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  • Airstrikes Hit Tehran as Iran Rejects Trump’s Demand for Unconditional Surrender

    Tehran pounded in week two of the US-Israel war, Iran targets Israel Airstrikes struck Iran’s capital, Tehran , on Saturday afternoon, hours after explosions were reported across the city earlier in the day, as tensions escalated in the widening conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. The latest strikes appeared to target areas in central Tehran, including government buildings, according to reports from the Iranian capital. Residents reported hearing multiple explosions as the bombardment continued throughout the day. Tehran has faced sustained aerial attacks in recent days amid a sharp escalation in hostilities between Iran and its adversaries. Speaking earlier on Saturday, United States President Donald Trump warned that Iran would face “very hard strikes” unless it agreed to an unconditional surrender. However, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian rejected the demand, saying Iran would not capitulate under pressure. “That we surrender unconditionally, they should take that dream to their grave,” Pezeshkian said in remarks carried by Iranian media. “What we are committed to are international law, human frameworks and the principles they talk about. They should be committed to those principles.” Trump also claimed Iran had effectively “surrendered to its neighbours,” referring to recent tensions across the region. Pezeshkian, however, said Iran would not attack neighbouring countries unless they launched strikes against Iran first. The developments come after a week of escalating missile exchanges and military actions across the Middle East. Over the past several days, Iran has fired missiles toward several countries in the region, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Many of the strikes were aimed at United States military installations located in those countries. However, reports indicated that some missiles also struck civilian infrastructure, including hotels and other facilities. Regional security analysts warn that the conflict risks drawing additional countries into a broader confrontation. The latest strikes on Tehran mark one of the most intense bombardments of the Iranian capital in recent years and underscore the rapidly deteriorating security situation in the region. Officials in Tehran have not yet released updated casualty figures from Saturday’s attacks. Meanwhile, international observers have raised concerns that continued military escalation could further destabilise the Middle East, already strained by multiple ongoing conflicts. Diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the crisis have so far shown little progress . Tehran airstrikes; Iran-US conflict; unconditional surrender

  • Fact Check: Baseless Claims of George Soros’ House Arrest and Alexander Soros’ Flight Go Viral

    The official logo of the Open Society Foundations (OSF), currently a subject of viral misinformation Viral social media posts have ignited a firestorm of misinformation, falsely claiming that billionaire financier George Soros  has been placed under house arrest at his New York estate. The reports further allege that his son, Alexander Soros, fled the United States on a private jet to Dubai to avoid a federal crackdown. However, a thorough investigation confirms these claims are entirely baseless. There is no credible evidence of house arrest, no record of Alexander Soros fleeing the country, and no confirmed DOJ enforcement action against the Soros family. Anatomy of the Hoax The misinformation campaign utilized specific, though fabricated, details to lend an air of legitimacy to the claims. The following table breaks down the viral allegations versus the verified facts: Allegation Verified Fact House Arrest False. No federal agents have surrounded Soros’s Katonah, NY, estate. Alexander Soros’ Flight False. No record of a private jet departure to Dubai on March 6. Executive Order Basis False. Claims link the "crackdown" to a former Trump-era order with no current legal standing. Epstein Connection False. No documented evidence links Soros’s financial network to Jeffrey Epstein. George Soros and son Alex The Reality of DOJ Interest in OSF While the house arrest claims are fraudulent, the Open Society Foundations (OSF)  have faced increased scrutiny over the past year. In September 2025, reports surfaced that senior DOJ officials had directed federal prosecutors in states like California, New York, and Illinois to explore the feasibility of probes into the organization. These inquiries were reportedly driven by political pressure regarding OSF-funded groups and their alleged involvement in activist protests. However: No public charges have been filed. No criminal findings have been announced. OSF Statement: The foundation has unequivocally denied all allegations of supporting unrest and stated it "unequivocally condemns terrorism." The Danger of Misinformation These viral posts highlight the ongoing challenge of "digital wildfires," unverified claims that spread rapidly across social platforms. In this instance, the hoax appears to be a fabrication designed to exploit existing political tensions surrounding the OSF. George Soros ' house arrest fact check

  • Fuel Price Hike Pushes Up Kombi Fares Across Zimbabwe

    Notice of Fare Hike in a Kombi. Commuters in Zimbabwe are paying higher fares after rising fuel prices pushed transport operators to increase charges. Commuters across Zimbabwe are facing higher transport costs after the Zimbabwe Energy Regulatory Authority (ZERA) announced a significant increase in fuel prices on Wednesday. Under the new pricing structure, the maximum pump price of petrol (Blend E5) has risen to US$1.71 per litre, up from US$1.56. Diesel prices have increased even more sharply, climbing to US$1.77 per litre from US$1.52. The increase in diesel prices is particularly significant because diesel powers most public transport vehicles, freight trucks, mining equipment, and agricultural machinery. As a result, transport operators have quickly passed the higher costs on to passengers, pushing up commuter fares in several cities. ZERA said the government had intervened to cushion consumers from even steeper increases. Without that intervention, the authority said diesel would have reached US$1.90 per litre, while petrol would have climbed to US$1.81 per litre. The fuel hike has already triggered fare increases among operators of commuter minibuses, commonly known as kombis. In Harare, fares on some routes have increased sharply. A trip from the city centre to Zvido Shopping Centre has reportedly risen from US$1.50 to US$2. In Bulawayo, kombi fares from the city centre to high-density suburbs such as Luveve and Mahatshula have doubled, increasing from 50 cents to US$1. Many commuters say the price increases are adding further strain to already stretched household budgets as the cost of living continues to rise. Some residents also expressed concern that transport fares rarely decrease even when fuel prices fall. Similar complaints were raised in the past when fares remained high after transport restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic were lifted. Economic analysts say fuel prices are a key driver of inflation in Zimbabwe because they directly influence transport costs, food prices, and the cost of moving goods across the country. fuel price increase; kombi fares; Zimbabwe

  • Harare Woman Jailed 10 Years for Selling US$33 Worth of Scrap Copper

    Authorities say strict penalties for illegal copper trading are aimed at protecting national infrastructure from vandalism. A 44-year-old woman from Harare has been sentenced to 10 years in prison by the Mbare Magistrates’ Court after she was caught attempting to sell scrap copper valued at about US$33. According to a bulletin from the National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe (NPA), the woman, Success Kudyarawanza, was arrested following a police operation targeting illegal copper trading. Police Tip-Off Leads to Arrest Investigators received information on 1 March 2026 that Kudyarawanza was transporting scrap copper from Glendale to Harare with the intention of selling it. Detectives then carried out surveillance at Gazaland Scrap Yard, where a DAF 10-tonne truck was seen arriving and offloading cargo. Authorities said Kudyarawanza disembarked from the truck’s front passenger seat carrying a white sack. Detectives approached her and conducted a search, which led to the recovery of approximately 7 kilograms of scrap copper wires valued at US$33.56. Failure to Produce Authorisation Police said Kudyarawanza failed to produce the required certificate authorising her to possess or trade in copper and was immediately arrested. Under Zimbabwean law, trading in copper without proper documentation is a criminal offence due to its link to vandalism of critical infrastructure such as power lines and telecommunications networks. Mandatory Minimum Sentence The National Prosecuting Authority of Zimbabwe said offences involving illegal possession or trade of copper are treated seriously because of their impact on national infrastructure and economic stability. Zimbabwe’s Copper Control Act imposes a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years for copper-related offences, which explains the sentence imposed by the court despite the relatively low value of the recovered material. Authorities say the strict penalties are intended to deter the widespread theft and illegal trade of copper, which has previously caused significant damage to public utilities and communications systems. Harare woman jailed; illegal copper wire; Zimbabwe

  • The Unseen Frontline: The Burden of Conflict on Women in 2026

    Conflict-Related Sexual Violence in Sudan By Percy Nhara As the world marks International Women’s Day , the celebratory ribbons of purple and green feel starkly out of place in regions where the air is thick with the scent of cordite and the dust of collapsed infrastructure. In 2026, from the besieged streets of El Fasher  to the missile-shaken neighborhoods of Haifa  and Tehran , women remain the invisible backbone of survival. They are not merely "victims" of war; they are the primary shock absorbers of geopolitical instability, bearing a disproportionate weight of the world’s most brutal conflicts. The Dual Threat: Domestic and External War in Iran and Israel In the direct conflict between Israel and Iran, women navigate a unique duality of grief and responsibility. In Israel, women have become the primary anchors of a displaced society. With a significant portion of the male workforce mobilized, women have stepped in to sustain the economy while managing the acute psychological trauma of families living under constant rocket alerts. They are the ones navigating the complexities of the "Home Front," ensuring education and social services continue amidst the chaos of 2026. Across the border in Iran, the burden is compounded by a two-front struggle. Iranian women are squeezed between the external threat of aerial bombardment and an internal "morality" crackdown that intensified throughout 2025. For them, survival is an act of defiance. They must manage households under crippling international sanctions while continuing a historic push for bodily autonomy. In Tehran, a woman’s "frontline" is as much about the right to walk the street as it is about finding shelter from the next drone strike. Sudan: A "Campaign of Destruction" Nowhere is the gendered nature of war more terrifying than in Sudan. As the Rapid Support Forces (RSF)  consolidate control over Darfur, UN-backed experts have reported a "campaign of destruction" specifically targeting women from non-Arab communities, particularly the Zaghawa and Fur. In Sudan, sexual violence is not merely a byproduct of chaos; it is a strategic tool of war used to fracture the social fabric of ethnic groups. For the women of El Fasher, the fight is for the most fundamental human right: the right to exist without being used as a literal battlefield. They are the survivors of "absolute horror," often left to care for families in displacement camps like Abu Shouk with zero access to maternal healthcare or protection. Lebanon: The Collapse of the Safety Net In Lebanon, women are facing a "triple crisis" of economic collapse, political paralysis, and the spillover of regional war. As the primary managers of the household "peace," Lebanese women are the first to skip meals to feed their children and the last to receive medical attention in a failing system. The ongoing conflict has effectively erased decades of progress in women's workforce participation, forcing many back into subsistence roles just to keep their families afloat in a country where the currency and the safety net have both disintegrated. Ukraine: The Endurance of the Rear Guard Now entering its fourth year of full-scale invasion, the war in Ukraine has redefined the role of women in modern combat. Ukrainian women are the logistics experts, the drone operators, and the civilian volunteers keeping the "rear guard" alive. Yet, the long-term toll is staggering. They face a growing mental health crisis as they navigate the prolonged absence or loss of partners, while simultaneously raising a generation of "war children" in bunkers and temporary housing across Europe. A Call for Gender-Sensitive Peace The "hallmarks of genocide" and the "shadow of Armageddon" reported across these nations share a common victim: the woman whose labor is unpaid, whose safety is ignored, and whose voice is often excluded from the peace tables. True peace is not just the silence of guns, it is the presence of safety and dignity for those who hold society together when it falls apart. Women in war-torn countries 2026

  • Veritas Warns Amendment Could Scrap Zimbabwe Gender Commission

    Veritas warns that dismantling the Zimbabwe Gender Commission could weaken institutional protections for women and girls. As the world marks International Women’s Day , legal watchdog Veritas Zimbabwe has raised concerns that a proposed constitutional amendment could weaken institutional protections for women in Zimbabwe. This year’s theme, “Give to Gain,” highlights the idea that societies thrive when women have the space, resources, and respect needed to participate fully in national development. Veritas said the message is particularly significant in Zimbabwe, where women and girls make up more than 52 percent of the population. Concerns Over Proposed Constitutional Amendment The organisation warned that the proposed Constitutional Amendment (No. 3) Bill could dismantle the Zimbabwe Gender Commission (ZGC) and merge its functions into the Zimbabwe Human Rights Commission (ZHRC) . According to the memorandum attached to the bill, the change is intended to eliminate duplication, as the Human Rights Commission is already mandated to protect all human rights, including gender rights. However, Veritas argues that the two institutions serve distinct purposes and that the Gender Commission plays a specialised role in promoting gender equality. Risk of Losing Dedicated Gender Oversight The organisation warned that abolishing the ZGC could reverse decades of progress made in strengthening protections for women and girls. Veritas said the amendment could lead to: Loss of specialised oversight: The ZGC acts as a dedicated watchdog focused specifically on gender equality issues. Reduced protection for women and girls: Survivors of gender-based violence and discrimination may struggle to receive focused attention and support. Weaker accountability mechanisms: The commission has played a key role in monitoring gender mainstreaming in public institutions. Possible conflict with international commitments: Zimbabwe is a signatory to global and regional treaties that require strong gender equality institutions. These commitments include the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) and the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa. Call for the Protection of Gender Institutions Veritas said the proposed restructuring could significantly weaken Zimbabwe’s institutional framework for gender equality. The organisation urged Parliament, civil society groups, and citizens to carefully consider the long-term implications of dismantling specialised gender institutions. “Giving women strong, independent institutions is not a loss but a gain for society,” the organisation said, adding that meaningful progress requires strengthening, not weakening, mechanisms designed to protect women’s rights. Veritas called for a collective effort to ensure that Zimbabwe continues to uphold protections for women and girls as part of broader efforts to promote justice, equality, and democratic governance. Zimbabwe Gender Commission; Constitutional Amendment No 3; Veritas Zimbabwe; gender equality

  • Three Drown After Ford Ranger Swept Away in Flooded Nyanyange River

    Authorities warn motorists not to attempt crossing flooded rivers after three people drowned when their vehicle was swept away at the Nyanyange River. [Illustrative] Three people have died after a vehicle they were travelling in was swept away while attempting to cross a flooded river along the Mashava–Downlands Road. The Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) confirmed that the incident occurred on Tuesday at a bridge over the Nyanyange River. According to police, the victims were travelling in a Ford Ranger Wildtrak when the vehicle was carried away by strong floodwaters while trying to cross the submerged bridge. Driver Survives, Passengers Drown Authorities said the driver managed to escape by swimming to safety, but three passengers tragically drowned during the incident. Police confirmed that the bodies of the victims were later recovered. “The ZRP confirms a tragic incident in which three people lost their lives after a Ford Ranger Wildtrak they were travelling in was swept away while attempting to cross the flooded Nyanyange River at a bridge along Mashava–Downlands Road, Gweru, on 03/03/26,” the police said in a statement. “The driver of the vehicle managed to swim to safety while three passengers drowned. The bodies of the victims were retrieved on 04/03/26 and taken to Mvuma Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.” Rising Death Toll From Rainfall Incidents Authorities say the tragedy forms part of a broader pattern of rainfall-related incidents during the current rainy season. As of early February 2026, at least 118 people had died across Zimbabwe in incidents linked to heavy rains, flooding, and other weather-related hazards. Emergency services have repeatedly urged motorists to avoid crossing flooded rivers or bridges, warning that strong currents can easily sweep away vehicles even when water levels appear manageable. Nyanyange River accident; Ford Ranger swept away; Mashava

  • Gokwe Woman Takes Husband to Chief Over Year-Long Lack of Intimacy

    A traditional court gathering in rural Zimbabwe is discussing a marital dispute A woman from Gokwe has taken her marital dispute to a traditional court, claiming her husband has not been intimate with her for nearly a year, leaving her frustrated and concerned about the future of their marriage. Irene Chipatu raised the matter before local traditional leaders, saying that despite the couple having seven children together, their relationship has been strained by what she described as her husband’s inability to perform sexually. Speaking during the hearing, Chipatu said the couple previously relied on assistance from a traditional healer who provided herbal remedies that she believes helped them maintain their marital relationship. She told the court that the remedies had played a role in helping the couple conceive their seven children. However, according to Chipatu, the situation has worsened in recent months, and the couple has not been intimate for almost a year. She further alleged that attempts by others to assist her husband have been unsuccessful, claiming he sometimes destroys traditional medicines or prayer items meant to help address the issue. The matter has now been referred to Chief Chireya , who is expected to provide guidance and mediate between the couple. The pair have been instructed to return to the traditional court in two weeks as efforts continue to resolve the dispute. Traditional leaders present at the hearing encouraged couples facing marital challenges to communicate openly and seek assistance where necessary. They said couples experiencing difficulties in their relationships should consider professional medical advice, counselling, or culturally appropriate support systems before conflicts escalate. Marital disputes involving intimacy issues are sometimes handled in traditional courts in rural communities, where local leaders often play a role in mediation and reconciliation. Gokwe woman; traditional court Zimbabwe; lack of intimacy; marriage

  • Government Enforces Raw Lithium Export Ban, Trucks Turned Back at Forbes Border Post

    Haulage trucks queue The government has begun strictly enforcing its suspension on the export of raw lithium and other unprocessed precious minerals, halting hundreds of haulage trucks at Forbes Border Post  in a move aimed at accelerating local beneficiation. The directive, announced by Mines and Mining Development Minister Polite Kambamura, seeks to maximise revenue from Zimbabwe’s vast lithium reserves, a critical mineral used in electronic batteries and clean energy technologies. Officials from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA), the Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ) , and other regulatory bodies were seen turning back trucks carrying lithium and chrome at the border, causing significant congestion along the Mutare–Forbes Road. By late evening, dozens of trucks laden with minerals were parked at Energy Park Service Station near the border as drivers awaited further instructions from their companies. Armed police maintained a visible presence to monitor the situation. One driver transporting chrome from Mutorashanga said he was denied passage despite having export documentation, adding that authorities cited new instructions blocking all raw mineral exports. A security guard at the service station confirmed witnessing numerous trucks making U-turns after being denied clearance. The chief executive officer of the Shipping and Forwarding Agents Association of Zimbabwe said the enforcement reflects the government’s deliberate effort to safeguard national interests. He noted that when the ban was first announced, some trucks were already at the border or en route. Authorities are now managing the transition while awaiting further policy guidance on consignments already in transit. The association said it supports the move, emphasising that the government has consistently prioritised beneficiation and value addition in the mining sector. Zimbabwe holds some of the world’s largest hard-rock lithium reserves, positioning the country strategically within global clean energy supply chains. Authorities say the suspension applies to all raw minerals and lithium concentrates, including consignments already in transit, signalling a firm stance against the export of unprocessed resources. The government expects the policy to accelerate the establishment of local processing and beneficiation plants, create employment opportunities, and boost export earnings through value-added production. The move aligns with Zimbabwe’s broader strategy to shift from being a primary commodity exporter to a value-driven industrial economy, while positioning itself as a key player in the global green energy transition. Zimbabwe lithium export ban

  • Zimbabwe Strengthens Response to Snake Bites and Rabies – Mombeshora

    Zimbabwe’s health ministry says anti-venom and rabies vaccines are being distributed to high-risk districts as part of a national disease control strategy Douglas Mombeshora , Zimbabwe’s Minister of Health and Child Care, says the government is strengthening efforts to address deaths caused by snake bites and rabies, particularly in rural, border, and forested areas where the risks remain highest. Responding to questions from legislators in Parliament on Tuesday, Mombeshora said both conditions have been prioritised under the country’s national health strategy because they disproportionately affect rural communities. “ Both snake bites and rabies are classified as neglected tropical diseases, ” he told Parliament. “They disproportionately affect our rural populations, and the Minister of Health and Child Care has placed them firmly on the National Health Agenda through the Neglected Tropical Disease Master Plan for 2023 to 2027.” The strategy forms part of Zimbabwe’s broader plan to reduce preventable deaths linked to neglected tropical diseases. Anti-Venom and Rabies Vaccine Distribution Mombeshora said authorities have taken steps to ensure that anti-venom supplies are available nationwide through the National Pharmaceutical Company of Zimbabwe (NatPharm) and other health facilities. He added that health centres in high-risk areas are also stocked with rabies vaccines to ensure rapid treatment for people exposed to infected animals. “Regarding the rabies vaccine, our facilities in endemic areas hold stocks which enable prompt intervention when a patient reports to a facility,” Mombeshora said. “Treatment must be initiated as soon as possible after exposure to be effective.” Snake Bite Cases Rising in Several Districts According to the minister, snake bites remain a public health concern in several districts across Zimbabwe. A total of 1,513 snake bite cases have been recorded so far in 2026. Some of the districts with the highest reported cases include: Hurungwe District – 64 cases Zvimba District – 61 cases Makonde District – 46 cases Buhera District – 43 cases Bikita District – 39 cases “These are among the highest burden districts. These are the areas where we have intensified our anti-venom distribution and pre-positioning efforts,” Mombeshora said. Rabies Cases and Human Deaths On rabies, Mombeshora told Parliament that Zimbabwe recorded 331 dog rabies cases and 17 human deaths between 2022 and October 2024. The highest number of animal rabies cases was recorded in Manicaland Province with 126 cases. Other affected provinces include: Mashonaland East Province – 50 cases Masvingo Province – 44 cases Mashonaland Central Province – 34 cases Mashonaland West Province – 28 cases Midlands Province – 20 cases Matabeleland South Province – 13 cases Matabeleland North Province – 12 cases Meanwhile, Harare recorded four cases while Bulawayo reported none during the period. Health authorities say strengthening surveillance, improving vaccine availability, and increasing community awareness will be key to reducing deaths from both conditions. snake bites; rabies cases Zimbabwe; Douglas Mombeshora

  • Western Union, Sasai Launch Remittance App for South Africa Users

    Western Union and Sasai have launched a mobile app designed to simplify cross-border money transfers for users in South Africa sending funds abroad. Global money transfer firm Western Union has partnered with fintech platform Sasai, a unit of Cassava Technologies , to launch a new international money transfer mobile application targeting users in South Africa. The new platform aims to make it easier for migrants to send money to families across borders, particularly to relatives in Zimbabwe, where remittances remain a crucial source of household income. The companies said the co-branded app enables users to send money abroad directly from their smartphones, responding to growing demand for digital cross-border payment services in one of Africa’s most digitally connected markets. Digital Transfers for Migrant Communities South Africa hosts millions of migrants from across the region, including a significant Zimbabwean diaspora that regularly sends remittances to support families back home. Mohamed Touhami el Ouazzani, Head of Africa at Western Union, said the partnership responds to shifting consumer preferences toward digital financial services. “South Africa is home to a growing base of digitally savvy consumers with strong cross-border ties who are seeking flexible and reliable ways to move money internationally,” he said. Multiple Ways to Send and Receive Money Through the app, customers can send funds to bank accounts and digital wallets worldwide. Recipients can also choose to collect cash at participating retail locations, a method widely used by families receiving remittances in Zimbabwe. Users can fund their transfers through debit or credit cards, electronic bank transfers, or via Sasai’s retail network, which includes more than 150,000 outlets. Darlington Mandivenga , chief executive of fintech and digital platforms at Cassava Technologies, said the collaboration is designed to strengthen financial connections between Africans living abroad and communities on the continent. Faster Registration and Transfers The companies said the app is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Users can register, complete identity verification, and begin sending money within minutes. Remittances play a major role in Zimbabwe’s economy, with a significant share of funds coming from migrant workers based in South Africa. Industry analysts say digital platforms such as this could further streamline remittance flows by reducing transfer times and improving accessibility for users across the region. Western Union, Sasai Launch Remittance App for South Africa Users

  • Russia Says US-Israel Strikes on Iran Unjustified – Zakharova

    Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova says the US-Israeli strikes on Iran cannot be justified under international law. Maria Zakharova, spokesperson for the Russian Foreign Ministry, has said there is no justification for the recent military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel against Iran, arguing that the Islamic Republic posed no direct threat to either country. Washington and Tel Aviv have described the strikes as pre-emptive measures aimed at dismantling Iran’s uranium enrichment and ballistic missile programs. Iranian authorities have rejected those claims, insisting that their nuclear activities are strictly peaceful and condemning the attacks as unprovoked. Russia Rejects Self-Defence Claims In comments to the Russian state news agency RIA Novosti , Zakharova questioned the justification presented by the US and Israel. “Although we are hearing claims from the US and Israel that they are even supposedly defending themselves… no one attacked them, no one threatened them,” she said. Zakharova added that Iran had previously signalled its willingness to engage in diplomatic negotiations with Western powers over its nuclear program. The Russian government has already condemned the strikes as a “premeditated and unprovoked act of aggression,” accusing Washington and its allies of attempting to force political change in Tehran. Putin Condemns Reported Killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Russian President Vladimir Putin also criticised the attacks, particularly reports surrounding the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei during the first wave of strikes. Putin described the killing as a “cynical violation of every norm of morality and international law,” according to statements released by the Kremlin. The Russian Foreign Ministry has also denounced what it called a growing practice of “political assassinations” targeting leaders of sovereign states. Civilian Casualties Reported Iranian officials have said the attacks caused significant civilian casualties. Authorities claim that at least 168 children, as well as teachers and school staff, were killed when an elementary school in the southern Iranian town of Minab was struck during the bombing campaign. The school was reportedly located near a naval base belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). While the US military has said it is investigating the incident, The New York Times reported that satellite imagery, verified social media posts, and geolocated videos suggest American forces were likely responsible for the strike. According to the newspaper, the intended target may have been the nearby IRGC naval facility. Rising Global Tensions The escalating confrontation has raised concerns about a broader regional conflict in the Middle East, with Russia positioning itself as a vocal critic of Western military intervention. Diplomatic analysts warn that continued hostilities could further destabilise the region and complicate international efforts to revive negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program. US - Israel strikes; Iran; Russia response; Maria Zakharova

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