World - Daily Politics

Tensions between the United States and Iran have intensified after Donald Trump cancelled planned engagements related to Iran and publicly urged Iranian protesters to take control of state institutions, as unrest inside the country continues.

Despite the sharp rhetoric, analysts note that the Trump administration’s options for using military force against Iran remain constrained by international law, the need for congressional authorisation, and the risk that any strike could trigger a wider regional conflict. US allies in the Middle East have also signalled caution, wary of escalation that could destabilise the region and disrupt energy markets.

The diplomatic tension comes amid growing ...

In a recent interview, Douglas Macgregor, a retired US Army colonel and former adviser to the US defence secretary, warned that renewed US–Iran conflict escalation could carry risks far beyond the Middle East, potentially triggering a wider international confrontation.

Macgregor pointed to increased US military deployments in the Middle East, including air assets, refuelling tankers and naval movements, as signals that US strikes on Iran remain a possibility. He argued that an airpower-only campaign would be unlikely to deliver decisive results and could instead provoke retaliation against US bases and allies in the region.

The interview also highlighted the strategic role of ...

Iran protests have continued across multiple cities, with human rights groups and medical staff describing a violent crackdown by Iranian security forces and growing pressure on hospitals. One Tehran hospital recorded hundreds of gunshot eye injuries, with doctors saying many patients arrived with damage consistent with shotgun-style pellets, raising fears of permanent blindness.

Medical workers and monitors say emergency wards have been overwhelmed as injured protesters seek treatment, while authorities pursue mass arrests linked to the demonstrations. Reports also describe an increasingly restricted information environment, including internet and mobile disruption that makes independent verification of casualties and detention figures difficult.

The unrest ...

Iran’s foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, has alleged that the United States and Israel played a direct role in recent unrest, claiming the violence was planned abroad to provoke foreign intervention.

Speaking about clashes during protests in early January, Araghchi said Iran possesses audio recordings, documents and detainee confessions that he claims show armed elements were instructed to open fire among demonstrators to increase casualties. According to his account, the aim was to cross a threshold that would trigger external intervention after public statements warning action if deaths mounted.

He further alleged that detained individuals confessed to receiving large cash payments to attack ...

Iranian authorities say security forces have brought anti-government protests under control after nearly two weeks of unrest across the country. The claim comes amid sharply contrasting reports from human rights campaigners, who allege a far higher human cost than official statements acknowledge.

According to the government in Iran, demonstrations have subsided following a broad security crackdown. Officials say order has been restored through a combination of deployments and counterdemonstrations broadcast on state television to project a return to normal life in major cities, including Tehran.

Human rights groups and eyewitness accounts paint a different picture. Campaigners report that hundreds of protesters have ...

An Australian literary festival is facing a growing boycott after organisers removed Palestinian author Randa Abdel-Fattah from its programme, prompting dozens of writers to withdraw in protest.

The decision led to widespread criticism within the literary community, with authors accusing organisers of censorship and political pressure. Nearly 50 writers have since pulled out of the Adelaide Writers’ Festival, citing concerns over artistic freedom and the marginalisation of Palestinian voices.

Festival organisers said the change to the line-up followed internal considerations and discussions, but did not accept claims of political motivation. Critics argue the removal reflects a broader reluctance by cultural institutions to ...

Anti-government protests in Iran are continuing to gather momentum, with demonstrations reported in multiple cities despite an intensified security response. Protesters have voiced anger over political repression and economic hardship, while authorities have responded with arrests, force and tighter controls on public gatherings.

Amid the unrest, Donald Trump said the United States is considering “very strong” military options, warning that Tehran faces increasing regime pressure if violence against demonstrators continues. His remarks have fuelled concerns about escalation risks at a time of heightened regional instability.

Iranian officials have accused foreign powers of exploiting the protests and have vowed to maintain order, signalling ...

Planned BRICS war games have drawn attention after India confirmed it would not take part, prompting debate over the bloc’s ambitions in defence cooperation. The exercises, involving several emerging powers, are intended to showcase coordination and shared security interests within the grouping.

Indian officials have framed the decision as consistent with the country’s long-standing emphasis on strategic autonomy. Analysts say New Delhi remains cautious about military activities that could be seen as aligning it too closely with certain partners, even as it engages actively with a range of global and regional security frameworks.

The episode highlights broader questions about multipolar security and ...

Comments by Donald Trump about Greenland have triggered a sharp diplomatic response from Denmark, with leaders warning that the dispute has reached a decisive moment for Greenland’s sovereignty. The remarks have reignited debate over US–Denmark tensions and the limits of foreign policy pressure in the Arctic.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen said Greenland’s status is non-negotiable, emphasising that decisions about the territory rest with its people and the Kingdom of Denmark. She described the situation as a critical test of territorial integrity principles and warned against rhetoric that could undermine stability.

European leaders have echoed Denmark’s position, stressing that international law sovereignty ...

The United Kingdom has confirmed plans to develop a new ballistic missile designed to provide Ukraine with enhanced long-range strike capability, in a move that underscores Britain’s expanding military assistance as the war with Russia continues. The missile is intended to support Ukraine’s ability to hit targets far behind the front lines, strengthening deterrence and battlefield balance.

UK officials say the ballistic missile development will focus on deep-strike weapons systems capable of long-range precision strikes, allowing Ukraine to counter Russian rear-area logistics, command centres and infrastructure. The programme forms part of a broader UK missile programme for Ukraine, aimed at accelerating ...