The authorities have stepped up pressure on one of the few remaining places of worship for the Protestant community in Iran. St Peter’s Evangelical Church has been operating for almost 150 years. Six security officers raided the premises and ‘identified’ those present. The property is worth ‘tens of millions of dollars’. The crackdown has intensified since the signing of the truce with the United States.

On Sunday, the Israeli cabinet approved a proposal for formal recognition of the genocide, which now goes before the Knesset, the Israeli parliament, for a vote. This has sparked criticism in Turkey and Azerbaijan. For Armenians, it is a political move that reflects current tensions and conflicts. For Kegham Balian, an activist with “Save The ArQ,” Israel’s action is an "insult to the memory" of the 1.5 million murdered by the Ottoman Empire.

With Japan’s elimination in the round of 16 – the only team to have progressed beyond the group stage – the continent now has no teams left in the competition. The stark contrast with Africa and the wave of resignations, from South Korea to Saudi Arabia. The case of Iran, which remained unbeaten but was eliminated on goal difference (and due to hostile politics). The players’ message: “May peace and friendship prevail”.

Washington's framework agreement is Beirut's only hope of regaining territorial integrity and sovereignty, while neutralising Hezbollah, and securing the return of displaced populations. However, the country is split over the agreement and could strengthen Shia militias. For the first time, areas have been designated where the Lebanese and Israeli armies will have a direct line of communication.

Once a hidden and clandestine practice, poppy cultivation has become a means of subsistence. The heart of production lies in the Zagros Mountains in the west. The estimated value of opium is up to 72 times higher than that of wheat. In Tehran, the price of bread has risen by 100 per cent. As poverty increases, so does the exploitation of child labour.

Yonatan Ziegen, the son of pacifist Vivian Silver, killed in the Hamas attack on 7 October, talks about his decision to run for the Knesset with Makom Lekulanu in Israel's fall elections. Born from the experience of Standing Together, it intends to fight war and fear with a proposal inspired by hope, and serve as a "political home" to build a “new leadership”.