Author: France 24

Crippled by international sanctions, and decades of mismanagement and corruption, the Iranian economy has gone through what’s been described as a lost decade of economic growth. As the national currency plummets and purchasing power declines, ordinary Iranians are struggling to make ends meet and experience regular power outages. Could the recent nuclear talks between Teheran and Washington eventually lead to a new agreement? FRANCE 24’s Charles Pellegrin speaks to Vali Nasr, Professor of International Affairs and Middle East Studies at Johns Hopkins University’s School of Advanced International Studies. He is also the author of “Iran’s Grand Strategy: A political history” published…

Israeli PM Netanyahu accused France, Britain, and Canada of siding with Hamas after they warned of “concrete action” over Israel’s Gaza offensive. Echoing FM Saar, his comments mark a broader pushback against growing international pressure. For deeper insight, FRANCE 24’s William Hilderbrandt speaks with Dr. H.A. Hellyer on the unfolding diplomatic tensions. Dr. Hellyer is a Senior Fellow in Geopolitics in International Security and Middle East Studies at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI) for Defence and Security Studies in London, and the Center for American Progress in Washington DC. For Dr. Hellyer, it’s very clear: “Even if every single…

Neeraj Ghaywan’s first film in a decade, about two friends striving to escape their marginalised roots in rural India, has packed an emotional punch at the Cannes Film Festival. He talks to FRANCE 24 about the personal significance of “Homebound” and Martin Scorsese’s decisive help in bringing the long-gestating project to completion. 

Paris SG striker Ousmane Dembele drew the main draw for the French Open yesterday. World No.1 Jannik Sinner will face home favourite Arthur Rinderknech in the first round. Novak Djokovic and Alexander Zverev could meet in the quarter-finals. In the women’s draw, Paula Badosa will face former World No.1 Naomi Osaka in the first round. 

As the global race in artificial intelligence gathers pace, American AI startup Anthropic has unveiled the latest, most powerful versions of its model Claude. The company says they can write computer code by itself and play Pokemon for much longer than its predecessors.  Yuka Royer speaks with the company’s Chief Product Officer Mike Krieger about ensuring safety, fighting deepfakes and reducing AI’s environmental footprint. 

The Israeli military issued an Arabic-language statement on Thursday to announce it was “operating with intense force” in 14 areas in the northern Gaza Strip, warning inhabitants to evacuate and accusing “terrorist organisations” of operating there. 

Arts24’s Eve Jackson brings you the latest from the Cannes Film Festival, starting with “The History of Sound” – a powerful period love story starring Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor. 

PRESS REVIEW – Tuesday, May 20: Jake Tapper and Alex Thompson’s new book “Original Sin” shows that Joe Biden’s cognitive decline was far more severe than portrayed. It comes as the Democrats are accused of covering for him during his presidency. Also, reactions after Britain and the EU sign agreements that effectively turn the page on Brexit. And, a sculpted bust of Jim Morrison, stolen from his Père Lachaise gravesite thirty-seven years ago turns up in a French police investigation!

Brennan Johnson’s bundled first-half goal helped Tottenham Hotspur win a scrappy Europa League final 1-0 against Manchester United on Wednesday as they cast aside their domestic woes to earn a berth in next year’s Champions League. It was Spurs’ first silverware since the 2008 League Cup and their first European trophy since 1984.

Japan’s new agriculture minister Shinjiro Koizumi vowed to bring down prices of rice, after his predecessor was forced to resign over a gaffe. Taku Eto had caused an uproar after joking he never had to buy rice thanks to donations from his supporters, touching many a raw nerve . But why is the country facing a crisis? Some analysts blame longrunning government policy for the shortage. Plus, Marks and Spencer says a recent cyberattack will wipe out nearly a third of its annual profits.