Author: EchoAsiaNews

The Iranian Red Crescent has condemned recent airstrikes it attributed to US and Israeli forces, stating that at least 17 civilian areas across Iran were targeted in a single day. In a statement posted on X, the organisation said there is “no justification” for attacks on civilian populations and emphasized that international humanitarian law classifies such actions as violations amounting to war crimes. The condemnation comes amid heightened regional tensions, with reports of increased strikes impacting civilian locations and infrastructure. The organisation has called attention to the humanitarian implications of the attacks as the situation continues to develop.

At least 15 people were killed in a series of overnight strikes across Iran reportedly carried out by United States and Israeli forces, according to local media and regional reporting on Tuesday. The strikes mark one of the deadliest single waves of attacks in recent days of the ongoing conflict. Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency reported that authorities recovered six bodies from collapsed buildings in Pardis, east of Tehran, after the bombardment. In the Shahriar area of western Tehran province, local officials said an airstrike on a residential neighborhood killed nine people. The attacks come amid a broader escalation in…

A fighter from Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF), also known as Hashed al-Shaabi, was killed in a strike near the Syrian border in the Qaim district of Anbar province, the alliance said on Tuesday, attributing the attack to the United States and Israel. According to the statement, the incident occurred around 4:00 a.m. local time and targeted the 45th Brigade of the paramilitary coalition. The PMF described the strike as a “treacherous Zionist-American aggression,” reporting that one of its fighters was killed as a result. No immediate confirmation or comment was available from US or Israeli authorities regarding the allegation.…

Overnight attacks struck a major petrochemical complex in the eastern industrial city of Jubail, causing a fire and loud explosions at the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) plant, a source on the ground told AFP on Tuesday. The assault occurred hours after similar facilities in Iran were hit, reflecting an escalation in regional hostilities. The strikes targeted one of the world’s largest industrial hubs, where gasoline, petrochemicals, lubricating oil and chemical fertilizers are produced. Saudi air defenses engaged a barrage of incoming missiles in the kingdom’s eastern region, with multiple intercepts reported as authorities begin assessing damage. The incident underscores…

Pakistan’s diplomatic push to help end the ongoing conflict involving Iran has reached a “critical and sensitive” stage, Iran’s Ambassador to Pakistan Reza Amiri Moghadam said in a social-media post on Tuesday. The envoy described Islamabad’s role as “positive and productive” in efforts to halt the war, without providing further details on negotiations. The remarks come amid an intensified diplomatic phase in which Pakistan has been actively facilitating communication between Tehran and Washington, seeking to prevent wider regional escalation. Islamabad has positioned itself as a mediator and proposed frameworks aimed at de-escalation, including ceasefire concepts and negotiation venues. The envoy’s…

Taylor Swift’s cultural reach has taken an unexpected leap beyond Earth, as astronauts aboard the Artemis II mission were seen wearing friendship bracelets inspired by the global pop star. The bracelets, a hallmark of Swift’s Eras Tour fan culture, have evolved from simple concert accessories into widely recognized symbols of community and shared identity among fans. Their appearance in space underscores how far the phenomenon has spread since it first gained popularity at Swift’s live shows. The trend originated during Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, where fans began exchanging handmade bracelets featuring song lyrics, personal messages, and references to her music.…

Air India Chief Executive Officer Campbell Wilson has resigned, according to a source with direct knowledge of the matter, as the airline continues to face financial losses and heightened regulatory oversight following a fatal crash last year. Wilson, a former Singapore Airlines executive who was appointed in 2022 to lead Air India’s turnaround under the Tata Group, is currently serving a six-month notice period and is expected to remain in his role until a successor is named. His departure comes at a challenging time for the carrier, which has been grappling with operational issues, aircraft delivery delays, and safety-related concerns…

Australian authorities have arrested a former special forces soldier over alleged war crimes committed during operations in Afghanistan, police said Tuesday, as part of a long-running investigation into misconduct by elite troops. The Australian Federal Police confirmed the arrest of a 47-year-old former soldier, widely identified in local media as Ben Roberts-Smith, a highly decorated veteran and Victoria Cross recipient. Federal Police Commissioner Krissy Barrett said the accused has been linked to multiple alleged killings of unarmed prisoners in Afghanistan between 2009 and 2012. She stated that the victims were not participating in hostilities at the time of the alleged…

Social media posts circulating online have claimed that American rapper Cardi B reacted emotionally after learning of an alleged shooting involving her former partner Offset, though no official confirmation of the incident has been provided by authorities or representatives. According to claims shared on X (formerly Twitter), Cardi B was said to have expressed distress upon hearing reports that Offset had been shot in Florida. The posts, which have not been independently verified, attributed quotes to the artist suggesting concern over his condition and reference to their ongoing co-parenting relationship. Additional viral content on social media has also included alleged…

Pakistan batter and Lahore Qalandars opener Fakhar Zaman has dismissed speculation surrounding his retirement from T20 International cricket, stating that he remains committed to continuing his career in the format. The 35-year-old confirmed on Monday that while he had briefly considered stepping away from T20Is following the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, he has since reversed that decision and intends to continue playing. “After the World Cup, I had decided to retire from T20 cricket. However, I no longer intend to retire and want to finish my T20 career on a high note,” Fakhar said, clarifying his position amid…