International
Iran warns of a “strong and complex” attack against Israel, according to Wall Street Journal
Iran is warning through diplomatic channels that it is preparing a military response against Israel that would involve the use of “more powerful” weapons in response to the recent Israeli attack on Iranian military facilities, according to information from an Egyptian official collected by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).
Israel’s punitive air strike against Iran on October 26 destroyed the country’s strategic air defenses, leaving it very exposed, according to the newspaper, in addition to causing the death of five people.
Israel has not attacked vital infrastructure for Iran
So far, Israel has refrained from attacking Iran’s oil and nuclear facilities, which are essential for its economy and security, but that calculation could change, according to Israeli officials.
“An Egyptian official said that Iran privately warned of a strong and complex response. Our military lost people, so they need to answer,” said an Iranian official, WSJ said without identifying him.
He added that Iran could use Iraqi territory as part of the operation and that it would probably attack Israeli military facilities “much more aggressively than last time.”
Iran does not plan to limit its response to missiles and drones, as it did in two previous attacks, and any missile used could have more powerful warheads, Iranian and Arab officials said.
The US presidential elections are a factor in Iran’s response, the Iranian official said, since this Persian Gulf country does not want to influence the election results with its attack.
Iranian attack after US elections
The official added that the response will come after Tuesday’s vote, but before a new president is invested in January 2025.
Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian conditioned this Sunday “the intensity and type” of a possible response to Israel’s recent attacks on Iranian military facilities to a ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon.
“If they (the Israelis) reconsider their behavior, accept a ceasefire and stop massacring the oppressed and innocent people of the region, it could affect the intensity and type of our response,” Pezeshkian said at a cabinet meeting, according to the IRNA agency.
International
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.
According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.
Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.
The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.
“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.
While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.
To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.
Central America
El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.
Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.
The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.
According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.
In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.
International
Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.
In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.
“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.
For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.
“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.
UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions
Guatemala court overturns arrest warrants against former CICIG officials
Honduras police launch high-impact operations amid security concerns
Tec de Monterrey honors one of its students for his contribution to nanotechnology in medicine
Defense Minister commends salvadoran soldier for Central American Cross Country victory
Extension of the state of emergency approved in southern Chile
-
Sin categoría2 days agoTrump renews criticism of Pope Leo XIV amid tensions over Iran
-
International4 days agoTrump says Iran seeks new talks after failed negotiations in Pakistan
-
International4 days agoMacron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela
-
Central America2 days agoHonduras police launch high-impact operations amid security concerns
-
Central America4 days agoArévalo calls for ‘rescue’ of Guatemala’s Prosecutor’s Office amid leadership change
-
Central America2 days agoEl Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program
-
Central America2 days agoGuatemala court overturns arrest warrants against former CICIG officials