Conservative Anglicans challenge historic female leader with rival leadership

Conservative Anglican leaders in Nigeria have restructured their organisation signalling a break from the traditions of the historic Anglican Communion. Gafcon leaders have opposed liberal trends such as same-sex marriage, the ordination of openly LGBTQ+ clergy in the Anglican churches of Europe and North America, including the Episcopal Church in the United States and the recent nomination of the Church's first female leader.

Mine collapses in eastern Congo, with official death toll disputed by M23 rebels

A mine collapse at a major coltan mining site in eastern Congo left at least 200 dead, according to Congolese authorities, a number disputed by the rebel group that controls the mine. The collapse follows a similar event in January that also left over 200 dead in an area already facing a humanitarian crisis and ongoing conflict. FRANCE 24's Emmet Livingstone has more from Kinshasa about a strategic mine, which produces 15% of the world's tantalum.

Middle East conflict threatens food security in Gulf countries

Sitting between Oman and Iran, the Strait of Hormuz is a crucial global shipping channel with more than 30,000 ships passing through it each year. Following the outbreak of the conflict in the Middle East, concerns have arisen about oil and gas exports through the strait being impacted. But at the same time, the threat of disruption to food supplies in the Gulf region are increasing, as states such as Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar become effectively landlocked by the disruption.

Trump fires controversial Homeland Security secretary Kristi Noem

President Trump has fired his homeland security secretary, Kristi Noem. In a post on social media, Trump said he was replacing Noem with Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma. Noem is the first cabinet member to be ousted in Trump’s second term. She was a key figure in carrying out Trump’s mass deportation effort and her tenure was marked by a series of controversies.

Israeli airstrikes pound Lebanon, displacing hundreds of thousands

Prime Minister Nawaf Salam is calling on the international community to help Lebanon amid the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah war as he warned '"a humanitarian crisis was looming". The fresh Israeli strikes have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee targeted areas. FRANCE 24's Renée Davis spoke to some of them in Beirut.

US likely responsible for Iranian girls' school bombing, investigation says

A tragedy at a primary school in Iran is sparking international outrage as new details emerge regarding who may be responsible. While the physical destruction is absolute, the political fallout is only just beginning. According to Reuters, a US investigation suggests the US itself was likely responsible for the strike.

US Congress rejects 'war powers resolution' that would halt strikes in Iran

In the US, Congress's lower house has narrowly rejected a resolution to curb President Donald Trump's powers in the Iran war. It's the second vote in as many days, after the Senate defeated a similar measure. While Democrats argue this is a war and needs congressional approval, the Trump administration defends that it is a "limited operation".

Donald Trump seeks Kyiv's help in defending against Iranian drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said Wednesday that Ukraine's partners, including the United States, had sought Kyiv's help in defending against Iranian drones during the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. 

'There doesn't seem to be a plan in Iran' for the Trump administation

US President Donald Trump said on March 5 it would be a "waste of time" currently to consider sending US ground troops into Iran. This comes amid growing criticism domestically and internationally that the Washington has unclear goals and strategies in Iran, as well as explanations for the war, as it continues attacks in the country. FRANCE 24's Kethevane Gorjestani breaks it down for us.

🔴 War in Middle East live: Israel orders evacuation of four towns in Lebanon's Bekaa region

To avoid 'US boots on the ground', Washington considers enlisting separatists in Iran

Top US officials, including the defence secretary, have said that sending US troops into Iran could not be ruled out. But given public opinion in the US, such a move would come with political consequences for US President Donald Trump and the Republicans, especially with the midterm elections approaching in November. However, there are reports that the White House is looking to enlist and even arm separatist groups in the region to accomplish having “boots on the ground”.

Ukraine to provide drone protection support in Middle East at US request

President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday said that Ukraine would provide assistance to the US and other allies in ​response to requests for support in dealing with Iran's Shahed drones currently being used in the Middle East conflict.

'Operation Epstein Distraction': Sexual assault allegations against Trump emerge

PRESS REVIEW – Friday, March 6: International papers discuss US President Donald Trump's "warrior transformation" and speculate about how the new war in the Middle East could benefit Russia. Also: the US Department of Justice publishes an interview that outlines sexual assault allegations against Trump. Finally, is the US president trying to distract attention from the Epstein files with the new war? This question has inspired quite a few cartoons.

Israeli strikes on Lebanon: Tel Aviv seeks to 'eliminate Hezbollah'

The Israeli military said on Friday it had begun fresh strikes against Iran‑backed Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold targeted after a mass evacuation order for local residents. “One of Israel’s goals is to allow residents of northern Israel along the Lebanese border to live in peace,” FRANCE 24’s Noga Tarnopolsky said, adding that Israel is also seeking to “eliminate Hezbollah” amid the militant group’s deep unpopularity among many Lebanese as the conflict escalates.

Nadim Houry: Middle East being overrun by 'madmen' showing total disregard for international law

As civilians in southern Beirut are ordered to evacuate ahead of an Israeli offensive, François Picard is pleased to welcome Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative (ARI). Houry describes the war on Iran and the ensuing conflict spreading across the Middle East as "one large illegal war" whose consequences are rapidly overwhelming Lebanon and threatening to reshape the entire region.

Middle East war: Fuel prices surge in France amid margin concerns

Motorists in Lille and across northern France have seen petrol and diesel prices jump sharply in recent days, with some stations reporting increases of up to 20 cents per litre. The sudden rise has prompted scrutiny from the government, with the economy minister summoning fuel industry representatives amid concerns some retailers may be raising profit margins excessively.

Lens reach French Cup quarter-finals after beating Lyon on penalties

Lens can still dream of an improbable double. With only four points behind PSG in Ligue 1, Lens are now only two wins away from lifting their first-ever French Cup. Pierre Sage's side beat Lyon on penalties on Thursday in the quarter-finals. They will face Toulouse for a spot in the final, while Strasbourg host Nice in the second semi-final.

🔴 War in the Middle East live: Trump says sending US ground troops to Iran would be ‘waste of time’

War in Middle East live: Israel orders evacuation of towns in Lebanon’s Bekaa region

The Israeli military on Friday ordered the evacuation of four towns in Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley after carrying out fresh strikes Friday on the southern suburbs of Beirut. Israel’s attack on Lebanon comes as it continues to pummel Iran’s capital Tehran. Read our liveblog for the latest developments.

Winter Paralympics opening ceremony clouded by boycott over Russia’s return

Controversy is overshadowing the Milan-Cortina Winter Paralympics, which kick off Friday with an opening ceremony boycotted by several countries protesting the decision to allow Russian and Belarusian athletes to compete under their national flags for the first time since 2014. 

US, Venezuela restore diplomatic relations as Washington pushes for access to minerals

Venezuela said Thursday it was committed to a “new stage” in relations with the United States "based on mutual respect" after both countries agreed to restore diplomatic ties. Acting President Delcy Rodriguez’s government said it was ready to pursue constructive dialogue grounded in sovereign equality and cooperation between the two nations.

US, Mexico to hold talks ahead of USMCA trade pact review as Trump tariffs loom

The United States and Mexico said Thursday that their negotiators will hold bilateral talks this month ahead of a joint review of the United States–Mexico–Canada Agreement as tariff pressure from US President Donald Trump adds urgency to discussions. The first meeting is set for the week of March 16, with further sessions planned before the pact’s July review.

Morocco coach Regragui leaves months before World Cup, Ouahbi appointed

Morocco parted ways with coach Walid Regragui on Thursday, just three months before the World Cup, and appointed Mohamed Ouahbi as his successor, the national football federation said. Regragui departs despite leading Morocco to the 2022 World Cup semi-finals. Ouahbi, 49, previously guided the country to the Under-20 World Cup title in October.

US Congress narrowly rejects war powers resolution to halt Trump’s Iran attacks

The US House of Representatives on Thursday narrowly rejected a war powers resolution seeking to halt President Donald Trump’s military strikes on Iran. The measure followed a similar Senate defeat a day earlier, highlighting divisions in Congress over Trump’s decision to bypass lawmakers and escalate the conflict.