At least 1 killed as explosion rocks mass rally in Tehran

At least one person was killed in a mass march in Tehran on Friday, Iran's official news agency IRNA reported.

In a post on social media platform X, the IRNA said the dead, a woman, was killed "in the bombing of Tehran" by Israel and the United States, during the march to mark International Quds Day, an annual event expressing support for Palestinians and condemnation of Israeli actions.

Mideast conflict weighs on global economy

The ongoing conflict in the Middle East is being felt far beyond the battlefield, weighing on global stock markets, oil and gas futures, and risk premiums, according to an editorial published Friday by Finnish daily Helsingin Sanomat (HS).

The conflict is already taking a heavy toll on the global economy. Oil prices have hovered around 100 U.S. dollars per barrel, stock markets have declined, and natural gas prices have climbed sharply. The International Energy Agency has urged countries to release oil from emergency reserves to help stabilize the market, the editorial said.

Iraqi PM, Macron discuss regional tensions after French soldier killed in N. Iraq

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani and French President Emmanuel Macron held phone talks Friday to discuss regional developments following an attack that killed a French soldier in northern Iraq.

Al-Sudani expressed regret over the casualties among French service members in Erbil province, who are part of the international coalition to fight against the Islamic State militants, a statement by his media office said.

He affirmed that an investigation will be conducted and "necessary measures will be taken to prevent the recurrence of such incidents."

For his part, Macron affirmed his support for regional and international efforts aimed at stopping the war and preventing the deterioration of the security situation.

Russia summons UK, French ambassadors over Bryansk missile attack

The Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday summoned the ambassadors of the United Kingdom and France to Moscow and lodged a strong protest over a Ukrainian missile attack on the Bryansk region, blaming the two European countries for their involvement in the attack.

During the summoning, the direct involvement of Britain and France in this "terrorist attack," which killed seven people and injured over 40, was pointed out, the ministry said in a media release.

"It is clear to us that the missile attack on Bryansk would not have been possible without the involvement of British and French specialists, as well as without the transfer of intelligence" to Kiev, it said.

It was also stated that Moscow views the shelling of Bryansk as a deliberate provocation aimed at undermining the intensified efforts to peacefully resolve the Ukraine crisis.

Mexican president reaffirms support for Cuba in face of U.S. blockade

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum on Friday reiterated support for Cuba in face of the U.S. blockade that has been in place for more than six decades.

"Mexico will always promote peace and diplomatic dialogue, and particularly in the face of this injustice that has been inflicted on the Cuban people for many years, the blockade that has caused various problems," Sheinbaum said at her daily press conference.

"It is essential that this dialogue takes place. Mexico will continue to support the Cuban people in every possible way," she added.

Hezbollah says ready for "long confrontation" with Israel

Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem said Friday that the group has prepared for a "long confrontation" with Israel and will not retreat, describing the current conflict as an existential battle.

"We have prepared ourselves for a long confrontation, and they will be surprised on the battlefield," Qassem said in a televised speech on al-Manar TV.

Qassem said Hezbollah's involvement in the fighting at this stage aims to weaken Israel's position and "to reach a better agreement."■