations leaders.
Treaties between First Nations and the Crown are protected by Canada's constitution.
Taiwan and China are set to play in the quarterfinals of the Women's Asian Cup. Tensions arose after Taiwanese fans claimed they were not allowed to cheer using the name "Taiwan" instead of "Chinese Taipei." The incident led to protests from Taiwan's officials and is being investigated by the tournament organizers.
Key Facts
Taiwan and China will play in the Women's Asian Cup quarterfinals.
A former Taiwan men's coach was removed from the stadium for cheering using "Taiwan" instead of "Chinese Taipei."
Taiwanese fans say their flags and banners were taken away at the stadium.
Taiwan's government rejects China's claims over Taiwan, which is why the issue is sensitive.
The Taipei Economic and Cultural Office protested the coach's ejection.
The Asian Football Confederation is investigating the incident.
Taiwan, ranked 40th, will face China, the defending champions.
The semifinals also serve as qualifiers for the Women's World Cup next year.
The UK's asylum appeal backlog has reached a new high, with over 80,000 cases waiting to be heard by the end of 2025. This backlog has nearly doubled in size from the previous year, leading to longer wait times for decisions. The rise happens during Labour's first year in government, challenging their commitment to address the asylum process.
Key Facts
There are 80,333 asylum appeals waiting to be heard in the UK.
This number nearly doubled from 41,987 the previous year.
The average waiting time for an asylum decision is now 63 weeks.
Labour's government promised to improve the asylum system but is facing challenges.
Around 30,657 asylum seekers live in hotels while waiting for decisions.
The Refugee Council estimates the appeals involve over 100,000 people, considering family members.
100,625 people applied for asylum in the year up to December.
Of these applicants, 41% arrived in the UK by small boats.
The US-Israel strikes on Iran have led to higher oil prices, which is affecting US consumers. The Strait of Hormuz, a key oil passage, is closed and causing significant global oil supply disruptions. Experts warn that the economic impact on the US could worsen if the conflict lasts.
Key Facts
US-Israel strikes on Iran have raised oil prices.
President Trump announced the war was over soon after it started.
The Strait of Hormuz is closed, stopping oil flow from the Gulf region.
Oil prices jumped above $100 per barrel.
Prolonged conflict could lead to economic problems similar to the 1970s.
The International Energy Agency noted a major oil supply disruption.
If oil prices stay high, the US might face a recession.
The average gas price in the US is now $3.59 per gallon.
President Donald Trump suggested that the war with Iran might end soon, but he did not provide details on how or when. His advisers are encouraging him to develop a plan to conclude the conflict, while tensions continue with Israel's involvement and Iran's demands for guarantees against future hostilities.
Key Facts
President Trump thinks the war with Iran could end soon but gave no specifics.
US advisers are pushing President Trump to create an exit plan for the war.
Israel wants to eliminate what it calls the "existential threat" from Iran.
Iran has conditions for stopping its attacks, including assurances of no future conflicts.
The ongoing war is affecting the global economy.
Guests on the topic include US Republican strategist Adolfo Franco, University of Tehran Professor Foad Izadi, and retired US Army Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson.
Iran's national security official, Ali Larijani, warned the United States not to attack Iran's power systems after President Trump threatened to disable Iran's electricity. The U.S. and Israel have been conducting military operations in Iran, destroying many of Iran's military assets. Trump stated that the U.S. benefits from high oil prices amid ongoing tensions.
Key Facts
Iran's Ali Larijani cautioned the U.S. against attacking Iran's electricity supply.
President Trump claimed the U.S. could disable Iran's electric grid in one hour.
The U.S. and Israel have hit around 6,000 targets in Iran during their operations.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, called for national unity.
Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz, a significant shipping route, in response to attacks.
The U.S. Central Command reported the destruction of more than 90 Iranian vessels.
President Trump noted that the U.S. profits from higher oil prices due to being a top oil producer.
Airlines are increasing fuel surcharges on tickets because of higher jet fuel prices. The increase in fuel costs results from the ongoing conflict between the U.S. and Iran, which has led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key oil shipping route.
Key Facts
Airlines are adding higher fuel surcharges due to increased jet fuel costs.
Cathay Pacific and other airlines are raising surcharges on many international routes.
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz are driving up oil prices.
Jet fuel is a major cost for airlines, often ranging from 20% to 30% of operating expenses.
Air India is introducing surcharges that could range from $10 to $200 on long flights.
Hong Kong Airlines plans to increase surcharges by over 35% on some long flights.
Oil prices have risen sharply, with crude oil surpassing $100 per barrel.
The Strait of Hormuz closure impacts about one-fifth of the world's oil supply.
Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, made his first public statement, but it was read by a newsreader on Iranian state TV. The statement promised to keep blocking the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to questions about Khamenei's health and location.
Key Facts
Mojtaba Khamenei is the new Supreme Leader of Iran.
His statement, promising to block the Strait of Hormuz, was read on TV instead of being delivered personally.
This has raised concerns and speculation about Khamenei’s health and whereabouts.
A discussion involving political analysts examined the implications of his statement.
The new leader’s statement comes amid the US and Israel's conflict with Iran.
This event is connected to the ongoing war in Ukraine, involving responses from President Zelensky and President Putin.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating Belarus for the alleged forced deportation of government opponents to Lithuania. The investigation focuses on supposed crimes committed partly in Lithuania as part of a broad attack on civilians. Lithuania initiated the case because, unlike Belarus, it is an ICC member.
Key Facts
The ICC is examining Belarus for allegedly deporting political opponents.
The investigation includes claims of deportation and persecution mainly involving Lithuania.
Belarus is not an ICC member, but Lithuania is and started the case.
Many Belarusians fled to Lithuania after 2020 protests against President Alexander Lukashenko.
Belarusian opposition leader Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya supports the ICC's actions.
Lithuania asked the ICC to investigate in September 2024, citing crimes on its soil.
Belarus has reportedly deported political figures, including Nobel Prize winner Ales Bialiatski, to Lithuania.
