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US: Hegseth under fire in Congress over Iran war as diplomacy stalls
Pete Hegseth faced sharp criticism in Congress over launching the Iran conflict without approval, as Democrats condemned the war’s justification and its estimated $25 billion cost. Meanwhile, Donald Trump rejected Iran’s proposal on the Strait of Hormuz, leaving negotiations at an impasse while Tehran seeks international support.
Paris neighbourhoods: Exploring the massive 17th arrondissement
In this edition of French Connections, Genie Godula and Florence Villeminot continue their tour of Paris with a stop in a massive Parisian arrondissement – the 17th! We get a behind-the-scenes look at Napoléon's iconic Arc de Triomphe and discover the man who helped shape the 17th and most of Paris: Baron Haussmann. Whether it's Haussmannian apartment blocks or a giant glass tower dominating the l...
Crude oil prices hit four-year high as Iran war threatens to drag on
Brent crude has jumped to its highest level since the start of the Ukraine war after US President Donald Trump signalled that the American blockade on the Strait of Hormuz could last for months. Also in this edition: the US Federal Reserve prepares for a new chief as its board tries to maintain political independence, and French oil giant TotalEnergies faces calls for a windfall tax amid soaring p...
US: Supreme Court weakens voting rigths act
The Supreme Court of the United States struck down a majority-Black congressional district in Louisiana, ruling it relied too heavily on race and weakening protections under Voting Rights Act of 1965. The 6–3 decision, driven by the court’s conservative majority, is expected to make it harder for minority communities to challenge discriminatory maps, with critics warning it could reduce representa...
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Strait of Hormuz: Iran-US standoff drags on
Donald Trump says a US naval blockade on Iran could last for months, as the standoff between Washington and Tehran continues. The crisis has disrupted oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz, sending prices to multi-year highs. FRANCE 24's correspondent in Tehran, Reza Sayah, has more.
Gaza: expanding Israeli military zone fuels fears of long-term control
Israel has expanded its military zone in Gaza to cover nearly two-thirds of the territory since the October ceasefire. While the army says restrictions support aid efforts, Palestinians fear displacement and a long-term Israeli presence amid ongoing violence.
Middle East: Rising tensions on Israel’s border as Iran negotiations falter
Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel are escalating after a reported breach of the “yellow line,” with Israel threatening further strikes. Talks between Iran and the US remain stalled, complicating efforts to contain the situation. Meanwhile, Israel faces a growing scandal over alleged grain imports from Russia linked to Ukraine.
'Haitian solutions for Haitian problems: Every international intervention in Haiti has failed'
As the Kenyan peace force is set to leave Haiti, Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Dr. Rosa Freedman, Professor of Law Conflict and Global Development at the University of Reading. She argues that the crisis in Haiti reflects deep structural failures, not just “gang violence.” She calls the Kenyan mission “a profound failure from the outset” and says “anyone… who understands Haiti knew that this ...
French teen faces possible prison sentence for Singapore straw-licking video
A French 18-year-old is facing mischief and public nuisance charges in Singapore after he posted a video to social media of him licking a straw from a vending machine and putting it back. The teen, who has not entered a plea, was charged after the company operating the juice machine filed a police report.
Global press freedom falls to lowest level in 25 years, RSF warns
Freedom of the press has fallen to its lowest level in a quarter of a century, NGO Reporters without Borders (RSF) warned Thursday as it released its annual global ranking. The group reported a worldwide decline in media freedom, citing factors ranging from US President Donald Trump’s “systematic” attacks on the press to actions in Saudi Arabia, where a journalist was executed in 2025.
Stalemate in Madrid as resilient Arsenal blunt Atletico Madrid in semi-final clash
After a tight match, the Gunners and the Colchoneros parted on good terms with the score at 1–1, and will battle it out for a place in the final in London next Tuesday. Both goals in the match were scored from the penalty spot.
Stalemate in Madrid as resilient Arsenal Blunt Atletico Madrid in semi-final clash
After a tight match, the Gunners and the Colchoneros parted on good terms with the score at 1–1, and will battle it out for a place in the final in London next Tuesday. Both goals in the match were scored from the penalty spot.
Stalemate in Madrid as resilient Arsenal Blunt Atlético de Madrid in semi-final clash
After a tight match, the Gunners and the Colchoneros parted on good terms with the score at 1–1, and will battle it out for a place in the final in London next Tuesday. Both goals in the match were scored from the penalty spot.
New York's Mamdani calls on King Charles to 'return' Koh-i-Noor diamond taken from India
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday called on King Charles III to "return" the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a 105.6 carat gem that was mined in India and is now the star of Britain's crown jewels. The diamond has been in Britain since 1849 but its ownership is contested with several countries laying claim.
New York's Mamdani calls on King Charles to 'return' Koh-i-Noor diamond
New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani on Wednesday called on King Charles III to "return" the Koh-i-Noor diamond, a 105.6 carat gem that was mined in India and is now the star of Britain's crown jewels. The diamond has been in Britain since 1849 but its ownership is contested with several countries laying claim.
Mamdani calls on King Charles to return Koh-i-Noor diamond
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani called for King Charles to "return" the prized Koh-i-Noor diamond, which the British Empire took from the Indian subcontinent in the 1800s, on the third day of the monarch's state visit on Wednesday.
Powell to remain on Fed board after term ends, preventing Trump appointment
US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday urged central bank independence as he nears the end of his term on May 15. He said he would remain a Fed governor, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump, who mocked the decision.
Powell stays on Fed board after term ends, preventing Trump appointment
US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell on Wednesday urged central bank independence as he nears the end of his term on May 15. He said he would remain a Fed governor, drawing criticism from President Donald Trump, who mocked the decision.
Iran crisis, World Cup tensions overshadow FIFA Congress in Vancouver
Football officials gather in Vancouver on Thursday for FIFA’s 76th Congress, weeks before the expanded World Cup kicks off in North America. War in Iran, logistics and Russia’s ban top the agenda. Iranian federation officials left Canada abruptly, casting a shadow over the meeting.
Middle East live: Only place for Americans in Gulf is 'at bottom of its waters', says Iran
Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei said in a published written message on Thursday that the only place Americans belong in the Persian Gulf is 'at the bottom of its waters'. Earlier, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said that a US naval blockade on Iranian ports was “doomed to fail". Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
Middle East war live: US naval blockade ‘doomed to fail’, Iran’s president says
Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Thursday that a US naval blockade on Iranian ports was “doomed to fail” and would increase regional instability. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
Middle East war live: Trump says US may cut troops in Germany as Iran row rages
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is considering reducing the number of its troops in Germany, amid a row with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
Middle East War Live: Trump says US may cut troops in Germany as Iran row rages
President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the United States is considering reducing the number of its troops in Germany, amid a row with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz over the Iran war. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.
King Charles III visits Ground Zero, pledges 'enduring solidarity' with Americans
King Charles III expressed “enduring solidarity with the American people” on Wednesday during a visit to New York’s 9/11 memorial, part of a state trip aimed at easing strained US-UK ties. The monarch and Queen Camilla laid white roses at the reflecting pools after earlier meeting President Donald Trump in Washington.
Europe air quality improves but falls short of 2030 targets, European Environment Agency warns
Air quality in Europe is improving but further action is needed to meet the European Union’s 2030 targets, the European Environment Agency said on Thursday, noting pollution still exceeds limits at up to 20% of monitoring stations across 39 countries.
Europe air quality improves but falls short of 2030 targets, EEA warns
Air quality in Europe is improving but further action is needed to meet the European Union’s 2030 targets, the European Environment Agency said on Thursday, noting pollution still exceeds limits at up to 20% of monitoring stations across 39 countries.
Europe air quality improves but falls short of 2030 targets, EEA report warns
Air quality in Europe is improving but further action is needed to meet the European Union’s 2030 targets, the European Environment Agency said on Thursday, noting pollution still exceeds limits at up to 20% of monitoring stations across 39 countries.
Trump says NASA has ‘good shot’ at returning astronauts to Moon before 2029
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he believes NASA has a “good shot” at returning astronauts to the Moon before 2029, citing progress on the Artemis II program, though he cautioned against guaranteeing success during his second term in office.
Trump says NASA has ‘good shot’ at returning astronauts to Moon before 2029
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he believes NASA has a “good shot” at returning astronauts to the Moon before 2029, citing progress on the Artemis II program, though he cautioned against guaranteeing success during his second term in office.