分类： world

In a move that is expected to escalate tensions between Iran and France, an Iranian court has sentenced two French nationals to a combined 63 years in prison on charges of espionage and national security violations. The verdict was announced on Tuesday by the Iranian judiciary, with the semiofficial Fars news agency identifying the individuals as Cecile Kohler and Chuck Paris. The two have been detained since 2022, with French authorities dismissing the charges as “unjustified and unfounded.” The Mizan news agency, affiliated with the judiciary, confirmed the sentencing but did not disclose the names of the defendants. The preliminary verdict was issued by Iran’s Revolutionary Court in Tehran, known for its opaque proceedings where defendants often lack access to evidence. The court accused Kohler and Paris of collaborating with French intelligence and Israel. Each was sentenced to over 30 years in prison, though Iranian legal norms typically allow convicts to serve only the longest single term among multiple charges. The sentences can be appealed to Iran’s Supreme Court within 20 days. This development coincides with Iran’s efforts to secure the release of an Iranian national held in France. The case has drawn international attention, particularly after the pair’s arrest during anti-government protests in 2022. France has described them as a teachers’ union official and her partner on vacation. The situation has been further complicated by recent diplomatic tensions, including a potential prisoner swap deal discussed in September. Iran has a history of detaining dual nationals and Westerners, often using them as leverage in international negotiations.

In a relentless escalation of hostilities, Russian forces targeted Ukraine’s second-largest city, Kharkiv, with powerful glide bombs and drones in overnight attacks. The assault struck the city’s main hospital, injuring seven people and forcing the evacuation of 50 patients, according to Oleh Syniehubov, the regional head. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is set to visit Washington this week, emphasized that the primary targets of the attack were energy facilities, though specific details were not disclosed. ‘Every day, every night, Russia strikes power plants, power lines, and our gas facilities,’ Zelenskyy stated on Telegram, underscoring the ongoing campaign to cripple Ukraine’s power supply since the full-scale invasion began in February 2022. This strategy has left civilians without heat and running water during harsh winters. Zelenskyy is expected to appeal to U.S. President Donald Trump for advanced long-range weapons, including Tomahawk cruise missiles, to bolster Ukraine’s defense capabilities. Such a move, previously avoided by Washington to prevent escalation, could heighten tensions between the U.S. and Russia. However, it may also provide leverage to push Moscow toward negotiations. Ukrainian officials and military analysts report that Ukraine’s long-range strikes are already disrupting Russian oil production and causing significant gas shortages. Zelenskyy has urged international partners, particularly the U.S. and Europe, to supply air defense systems to protect Ukraine’s vast territory. ‘The world must force Moscow to sit down at the table for real negotiations,’ he asserted.

The Royal Navy has confirmed the tracking of the Russian submarine Novorossiysk as it navigated the English Channel, sparking international attention and speculation about the vessel’s condition. The diesel-powered submarine, part of Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, surfaced off the coast of France, reportedly to comply with international navigation rules. This move was closely monitored by a UK warship and helicopter, highlighting the ongoing tensions between NATO allies and Russia. Dutch authorities had earlier reported that the submarine was under tow in the North Sea, adding to the intrigue surrounding its journey. NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte humorously remarked on the state of Russia’s naval fleet during a speech in Slovenia, suggesting a stark contrast to the once formidable presence depicted in Cold War narratives. He noted the diminished Russian naval presence in the Mediterranean, further fueling discussions about the fleet’s operational capabilities. Reports from VChK-OGPU, a Telegram channel known for leaking Russian security information, claimed that the Novorossiysk experienced fuel leaks in the Strait of Gibraltar, raising concerns about potential explosions. The Royal Navy tracked the submarine over three days as it returned from a Mediterranean deployment, with HMS Iron Duke leading the surveillance efforts. The Dutch navy later escorted the submarine and its support tug through the North Sea. The Russian Black Sea Fleet has denied any technical malfunctions, stating that the submarine was on a ‘scheduled inter-fleet transit’ and adhered to international navigation regulations. This incident follows recent Royal Navy operations tracking Russian vessels through the Channel, underscoring the UK’s commitment to NATO’s collective defense against perceived Russian aggression. Earlier this year, a Russian warship was discovered using a fake ID signal while transporting sanctioned oil products, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.