TEHRAN, Iran – Iranian officials urged young people to form human chains to protect power plants, as U.S. President Donald Trump warned that a “whole civilization will die tonight” if Tehran does not meet his latest deadline. Trump wants the Islamic Republic to agree to a deal that includes reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz. Meanwhile, airstrikes hit two bridges and a train station in Iran, and the U.S. struck military targets on the Iranian oil hub of Kharg Island. The attack marked the second time the island was hit by American forces. Trump has extended previous deadlines but suggested the one set for Tuesday night was final.
HOUSTON – The Artemis II astronauts have completed their record-breaking trip around the moon. Monday’s lunar journey comes after Artemis II surpassed Apollo 13’s distance record. During the flyby, the three Americans and one Canadian were treated to never-before-seen views of the moon’s far side by eye and also a solar eclipse. The crew temporarily lost contact with Mission Control as they swung behind the moon without stopping. They’re now on a path back toward Earth with a splashdown return set for Friday. More activities are planned before then including a phone call with the International Space Station.
ISTANBUL – Turkish officials say that gunmen attacked a building housing the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, sparking a gunfight that left one assailant dead and two police officers wounded. Two other assailants were captured on Tuesday. The attackers carried long-barreled weapons. The area surrounding the building was quickly sealed off. Interior Minister Mustafa Ciftci said at least one of the attackers was linked to a group he said was “exploiting religion,” without naming the organization. Turkish Justice Minister Akin Gurlek said an investigation has been launched. The consulate is located in a high-rise building.
MELBOURNE, Australia – Australia’s most decorated living veteran, Ben Roberts-Smith, faces war crime charges on allegations that he killed five unarmed Afghans while serving in Afghanistan from 2009 to 2012. Police have not confirmed the name of the 47-year-old former soldier who was arrested on Tuesday. But he was been widely reported in the media as the former Special Air Service Regiment corporal who was awarded both the Victoria Cross and Medal of Gallantry for his service in Afghanistan. Police says he will remain in custody overnight and will make his first court appearance on Wednesday. Roberts-Smith is only the second Australian veteran of the Afghanistan campaign to be charged with a war crime.
– The Associated Press
