Reza Pahlavi:

As I emphasized in my message following the demise of Khamenei, any attempt to appoint a successor for him is pre-destined to fail.

Whomever is introduced—be it Mojtaba or Hassan—will lack legitimacy and will be considered an accomplice to the bloody record of this regime and its criminal leaders, Khomeini and Khamenei.

The collapsing regime of the Islamic Republic holds no legitimacy. The only legitimate alternative to this regime is the Transition System, the framework of which has been communicated to you through the "Emergency Phase" booklet of the Iran Prosperity Project, and its components will be introduced gradually.

To all former and current officials of the Islamic Republic whose hands are not stained with the blood of the nation: Respect the will of the people. Hand over power immediately and without violence; declare your allegiance to the nation’s Lion and Sun Revolution, and contribute to Iran's stable and secure transition to a democratically elected national government.

To the international community, I say: Stand with the people of Iran. Declare the Islamic Republic illegitimate and recognize the Transition System as the representative of the nation's will.

Victory is near. The Iranian nation will be liberated and will remember those who stood by its side during these times of hardship.

U.S. Religious Freedom Watchdog Urges Sanctions on RSF in Sudan

U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) urged the U.S. State Department to designate Sudan’s RSF as an "entity of particular concern" for religious freedom violations, citing attacks on mosques and persecution of minorities during Sudan’s civil war.

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The U.S. opposes Poland, Germany, or Nordic countries developing their own nuclear weapons, according to Deputy Pentagon chief Elbridge Colby.

Washington instead supports stronger European participation in NATO’s nuclear deterrence, but not independent nuclear programs outside the alliance framework.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte said the missile incident in Türkiye involving Iran does not trigger NATO Article 5. Rutte condemned the incident and reaffirmed NATO’s commitment to defend its territory while emphasizing that collective defense discussions are not underway.

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U.S.–Israeli strikes hit Tehran’s Azadi Sports Complex, destroying the 12,000-seat indoor arena.

Footage shows collapsed roofs, debris, and heavy smoke across the site.

Kremlin on Iran:

This is not our war.

Ukraine says its navy shot down a Russian Ka-27 naval helicopter over the Black Sea.

The Ka-27 (“Helix”) is used for anti-submarine warfare, patrol, and countering naval drones.

Lukashenko promised women he would respond if “even one man” offends them.

“If even one man offends you during these days, find a way to let [me] know. We have TikTok, after all. I read it every morning. If someone offends you, write to me and I will definitely respond.”

CENTCOM releases video showing attacks on Iranian aircraft.

BIG: IDF issued an urgent evacuation warning for parts of Beirut’s southern suburbs ahead of planned strikes.

Residents of Bourj el-Barajneh, Hadath, Haret Hreik, and Shiyyah told to evacuate immediately.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Wednesday that a U.S. attack submarine sank the Iranian warship Iris Dena with a torpedo in international waters. Sri Lanka says 87 bodies were recovered and 32 rescued after a 5:08 a.m. distress call.

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Kremlin on Iran:

This is not our war.

The war can only be stopped by the one who started it.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to deliver the opening address at a "European Horse Network" working lunch today.

Kremlin on Iran:

We must do what corresponds to our interests.

Right now we must minimize the consequences for our economy of those global shocks that we can already see beginning.

We should probably ensure benefits for ourselves where possible, however cynical that may sound.

Kremlin:

Russia remains open to negotiations on a settlement in Ukraine and is awaiting the next round.

Americans, acting as mediators, are currently busy with other matters.

We are being patient in this case.

Lebanon says it will arrest all members of Iran’s IRGC present in the country.

Zelensky:

We’ll give Orbán’s address to our Armed Forces — let them call him and speak to him in their own language.

WATCH: Massive explosion at an Iranian Army ammunition depot in Bushehr.

Somali Parliament Approves Constitutional Term Extension

Somalia’s parliament voted Wednesday to amend the constitution, extending the president & lawmakers’ terms from 4 to 5 years and delaying elections by one year.

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Turkish Foreign Ministry:

We strongly condemn the UAV attacks carried out today in Azerbaijan’s Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

We once again emphasize that attacks targeting third countries in the region and increasing the risk of the war spreading must come to an end as soon as possible.

Türkiye will continue to stand by Azerbaijan, as it always has.

Keir Starmer on Iran:

The best way forward for the regime and the world is a negotiated settlement with Iran, where they give up their nuclear ambitions.