January 23, 2026
Local
Local
KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 23 — Two foreign nationals have become the first individuals in Malaysia to be charged in court for littering under the newly enforced anti-littering law, according to a report by The Star.
PARIS, March 9 — The Middle East conflict continues to escalate, with several major developments reported on Monday.
Israel launches new strikes in Iran
The Israeli military said it carried out “wide-scale” air strikes targeting Tehran, Isfahan and parts of southern Iran. Earlier, AFP journalists reported powerful explosions shaking the Iranian capital.
Support rally for Iran’s new supreme leader
Thousands gathered in a central square in Tehran to show support for Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who was appointed supreme leader after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed in US-Israeli strikes.
US advises citizens to leave southeast Turkey
Washington has urged non-essential staff to leave its consulate near Adana, close to a key NATO base, and advised US citizens to depart southeast Turkey amid rising tensions.
Iran says US and Israel in ‘despair’
Iranian security chief Ali Larijani said the appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei had left the United States and Israel in “despair”.
Russia backs Iran’s new leader
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed “unwavering support” for Khamenei, saying Iran’s new leader would need courage and dedication while facing armed aggression.
G7 to discuss oil reserves
French President Emmanuel Macron said the G7 will consider releasing strategic oil reserves as crude prices surge above US$100 per barrel due to the conflict.
Casualties reported in Israel
Israeli emergency services said a man was killed by shrapnel and another severely injured after missiles launched from Iran struck central Israel. AFP reporters also heard more than 10 explosions in Tel Aviv.
Iran criticises European countries
Tehran accused several European nations, including France, of enabling the attacks by failing to oppose US policies.
Qatar arrests more than 300 people
Authorities in Qatar said 313 individuals were detained for spreading images and what officials described as misleading information during recent Iranian attacks.
Israel strikes Lebanon
An Israeli air strike hit Beirut’s southern suburbs, with footage showing large plumes of smoke. Israel had earlier warned it would target locations linked to Hezbollah. The Iran-backed group said it was fighting Israeli forces that had entered eastern Lebanon overnight.
Global markets react
European stock markets dropped at the open as energy prices surged. Japan’s Nikkei index fell more than five per cent, while South Korea’s Kospi dropped nearly six per cent.
China opposes threats against Iran’s new leader
China said it opposes any targeting of Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, describing the appointment as an internal matter.
European gas prices surge
European natural gas prices jumped as much as 30 per cent, with the Dutch TTF benchmark rising to €69.50 before easing slightly.
Bahrain oil facility hit
An Iranian strike reportedly caused a fire and damage at Bahrain’s Al Ma’ameer oil facility. State-owned Bapco declared force majeure following the attack.
HRW accuses Israel of using white phosphorus
Human Rights Watch alleged that Israel used white phosphorus in residential areas of southern Lebanon last week, a substance that can cause severe burns and fires. — AFP
