IRAN: Iran has arrested Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi, her supporters said today.

A foundation in her name said that she was detained at a memorial for a human rights lawyer recently found dead under disputed circumstances.

There was no immediate comment from Iran over its detention of Ms Mohammadi.

Her supporters described her as having been “violently detained earlier today by security and police forces.” They said other activists had been arrested as well.

ITALY: A national strike called today by Italy’s largest trade union in protest against the government’s budget plans widely disrupted transport, health and school services across the country.

The protest targets the 2026 budget Bill proposed by the far-right government of Premier Giorgia Meloni.

The strike mainly hit railway transport, with cancellations and delays registered for both long-distance and regional trains. 

UNITED NATIONS: Former Iraqi president Barham Salih is set to become the next head of the UN refugee agency, according to a letter shared by UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres today.

If the UN general assembly approves the appointment Mr Salih will succeed long time UNHCR head Filippo Grandi as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees. Mr Grandi succeeded Mr Guterres in the post in 2016.

GERMANY: Germany summoned Russia’s ambassador today following accusations of sabotage, cyberattacks and election interference, an official said.

The German government has also accused Moscow of disinformation campaigns.

“The goal of these Russian cyber and disinformation attacks is to divide society, stir up mistrust, provoke rejection, and weaken confidence in democratic institutions,” German foreign ministry spokesperson Martin Giese said.