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Iran closes French language centre in Tehran for ‘illegal acts’

Iranian authorities on Sunday shut down the French Language Centre (CLF) in Tehran, alleging the French embassy-linked institute conducted "illegal acts that violated diplomatic conventions" and "abused its status as a language training facility".

The week in pictures: Syria protests, Céline Dion on stage and Quito wildfires

From protests against rising fuel prices in Syria to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s EU charm offensive to Quito’s wildfires and Céline Dion’s return to the stage, FRANCE 24 looks back at the week's most striking pictures.

Houthi attacks and no Western support: What are Saudi Arabia's options ?

The US has warned that fighting between Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed Houthis could rapidly escalate. It comes after a missile attack targeted Riyadh for the first time since the Yemen conflict resumed. The Houthis' lightning offensive seized swathes of Yemeni territory in recent weeks and has left hundreds dead. In the face of such attacks and with no support from its American ally, what are Saudi Arabia’s options?

'NAZA' documentary about Gaza war sparks political storm in Israel

The Israeli filmmakers behind the documentary NAZA may have received a standing ovation at the Venice film festival, they have been facing violent threats to their lives and citizenship at home in Israel. A month ahead of crucial elections, the film profiles anonymous military sources who speak about the widespread killing of civilians in Gaza. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he intends to introduce legislation aimed at revoking the citizenship of people who "defame IDF soldiers". Details by Shirli Sitbon, FRANCE 24 international affairs editor.

Why doesn't the US intervene to defend Saudi Arabia against the Houthis?

The US cautioned against a rapidly escalating situation in Yemen after Houthi rebels carried out a missile attack on the Saudi capital. In recent weeks, the Iran backed militants have also seized large portions of Yemeni territory following clashes with Saudi-backed government forces. The US is a very close ally to Saudi Arabia. Yet, is visibly unwilling to intervene on its behalf – why? Details and analysis by H. A. Hellyer, senior fellow in geopolitics at the Royal United Institute in Cairo.

North Korea fires two ballistic missiles into the sea in latest weapons display

North Korea fired two short-range ballistic missiles into the sea off its eastern coast on Sunday, South Korea’s military said. This came days after Pyongyang reaffirmed its status as a nuclear-armed state and rejected a UN resolution calling for an end to its nuclear activities.

Germany: Could regional polls force Friedrich Merz to step down?

Polling is underway in the German capital Berlin and the largely rural state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania for regional elections. Both elections are seen as a test for Germany's centre-right Chancellor Friedrich Merz. He has already scheduled a crisis meeting and decided to skip this week's UN General Assembly to deal with the potential fallout. Could he be forced to step down based on the election’s results? Details and analysis by Yann Wernert, senior policy fellow at the Jacques Delors Centre in Berlin.

Ukraine hits Russia with major drone attack, targetting refinery

In Russia, voters are on the third and final day of casting ballots in the country's first wartime parliamentary election. Despite the voting however, Ukraine carried out what Moscow described as the "largest ever" drone attack on the Russian capital. Kyiv reportedly fired over 1.000 drones at the country, leaving two dead in the Moscow region and inflicting damage upon an oil refinery. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Kyiv, Gulliver Cragg.

Nine women found dead near Johannesburg sends shockwaves through South Africa

Vigils, group runs and moments of silence: thousands of protesters gathered across South Africa this weekend to pay tribute to the nine women found murdered in eastern Johannesburg. In a country that records more than 60 homicides a day, the nine murders sent shockwaves through the population. Anger is mounting, and calls are growing for the government to take action. Story by Caroline Baum.

Ed Sheeran calls Gaza war catastrophic after dropping Macklemore over pro-Palestinian comments

English singer Ed Sheeran opened his first show since his opener Macklemore was dropped after making pro-Palestinian comments onstage. The move sparked controversy and prompted several other support acts to drop out of the tour, publishing statements citing their support for Palestinians. While some concert goers could be seen trying to sell their tickets on Saturday, others have voiced their support for the 'Shape of You' singer. Story by Charlotte Hughes.

Three media outlets barred from the White House over 'fake news'

Donald Trump has suggested that more news outlets may be barred from the White House after he announced he was banning Politico, CNN and MS NOW. On Saturday, all three outlets said that the White House confiscated their teams' press passes; they have also hinted at legal action. The ban has come under sharp criticism from press freedom advocates, as Charlotte Hughes explains.

US and Denmark reach Greenland security deal

The US and Denmark have announced a deal on Greenland's security, resolving a diplomatic dispute sparked by President Donald Trump when he threatened to seize the semi-autonomous territory. The exact terms of the deal remain uncertain but it seems Denmark will maintain its sovereignty while the US will be able to develop a significant military presence on the island, and ban their adversaries from building their own bases on the island. Details by Charlotte Hughes.

Yemen's Houthis strike Saudi capital Riyadh for the first time

Fighting between Iran-backed Houthi rebels and Saudi Arabia continues to intensify. On Saturday morning, a fire broke out near Riyadh's main airport after Houthis said they launched missiles and drones at Saudi Arabia. On the ground in Yemen, Houthi rebels are pushing east in their fight against Saudi-backed government forces. Story by Caroline Baum.

Argentines protest Milei's austerity, demanding higher wages and public spending

Tensions are boiling over in Argentina, where a massive wave of public anger is spilling onto the streets of the capital. Following months of aggressive economic reforms and rising household debt, hundreds took to the streets in a "March of Anger", targeting President Javier Milei's austerity agenda. Details by Caitlin Brown.

Will German's far right party AfD win over two more regions?

Two weeks after the far-right AfD won its first major regional election in Germany, two more eastern states vote this Sunday. Polls have just opened in the capital, Berlin, and the largely rural state of Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. Details by FRANCE 24 correspondent in Berlin, Jörg Taszman.

Ligue 1: Paris Saint-Germain head to Marseille for a tense Classique

Paris Saint-Germain will travel to Marseille this Sunday to face OM at the Vélodrome in the final game of Matchday 5 in Ligue 1. It is a must-not-lose clash between two struggling sides, both looking to use this huge fixture to kick-start their seasons.

🔴 Russian election enters final day after major Ukrainian drone attack on Moscow

Live: Ukraine launches ‘largest ever’ drone attack on Moscow as Russia wraps up elections

Ukraine launched what Moscow’s Mayor Sergei Sobyanin described on Sunday as the “largest ever” attack on the Russian capital, killing three people and damaging part of an oil refinery. The major attack came on the third and final day of voting in Russia’s first wartime parliamentary elections. Follow our liveblog for the latest updates.    

Merz under pressure as two more German states hold elections

Germans began voting Sunday in two closely watched state elections that could deliver fresh gains for the far-right and far-left, piling pressure on Chancellor Friedrich Merz as he struggles with low approval ratings and tensions within his governing coalition.

Pop, Protests & Palestine: Ed Sheeran’s Moral Maze

A clash over music, politics and Palestine is putting freedom of expression in the spotlight. Macklemore’s outspoken support for Palestinians has sparked a backlash around Ed Sheeran’s US tour, raising a bigger question: should artists be expected to take a political stand, or are they equally free to stay silent? France 24’s Gavin Lee is joined by Dr Adam Behr, Reader in Music, Politics and Society at Newcastle University, to discuss the controversy.

French police arrest two Germans after 'for fun' Louvre stunt in Mona Lisa hall

Two Germans were arrested Saturday after they stuck two paintings on a wall of the hall that hosts the Mona Lisa in Paris's Louvre Museum, police sources said. 

Macron and Carney to hold talks on strengthening Canada-France ties

French President Emmanuel Macron ⁠visited the French territory of Saint Pierre and Miquelon on Sunday, where he will meet with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney. The visit comes weeks after US President Donald Trump posted an image on social media showing the archipelago covered by the American flag.

Greenland Deal: Greenland: A Trump Win or Danish Masterclass?

Is there a resolution on Greenland? President Trump’s pressure campaign began in December 2024, right after he won re-election, when he began talking about the need for U.S. ownership and control of the semi-autonomous Danish territory.

CNN, MS NOW, Politico reporters blocked from White House after Trump ban

White House correspondents for CNN, MS NOW and Politico on Saturday were blocked from entering the US president's office and residence a day after President Donald Trump announced he was banning the three media outlets for what he called "fake news" coverage. News organisations and press freedom groups have slammed the move as unconstitutional.