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Iranians in Istanbul jittery but jubilant at US, Israeli strikes

"War is no good but it's better than the regime killing our children," said a 39-year-old Iranian in Istanbul, confessing he was "happy" that US and Israeli warplanes were attacking Iran.

Congo-Brazzaville president vows to keep power as campaign kicks off

Congo-Brazzaville's 82-year-old President Denis Sassou Nguesso promised to extend his decades-long time in power on Saturday as campaigning kicked off for next month's presidential election in the oil-rich central African nation.

US, Israel launch strikes on Iran, Tehran hits back across region

The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday, with Israel's public broadcaster reporting that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel.

Germany's Aicher wins women's super-G in Soldeu

Germany's Emma Aicher powered to her third World Cup win of the season in the women's super-G in Soldeu on Saturday, boosting her hopes of winning the season discipline crown.

Fight against terror: Trump threatens Tehran's mullahs

The latest attacks by the US and Israel on military and political targets in Tehran have shaken the Islamic Republic's regime. Under the code names ‘Operation Epic Fury’ (US) and ‘Call of the Lion’ (Israel), missiles were fired on 28 February 2026 at the office of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, the Ministry of Defence, the nuclear facilities in Isfahan and other strategic bases. The strike was intended to destroy Iran's nuclear programme and ballistic research, while also hitting the nerve centres of the mullah regime, which has been considered a sponsor of terrorism and the greatest threat to regional stability for decades. Observers report thick clouds of smoke over Tehran, people in panic on the streets and a state that felt compelled to close its airspace and shut down communication services.In an eight-minute video address on Truth Social, the US president laid out his strategy: ‘To the members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, the armed forces and the police: Lay down your weapons and secure full immunity, or you will face certain death,’ he said. Those who surrender will be treated fairly, while those who continue to fight will face ‘devastating force.’ These words were directed at the militias responsible for torture, shootings and the bloody suppression of protests within the country. The regime describes its own citizens as ‘terrorists and insurgents,’ while international human rights organisations report thousands of protesters killed, tens of thousands detained and systematic torture. The new protests against rising inflation, corruption and religious paternalism are said to be the largest since the ‘Woman, Life, Freedom’ movement in 2022/2023; estimates speak of up to 2,600 to over 12,000 deaths and more than 16,000 arrests since the unrest began. The decline of the national currency and the collapse of purchasing power have finally caused the situation to reach a boiling point.The president emphasised that the US had no interest in ground operations but was determined to destroy the regime's nuclear ambitions. ‘Iran must never possess a nuclear bomb,’ he stressed. He announced plans to ‘wipe out’ the country's ballistic missile industry and neutralise the Iranian navy. At the same time, he encouraged the population: ‘The hour of your freedom has come. Stay safe, don't leave your homes – bombs are falling outside. When we are done, take over your government. It will belong to you.’ This call to revolt is unprecedented in recent international politics and reflects the deep mistrust of a regime that has been chanting ‘Death to America’ since 1979, spreading anti-Semitic propaganda and financing terrorist groups in Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Syria through its Revolutionary Guards.

US and Israel launch strikes on Iran, explosions reported across region

The United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran on Saturday, with Israel's public broadcaster reporting that supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had been targeted, as the Islamic republic retaliated with barrages of missiles at Gulf states and Israel.

Iran's Khamenei: ruthless revolutionary at apex of Islamic republic

Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, a pillar of its theocratic system since the Islamic revolution, has seen off a succession of crises throughout his rule with a mixture of repression and strategic manoeuvring but now could be facing his biggest challenge.

In Iran attack, Trump seeks what he foreswore -- regime change

Launching a major attack alongside Israel against Iran, US President Donald Trump is pursuing the goal he once adamantly rejected -- regime change.

Climate change forces facelift for Michelangelo masterpiece

Michelangelo's famous The Last Judgment fresco in the Sistine Chapel is getting its biggest facelift in more than three decades to remove a light whitish residue left by sweaty visitors.

Trump says US aims to destroy Iran's military, topple government

US President Donald Trump announced a major attack against Iran on Saturday, vowing to "annihilate" the country's navy and missile sites, and urging Iranians to overthrow their government.