Dario Salvi

Today's headlines: Canberra grants visas to five Iranian soccer players who have sought political asylum;The fuel crisis caused by the war in the Middle East revives smart working in Vietnam. In Afghanistan, at least 610,000 children treated by UNICEF for severe malnutrition in 2025; Agreement between Delhi and Jakarta for the supply of the BrahMos missile system; The latest expedition to search for the remains of Malaysia Airlines flight MH 370 has ended without success.

Speaking to AsiaNews, the Chaldean prelate described a situation on hold, with schools and universities closed amidst great instability. Iraqi Kurdistan is once again impacted by foreign wars. People are concerned about the future and are trying to avoid being dragged into the conflict between Israel, the United States and Iran. Christians pray for peace, remember Francis’s visit to Iraq, and receive support from Pope Leo XIV.

Today's headlines: the mayor of Istanbul in court today in the maxi-trial for corruption, with over 400 defendants in the dock; A Taiwanese prime minister makes a (personal) trip to Japan after more than 50 years; Dhaka imposes fuel rationing for the war in the Middle East; Two hundred Shiites in Thailand gathered yesterday to “honour” the memory of Khamenei.

In a letter to the authorities and the people, the apostolic vicar speaks of days “marked by the pain and uncertainty of war”. He calls for a “common and tireless commitment to peace”. Iranian attacks continue, with two buildings and a hotel hit overnight. In the background are the sectarian tensions between Shiites and Sunnis that have inflamed the country in the past.

The government has identified the site, Minamitorishima, Japan’s easternmost island. Uninhabited and off-limits to tourists, it has “some unexplored landmass capable of hosting a facility,” according to Japan’s Industry Minister.

The chapel and ecclesiastical buildings of the archbishopric in Erbil hit by missiles and drones. Chaldean woman in Baghdad arrested for celebrating Khamenei's killing, faces four years in prison. Iraqi scholar tells AsiaNews: the country risks becoming an arena for external powers to “settle scores”. Institutional crisis fuels fears, emergency government needed.

Attieh Fard, a political leader and lawyer who has lived in the United Kingdom for many years, spoke to AsiaNews about a country willing to accept war to end the clerical regime, its torture and killings. The nomination of Mojtaba Khamenei is a source of concern as some see him as "worse than his father”, Ali Khamenei. The lack of external support for the popular uprisings and the need to protect the borders are important issues.

Two Palestinian brothers were shot dead in a raid in Qaryut, south of Nablus. New attacks and assaults also in the Christian village of Taybeh. Fr Bashar: not isolated incidents, but a ‘growing pattern of violence’ that raises “concerns”. Barriers and isolation, the West Bank increasingly similar to the Strip, victim of ‘state violence’.

From the Emirates, Bishop Martinelli reports a situation that "seems largely under control," although "apprehension" remains over the escalation between Israel and the United States against Iran. The Abrahamic Family House is temporarily but necessarily closed, but hopefully it “can be reopened soon.” Prayers are offered for the victims in the migrant population.

There have already been several victims among the many expatriate communities. The first death in the Jewish state from an Iranian missile was that of a Filipino caregiver. The conflict has also spread to the seas, with a seafarer killed on an oil tanker off the coast of Oman. A Pakistani, a Nepalese and a Bangladeshi citizen are the three people killed in the United Arab Emirates.

The latest victim is a 47-year-old teacher and mother of three, shot to the head in the Wadi al-Nasara region. Activists and NGOs warn of targeted attacks and disturbing disappearances under the influence of Islamic extremism. With the start of Ramadan, shops and restaurants have been attacked for selling alcohol. In Homs, at least 10 Alawites have been killed.

A billion-dollar deal between Fincantieri and the Indonesian holding company Republikorp. A confirmation of President Prabowo's investments in defense and the army, which goes hand in hand with operations abroad such as sending soldiers to Gaza. The vessel will be used for rescue and emergency response operations, but it will also be able to carry armed drones.