Tehran (AFP) – Iranian state television says the Revolutionary Guards launched a missile on Israel following Israeli, US strikes on Tehran and several cities in Iran. “The first wave of widespread missile and drone attacks by the Islamic Republic of Iran against the occupied territories has begun,” an anchor says in a read-out of the Revolutionary Guards’ statement.
West Palm Beach (United States) (AFP) – US President Donald Trump announces that “major combat” is underway in Iran. “The United States’ military began major combat operations in Iran,” Trump says in a video message posted on his social media site while he spent the weekend at his Florida golf club. “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.” IMAGES
Jerusalem (AFP) – Sirens heard in Jerusalem as Israel’s defence ministry announced Saturday it had launched a “preemptive strike” on Iran as sirens sounded in Jerusalem and people across the country received phone alerts about an “extremely serious” threat. IMAGES
Washington (United States) (AFP) – High school students rally at an “End ICE brutality” protest by the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC. IMAGES
El Alto (Bolivia) (AFP) – Emergency personnel are on the scene after a Bolivian military cargo plane carrying banknotes crashed in El Alto, near La Paz, killing at least 15 people. IMAGES
Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) – Argentina’s Congress adopts President Javier Milei’s flagship labor reform, handing victory to the libertarian leader in his push to boost hiring by loosening rules on working hours, dismissals and overtime. The so-called “labor modernization law” allows working days of up to 12 hours, reduces severance pay, limits the right to strike and lowers employer taxes, among other provisions. IMAGES
Chappaqua (United States) (AFP) – The Republican chair of the panel that grilled former US president Bill Clinton on his ties to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein credits him with answering every question, but another lawmaker points to “inconsistencies.” “We believe this was a very productive deposition, that president Clinton answered every question — or attempted to answer every question,” US House Oversight Committee chairman James Comer says after the hearing. SOUNDBITE
Buenos Aires (Argentina) (AFP) – Dozens of people demonstrate as Argentina’s Senate prepares to turn into law a labour reform promoted by President Javier Milei, which has the necessary backing despite resistance from opposition groups and unions. IMAGES
London (AFP) – UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer reacts after his Labour party suffers a humiliating third-place finish, losing a traditional stronghold in a crunch vote to the Greens. “We were fighting two parties, Reform on the right with their politics of hatred and division, the Greens on the left with their politics of getting out of NATO in the middle of the conflict with Ukraine,” he says.
Tokio (AFP) – Tokyo residents visit the Yushima Tenmangu Shrine to enjoy the plum blossoms, one of the earliest signs that spring is approaching. While cherry blossoms attract most attention in Japan, plum blossoms are cherished for their delicate flowers, subtle fragrance and long cultural history.
(AFP) – Afghan government spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid tells a news conference in Kandahar that 13 Afghan soldiers have been killed and 13 civilians wounded, after “attacks” carried out by Pakistan. Pakistan has bombed major cities in Afghanistan including the capital Kabul, with Islamabad’s defence minister declaring the neighbours at “open war” following months of tit-for-tat clashes.
