By Mikael Nordstrom
Stockholm-based correspondent covering defence, NATO, the Arctic and Europe looking outward.
Iranian Diaspora Protests Outside World Cup Stadium in Los Angeles
More than 200 Iranian diaspora protesters gathered outside the Los Angeles stadium hosting Iran's first 2026 World Cup match. They waved pre
US Forces Down Two Iranian Drones Near Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Tensions
US forces shot down two Iranian attack drones near the Strait of Hormuz on Saturday, a day after intercepting four others. The incidents fol
Iran World Cup Team Granted US Visas; Officials Still Await Clearance
Iran's players have secured US visas for the 2026 World Cup, but senior federation officials and support staff are still waiting. The delays
Truck Breakdown in Niger Desert Leaves 49 Dead from Thirst
At least 49 Nigeriens died of thirst after their truck broke down in the Sahara Desert near the borders with Mali and Algeria. Two survivors
Five Azerbaijani Sailors Killed in Drone Strikes on Shadow Fleet Vessels in Sea of Azov
Two cargo ships, Natra and Zirkon, were struck by drones in the Sea of Azov near Taganrog, killing five Azerbaijani crew members. The vessel
Serbian UN Peacekeeper Killed in Southern Lebanon Shelling Amid Intensified Hezbollah-Israel Clashes
A Serbian UNIFIL peacekeeper was killed and two others injured when shelling struck their base near Marjayoun in southeastern Lebanon. The U
Bolivian Ministers Resign as Protests Over Economic Crisis Intensify
Bolivia's defense and education ministers have resigned as protests over the country's worst economic crisis in four decades continue. The g
Iran's World Cup Squad to Stop in Spain Before Mexico Base Amid Visa Delays
Iran's national football team will stop in Spain en route to their World Cup base in Mexico. Players are still awaiting US and Mexican visas
Kazakhstan Offers to Store Iran's Enriched Uranium to Break Nuclear Deal Impasse
Kazakhstan has offered to store Iran's enriched uranium stockpile, a key obstacle in US-Iran nuclear negotiations. IAEA chief Rafael Grossi
US Slashes African Visa Hubs from 50 to 20, Raising Travel Barriers
The US will cut its visa-processing embassies in Africa from 50 to 20, part of a broader immigration crackdown. Applicants from non-hub coun
French Navy Intercepts Russia-Linked Tanker in Atlantic Operation
French Navy personnel boarded a tanker linked to Russia in the Atlantic Ocean. The operation underscores ongoing tensions over maritime sanc
Iran Executes Two Men Over Tehran Mosque Fire Amid Broader Crackdown
Iran executed Mehrdad Mohammadi-Nia and Ashkan Maleki for attacking a Tehran mosque during January protests. Amnesty International has docum