Regional
UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting on Iran amid military escalation
The Security Council session comes hours after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday
The United Nations Security Council will convene an emergency session on Saturday following large-scale airstrikes on Iran by the United States and Israel, a move that has triggered sharp international backlash and heightened fears of a broader regional conflict.
The emergency meeting was requested by France, Bahrain, China, Russia and Colombia, according to a statement from Russia’s permanent mission to the UN.
“The reckless actions by Washington and West Jerusalem against a sovereign UN member state constitute a direct violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law,” the Russian mission said, warning that the strikes risk undermining peace, stability and security across the Middle East.
Moscow said it would demand that the United States and Israel “immediately cease their illegal and escalatory actions” and shift toward a political and diplomatic resolution.
Escalation after joint strikes
The Security Council session comes hours after the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iranian targets early Saturday, saying the operation was aimed at neutralizing threats posed by the Iranian government.
In separate video statements, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump defended the military action. Both leaders suggested the strikes could create conditions for political change in Tehran, with Trump saying the operation could give Iranians an opportunity to determine their own future.
Iran condemned the attacks as a violation of its sovereignty and international law and responded with retaliatory missile and drone strikes targeting Israeli territory and U.S. assets in the region.
Growing international concern
Diplomatic tensions have mounted rapidly, with several governments urging restraint and warning of the potential for a wider war.
France, one of the countries that requested the emergency meeting, has previously called for renewed diplomatic engagement to address concerns over Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile programs while avoiding further escalation.
The Security Council gathering is expected to feature heated exchanges among permanent members, particularly between Russia and the United States, as divisions deepen over the legality and consequences of the strikes.
With active hostilities ongoing and civilian casualties reported, the UN session will serve as an early test of whether global powers can contain the crisis — or whether the confrontation will continue to spiral.
At least 15 people, including 11 civilians and four security personnel, have been killed in clashes between protesters and security forces in Pakistan-administered Kashmir, according to local authorities.
The unrest was triggered by opposition to the reservation of 12 seats in the regional legislative assembly for Kashmiri refugees. The Joint Awami Action Committee (JAAC) called for a march to Muzaffarabad, but authorities banned the group, accused it of sedition, and ordered action against its leaders.
Despite the restrictions, thousands of protesters joined the march, leading to violent confrontations in several areas.
Dozens of people have also been injured, and concerns remain over further violence. Amnesty International has criticized the authorities’ response, citing mass arrests, internet shutdowns, and the use of excessive force against protesters.
The demonstrators are demanding the abolition of the reserved seats, arguing that all legislative seats should be contested by residents of the region. However, the region’s Supreme Court has ruled that the seats are constitutionally protected and cannot be removed through political or administrative measures.
Regional
US hits China- and Hong Kong-based entities with sanctions over Iran weapons
The U.S. State Department also designated two companies and individuals based in Iran and Belarus in connection with Iran’s conventional arms-related activities, Treasury said.
The U.S. government on Wednesday said it was imposing sanctions against 11 people and entities, including several based in China and Hong Kong, for supporting weapons procurement by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian military, Reuters reported.
Nine of those designated were China- and Hong Kong-based individuals and companies that facilitated the procurement of weapons for Iran’s military, and a Hong Kong-based company operating within Iran’s clandestine banking network, the U.S. Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said in a statement.
The U.S. State Department also designated two companies and individuals based in Iran and Belarus in connection with Iran’s conventional arms-related activities, Treasury said.
All personnel on board a military helicopter have been killed in a crash near Muzaffarabad in Pakistani Kashmir, Pakistan’s military said in a statement on Wednesday, without specifying the number of deaths.
“An Mi-17 helicopter of Pakistan Army Aviation crashed near Muzaffarabad today during take-off due to technical fault,” the military said in a statement, Reuters reported. “There were no survivors.”
Rescue teams have reached the site and a board of inquiry has been ordered to ascertain the exact technical cause of the accident, it said.
The helicopter crashed while taking off and caught fire, a Reuters witness said, adding that firefighters were trying to control the flames.
Tahawol: Middle East crisis and future of Islamic world discussed
Afghanistan A edge India A by four runs in rain-hit Tri-Nation opener
Saar: Kabul-Islamabad informal talks in Istanbul discussed
At least 15 killed, dozens injured as protests rock Pakistan-administered Kashmir
Mexico and South Africa set to open historic 2026 World Cup
Afghanistan signs $46 million deal to develop standard laboratory complexes
Large blast near Beit Shemesh part of pre-planned test: Israeli defense firm
Norway’s Viking-inspired World Cup team photo goes viral
Trump returns from China with stability but little progress
Afghanistan announce squad for India series
Tahawol: Middle East crisis and future of Islamic world discussed
Saar: Kabul-Islamabad informal talks in Istanbul discussed
Tahawol: Fresh Pakistani military attacks on Afghanistan discussed
Saar: Emphasis on continued Indian support for Afghanistan discussed
Tahawol: Calls for Afghanistan’s integration discussed
-
International Sports2 days agoNorway’s Viking-inspired World Cup team photo goes viral
-
Latest News4 days agoUNAMA voices concern over reported detention of women in Herat
-
International Sports3 days agoWorld Cup 2026: Ten attacking stars set to steal the show in North America
-
International Sports1 day agoOne Day to Go: Everything you need to know about FIFA World Cup 2026
-
International Sports4 days agoMidfield Maestros: 10 players set to control the 2026 FIFA World Cup
-
Latest News4 days agoUN Security Council to review Afghanistan situation as UNAMA mandate nears expiry
-
Business3 days agoAfghan banks to finance Herat–Mazar railway project
-
Regional5 days agoUS eyes Iranian assets for Gulf allies’ reconstruction, source says