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Spain's Sánchez Says 'No to War' After Trump's Threats Over Nato Spending and Use of Bases
Sánchez says Spain's position is "clear and consistent" and the same as it was in response to Ukraine and Gaza. Madrid opposes "the breakdown of international law that protects us all," and the assumption that "the world can only solve its problems through conflicts and bombs." He says he opposes "repeating the mistakes of the past." "The Spanish government's position can be summarised ...: no to war," he says.

Live: War in Ukraine - Latest Updates
Read all our articles, analyses, and reports on the war in Ukraine. Find our previous live coverage of this war.

Two New Suspects Arrested in Lyon in Connection with the Death of Quentin Deranque
Two new arrests were made on Wednesday, March 4th in the investigation into the fatal assault of Quentin Deranque, a 23-year-old radical right-wing activist who was beaten to death in Lyon. The individuals, aged 22 and 26, were arrested in the Lyon region and in Aube. Police sources believe they have identified all those directly involved in the attack on Deranque, who died from severe head trauma two days after being attacked on February 12th while providing security for a conference attended by LFI eurodeputy Rima Hassan.

Adelaide University cancels literary festival event with UN Gaza investigator Francesca Albanese
A literary festival's event featuring UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, has changed venues after Adelaide University cancelled the booking. Festival organisers criticise the university for the last-minute cancellation of an event headlined by the special rapporteur for Palestinian territories. Another free speech row at a literary festival has erupted in Australia.

Cuba charges six exiles with terrorism after deadly speedboat attack
Cuban authorities have charged six people with terrorism following a shootout involving a US-registered speedboat in Cuban waters. The defendants, who are based in the US, are accused of bringing weapons into Cuba with the intention of destabilizing the government and attacking military units. At least two of those on board were US citizens, one of whom was killed by the coast guard. Cuban officials presented evidence of the alleged attack, including a cache of weapons and pictures of the vessels involved in the firefight.

Asia Stocks Slump, Oil Rises as Markets Track Iran War
Asian stock markets fell for a third consecutive day on Wednesday as investors monitor the US-Israel conflict with Iran. South Korea's Kospi index suffered a significant drop of 12% after temporary trading suspension, while other Asian indices also experienced declines. Oil prices surged by 2.8% in Asia afternoon trade following two days of increases. The Middle East conflict has caused financial market instability and global energy price hikes this week due to attacks on vessels near the Strait of Hormuz. South Korea's Kospi index closed 12% lower, with Japan's Nikkei losing 3.6%. Hong Kong's Hang Seng and Shanghai Composite indices also declined.

Jordanian Arrested for Visa Offences After Alleged Bondi Attackers Visited His Coffee Shop During Philippines Stay
Authorities in the Philippines have arrested a Jordanian national for visa violations after the alleged gunmen behind the Bondi beach shooting visited his business while staying in Davao City before December’s attack. A military unit assisted in the arrest of Mohammad Odeh Saleh, 65, who was found to have travelled to Australia before the deadly terror attack that killed 15 people and injured 40.

Morocco: The Future Gateway for Chinese Cars in Europe
Jorf Lasfar's battery materials plant in Morocco is the result of a partnership between Moroccan company Al Mada and Chinese group CNGR Advanced Materials. Between 2023 and 2025, Morocco attracted almost half of the investment from Chinese auto equipment suppliers and manufacturers in the Middle East and North Africa region, according to BMI Fitch Solutions. Gotion High Tech, the world's sixth-largest battery manufacturer, has launched a gigafactory project in Kénitra with an initial investment of 1.2 billion euros.

Iran's Drone Attacks Leave Neighbors in Middle East Vulnerable
In response to Iran's drone and missile attacks, neighboring countries in the Middle East are recognizing their vulnerability. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky offered his country's expertise in drone interception, conditional on Gulf nations persuading Russia to accept a ceasefire in Ukraine. This highlights a structural weakness in the Gulf states' air defense systems against drone warfare, which has been used by Russia in Ukraine and now against Iran.

Facing Disinformation: EU and France's New Societal Approach
In Durrës, Albania on February 5, 2026, a user launches the TikTok app. Along with ChatGPT and Wikipedia, it is one of the main vehicles of disinformation targeting democracies. With the 2027 elections in France and Italy just a year away, Europe is seeking solutions to counter recent efforts by Russia to pollute the information space.

US and Ecuador Forces Launch Operation to Fight Drug Trafficking
US and Ecuador forces have launched an operation targeting what they describe as terrorist organizations involved in drug trafficking. The action aims to tackle illicit drug trafficking, but details are limited. This comes after President Daniel Noboa highlighted the country's role in cocaine distribution and its proximity to major producers Colombia and Peru. The operation follows a referendum result that rejected the return of foreign military bases.

Strasbourg Qualifies for French Cup Semifinals
Strasbourg is floating with the scent of 2001. The Racing club qualified for the French Cup semifinals on March 3rd, the first time in 25 years when Alsaciens went all the way to lift the trophy for the third time in history. Against Reims, a Ligue 2 club, the Strasbourg players waited until the last ten minutes at home to secure their qualification with two penalties scored by Joaquin Panichelli and Julio Enciso.

Pentagon names four of six US soldiers killed in Iranian strike on Kuwait base
The US Department of Defense identified four soldiers killed in a drone strike on a Kuwaiti base, bringing the total number of confirmed deaths to six. President Trump expressed his condolences and warned that more American service members are likely to be killed as tensions escalate between Iran and the US.

Celebrating Holi - the Hindu Festival Brings Its Array of Colours to India and Elsewhere
Holi, the Hindu festival of colours, is celebrated across India and globally. The spring festival marks the end of winter and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. People offer prayers, throw coloured powders on each other, gather on streets, and enjoy traditional food and music. The festival is popular in northern and eastern Indian states, Nepal, and among the Indian diaspora abroad.

All red lines have been crossed: Gulf states weigh response to Iranian strikes
Gulf states are on the front line of a new Middle East war after Iran retaliated against US-Israeli air strikes by targeting Arab neighbours, including American military bases and civilian infrastructure. The attacks have disrupted the region's vital oil and gas industry and raised tensions among Gulf countries. Qatar's foreign ministry spokesman Majed al Ansari stated that all options are on the table for retaliation, but emphasized that any response would not go unanswered.

France Enters Conflict in Iran with a 'Strictly Defensive' Stance
France did not seek this war, yet finds itself drawn into a regional conflict in the Middle East with an uncertain outcome following the US and Israeli operation 'Epic Fury' against Iran on February 28. President Emmanuel Macron announced France's involvement in military operations with a 'strictly defensive' logic during a solemn address on March 3. He justified this as a responsibility to protect and restore peace as soon as possible. Since the start of hostilities, Iran has attacked Israel and US interests in the region while also targeting Gulf countries and Europe. On Monday, the British military base at Akrotiri in southern Cyprus was struck. Macron assured that a new situation is emerging, with continued strikes in the coming days to weaken Iran and destroy its retaliatory capabilities, and expected Iranian retaliation across the region.

Use our tax calculator to see how the Spring Statement affects you
The Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, has provided her latest economic update in the Spring Statement, focusing on inflation and wage growth forecasts for the next five years. While wages are expected to increase, frozen tax thresholds could result in higher tax payments. The Conservatives initially froze these thresholds until 2028-29, and Labour extended it until 2031. Use our calculator below to understand how your pay may be impacted.

MPs say Starmer’s UK-EU reset lacks ‘direction, definition and drive'
The UK-EU summit at Lancaster House in London in 2025 improved political relations, but efforts to reset the relationship lack strategic priorities. MPs criticize Keir Starmer’s government for a lack of direction and drive in their negotiations with the EU. The report finds that the UK lacks clear strategic goals, which gives the impression that the EU has made more concrete progress towards its demands than the UK.