Latest world news

Iran: US ramps up military presence as tensions rise

The deployment of a US aircraft carrier strike group and fighter jets to West Asia has intensified speculation over possible military action against Iran.

Published

10 months ago

January 23, 2026

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The United States has stepped up its military positions around Iran, deploying an aircraft carrier strike group, fighter jets, and missile defence systems to West Asia, amid heightened tensions following violent crackdowns on nationwide protests inside Iran.

US officials said the strike group led by the USS Abraham Lincoln, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers and an attack submarine, is expected to enter the Arabian Sea or the Persian Gulf region in the coming days. The deployment marks a sharp escalation in pressure on Tehran, with Washington citing concerns over civilian deaths during protests triggered by Iran’s worsening economic crisis.

The carrier group was last publicly tracked in the Indian Ocean after being redirected from the South China Sea. Its current location is no longer visible on open-source maritime tracking systems.

Fighter jets and missile defences moved to region

Alongside naval deployments, F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jets have already arrived at an undisclosed base in West Asia. US Central Command shared visuals of one such aircraft landing earlier this week. The jets are part of a broader redeployment that includes KC-135 aerial refuelling aircraft, allowing combat planes to extend their operational range.

Additional missile defence systems, including THAAD and Patriot batteries, have also been positioned across the region, particularly in US-allied countries such as Israel and Qatar, according to media reports.

Protests and human rights concerns

The military build-up comes against the backdrop of prolonged unrest in Iran, where demonstrations over economic hardship escalated into nationwide protests late last year. Iranian state-linked outlets have reported more than 3,000 deaths, including civilians and security personnel, while rights groups estimate the toll could be significantly higher.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly warned of military consequences, claiming American pressure forced Iran to halt planned executions of protesters. He reiterated this claim earlier this week, stating that hundreds of executions were cancelled following US threats. However, his remarks have since softened, reflecting a pattern of combining military pressure with diplomatic signalling.

Iranian leaders, meanwhile, have accused the US and Israel of instigating unrest as retaliation for earlier military strikes on nuclear facilities. Tehran has warned it is prepared to respond to any further aggression.

Nuclear concerns resurface

Adding to the uncertainty is the unresolved issue of Iran’s enriched uranium stockpile. Around 400 kilograms of enriched material — enough for multiple nuclear weapons — remains unaccounted for following US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites in June 2025.

Iran is expected to report to the International Atomic Energy Agency on the status of nuclear material at affected facilities, including the Fordow site. However, inspections have not taken place for several months, despite agency guidelines recommending regular monitoring.

Trump has stated that the US would act if Iran resumes its nuclear programme, reinforcing concerns that military options remain on the table.

What action could look like

Military observers say any US response is likely to begin with limited, targeted strikes aimed at deterrence rather than full-scale conflict. Such actions typically focus on missile launch sites, drone infrastructure, and command networks, often paired with diplomatic channels to prevent escalation.

While a direct strike on nuclear facilities cannot be ruled out, analysts caution that retaliation from Iran could draw the US and its allies into a wider regional conflict.

Iran’s response options

Iran is expected to avoid direct confrontation, instead relying on calibrated responses through aligned regional groups, cyber operations, or maritime pressure. Past actions suggest Tehran prefers visible but limited retaliation to signal resolve without triggering all-out war.

One of Iran’s most significant leverage points remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route for global oil supplies. Even limited disruption in the area could raise energy prices and intensify international pressure on Washington.

Israel on high alert

Israel has placed its air defence systems on alert amid the unfolding situation. If the US proceeds with military action, Israel is likely to become a secondary target due to its close alliance with Washington.

While Israel possesses advanced multi-layered air defence capabilities, joining a US-led strike is considered unlikely, as it remains engaged on other fronts and faces the risk of a broader regional escalation.

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Latest world news

India, Canada discuss trade pact to boost bilateral commerce

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement aimed at expanding trade, investment and market access between the two countries.

Published

6 hours ago

November 12, 2026

APNLive Desk

India and Canada discussed advancing negotiations on a proposed trade agreement as the two countries seek to strengthen their economic and commercial ties.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal met Canada’s Minister of International Trade Maninder Sidhu, who is leading a Canadian delegation to India. The discussions focused on advancing negotiations for the proposed India-Canada Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

The proposed pact is aimed at creating greater market access and opening up new opportunities for trade and investment between the two countries.

India-Canada CEPA talks

Both sides discussed the importance of a balanced and mutually beneficial agreement that can make use of the complementary strengths of the two economies.

The discussions also focused on deepening commercial engagement and creating new opportunities for businesses in both countries.

Goyal said the two sides reaffirmed their commitment to taking the India-Canada economic partnership to a higher level, with CEPA serving as a catalyst for deeper commercial engagement.

India and Canada are working towards concluding the CEPA negotiations by the end of 2026.

India-Canada trade

The proposed CEPA is aimed at improving market access and creating opportunities across sectors while strengthening the broader economic relationship between India and Canada.

The agreement is expected to provide greater opportunities for businesses in both countries and support deeper trade and investment ties.

Latest world news

White House put on temporary lockdown after car crashes into signpost

The White House was temporarily placed under lockdown after a car crashed into a signpost near Lafayette Square in Washington, DC. The driver was detained after a confrontation with security personnel.

Published

3 days ago

November 9, 2026

APNLive Desk

The White House was placed under a temporary lockdown on Monday after a car crashed into a signpost at Lafayette Square near the presidential residence in Washington, DC.

The incident triggered a security response in the area, with the US Secret Service directing members of the White House press corps to move indoors and remain there temporarily.

Driver detained after confrontation with security personnel

The driver was detained following a confrontation with Secret Service officers and National Guard personnel, according to reports.

Video footage showed a silver sedan on the paved area at the northern end of Lafayette Square after striking a signpost. Smoke was also seen coming from the vehicle.

Authorities had not immediately disclosed the driver’s identity or established what led to the crash.

White House security restrictions imposed

The security response prompted temporary restrictions around the White House. The incident occurred at Lafayette Square, which is directly across Pennsylvania Avenue from the presidential complex.

At around 10 am local time, Secret Service personnel instructed White House journalists to move indoors while security personnel dealt with the incident.

The White House was under the security restriction while President Donald Trump was at the premises, according to reports.

Motive behind crash remains unclear

It was not immediately known whether the crash was accidental or deliberate. Authorities had also not immediately confirmed whether anyone was injured.

The circumstances surrounding the incident, including the driver’s identity and possible motive, remained under investigation.

Football news

Cristiano Ronaldo announces retirement from international football

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing an end to his 23-year career with Portugal after 234 appearances and 146 goals.

Published

7 days ago

November 5, 2026

APNLive Desk

Cristiano Ronaldo has announced his retirement from international football, bringing his 23-year career with Portugal towards an end.

The 41-year-old Portugal captain said he would hand back the No. 7 shirt of the national team after the November international break. Ronaldo made the announcement in a video message shared on social media.

The decision marks the end of one of the most decorated international careers in men’s football. Ronaldo has made 234 appearances for Portugal and scored 146 goals, both records at international level.

Ronaldo’s Portugal career comes to an end

Ronaldo made his Portugal debut in 2003 and went on to represent the country across more than two decades.

He helped Portugal win their first major international trophy at Euro 2016. He was also part of the teams that won the UEFA Nations League in 2019 and 2025.

Ronaldo’s international career also included six World Cup appearances. His final World Cup came in 2026, when Portugal were eliminated by eventual champions Spain in the last 16.

Ronaldo reflects on 23 years with Portugal

Announcing his decision, Ronaldo said it was not an easy choice and described his time representing Portugal as a privilege and responsibility.

He thanked his family, the Portuguese people, as well as the teammates, coaches and staff who were part of his international journey.

Ronaldo also said that Portugal would always remain a part of him.

Record-breaking international career

Ronaldo leaves the Portugal setup as the men’s all-time leading international goalscorer and the player with the most international appearances.

His 146 goals came across 234 appearances for Portugal. He also became one of only two players, alongside Lionel Messi, to feature at six World Cups.

His international career included major individual records as well as team honours, making his departure one of the biggest moments in modern international football.

What happens next

Ronaldo’s announcement comes after he said he would hand back Portugal’s No. 7 shirt following the November international break.

Portugal have Nations League fixtures during the November window, but Ronaldo’s announcement means his international career is now set to conclude after that break.