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Seven nations condemn Iran assaults on vessels, power websites, Strait of Hormuz closure

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Tehran [Iran], March 20 (ANI): Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and the United Kingdom condemened Iran ‘within the strongest phrases’ for assaults on ‘unarmed industrial vessels’ and civilian infrastructure, together with oil and gasoline amenities, in addition to what they described because the ‘de facto closure’ of the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Al Jazeera, the seven international locations urged Tehran to instantly halt its actions and makes an attempt to dam the important thing maritime route within the joint assertion, stressing that ‘freedom of navigation is a elementary precept of worldwide legislation.’

As per Al Jazeera, in addition they expressed readiness to help ‘applicable efforts to make sure secure passage via the Strait’ and welcomed ‘the dedication of countries who’re participating in preparatory planning.’

Meanwhile, China known as for an instantaneous de-escalation of tensions within the Middle East, emphasising that the protection of worldwide waterways should not be compromised, Al Jazeera reported.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian mentioned the continuing battle was disrupting international power safety and warned of broader financial penalties, Al Jazeera reported.

‘The scenario within the Middle East has disrupted international power safety,’ mentioned Lin Jian, spokesperson on the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a news convention, as per Al Jazeera.

‘The international locations concerned ought to instantly stop navy operations to forestall regional instability from having a higher influence on international financial improvement,’ he mentioned.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has deployed a small staff of navy planners to coordinate with the United States on growing a ‘viable collective plan’ to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a UK defence official mentioned on Thursday, CNN reported.

According to CNN, the planners will be part of present British personnel already working alongside US Central Command, the official added.

The transfer comes as Washington and its allies step up efforts to reply to Iran’s de facto closure of the essential waterway following navy operations launched by the US and Israel towards Iran. US President Donald Trump has publicly known as for allied help to reopen the strait, whereas additionally sustaining that the US is able to performing independently if wanted.

However, associate nations have indicated reluctance to deploy navy belongings straight into the strait amid ongoing hostilities.

According to CNN, in a joint assertion, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan mentioned, ‘We specific our readiness to contribute to applicable efforts to make sure secure passage via the strait.’ (ANI)

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ABC cancels 'Bachelorette' season with Taylor Frankie Paul, citing 2023 video

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ABC has scrubbed the upcoming season of “The Bachelorette,” starring Taylor Frankie Paul, citing a newly launched video from 2023.

Thursday’s unprecedented cancellation of the already filmed season of the long-running actuality tv present comes days earlier than it was to premiere, on Sunday.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of ‘The Bachelorette’ at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a press release from Disney Entertainment Television stated.

The assertion appeared to reference a 2023 video of an altercation between Paul and Dakota Mortensen that was printed by TMZ on Thursday. Paul was arrested in 2023 and charged with aggravated assault and different offenses, together with home violence within the presence of a kid. She pleaded responsible that August to a misdemeanor cost of aggravated assault; the opposite costs have been dismissed.

A police spokesperson in Draper City, Utah, advised People journal that there was an open home violence investigation of Paul and her ex-partner Mortensen, and that allegations have been made in each instructions. Mortensen is the daddy of one in every of Paul’s three youngsters.

Representatives for Paul and Mortensen did not instantly return requests for remark. ABC’s assertion did not embrace particulars on what the community deliberate to do with the present’s time slot.

Paul, who was selling Season 22 as not too long ago as Wednesday on ABC’s “Good Morning America” and on the purple carpet earlier than Sunday’s Oscars telecast, was an uncommon option to helm “The Bachelorette.” Unlike earlier leads, the 31-year-old had not appeared on the “Bachelor” franchise earlier than — a departure from the everyday observe of casting runners-up from earlier seasons.

Her choice did supply synergy, although, as she additionally stars on “The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives,” a Hulu actuality present. Both Hulu and ABC are owned by Disney. In a press release confirming her casting in October, ABC credited Paul with “igniting ‘MomTok’ and going viral for pulling back the curtain on Salt Lake’s soft-swinging scene.”

Paul grew to become referred to as an influencer within the #MomTok group, a gaggle of girls from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints sharing their lives on TikTok. She made news when she introduced, in 2022, that she had “stepped out” of an settlement along with her husband by way of relationships with different {couples} and so they have been getting divorced.

“The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives” premiered in 2024. While Season 4 launched final week, filming on Season 5 had already paused over the investigation.

“It was a decision that all of us girls came up with,” Paul’s co-star Mikayla Matthews stated Wednesday on Instagram in response to a fan query concerning the manufacturing freeze. “We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”

Paul posted on Instagram in December that filming had wrapped on “The Bachelorette,” which is hosted by Jesse Palmer.

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials will not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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Kevin Spacey settles out of court docket with 3 males over alleged sexual assaults

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Three males who alleged that actor Kevin Spacey sexually assaulted them have settled their civil claims earlier than going to trial on the High Court in London, courts doc…

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Marc Jacobs let Sofia Coppola movie with ‘no off limits’ — and didn’t hate himself after

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Neither Sofia Coppola nor Marc Jacobs had been satisfied a documentary was a good suggestion. Jacobs wasn’t certain he wished to be the topic of 1 and Coppola wasn’t certain she wished the strain of being the particular person behind the digital camera. This was her pal of over 30 years, in spite of everything. What if the movie wasn’t good?

Yet the concept, which they credit score to producers R.J. and Jane Cha Cutler, began to take maintain. Coppola has all the time been fascinated about vogue and the artistic course of. Jacobs knew that if anybody might make him really feel much less self-conscious, it could be her. And they determined to leap into the unknown. At least it could be collectively.

“There was no off limits,” Jacobs mentioned in an interview, alongside Coppola, with The Associated Press earlier than the Venice Film Festival in September. “It was just like come as you are and you get what you get and that’s the way it’s going to be.”

“Marc, by Sofia,” which opens in theaters Friday, is an evocative, and really Coppola, collage of Jacobs’ influences, his biography and his workforce at work placing collectively a ready-to-wear assortment.

“I’ve never done anything like this where there isn’t a plan or a script,” Coppola mentioned. “What I was trying to do is show his creative process around this one collection and then interweave inspiration and references and artists who collaborated with him to have this full portrait.”

It was a really lo-fi manufacturing, they mentioned. Sometimes it could simply be Coppola coming into the workplace together with her personal handheld digital camera. Sometimes her brother Roman Coppola would come to assist. Coppola had by no means completed a characteristic size documentary earlier than and located the method thrilling, although she mentioned it’s not signaling a brand new part or director for her as a filmmaker.

She additionally bought to see among the behind the scenes issues she’s hardly ever aware about, together with being backstage at a runway present.

“I had total freedom, which was great. I was just filming what interested me,” she mentioned. “It was really the same as like taking snapshots, which wasn’t unfamiliar to me.”

The two met within the early Nineteen Nineties in New York, when Coppola requested her mom if she might go see the Perry Ellis present that Jacobs was engaged on. They rapidly hit it off, bonding over shared loves of artwork, music, vogue and films, and have collaborated many instances, on purses, attire, commercials and extra. Jacobs has visited her movie units and even supplied garments for a few of her characters, together with among the coats Scarlett Johansson wore in “Lost in Translation.”

While Coppola wished to acknowledge their friendship, even making a little bit cameo in her movie, she additionally didn’t need it to be about her and even them, essentially. The focus would stay on Jacobs.

“I didn’t want it to be too much about me,” Coppola mentioned. “But I wanted it to feel that it’s personal and made by me and that I’m part of it and in that way it’s not just a generic interview or portrait.”

In addition to the behind the scenes of designing the Spring 2024 ready-to-wear assortment, “Marc by Sofia” is filled with movie and artwork references, with clips from “Hello, Dolly!” “All that Jazz,” “Sweet Charity” and plenty of extra of Jacobs’ most beloved movies. He was significantly blown away that she was capable of get the rights to make use of the clips.

“It made me feel very special. And I couldn’t imagine all those things coming through for just anyone,” Jacobs mentioned. “I felt like it was OK because it was for Sofia. That may not be the truth, but that’s the way I like to think of it.”

It additionally contains some biography, huge profession moments, and a few uncommon glimpses of Jacobs’ grandmother, an influential determine in his life who he lived with as a teen in New York and who instilled in him the significance of caring for stunning garments. After the runway present, Coppola and her brother go to Jacobs at his residence the place, in his silk pajamas, he discusses his comedown. He likes to borrow a phrase coined by his pal, filmmaker Lana Wachowski, to explain the sensation: Post-art-um.

“I just sort of just felt like it could have been any conversation,” Jacobs mentioned. “Nothing felt like director and subject. It just felt completely easy.”

Still, Jacobs was nervous the primary time she screened it for him. He apprehensive about what he was going to appear to be, and sound like, and what it was going to be.

“In very typical me fashion, when it was over I said I don’t hate myself after seeing it,” Jacobs laughed. “I just thought it all felt natural. I wasn’t pretending. There was just nothing synthetic or false or anything. So whether people like it or not, I know that I just felt good about me being me and Sofia, you know, sort of seeing that her way.”

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials will not be printed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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Israel: Haifa Oil Refinery Hit By Iranian Missile

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18:01

Israel’s Haifa Oil Refinery Hit By Iranian Missile

An oil refinery within the northern Israeli port metropolis of Haifa was hit on March 19 after the nation’s navy warned of missile launches from Iran, Israeli media reported.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan 11 aired photos exhibiting darkish plumes of smoke rising from the refinery space, and mentioned in a submit on X that there have been “no concerns about the leakage of hazardous materials.”

Israel’s Energy Ministry confirmed the strike, saying it didn’t trigger “significant damage” to the ability. Energy Minister Eli Cohen mentioned energy was “briefly disrupted, with electricity restored to most of those who were affected.”

“The damage to the power grid in the north is localized and not significant,” mentioned Cohen. “In the barrage toward the north, there was no significant damage to Israeli infrastructure sites.”

Police mentioned bomb disposal models had been deployed to a number of websites in Haifa the place munitions landed, and no casualties had been reported.

Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry mentioned particles from an intercepted missile that fell in Haifa is being examined “as a hazardous materials incident.”

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16:21

European Nations, Japan Say Ready To Help Secure Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz

US European allies and Japan say they’re prepared for “appropriate” efforts to safe passage via the important thing Strait of Hormuz, because the already widespread battle within the Middle East threatens to spin uncontrolled, with power infrastructure broken throughout the area.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” mentioned a jointstatementfrom the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan revealed on March 19.

“We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” it added, whereas additionally criticizing Tehran for its current assaults on civilian vessels and power infrastructure within the area.

The assertion didn’t define particular parameters of the contributions by European nations and Japan.

To learn the total report, clickhere.

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15:25

Israel’s Strike On South Pars Hits Iran, And Iranians, Where It Hurts Most

When Israeli jets struck the South Pars gasoline advanced close to Asaluyeh, they hit greater than pipes and compressors. They struck the only piece of infrastructure most important to Irans capability to perform — a discipline that gives 75 p.c of Iran’s home gasoline provide and powers roughly 80 p.c of the nation’s electrical energy technology.

The strike halted output at two refineries with a mixed day by day capability of round 100 million cubic meters, sending costs hovering and triggering Iranian retaliatory strikes on power infrastructure in Gulf Arab states, together with Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied pure gasoline (LNG) terminal.

South Pars was already struggling earlier than the primary bomb fell. Straddling the maritime border with Qatar within the Persian Gulf — the place the identical reservoir is called North Dome and provides roughly 20 p.c of world LNG — Iran’s aspect of the sphere has suffered years of continual underinvestment.

To learn the total report, clickhere.

Map: South Pars / North Dome Gas Field

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15:21

Tulsi Gabbard Says US, Israel Have Different Goals In War With Iran

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged on March 19 throughout a listening to earlier than the House Intelligence Committee on worldwide threats that the United States and Israel wouldn’t have the identical targets of their navy operations towards Iran.

“The objectives that have been laid out by the president are different from the objectives that have been laid out by the Israeli government,” Gabbard mentioned.

Tulsi Gabbard testifies on the committee listening to on March 19.

“We can see through the operations that the Israeli government has been focused on disabling the Iranian leadership,” she added. “[US President Donald Trump] has stated that his objectives are to destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles launching capability, their ballistic missile production capability, and their navy,” she added.

Gabbard additionally commented on the battle with Iran in a gathering with the US Senate Intelligence Committee on March 18, saying that US assaults have weakened the Iranian authorities however the Islamic republic nonetheless exists and poses a risk to US pursuits.

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14:37

US Could Lift Sanctions On Iranian Oil On Tankers, Says Bessent

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (file picture)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned Washington could quickly carry sanctions on roughly 140 million barrels of Iranian oil stranded on tankers, aiming to spice up world provide and ease costs amid disruptions brought on by Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in an interview with the Fox Business Network on March 19, Bessent mentioned the extra oil may cowl “10 days to two weeks of supply” and assist stabilize markets.

Bessent added that the US may launch extra oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the governments emergency oil stockpile, and is in talks with Japan on securing protected passage via the strait, with Tokyo doubtlessly rising its personal emergency stock releases.

He pressured that Washington wouldn’t intervene in monetary markets however would deal with boosting bodily provide to offset shortages.

Bessent additionally warned that China has develop into an unreliable provider of refined fuels, citing diminished exports of merchandise reminiscent of jet gas, which has added to provide strains in Asia.

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14:05

RFE/RL’s graphics division has up to date its checklist of high Iranian officers who’ve been confirmed lifeless for the reason that US and Israel’s battle on Iran started on February 28.

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12:54

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has shared avideo on X,exhibiting what it says are US forces “destroying Iranian naval targets that threaten international shipping in and near the Strait of Hormuz.”

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12:47

Kallas Says Iran Attacks On Qatar Risk Further Escalation

EU overseas coverage chief Kaja Kallas has warned that Iran’s assaults on Qatar’s power infrastructure are fueling instability within the area.

“The Iran’s attacks on Qatar’s energy infrastructure create further chaos and it’s clear that we need an exit from this war, not [an] escalation,” Kallas advised reporters forward of the EU council assembly in Brussels on March 19.

“This is equally important for Ukraine, as Russia stands to gain from the Iran war,” she laterwrote in a submit on X.

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11:16

Iran Says It Will ‘Boycott US’ But Compete At World Cup

Iran certified for the World Cup virtually a yr in the past by topping their qualifying group. (file picture)

Iran will “boycott the United States” however nonetheless plans to compete within the upcoming soccer World Cup, the nation’s soccer federation chief, Mehdi Taj, mentioned as uncertainty grows over the groups participation amid the continued battle.

Iran is scheduled to play group matches within the US, however officers have opened talks with soccer’s world governing physique, FIFA, about relocating video games. World Cup co-host Mexico has indicated it might be prepared to stage Iran’s video games on the event, if wanted.

FIFA has not modified the event schedule, though US President Donald Trump has warned that Iranian gamers may face security dangers in the event that they journey to the nation. Tehran rejected these remarks, insisting its staff can’t be excluded.

The dispute comes regardless of earlier assurances from FIFA that Iran could be welcome, elevating questions over logistics, visas, and safety forward of the event co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

If Iran — which is drawn with Belgium. Egypt, and Italy within the group section — doesn’t take part within the World Cup, it’s unclear which nation may exchange it.

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10:21

Saudi Refinery Stops Oil Loadings As Gulf Energy Facilities Come Under Fire

Yanbu on the Red Sea is certainly one of two main export shops for crude oil out of Gulf Arab nations. (file picture)

The key Saudi port of Yanbu has stopped oil loadings, two sources advised Reuters on March 19, after the Saudi Defense Ministry mentioned it had intercepted a ballistic missile over town.

Earlier, an aerial assault focused Saudi Aramcos SAMREF refinery within the Red Sea port on March 19, although an trade supply mentioned the influence was minimal.

The assaults comply with an Iranian evacuation warning for power services throughout Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar after a strike on Irans South Pars gasoline discipline.

Yanbu is a essential export hub on the Red Sea and one of many principal options for Persian Gulf oil shipments since Iran successfully shut the Strait of Hormuz, a route that usually carries a couple of fifth of world provide.

The UAEs Fujairah port, one other key outlet, has additionally been hit by assaults, disrupting operations.

Strikes throughout the area — together with injury to Qatars Ras Laffan LNG hub — have heightened issues over power provide safety.

Based on reporting by Reuters

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US Could Lift Sanctions On Iranian Oil Tankers, Says Bessent

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15:25

Israel’s Strike On South Pars Hits Iran, And Iranians, Where It Hurts Most

When Israeli jets struck the South Pars gasoline complicated close to Asaluyeh, they hit greater than pipes and compressors. They struck the only piece of infrastructure most important to Irans means to operate — a discipline that gives 75 p.c of Iran’s home gasoline provide and powers roughly 80 p.c of the nation’s electrical energy era.

The strike halted output at two refineries with a mixed each day capability of round 100 million cubic meters, sending costs hovering and triggering Iranian retaliatory strikes on power infrastructure in Gulf Arab states, together with Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied pure gasoline (LNG) terminal.

South Pars was already struggling earlier than the primary bomb fell. Straddling the maritime border with Qatar within the Persian Gulf — the place the identical reservoir is named North Dome and provides roughly 20 p.c of world LNG — Iran’s aspect of the sector has suffered years of power underinvestment.

To learn the total report, clickhere.

Map: South Pars / North Dome Gas Field

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15:21

Tulsi Gabbard Says US, Israel Have Different Goals In War With Iran

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard acknowledged on March 19 throughout a listening to earlier than the House Intelligence Committee on worldwide threats that the United States and Israel do not need the identical objectives of their navy operations towards Iran.

“The objectives that have been laid out by the president are different from the objectives that have been laid out by the Israeli government,” Gabbard stated.

Tulsi Gabbard testifies on the committee listening to on March 19.

“We can see through the operations that the Israeli government has been focused on disabling the Iranian leadership,” she added. “[US President Donald Trump] has stated that his objectives are to destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles launching capability, their ballistic missile production capability, and their navy,” she added.

Gabbard additionally commented on the battle with Iran in a gathering with the US Senate Intelligence Committee on March 18, saying that US assaults have weakened the Iranian authorities however the Islamic republic nonetheless exists and poses a menace to US pursuits.

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14:37

US Could Lift Sanctions On Iranian Oil On Tankers, Says Bessent

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (file photograph)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Washington could quickly carry sanctions on roughly 140 million barrels of Iranian oil stranded on tankers, aiming to spice up international provide and ease costs amid disruptions attributable to Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in an interview with the Fox Business Network on March 19, Bessent stated the extra oil might cowl “10 days to two weeks of supply” and assist stabilize markets.

Bessent added that the US might launch extra oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the governments emergency oil stockpile, and is in talks with Japan on securing secure passage by means of the strait, with Tokyo doubtlessly growing its personal emergency stock releases.

He harassed that Washington wouldn’t intervene in monetary markets however would concentrate on boosting bodily provide to offset shortages.

Bessent additionally warned that China has develop into an unreliable provider of refined fuels, citing lowered exports of merchandise comparable to jet gasoline, which has added to produce strains in Asia.

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14:05

RFE/RL’s graphics division has up to date its record of high Iranian officers who’ve been confirmed useless for the reason that US and Israel’s battle on Iran started on February 28.

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12:54

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has shared avideo on X,displaying what it says are US forces “destroying Iranian naval targets that threaten international shipping in and near the Strait of Hormuz.”

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12:47

Kallas Says Iran Attacks On Qatar Risk Further Escalation

EU international coverage chief Kaja Kallas has warned that Iran’s assaults on Qatar’s power infrastructure are fueling instability within the area.

“The Iran’s attacks on Qatar’s energy infrastructure create further chaos and it’s clear that we need an exit from this war, not [an] escalation,” Kallas instructed reporters forward of the EU council assembly in Brussels on March 19.

“This is equally important for Ukraine, as Russia stands to gain from the Iran war,” she laterwrote in a put up on X.

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11:16

Iran Says It Will ‘Boycott US’ But Compete At World Cup

Iran certified for the World Cup nearly a yr in the past by topping their qualifying group. (file photograph)

Iran will “boycott the United States” however nonetheless plans to compete within the upcoming soccer World Cup, the nation’s soccer federation chief, Mehdi Taj, stated as uncertainty grows over the groups participation amid the continuing battle.

Iran is scheduled to play group matches within the US, however officers have opened talks with soccer’s world governing physique, FIFA, about relocating video games. World Cup co-host Mexico has indicated it might be keen to stage Iran’s video games on the event, if wanted.

FIFA has not modified the event schedule, though US President Donald Trump has warned that Iranian gamers might face security dangers in the event that they journey to the nation. Tehran rejected these remarks, insisting its crew can’t be excluded.

The dispute comes regardless of earlier assurances from FIFA that Iran can be welcome, elevating questions over logistics, visas, and safety forward of the event co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

If Iran — which is drawn with Belgium. Egypt, and Italy within the group part — doesn’t take part within the World Cup, it’s unclear which nation might change it.

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10:21

Saudi Refinery Stops Oil Loadings As Gulf Energy Facilities Come Under Fire

Yanbu on the Red Sea is one in every of two main export retailers for crude oil out of Gulf Arab nations. (file photograph)

The key Saudi port of Yanbu has stopped oil loadings, two sources instructed Reuters on March 19, after the Saudi Defense Ministry stated it had intercepted a ballistic missile over town.

Earlier, an aerial assault focused Saudi Aramcos SAMREF refinery within the Red Sea port on March 19, although an business supply stated the affect was minimal.

The assaults comply with an Iranian evacuation warning for power amenities throughout Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar after a strike on Irans South Pars gasoline discipline.

Yanbu is a vital export hub on the Red Sea and one of many major alternate options for Persian Gulf oil shipments since Iran successfully shut the Strait of Hormuz, a route that usually carries a couple of fifth of world provide.

The UAEs Fujairah port, one other key outlet, has additionally been hit by assaults, disrupting operations.

Strikes throughout the area — together with harm to Qatars Ras Laffan LNG hub — have heightened considerations over power provide safety.

Based on reporting by Reuters

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09:29

Oil Jumps, Stocks Slide As Gulf Attacks Raise Energy Supply Fears

Iranian assaults on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gasoline hub has spooked markets. (file photograph)

Oil costs surged and international shares fell sharply on March 19 as escalating assaults on Persian Gulf power infrastructure heightened fears of provide disruptions.

Brent crude jumped 7 p.c to move $115 per barrel, whereas US crude briefly topped $100, after Iranian strikes hit Qatars Ras Laffan liquefied pure gasoline hub and adopted threats to focus on extra regional amenities. European gasoline costs spiked greater than 30 p.c.

Equity markets reacted negatively, with main Asian indexes — together with Tokyo and Seoul — posting steep losses, with declines seen throughout international markets.

The battle has successfully disrupted visitors by means of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for a couple of fifth of world oil and gasoline flows, including to market volatility.

Rising power prices have fueled considerations about renewed inflation and potential rate of interest hikes, with central banks warning of rising financial uncertainty because the disaster deepens.

Based on reporting by Reuters

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09:03

Iran Prison Conditions Deteriorate Sharply Amid War, Rights Group Says

A human rights teams says it has acquired “alarming reports” about prisons in Iran, indicating “a pattern of serious human rights violations” that has worsened for the reason that outbreak of the battle. (file photograph)

Irans jail circumstances havesharply deterioratedsince the outbreak of battle on February 28, with widespread studies of human rights violations, based on the Norway-based group Iran Human Rights (IHRNGO).

The group stated Internet shutdowns and elevated militarization have left detainees remoted, with particular forces taking management of a number of prisons throughout the nation.

Saying it had “received alarming reports about conditions in prisons across Iran,” IHRNGO cited extreme shortages of meals, water, and medication, together with unsanitary circumstances, restricted entry to well being care, and the closure of jail commissaries. At least one prisoner has died after being denied medical remedy, whereas others have launched starvation strikes in protest.

While some inmates convicted of minor offenses have been briefly launched, political prisoners, demise row inmates, and others serving lengthy sentences stay in deteriorating circumstances or have been transferred to unknown areas.

IHRNGO additionally reported overcrowding, violence, and intensified safety measures in a number of amenities, elevating considerations in regards to the security and welfare of detainees nationwide.

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“Before Asian Cup, we’ll play some preparatory matches”: India U20 girls captain

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New Delhi [India], March 19 (ANI): Two weeks earlier than their opening conflict in opposition to Japan in Thailand on the AFC U20 Women’s Asian Cup, the Indian U20 girls’s nationwide staff skipper Shubhangi Singh believes her younger aspect must play some preparatory matches.

For Shubhangi, the importance of qualification has already been processed. The celebrations in Myanmar, the place India ended their 20-year wait, have given method to a sharper, extra quick focus.

‘We went there with the mindset to qualify, and we did,’ she instructed AIFF. ‘When you already consider one thing goes to occur, it does not come as a shock.’

That perception now fuels a squad making ready for what she acknowledges shall be a stern check. India will face Japan on April 2 at 18:30 IST, Australia on April 5 at 14:30 IST, and Chinese Taipei on April 8 at 14:30 IST, in Group C. The prime two groups within the group and the 2 finest third-placed groups will make it to the quarter-finals. Further, the 4 quarter-final winners will qualify for the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup Poland 2026.

Currently coaching in Kolkata, the Young Tigresses will depart for Bangkok, Thailand, early on Friday morning (March 20).

‘Our focus is on the three tough group video games forward. At this stage, we do not count on any simple matches. We’re prepared and need to go on the market and carry out properly in opposition to prime groups. Before the Asian Cup, we’ll play some extra preparatory matches, in order that can even assist us,’ Shubhangi stated.

India’s build-up to the continental stage has been intensive and deliberate. A month-long preparatory camp in Sweden earlier this yr, together with a number of worldwide friendlies on the finish of final yr in opposition to Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, have formed a staff that’s now not unfamiliar with high-intensity soccer.

‘We ready rather well,’ Shubhangi defined. ‘Spending a month in Sweden and enjoying in opposition to European golf equipment was an excellent expertise. Those groups have been bodily taller and stronger than us, so it helped us perceive methods to deal with that.’

A heavy defeat of their opening recreation in opposition to the senior aspect of Hammarby IF, certainly one of Sweden’s prime golf equipment, served as a actuality examine, but in addition as a turning level.

‘The first recreation was the hardest. The 0-6 loss wasn’t acceptable, nevertheless it was an enormous studying expertise. From the second recreation onwards, we tailored higher. We had a few wins, a draw, and a loss earlier than ending the camp with a 5-2 win (in opposition to Alvsjo AIK). Overall, it helped us perceive European enjoying kinds and put together for groups like Japan,’ stated the 19-year-old.

Before Sweden, the Young Tigresses had already examined themselves in opposition to Central Asian opposition, dealing with Uzbekistan (1-0 and 4-2 wins) and Kazakhstan (3-2 win and 1-1 draw) in a number of friendlies. They had additionally confronted Uzbekistan in July, successful 4-1 and drawing 1-1. Uzbekistan additionally certified for the Asian Cup and have been, in truth, ranked increased than India, in Pot 3, for the group stage draw.

‘We’ve performed Uzbekistan a number of instances, earlier than and after the qualifiers, and managed good outcomes, together with three wins and a draw,’ Shubhangi famous. ‘They are bodily sturdy, so it was worthwhile to compete in opposition to them.’

‘We had one win and one attract Kazakhstan. We have been the higher staff by way of possession, however we initially struggled in opposition to bodily larger gamers. Those matches taught us so much about dealing with such opponents.’

What maybe defines this Indian aspect most is continuity. The core group has spent over a yr collectively, rising not simply tactically, but in addition in understanding and cohesion. Before heading to Sweden and after the mid-season IWL break, the Young Tigresses have been coaching in Bengaluru. Since getting back from Scandinavia, they’ve continued their camp in Kolkata.

‘We’ve been collectively for over a yr now, and that has actually helped with bonding and understanding one another on and off the pitch,’ Shubhangi stated. ‘We’ve grown so much as people and as a staff.

‘The classes have been centered on our techniques for the Asian Cup marketing campaign, how we need to play and put together for particular matches, particularly the primary recreation,’ she defined. ‘The depth and tempo of classes have been very excessive. Recovery was sooner within the chilly climate in Sweden, so bodily it helped as properly.’

Head coach Joakim Alexandersson’s philosophy has inspired a extra proactive type of play.

‘Since he joined, our enjoying type has modified. We’re extra attacking now,’ Shubhangi stated. ‘He encourages us to not be afraid of creating errors and to specific ourselves. Most importantly, he reminds us to get pleasure from soccer. That mindset has actually helped us develop and carry out higher.’

‘We’ve improved in enjoying attacking soccer, adapting to completely different opponents, and understanding the coach’s system.’

India’s marketing campaign begins in opposition to one of many world’s strongest sides, Japan, who’ve received the U20 Asian Cup six instances and reached the ultimate of the final three U20 World Cups, successful it as soon as in 2018.

‘Japan is a really sturdy staff. Their junior groups play equally to their senior staff, so we all know what to anticipate,’ Shubhangi stated. ‘At this stage, we will not go into video games considering the opponent is stronger. We need to present what this Indian staff can do.’

For many within the squad, this would be the largest stage of their careers to date. But for Shubhangi and her teammates, the ambition extends past simply being current.

‘The focus is to carry out properly and purpose for qualification to the knockout levels. To everybody in Thailand and again residence in India, please watch and help us! Your help means so much, and we’ll do our greatest to carry out properly,’ she concluded. (ANI)

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European nations, Japan condemn Iranian strikes on vessels in Hormuz, name for protected navigation

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London [UK], March 19 (ANI): The leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan on Thursday condemned the Iranian assaults on unarmed industrial vessels and civilian infrastructure, together with oil and gasoline installations, within the Gulf because the battle within the area escalates.

In a joint assertion, the nations expressed concern over the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces and referred to as on Tehran to right away halt threats, mine-laying, drone and missile assaults, and different actions that block the Strait, urging compliance with United Nations Security Council Resolution 2817.

‘Freedom of navigation is a elementary precept of worldwide legislation, together with beneath the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea,’ the assertion learn.

The assertion emphasised the worldwide influence of Iran’s actions, significantly on essentially the most weak populations, and referred to as for a right away moratorium on assaults concentrating on civilian infrastructure.

The nations expressed readiness to contribute to efforts guaranteeing protected passage via the Strait of Hormuz and welcomed preparatory planning by different nations.

‘Consistent with UNSC Resolution 2817, we emphasise that such interference with worldwide transport and the disruption of worldwide power provide chains represent a menace to worldwide peace and safety. In this regard, we name for a right away complete moratorium on assaults on civilian infrastructure, together with oil and gasoline installations,’ the assertion added.

The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial transit route that usually handles 15 million barrels per day of crude oil and 5 million barrels per day of oil merchandise, representing roughly 25 per cent of worldwide seaborne oil commerce.

However, because of the battle within the area, the waterway has been thought-about high-risk for transit, choking the worldwide power provide.

In addition to that, assaults on power infrastructure have successfully halted flows, main Middle Eastern producers to chop output.

The nations additionally supported the International Energy Agency’s coordinated launch of strategic petroleum reserves and dedicated to further steps to stabilise power markets, together with collaboration with producing nations to extend output.

The International Energy Agency (IEA), final week, introduced the largest-ever launch of emergency oil shares in its historical past, making 400 million barrels of oil obtainable to world markets to mitigate disruptions induced within the world power provide by the continuing West Asia battle.

In a video assertion, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol highlighted that the battle has severely impacted world oil and gasoline markets, significantly via the Strait of Hormuz, and the choice was taken ‘to offset the provision misplaced via the efficient closure of the Strait.’

The European nations and Japan concluded the assertion by reaffirming that maritime safety and freedom of navigation profit all nations, and referred to as on all states to respect worldwide legislation and uphold ideas of worldwide prosperity and safety.

The improvement comes amid the escalating tensions and battle that started on February 28 with the killing of 86-year-old Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in joint army strikes by the US and Israel, after which Iran, in its retaliation, focused Israeli and US property in a number of Gulf nations and Israel, inflicting disruption within the waterway and affecting worldwide power markets and world financial stability.

Due to the battle within the area, Iran has nearly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial transit route for world power provide.

Following the dying of Ali Khamenei, Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the previous chief, was appointed as the brand new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. (ANI)

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Shashank Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal’s complete concentrate on trophy as Punjab Kings put together for IPL 2026 marketing campaign

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Mohali (Punjab)[India], March 19 (ANI): With the Indian Premier League (IPL) season 19 beginning on March 28, Punjab Kings (PBKS) star gamers Yuzvendra Chahal and Shashank Singh have excessive hopes for the group within the upcoming season.

The gamers mentioned the group’s dynamics, mindset and preparations forward of the upcoming season.

Speaking in regards to the preparations at an occasion in Mohali on Thursday., batter Shashank Singh lauded the group for conducting common camps as he acknowledged, ‘This is technically our fifth or sixth camp. The franchise is ensuring we’ve got common camps. The one in Abu Dhabi was the most effective amongst all. The preparation is actually on top of things, and we’re all able to go and preserve you guys entertained.’

Veteran spinner Yuzvendra Chahal defined how these camps assist construct a profitable setting. ‘This match is not only for one week; it’s for 2 months,’ he mentioned. ‘When you arrange three to 4 camps, you construct a bond. You eat collectively, play collectively, and inside these two months, you grow to be a household. Our motivation is that we don’t depart anybody alone, which helps us carry out higher on and off the sector,’ he added.

This sturdy camaraderie is additional strengthened by the franchise’s resolution to retain a majority of its squad from the IPL 2025 season, making a deep sense of safety within the squad.

Adding his ideas on this, Shashank famous, ‘The belief that was proven to the gamers final yr was essential. You will see this time that 23 gamers are the identical as final yr. Every group’s ability degree is nearly the identical within the IPL. But what makes a distinction is belief and perception, and I believe that’s growing with time right here.’

When requested about dealing with powerful moments in matches, each gamers confirmed a fearless perspective. ‘I really like strain,’ mentioned Chahal. ‘Everyone performs in simple conditions, however while you carry out underneath strain, you acquire confidence. My job is to take wickets within the center and loss of life overs, and I’m prepared for it.’

Shashank agreed, making his aim for the season very clear. ‘The subsequent two months are essential for all of us, so our complete focus is on methods to win the trophy,’ he mentioned. ‘I attempt my greatest to benefit from the massive moments somewhat than taking them as strain. I’ve already informed everybody that this yr we’re lifting the trophy for positive.’

The Punjab Kings occasion additionally noticed the launch of a inventive new mascot named ‘Blobber Sher’. Symbolising the energy, power, and fearless spirit of the group, this particular Nippon Paint and Punjab Kings mascot might be a central a part of fan actions and digital campaigns all through the IPL season.

With centered camps, a united group, and powerful companions backing them, Punjab Kings look absolutely ready to ship an thrilling season of cricket.(ANI)

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Six Nations Including Japan Condemn Iran’s Blockade of Strait of Hormuz

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TOKYO, Mar 19 (News On Japan) –
Japan, the United Kingdom, France and 4 different international locations issued a joint assertion condemning what they described as Iran’s de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a important route for international oil transportation.

The six nations mentioned they “condemn in the strongest terms” Iran’s assaults on unarmed vessels within the Gulf, in addition to strikes on civilian infrastructure reminiscent of oil and gasoline amenities, and referred to as on Tehran to halt all such actions within the area and across the Strait of Hormuz.

The assertion additionally denounced the laying of naval mines and assaults on industrial transport within the strait, whereas expressing readiness to contribute to efforts aimed toward making certain protected navigation by way of the very important waterway.

Amid rising crude oil costs, the international locations additional pledged to take measures to assist stabilize international power markets.

Source: TBS

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