Author: France 24

Iran’s state media reported explosions in the central province of Isfahan Friday, as US media quoted officials saying Israel had carried out retaliatory strikes on its arch-rival. Air defence systems over several Iranian cities were activated, state media reported, after the country’s official broadcaster said explosions were heard near the city of Isfahan. Israel had previously warned it would hit back after Iran fired hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel over the weekend. Most of them were intercepted. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates on the situation in the Middle East.  Source link

Issued on: 17/04/2024 – 22:38 Viral publications on social media are claiming that Princess Salma of Jordan shot down six Iranian drones late on Saturday. Jordan is the latest target of misinformation following its role in defending Israel against Iran’s drone and missile attack. We explain in this edition of Truth or Fake. Source link

Although the US has said that it would not take part in any retaliatory strike from Israel in response to Iran’s largely thwarted salvo over the weekend, the Biden administration’s “ironclad” support for the country could still prompt Israel to launch a direct attack on Iranian soil – with potentially disastrous results. Source link

Kenya’s defence chief and nine other top brass died on Thursday in a military helicopter crash in a remote area of the country, President William Ruto said. Issued on: 18/04/2024 – 19:52 3 min “Today at 2:20 pm, our nation suffered a tragic air accident… I am deeply saddened to announce the passing of General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of the Kenya Defence Forces (CDF),” Ruto told reporters.The president, who had convened an urgent meeting of the National Security Council after news of the accident emerged, said nine other “gallant military personnel” on board were also killed while two…

Its majestic dome is a curvilinear flourish on the Paris skyline. After three years of renovations, the Grand Palais is ready to welcome visitors for the Olympic Games this summer. The site will then open its doors to the public for a host of cultural events in the spring of 2025. Source link

Brussels opened accession negotiations with Moldova in December 2023 – at the same time as Ukraine. Moldova’s youth is ready to break from its Soviet past and step into a European future. Issued on: 18/04/2024 – 11:18 2 min The poorest country in Europe – that’s how most people know Moldova across the continent.  But Adrian, 33, a winemaker who was born and raised there, wants to prove there’s much more to his country.”It’s not the richest one. However, we have big possibilities. We are on the way. We are growing each year,” he said.Adrian is the general manager of Castel Mimi, one…

Issued on: 18/04/2024 – 09:58 On a visit to steelworkers in the key swing state of Pennsylvania, US President Joe Biden accused China of dumping cheap steel on global markets and called for sharply higher tariffs on Chinese metal products. Plus, former and current Boeing engineers, including whistleblower Sam Salehpour, testify in the US Senate about the planemaker’s safety culture.  Source link

Issued on: 15/04/2024 – 10:53Modified: 15/04/2024 – 11:41 05:30 © FRANCE 24 World leaders have urged restraint after Iran late Saturday launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel, though the Israeli military has said the vast majority were intercepted. “Iran wanted to look tough … but it wasn’t going for direct confrontation with Israel,” University of Birmingham Professor of American Studies Scott Lucas told FRANCE 24. “On the other hand, the United States and the international community have let the Israelis know that they will not support direct Israeli air strikes inside Iran,” Lucas said, adding “Both sides…

European Union leaders agreed Wednesday to impose new sanctions on Iran’s drone and missile producers over Tehran’s unprecedented weekend attack on Israel, EU chief Charles Michel said. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates on the situation in the Middle East. Source link

The United States said Wednesday it will snap back sanctions on Venezuela’s crucial oil industry after President Nicolas Maduro’s government continued its repression of opponents. Issued on: 17/04/2024 – 23:31Modified: 18/04/2024 – 01:57 3 min President Joe Biden’s administration suspended some sanctions after Maduro’s government and the opposition agreed in Barbados last October to hold a free and fair vote in 2024 under the watchful eye of international observers.But the thaw ended when Maduro’s opponents were not allowed to run against him in elections, and the United States said Caracas had now failed to make progress ahead of an April…