New Zealand tornado kills one

A strong tornado has hit New Zealand's largest city of Auckland, killing one person and injuring scores of others, before swirling in the direction of neighboring Birkenhead.

Gaddafi troops step up attacks in Libya

Forces loyal to Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi have reportedly stepped up their attacks on revolutionary troops in the country's Western Mountain region.

Pre-crime arrests challenge UK police

British police are using an anti-terror legislation as a pretext to crack down on dissent on one hand, and to fight for funding on the other, warn pro-democracy activists.

UK union warns govt. over spending cuts

Britain's second largest trade union, UNISON, has issued a May Day warning on the coalition government over its broken promises and public spending cuts.

Ketamine addiction rising among teens

British anti-drugs charities say the number of young people admitting they use ketamine at a worrying level has dramatically increased following a ban on mephedrone.

'Al-Qaeda will recover and strike back'

Experts at King's College London have said that al-Qaeda will definitely “recover and strike back” after the US forces killed Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

London Tube threatens fresh strike

Members of Britain's National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) have supported a fresh call for a walk out that spell into another tube strike.

Britain ranks 23rd for child wellbeing

Britain ranks 23rd among 43 more developed world's nations in terms of child wellbeing, behind countries such as Slovenia, Estonia and Greece, a charity has said.

British taxation system to take toll

The British government's taxation system reforms will inflict damage on families with middle incomes and increase their taxes considerably, experts warn.

Palestinians sign unity agreement

A long-awaited unity deal between Palestinian movements of Hamas and Fatah has been signed in the Egyptian capital city of Cairo.

'Israel to set up oil, gas data center'

Israel has embarked on a plan to establish a computer center to archive data on all its oil and gas explorations, a report says.

HRW demands release of Saudi activist

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Saudi authorities to release a key rights activist, as the wave of arrests continues in the Persian Gulf kingdom.

Muslims rap French Islamophobic plan

Angry Muslim mothers and rights groups in France rally against a controversial proposal that bans Muslim moms from taking part in their children's extracurricular activities at school.

Iran taekwondo star wins gold in S Korea

Iranian taekwondo fighter Farzad Abdollahi has put in an excellent performance at the World Taekwondo Championships in Gyeongju, South Korea, and captured the gold medal in the men's under-80 kg category.

'Iran sanctions proven ineffective'

Iranian Minister of Mines and Industries Ali Akbar Mehrabian has played down sanctions against the Islamic Republic, saying anti-Iran sanctions have no place in any country in the world.

Three US-led troops hurt in Afghanistan

Three US-led alliance troops have been injured in southern Afghanistan after militants destroyed their convoy in an explosion, a report says.

'West wages war to salvage its economy'

The West has launched its decade-long war in the Middle East and Central Asia to rescue its ailing economy, a Middle East expert says.

Anti-cuts protest held in Exeter, UK

Over 200 Britons have staged a protest rally in Exeter, Devon over the coalition government's public service spending cuts.

AV campaign further splits UK coalition

British Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has accused Prime Minister David Cameron of launching a systematic attempt to undermine his deputy Nick Clegg.

Tory candidate criticizes PM on Twitter

John Broughton, a Conservative Welsh assembly candidate, has criticized the policies of British Prime Minister David Cameron and Welsh party leader Nick Bourne.

AV campaign further splits UK coalition

British Energy Secretary Chris Huhne has accused Prime Minister David Cameron of launching a systematic attempt to undermine his deputy Nick Clegg.

Unions declare war against UK govt.

Britons have marked International Workers' Day with a huge rally in London to condemn the coalition's attacks on workers' rights and public services.

'Bin Laden Israel's stooge against Islam'

A senior Iranian lawmaker says Osama bin Laden's death clearly shows that the al-Qaeda leader had an expiry date and the US was obliged to kill him.

Egypt's Azhar slams Osama sea burial

Grand Sheik of al-Azhar in Cairo, Ahmad al-Tayeb, has condemned the US measure to deposit the body of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden into the sea as a violation of Islamic laws.

'South Korea to stage live-fire drill'

South Korea is planning to launch live-fire exercises near the Yellow Sea border with North Korea in the coming week.

Mayan hieroglyphs found in Mexico

An international team has discovered a stairway with Maya hieroglyphs located at El Palmar Archaeological Zone, in Mexico's southeastern state of Campeche.

'Iran seeks new roadmap for Iraq ties'

Iranian Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani has called for a new roadmap for Iran-Iraq relations, saying the two countries can contribute to the development of the Islamic civilization.

Iran VP warns of US soft war in ME

Iran's Vice President for Parliamentary Affairs Mohammad Reza Mir-Tajeddini says Islamic awakening in the Middle East and North Africa is a move against the US, warning of the US soft war in the two regions.

US shuts Pakistan embassy, consulates

The United States closes its embassy and three consulates to the public in Pakistan following its announced claim of killing al-Qaeda's leader Osama bin Laden in the terror-ravaged country.

(P)GCC members discuss Yemen

United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan has met with the chief of the [Persian] Gulf Cooperation Council ([P]GCC) in the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, to discuss the crisis in Yemen.

US death toll in Iraq at two-year high

With at least eleven confirmed deaths, April has become the deadliest month for American forces stationed in war-ravaged Iraq in nearly two years.

'Obama can't use Osama in election'

US President Barack Obama probable use of the alleged killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden would not be an effective campaign material in the country's upcoming election, a political analyst says.

Clashes leave 26 dead in SW Somalia

At least twenty-six people have been killed after bitter clashes broke out between government-allied Ahlu Sunna Waljama militiamen and al-Shabab fighters in southwestern Somalia.

Exhibition to review calligraphy painting

The Tehran Museum of Contemporary Arts is to review the history of Persian calligraphy painting in an exhibition presenting works by veteran contemporary artists.

Iran supports Palestinian unity efforts

Head of Iran's Parliament (Majlis) National Security and Foreign Policy Commission Alaeddin Boroujerdi says Tehran staunchly supports reconciliation between rival Palestinian political parties, Hamas and Fatah.

US-led strike kills 10 Afghan guards

At least ten Afghan security guards have been killed after US-led coalition troops launched air raids in central Afghanistan, a report say.

Canada's conservative PM leads polls

Preliminary results from Canadian parliamentary elections show that the Conservative Party of Prime Minister Stephen Harper has won majority of the seats.

Sony reports 25mn more ID thefts

Japan's electronics giant Sony says hackers have stolen personal information from an additional 24.6 million user accounts in its databases.

Iran plans to produce advanced radar

A top Iranian military official lauds the country's high potential in the field of anti-aircraft radars, saying Iran will produce a radar system with the capability to intercept radar-evading planes.

'US must leave region with Osama death'

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says the US has no more pretexts to remain in the region following Washington's confirmation that al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been killed.

'US in quandary over Mideast revolts'

Iran's Foreign Ministry Spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast says the United States is in a quandary over the recent developments in the Middle East, leading it to adopt “contradictory” measures.

'Bin Laden plans drive US to bankruptcy'

Al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, whether dead or alive, has succeeded in his promise to drive the United States into bankruptcy, a US politician says.

Bern freezes assets of N African rulers

Switzerland says it has frozen assets worth nearly a billion dollars belonging to beleaguered North African leaders that are charged with using violence their people.

Migrant worker killed by Bahrain forces

A Bangladeshi migrant worker has been killed during the brutal crackdown on anti-government protesters in Bahrain by the regime's Saudi-backed forces, a report says.

Iran, Cuba to expand media cooperation

The Islamic Republic of Iran and Cuba have stressed the need for media cooperation to receive first-hand information about developments in the Middle East and the Latin America.

Tehran to exhibit veteran artists' works

The 10 Gallery is planning to mount exhibitions of artworks created by three world-renowned Iranian artists in the Iranian capital of Tehran.

Blast kills US-led soldier in Afghanistan

A soldier from the US-led International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) has been killed in an explosion in eastern Afghanistan, says a statement by the Western military alliance.

Palestinians to ink reconciliation deal

Major Palestinian factions of Hamas and Fatah prepare to ink a reconciliation deal in Egypt following a recent agreement to form a unity government.

UN urged to slam Gaddafi son's death

Venezuela has urged the United Nations to condemn the killing of Saif al-Arab Gaddafi, the youngest son of embattled Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, and three of Gaddafi's grandsons.

'US violates Pakistan's sovereignty'

Former Pakistani President Pervez Musharraf says the United States is violating Pakistan's sovereignty by launching military action in the country.

Iran, Egypt FMs discuss ties on phone

Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi has held a telephone conversation with his Egyptian counterpart Nabil al-Arabi over the latest developments in bilateral ties.

'Iran air defense reaches high altitude'

A senior Iranian commander says Iran's integrated air defense system is capable of protecting the country's airspace at altitudes as high as 80,000 feet.

Oil prices down over Bin Laden 'death'

Oil prices have settled slightly lower in New York as the news of Osama bin Laden's alleged death has prompted investors to weigh the impact of the event.

US asks: Did Pakistan help Bin Laden?

Pressure is mounting on Pakistan to explain how Osama bin Laden had managed to hide out in a compound near a Pakistani military base in Abbottabad for several years.

Bahrain whisks away two former MPs

Plainclothes Bahraini forces have kidnapped two former members of the country's largest political party, Al Wefaq, in yet another attempt to crush the opposition.

100 missing in Congo boat accident

An overloaded boat has capsized in the Democratic Republic of Congo and about 100 people are still missing, the UN-backed Radio Okapi reported on Monday.

'Bahrain king is press freedom predator'

The media rights watchdog Reporters Without Borders has called Bahrain's King Hamad bin Issa Al Khalifa a 'predator' in regard to press freedom.

'Iran Navy monitoring enemy moves'

The commander of the Iranian Navy says Iran keeps a watchful eye on all naval moves of the enemies and is fully informed about all their military actions.

British embassies tighten security

The UK government has instructed its missions around the world to establish maximum security measures after the claimed death of al-Qaeda mastermind Osama bin Laden.

Britain: 'Mission NOT accomplished'

Britain says it does not consider al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden's death as an end to the international military mission in Afghanistan.

Guardian: 'Dead bin Laden image is fake'

The image of the dead face of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden, aired on the Pakistani TV channel and then used by the British newspaper websites, is fake, the Guardian has revealed.

Al-Qaeda may attack British embassies

The killing of Osama bin Laden put all British embassies around the world under a high security alert over concerns that al-Qaeda may take revenge, the UK Foreign Secretary warns.

STW statement on bin Laden's death

Upon the announcement of the US President over the killing of the al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden by the US forces, Stop the War Coalition has issued a statement, urging Britain and US government to review the ten years of war in Afghanistan.

Clegg warns over al-Qaeda attack

British deputy PM has hailed the killing of Osama bin Laden as a “major step forward,” but also warned the UK officials over his followers' retaliatory attacks.

Iran-Venezuela football friendly canceled

A friendly football match between Iran and Venezuela has been called off following strong opposition by Iran's newly appointed manager Carlos Queiroz.

Saudi activists call for massive rallies

Saudi activists have called for massive demonstrations east of the country to protest against arbitrary detention of anti-government protesters.

US condemned over Siddiqui conviction

Relatives of Pakistani scientist Aafia Siddiqui have strongly condemned the US judicial system after an American court sentenced her to 86 years of imprisonment.

Israel: No comment on Iran attack report

Tel Aviv refuses to comment on a press TV report about Israeli warplanes conducting military drills in Iraq in preparation for attacking targets on Iran.

Tribeca Film Festival names winners

The 10th Tribeca Film Festival has announced its winners with Swedish filmmaker Lisa Aschan's She Monkeys receiving the Founders Award for Best Narrative Feature.

Bin Laden death brings joy to US

The killing of Osama bin Laden has prompted thousands of people to gather at Ground Zero in New York -- the site of the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Regime attacks Yemeni protesters

Yemeni regime forces attack hundreds of thousands of protesters, who poured into the streets in Sana'a to demand President Ali Abdullah Saleh's prosecution.

Iran's Larijani blasts Bahrain invasion

Iran's Parliament (Majlis) Speaker Ali Larijani says the presence of foreign forces in Bahrain has violated many of the basic rights of Bahrainis.

Iran slams foreign invasion of Bahrain

Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says the involvement of foreign forces in Bahrain's crisis has only served to complicate the situation.

Girl murdered by Romans found in UK

Archeological excavations in northern Kent have yielded the skeletal remains of a girl who is believed to have been murdered by Roman soldiers.

Libyan revolutionaries slam NATO strikes

Libyan revolutionary forces have strongly criticized the Western military alliance for failing to protect civilians in the besieged city of Misratah.

Australians warned after Osama death

Prime Minister Julia Gillard has called on Australians to take safety measures following the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in a US operation.

Iran says 16 jailed expats released

A total of 16 Iranian nationals, who had been imprisoned in foreign countries on various charges, were released last month, an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement says.

'Bin Laden was killed years ago'

A 2007 Benazir Bhutto interview in which she says the al-Qaeda leader was 'murdered' years ago contributes to the uncertainty surrounding US claims about Osama bin Laden's death.

Bahraini forces abduct school kids

Saudi-backed Bahraini forces have attacked a number of schools across the Persian Gulf kingdom, abducting several students, witnesses say.

London to exhibit antique books

The 54th London International Antiquarian Book Fair will host more than 160 booksellers from around the world at the London Olympia Exhibition Center.

Iran lauds regional developments

Iran's Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says the recent developments in regional countries are in line with the ideals of the Islamic Revolution.

Karzai urges US to stop killing civilians

President Hamid Karzai has urged the US-led forces to refrain from bombing Afghan civilians in the name of the so-called war on terrorism.

Bush vows his war will go on

Former US President George W. Bush has said that his "War on Terror" would continue despite the death of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden.

Turkey closes embassy in Libya

Turkey has temporarily closed its embassy in the Libyan capital, Tripoli, due to the deteriorating security situation in the crisis-hit country.

US to continue fight against al-Qaeda

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton says Washington would not stop fighting al-Qaeda despite the killing of Osama bin Laden by American forces.

Iran unveils Shia shrine designs

Iran has unveiled the designs created for the shrine of the third Shia Imam during a ceremony with veteran Iranian miniaturist Mahmoud Farshchian.

'No excuse for US presence in region'

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman says the news of Osama bin Laden's death has left the US and its allies with no excuse to stay in Afghanistan.

Iran lawmaker downplays Osama death

A senior Iranian lawmaker has raised doubt about the US claim that al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden has been killed by American forces near Islamabad.

Pro-Taliban militants vow to attack US

Pro-Taliban militants in Pakistan have threaded to launch retaliatory attacks on the US following the suspicious killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden near Islamabad.

'US has nothing to say about Bahrain'

The United States has “nothing to say” about the Bahraini government's brutal crackdown against peaceful protesters, an article in Austria's largest newspaper says.

Spending watchdog hotel bills 'shocking'

Britain's state spending watchdog has raised eyebrows after revelations that it spent more than £1,000 a day to accommodate its staff in central London hotels for the past two years.

Cable urges support for AV in Britain

British Business Secretary Vince Cable is calling on voters to support the shift to the alternative vote to prevent Tories from dominating the press in the 21st century as they did in the 20th.

Anti-monarchists condemn London police

Anti-royal wedding activists have condemned the Metropolitan police for their pre-crime arrests, made to ensure the security of the wedding.

Britons condemn govt. policies

British trade unionists, political parties, students and community activists have stepped up protests against government policies -- spending cuts, in particular.

British consumer confidence drops

British consumer confidence experienced another slump this past April, according to a key indicator, a new survey has shown.

'Israeli jets prepare in Iraq to strike Iran'

Israeli jet fighters have reportedly conducted drills at a military base in Iraq in order to strike targets inside Iran.

'NATO will continue Afghan mission'

NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen has said the alliance will continue its mission in Afghanistan despite the recent killing of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden in Pakistan.

Pakistan holds urgent talk on Osama

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari has held an emergency meeting with the country's security officials after the US President confirmed that al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden was killed by US forces.

Sleep changes could mean brain loss

Whether you find yourself sleeping much less or much more as you reach your middle ages, it could indicate that your brain is ageing prematurely.

Iranian films go to Cannes market

Five movies have been added to the Iranian cinematic productions list to be offered in the 2011 Cannes Film Market.