LIVE German 2025 Election Results as they come in and analysi on who will be the next German Chancellor.

When are the German Elections?

The Elections are on Sunday the 23rd of Feb 2025

Why are they having a snap election?

The German coalition government failed a no confidence vote

Do Germans vote?

Germans vote in big numbers, usually as high 70+ percent voter turnout

Iran strikes Kuwait airport, killing one and injuring dozens, amid tensions.

Iran strikes Kuwait airport, killing one and injuring dozens, amid tensions.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated dramatically after Iran’s recent missile strike on Kuwait Airport, resulting in one fatality and numerous injuries. The incident provoked a swift denouncement from the United States, with officials rejecting Iran’s claim that a Patriot missile interceptor was responsible for the attack. This incident underscores the precarious nature of regional stability, with calls for immediate discussions on conflict de-escalation gaining momentum as Washington weighs its responses. For more details on global conflict updates, visit our coverage here.

Economically, the fallout from this attack could further strain global oil markets already sensitive to geopolitical tensions and supply disruptions. Investors are advised to monitor potential sanctions or military responses that may arise from the US and its allies, particularly in the lead-up to scheduled Congressional discussions regarding military engagement in response to Iran’s actions.

Key developments across the world

One killed and dozens hurt in Iranian strike on Kuwait airport

GLOBAL SECURITY — An Iranian attack on Kuwait airport resulted in one fatality and over sixty injuries. This incident escalated tensions in the region, with the US denying Iranian claims regarding the use of a Patriot missile and responding to the overall conflict with diplomatic discussions.

As Iran continues to assert military influence, this event signifies a serious escalation in hostilities that could affect US and regional military strategies, prompting potential shifts in diplomatic engagement.

US House delivers rebuke to Trump as it votes to halt Iran war

DIPLOMACY — The US House of Representatives voted to restrict President Trump’s ability to engage militarily against Iran. This decision comes in response to escalating tensions following Iranian military actions and aims to curtail a unilateral approach to military engagement.

The vote reflects growing concerns within Congress about the ramifications of military conflicts and signifies a shift towards more nuanced oversight of executive military powers amid rising geopolitical tensions.

‘Crazy’ phone call between Trump and Netanyahu complicates Iran talks

DIPLOMACY — A recent phone call between Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has complicated diplomatic negotiations concerning Iran. Both leaders expressed shared concerns about Iranian aggressions, but the tone of the discussions raised eyebrows.

This interaction has implications for US-Israel relations and broader regional stability, highlighting how immediate diplomatic actions can influence ongoing negotiations and conflict resolution efforts regarding Iran’s military pursuits.

Republican-led House deals blow to Donald Trump over Iran war

DIPLOMACY — The Republican-led House of Representatives has taken steps to limit President Trump’s military engagement policies concerning Iran. This move underscores an increasing rift within the Republican party regarding foreign intervention strategies.

This legislative action indicates a larger trend towards caution in US foreign policy, reflecting congressional discomfort with entanglement in Middle Eastern conflicts and may shift future engagements with Iran.

Iran says Patriot missile interceptor hit Kuwait airport, US denies it

GLOBAL SECURITY — Iran claims its missile defence intercepted an attack at Kuwait airport, while the US has denied these allegations. This highlights the tensions and the complexity of narratives surrounding recent military exchanges in the region.

With conflicting reports about military engagements, the incident may amplify ongoing regional hostilities and reshape perceptions of the US’s military presence in the Gulf, affecting international diplomatic relations.

What to watch — Continued developments in US-Iran relations post-Kuwait airport attack could escalate regional tensions further.

Further reading from global news sources

The Guardian
One killed and 63 hurt in Iran attack on Kuwait airport as Trump says ceasefire talks ongoing

The New York Times
Iran War Live Updates: Kuwait Says One Killed and Dozens Injured in Iranian Attack on Airport

Financial Times
One killed and dozens hurt in Iranian strike on Kuwait airport

BBC
‘Crazy’ phone call between Trump and Netanyahu complicates Iran talks

NBC News
House rebukes Iran war and Trump names attorney general nomination: Morning Rundown

Canada to release long-delayed AI strategy aimed at accessibility for all

Get you up to speed: Canada’s long-delayed AI strategy is about to be released

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon announced a new initiative named ‘AI for All’ aimed at making AI accessible and beneficial for all Canadians. This strategy was unveiled in Canada and focuses on ensuring widespread accessibility to AI technologies.

The Canadian government has outlined its plan to make artificial intelligence accessible and beneficial for all citizens. The initiative is part of a broader effort to establish a national framework for AI development and regulation, with specific measures yet to be detailed by authorities.

Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon has officially announced the ‘AI for All’ strategy, which aims to make artificial intelligence accessible and beneficial for all Canadians. The government plans to implement measures that will enhance AI integration across various sectors, ensuring it aligns with public interest and safety.

What remains unclear — The specific measures that will be implemented to ensure AI accessibility and benefit for all Canadians have not been detailed.

Canada to release long-delayed AI strategy aimed at accessibility for all

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Artificial Intelligence Minister Evan Solomon has dubbed the strategy ‘AI for All,’ promising it will ensure AI is accessible and beneficial for every Canadian.

Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire pending Hezbollah’s withdrawal from attacks

Get you up to speed: Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire if Hezbollah cuts off attacks

The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to renew a ceasefire following weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Shortly after the announcement, Israeli drone strikes targeted locations in southern Lebanon, resulting in injuries to a couple and their daughter.

Israel’s troops will maintain their presence in southern Lebanon, and evacuated residents will not be permitted to return home. More than 3,000 deaths have been reported in Lebanon since hostilities began in early March, alongside significant displacement affecting over 1 million people.

The Israeli and Lebanese governments confirmed a renewed ceasefire following two days of talks in Washington, with plans for further discussions scheduled in about three weeks aimed at reaching a comprehensive agreement. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz indicated that Israeli troops would remain in southern Lebanon and retain the capacity to target Beirut if Hezbollah initiates attacks against Israeli communities.

What remains unclear — It is uncertain how the ongoing Israeli drone strikes will impact the newly agreed ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel and Lebanon agree to renew ceasefire pending Hezbollah’s withdrawal from attacks

The Israeli and Lebanese governments have agreed to renew a ceasefire, both sides said Wednesday, after weeks of deadly fighting between Israel and the militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon had imperiled broader negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to end their conflict.

The U.S.-brokered deal is contingent on Hezbollah cutting off attacks and evacuating from a swath of southern Lebanon, according to a joint statement issued by the Israeli, Lebanese and American governments. Israel is not in direct conflict with Lebanon’s armed forces.

Hezbollah is backed by Iran and has significant influence within Lebanon, especially among its Shiite community, and the Lebanese state has long struggled to exert control over the U.S.-recognized terrorist group or get it to give up its arms.

The agreement also proposes setting up “pilot zones” where the Lebanese military could take control “to the exclusion of all non-state actors.”  

Wednesday’s ceasefire came after two days of talks between Israeli and Lebanese officials in Washington. The joint statement said Israel and Lebanon agreed to hold a further round of talks in about three weeks, “ with a view toward reaching a comprehensive agreement.”  

“All countries reaffirmed that the future of the relationship between Israel and Lebanon must be decided by the two sovereign governments,” the statement read. “They rejected any attempt, by any state or non-state actor, to hold Lebanon’s future hostage.”

But hours after the announcement, Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israel conducted drone strikes along roads at several south Lebanon locations and that at least one resulted in a couple and their daughter being wounded in their car.

And Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Thursday that under terms of the agreement, his country’s troops will stay in south Lebanon and continue operations there for the time being, and evacuated residents of the region won’t be able to return to their homes. He also said the accord gives the military the “freedom” to strike Beirut if Hezbollah attacks Israeli communities.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire for months, with Hezbollah launching rockets at northern Israel while Israeli forces take control of large parts of southern Lebanon. The two countries struck a ceasefire in mid-April, but fighting continued. President Trump said Israel and Hezbollah agreed to cut back fighting on Monday, but a day later, the two sides traded fire. 

More than 3,000 deaths have been reported in Lebanon since fighting began in early March, and dozens of Israeli deaths have been reported, according to both countries’ governments. More than 1 million people in Lebanon, a country estimated to have just under 6 million, have been displaced, the Lebanese government has said.

The conflict has hung over a more sweeping diplomatic effort to cut off months of U.S.-Iran hostilities by extending a ceasefire between the two countries, reopening the Strait of Hormuz and launching talks on the thorny issue of Iran’s nuclear program.

The Iranian government has insisted that any deal to end the U.S. and Israel’s war with Iran must include an end to fighting in Lebanon. Earlier this week, an Iranian news agency said the country had suspended indirect talks with the U.S. because of Israel’s operations in Lebanon, though Mr. Trump said negotiations were still ongoing.

Mr. Trump has pressed Israel and Lebanon to strike a deal. He announced Monday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to call off a “major raid of Beirut” and “stop shooting at” Hezbollah, while Hezbollah agreed to stop firing at Israel. Netanyahu later said on social media that he told Mr. Trump the Israeli military would strike targets in Beirut “if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our cities and citizens.”

Axios reported that the call was fiery, with Mr. Trump reportedly calling Netanyahu “f***ing crazy” and declaring that “everybody hates Israel because of this.”

Asked about that report on the New York Post’s “Pod Force One” podcast, Mr. Trump appeared to confirm it. He told the Post’s Miranda Devine he was “a little bit perturbed” by Israel’s fighting with Lebanon, and conveyed to Netanyahu, “we gotta stop this.” 

London Tube strike ongoing as affected lines face second day of walkouts

Get you up to speed: London Tube strike live: All the affected lines on second day of walkouts | News UK

Liverpool Street station experienced a calm atmosphere ahead of rush hour during the first day of a strike. Transport for London staff reported that crowds have not been significant, with no disruptions confirmed by commuters.

Transport for London (TfL) reported that the initial day of the strike has not significantly impacted passenger crowds at Liverpool Street station, with increases expected during peak hours. TfL staff have noted that operations are proceeding with minimal disruption, despite the ongoing strike.

Transport for London (TfL) reported that the initial day of the strike has not significantly disrupted services, with staff noting that crowds at Liverpool Street station are manageable. Passengers, including one named Ashley, expressed minimal concerns, stating, “It has been completely fine, absolutely no disruption,” as they adapt to the changing transport conditions.

What remains unclear — It is unknown how the ongoing strike will affect travel on Thursday.

London Tube strike ongoing as affected lines face second day of walkouts

London Tube strike ongoing as affected lines face second day of walkouts
Liverpool Street seems quiet ahead of rush hour (Picture: Noora Mykkanen)

WTX is at Liverpool Street station, where things appears to be calm before storm ahead of rush hour.

TfL staff, who declined to give their names, said the first strike day has not been ‘too bad’ with crowds.

‘It’s a little bit busier, but not too bad. But the peak is still to come,’ they said.

Ashley, 34, who was waiting for her cousin at the station’s Elizabeth line entrance, had travelled from Durham for the launch of an LGBTQ+ magazine and to see a comedian.

She only heard about the strike on her way in on the train.

She said: ‘I was a little bit stressed about it, but it has been completely fine, absolutely no disruption.

‘I took the Tube from King’s Cross to Moorgate and walked from there in the rain. We are staying in Hackney but haven’t planned yet how we will travel there.

‘I’m travelling again on Thursday so will see how it is.’

Ukraine targets Russian oil facility in drone strike over St Petersburg

Get you up to speed: Ukraine strikes Russian oil refinery on first day of ‘Putin’s Davos’ | News World

A drone strike launched by Ukraine targeted infrastructure in three districts of St Petersburg overnight, as confirmed by the city’s governor, Alexander Beglov. Several people were injured, but there were no fatalities, and clean-up efforts are currently underway.

Clean-up efforts are currently underway in St Petersburg following the drone strike, with several injuries reported but no fatalities confirmed. The St Petersburg International Economic Forum, attended by President Vladimir Putin, commenced today, attracting around 10,000 participants from 120 countries.

St Petersburg Governor Alexander Beglov confirmed that clean-up efforts are underway following the overnight drone strikes, which injured several individuals but resulted in no fatalities. In response to the attack, President Volodymyr Zelensky reinforced Ukraine’s commitment to long-range sanctions and called on allies for increased sanctions to diminish Russia’s military production capabilities.

What remains unclear — The extent of the damage to the infrastructure objects and military targets struck in St Petersburg during the drone attack is not detailed.

Ukraine targets Russian oil facility in drone strike over St Petersburg

The people of St Petersburg woke up to see a plume of smoke rising over the city after Ukraine launched a drone strike overnight.

The city’s governor, Alexander Beglov, said ‘infrastructure objects’ in three districts of the city had been hit on Wednesday.

Meanwhile Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said the drones had struck several ‘military targets’, including the Petersburg Oil Terminal ‘which serves the war’ and ‘an enterprise in the Tambov region involved in the production of Russian weapons’.

In a post to X, he said: ‘Important facilities on Russian territory were hit last night.

‘I thank our warriors for their precision. Ukraine’s plan for long-range sanctions is being implemented exactly as needed to bring peace closer. Glory to Ukraine!’

A plumes of black smoke is seen over the port of St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after a Ukrainian drone attack. (AP Photo)
Smoke rises over St Petersburg in the early hours of Wednesday (Picture: AP Photo/undefined)

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A plume of black smoke is seen over the port of St. Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after a Ukrainian drone attack. (AP Photo)
There were no fatalities as a result of the strike (Picture: AP Photo/undefined)

Beglov confirmed in a post on Telegram that clean-up efforts are underway and that several people had been injured, but there were no fatalities as a result of last night’s strike.

The attack comes ahead of what was meant to be a big day for the city for very different reasons. Russia’s annual economic forum begins today, which Russian president Vladimir Putin will attend.

The St Petersburg International Economic Forum (SPIEF) has been held annually since 1997, and under the auspices of the Russian president since 2006.

Plumes of black smoke are seen over St.Petersburg, Russia, Wednesday, June 3, 2026, after a Ukrainian drone attack. (AP Photo)
Black smoke loomed over the city this morning (Picture: AP Photo/undefined)

The event attracts around 10,000 attendees from 120 countries from across the business sector, earning it comparisons with the annual World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos, Switzerland.

Its website describes it as ‘one of the largest and most significant business events in the world’.

The strikes came a day after Russia unleashed its own latest spate of drone and missile attacks on Ukrainian cities including Kyiv. 

At least 23 people were killed and 138 were injured, authorities said on Tuesday.

Zelensky warned in his daily address that the Kremlin is already planning its next strike and called on Ukraine’s allies to introduce harsher sanctions on Russia to undercut its ability to produce weapons and missiles.

But even without these increased sanctions, Putin’s own officials have reportedly warned him that he is running out of money.

Finance minister Anton Siluanov has reportedly estimated that Russia would overspend on its war budget by at least £20.8billion this year, as per documents seen by the Financial Times.

Russia’s central bank and other leading finance experts in the country are understood to have urged the despot to rein in defence spending as the bill becomes ‘unsustainable’.

The Kremlin boss is said to have told financial leaders to save elsewhere so he can continue to fund his costly war.

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Protests in Albania grow over coastal development linked to Jared Kushner

Protests in Albania grow over coastal development linked to Jared Kushner

Coastal Development
Protests in Tirana oppose a large-scale coastal development project on Albania’s Adriatic coast, which includes components in the Narta Lagoon wildlife reserve and Sazan Island.
Strategic Investment

The Albanian government promotes a €4 billion coastal development project as crucial for transforming its tourism sector and advancing EU membership ambitions.
Firm Commitment
“There is no chance for this investment to stop as long as I am here,” stated Prime Minister Edi Rama, underscoring his support for the coastal development project.

Protests continue for third day over controversial Trump family-linked resort in Albania

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Protests continued in Albania on Wednesday against a massive coastal development project linked to Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, with demonstrators taking to the streets of Tirana for a third day to voice their opposition to the project.

The government says the development on the Adriatic coast would be transformational for the former communist nation as it seeks to enter the high-end tourism market and pushes for European Union membership.

But the venture, spanning an abandoned island and a nearby stretch of seafront on Albania’s southern coast, has drawn opposition from environmental campaigners and critics of long-time Socialist Prime Minister Edi Rama.

The luxury project has two components: a coastal development in the Narta Lagoon area, which is a wildlife reserve, and a smaller resort on the nearby uninhabited island of Sazan, a communist-era military base.

The planned development of hotels, apartments, villas and a marina is linked to Kushner and Trump’s daughter, Ivanka Trump.

An investment firm linked to Kushner has been granted special investor status by Albanian authorities.

Harsh rule, pristine beaches

Albania has 450 kilometres of coast that remained largely underdeveloped during decades of communist rule.

Protest groups fear the sections of that pristine coastline could be snapped up by powerful investors. And public anger grew after video showed an activist being dragged by a private security guard while demonstrating at the site.

The development is planned within a nature reserve and one of Albania’s most valuable biodiversity areas, a key stopover for migratory birds along the Adriatic coast.

Protesters have carried cardboard cut-outs of pink flamingos, one of the protected migratory bird species, at rallies in the capital Tirana.

Since late May, excavators and other heavy machinery have entered the area, opening access routes, digging into the sand, clearing land among pine trees and installing fencing.

Environmental groups from Albania and elsewhere in Europe condemned the work, with one prominent local group charging that long-protected habitats are being “irreversibly destroyed.”

Multi-billion dollar bonanza?

Albania’s state anti-corruption agency has confirmed it opened an investigation related to the project but has not disclosed details.

The government says the land earmarked for the project is privately owned. But competing claims have emerged questioning the privatisation, a common type of legal dispute.

Rama has committed to the venture, saying it would align with Albania’s ambition to become a major global tourism destination.

“Albania should not be a country that fears an extraordinary project like this one, where exceptional partners have come together to invest €4 billion,” Rama said.

He added: “There is no chance for this investment to stop as long as I am here.”

However, the demise of a similar project in Serbia offers a cautionary tale. In November, Serbia’s Parliament passed a special law to enable the building of a luxury complex in the capital, Belgrade, to be financed by an investment company linked to Kushner.

The following month, Serbia’s prosecutor for organised crime charged four people, including a government minister, with abuse of office and falsifying of documents to help pave the way for the development.

Kushner later withdrew from the planned multi-million dollar investment that would have replaced a sprawling bombed-out military complex, a designated heritage zone whose legal protection was lifted by the former officials now on trial.

Additional sources • AP

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