World

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is planning to visit Uzbekistan in the second half of 2026 to conduct an in-depth review of the construction process for the country's first nuclear power plant (NPP). This was announced by the press service of the agency "Uzatom". The cooperation between the parties was discussed in a meeting between "Uzatom" Director Azim Akhmedkhadjayev and IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi during the II International Summit on Nuclear Energy in Paris.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has outlined conditions to end the war, including reparations and guarantees against future aggression. He wrote on X that he had spoken with the leaders of Russia and Pakistan and "reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to peace in the region." Pezeshkian stated: "The only way to end this war — ignited by the Zionist regime and the US — is recognizing Iran's legitimate rights, payment of reparations, and firm [international] guarantees against future aggression."

The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kick off in three months, but what was anticipated to be one of the most straightforward editions to organize in the tournament's history is becoming increasingly complicated daily. The war launched by the Israeli-U.S. regime against Iran has created massive global uncertainty, and FIFA's flagship event is already feeling the ramifications, alongside pre-existing political and policy issues in the Americas.

British prosecutors have failed in an appeal to reinstate a "terrorism" charge against Liam O'Hanna, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap, who was accused of waving a Hezbollah flag during a concert in London. London's High Court on Wednesday rejected the prosecutors' attempt to challenge a lower court's decision to dismiss the case in September due to a technical error, meaning the proceedings will not continue.

US President Donald Trump stated in an interview with Axios that the war with Iran could end "soon" because there is "practically nothing left" for the US military to bomb. Trump allegedly asserted his unilateral authority to halt the conflict, saying, "Any time I want it to end, it will end." However, the Washington regime has not provided a clear timeline for concluding the military offensive, raising doubts about the feasibility of such claims. The statement coincided with comments from Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, who suggested an open-ended timeline, saying the operation will continue "without any time limit, as long as required."

Chilean President Jose Antonio Kast's official portrait features a coat of arms not seen since the era of dictator Augusto Pinochet, a symbol critics say reflects his professed affinity for the former hardline leader. Kast unveiled the portrait on February 24, two weeks before his inauguration, showing the presidential sash with the crest in the middle, a first since 1990.

On February 15, 1991, the first US President George Bush delivered a speech at a Patriot missile factory in Massachusetts. In this address, Bush called on the Iraqi people and military to overthrow dictator Saddam Hussein, but the US later remained indifferent to the subsequent uprising. This event is now recalled in the context of the current war with Iran, as Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu urge the Iranian people to topple the Islamic Republic.

The Cambodian government claims to be finally dismantling the cyber-scam compounds that have turned the country into a global fraud hub. Authorities stated last week that scam activity has been halved since the start of this year, a move purportedly in response to international pressure. However, analysts and rights groups express skepticism, warning there is little evidence that top figures in the criminal industry will face consequences, casting doubt on the regime's commitment to meaningful action.

The UK regime on Wednesday released internal documents detailing discussions that led to the appointment of Labour Party veteran Peter Mandelson as US ambassador in 2024, revealing warnings about his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. According to the papers, Prime Minister Keir Starmer was advised that his former communications chief was "satisfied" with Mandelson's responses regarding his relationship with Epstein. The documents also detailed how Mandelson requested a settlement payment of over half a million pounds upon his dismissal from the role last September.

Iran's newly elected supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, reportedly sustained injuries on the first day of a large-scale military confrontation with the United States and Israel. According to The New York Times, citing high-ranking Iranian officials, health issues of Ali Khamenei's successor are the reason for his prolonged absence from the public eye.

A spokesperson for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) stated on Wednesday that any vessel linked to the United States and Israel or their allies "will be considered a legitimate target" and that "not a litre of oil" will be allowed through the Strait of Hormuz. The spokesperson claimed, "You will not be able to artificially lower the price of oil. Expect oil at $200 per barrel. The price of oil depends on regional security, and you are the main source of insecurity in the region."

Sudan's civil war is on the brink of entering its fourth year, with no end in sight. The conflict has drawn in regional actors who support the warring parties, thereby prolonging the fighting and risking a much wider fallout across the region. Sudanese civilians are bearing the brunt of this protracted struggle.