Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian declared on Saturday that the United States, Israel, and Europe are conducting a “full-fledged war” against Iran. His remarks were published on the official website of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, just days before Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s scheduled meeting with US President Donald Trump. Pezeshkian said Iran’s military forces are stronger than before despite challenges and warned that any new attack would face a decisive response.

The statement follows a series of confrontations, including Israeli and US strikes on Iran six months ago and the reimposition of United Nations sanctions by France, Germany, and the United Kingdom over Tehran’s nuclear program. Pezeshkian compared the current situation to the 1980–1988 Iran-Iraq war, calling it more complex and difficult. The US and its allies accuse Iran of pursuing nuclear weapons, a charge Tehran denies.

Recent tensions include a 12-day war in June between Israel and Iran that left more than 1,000 casualties, followed by US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. Trump’s administration has reinstated the “maximum pressure” policy, and Netanyahu is expected to urge further military action against Iran’s missile program during his upcoming visit.

Tajikistan has reported multiple armed incursions along its border with Afghanistan this month, heightening tensions with the Taliban government. Officials in Dushanbe said more than a dozen people have been killed, including Chinese nationals working in remote areas. In the latest incident in Shamsiddin Shokhin district, five people were killed after armed men crossed from Afghanistan’s Badakhshan province. Tajik authorities described the attackers as members of a terrorist organisation and accused the Taliban of failing to uphold its security commitments.

The clashes follow two late-November attacks targeting Chinese companies in Tajikistan, which killed at least five Chinese workers. Beijing, Tajikistan’s largest creditor, urged its citizens to evacuate border areas and demanded stronger protection measures. Analysts said the assaults bear the hallmarks of the ISIL affiliate in Khorasan Province, which seeks to undermine the Taliban’s credibility as a regional security guarantor. The Taliban expressed sorrow over the killings, blamed an unnamed armed group, and reaffirmed its commitment to the 2020 Doha Agreement.

Despite limited diplomatic engagement since 2023, Tajikistan remains one of the Taliban’s strongest critics in Central Asia. The recent violence threatens to derail fragile ties and complicate regional security cooperation involving China and Afghanistan.

A state funeral was held in Ankara on Saturday morning for five Libyan military officials who died in a plane crash earlier in the week. Among the victims was General Muhammad Ali Ahmed al-Haddad, a top commander from western Libya. The private jet, carrying the officials and three crew members, crashed after taking off from Ankara en route to Tripoli, killing all on board. Libyan authorities stated that a technical fault caused the accident.

General al-Haddad had played a key role in United Nations-mediated efforts to unify Libya’s armed forces. The delegation had been returning home after discussions aimed at strengthening defense cooperation between Turkey and Libya.

Turkey’s defense minister and senior military officials attended the funeral, where the coffins, draped in Libyan national flags, were honored before being sent to Libya. Special prayers were offered for the deceased.

A United States missile strike on Islamic State (IS) targets in Nigeria’s Sokoto State on Christmas Day has drawn mixed reactions both within the country and internationally. The missile reportedly landed just meters from the only health center in Jabo village, causing panic among residents. Supporters of former US President Donald Trump and right-wing groups in the United States celebrated the attack as a “Christmas gift,” while Nigerian observers raised concerns over national security, sovereignty, and civilian safety.

Far-right activist Laura Loomer praised the strike on social media, calling it a justified act against Islamic terrorists. Florida Republican congressman Randy Fine described the attack as a “remarkable Christmas gift,” and other Republican lawmakers, including Senator Ted Budd of North Carolina, commended Trump for authorizing the strike, citing IS’s responsibility for the deaths of thousands of Christians and religious minorities in Nigeria.

Nigeria’s government has long faced violence from Boko Haram and the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP). Officials have reiterated that while they welcome international cooperation in counterterrorism, such actions must respect the country’s sovereignty and legal framework.

Greek coast guards rescued 131 migrants from a fishing boat near the island of Crete on Saturday, according to the report. The rescued individuals were taken to Gavdos, though their nationalities were not disclosed. This brings the total number of migrants rescued in the region over the past five days to 840.

Earlier in December, a boat sank off the coast of Crete, killing 17 people, most of whom were Sudanese or Egyptian, while 15 others remained missing and only two survived. The United Nations refugee agency reported that since the beginning of the year, more than 16,770 people have reached Crete while attempting to enter Europe.

In July, Greece’s conservative government suspended asylum application processing for three months, particularly affecting migrants arriving from Libya.

Russia has accused Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and his European supporters of attempting to derail the ongoing peace process. The allegation came as Zelensky prepared to meet U.S. President Donald Trump in Florida on Sunday to discuss a proposal aimed at ending the war. Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergey Ryabkov said that reaching an agreement depends on the political will of the other side, adding that the latest plan differs entirely from previous proposals discussed between Washington and Moscow.

Zelensky is expected to present a revised 20-point peace proposal that includes a suspension of direct combat, security guarantees, and economic measures. He has also indicated readiness to submit a final plan for a referendum if difficult territorial decisions are required, noting that at least a 60-day ceasefire would be necessary to hold such a vote safely.

Russia continues to demand that Ukraine withdraw its forces from the eastern regions and abandon its efforts to join NATO, conditions that Kyiv has repeatedly rejected.

Yemen’s internationally recognized government has requested military assistance from the Saudi-led coalition to protect civilians and restore peace in the country. The request was made following an emergency meeting of the National Defense Council. According to Al Arabiya, Rashad al-Alimi, president of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council (PLC), made the appeal on Friday, stating that such support is necessary to safeguard ordinary citizens and stabilize the nation.

Since 2015, Iran-backed Houthi rebels have controlled the capital Sanaa and roughly half of Yemen, while the PLC governed the remaining areas recognized internationally as Yemen’s legitimate government. However, in early December, the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) seized control of most of these territories. Saudi Arabia urged the STC to withdraw, but the group instead strengthened its positions.

Tensions escalated after Saudi forces launched airstrikes in Hadramaut, Yemen’s largest southern province, which along with Al-Mahra province, remains under STC control. Saudi Arabia warned that continued STC dominance could deepen divisions and allow Houthi forces to exploit the situation. The Yemeni president has called on the STC to relinquish control of both provinces.

The African Union has rejected Israel’s decision to recognize Somaliland as an independent state. In a statement issued on Friday, the AU reaffirmed its commitment to Somalia’s unity, sovereignty, and territorial integrity. African Union Commission Chairperson Mahmud Ali Yusuf declared that any initiative to recognize Somaliland as a separate entity was unacceptable, emphasizing that Somaliland remains an integral part of the Federal Republic of Somalia.

The statement warned that any attempt to undermine Somalia’s unity or territorial integrity would violate the AU’s core principles and could have far-reaching consequences for peace and stability across the continent. It also described Israel’s recognition as a dangerous precedent. The AU expressed full support for Somalia’s efforts to strengthen state institutions, consolidate peace, and promote inclusive governance.

Israel became the first country to recognize Somaliland as a sovereign state on Friday. Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but has awaited international recognition for decades. The issue has been a top priority since Abdi Rahman Mohamed Abdullahi assumed the presidency last year.

Israel has become the first country to officially recognize Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia, as an independent state. The announcement was followed by reactions from the United States and Turkey. U.S. President Donald Trump said he does not intend to follow Israel’s decision, adding that the matter will be reviewed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he would inform Trump about Somaliland’s interest in joining the Abraham Accords during their scheduled meeting on Monday.

Turkey strongly condemned Israel’s move, calling it illegal. Turkish Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oncu Keçeli said on social media that the recognition represents another example of what he described as the Netanyahu government’s unlawful actions aimed at creating instability both regionally and globally. Keçeli added that the decision constitutes open interference in Somalia’s internal affairs and emphasized that any decisions about the future of Somalia and Somaliland should reflect the will of the Somali people.

The development has introduced new diplomatic tensions involving Israel, Turkey, and the United States, while raising questions about the future of regional stability in the Horn of Africa.

Emirates Airlines has launched a new pocket prayer mat for passengers to use during flights, aiming to make in-flight prayers more convenient. The airline announced on December 27, 2025, that the mats will be available across its entire fleet. Passengers can request one directly from cabin crew while on board. The new version of the mat is described as thicker, more comfortable, and easier to carry than previous designs.

According to Emirates, the initiative is particularly useful for long-haul flights, where prayer times often coincide with travel hours. The airline said the mats are designed to provide comfort and practicality for passengers who wish to perform prayers mid-flight. A company spokesperson confirmed that the service will be available to all passengers, regardless of travel class—First, Business, or Economy.

The airline expects the new feature to enhance passenger comfort and address a common challenge faced by travelers seeking to maintain their prayer routines while flying.

Israel has officially recognized Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, becoming the first country to do so. The announcement was made on Friday, accompanied by the signing of an agreement to establish diplomatic relations between the two sides. Somaliland’s leader, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, expressed gratitude to Israel for the recognition, calling it a historic moment.

Somaliland declared independence from Somalia in 1991 but had waited decades for international recognition. Since Abdullahi took office as president last year, securing recognition had been a top priority for his administration. Following Israel’s announcement, Somalia’s government held an emergency meeting, and several other countries condemned Israel’s decision.

A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the move aligns with the spirit of the Abraham Accords, referencing agreements signed during former U.S. President Donald Trump’s first term. Somaliland’s president described the recognition as the beginning of a strategic partnership and reaffirmed his country’s readiness to join the Abraham Accords to normalize relations with Israel.

Eight flights scheduled to land at Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport in Dhaka were diverted to alternative airports on Saturday due to dense fog. According to an official notice, three flights landed at Chattogram Airport, four at Kolkata Airport, and one at Bangkok Airport. The diversions were made for safety reasons as visibility at Dhaka airport dropped significantly.

The notice stated that all flight operations will resume normally once weather conditions improve. Airlines have arranged food and hotel accommodations for passengers affected by the delays. The airport authority emphasized that the diversions were precautionary measures to ensure passenger safety amid the foggy conditions.

Normal flight operations are expected to restart as soon as the weather clears, though no specific timeline was provided in the notice.

China’s Foreign Ministry announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 executives on Friday, following the Trump administration’s approval of a record arms sale to Taiwan. The sanctions include freezing assets held in China and banning Chinese entities and individuals from conducting business with the targeted firms and persons.

Earlier this month, the Trump administration approved eight new arms packages for Taiwan worth more than 11 billion dollars. Beijing condemned the move, calling Taiwan a core interest and the first red line in China-US relations that should not be crossed. The ministry stated that any provocative actions crossing this line would face a strong response from China.

Beijing urged Washington to adhere to the One-China policy and the three joint communiqués, halt arms sales to Taiwan, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

China announced sanctions on 20 US defense companies and 10 executives following the Trump administration’s approval of a record arms sale to Taiwan. The Chinese Foreign Ministry made the announcement on Friday, citing the sale of eight new weapons packages worth over 11 billion dollars. The sanctions include freezing assets of the targeted firms and individuals in China and prohibiting domestic entities from conducting business with them.

Beijing condemned Washington’s decision, reiterating that the Taiwan issue lies at the core of China’s national interests and marks the first red line in China-US relations. The ministry emphasized that crossing this line would not be tolerated and warned of strong countermeasures against any provocative actions related to Taiwan.

China also urged the United States to adhere to the One-China policy and the three joint communiqués, halt arms sales to Taiwan, and avoid undermining peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Thailand and Cambodia have signed a ceasefire agreement following 19 days of border clashes that left 96 people dead. In a joint statement released on Saturday, the defense ministers of both countries announced an immediate ceasefire, effective from noon local time. Both sides agreed to maintain their current troop positions without movement and to allow civilians living in border areas to return home. The statement also said that Thailand would release 18 detained Cambodian soldiers within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect.

The conflict between the two Southeast Asian neighbors had intensified in recent weeks. Cambodia’s state news agency reported that Thai forces shelled a village in Banteay Meanchey province on Thursday morning, killing one Cambodian civilian. Cambodia’s National Assembly condemned the attack as “brutal and inhumane.” Meanwhile, the Thai military accused Cambodia of firing BM-21 rockets into a village in Thailand’s Sa Kaeo province, causing extensive damage to civilian infrastructure.

Thai authorities confirmed that 23 Thai soldiers, one civilian, and 41 other civilians were killed during the fighting, underscoring the heavy toll of the border violence.