News
Iraq's US Treasury holdings surge 79% to $42bn as war raises questions over reserves
Iraq's US Treasury holdings surged 79% to $42bn in 2025, but the war now raises questions over whether Baghdad may need to draw down reserves after losing its main oil export route.
UPDATE: All foreign personnel evacuated from Iraq's Joint Operations Command in Baghdad
International coalition military advisers withdraw from Iraq's Joint Operations Command in Baghdad to Jordan, as the country's position between warring sides becomes increasingly untenable.
Russia could earn up to $252bn from Gulf War - KSE
Russia could earn as much as $252bn in windfall export revenues from escalating conflict in the Middle East, as higher energy prices driven by tensions in the Persian Gulf bolster the Kremlin’s finances, according to analysis by KSE.
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VIDEO: Israeli air defence faces criticism over decision-making after Iranian missiles cause extensive casualties
While the IDF has claimed a 92% interception rate of Iranian missiles, Israeli officials are questioning the decision-making of authorities when it comes to selecting which defence systems to use, given the recent spike in Israeli casualties.
Russia’s SVR weighed staged assassination of Viktor Orban, says Washington Post
Western intelligence services are signalling they are fully aware of Russian plans to influence Hungary's upcoming general election.
Czechs voice fear over government attacks on democracy at largest mass rally since 2019
200,000-250,000 Czechs rallied at the Letná plateau in Prague against policies they fear threaten democratic standards in the country.
Golob’s Freedom Movement narrowly leads Slovenia vote as coalition talks loom
The close race reflects a deeply divided electorate and points to a fragmented parliament, where no single party or bloc is likely to command a majority.
Sri Lanka reveals it rejected US request to land warplanes, Iran request on warships
In an address to the Sri Lankan parliament, the country’s President Anura Kumara Dissanayake revealed that Washington and Tehran both came to Colombo with military requests on February 26, and both left empty handed.
Kyrgyzstan waits to see if a Japarov, Tashiyev conflict will break out into open
National security chief fired by president still has political clout and may fancy a run for the presidency in poll nine months from now.
Slovenia’s ruling party takes narrow lead in tight general election
Parallel vote count puts Prime Minister Robert Golob’s party at 29.9% and the opposition SDS, led by former premier Janez Janša, at 27.5%.
Cuba warns military is preparing for possible US aggression
Cuba's deputy foreign minister has said the island's armed forces are actively preparing for a potential US military attack, in the starkest public acknowledgment yet of Havana's fears as the Trump administration ramps up pressure on the regime.
Ukraine sends drone units to five Gulf countries
Ukraine has sent drone units to five Gulf countries at the invitation of their governments as US-made interceptor ammunition runs low.
Houthi join the fight, threaten to close Red Sea straits
Yemen’s Houthi movement has announced it is entering the escalating regional conflict on the side of Iran, warning it plans to target US naval assets in the Red Sea. In a statement released by a representative of the group, the Iran-aligned movement
Khamenei makes three harsh demands to end the war
Khamenei makes three harsh demands to end the war The new Iranian leader has made three harsh demands to bring the Gulf war to an end, as the new regime takes an increasing hardline to the US invaders.
Qatar military helicopter crashes killing seven including Turkish joint forces member
Seven killed in a Qatari military helicopter crash in territorial waters, including a member of the Qatar-Turkey joint forces, as the country's armed forces operate under sustained wartime pressure.
Japan given permission to send takers through Hormuz
Iran will allow Japanese oi tanker to transit the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran develops a selective blockade of the strategic waterway and effectively opens a toll road to the international energy markets.
Britain says Iran missile threat is exaggerated after Israeli warning over long-range test
A UK minister dismisses Israeli warnings that Iranian missiles could reach London, saying Britain can protect itself, after Iran fires two long-range missiles at the joint US-UK base at Diego Garcia.
Iran warns of 'irreversible' destruction of Gulf energy infrastructure if US strikes power plants
Iran's parliament speaker warns that any US strike on power plants will trigger "irreversible" destruction of Gulf energy infrastructure, after Trump gives Tehran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran's military command says doctrine has shifted from 'defensive' to 'offensive'
Iran's central military command says its armed forces have formally shifted from a defensive to an offensive doctrine, promising advanced weapons and "new surprises" as the war enters its fourth week.
Hungary’s intelligence services reportedly behind raid of Ukrainian "gold convoy" to provoke Kyiv, help Fidesz campaign
Raid was orchestrated to escalate the conflict between Budapest and Kyiv to help Hungary's ruling Fidesz in its election campaign, investigative site Vsquare reports.