Afghans fleeing Iran, Istanbul's jailed mayor on trial

At least three U.S. warplanes have arrived at a British air base in the wake of the conflict

in the Middle East.

The U.K.'s Ministry of Defense says the U.S. has started using British bases for,

quote, specific defensive operations against Iran.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer initially refused access to his country's bases.

U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Starmer for that decision.

Thousands of Afghans living in Iran are fleeing across the border because of the attacks

by the U.S. in Israel.

According to the UN, between three and five million Afghans live in Iran, around 2000

or crossing the border every day to seek safety.

Many of them have been repeatedly displaced by decades of conflict, violence, and poverty.

Madagascar's president has dismissed his prime minister and the government without giving

a reason.

Michael Ranjorena came to power in October after youth-led demonstrations forced the previous

president from the office.

Those same protest groups have recently called for greater inclusion in Madagascar's

political transition.

When he took power, Ranjorena had pledged to organize elections within two years.

In Gaza, Israeli artillery shelling has been reported in Hanyunis and the center of

the strip.

Palestinian officials say at least six people have been killed in Israeli strikes, including

three children and a journalist.

Some of the attacks hit makeshift shelters, housing displaced families.

More than 640 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire came into effect in October.

A corruption trial has begun for Istanbul's jailed mayor, Ekrem Imamolu.

He was arrested in March of last year after being named the main opposition challenger to

Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Imamolu's supporters and human rights groups say the case is politically motivated.

Prosecutors are seeking a prison sentence that could exceed 2400 years.

China is facing a major demographic shift.

Marriage rates are falling, birth rates are at record lows, and more people are choosing

to live alone.

As leaders gather for the annual National People's Congress, the changing structure of

Chinese households is becoming a growing concern.

On the inside story podcast, Iran appoints a new supreme leader.

Who is he?

And what does his appointment mean for the country and the region?

Listen and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.