IslamiCity

Iran is publicly stating that a religious decree, or fatwa, forbids the development and possession of nuclear weapons. The declaration reiterates a long-standing position by Iranian leaders that such arms are prohibited under Islamic law, a claim Tehran has repeatedly made while insisting its nuclear program is purely peaceful. The statement comes amid ongoing international scrutiny of Iran's nuclear activities and stalled diplomatic efforts over its nuclear program.

A former schoolfriend of Shamima Begum, the British woman who left London as a teenager to join Islamic State, has been arrested in connection with a suspected terrorism offence, according to reporting by The Observer. The arrest renews attention on the Bethnal Green academy group's case and on how UK authorities handle returnees and associates.

BBC economics editor Faisal Islam says the chancellor must make two major calls ahead of the upcoming Budget. The analysis examines the fiscal choices she faces as the government weighs tax and spending options against pressure to keep its fiscal rules intact. Commentators are watching closely to see whether the Budget will raise taxes, cut spending, or reshape borrowing plans.

BBC economics editor Faisal Islam sets out the two major decisions the UK chancellor must make, in an analysis piece on the government's economic choices. The item highlights the fiscal dilemmas at the heart of current UK economic policy debates, as the chancellor weighs competing priorities on tax and spending.

Pakistan has appointed a general with a counter-terrorism background to lead the Saudi-led military coalition headquartered in Mecca, widely known as the Islamic Military Counter Terrorism Coalition. The move places a Pakistani officer in charge of a 41-member alliance, underscoring Islamabad's growing role in Middle East security arrangements and drawing attention to how the coalition will balance counter-terrorism priorities with regional rivalries.

Colombia has designated Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, accusing it of posing a threat to global peace and security. Commentary online frames the move as reflecting the right-wing government's pro-Israel stance. The designation deepens tensions between Bogota and Tehran and aligns Colombia with the United States and other countries that have blacklisted the IRGC.

WSM For Information Technology has announced its intention to launch a public sukuk offering, raising funds through Islamic bonds. The move signals the company's push to tap Shariah-compliant capital markets to support its technology business. Investors in the region are watching for details on the offering size, tenor and pricing.