Iran
Zendaya's ancient Iranian earrings stir debate over looted artefacts
Experts said the Iranian 3,000-year-old gold disc medallions Zendaya wore at a promo event for Christopher Nolan's Odyssey were "likely looted". Separately, a Zoroastrian symbol worn by IShowSpeed at the World Cup final has sparked further conversation about Persian cultural identity.
Iran
US hits Iran for ninth night as Khamenei calls ceasefire 'worthless'
US Central Command said it targeted military command centres, air defence systems and missile sites overnight, as Iran's ayatollah called Trump's signature on the interim deal "worthless and invalid" and a negotiator said Tehran was suspending its commitments.
Djibouti
Special report: EU eyes wider mandate as Red Sea Houthi threat grows
In a special report from EU patrol ships in Djibouti, Kaja Kallas told Euronews that the 27-member bloc was discussing expanding Aspides' mandate and that ships pledged to a Hormuz coalition could be redeployed to the Red Sea in the interim.
Iran
Iran vows to 'crush' regional infrastructure if US strikes escalate
Iran said its response to any US strike on its infrastructure would result in destruction across the region, as multiple reports said Tehran had asked the Houthis to be ready to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, threatening a second global shipping chokepoint.
Iran
US resumes daylight strikes on Iran as tensions escalate over Hormuz
US Central Command said it has resumed daylight strikes on Iran, targeting coastal defences and missile sites. Tehran has reported casualties as tensions rise over a renewed blockade threat, calls for retaliation and the ongoing dispute over the Strait of Hormuz.
Iran
Iran executes man over January protests as crackdown on dissent widens
Mohammad Amini Dehaghani was convicted of setting fire to a governor's office in Isfahan on 9 January, as Amnesty International says Iran is using wartime conditions as a pretext to accelerate politically motivated executions.
Qatar
Iran launches major attacks on Gulf states as chaos reigns over Hormuz
Iran launched waves of attacks across the Gulf in response to US airstrikes the night before, signalling the Islamic Republic’s refreshed strike capabilities, while claiming sole control of the Strait of Hormuz. The Gulf states are once again on the frontlines of the growing US-Iran confrontation.