Shiraz terror attack
Iran’s intelligence minister says forces have arrested the second person involved in the terrorist attack that hit a shrine in the southern city of Shiraz on Wednesday. Esmaeil Khatib says the suspect has been detained thanks to a tip-off by people. Khatib was referring to the attack on Shah Cheragh shrine that left 13 people, including two children, dead. The minister also turned to the recent riots in the country. He said Iran is facing riots and not normal protests. He once again reiterated the involvement of foreign agents in the incidents.
Lula political comeback
In Brazil, supporters of Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva are on the streets celebrating his victory over incumbent Jair Bolsonaro in the presidential runoff. Official results show Lula secured 50.9% of the votes compared to 49.1% for his rival. Bolsonaro has not yet conceded defeat, raising concerns that he might contest the results. He is the first Brazilian incumbent to miss re-election. Lula, in a speech, called for peace and unity. The veteran leftist leader said his win is a victory for a democratic movement, above the interests of parties and ideologies. The 77-year-old also sought fair global investment and trade, saying Brazil is back on the world stage.
US-South Korea drills
South Korea and the US begin their largest-ever air drills amid heightened tensions in the Korean Peninsula. The wargames involve hundreds of warplanes from both sides and will continue until Friday. The US Air Force says the aircraft will conduct around 1600 sorties, which is unprecedented. Australia will also deploy an aerial refueling aircraft for the drills. The maneuvers come hot on the heels of South Korea’s annual Hoguk drills. North Korea has condemned the air exercises as a rehearsal for invasion and proof of hostility by Seoul and Washington. The country sees all joint drills involving the US as provocative. Pyongyang has responded with the test-firing of a record number of missiles over the past months.