Israel has expanded the military operation it began against Iran on Friday and attacked nuclear and military facilities, as well as oil and gas fields. Tehran responded with repeated drone and missile attacks on Israeli cities including Haifa, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. There have been numerous casualties on both sides. The European press voices concern.
Numerous representatives of the Iranian leadership have been killed in Israel's airstrikes. In a video message subtitled in Persian, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called on the Iranian people to rise up against the mullahs' "evil and murderous regime". The last mass protests in Iran took place in 2022. The media discuss whether the war with Israel could lead to a change of regime in Tehran.
Millions of people took to the streets in more than 2,000 cities across the US on Sunday to mark 'No Kings Day'. The protests were primarily directed at the authoritarian behaviour of US President Donald Trump, who is accused of overstepping his legal powers and ruling like a monarch. They also targeted Trump's rigorous immigration policy. European commentators take different views of the rallies.
On Friday night, Israel launched another aerial attack on Iran. In addition to the nuclear facility in Natanz, numerous residential buildings in Tehran were also targeted. Several commanders and six nuclear scientists were reportedly killed. According to Tel Aviv, Iran responded with drone attacks on Israel. Prior to the attack, there was already debate in Europe's media about Iran's nuclear programme and the risk of such an escalation.
Coordinated protests against overtourism are due to take place in at least 15 southern European holiday destinations including Venice, Lisbon, Barcelona and the Balearic Islands this Sunday. Resistance against the impact of mass tourism on local populations has been growing for years, especially in Spain. At the same time, tourism provides the majority of jobs in the affected regions. So what needs to be done?
A 21-year-old former student shot and killed nine teenagers and a teacher at a secondary school in the Austrian city of Graz on Tuesday, before taking his own life. On the same day, a 14-year-old stabbed a teaching assistant to death during a bag check at the entrance to a school in Nogent-sur-Marne in France. Europe's press discusses whether and how schools can be made safer.
During negotiations in London, the US and China have agreed on a framework for a deal in their trade dispute. According to US President Trump the deal foresees tariffs of 55 percent on Chinese imports to the US, with 10-percent tariffs on US imports to China. Mutual export restrictions on rare earths and high-tech products are also to be lifted. The media take stock.
The president of Catalonia Salvador Illa presented extensive modernisation and expansion plans for Barcelona airport on Tuesday. The runway is to be extended into an area that is a designated nature reserve to make long-haul flights possible and turn the airport into an international hub which will boost the economy. A long overdue step for some, but highly problematic for others.
The protests against the US government's immigration crackdown continue despite the mobilisation of National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles. California governor Gavin Newsom described the deployment as a "provocation" by US President Donald Trump that posed a threat to the core of democracy. Europe's press analyses the situation.
Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk has won a vote of confidence in parliament, with 243 votes in favour of his government and 210 against. The governing coalition holds 242 of the 460 seats in the Sejm. Tusk called the vote after liberal presidential candidate Rafał Trzaskowski lost the runoff presidential election. The press sees little new momentum for the government despite this victory.
Following Elon Musk's exit as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, the dispute between the tech entrepreneur and US President Donald Trump has escalated. Musk threatened with incriminating revelations and Trump countered by threatening to deprive the former's companies of billions in government contracts and subsidies. Then on Wednesday Musk posted a message on X expressing regret about some of his statements about the US president.