LIVEWorld News LIVE: US-Iran tensions, Russia attacks Ukraine, Israel PM Netanyahu appears in Indian attire, Ilhan Omar's guest arrested, and other developments

'Disappointing for both countries': Iran reacts as India drops funding for Chabahar Port

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has expressed disappointment over India's decision not to allocate funds this year for the Chabahar Port project, describing the initiative as a strategically important connectivity corridor for both countries.

Speaking in an exclusive interview with India Today, Araghchi said the absence of budgetary support affected not just Iran but India as well. "Well, I think it's a disappointment for both Iran and India," he said. Read the full story here.

UK’s new ‘no permission, no travel’ rule explained: What ETA means for visitors

The United Kingdom has introduced a new “no permission, no travel” system for visitors from several countries, including the US, Australia, Canada and France. From February 25, travellers who earlier did not require a visa for short stays will now need an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before boarding their flight or transport to Britain. Read the full story here.

'Everyone would be replaced through established procedures': Iran says killing Khamenei wouldn't collapse regime

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has said the country's political system would remain stable even if Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei were assassinated, asserting that established mechanisms exist to ensure continuity. In an interview with India Today on Wednesday, Araghchi addressed speculation in US media regarding possible targeting of Iran's top leadership. Read the full story here.

'Quick Iran-US deal possible if talks focus Iran's non-development of weapons'

Ali Shamkhani, a seasoned security official and longtime adviser to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, said on Thursday that a quick agreement in nuclear talks would be possible if the key issue is Iran's promise not to develop nuclear weapons. "If the main issue in the negotiations is Iran's non-development of nuclear weapons, this aligns with the Leader's fatwa and Iran's defense doctrine. An immediate agreement is within reach," Ali Shamkhani wrote in a post on X.

US-Iran tensions: Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States kick off officially in Geneva

Nuclear negotiations between Iran and the United States have officially begun in Geneva. Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times on Thursday that Tehran is entering the third round of indirect talks with "seriousness and flexibility". He emphasised that the discussions will focus exclusively on nuclear issues and the removal of sanctions, according to Reuters.

US-Iran tensions: Third round of nuclear talks between Iran and the United States begin in Geneva

Iran's Foreign Ministry announced that the third round of indirect nuclear talks between Iran and the United States has started in Geneva. It began with an initial meeting between the Iranian and Omani foreign ministers. A convoy thought to be carrying American diplomats arrived on Thursday at the Omani residence in Geneva, where the indirect talks with Iran are scheduled to occur.

Russia launches missile and drone attack across Ukraine, around 20 injured

Russia attacked Ukraine with missiles and drones last night. This caused damage to residential buildings and injured around 20 people in the eastern and southern regions, local authorities informed on Thursday, reported Hindustan Times. Ballistic and cruise missiles hit Kyiv, the Kyiv region, and Kharkiv in the east. Drones targeted Zaporizhzhia in the south. The authorities have not yet revealed how many missiles and drones were used in the attack on Ukraine or the main targets that were hit.

Canada says India no longer linked to violent crimes

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney will begin an official visit to India from February 26 to March 7, in what officials describe as a significant step toward stabilising bilateral ties and expanding economic cooperation after a period of diplomatic strain. Ahead of the visit, senior Canadian officials indicated that Ottawa no longer believes India is linked to ongoing violent criminal activity in Canada, a development seen as a potential turning point in relations. Read the full story here.

Ilhan Omar's guest arrested during Donald Trump's State of the Union address

A guest invited by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar was arrested by US Capitol Police during President Donald Trump's State of the Union address after allegedly violating rules governing conduct inside the congressional chamber. Omar, a Democrat from Minnesota, had invited Aliya Rahman, a Minneapolis resident and US citizen, to attend the event. According to Capitol Police, Rahman was detained after she stood during the speech in what authorities described as a demonstration. Read the full story here.

'Shaandaar!': PM Modi responds as Israel PM Netanyahu appears in traditional Indian attire to surprise his 'friend'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday shared a video of himself wearing traditional Indian attire ahead of a joint dinner with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, describing it as a special gesture for his "friend". "Before our joint dinner, I surprised my friend Prime Minister Modi by wearing traditional Indian attire," Netanyahu wrote in a post on X. Read the full story here.

Shootout near Cuba's coast leaves four dead

According to the Cuban government, the four people killed when Cuban border guards opened fire on a speedboat registered in the United States were Cuban citizens residing in the US. The incident, which occurred near the northern coast of Cuba on Wednesday, is now under review by both the Havana and US governments as tensions between the two countries escalate. Read the full story here.