Islamic State

Iran is publicly stating that a religious decree, or fatwa, forbids the development and possession of nuclear weapons. The declaration reiterates a long-standing position by Iranian leaders that such arms are prohibited under Islamic law, a claim Tehran has repeatedly made while insisting its nuclear program is purely peaceful. The statement comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear activities and stalled diplomatic efforts over its nuclear program.

A former schoolfriend of Shamima Begum, the British woman who left London as a teenager to join Islamic State in Syria, has been arrested in connection with suspected terrorism offences. The arrest, reported by The Observer, renews attention on the Bethnal Green Academy circle that travelled to Syria in 2015 and on how authorities handle returning associates years later.