After Israel bombed a reported 100 locations in Iran, including residential buildings, Iran has responded by launching a drone swarm towards Israel. Reports indicate neighbouring countries, including Jordan, are shooting them down. Nour Odeh has this update from Amman.
Israel says it has launched a ‘major strike’ on military and nuclear sites across Iran, killing top commanders and nuclear scientists. Iran said residential areas in Tehran were hit and civilians were killed.
Anti-immigration protests have escalated into clashes with police in several towns in Northern Ireland this week, marking a new wave of unrest to hit the United Kingdom.
Disorder in towns across the region continued for a fourth night on Thursday. In Portadown, County Armagh, a crowd used bricks and masonry from a derelict building to throw at police.
About 40 officers have been injured, and 15 arrests have been made.
Protests began in Ballymena, a town of about 31,000 people located 40km (25 miles) northwest of the city of Belfast, on Monday when two Romanian 14-year-old boys were arrested on suspicion of sexually assaulting a teenage girl.
The most intense violence took place on Tuesday in Ballymena, when hundreds of masked rioters attacked police and set buildings and cars on fire. A smaller crowd threw rocks, fireworks and petrol bombs at police on Wednesday, as police officers responded with water cannon.
Masked rioters also set fire to a leisure centre in Larne, about 30km (19 miles) away from Ballymena, on the coast, where some immigrant families had been given shelter following the unrest in Ballymena.
Violence also spilled over to the cities of Belfast, Coleraine, Newtownabbey, Carrickfergus, Antrim and Lisburn.
Riots in Ballymena erupted after the Romanian teenagers appeared in Coleraine Magistrates’ Court on Monday on sexual assault charges, which they denied. A Facebook post advertised a “peaceful protest to show our anger at what cannot and will not be tolerated in this town”.
The planned gathering began in Ballymena at 7:30pm (18:30 GMT). A crowd assembled at Clonavon Terrace in the town, where the alleged assault had taken place, and police officers presided over a largely peaceful demonstration.
Police said several masked individuals later broke away from the group and began erecting barricades and attacking private properties housing immigrants. They also attacked police officers with smoke bombs, fireworks, bottles and bricks, leading to clashes which have continued for several days since.
Some residents placed UK flags or signs in their windows reading “British household” and “locals live here” in a bid to avoid being targeted.
Sky News reported seeing ethnic minority residents of the town “packing up suitcases and leaving their homes”.
One mother of two, Mika Kolev, told the BBC her home had been damaged by rioters on Tuesday night. She said she intended to leave her home with her family and is considering moving back to Bulgaria.
“This is my house, I pay rent,” she said. “I feel like this is my country, this is my city. My daughter was born here. It’s very scary.”
The identity of the hundreds of people – many masked and hooded – who attacked immigrant households and businesses was not immediately clear.
In the past, this sort of violence has usually taken place in towns like Ballymena, which are a stronghold of UK unionism. However, there were media reports that Catholics had also joined the protests this time.
Northern Ireland endured decades of conflict between unionists – largely Protestants who want it to remain within the UK – and nationalists – primarily Catholics who wanted to reunite with the rest of Ireland.
Paramilitary groups played a significant role in the sectarian conflict known as the Troubles, which lasted for about 30 years from the late 1960s to 1998, when the Good Friday Agreement established a power-sharing arrangement.
The agreement, however, has faced opposition from some unionist groups, and some grievances remain unresolved.
“Some working-class unionist areas feel as if they’ve lost out during the peace process,” sociologist John Nagle, who lectures at Queen’s University in Belfast, told Al Jazeera. “I think the sort of grievances about the peace process are being grafted onto the wider concerns about immigration.”
The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) said at this stage there was no evidence of unionist paramilitary involvement in the recent violence in the town. However, a report published last month by the independent human rights group Committee on the Administration of Justice (CAJ) points to a connection.
The study, titled Mapping Far Right Activity Online in Northern Ireland, analysed seven incidents of anti-immigrant protests that have taken place in Northern Ireland since 2023.
Daniel Holder, the organisation’s director, said the latest unrest followed a “fairly familiar pattern”.
“What we noticed … is that they’re all being called and taking place in areas where there is significant loyalist activity,” and are featuring a “degree of paramilitary control”, he told Al Jazeera.
Holder also said such riots have mostly taken place during the summer, coinciding with the loyalist marching season, a tradition among Protestant and Loyalist communities that runs from Easter Monday to September.
He struck a note of caution over accounts suggesting the involvement of Catholic nationalists in the unionist stronghold of Ballymena and said the notion of a broader “coming together” of the two historic rivals was unlikely.
Immigration appears to be the main concern for protesters. Since 2015, more than 1,800 Syrian refugees have been settled in Northern Ireland via the Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, which was renamed the Vulnerable Persons Relocation Scheme (NIRRS) in 2020.
General immigration has been on the rise as well.
Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) assembly member Paul Frew told the BBC that tensions over this have been rising for some time in Ballymena and people were “frightened about illegal immigration”.
Anger about austerity policies – and the retraction of welfare programmes – since the global financial crisis of 2008 has compounded concerns about immigration.
Grievances over poor housing conditions and housing shortages, in particular, have been used to scapegoat migrants and to favour a narrative of “mass uncontrolled migration that simply is not factually true”, Holder said.
The CAJ report, he said, found no clear correlation between the areas where violence has flared up in Northern Ireland since 2023 and poverty rates or high immigration rates.
“When you look at the pattern of where attacks are taking place, they’re not in the most deprived areas,” Holder said. “What this points to is that attacks involve particular far-right elements, including some elements of loyalist paramilitary organisations, rather than this being tied to either migration levels or deprivation.”
Official figures from the Northern Ireland Assembly show that it is the least diverse part of the UK, with 3.4 percent of the population identifying as part of a minority ethnic group, compared with 18.3 percent in England and Wales and 12.9 percent in Scotland.
According to the most recent census data in 2021, immigration to Northern Ireland is relatively low, but it is rising. The percentage of the population born outside of the UK rose from 6.5 percent in 2011 to 8.6 percent in 2021.
Some ministers have been accused of fanning the flames of unrest.
Several ministers condemned the violence in strong terms. First Minister Michelle O’Neill said the “racist and sectarian attacks on families” were “abhorrent and must stop immediately”.
Finance Minister John O’Dowd described the attackers as “racist thugs”, while Justice Minister Naomi Long said the violence was “completely unjustified and unjustifiable”. Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, who leads the Police Service of Northern Ireland, said, “Hate-fuelled acts and mob rule do nothing but tear at the fabric of our society.”
On Thursday, Communities Minister Gordon Lyons rejected calls for him to resign over a social media post in which he revealed the location of the leisure centre in Larne that was later attacked.
Tyler Hoey, a Democratic Unionist Party councillor and local representative, condemned the violence but also accused the UK government of taking “busloads” of unvetted migrants to the area.
Sociologist John Nagle, who lectures at Queen’s University in Belfast, told Al Jazeera that several unionist politicians condemned the riots while repeating the unfounded claim that Ballymena had become “a dumping ground” for migrants.
“Although the government has quickly come out to denounce the protests, to some extent that has been caveated by some politicians who are trying to use this as a way to highlight their opposition towards migration and refugees,” Nagle said.
Sociologist Ruth McAreavey, who lectures at Newcastle University, said general surveys show that Northern Ireland has become more welcoming towards migrants over time and less likely to want to see reduced levels of immigration.
The Northern Ireland Life and Times Survey found that 94 percent of respondents in 2024 said they would be willing to accept a person from a minority ethnic group in their area, compared with only 53 percent who said they would feel comfortable in 2005.
However, McAreavey said fast-paced demographic changes have taken place within a “socially conservative place” as it navigates global economic upheavals, including the decline of its predominantly industrial economy, most notably in the shipbuilding and textile sectors.
“There is a level of discontent that people are taking to the streets,” McAreavey said, adding that this was compounded by austerity measures that rolled back the welfare state.
Washington, DC – Less than three hours before Israel launched its first wave of strikes against Iran, United States President Donald Trump reiterated that the United States was committed to further diplomacy with Tehran.
The Israeli attacks early on Friday have put those negotiations in jeopardy and raised the risk of an all-out conflict in the Middle East that may involve the US.
Israel’s strikes came as polar opposites on the right and left ideological spectrum of US politics have urged Trump to resist being dragged by Israel into a war with Iran.
But support for Israel in the US political establishment remains formidable despite the cracks that have been showing in recent years, both in public opinion and among politicians.
So as the bombs fell on Tehran and other Iranian cities, many American politicians rushed to send “prayers” for Israel, while others expressed concern – if not outright rejection – over the escalation.
Here’s how US politicians responded to the events.
The Trump administration was quick to distance itself from Israel’s attacks, while also warning Iran not to retaliate against US interests in the region.
“Tonight, Israel took unilateral action against Iran. We are not involved in strikes against Iran and our top priority is protecting American forces in the region,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a statement.
“Israel advised us that they believe this action was necessary for its self-defence. President Trump and the Administration have taken all necessary steps to protect our forces and remain in close contact with our regional partners. Let me be clear: Iran should not target US interests or personnel,” Rubio said.
Trump later reiterated Rubio’s message, telling Fox News that the US is “hoping to get back to the negotiating table” with Iran.
But it is highly unlikely that diplomacy between Washington and Tehran will continue – at least in the near future.
Early reports from Iran indicate that Tehran will not attend the sixth round of nuclear negotiations with the US that are scheduled to take place in Oman on Sunday.
Numerous members of Trump’s Republican Party in Congress were quick to voice support for Israel, with many calling for prayers for the US allies, although it was Israel that initiated the attack on Iran.
At least three lawmakers – Katie Britt, Rick Scott and Gary Palmer – used the exact words “Please join me in praying for Israel” in their statements.
House Speaker Mike Johnson also showed unflinching support for Israel.
“Israel IS right – and has a right – to defend itself!” Johnson wrote in a social media post featuring the Israeli flag.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune’s defence of Israel was slightly less effusive, as he focused his statement on US interests.
“The United States Senate stands ready to work with President Trump and with our allies in Israel to restore peace in the region and, first and foremost, to defend the American people from Iranian aggression, especially our troops and civilians serving overseas,” Thune wrote in a social media post.
“Iran should heavily consider the consequences before considering any action against Americans in the region.”
Please join me in praying for Israel.
Hawkish Republican Senator Lindsey Graham – a Trump ally – was among the first lawmakers to comment on the strikes.
“Game on. Pray for Israel,” he wrote in a social media post.
Despite assertions by some critics that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered the bombing of Iran to sabotage Trump’s diplomacy with Tehran, most of the US president’s political party has come out in favour of the strikes.
Several Democrats criticised the strikes outright, stressing that war with Iran would not serve US interests.
Senator Chris Murphy said the Israeli strikes are “clearly intended to scuttle” the Trump administration’s diplomacy with Iran.
“This is a disaster of Trump and Netanyahu’s own making, and now the region risks spiralling toward a new, deadly conflict,” Murphy said in a statement.
“A war between Israel and Iran may be good for Netanyahu’s domestic politics, but it will likely be disastrous for both the security of Israel, the United States, and the rest of the region.”
He added that the US has “no obligation” to follow Israel into a war with Iran.
Jack Reed, the top Democrat on the Senate Armed Services Committee, also called on Trump to push for de-escalation.
“Israel’s alarming decision to launch airstrikes on Iran is a reckless escalation that risks igniting regional violence,” Reed said in a statement.
“I urge both nations to show immediate restraint, and I call on President Trump and our international partners to press for diplomatic de-escalation before this crisis spirals further out of control.”
Congressman Joaquin Castro noted that US officials were set to hold talks with Iran on Sunday.
“This attack by Netanyahu is pure sabotage,” Castro said in a social media post.
“What does ‘America First’ even mean if Trump allows Netanyahu to drag the country into a war Americans don’t want?”
The Israeli strikes have also highlighted the split within the Democratic Party on Israel, as some lawmakers voiced unreserved backing for the US ally despite criticism by their colleagues.
Congressman Ritchie Torress claimed that Israel – which has its own undeclared nuclear arsenal and is accused by UN experts and major rights groups of carrying out a genocide against Palestinians in Gaza – is “defending itself”.
Senator John Fetterman rejoiced in the assassination of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps chief Hossein Salami.
He wrote, “thank u, next” in response to the news.
thank u, next https://t.co/pKBZl12fHy
Although US intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard said earlier this year that Washington “continues to assess that Iran is not building a nuclear weapon”, several lawmakers portrayed the Israeli attacks as an effort to stop Tehran from acquiring a nuclear bomb.
“America and the World will never be safe with a nuclear-capable Iran which would bring an existential threat to Israel and constant instability to the region,” Congressman George Latimer said.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has promised to build more warships and deploy them to the Pacific Ocean, as he officiated at the relaunching of a destroyer that partially sank during its inauguration last month, state media reports.
The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported on Friday that Kim presided over the ceremony for the 5,000-tonne destroyer at the Rajin shipyard in the country’s far north. The ship has been named Kang Kon after a senior North Korean military official who was killed in action during the Korean War.
In a speech at the ceremony on Thursday, Kim was quoted as saying that repairs to the destroyer “had not delayed” North Korea’s attempts to enhance naval power.
“In two weeks’ time, the vessel was brought upright safely and set afloat, accomplishing its complete restoration today as planned,” Kim said, according to KCNA.
The North Korean leader also announced that plans were in place “to build two more 5,000-tonne destroyers next year”, as he called for his country to strengthen its maritime military presence in the Pacific Ocean in the face of what he said were provocations by the United States and its allies.
“Soon, enemies will experience, themselves, how provocative and unpleasant it is to sit and watch the ships of an adversary run rampant on the fringes of sovereign waters,” Kim said.
“I’m sure that in the near future, the routes of our battleships … will be opened on the Pacific Ocean toward the outposts of aggression,” he said.
Recent satellite images had shown ongoing repairs of the Kang Kon destroyer that had partially capsized in May during a botched inaugural launch that Kim described as a “criminal act”.
The newly launched Kang Kon is North Korea’s second known destroyer and is seen as a crucial asset in Kim’s goal of modernising his country’s naval forces.
The South Korean military estimates, based on its size and scale, that the new warship is similarly equipped to the 5,000-tonne destroyer-class vessel Choe Hyon, which North Korea built with Russian assistance and launched in May.
Kim has been pushing for the modernisation of his military and calling for an aggressive response to threats from the US and South Korea, who are key allies and regularly conduct military drills together.
On Wednesday, the White House said that US President Donald Trump would welcome communications with Kim after having had friendly relations with him during his first term in office.
Manager: Pep Guardiola
Star player: Rodri
Fixtures: Wydad (June 18), Al Ain (June 23), Juventus (June 26)
Manchester City endured a season, just passed, unthinkable only a year ago when Pep Guardiola was leading the expensively assembled unit to an unprecedented fourth consecutive English Premier League title.
In 2023, City claimed five trophies in the calendar year, including finally cracking the Champions League to be crowned kings of Europe.
This last season could not have been a more stark contrast as the defence of their title was left in tatters by a run of form unthinkable for a squad, let alone a team, of City’s strength. Guardiola at one stage described his side as “weak and vulnerable” while his side was on a run of one win in 13 games, of which they lost nine. A defeat by Crystal Palace in the FA Cup final capped a campaign to forget for the Cityzens.
Would Guardiola be up for the rebuild, and was that what was required? The answer appears to be “yes” to both questions.
Abdukodir Khusanov and Omar Marmoush were recruited from Lens and Eintracht Frankfurt respectively in January in an immediate response to the downturn in on-field fortunes. It helped in some way with City recovering to secure third spot in the English top flight and Champions League qualification with it.
Three summer signings have since been secured, and more appear to be on the way, while Kevin De Bruyne has been allowed to leave and former club captain – and England international – Kyle Walker could also be on his way.
The FIFA Club World Cup could prove to be the preseason Guardiola needs to kick-start City’s resurgence ahead of the next campaign.
City lifted the Club World Cup for the first time as part of their 2023 five-trophy sweep.
Alongside their domestic league and FA Cup double, City won the UEFA Champions League and UEFA Super Cup before completing a unique set with the defeat of Brazilian side Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
The latter three titles were all firsts for City, who only just missed out on a sixth trophy that year when they were beaten by Southampton in the English Football League Cup final.
City may have had a season to forget but their qualification for the Club World Cup is based on performances over a four-year period. That time includes the four straight Premier League titles and the Champions League first last season.
They are also the defending champions of the Club World Cup from its older format in 2023.
City have moved swiftly to secure the summer signings of defender Rayan Ait-Nouri from Wolverhampton Wanderers and forward Rayan Cherki from Lyon while a deal for AC Milan midfielder Tijjani Reijnders is understood to have been agreed upon, although the official announcement has yet to be made.
The Manchester City manager is the most successful coach in Club World Cup history with four wins.
The Spaniard’s first two titles came with Barcelona in 2009 and 2011 – and included Lionel Messi, who is lining up for Inter Miami at this edition.
Guardiola then lifted the trophy again with Bayern Munich in 2013 – a third victory in the tournament in five years.
The 54-year-old had to wait a further 10 years for the next title when he lifted the trophy with City in Saudi Arabia in December 2023 to complete the incredible year for the Manchester-based club.
While City find themselves in the US for the CWC, they are facing serious charges by authorities back home. Club chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak said City are being “patient” as they wait for the verdict on charges of alleged breaches of Premier League financial rules.
City were referred to an independent commission in February 2023 over the charges, which the club strongly deny.
The case was heard between September and December last year, but no decision has yet been announced.
“Well, I suppose the only thing I can say is we still don’t have a ruling,” Khaldoon said at the end of May.
“Once there’s a ruling, I’ll be able to speak about it. Until then, we just have to be patient, and it’ll come, and we will talk about it, I promise you, once we have the ruling.”
City could face a points deduction, a heavy fine or even relegation from the Premier League if they are found guilty.
City were charged with failing to report accurate financial information for nine seasons stretching from 2009-10 to 2017-18, as well as failing to provide full details of former manager Roberto Mancini’s pay between 2009-10 and 2012-13.