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, has been arrested in connection with a suspected terrorism offence, according to reporting by The Observer. The arrest renews attention on the Bethnal Green academy group's case and on how UK authorities handle returnees and associates.

Colombia has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, accusing it of posing a threat to global peace and security. Commentary online frames the move as reflecting the right-wing government's pro-Israel stance. The designation deepens tensions between Bogota and Tehran and aligns Colombia with the United States and other countries that have blacklisted the IRGC.