Xinhua world news summary at 0030 GMT, March 23

BEIRUT -- A senior Iranian official said on Sunday that Tehran is carrying out a pre-planned, multi-phase strategy in response to U.S.-Israeli attacks, while setting six conditions for ending the conflict, Lebanon-based Al Mayadeen reported.

The official, who was not named, said the strategy was prepared months ago and is being executed with "high strategic patience." He added that Iran does not expect a ceasefire soon following strikes on its infrastructure, service facilities, and strategic sites. (Iran-Conditions-Ceasefire)

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LJUBLJANA -- Slovenia's ruling Freedom Movement (FM), led by Prime Minister Robert Golob, secured a narrow victory in the country's parliamentary election on Sunday, according to preliminary results.

With 99 percent of votes counted, the centre-left FM won 28.6 percent, narrowly ahead of the opposition Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS), led by Janez Jansa, which garnered 28.2 percent, data from the State Election Commission showed. Voter turnout stood at around 68 percent, down from 71 percent in the 2022 election. (Slovenia-Ljubljana-Election)

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PYONGYANG -- The Supreme People's Assembly (SPA) of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Sunday reelected Kim Jong Un as president of the State Affairs of the DPRK, the official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Monday.

At the first session of the 15th SPA, Jo Yong Won was elected as chairman of the Standing Committee of the SPA, and Pak Thae Song was elected as premier of the Cabinet, according to the KCNA. (DPRK-Kim Jong Un)

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TEHRAN -- Iran's Foreign Ministry said on Sunday that the Strait of Hormuz is not blocked and navigation continues in the waterway, with necessary measures being taken due to wartime conditions.

In a statement elaborating on Iran's positions amid ongoing U.S. and Israeli attacks, the ministry said that Iran has always respected the freedom of navigation and maritime security and safety, adding that it has worked to uphold those principles over the years. (Iran-Hormuz-Closure) Enditem