- PoliticsEgypt Independent
Hard-line former Tehran mayor named Iran parliament speaker
Iran’s parliament elected a former mayor of Tehran tied to the Revolutionary Guard as its next speaker Thursday, solidifying hard-line control of the body as tensions between the US and the Islamic Republic remain high over its collapsed nuclear deal. Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf’s assumption of power comes after a string of failed presidential bids and 12 years as the leader of Iran’s capital city, in which he built onto Tehran’s subway and supported the construction of modern high-rises.
- NewsAl Jazeera
India: A toddler waking dead mother highlights migrants' misery
A viral video clip shared on social media showing a toddler trying to wake his dead mother lying on a railway platform in the eastern city of Muzaffarpur has shocked Indians. According to local media reports, the family of Arbina Khatoon said she died of hunger and dehydration, highlighting the suffering migrant workers have endured due to the coronavirus lockdown. Local police, however, said that she died of illness.
- NewsAl Jazeera
Romina Ashrafi: 'Honour killing' sparks outcry in Iran
Iran's President Hassan Rouhani has requested his cabinet to speed up harsher laws in so-called "honour killings" amid a social media outcry over the murder of a 14-year-old girl by her father. Rouhani pushed on Wednesday for speedy adoption of relevant bills, some of which have apparently shuttled for years among various decision-making bodies in Iran. More: How can we stop honour killings?
- PoliticsAl Arabiya English
Watch: Zarif asleep during Rouhani speech at new parliament opening session
Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif appeared to be sleeping as President Hassan Rouhani was delivering a speech in the opening session of Iran’s new parliament on Wednesday, according to a video shared by an Iranian state television. Last Update: 18:13 KSA 21:13 - GMT 18:13
- NewsAl Arabiya English
Six killed in shooting in Saudi Arabia's Asir province: SPA
Six people were killed in a shooting in Saudi Arabia's southwestern Asir province on Tuesday, reported the official Saudi Press Agency SPA . Last Update: 07:58 KSA 10:58 - GMT 07:58
- NewsAl Arabiya English
Passengers of downed Ukrainian plane in 'state of panic' before attack: Official
Passengers on the downed Ukrainian flight over Iran were in a state of “panic” before the plane was hit by missiles from the Iranian military in January, according to a Ukrainian forensics head. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) shot down the Ukraine International Airlines flight PS752 on January 8, killing all 176 onboard. Iran admitted to downing the plane after days of denying responsibility and insisting the plane crashed due to a “technical failure.”
- NewsAl Jazeera
Pompeo declares Hong Kong 'no longer autonomous' from China
United States Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has notified the US Congress that the Trump administration no longer regards Hong Kong as autonomous from mainland China. Wednesday's notification to lawmakers sets the stage for the US to withdraw preferential trade and financial status that the former British colony has enjoyed since it reverted to Chinese rule in 1997.
