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Iran successful satellite launch

Iran’s president has hailed the successful launch of a new satellite into orbit despite sanctions imposed by Western states aimed at crippling the Islamic Republic’s space program. Raeisi said the launch has once again proved that threats and sanctions have no effect on Iran’s determination to progress. He also thanked organizations and people involved in the satellite launch, urging them to pave the way for the country’s rapid growth in the space industry. On Wednesday, the aerospace division of Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps blasted off the Nour-3 imaging satellite aboard a carrier dubbed Qased or messenger. It was placed into orbit, 450 kilometers above the Earth’s surface. The IRGC had successfully launched the homegrown Nour-1 and Nour-2 satellites in 2020 and 2022, respectively. 

Iraq deadly wedding inferno

Iraqi Security Forces have arrested 14 suspects in connection with a deadly fire incident at a Christian wedding ceremony in the northern province of Ninevah. The Wedding Hall owner and some staff are among the detainees. More than 100 people were killed and scores of others injured after a blaze engulfed a packed marriage hall in the town of Hamdaniyah on Tuesday night. The interior minister held a security meeting after President Abdul Latif Rashid called for a thorough investigation into the incident. Meanwhile, people attended a morning mass for those who lost their lives. Several political and religious leaders, including Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, have already offered their condolences to the families of the victims. Iran also offered condolences to the Iraqi government and nation. The Iraqi government has declared three days of national mourning. 

DPRK bolstering nuclear power 

The Democratic People's Republic of Korea has amended its constitution to enshrine the country's status as a nuclear-weapon power, amid heightened tensions on the Korean Peninsula. The North Korean official news agency said the amendment was adopted as the basic law of the state. Addressing the parliament, the DPRK’s leader called for accelerated modernization of nuclear weapons to help the country maintain its strategic deterrence. Kim Jong-Un also urged officials to promote solidarity with the nations standing against the US’ and the West's hegemonic strategy. The amendment came a year after the DPRK turned into law the right to use pre-emptive nuclear strikes to protect itself. Kim also denounced joint military drills by the US, South Korea and Japan, calling them an actual threat to his country. Pyongyang considers such drills as rehearsals for an invasion of its territory.

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