Iran says it may take ‘special measures’ to defend nuclear sites from Israel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iran’s top diplomat has warned that his country would take “special measures” to defend its nuclear facilities if Israel continues to threaten them, raising the stakes further ahead of a new round of talks with the United States. The comments Thursday by Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi offered no specifics on what Tehran would do, but already, international inspectors have seen their access limited to Iran’s program. That’s even as Tehran enriches uranium to 60% purity, a short, technical step away from weapons-grade levels of 90%. The U.S. and Iran are due to meet Friday in Rome.

North Korea’s second naval destroyer is damaged in a failed launch attended by Kim

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korea says a new 5,000-ton destroyer key to its naval advancement was damaged during its launching ceremony attended by leader Kim Jong Un. State media reported the ship slid off the ramp and became stuck after the flatcar failed to move alongside it, throwing off its balance and crushing parts of the ship’s bottom. The accident at Wednesday’s ceremony at the northeastern port of Chongjin was an embarrassing setback for Kim, who has emphasized naval advancement as key to his nuclear-armed military. The report said Kim blamed military officials, scientists and shipyard operators for the accident.

Gaza’s main hospital is overwhelmed with children in pain from malnutrition

KHAN YOUNIS, Gaza Strip (AP) — The U.N. children’s agency says more than 9,000 children have been treated for malnutrition in Gaza this year, and food security experts say tens of thousands of cases are expected in the coming year. Experts also warn the territory could plunge into famine if Israel doesn’t stop its military campaign and fully lift its blockade. The blockade was in place for more than two months, preventing all food, medicine and other goods from entering the territory that is home to some 2 million Palestinians. Meanwhile, Israel has carried out waves of airstrikes and ground operations. Palestinians in Gaza rely almost entirely on outside aid to survive because Israel’s offensive has destroyed almost all the territory’s food production capabilities.

Record floodwaters in eastern Australia leave 3 dead and 1 missing

MELBOURNE, Australia (AP) — Australian officials say record floodwaters on the country’s east coast have left three people dead and one missing, as more heavy rain is forecast in the area. More than 500 people have been rescued in the flooding emergency in New South Wales state north of Sydney. The area has been hit with heavy rain since Tuesday. The flooding exceeds local records set in 1929. News South Wales Premier Christopher Minns said some areas were forecast to receive as much as 1 foot of rain in the next 24 hours. He said 50,000 people were warned to prepare to evacuate or be isolated by floodwaters, telling reporters: “We are bracing for more bad news.”