Around the Globe

Iran warns of possible consequences as US warships head to region

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard warns the United States as U.S. warships move toward the Middle East, amid high tension following a deadly crackdown on protests in Iran. Iranian commanders describe the U.S. naval deployment as a threat to regional security, while the Pentagon says its forces operate under international law and aim to deter potential attacks. Human rights groups report heavy casualties from recent demonstrations, and regional governments watch the situation for signs of escalation or maritime incidents in key waterways near Iran.

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Indonesia landslide claims eight lives, over 80 still missing

A pre-dawn landslide triggered by heavy rainfall killed at least eight people and left more than 80 missing on Indonesia’s main island of Java, according to disaster officials. The incident struck villages in West Bandung, burying homes and forcing emergency teams to launch large-scale search and rescue operations. Local and national authorities deployed rescue workers, medical teams, and heavy equipment while warning of continued rain and potential further landslides during Indonesia’s October-to-March rainy season.

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Ex–South Korean prime minister sentenced to 23 years in martial law case

A South Korean court in Seoul on Wednesday sentenced former Prime Minister Han Duck-soo to 23 years in prison for his role in the December 2024 martial law declaration, which the court ruled constituted an act of rebellion by then President Yoon Suk Yeol. Han became the first Yoon administration official convicted of rebellion in connection with the incident. Prosecutors argued that Han helped plan and implement the martial law measures, while the defense disputed the rebellion characterization. The court rejected the defense arguments and cited the seriousness of undermining constitutional order in its sentencing decision. The ruling is expected to influence upcoming cases against Yoon and other former aides, who also face rebellion charges over the same event. Han was taken into custody after the verdict and can appeal.

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PhilSA: Chinese rocket debris may have landed in PH waters

The Philippine Space Agency (PhilSA) reported that debris from a Chinese rocket launched on Monday may have fallen within Philippine archipelagic waters near Palawan, identifying possible drop zones off Puerto Princesa and Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park. PhilSA said the debris likely consisted of discarded rocket components such as boosters and fairings and advised vessels and coastal communities to avoid and report any suspected fragments. The agency coordinated with national authorities and international tracking partners to monitor risks and announced that it would issue further advisories based on updated trajectory data.

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Macron slams Trump’s tariff threats tied to Greenland

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday in Paris condemned reported tariff threats by U.S. President Donald Trump against European countries that oppose American efforts to acquire Greenland, a self-governing Danish territory. Macron posted on X in French and English that such threats are “unacceptable,” pledged a united and coordinated European response if they are confirmed, and vowed to uphold European sovereignty. The remarks came amid wider European discussions on how to address potential U.S. trade measures linked to the Greenland issue.

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Rohingya genocide case vs Myanmar explained

The International Court of Justice in The Hague has opened hearings in a landmark case brought by The Gambia accusing Myanmar of genocide against the Rohingya minority under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. The case centers on Myanmar’s 2017 military operations in Rakhine State, which drove more than 700,000 Rohingya into Bangladesh amid allegations of mass killings, rape, and village burnings. Both sides present arguments on jurisdiction, state responsibility, and compliance with provisional measures as the UN’s top court examines whether Myanmar violated its obligations to prevent and punish genocide.

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