Pakistan is in ‘open war’ with Afghanistan after latest strikes, defense minister says

ISLAMABAD (AP) — Pakistan and Afghanistan exchanged cross-border attacks overnight in a dramatic escalation of tensions that led Pakistan’s defense minister to say on Friday that the two countries are in a state of “open war.”

Afghanistan launched an attack on Pakistan late Thursday, saying it was in retaliation for deadly Pakistani airstrikes on Afghan border areas Sunday. Pakistan then carried out airstrikes in Kabul and two other Afghan provinces early Friday, saying it targeted military installations.

Reports from Axios and the Wall Street Journal describe Washington’s push to dismantle facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan, while the US aircraft carrier Gerald Ford moves toward Israel. Analysts warn that diplomacy is nearing collapse, and both sides may be preparing for possible military confrontation. Meanwhile, protests erupt across Iranian universities, prompting the government to move many classes online in an effort to suppress student activism. In Washington, lawmakers debate limiting the president’s war powers as political pressure over Iran intensifies.

پیش بینی مانوک خدابخشیان از نتیجه مذاکرات بین ایران و آمریکا | آخرین فرصت جمهوری اسلامی !

Family member of American killed by Cuban forces in boat shootout says he was on 'diabolical' mission

The brother of an American citizen killed in a brazen boat clash with Cuban forces says his sibling was consumed by an "obsessive and diabolical" push to free the island, and that "no one knew" what he was planning.

American citizen Michel Ortega Casanova, who worked as a truck driver, was one of 10 passengers on a Florida-registered boat that allegedly opened fire on Cuban soldiers in an attempt to infiltrate the island.

Ortega Casanova, who lived in the U.S. for more than two decades, was one of four killed in the attempt. He is survived by his wife, mother, brother, two sisters, daughter and unborn grandchild.

Six other passengers, all Cubans living in the U.S., were injured.

Ortega Casanova's brother, Misael, told The Associated Press on Wednesday that his brother had an "obsessive and diabolical" pursuit for Cuba’s freedom.

"Only us Cubans who have lived over there understand [the great suffering]," Misael said.

He said "no one knew" about his brother's plans to infiltrate the island, noting their mother is "devastated."

"They became so obsessed that they didn’t think about the consequences nor their own lives," Misael said.

While Ortega Casanova's family did not recognize any of the other passengers, Misael said, "maybe [the attempt] will justify that some day Cuba will be free."

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CIA urges Iranians to use burner phones, Tor to contact US in Persian-language video

The CIA on Tuesday published a Persian-language video on its X account calling on Iranian dissidents to make secure contact with the agency amid renewed anti-government protests inside the country.

The post came as CIA Director John Ratcliffe joined Secretary of State Marco Rubio in a classified "Gang of Eight" briefing on Iran on Capitol Hill, a source familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital.

Written in Farsi, the CIA message says the agency "can hear your voice and wants to help you," and provides operational guidance for those considering reaching out.

The agency urges activists not to use office computers or personal phone lines and instead, if possible, to rely on a disposable "burner" device. It advises ensuring no one can view their screen or monitor their activity.

The video walks viewers through digital security precautions designed to protect their identities. 

پست انتقادی رشید مظاهری برای علی خامنه‌ای: تو فصلی تیره بودی

دست مریزاد! رشید 🌷🌷🌷درود بر والدین شما! تو برازنده چنین نام زیبایی هستی! رشادت را به ملت ایران نشان دادی! ای بوک که بقیه فوتبالیست های تیم ملی اندکی غیرت و شجاعت تو را داشتند! ایران عزیزمان روزی باید از دست این دیکتاتوران رهایی پیدا کند! ایران یکی از ثروتمندترین کشورهای دنیاست! مردمی با ادیان و افکار و اندیشه گوناگون! اگر روزی آزادی و دموکراسی و عدالت و رفاه در ایران عزیزمان نهادینه شود و تبعیض و فقر از میان برود! بدون شک می توانيم به خوبی و خوشی در کنار یکدیگر زندگی کنیم! مرگ بر دیکتاتور بیمار و بی مخ و بی احساس و بی رحم و دزد و فاسد و قاتل!
«رشید مظاهری» دروازه‌بان سابق استقلال، سپاهان و تیم ملی ایران، با انتشار پستی در صفحه اینستاگرام خود، خطاب به «علی خامنه‌ای» رهبر جمهوری اسلامی نوشت: «اراده‌ این ملت، ریشه در هزاره‌ها دارد و تو تنها فصلی گذرا و تیره هستی. ما دیگر سر خم نمی‌کنیم.»

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FIFA releases extra World Cup tickets for fans not selected in lottery

FIFA has released a limited number of 2026 World Cup tickets for fans who were unsuccessful in the most recent phase of sales.

The Random Selection Draw ran from Dec. 11 to Jan. 13. Fans entered a lottery to be selected and those who were successful were notified starting on Feb. 5. 

Fans who were successful received tickets to the game(s) they requested and were automatically billed.

It appeared the entrants who weren't successful would have to wait until April, when FIFA will begin offering tickets on a first-come, first-served basis.

But this week, some fans received an email from FIFA offering an exclusive 48-hour window to purchase World Cup tickets.

In a statement provided to USA TODAY Sports, FIFA confirmed that it was offering some fans a second chance to buy tickets before they go on sale to the general public.

"FIFA can confirm that a limited number of additional single-match tickets for the FIFA World Cup 2026 have become available following the conclusion of the Random Selection Draw," the statement read.

"In line with our established ticketing procedures, and in order to maximize fairness and acknowledge fans who have already demonstrated strong interest in the tournament, FIFA has offered an exclusive, time-limited purchase window to a defined group of applicants who were previously unsuccessful in the Random Selection Draw. Access is provided directly through the official FIFA ticketing account of the invited customers.

"Tickets made available through this dedicated sales window are limited, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, and remain subject to applicable household limits and the General Public Ticketing Terms and Conditions."

FIFA said that it received more than 500 million requests for tickets during the Random Selection Draw.

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