Iran and Russia begin joint naval drill in Indian Ocean
The Iranian and Russian militaries have kicked off a joint naval drill in the Indian Ocean aimed at boosting security of maritime trade in the region, Iran’s state TV reported on Tuesday.
Month: February 2021
Blinken says that for Iran, ‘the path to diplomacy is open’
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Tuesday that the US was open to diplomacy with Iran and voiced support for the 2015 deal Iran signed with world powers, while asserting that it must not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon.
In message to Hezbollah, IAF practices striking 3,000 targets in 24 hours
A Hezbollah missile hits an IAF fighter jet. In response, the entire air force is scrambled to participate in a broad offensive against Lebanon, including attacks against infrastructure such as bridges, power plants and airports spanning 24 hours. That scenario was the focus of an IDF exercise that began on Sunday morning and ended on Tuesday at noon.
Iran could deploy 200 missiles in Iraq to attack Israel
With tensions rising with Iran, Israel is concerned that the Islamic Republic could deploy up to 200 long-range missiles in Iraq that could be used to attack the Jewish state. Iran is already believed to have hundreds of missiles that can reach Israel.
Conservative group warns of UN effort to create list of ‘LGBT hate groups’
A conservative group is warning that the United Nations is preparing to compile a list of “LGBT hate groups” that could be used as a “blacklist” to punish groups and organizations that subscribe to traditional beliefs about gender and sexuality.
China dethroned the US as Europe’s top trade partner in 2020
According to new economic data, China dethroned the US as Europe’s top trade partner in 2020, likely buoyed by strong demand in China for European goods, and Chinese medical products in Europe.
Majority of Americans see need for a third major political party
A majority of American adults believe that a third party is needed in the nation’s political landscape.
Pakistan: Christian evangelists charged with blasphemy may face death penalty
Two Christian evangelists in Pakistan have been charged with blasphemy – and could face a mandatory death penalty if convicted, International Christian Concern reports. Haroon Ayub Masih and Salamat Mansha Masih were arrested on February 13 for allegedly insulting Islam while preaching the Gospel in Model Town Park in Lahore.
Israel to require “Green Pass” proof of COVID-19 vaccine for access to many places
Israel announced Monday that its citizens will have to show a “green pass” – proof they have been vaccinated against COVID-19, or have recovered from the virus – in order to enter many public spaces, the Times of Israel reports. The announcement was made as Israel begins to reopen after severe lockdown measures were imposed to slow the high virus infection rate.
EU Condemns Silencing Independent Radio In Hungary
The European Union has urged Hungary to allow one of the nation’s last independent radio stations to continue after it was forced off-air on Monday.
Europe’s Top Court Asked To Condemn Turkey’s Deportation Of Pastor
Europe’s top rights court has been asked to support a Canadian-American pastor who was reportedly deported from Turkey after 19 years for evangelism.
Biden debuts on world stage as president with G-7, Munich meetings
President Biden’s vow to expand U.S. engagement with allies will be put to the test later this week when he participates in a virtual meeting with leaders of the world’s wealthiest democracies and then delivers remarks to the annual Munich Security Conference.
Rocket Attack in Iraq Kills 1, Wounds 5
A rocket attack late Monday near the Irbil airport and a nearby base housing U.S. troops killed one foreign civilian contractor and injured at least five other people, the U.S. coalition and officials in the semi-autonomous Kurdistan Region in Iraq said.
In major breach of nuclear deal, Iran announces end to snap inspections
Iran has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency, the world’s nuclear watchdog, about its plan to end sweeping inspection powers given to the agency under the 2015 nuclear deal, its envoy to the agency wrote on Twitter on Monday.
Equality Act puts Christian hiring policies in ‘jeopardy’ without religious exemptions, ADF warns
The wide-reaching Equality Act championed by Democrats would put the hiring practices of faith-based organizations in “jeopardy” and will create additional religious freedom concerns for Christian schools, churches and ministries, a prominent legal nonprofit argues.
Israel Reportedly Strikes Syria, Killing 6 Iranian-Backed Fighters
Israel fired several missiles near the Syrian capital of Damascus early Monday morning, Syrian state media reported.
China Used Secret Microchip to Spy on US Computers
China’s exploitation of products made by Supermicro, as the U.S. company is known, has been under federal scrutiny for much of the past decade, according to 14 former law enforcement and intelligence officials familiar with the matter.
IDF launches surprise air exercise, as it reportedly strikes sites in Syria
The Israeli military launched a surprise air force exercise simulating war in the north late Sunday night, as Israeli jets reportedly struck Iran-linked sites in Syria.
Arkansas law: Governor can only close churches if all other organizations are closed too
Arkansas has passed a new law that permits the governor to impose healthy and safety restrictions on churches, but only if those restrictions are applicable to all organizations and businesses, Christian Headlines reports.
Montana Senate Committee passes four pro-life bills
Four pro-life bills have passed in Montana’s state House and its Senate Judiciary Committee, and are now on their way to the state’s full Senate for consideration, Life News reports. The bills had passed 67-33 in the House last month, before passing in the Judiciary Committee on February 9.