Russia’s manufacturing PMI downturn eases to 49.5 but confidence remains fragile
Russia’s manufacturing PMI contracted for a ninth consecutive month in February, although the pace of decline softened further, according to S&P Global, as new orders showed signs of stabilising and inflationary pressures moderated after January’s VAT-driven spike. (chart) »»»
Netanyahu Says There Will Be No Endless War With Iran
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that there will be no endless war with Iran, but rather swift and decisive action. "You're not going to have an endless war ... this is going to be a quick and decisive action," Netanyahu said in an interview with Fox News.The Israeli prime ministe»»»
United Airlines flight makes emergency landing over possible engine fire - UPI.com
A United Airlines flight from Los Angeles to Newark, N.Y., made an emergency landing Monday after suffering an apparent engine fire. File Photo by Tannen Maury/UPI | License Photo March 2 (UPI) -- A United Airlines flight made an emergency landing at Los Angeles International Airport on Monday afte»»»
Digital system Unified Transportation Process Model to be implemented in KR - | 24.KG
A digital system Unified Transportation Process Model is being implemented in Kyrgyzstan. The press service of the state-owned enterprise NC Kyrgyz Temir Zholu reported. The new approach will combine all stages of freight transportation in a single software package. The project aims to speed up ope»»»
Bishkek to host Eldar Aitmatov’s solo exhibition "Trace of Memory" - | 24.KG
A large-scale solo exhibition by artist Eldar Aitmatov Trace of Memory will be opened on March 6, 2026 at the Kyrgyz National Museum of Fine Arts, organizers told 24.kg news agency. According to them, memory in the exhibition emerges as a trace of lived experience — an emotional imprint preserved i»»»
Rubio Claims There Was Imminent Threat From Iran
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Monday that there was an imminent threat from Iran. "There absolutely was an imminent threat, and the imminent threat was that we knew that if Iran was attacked, and we believed they would be attacked, that they would immediately come after us, and we were »»»
Irbid industry exports rise to $92m, up 18.3% in February
IRBID — Exports registered by the Irbid Chamber of Industry (ICI) rose 18.3 per cent in February to $92 million, up from $78 million in the same period of 2025, ICI President Hani Abu Hassan said on Monday.He added that ICI exports in the first two months of 2026 reached around $179 million, compar»»»
QatarEnergy halts LNG production over Iran attacks — statement
DOHA — Qatar's state-run energy firm said on Monday it had halted liquefied natural gas production following Iranian attacks on facilities at two of its main gas processing bases."Due to military attacks on QatarEnergy's operating facilities in Ras Laffan Industrial City and Mesaieed Industrial Cit»»»
Factories operating at full capacity despite regional tensions — JCI
AMMAN — President of the Jordan and Amman Chambers of Industry (JCI) Fathi Jaghbir on Monday said that factories across the Kingdom are operating at full capacity to meet citizens’ needs despite the accelerating regional developments.In a statement, Jaghbir said coordination with the government rem»»»
White House releases photo of Trump overseeing US-Israeli strikes on Iran
The White House on Saturday released a photo of US President Donald Trump and a handful of his top advisors monitoring the progress of joint US-Israeli air strikes on Iran during "Operation Epic Fury". He was not in the Situation Room in Washington, but at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. R»»»
Focus - Book bans on the rise in Texas public school libraries
Since Donald Trump's return to the White House, the US has seen a significant increase in book censorship. According to PEN America, more than 6,800 book bans have been recorded, with works by Stephen King now topping the list. He holds the unwanted title of the most banned author in the United Sta»»»
What is Hezbollah, the militant group whose military activities Lebanon wants to ban?
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is designated a foreign terrorist organisation by most Western nations, but it wields significant influence in Lebanon and the Middle East. Lebanon has just announced it will ban its military activities, as Israel says it killed its head of intelligence headqua»»»
"Not clear why the Trump administration could avoid an endless war" in Iran
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on March 2nd spoke to widening concerns that the U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran could spiral into a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless.” But as US intervention in the Middle East has a history of getting bogged down, there »»»
Tête à tête - Iran conflict is 'a just war', Israeli opposition leader Lapid says
As the US and Israel wage war on Iran, Israeli opposition leader and former prime minister Yair Lapid told FRANCE 24 he backs the current offensive, despite being "Netanyahu's biggest rival". Calling it "a just war," he argued that Tehran has "miscalculated" by attacking the Gulf states and that th»»»
European heavyweights react following Iranian strikes on regional bases
France, the UK and Germany have put out a joint statement saying they will defend their interests and those of their allies in the Middle East if needed. It comes as Iran launches retaliatory strikes on Gulf countries. While Britain says it's not at war, London is allowing the United States to use »»»
"No clarity" regarding US plan for the future in Iran
US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth claimed that the new war in the Middle East would "not be endless" like other wars led by previous administrations. The briefing comes as the conflict has intensified into a wider war in the region FRANCE 24's Douglas Herbert looks into why the future of the US oper»»»
Down to Earth - What the war in Iran means for global energy security
Qatar's state-run energy firm says it has halted Liquefied Natural Gas production following Iranian attacks on facilities at two of its main gas processing bases. This is only the latest consequence of the Middle East conflict on global markets. FRANCE 24's Environment Editor Valerie Dekimpe looks »»»
"There is a universal feeling the UK shouldn't get involved in Iran"
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on March 2nd said he stood by his decision not to support initial joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran. Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump had criticised his approach. But "there is a universal feeling the UK shouldn't be getting involved", says FRANCE»»»
Can the Iranian regime hold following Ali Khamenei's death?
The death of Iran's Supreme leader on March 1st has plunged the country's 87 million inhabitants into total uncertainty. Since, a transitional government made up of the Iranian president, the head of the judiciary and a lawyer from the Guardian Council, has been set up. But who will replace Ayatoll»»»
Air travel undergoes worst disruption since Covid with Middle East war
Global air travel chaos intensified on March 2nd as the U.S. and Israel continued to bombard Iran. Airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha, which are important hubs for travel between Europe, Africa and the West to Asia, remained closed after they were all directly hit by Iranian strikes.»»»
Iran war "different situation" to US Venezuela operation as could take up to five weeks
U.S. President Donald Trump says Iran operations are likely to last 4 to 5 weeks but that he’s prepared “to go far longer than that.” Trump spoke Monday at a White House ceremony. He also said the operation was ahead of schedule. FRANCE 24's Fraser Jackson tells us more from Washington.»»»
'This is not endless,' US defense chief Hegseth says amid fears of wider war in Middle East
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth addressed growing concerns on Monday that the US-Israeli strikes in Iran could embroil the United States in a protracted regional conflict by declaring, “This is not Iraq. This is not endless," even as he warned that more American casualties are likely in the weeks ah»»»
Trump warns of new 'big wave' of strikes on Iran, does not rule out troops on ground
US President Donald Trump warned of a possible new "big wave" of strikes against Iran, adding he had not ruled out deploying US boots on the ground. Trump also told a briefing at the White House Monday that the US was capable of fighting Iran far longer than projected. Pres»»»
The Debate - From air strikes to boots on the ground? US-Israel campaign against Iran escalates
What’s the plan and does it go beyond dropping bombs from the sky? On Day 3 of the US and Israeli campaign that’s killed Iran’s supreme leader, the United States insisting there will be no boots on the ground. But while the US defense secretary talks of nuclear installations and missile launchers, »»»
Trump mulls ground troops in Iran, says operations likely to last 4 to 5 weeks
President Donald Trump on Monday refused to rule out sending ground troops into Iran, as he warned that the spreading Middle East war unleashed by US-Israeli strikes could last more than a month. FRANCE 24's Monte Francis reports.»»»
Trade surplus barely remains in the black
The surplus of the external trade in goods was EUR 12 million, the balance decreased by EUR 756 million, year-on-year. The volume of export decreased by 9.9% compared to the same period of the previous year, that of import grew by 2.3%. The seasonally and working-day adjusted volume of export decre»»»
The 51% - Femicide in France's Chechen community prompts protests
How the murder of a Chechen woman in the southern French city of Nice has resulted in local Chechen women speaking out against patriarchal traditions which normally force them to remain silent. Also amid the devastation in Gaza, a Palestinian coach is teaching women and girls to box to help them co»»»
‘To be free, we have to be feared,’ Macron says in keynote nuclear speech
France will increase its nuclear warheads for the first time in decades, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Monday, saying that “to be free, we have to be feared”. Macron delivered the update on the country’s nuclear strategy in a keynote speech from the military base hosting the nation'»»»
France 'ready' to defend Gulf states against Iran as Middle East conflict widens
France is "ready" to defend Gulf nations and Jordan against possible attacks from Iran, foreign minister Jean-Noël Barrot said on Monday, as a conflict which began with Israel and the US launching strikes on Iran on Saturday has rapidly expanded to neighbouring countries in the Middle East. Fr»»»
France to allow temporary deployment of nuclear-armed aircraft to allied countries
French President Emmanuel Macron announced on March 2nd that France will increase its number of nuclear warheads from the current level of below 300, but did not give a figure for the increase. He also announced that the nuclear umbrella could be extended to the European continent. FRANCE 24's Arme»»»
Pakistan deploys troops and imposes curfew after deadly Iran protests
Pakistan on Monday deployed troops and imposed a three-day curfew in two northern cities following deadly protests sparked by the US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Several people were killed in violent protests that targeted UN buildings and US diplom»»»
LIVE UPDATES: Attack by two drones on US embassy in Saudi capital sparks 'limited' fire
Doha, Qatar: An attack by two drones early Tuesday on the US embassy in Riyadh sparked a small fire, a Saudi defense ministry spokesman said in a statement, while Iran pressed on with retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. The growing war began on Saturday after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran that »»»
Full-length documentary film to be dedicated to ecology of Issyk-Kul Lake - | 24.KG
A full-length documentary Issyk-Kul — Fragile Pearl of Kyrgyzstan is currently being filmed in Kyrgyzstan. The press service of the Union of Cinematographers informed 24.kg news agency. The film focuses on environmental challenges and efforts to preserve Issyk-Kul Lake. The production is led by Peo»»»
Belgium, France seize Russian 'shadow fleet' tanker in the North Sea
Belgian and French armed forces have seized an oil tanker in the North Sea alleged to belong to Russia's so-called shadow fleet accused of transporting Russian crude in defiance of Western-imposed sanctions. The ship, named Ethera, is being taken to the Belgian port of Zeebrugge. Belgium's special »»»
UK base in Cyprus hit by drone as fallout from Iran war spreads beyond Middle East
An Iranian drone hit the runway of the UK's Akrotiri air force base overnight on Monday but caused "minimal" damage, officials said. Britain declined to take part in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran but later approved a US request to use its bases for "defensive actions", Britain's minister for »»»
Middle East war to have economic and military fallouts for Europe
The U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Tehran’s retaliatory strikes across the Middle East are quickly dragging Europe in, forcing the continent into defensive action to protect military bases and evacuate citizens caught up in the conflict. FRANCE 24's Armen Georgian looks at the concrete fallouts the c»»»
‘Duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest’: Starmer defends UK position on Iran
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pushed back after criticism from US President Trump over Britain's decision to stay out of the initial US and Israeli strikes against Iran. It "is my duty to judge what is in Britain's national interest", Starmer told parliament on Monday. UK Prime Minister Keir S»»»
Europe 'very likely' to get dragged into conflict after UK base in Cyprus hit
"What's become clear to Europe today is that they are going to be a target". FRANCE 24's Dave Keating reports from Brussels about the European response to the widening war in the Middle East.»»»
Europe 'exposed to the consequences' of US-Israel's conflict with Iran
Speaking with FRANCE 24's Mark Owen, Ian Lesser, Distinguished Fellow at the German Marshall Fund of the United States, says that "Europe is not only a stakeholder in the crisis but also exposed to the consequences" because Iran has the potential to reach bases in the Mediterranean.»»»
Anthropic CEO says AI company 'cannot in good conscience accede' to Pentagon's demands
Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei says AI company 'cannot in good conscience accede' to Pentagon's demands to allow wider use of its tech. Defense officials in the Trump administration warned they could designate Anthropic, which makes the AI chatbot Claude, as a supply chain risk — or invoke a Cold War-e»»»
Official explains when electricity consumption restrictions will be lifted - | 24.KG
An official has explained when restrictions on electricity consumption may be lifted. The issue was raised by MP Zhumabek Salymbekov during a meeting of the Committee on Finance, Budget, Entrepreneurship and Competition Development of the Zhogorku Kenesh while discussing the agreement between the K»»»
Rubio says U.S. mission in Iran targets missile, naval threats - UPI.com
Secretary of State Marco Rubio arrives to brief congressional members on the war in Iran at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. on Monday, March 2, 2026. Photo by Bonnie Cash/UPI | License Photo March 2 (UPI) -- Operation Epic Fury's mission is to eliminate threats posed by Iran's short-range ball»»»
Kyrgyzstan ratifies loan agreement with OPEC Fund for International Development - | 24.KG
The Kyrgyz Republic has ratified the loan agreement with the OPEC Fund for International Development. President Sadyr Japarov signed the corresponding law. The ratification document for the loan agreement «First Sustainable and Inclusive Growth Development Program» between the Kyrgyz Republic and t»»»
Zero tolerance: Sharjah Police warn of Dh100,000 fines and jail for illegal fireworks.
Sharjah:Sharjah Police have urged members of the public to refrain from the unsafe use and possession of fireworks, warning that violations could endanger lives and lead to serious legal consequences. Brigadier Dr Jassim Bin Hadda Al Suwaidi, Deputy Director of the General Directorate of Operations»»»
'Be prepared for the all-out': European leader urges continent to gear up for wider Iran war, endorses 'regime change'
Following the US-Israeli attacks on Iran, European Commission (EC) President Ursula von der Leyen has highlighted the volatile Middle East situation signaling a profound shift in Europe's approach to the Tehran regime. Speaking from Brussels, she expressed "deep concern" over recent escalations, in»»»
France to grow nuclear arsenal in push to protect Europe - UPI.com
French President Emmanuel Macron, seen speaking at the UN General Assembly's 80th session in 2025, said Monday that France will grow its nuclear arsenal and start working with eight European partners on integrating security for the European continent. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI | License Phot»»»
Qatar financial regulator shifts to remote work until further notice as Iran, US and Israel tensions escalate
Dubai: Qatar’s Financial Markets Authority has announced the implementation of remote working for its employees and for all licensed entities under its supervision, effective from Tuesday until further notice, in line with a previously issued statement on flexible working arrangements. In a post on»»»
Sirens sounded in north of occupied Palestine over missile fire: Zionist media reports - Al-Manar TV Lebanon
Secretary's SpeechLebanon PalestineZionist EntityRegional and International International More Video Language Ar En Fr EsSubscribe for Weekly Updates Subscribe Sirens sounded in north of occupied Palestine over missile fire: Zionist media reports 03-03-2026 03:41 AM Latest News Urgent News Sirens s»»»
American citizens urged to leave immediately from 14 Middle Eastern countries
Dubai: The US Department of State has urged American citizens in several Middle Eastern countries to depart immediately using commercial flights, citing “serious safety risks” as tensions escalate across the region. In a security update issued on March 2, the department advised Americans in Bahrain»»»