Madrid (AFP) – Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez addresses US President Donald Trump’s criticism of Spain for refusing to let the US use its bases to attack Iran. “We will not be complicit in something that is bad for the world… out of fear of retaliation,” he says. “The Spanish Government’s position can be summed up in three words: no to war.”
Beirut (Lebanon) (AFP) – Buildings lie in ruin and wounded guests of a stricken hotel receive treatment in the lobby after fresh Israeli strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs. Israel expanded its air strikes in Lebanon on March 4, targeting the area around the presidential palace near Beirut and other areas south of the capital as well as strongholds of the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, killing at least 11 people.
Tehran (AFP) – A police station in central Tehran lies in ruins after it was struck on March 2. Israel’s military hit Iran with fresh strikes and marched into Lebanon on the Middle East war’s fifth day.
Taftan (Pakistan) (AFP) – Pakistani nationals haul suitcases across the border from neighbouring Iran, describing missiles being launched and travel chaos as they scramble to leave the country that the United States and Israel hit with strikes over the weekend. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said in a news conference on 3 March that Pakistan has three consulates working in Iran to offer support to the 35,000 citizens in the country.
Turkey (AFP) – Iranians cross into neighbouring Turkey through the land border of Kapikoy, as the Middle East war stretches into its fourth day. “It’s dangerous right now”, says one, while another adds, “we sleep in fear and wake up in stress.” Iranian media have reported hundreds of deaths in Iran, but AFP has been unable to verify exact death tolls.
Birmingham (United Kingdom) (AFP) – The cast and crew of ‘Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man’ gather in Birmingham for the film’s global premiere. The film, which is a sequel to the iconic British series, has been announced as the end of the the lead character Tommy Shelby’s story, something Cillian Murphy admits he’s not “fully processed” yet.
London (AFP) – With pots clanging and oil sizzling in the background, chef Imad Alarnab maps out his journey. In 2015, he fled war-torn Syria, crossing Europe in the back of lorries, on trains, on foot and even by bicycle, to reach the UK. A decade later, he welcomed Britain’s King Charles III to one of two restaurants set up in London. “Leaving Syria was so difficult,” Alarnab says, “I would say it was the most difficult decision I ever made.”
London (AFP) – With pots clanging and oil sizzling in the background, chef Imad Alarnab maps out his journey. In 2015, he fled war-torn Syria, crossing Europe in the back of lorries, on trains, on foot and even by bicycle, to reach the UK. A decade later, he welcomed Britain’s King Charles III to one of two restaurants set up in London. “Leaving Syria was so difficult,” Alarnab says, “I would say it was the most difficult decision I ever made.”
Tehran (AFP) – Buildings lie in ruins in Tehran following four days of US-Israeli air strikes on the Iranian capital. Fresh explosions have been reported in the city and fighter jets seen overhead, with US President Donald Trump threatening to escalate the conflict. Iranian media have reported hundreds of casualties in the country, although AFP journalists have not been able to verify tolls independently.
Tehran (AFP) – Iran warns European countries against joining its conflict with Israel and the United States, after Germany, Britain and France said they could take “defensive action” to destroy Iran’s missile-launching capabilities. This comes four days after the US and Israel launched strikes, killing Iran’s supreme leader and triggering a regional war.
Los Angeles (United States) (AFP) – In Woodland Hills, a neighborhood in Los Angeles, the Arya Football Club gathers on Sunday mornings for friendly matches. Most of the club’s players are Iranians who are fervent supporters of their national team, Team Melli, which is set to play all its World Cup group matches in the US. As Israel and the US carry out strikes against Iran, these players are hoping for an end to the conflict by the time the World Cup starts in June.
Kathmandu (AFP) – Hundreds of Nepalis and foreign tourists dance and throw paint at each other to celebrate Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, at Kathmandu’s historic Durbar Square. This year’s Holi coincides with the last day of campaigning for Nepal’s upcoming election.
