US defense secretary makes secret visit to Israel amid Iran tensions
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin held an unannounced meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly discussing possible military action against Iran.
The Iranian government has warned its citizens to refrain from non-essential travel to France, Belgium, and Italy due to escalating unrest and public disorder in those nations. This advisory was issued by the Iranian foreign ministry on Monday, as France experiences violent protests fueled by a cost-of-living crisis exacerbated by Iran's ongoing conflict with the United States.
According to the Iranian foreign ministry, "Compatriots currently in France, Belgium and Italy are advised to avoid being in tense areas and conflict zones and to avoid unnecessary travel, especially in unstable areas." At least two individuals have lost their lives during the protests in France, with at least 2,000 people arrested by police.
Some protesters have suffered serious injuries, including two who had their hands amputated by stun grenades. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticized French President Emmanuel Macron for aligning with US President Donald Trump in the war against Iran, stating, "Too late to blame the war his ilk helped cause." The French government has banned protests in certain cities and has not ruled out a state of emergency, which would expand police powers for searches and arrests.
Amnesty International has condemned the use of excessive force by French police against mainly student protesters, emphasizing the need to protect the rights of children and young people demanding their right to education.
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