Calls are growing for an independent investigation into an attack on a girls’ school in southern Iran that killed 165 young pupils this week, with United Nations experts denouncing the deadly bombing as “a grave assault on children”.

In a statement on Friday, a group of UN experts said girls between the ages of seven and 12 were the main victims of the attack on the primary school in Minab on Saturday – the first day of the United States and Israel’s war against Iran.

“An attack on a functioning school during class hours raises the most serious concerns under international law and must be urgently, independently, and effectively investigated, with accountability for any violations,” they said.

“A strike on a school represents a grave assault on children, on education, and on the future of an entire community,” the experts said. “There is no excuse for killing girls in a classroom.”

Rights advocates have pointed to the Minab school attack as evidence of potential war crimes being committed by Israel and the US in a war that legal experts say was launched in violation of the UN Charter and in breach of international law.

They also say it is an example of the heavy toll Iranian civilians are paying amid the conflict, which has killed at least 1,332 people so far, according to the latest figures cited by Iran’s state media outlets.

Iran’s UN envoy, Amir Saeid Iravani, told reporters on Monday that the school was “deliberately destroyed” in US-Israeli attacks against the country. “As a result, 165 innocent schoolgirls were martyred. I repeat it – 165 schoolgirls martyred,” he said.

Investigations published in recent days suggest US President Donald Trump’s administration was responsible for the attack.

The Reuters news agency, quoting two unnamed US officials, reported on Thursday that American military investigators believe it is likely that US forces were responsible.

Using satellite imagery as well as verified videos and official statements, The New York Times also said US forces “were most likely to have carried out the strike” as they were attacking an adjacent naval base operated by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that Washington was investigating the incident.

“The Department of War and the United States armed forces do not target civilians,” she said.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk told reporters on Friday that, “whatever outcome there will be of the investigations, we hope they will be prompt and that they will be done in full transparency”.

“We also expect accountability to be served because obviously mistakes were clearly made,” Turk said in Geneva, Switzerland, stressing that “accountability is absolutely critical” along with redress and compensation.

“It is a lesson to be learned – a horrible, tragic lesson to be learned – when girls are killed in this way,” he said.

“I hope there will be not only guarantees of non-recurrence, but a review of all the standard operating procedures when it comes to these issues, and especially when it comes to conduct of hostilities.”

Meanwhile, DAWN, a US-based advocacy group, has urged Iran to give the International Criminal Court (ICC) jurisdiction over crimes committed on its territory since the war began.

“From the killing of over 150 students and teachers to strikes on hospitals full of newborns, every day more and more evidence emerges pointing to the commission of grave war crimes in Iran since the start of the war,” said the group’s executive director, Omar Shakir.

“Victims deserve justice. The mechanisms exist and the US has no veto over them.”

British woman who reported rape in Hong Kong may face prison

A 25-year-old British woman who reported being raped in Hong Kong now faces the possibility of prison.

Isabel Rose, from Hackney, east London, went to Hong Kong police in early 2024 after meeting a man she had encountered during her travels in Asia. The man was arrested, but Rose was subsequently charged with blackmail and later with perverting the course of justice. He denies all allegations and faces no charges.

Her trial, heard by a judge last year, is expected to reach a verdict on 3 March. If convicted, Rose could serve several years behind bars. Prosecutors alleged she initially requested £5,000 and later demanded £100,000, claims she denies, stating she was seeking compensation for the alleged assault.

Rose has remained on bail throughout, unable to work or leave Hong Kong. The UK consulate said it cannot comment on individual cases but provides consular support to nationals.

Hong Kong operates under the “one country, two systems” framework, maintaining its own legal system despite being part of China since the 1997 handover.

US-Iran talks end after ‘significant progress’, mediator says

High-stakes nuclear discussions between the US and Iran wrapped up in Geneva, with Omani Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi reporting “significant progress,” though the likelihood of a deal to prevent war remains uncertain. Technical talks are slated for next week in Vienna, with no immediate remarks from US or Iranian officials.

President Donald Trump has threatened action against Iran if a deal isn’t reached, amid the largest US military build-up in the Middle East since the 2003 Iraq invasion. Iran has promised a forceful response to any attack. While Trump favors diplomacy, he’s hinted at a limited strike to pressure Iran into agreement, though details of his demands remain vague, eight months after the US bombed Iranian nuclear sites amid tensions with Israel.

Iran refuses to halt uranium enrichment but may offer concessions on its nuclear program. Negotiations are led by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, with the US represented by envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Recently, the US deployed thousands of troops, including two aircraft carriers, warships, fighter jets, and refueling planes.

Trump initially threatened Iran last month following deadly crackdowns on protests. Now, the focus is Iran’s nuclear ambitions, long a point of contention with the West. The US and Israel have accused Iran of covert weapon development, while Tehran maintains its program is peaceful, despite enriching uranium near weapons-grade levels.

In his State of the Union, Trump vaguely cited Iran’s missile capabilities and nuclear ambitions, labeling the nation the “world’s number one sponsor of terror.” Last June, the US targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, claiming they were “obliterated.” Iran asserts enrichment paused post-strikes, though inspectors have not accessed the damaged facilities.

Trump claims Iran wants a deal but has not explicitly renounced nuclear weapons. Iran counters, promising never to develop them and highlighting a chance for “an unprecedented agreement addressing mutual concerns.” The Iranian foreign ministry called US claims about its nuclear program and protests “big lies.”

Negotiations may include regional uranium consortiums, handling Iran’s ~400kg stockpile of enriched uranium, and verification measures. Iran seeks sanctions relief, while Trump’s acceptable terms remain unclear. Tehran refuses to limit ballistic missiles or curb regional alliances like the “Axis of Resistance,” which includes Hamas, Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis.

Reports suggest Trump may consider strikes on Revolutionary Guards or nuclear sites to pressure Iran, potentially escalating to efforts to remove Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Military leaders warn of prolonged conflict risks, but Trump believes victory would be “easy.” Iran has vowed retaliation against US assets, raising fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu opposes deals excluding Iran’s missiles and proxies and may support moves to topple Tehran. The US holds the second-largest nuclear arsenal, with Israel believed to possess nuclear weapons. Ahead of the State of the Union, Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed key congressional leaders, with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasizing the seriousness of the situation.

Trump curious why Iran has not ‘capitulated’, US envoy Witkoff says

Australian IS families in Syria camp turned back after leaving for home

Two major legal and security developments have unfolded involving Australians both at home and abroad, drawing significant public attention.

In Sydney, the man accused of carrying out the deadly shooting at Bondi Beach has appeared in court for the first time. The suspect faced a magistrate during an initial procedural hearing, marking the formal beginning of what is expected to be a complex and closely watched criminal case. During the brief session, the court addressed preliminary matters, including confirmation of multiple serious charges. No plea was entered at this stage, as prosecutors continue preparing their case and compiling evidence. The matter was adjourned to allow further legal preparations, with the case set to return to court at a later date.

Authorities allege the Bondi Beach attack resulted in multiple casualties, sending shockwaves across Australia and prompting a wide-ranging police investigation. Emergency services responded swiftly at the time of the incident, and investigators have since been gathering forensic material, witness statements and other evidence as part of an ongoing probe. The case has sparked national conversations about public safety and security, while legal proceedings move forward through the judicial system.

Meanwhile, in northeast Syria, a separate development involving Australian nationals has also made headlines. A group of Australian women and children with alleged links to the extremist group known as Islamic State briefly departed the Roj camp, where they have been held for years following the collapse of IS territory. The families appeared to be beginning a long-anticipated journey back to Australia, travelling under escort toward Damascus.

However, shortly after leaving the camp, Syrian authorities reportedly intervened, citing procedural or documentation issues. The convoy was subsequently instructed to turn around and return to Roj camp. The setback highlights the diplomatic and legal complexities surrounding the repatriation of foreign nationals from detention camps in Syria.

The Roj facility, administered by Kurdish authorities linked to the Syrian Democratic Forces, houses thousands of women and children from dozens of countries. Human rights organisations have repeatedly raised concerns about living conditions inside the camps, particularly for minors who were either taken to Syria as children or born there.

Both developments underscore the continuing legal and security challenges facing Australian authorities — domestically through high-profile criminal proceedings, and internationally through the complicated process of handling citizens detained in conflict zones.

More updates are expected as court hearings resume and diplomatic discussions continue.

Bondi Beach shooting accused faces court for the first time

Norway’s monarchy finds itself under intense public scrutiny as a high-profile sexual assault trial unfolds

A high-profile court case has shaken Norway, thrusting the country’s royal family into worldwide attention as a dramatic criminal trial begins. At the center of the controversy is Marius Borg Høiby, the 29-year-old eldest son of Crown Princess Mette-Marit, who is facing several grave allegations, including rape and other violent acts.

Høiby, who was born before his mother married Crown Prince Haakon and holds no royal title or position in the line of succession, was formally charged after an extensive police investigation. Authorities have filed at least 38 counts against him, ranging from the alleged rape of four women to assault, threats, drug offences and other crimes. A conviction on the most serious charges could result in a prison sentence exceeding ten years.

Proceedings kicked off this week at the Oslo District Court and are expected to continue into March, turning the case into one of Norway’s most closely followed trials in recent times. Media interest has surged not only because of the gravity of the accusations but also due to Høiby’s close ties to the royal household and the potential impact on the monarchy’s public image.

Amid growing attention, the palace has clarified that Høiby is not an official member of the Royal House and carries no public responsibilities, stressing that he is being handled by the justice system like any ordinary citizen.

Ahead of the hearings, Crown Prince Haakon released an uncommon public message, confirming that neither he nor Crown Princess Mette-Marit would be present in court. He said the family has confidence in Norway’s legal process and that royal duties will continue as usual during the trial. While describing Høiby as a cherished family member, the Crown Prince emphasized that he remains a private individual subject to the same laws as everyone else.

Høiby’s defence team has rejected the most serious claims, although his lawyer has indicated he may admit to lesser offences. The defence insists on his right to be presumed innocent, while prosecutors argue that witness accounts, timelines and other evidence support the heavy charges brought against him.

Analysts say the case has reopened national conversations about justice, responsibility, privacy and media influence when scandals involve prominent families. Surveys also suggest the controversy has affected public perception of the monarchy, sparking wider debate about its role in modern Norwegian society.

As the hearings continue in the weeks ahead, attention remains fixed on Oslo, with audiences at home and abroad watching closely to see how this sensitive and far-reaching case will ultimately be resolved.

Plane crash in Colombia kills 15, including politician

Tragedy struck northeast Colombia on Wednesday as a small passenger plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing all 15 people onboard — including a local lawmaker.

The Beechcraft 1900 turboprop had departed from Cúcuta near the Venezuelan border and was heading to Ocaña on a short domestic trip when it went down. Authorities say there were no survivors, and investigations are ongoing to determine the cause of the crash. 🕊️

The airline said air traffic controllers lost communication with the aircraft roughly 12 minutes after takeoff.

Satena has yet to determine the cause of the crash, noting that the plane’s emergency locator signal was never activated.

According to the passenger manifest, lawmaker Diógenes Quintero and several members of his team were onboard, alongside Carlos Salcedo, a congressional aspirant ahead of the March elections.

Footage shared by local outlets showed the wrecked aircraft with extensive damage to its fuselage. The crash occurred in a rugged mountainous area known for coca cultivation — the main ingredient in cocaine — and a region where armed groups, including the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former FARC, are active.

Kaduna Abductions: US Urges Nigeria To Intensify Protection Of Christians

The United States on Thursday urged the Nigerian government to intensify efforts towards protecting Christian communities in the country.

The call was made by Allison Hooker, the US Under Secretary for Political Affairs. She said that although some progress had been made in recent months, recent attacks showed that Nigeria needed to do more to protect Christians.

During a high-level meeting of the US–Nigeria Working Group in Abuja, Hooker stated, “We are here to discuss how we can work together to deter violence against Christian communities, prioritizing counterterrorism and insecurity; investigating attacks and holding perpetrators accountable; and reducing the number of killings, forced displacements, and abductions of Christians, particularly in the North-Central states.”

“With respect to the protection of Christians, the Nigerian government recently secured the release of 38 Christians abducted from a church in Kwara State, and another 265 abducted from St. Mary’s School for the Devout This real progress is a direct result of our engagement with the Nigerian government and our partnership.
However, we are concerned about recent reports that on January 18, gunmen kidnapped over 170 Christians in Kaduna State. We want to see an end to this type of violence. Additionally, our mission is to collaborate with the Nigerian government to safeguard Christians’ rights to freely and safely practice their faith. She went on to say, “We call for the government to work with the local authorities to find and secure the release of the innocent victims, and we call for the government to work with NGOs to meet the needs of the victims’ families in the interim.” Hooker added that supporting the return of internally displaced people to their communities and advancing religious freedom and security would deepen relations between the United States and Nigeria in other areas, such as trade, economic cooperation, health responses, and the fight against terrorism. According to her, advancing religious freedom and security will help the United States and Nigeria enhance the reciprocal benefits of their relationship, “solidifying trade and economic deals, degrading terrorist groups that threaten our interests, and strengthening health responses, among many other areas”.
Hooker stated, “We also hope to identify ways to return internally displaced persons to the communities from which they were expelled in the North-Central states,” “interdict weapons and funding going to terrorist groups,” “expand investigations,” and ensure the prosecution of individuals and groups that commit atrocities.” “Non-Negotiable Protection of All Citizens” In response, Nuhu Ribadu, the National Security Adviser, stated that Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has taken deliberate and decisive measures to combat insecurity. These measures include intensifying joint operations and the continuous deployment of security forces to priority locations, particularly communities where civilians and religious groups are the targets of frequent attacks. “These directives have been matched with concrete action. Nigeria is developing a national database to serve as a single, authoritative source of accurate and verifiable data on deaths and casualties caused by violence. In addition, the country is expanding early warning and rapid response mechanisms. He stated, “This effort will strengthen evidence-based decision-making, accountability, and security response effectiveness.” Ribadu stated that investigations and prosecutions related to attacks on religious communities had been intensified to ensure that violence is met not only with force, but with justice and accountability.
“The protection of all citizens—Christians, Muslims, and those of other faiths—is non-negotiable in Nigeria, which is a deeply plural society. Religiously motivated violence is regarded as an attack on the Nigerian state. “Our response, therefore, integrates security operations, the rule of law, humanitarian safeguards, and strategic communication, ensuring that operational successes translate into public confidence and strengthened social cohesion,” he said.
US-Nigeria Partnership ‘Working’
Even though the US-Nigeria partnership is working, the NSA said that progress should be measured not by isolated incidents in a complicated security environment but by the overall direction of travel, the decisions made at the highest level of government, and the institutional capacity being built to prevent, respond to, and punish violence wherever it occurs. Nigeria considers this to be the most trustworthy and responsible foundation for partnership and evaluation. We also acknowledge that our partnership with the United States goes far beyond merely collaborating on security issues. It encompasses democratic resilience, respect for the rule of law, regional stability in West Africa and a shared determination to prevent extremist and malign actors from exploiting governance gaps or social fractures,” he added.

AFCON 2025: Nigeria beat Egypt 4-2 on penalties to win third-place

The Super Eagles edged Egypt’s Pharaohs 4–2 in a penalty shootout on Saturday to secure the bronze medal at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, following a tense third-place playoff at the Stade Mohammed V in Casablanca.

After 90 minutes ended without a goal, the match was decided from the spot, where goalkeeper Stanley Nwabali once again emerged as Nigeria’s hero. He denied penalties from Mohamed Salah and Oumar Marmoush, sealing Nigeria’s ninth AFCON third-place finish and preserving their flawless record against Egypt in such encounters.

The interim coach opted for a rotated lineup, leaving Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman on the bench. Nwabali continued between the posts, protected by a backline of Bright Osayi-Samuel, Igoh Ogbu, Semi Ajayi, and Bruno Onyemaechi. In midfield, Fisayo Dele-Bashiru partnered Raphael Onyedika, while captain Moses Simon and Samuel Chukwueze featured on the wings, supporting forwards Paul Onuachu and Akor Adams.

Nigeria started the match with intent, creating the first real chance in the 13th minute when Adams’ shot took a deflection and went out for a corner. The game then settled into a cautious battle, with both teams’ defences largely neutralizing attacking threats.

Adams thought he had fired the Super Eagles ahead in the 36th minute with a thumping header, but celebrations were cut short after a VAR check revealed Paul Onuachu had elbowed an Egyptian defender during the build-up. The forward was subsequently shown a yellow card for the infringement.

Both sides headed into halftime still locked on level terms, and Ademola Lookman was introduced in place of Onuachu at the start of the second half. The Atalanta attacker wasted little time making an impact, finding the back of the net moments after the restart, only for the effort to be chalked off for an offside call.