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Syria: Hama shelled as Homs pipeline burns - live updates Syria: Hama shelled as Homs pipeline burns - live updates
(40 minutes later)
1.21pm: Speaking at a news conference earlier today, the Syrian ambassador to Moscow blamed his country's problems on outside forces.
"Almost the entire world is fighting a bloody war against Syria. It is being fought on all levels: diplomatic, economic, in the media and by military means," the ambassador, Riad Haddad, is quoted as saying. "This is the work of armed terrorist groups which are being financed from outside."
On the question of President Assad stepping down, he said: "There is no chance of it at all. The president of our country is legitimate and was elected by a majority of the people."
12.32pm: Here's a round-up of the day's events so far.12.32pm: Here's a round-up of the day's events so far.
SyriaSyria
• The government has announced that a referendum on a new constitution is to be held on February 26th, with parliamentary elections to follow within 90 days of its approval. The moves, which supposedly form part of the Assad regime's efforts at reform and could see the removal of the contentious Baath Party Article 8, were derided by his opponents and critics. • The government has announced that a referendum on a new constitution is to be held on 26 February, with parliamentary elections to follow within 90 days of its approval. The moves, which supposedly form part of the Assad regime's efforts at reform and could see the removal of the contentious Baath Party Article 8, were derided by his opponents and critics.
• Government forces have launched an offensive on the city of Hama, firing on residential neighbourhoods from armoured vehicles and mobile anti-aircraft guns, according to activists. Reuters quoted opposition sources as saying that tanks were shelling certain neighbourhoods, and that troops were advancing from the airport. The Guardian has not been able to confirm this independently. Activists said internet and telephone communications had been cut off and there was no word on casualties.• Government forces have launched an offensive on the city of Hama, firing on residential neighbourhoods from armoured vehicles and mobile anti-aircraft guns, according to activists. Reuters quoted opposition sources as saying that tanks were shelling certain neighbourhoods, and that troops were advancing from the airport. The Guardian has not been able to confirm this independently. Activists said internet and telephone communications had been cut off and there was no word on casualties.
• The city of Homs has also come under further bombardment, with shelling causing an explosion and huge fire at an oil pipeline in the opposition bastion of Baba Amr, according to activists. The city is now in its thirteenth day of shelling. Meanwhile elite troops stormed an area in the northern suburbs of Damascus, raiding homes and arresting people, in what Reuters said what the closest deployment to the centre of the capital yet. • The city of Homs has also come under further bombardment, with shelling causing an explosion and huge fire at an oil pipeline in the opposition bastion of Baba Amr, according to activists. The city is now in its 13th day of shelling. Meanwhile elite troops stormed an area in the northern suburbs of Damascus, raiding homes and arresting people, in what Reuters said what the closest deployment to the centre of the capital yet.
• France has said it is "re-negotiating" a draft UN resolution on Syria with Russia in the hope Moscow will give in to growing pressure. Foreign minister Alain Juppé also reiterated his call for humanitarian corridors to be set up inside the country so urgently-needed supplies and medical help could reach the worst-hit areas.• France has said it is "re-negotiating" a draft UN resolution on Syria with Russia in the hope Moscow will give in to growing pressure. Foreign minister Alain Juppé also reiterated his call for humanitarian corridors to be set up inside the country so urgently-needed supplies and medical help could reach the worst-hit areas.
• Syria's foreign ministry has sent a letter of complaint to the UN commission for human rights after high commissioner Navi Pillay accused the regime of complicity in thousands of killings. In a report on the state news agency Sana, the foreign ministry is said to have rejected her allegations and insisted the government's committment to "keeping order and uprooting terrorism".• Syria's foreign ministry has sent a letter of complaint to the UN commission for human rights after high commissioner Navi Pillay accused the regime of complicity in thousands of killings. In a report on the state news agency Sana, the foreign ministry is said to have rejected her allegations and insisted the government's committment to "keeping order and uprooting terrorism".
BahrainBahrain
• Formula One is showing no signs of slamming the brakes on plans to race in Bahrain in April despite continuing violence in the kingdom a year on from a forcibly-suppressed uprising. Reuters quotes a spokesman for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as saying that "the staging of a Grand Prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing." • Formula One is showing no signs of slamming the brakes on plans to race in Bahrain in April despite continuing violence in the kingdom a year on from a forcibly-suppressed uprising. Reuters quotes a spokesman for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as saying that "the staging of a grand prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing."
YemenYemen
• The number of malnourished children in Yemen has doubled as a result of political turmoil and the total now stands at 750,000, the UN says in a new report. Half a million children under five are at risk of dying this year unless adequate support is provided.• The number of malnourished children in Yemen has doubled as a result of political turmoil and the total now stands at 750,000, the UN says in a new report. Half a million children under five are at risk of dying this year unless adequate support is provided.
12.10pm: Formula One is showing no signs of slamming the brakes on plans to race in Bahrain in April despite continuing violence in the kingdom a year on from a forcibly-suppressed uprising, Reuters reports.

It quotes a spokesman for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as saying that "the staging of a Grand Prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing."		 12.10pm: Formula One is showing no signs of slamming the brakes on plans to race in Bahrain in April despite continuing violence in the kingdom a year on from a forcibly suppressed uprising, Reuters reports.

It quotes a spokesman for the International Automobile Federation (FIA) as saying that "the staging of a grand prix would be beneficial in bridging some of the difficulties Bahrain is experiencing."
Reuters notes:Reuters notes:

Bahrain has considerable clout in F1 circles, with the country's sovereign wealth fund major shareholders in the McLaren team while Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa al-Khalifa heads the FIA's karting commission and sits on the world body's 26-man motor sport council.
Bahrain has considerable clout in F1 circles, with the country's sovereign wealth fund major shareholders in the McLaren team while Sheikh Abdulla bin Isa al-Khalifa heads the FIA's karting commission and sits on the world body's 26-man motor sport council.
[Bernie] Ecclestone, whose Formula One Management is estimated to receive $40 million a year from Bahrain as the fee to host the race, and FIA president Jean Todt are also on that decision-making council. [Bernie] Ecclestone, whose Formula One Management is estimated to receive $40m a year from Bahrain as the fee to host the race, and FIA president Jean Todt are also on that decision-making council.
The grand prix is the biggest sporting event hosted by Bahrain and one that gives the country global television exposure.
Bahrain became the first country in the Middle East to have a Formula One race when it made its debut in 2004 but last year's grand prix was postponed and then cancelled due to the unrest.		The grand prix is the biggest sporting event hosted by Bahrain and one that gives the country global television exposure.
Bahrain became the first country in the Middle East to have a Formula One race when it made its debut in 2004 but last year's grand prix was postponed and then cancelled due to the unrest.
Both Ecclestone and the FIA fought a long and ultimately failed battle to keep it on the 2011 calendar and swiftly reinstated it for this year despite calls from rights campaigners for it to be dropped.Both Ecclestone and the FIA fought a long and ultimately failed battle to keep it on the 2011 calendar and swiftly reinstated it for this year despite calls from rights campaigners for it to be dropped.
12.01pm: Syria is to hold parliamentary elections within 90 days of the approval of a draft constitution which is being put to a referendum on Feb. 26, state television has announced, according to Reuters.12.01pm: Syria is to hold parliamentary elections within 90 days of the approval of a draft constitution which is being put to a referendum on Feb. 26, state television has announced, according to Reuters.
Again, quite how you hold elections in a country riven with the kind of conflict we're seeing in Syria is anyone's guess.Again, quite how you hold elections in a country riven with the kind of conflict we're seeing in Syria is anyone's guess.
11.49am: The number of malnourished children in Yemen has doubled as a result of political turmoil and the total now stands at 750,000, the UN says in a new report.11.49am: The number of malnourished children in Yemen has doubled as a result of political turmoil and the total now stands at 750,000, the UN says in a new report.
Half a million children under five are at risk of dying this year unless adequate support is provided.Half a million children under five are at risk of dying this year unless adequate support is provided.
The UN Office for the coordination of humanitarian affairs also notes that the "Yemen humanitarian response plan" has so far raised $63m – only 14% of what was initially requested. The UN office for the co-ordination of humanitarian affairs also notes that the "Yemen humanitarian response plan" has so far raised $63m – only 14% of what was initially requested.
Meanwhile, there are complaints about the cost of the presidential "election" scheduled for next Tuesday, where Vice-President Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi is the only candidate. Meanwhile, there are complaints about the cost of the presidential "election" scheduled for next Tuesday, where vice-president Abdu Rabbo Mansour Hadi is the only candidate.
The Yemen Times says the election has so far cost $48m, with $40m coming from Yemen's national budget and a further $8m from foreign sources, including the EU.The Yemen Times says the election has so far cost $48m, with $40m coming from Yemen's national budget and a further $8m from foreign sources, including the EU.
Japan and the UN Development Programme have both donated $1m while Germany has provided $950,000, the paper says. It quotes one Sana'a resident as saying: Japan and the UN development programme have both donated $1m while Germany has provided $950,000, the paper says. It quotes one Sana'a resident as saying:
They should have used that money to fix the electricity instead of wasting it this way.They should have used that money to fix the electricity instead of wasting it this way.
11.44am: A brief follow-up on the issue of the constitution referendum (see 10.08am).11.44am: A brief follow-up on the issue of the constitution referendum (see 10.08am).
AP, which says it has obtained a copy of the draft, reports that this sentence is included instead of the old Article 8, which declared the Baath party the "leading party" of the state.AP, which says it has obtained a copy of the draft, reports that this sentence is included instead of the old Article 8, which declared the Baath party the "leading party" of the state.
The state's political system is based on political pluralism and power is practiced democratically through voting.The state's political system is based on political pluralism and power is practiced democratically through voting.
It also says that the president can hold office for a maximum of two seven-year terms. Assad, who inherited power from his father, has been in power for nearly 12 years. His father, Hafez, ruled for 30 years.It also says that the president can hold office for a maximum of two seven-year terms. Assad, who inherited power from his father, has been in power for nearly 12 years. His father, Hafez, ruled for 30 years.
11.32am: Syria has accused the UN high commissioner for human rights of turning "a blind eye to facts", two days after she said the regime was complicit in the deaths of thousands.11.32am: Syria has accused the UN high commissioner for human rights of turning "a blind eye to facts", two days after she said the regime was complicit in the deaths of thousands.
In a report on the state news agency Sana, the foreign ministry is said to have sent a letter to Navi Pillay rejecting her allegations and insisting the government remained committed to "keeping order and uprooting terrorism".In a report on the state news agency Sana, the foreign ministry is said to have sent a letter to Navi Pillay rejecting her allegations and insisting the government remained committed to "keeping order and uprooting terrorism".

The Ministry pointed out that the commissioner has been turned into a tool in the hands of some countries targeting Syria and ignoring the terrorist crimes committed by the armed groups, while Syria provided all available information to clarify the situation, yet Pillay turned a blind eye to facts.
The ministry pointed out that the commissioner has been turned into a tool in the hands of some countries targeting Syria and ignoring the terrorist crimes committed by the armed groups, while Syria provided all available information to clarify the situation, yet Pillay turned a blind eye to facts.
11.03am: Huge clouds of smoke are still billowing across the skyline of Homs from the burning oil pipeline, according to this video which claims to be live streaming the fire.11.03am: Huge clouds of smoke are still billowing across the skyline of Homs from the burning oil pipeline, according to this video which claims to be live streaming the fire.

You can also get an idea of the size of the fire- and of yesterday's shelling- in this video on the Guardian.

You can also get an idea of the size of the fire- and of yesterday's shelling- in this video on the Guardian.

According to residents and activists, the pipeline is located in the rebel bastion of Babr Amr, which they say has this morning entered its thirteenth day of shelling. Homs is home to two oil refineries.According to residents and activists, the pipeline is located in the rebel bastion of Babr Amr, which they say has this morning entered its thirteenth day of shelling. Homs is home to two oil refineries.
10.39am: How's this for a controversial prediction about Syria?10.39am: How's this for a controversial prediction about Syria?
I don't think that, a year or two from now, we will find that Assad is gone or the regime basically changed. The reason is that those who are denouncing him the loudest do not really want him to go.I don't think that, a year or two from now, we will find that Assad is gone or the regime basically changed. The reason is that those who are denouncing him the loudest do not really want him to go.
It comes from Yale University scholar Immanuel Wallerstein who argues in an article published today that almost all the interested parties internationally – Saudi Arabia, Israel, the US, France and Turkey – have no real desire to see the Assad regime go.It comes from Yale University scholar Immanuel Wallerstein who argues in an article published today that almost all the interested parties internationally – Saudi Arabia, Israel, the US, France and Turkey – have no real desire to see the Assad regime go.
"When Russia vetoed the UN resolution on Syria, I can imagine a sigh of relief in Washington. The pressure to up the ante and begin a Libyan-style intervention was lifted," he says provocatively."When Russia vetoed the UN resolution on Syria, I can imagine a sigh of relief in Washington. The pressure to up the ante and begin a Libyan-style intervention was lifted," he says provocatively.
The Saudis, too, want "the credit of opposing Assad" but are fearful of what might follow.The Saudis, too, want "the credit of opposing Assad" but are fearful of what might follow.
10.08am: Syrian state television is reporting that a referendum on a new constitution will be held on 26 February – just 11 days from now.10.08am: Syrian state television is reporting that a referendum on a new constitution will be held on 26 February – just 11 days from now.
This allows very little time for public discussion before the vote, assuming that meaningful voting can be organised at all in the current turmoil.This allows very little time for public discussion before the vote, assuming that meaningful voting can be organised at all in the current turmoil.
Plans for a new constitution have been hailed by the regime as evidence of its intention to reform, and the official news agency suggests this will transform Syria "into an example to follow in terms of public freedoms and political plurality". Opponents of the regime are unconvinced.Plans for a new constitution have been hailed by the regime as evidence of its intention to reform, and the official news agency suggests this will transform Syria "into an example to follow in terms of public freedoms and political plurality". Opponents of the regime are unconvinced.
President Assad issued a presidential decree last October and appointed a 29-member committee with instructions to produce a draft within four months, which it has now done.President Assad issued a presidential decree last October and appointed a 29-member committee with instructions to produce a draft within four months, which it has now done.
The drafting process has been criticised for its lack of inclusiveness. In an article for Gulf News, Syrian journalist Sami Moubayed points out that all of the country's previous constitutions since 1920 were written by an elected assembly — except for this one, and that of 1973.The drafting process has been criticised for its lack of inclusiveness. In an article for Gulf News, Syrian journalist Sami Moubayed points out that all of the country's previous constitutions since 1920 were written by an elected assembly — except for this one, and that of 1973.
Initial reports say the new draft omits the contentious Article 8 of the current constitution which says:Initial reports say the new draft omits the contentious Article 8 of the current constitution which says:
The leading party in the society and the state is the Socialist Arab Baath party.The leading party in the society and the state is the Socialist Arab Baath party.
If so, this could be an important step towards opening up the political system, though Moubayed sees problems in other parts of the new draft. He concludes:If so, this could be an important step towards opening up the political system, though Moubayed sees problems in other parts of the new draft. He concludes:
Like everything else in Syria, however, the changes are coming as too little, too late ... The mood is very different now from what it was in March 2011, when a new constitution might have soothed public anger — if it had been followed by real political and economic changes ...Like everything else in Syria, however, the changes are coming as too little, too late ... The mood is very different now from what it was in March 2011, when a new constitution might have soothed public anger — if it had been followed by real political and economic changes ...
The new constitution will not solve the country's political, security and economic problems. It won't end the military operations, bring about cheaper heating fuel and, certainly, will not offer a life jacket for the Syrian regime.The new constitution will not solve the country's political, security and economic problems. It won't end the military operations, bring about cheaper heating fuel and, certainly, will not offer a life jacket for the Syrian regime.
It does, however, lay the groundwork for a democratic platform that can be used to stage upcoming parliamentary elections - and possibly - early presidential ones as well ...It does, however, lay the groundwork for a democratic platform that can be used to stage upcoming parliamentary elections - and possibly - early presidential ones as well ...
9.56am: Hama is "entirely sieged", according to the Local Co-ordination Committee activist network, with telephone and internet communications cut off and shelling going on several different neighbourhoods.

Reuters reports that no casualty figures are available yet due to the communication problems.		9.56am: Hama is "entirely sieged", according to the Local Co-ordination Committee activist network, with telephone and internet communications cut off and shelling going on several different neighbourhoods.

Reuters reports that no casualty figures are available yet due to the communication problems.

Tanks deployed near the citadel of Hama were shelling the neighbourhoods of Faraya, Olailat, Bashoura and al-Hamidiya, and troops were advancing from the airport, opposition sources said.
Tanks deployed near the citadel of Hama were shelling the neighbourhoods of Faraya, Olailat, Bashoura and al-Hamidiya, and troops were advancing from the airport, opposition sources said.
An activist called Amer, speaking briefly by satellite phone, said that "landlines and mobile phone networks have been cut in the whole of Hama", a Sunni city notorious for the massacre of some 10,000 people when the president's father, Hafez, sent in troops to crush an uprising there in 1982.An activist called Amer, speaking briefly by satellite phone, said that "landlines and mobile phone networks have been cut in the whole of Hama", a Sunni city notorious for the massacre of some 10,000 people when the president's father, Hafez, sent in troops to crush an uprising there in 1982.
9.21am: Syrian government forces are operating closer and closer to Bashar al-Assad and his presidential palace.9.21am: Syrian government forces are operating closer and closer to Bashar al-Assad and his presidential palace.
This morning, elite troops backed by armoured personnel carriers stormed part of Damascus, in what Reuters quotes activists and residents as saying is the closest to the centre of the capital that troops have been deployed.This morning, elite troops backed by armoured personnel carriers stormed part of Damascus, in what Reuters quotes activists and residents as saying is the closest to the centre of the capital that troops have been deployed.
Troops from the fourth armoured division and republican guards erected roadblocks in main streets of Barzeh neighbourhood, a residential neighbourhood north of the city centre, searched houses and made arrests.Troops from the fourth armoured division and republican guards erected roadblocks in main streets of Barzeh neighbourhood, a residential neighbourhood north of the city centre, searched houses and made arrests.
Residents said the troops were looking for opposition activists and members of the rebel Free Syrian Army, which has been providing security for protests against President Bashar al-Assad in the district.Residents said the troops were looking for opposition activists and members of the rebel Free Syrian Army, which has been providing security for protests against President Bashar al-Assad in the district.
"They have destroyed the facades of shops and turned back students heading to school. The raids are concentrating on Dahar al-Mustaha and Haret al-Bustan," Mazen, a university student, said by phone from Barzeh."They have destroyed the facades of shops and turned back students heading to school. The raids are concentrating on Dahar al-Mustaha and Haret al-Bustan," Mazen, a university student, said by phone from Barzeh.
You can see how near the centre of the capital Barzeh is on this map. A predominantly Sunni Muslim district, it has been the focus of some unrest in recent months.You can see how near the centre of the capital Barzeh is on this map. A predominantly Sunni Muslim district, it has been the focus of some unrest in recent months.
8.59am: France is "renegotiating" a UN security council resolution on Syria with Russia, its foreign minister has said this morning.8.59am: France is "renegotiating" a UN security council resolution on Syria with Russia, its foreign minister has said this morning.
Speaking on French radio, Alain Juppé said the international community was for the moment "paralysed" by the veto-wielding countries Russia and China.Speaking on French radio, Alain Juppé said the international community was for the moment "paralysed" by the veto-wielding countries Russia and China.
But he added:But he added:
We are in the process of renegotiating a security council resolution to see if we can make the Russians give in.We are in the process of renegotiating a security council resolution to see if we can make the Russians give in.
Juppé also called for the security council to look again at the possibility of humanitarian corridors being set up in Syria.Juppé also called for the security council to look again at the possibility of humanitarian corridors being set up in Syria.
The idea I suggested several days ago of humanitarian corridors enabling NGOs to reach areas where absolutely scandalous massacres are taking place should be taken up again at the security council.The idea I suggested several days ago of humanitarian corridors enabling NGOs to reach areas where absolutely scandalous massacres are taking place should be taken up again at the security council.
The foreign minister did not say whether armed opposition groups operating loosely under the label of the Syrian Free Army should be given weapons as some Arab officials have suggested. He said the risk of civil war was "very high".The foreign minister did not say whether armed opposition groups operating loosely under the label of the Syrian Free Army should be given weapons as some Arab officials have suggested. He said the risk of civil war was "very high".
Tomorrow's UN general assembly vote on a draft resolution backing the Arab League plan would be a "forceful" and "symbolic" move by the international community, he added.Tomorrow's UN general assembly vote on a draft resolution backing the Arab League plan would be a "forceful" and "symbolic" move by the international community, he added.

You can watch a full video of the interview (in French) here. Or an edited version, with English subtitles, above.

You can watch a full video of the interview (in French) here. Or an edited version, with English subtitles, above.

8.42am: Good morning. Here's a brief round-up of the latest developments across the region.8.42am: Good morning. Here's a brief round-up of the latest developments across the region.
SyriaSyria
• Government forces launched an offensive on the city of Hama overnight, firing on residential neighbourhoods from armoured vehicles and mobile anti-aircraft guns, according to activists. Reuters quoted opposition sources as saying that tanks were shelling certain neighbourhoods, and that troops were advancing from the airport. The Guardian has not been able to confirm this independently.• Government forces launched an offensive on the city of Hama overnight, firing on residential neighbourhoods from armoured vehicles and mobile anti-aircraft guns, according to activists. Reuters quoted opposition sources as saying that tanks were shelling certain neighbourhoods, and that troops were advancing from the airport. The Guardian has not been able to confirm this independently.
• Troops also shelled Sunni Muslim neighbourhoods in Homs overnight, with one explosion hitting a major oil pipeline and sending a huge plume of smoke into the air. Activists said the pipeline was near the opposition bastion of Baba Amr.• Troops also shelled Sunni Muslim neighbourhoods in Homs overnight, with one explosion hitting a major oil pipeline and sending a huge plume of smoke into the air. Activists said the pipeline was near the opposition bastion of Baba Amr.
• France has announced the creation of a €1m emergency fund for aid agencies looking to help the Syrian people. Paris said it would propose a similar one at an international level next week at a meeting in Tunisia to discuss the escalating crisis.• France has announced the creation of a €1m emergency fund for aid agencies looking to help the Syrian people. Paris said it would propose a similar one at an international level next week at a meeting in Tunisia to discuss the escalating crisis.
• The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) has urged greater diplomatic pressure to force Syria's government to negotiate with the opposition but said it was against the use of foreign military intervention. Hours earlier, Barack Obama told China's vice-president, Xi Jinping, he had been disappointed with Beijing's veto of the latest UN resolution, Reuters reports.• The Organisation of Islamic Co-operation (OIC) has urged greater diplomatic pressure to force Syria's government to negotiate with the opposition but said it was against the use of foreign military intervention. Hours earlier, Barack Obama told China's vice-president, Xi Jinping, he had been disappointed with Beijing's veto of the latest UN resolution, Reuters reports.
BahrainBahrain
• Britain has continued to sell arms to Bahrain despite continuing political unrest in the Gulf state, new official figures disclose. They indicate the government approved the sale of military equipment valued at more than £1m in the months following the violent crackdown on demonstrators a year ago.• Britain has continued to sell arms to Bahrain despite continuing political unrest in the Gulf state, new official figures disclose. They indicate the government approved the sale of military equipment valued at more than £1m in the months following the violent crackdown on demonstrators a year ago.
• A huge security presence in the predominantly Shia villages around Manama prevented large numbers of people returning to Pearl Roundabout to mark the one-year anniversary of the uprising. During one of the repeated attempts at a protest yesterday, six American members of an activist group were detained, activists and the government said.• A huge security presence in the predominantly Shia villages around Manama prevented large numbers of people returning to Pearl Roundabout to mark the one-year anniversary of the uprising. During one of the repeated attempts at a protest yesterday, six American members of an activist group were detained, activists and the government said.
EgyptEgypt
• Egypt's first presidential election since Hosni Mubarak was overthrown a year ago will be held by late May, a state newspaper reports this morning. Mohamed Attia, the minister for parliamentary affairs and local development, told al-Ahram the election would be held by late May, giving candidates three weeks to declare their candidature and 45 days for campaigning, Reuters says.• Egypt's first presidential election since Hosni Mubarak was overthrown a year ago will be held by late May, a state newspaper reports this morning. Mohamed Attia, the minister for parliamentary affairs and local development, told al-Ahram the election would be held by late May, giving candidates three weeks to declare their candidature and 45 days for campaigning, Reuters says.
Israel/IranIsrael/Iran
• Tensions between the two countries rose yet again yesterday when Israel accused Iran of being behind three blasts in Bangkok that injured five people and the legs off the alleged bomber. He was an Iranian national who was reportedly fleeing police when the grenade slipped through his hands and detonated.• Tensions between the two countries rose yet again yesterday when Israel accused Iran of being behind three blasts in Bangkok that injured five people and the legs off the alleged bomber. He was an Iranian national who was reportedly fleeing police when the grenade slipped through his hands and detonated.