Iran gets ready for first parliamentary elections since nationwide protests

For the first time since extended nationwide anti-government protests were triggered in Iran last year, the Iranian Islamic Republic is preparing to hold new parliamentary elections in March 2024, the Associated Press reports. Iranian authorities began registering electoral candidates for the 290-seat parliament on Monday.

US announces $345 million military aid for Taiwan

The United States on Friday announced a weapons package for Taiwan worth up to $345 million, Reuters reports. The Biden administration has not publicized details as to what this package will include.

Dozens Killed In Pakistan Train Crash

Pakistani police said at least 30 people were killed and 100 injured when a train derailed in southern Pakistan, underscoring broader concerns about railway safety in the Asian nation.

At least 17 Killed In Georgia Landslide

The death toll from a landslide hitting a resort area in the mountains of Georgia has risen to 17, the country’s Interior Ministry confirmed Sunday, and there were fears rescuers would find more bodies.

Slovenia Appeals For Help After Deadly Floods

Slovenia on Sunday appealed for aid from the European Union and NATO military alliance after weekend flooding killed at least three people and caused damage estimated at over half a billion euros ($550 million).

Ukraine Peace Talks Underway In Saudi Arabia (Worthy News Radio)

Saudi Arabia is hosting talks on the Ukraine war as it tries to increase its diplomatic footprint, although expectations are mild for what the gathering might achieve. Yet Ukraine’s president views gathering dozens of nations as crucial to reaching peace in his country and elsewhere.

Ukraine Attacks Black Sea Fleet

Ukraine said Friday it had attacked a Russian Black Sea fleet ship and put it out of action after Kyiv warned it would bring the ongoing war on Ukrainian territory to Russia.

Iran has “dramatically” increased executions for political reasons, new report shows

A US-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) has reported that Iran’s Islamic extremist regime is “dramatically” increasing the number of politically motivated executions it carries out, Radio Free Europe (Rferl) reports. Iran executes more people than any other country in the world, Amnesty International has reported separately.

US Withdraws Embassy Staff From Niger; Christians Concerned

The United States acknowledged Thursday that it ordered the evacuation of staff and families from its embassy in Niger following last week’s coup, which added to uncertainty within the Christian minority in the West African nation.

Russia Attacks Ukraine Grain Port Near Romania

Authorities said Wednesday that a Russian drone strike hit Ukrainian port facilities at Izmail on the River Danube, near Romania, a member of the NATO military alliance.

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