Author: Admin

BEIRUT (AP) — Massive traffic jams clogged Lebanon’s capital Thursday as thousands of frightened civilians attempted to escape following an Israeli military directive demanding the complete evacuation of Beirut’s southern neighborhoods, suggesting preparations for extensive bombing operations in the region.

The directive targeting the district called Dahiyeh urged civilians to “save your lives and evacuate your homes immediately,” while providing specific escape routes for residents in different neighborhoods.

Throughout the renewed fighting between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants, Israel has targeted locations in Beirut’s outskirts and previously warned all residents south of the Litani River to abandon their communities, though this marks the first comprehensive evacuation directive for areas within the Lebanese capital itself.

Following recent U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran that sparked renewed Middle Eastern warfare, Hezbollah fired rockets and unmanned aircraft toward Israel Monday for the first time in more than twelve months, prompting Israeli counter-strikes against southern Lebanon and Beirut’s southern districts.

The fighting has resulted in 102 deaths and displaced over 83,000 Lebanese citizens prior to Thursday’s evacuation directive.

Hadi Kaakour, a resident fleeing Beirut’s southern neighborhoods, expressed uncertainty about finding safety even after leaving his home.

“We don’t put anything past them (Israel), they will strike us no matter where we go,” he said.

Other evacuees voiced anger about Lebanon becoming entangled in the broader regional conflict.

“We got sucked into a mess that we have nothing to do with,” said Yousef Nabulsi, another fleeing resident. “People have been displaced and are now staying on the streets, and this is wrong.”

United Nations peacekeeping forces stationed in southern Lebanon witnessed and monitored fighting in the region as additional Israeli military units crossed the border, according to a representative from the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, who spoke Thursday. This marked the initial official confirmation of active combat operations.

“Ground combat was observed west of Kfar Kila,” a village near the border with Israel, overnight, which included “firing of shots,” UNIFIL spokesperson Tilak Pokharel said. In Khiyam, a town about 5 km (3 mi) from the border, he said peacekeepers saw “air attacks and flares and heard explosions.”

Israeli officials announced Tuesday they deployed reinforcements to southern Lebanon. Israeli military units had maintained control of multiple border positions in Lebanon following a November 2024 ceasefire that ended the earlier Israel-Hezbollah conflict.

Lebanese military forces withdrew from border areas as Israeli troops advanced, while Hezbollah released multiple statements claiming successful attacks against advancing Israeli forces and distributed footage showing a tank being hit by a guided missile. Israeli military officials reported Wednesday that two soldiers sustained injuries from anti-tank weapons fire in Lebanon.

TEHRAN — Joint military strikes conducted by the United States and Israel have devastated Iran’s capital city, creating widespread destruction and claiming the life of Iran’s supreme leader in the attacks.

Photographs from Tehran reveal extensive damage throughout the city, with columns of smoke billowing over the urban landscape and numerous structures reduced to debris. Citizens in the Iranian capital are grieving the loss of their nation’s highest-ranking leader, who perished during the bombardment.

The images, compiled by Associated Press photographers, document the aftermath of the coordinated assault on the Middle Eastern nation’s seat of power.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivered sharp criticism Thursday toward Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has prevented approval of a vital $104 billion European Union assistance package that Ukraine desperately needs in its ongoing conflict with Russia.

The financial support from international partners has become essential for Ukraine’s budget operations, as the country redirects most government resources toward military defense. Hungary, an EU nation that has kept friendly relations with Moscow, rejected the aid package earlier this month during disagreements over petroleum supply issues.

“We hope a certain person in the EU will not keep blocking the 90 billion… and Ukrainian soldiers will have weapons,” Zelenskyy stated during a press conference in Kyiv.

“Otherwise, we will give the address of this person to our armed forces, our guys. Let them call him, speak with him in their own language.”

These comments are expected to increase friction between the two leaders as Russia’s four-year military campaign against Ukraine continues, while Orban – who will face voters on April 12 – has avoided directly criticizing Moscow’s actions.

Hungary’s rejection of both the financial aid and additional EU penalties against Russia stems from what Budapest claims was Ukraine’s intentional disruption of oil flowing through the Druzhba pipeline that transports Russian petroleum to European markets.

Ukrainian officials maintain that petroleum shipments ceased following Russian strikes on pipeline facilities in January, and repair crews are working to restore operations as quickly as possible. Zelenskyy announced Thursday that the Soviet-built pipeline system could resume functioning within six weeks.

“They (the Russians) are killing us, and we’re supposed to give poor little Orban oil, because without it he won’t win elections?” he said.

Orban has positioned the Ukrainian conflict as a central issue in his upcoming reelection campaign.

Ukrainian forces continue defending against persistent Russian offensives across multiple sections of the 750-mile battle line, while Kyiv navigates American pressure for peace negotiations and resists Russian demands for territorial concessions.

Although facing disadvantages in weaponry and personnel, Ukraine’s military has reclaimed ground in recent weeks, with February marking the first month since 2023 where territorial gains exceeded losses, according to analysis from the Finland-based Black Bird Group.

European foreign ministers attempted unsuccessfully this month to convince Budapest against penalizing Ukraine for delays in pipeline restoration, which also affects Slovakia, another EU neighbor of Ukraine.

Slovakia, led by Prime Minister Robert Fico who also maintains sympathetic views toward the Kremlin, announced it would deny Ukrainian requests for emergency electrical power until oil deliveries restart through the Druzhba system.

MOSCOW – Russian investigators announced Thursday that corruption charges have been filed against a high-ranking former defense ministry official, marking another development in an extensive investigation targeting military leadership.

According to the state Investigative Committee, Ruslan Tsalikov faces accusations of embezzlement, money laundering, and accepting bribes during his time in government service.

Tsalikov held the position of first deputy defense minister for nearly a decade, serving from 2015 until 2024. His tenure coincided with a period that saw widespread corruption investigations result in the detention of numerous high-ranking military officers, deputy ministers, and civilian defense personnel.

The prosecution follows a pattern of similar cases, including that of former deputy minister Timur Ivanov, who received a 13-year prison sentence in July 2025.

Both Tsalikov and Ivanov worked under the leadership of Sergei Shoigu, who maintained a close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin for many years. Shoigu’s role as defense minister ended in 2024 when he was reassigned to lead Russia’s Security Council.

HAVANA (AP) — Large areas of western Cuba continue to experience power outages on Thursday, almost 24 hours after a widespread electrical failure struck the region in another incident attributed to the island’s deteriorating power infrastructure and fuel shortages.

Repair teams have been working through the night to fix a damaged boiler at a major thermoelectric facility, though authorities caution that complete power restoration may require three to four days.

According to state media, approximately 297,000 Havana residents, representing 34% of customers, currently have electricity, along with 37 medical facilities and five water treatment facilities.

Cuba’s Electric Union posted on X that the power system is functioning “in a limited capacity, prioritizing basic services, primarily health and water supply.”

State media indicated that two generating facilities are currently shut down due to petroleum shortages.

The island nation has faced ongoing challenges with its deteriorating electrical infrastructure and unreliable fuel deliveries, with the situation worsening significantly in recent months.

Critical petroleum deliveries from Venezuela stopped after the United States targeted the South American nation in early January. Following that, U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on any nation providing oil to Cuba.

In recent weeks, Cuban authorities enacted strict fuel conservation policies and announced that aviation fuel would be unavailable at nine airports through mid-March.

This power failure marks the second major outage to affect western Cuba in a three-month period.

The December blackout persisted for almost 12 hours. Authorities attributed that incident to a malfunction in transmission infrastructure connecting two generating facilities, which created system overload and triggered the collapse of the western power network.

Many of Cuba’s power generation facilities have been in service for more than three decades and receive minimal upkeep due to financial constraints. Government officials state that U.S. economic sanctions have blocked access to replacement equipment and specialized components.

BARCELONA, Spain (AP) — Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has positioned himself as the leading European voice opposing President Donald Trump’s policies, particularly after denying the U.S. military access to Spanish bases for operations against Iran.

The confrontation escalated Tuesday when Trump threatened to “cut off all trade with Spain” following the Spanish leader’s refusal to cooperate. Tensions grew further when Spain’s foreign minister disputed White House claims that Madrid had received Trump’s message “loud and clear” and was now working with American forces.

Although condemning Tehran’s authoritarian government, Sánchez declared he would not support what he characterized as an unjustified military campaign.

“We are not going to be complicit in something that is bad for the world and is also contrary to our values and interests, just out of fear of reprisals from someone,” Sánchez declared, adopting the rallying cry “No to the war” during a recent address.

The disagreement over Spanish military facilities appears more diplomatic than strategically significant, given America’s extensive network of bases throughout Europe and the Middle East, with other European nations providing support.

Spain and the United States have maintained steady, cordial relations spanning decades, beginning in the 20th century when America established shared military installations during Francisco Franco’s dictatorship.

The 54-year-old Sánchez assumed office in 2018 and ranks among Europe’s most visible progressive leaders.

He has championed core liberal principles including women’s rights, legal immigration pathways, human rights protections, international law adherence, and climate action — issues that have become frequent targets of Trump’s MAGA agenda and European far-right movements.

Prior to the Iran conflict, Sánchez had already established himself as Trump’s ideological opponent across numerous policy areas.

The Spanish leader has emerged as one of Israel’s harshest critics regarding its Gaza military operations, repeatedly condemning the extensive civilian casualties following Hamas’s 2023 surprise assault on Israeli soil.

“This is not self-defense, it’s not even an attack — it’s the extermination of a defenseless people,” he stated while traveling across Europe and the Middle East seeking peace negotiations.

Within NATO, Spain stood alone in rejecting commitments to raise defense spending to 5% of national economic output. Sánchez negotiated a special exemption during last year’s alliance summit, limiting Spain’s commitment to 2.1%, which he termed “sufficient and realistic.”

Trump suggested Spain’s NATO membership should be reconsidered, though this remains an unexecuted threat.

While numerous European nations tightened border controls and the Trump administration expanded immigration enforcement, Spain is currently processing work and residence documentation for 500,000 foreign nationals already within its borders.

Sánchez has directly referenced Trump while promoting immigration’s economic advantages for his nation.

“MAGA-style leaders may say that our country can’t handle taking in so many migrants — that this is a suicidal move, the desperate act of a collapsing country,” he stated in a recent New York Times editorial. “But don’t let them fool you. Spain is booming.”

Under Sánchez’s leadership, Spain has joined nations including Australia and France in restricting social media access for young teenagers, contrasting sharply with the Trump administration’s support for technology companies and their interpretation of free speech rights online.

X platform owner Elon Musk attacked the Spanish prime minister last month, labeling Sánchez “the true fascist totalitarian” following his announcement of plans to ban social media access for those under 16.

LONDON, March 5 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer plans to hold a news briefing Thursday afternoon to provide an update on the worsening situation in the Middle East, according to a spokesperson from his office.

The Prime Minister is scheduled to meet with reporters at 2 p.m. local time in London, the spokesperson confirmed.

The United Kingdom, which did not participate in the weekend offensive against Iran, has announced plans to relocate military assets to the Middle East following an assault on its military installation in Cyprus.

Earlier this week, Starmer’s administration revealed it would send a naval vessel along with helicopter units equipped with anti-drone technology to help counter Iran’s revenge attacks.

With the U.S.-Iran conflict now in its sixth day, the hostilities have expanded beyond Persian Gulf nations and reached into Asia, leading thousands of tourists and residents stranded in the region to attempt evacuation from the Middle East.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — A catastrophic tunnel collapse at a coltan mining operation in eastern Congo has claimed the lives of at least 200 workers, according to reports from the rebel-controlled facility.

Government officials and rebel leaders are pointing fingers at each other over who bears responsibility for the tragedy, while also disagreeing about the actual number of casualties. However, experts confirm this represents one of the most devastating mining accidents in recent memory.

This disaster comes on the heels of a similar incident that occurred in January, which also resulted in more than 200 fatalities in a region already struggling with humanitarian challenges and active warfare.

The Rwandan-supported M23 rebel organization captured the town of Rubaya and gained control of its mining operations in May 2024.

The tunnel collapse occurred on Tuesday when multiple hand-excavated shafts gave way, trapping workers inside, according to Congo’s Ministry of Mines.

Located approximately 25 miles west of Goma, the regional hub, the mining site employs thousands of workers who primarily use manual labor techniques. Workers create extensive tunnel systems, frequently running alongside each other, with minimal structural reinforcement and no emergency escape routes should disasters occur.

Information about the incident remains limited due to the site’s isolated location and pressure from both rebel forces and mine operators to suppress details following the accident.

Ibrahim Taluseke, who works as a miner at Rubaya, explained to The Associated Press that mine operators face financial obligations of $300 per victim’s family, creating motivation to downplay casualty figures.

“Imagine if you give a high number, these owners could even eliminate you. Because often they even hide the victims’ bodies to avoid compensation,” Taluseke stated.

Additional miners provided conflicting casualty counts from the disaster.

Given the challenges of reaching Rubaya, researchers hold different views about what caused these consecutive collapses.

Christian-Géraud Neema, who serves as a nonresident scholar with the Carnegie Africa Program, attributed the disaster to severe rainfall and stressed the importance of questioning official accounts.

“It’s normal for Kinshasa to exaggerate the numbers,” he explained, noting that such accidents occur regularly and cautioning against linking the recent collapses directly to rebel management of the facilities. “We should not be shocked; we should expect another collapse in three weeks’ time or in a month,” Neema added.

Guillaume de Brier, who conducts research for the International Peace Information Service (IPIS), acknowledged that while the recent disasters rank among the most lethal in years, M23’s takeover of the mining operations has contributed to the problems.

“Because of M23, there are no more civil society protections or state services,” de Brier explained. The absence of oversight during active conflict has led to increased worker numbers, as many people have become unemployed and cannot secure jobs outside the small-scale mining industry, he added.

The facilities extract coltan, which stands for columbite-tantalite, a mineral ore containing the valuable metals tantalum and niobium.

These materials are classified as essential raw materials by major powers including the United States, European Union, China, and Japan. Tantalum finds its way into smartphones, laptops, and car electronics, plus aircraft engines, missile systems, and GPS equipment. Niobium serves critical roles in pipeline construction, rocket manufacturing, and jet engine production.

A United Nations investigation revealed that since capturing Rubaya, M23 has collected taxes on monthly trading and transportation of 120 metric tonnes of coltan, earning no less than $800,000 monthly. U.N. specialists report the coltan then moves to Rwanda for export. However, researchers note that even prior to M23’s control, the mineral flowed to Rwanda, with the primary change being the elimination of Congolese middlemen from the process.

The United Kingdom has implemented new visa requirements for citizens of St. Lucia beginning Thursday, according to an official statement from the Caribbean nation’s government.

British officials justified the policy change by pointing to a significant rise in asylum applications from residents of the former British colony, which has approximately 180,000 inhabitants.

The timing of this immigration policy shift comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration faces mounting pressure to demonstrate stricter border controls, particularly with the populist Reform UK party climbing in public opinion surveys. Immigration remains a highly contentious political topic throughout Britain.

St. Lucia’s leadership indicated they received notification of the change through correspondence dated Wednesday and are now working directly with British officials to maintain favorable travel arrangements between the two nations. Government representatives said they will continue discussions to “explore pathways for maintaining strong mobility arrangements.”

Previously, St. Lucian nationals could visit the United Kingdom by obtaining a 16-pound Electronic Travel Authorization. The Caribbean government announced that current ETA holders will have a six-week grace period to adjust to the new requirements.

Despite the World Bank’s 2023 estimate showing minimal net emigration from St. Lucia—just 23 people—British authorities determined the visa requirement was necessary due to increased asylum requests.

As a Commonwealth member, St. Lucia maintains historical ties to Britain dating back to its colonial period. Before the 1970s, citizens from many Commonwealth nations held rights to live and work in the United Kingdom.

The visa policy for St. Lucia coincides with Britain’s announcement earlier this week that it would suspend study visas for applicants from Afghanistan, Cameroon, Myanmar and Sudan, while also halting work visa approvals for Afghan nationals.

The Iran-backed militant organization Hezbollah has sent its most skilled fighters back to Lebanon’s southern border area to engage Israeli military units, according to three Lebanese sources with knowledge of the military movements.

The elite Radwan unit members have been ordered to enter combat and prevent Israeli armored vehicles from advancing further, with the sources pointing to Khiyam as one location where Israeli forces reportedly moved forward on Wednesday.

The Lebanese Shi’ite Muslim organization, which Iran’s Revolutionary Guards founded in 1982, joined the conflict on Monday by launching attacks in retaliation for Iran’s supreme leader’s death in a joint U.S.-Israeli strike on Tehran.

Since that time, Israel has conducted intensive bombardments across southern Lebanon and beyond, deploying additional ground forces across the border while directing Lebanese civilians to evacuate large portions of the frontier zone where Israeli military personnel have maintained positions since the 2024 conflict.

In a Wednesday television address, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem declared the organization would resist what he characterized as Israel’s “occupation and expansion” strategy.

“For us, this is an existential defence,” he stated.

The specialized fighters moved south after Hezbollah initiated rocket and drone attacks on Monday, the sources revealed while requesting anonymity due to the matter’s sensitive nature.

These forces had previously departed the region between the Litani River and Israel’s border following a U.S.-mediated ceasefire that ended the 2024 war, relocating north of the river, according to the sources.

The exact number of elite troops deployed was not disclosed by the sources.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun confirmed that Hezbollah’s initial Monday barrage originated from positions north of the Litani River.

Israeli military representatives said they were reviewing the information but did not immediately offer commentary on the sources’ claims. Lebanon’s army refused to provide statements, and Prime Minister Nawaf Salam’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

The Israeli military reported Wednesday that two soldiers sustained injuries from anti-tank weapons fire in southern Lebanon, marking the first documented casualties among Israeli forces since the regional conflict began.

Hezbollah has claimed responsibility for multiple tank attacks this week, alongside numerous rocket and drone strikes against Israeli targets.

An Israeli military spokesman said Wednesday that forces were “positioning troops a little farther” into Lebanese territory than previously “to prevent any attacks against the northern communities” within Israel.

Before the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel sparked widespread regional fighting, Hezbollah had showcased Radwan fighters practicing simulated Israeli invasion scenarios for journalists in May 2023.

Approximately 5,000 Hezbollah militants died during the 2024 Israeli war, with many casualties coming from Radwan unit ranks. The conflict significantly diminished Hezbollah’s capabilities.

Israel has maintained almost daily attacks against Hezbollah positions since that war ended, including a December strike on what Israeli officials described as a Radwan training facility in the south.

Under the 2024 ceasefire terms, which required Lebanon’s army to confiscate unauthorized weapons starting in areas south of the Litani, Lebanese military forces captured numerous Hezbollah arms stockpiles. While Hezbollah stated it honored the ceasefire south of the Litani, the group maintained the agreement did not cover other Lebanese territories.

BRUSSELS – NATO’s top leader emphasized the alliance’s preparedness and vigilance following the successful interception of an Iranian ballistic missile targeting Turkey, a NATO member nation, during a Thursday interview with Reuters.

Secretary General Mark Rutte spoke about various alliance matters, including France’s nuclear policy changes and defended his supportive comments about President Donald Trump’s leadership.

MISSILE DEFENSE SUCCESS

“NATO air missile defence was able to take it out. So that was very important. It also shows you, I think, clear evidence that we, with a 360-degree approach, will defend every inch of NATO territory. Our military are constantly on it. But of course, this was serious and absolutely condemnable,” Rutte stated regarding the intercepted missile.

MIDDLE EAST INVOLVEMENT CONCERNS

When asked about potential NATO involvement in Middle Eastern conflicts, Rutte clarified the alliance’s position. “Article 5, I think, is not in order here. Nobody’s talking about Article 5. And the most important thing is that our adversaries have seen yesterday that NATO is so strong and so vigilant, and even more vigilant, if possible, since Saturday because of the situation, of course, in the Middle East,” he explained.

TRUMP’S IRAN STRATEGY

Discussing the president’s military decisions regarding Iran, Rutte noted the threat Iran posed. “We know that Iran was close to getting its hands on a nuclear capability, a missile capability, which would be a threat, not only to the Middle East, and of course, to Israel, and potentially it would be life-threatening to Israel, but also a threat to Europe,” he said.

The NATO chief highlighted European support for U.S. operations: “Clearly, NATO is not itself involved here. NATO allies are providing key enabling support. What we see here is that NATO, in that sense, is also this power protection projection platform for the United States. Because without European allies, the U.S. would have found it very difficult to launch this campaign against Iran.”

FUTURE IRAN POLICY

Regarding long-term objectives, Rutte expressed broad agreement among allies. “I think there is widespread acknowledgement and agreement that at least we have to be sure that going forward, Iran, this republic, is not able again, to pose (a) death threat to its neighbours, to Israel, the Middle East, to Europe,” he said.

“From my conversations with senior American military and political leaders, it’s my absolute sense that they know where they are going,” Rutte added.

UKRAINE CONFLICT UPDATE

The secretary general connected Iran’s role in supporting Russia’s war efforts, calling it “one of the key supporters of the Russian war effort against Ukraine — totally unprovoked, this crazy war which started in 2014 and then the full-scale invasion in February 2022.”

He provided positive updates on Ukrainian progress: “What we also see now is that Ukraine is already, for some weeks, being able to recapture terrain, territory which the Russians got their hands on before, so that is really good news. We know that the Ukrainians are posing extreme losses on the Russians, months in, months out, many times more than the Russians lost in Afghanistan in the 1980s.”

DEFENDING TRUMP PRAISE

Addressing criticism about his complimentary remarks toward the U.S. president, Rutte justified his approach. “Obviously I do believe that the United States is the most powerful and most quintessential ally within the Alliance. If the president of that country is able to get the whole of NATO at 2% last year, and then in The Hague, collectively agreeing to the 5% — I would doubt it, without President Trump, we would have really reached it. And then him now taking this decisive action to take out this capability of Iran … if a president of a country is providing that type of leadership, some praise is warranted,” he explained.

ALLIANCE UNITY

Discussing internal NATO dynamics, particularly regarding Spain, Rutte praised their contributions: “Spain is deployed all over NATO territory. Their troops are part of many forward land forces, many initiatives, many NATO missions. I really want to commend them for that — there is a Spanish Patriot system in Turkey, defending key American interests. Yes, there are also discussions on spending. But this is an alliance of democracies. When there are debates between allies, I always try to stay a bit muted.”

FRENCH NUCLEAR POLICY

Commenting on French President Macron’s recent nuclear deterrence statements, Rutte expressed support while emphasizing American leadership. “I really welcome this. It is leveraging more of what France is doing. However, and we all agree on this, the ultimate, supreme guarantor of our way of life … is, in the end, the United States nuclear umbrella, and that is key,” he said.

“I’m absolutely convinced the U.S. is completely committed to NATO,” Rutte concluded.

NATO’s top leader expressed support Thursday for France’s decision to strengthen its nuclear capabilities, though he emphasized that American defense protection continues to serve as Europe’s primary security guarantee.

Secretary General Mark Rutte praised French President Emmanuel Macron’s recent announcement to expand France’s nuclear deterrent and possibly permit European allies to host French military aircraft during deterrence operations. This development follows growing anxiety among European nations regarding America’s reliability as a defense partner.

Speaking from Brussels on Thursday, Rutte indicated that France’s updated nuclear strategy would complicate Russia’s ability to evaluate European defense capabilities. He voiced approval for ongoing nuclear cooperation discussions between Paris and multiple European capitals.

However, the NATO chief stressed that Europe cannot function without American security assurance and worked to address doubts about Washington’s dedication to European defense.

“The ultimate, supreme guarantor of our way of life … is, in the end, the United States’ nuclear umbrella, and that is key,” Rutte stated during his Reuters interview.

During his address at a submarine facility, Macron explained that France’s nuclear doctrine revision occurred with full transparency regarding Washington and serves as a complement to NATO’s nuclear operations.

France and Germany have created a nuclear coordination committee to address deterrence matters and plan to begin practical collaboration this year. Macron indicated that Greece, Poland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark and Sweden may also participate in French nuclear exercises.

Over the past 14 months, the Trump administration has frequently criticized Europe’s capacity and willingness for self-defense.

In accidentally disclosed communications between senior Trump officials before strikes against Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthis last year, someone identified as Vice President JD Vance expressed frustration, writing “I just hate bailing out Europe.” This prompted another official, identified as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, to criticize European “free-loading.”

Responding to Washington’s pressure, NATO’s European nations have increased their military spending obligations.

A dispute over Greenland earlier this year intensified European concerns about American dedication to ally protection. Nevertheless, Rutte expressed confidence in America’s NATO commitment and European security protection.

“I’m absolutely convinced the U.S. is completely committed to NATO,” he declared.

“The United States knows that to stay safe itself (on) the U.S. mainland, you need a secure Atlantic, a secure Europe, a secure Arctic.”

The conflict between the United States and Iran intensified Thursday with fresh attacks on oil tankers in Gulf waters and Iranian drone incursions into Azerbaijan, raising concerns the crisis could engulf additional oil-producing nations in the region.

An explosives-laden remote-controlled Iranian vessel targeted a crude oil tanker flying under the Bahamas flag while it was anchored near Iraq’s Khor al Zubair port, preliminary reports indicate. Meanwhile, a second tanker positioned off Kuwait’s coast began taking on water and leaking oil following a massive blast on its port side.

Since hostilities erupted Saturday between the United States, Israel and Iran, nine ships have been targeted in attacks. Iran fired a barrage of missiles toward Israel early Thursday and deployed drones into Azerbaijan, wounding four individuals.

The growing violence follows Washington’s rejection of a proposal to cease American strikes and coincides with the emergence of Iran’s deceased supreme leader’s son as a leading candidate for succession, indicating Tehran shows no signs of yielding to international pressure.

Ship-tracking data from MarineTraffic reveals approximately 200 vessels, including oil and liquefied natural gas carriers plus cargo ships, remain anchored in open Gulf waters near major producing nations. Hundreds more ships sit stranded outside the Strait of Hormuz, unable to reach their destination ports. This critical waterway handles roughly one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments.

BP removed international personnel from Iraq’s Rumaila oil facility after two unidentified drones touched down within the field boundaries, Iraqi oil industry sources reported. Baghdad has slashed daily oil output by nearly 1.5 million barrels as storage capacity reached its limit and tanker loading became impossible, officials confirmed to Reuters.

Energy markets responded sharply Thursday, with oil prices climbing approximately 3% and extending their surge to more than 14% since Saturday’s conflict onset. US-Israeli military operations against Iran have severely disrupted Middle Eastern supply chains.

European natural gas benchmark prices jumped over 5% Thursday, reaching 51.30 euros per megawatt-hour and climbing roughly 50% for the week. Russian President Vladimir Putin declared his nation could immediately cut off gas deliveries to Europe amid the energy price volatility stemming from the Iranian crisis.

Qatar, responsible for 20% of worldwide LNG production, suspended gas operations earlier this week due to the ongoing conflict. Major alternative suppliers including the United States and Australia possess minimal excess capacity to compensate for the supply shortage, according to industry analysis and Reuters data.

The European Union faces increased risks and costs in replenishing gas reserves during upcoming months due to the Iranian conflict and LNG supply disruptions. The bloc continues importing some Russian gas while planning to terminate pipeline deliveries by late 2027 and prohibit new short-term LNG agreements starting late April 2026.

Asian energy importers experienced additional strain from Middle Eastern supply interruptions. China instructed refineries to avoid signing new fuel export agreements and attempt canceling existing shipment commitments, multiple informed sources revealed Thursday.

Embassy workers and diplomatic personnel in Saudi Arabia’s capital received orders to remain indoors on March 5 due to concerns about a possible security threat, according to three sources familiar with the situation.

The shelter-in-place directive affected staff members working within Riyadh’s diplomatic district, where multiple foreign missions are located.

The sources, who had direct knowledge of the security alert, did not provide additional information about the nature of the potential threat.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Grieving families whose sons were tricked into joining Russia’s military forces in Ukraine took their pleas to Kenya’s parliament Thursday, demanding an end to the deceptive recruitment practices that sent their loved ones to war.

The demonstrators walked through Nairobi’s streets carrying pictures of their sons — some fighting on the battlefield, others wounded, killed, or missing in action. Their chants echoed through the capital as they called on officials to bring their family members home safely.

Among the crowd, protesters displayed a large white sign with red lettering that declared: “KENYANS AND FAMILIES DEMAND JUSTICE FOR THEIR SONS RECRUITED INTO RUSSIA MILITARY.”

Government officials revealed last month that over 1,000 Kenyans had been enlisted to serve in Russia’s forces fighting Ukraine. Current figures show 89 Kenyans remain active in combat zones, with one fatality confirmed, 39 receiving medical treatment in hospitals, and 28 listed as missing in action. Some recruits have managed to return to Kenya.

Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi informed The Associated Press last month of his plans to visit Russia, describing it as a “diplomatic approach to rein in” those who are “taking advantage of anyone in this misadventure.”

Mudavadi also indicated that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to free Kenyans being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine and to bring home those remaining in Russia.

Ukraine’s ambassador to Kenya, Yurii Tokar, confirmed to the AP Wednesday that one Kenyan is currently detained as a prisoner of war in Ukraine. He explained that under Geneva Convention rules, POWs are generally freed when conflicts end, though both Ukraine and Russia have conducted multiple prisoner exchanges throughout the four-year conflict.

Lamech Mboga, whose brother departed for Russia in August 2025, told the AP he suspects his sibling is now imprisoned in Ukraine and pleaded for his freedom.

A parliamentary intelligence briefing delivered last month by majority leader Kimani Ichung’wah revealed that both Kenyan and Russian officials worked together with recruiting companies to deceive Kenyans into military service.

Thursday’s parliamentary petitioners insisted that those responsible for the recruitment scheme must face charges for “human trafficking, forced recruitment, and possible violations of international humanitarian and labor laws.”

Authorities have already filed human trafficking charges against two Kenyans in connection with the case.

Alexander Lukashenko, the president of Belarus, has granted clemency to 18 individuals currently serving prison sentences, according to an announcement from his administration on Thursday.

Among those receiving pardons, 15 had been convicted on extremism-related charges. This particular criminal designation has become a common tool used by Lukashenko’s government to prosecute political opposition members and critics of his rule.

The clemency announcement was made through a Telegram channel associated with the presidential administration.

GALLE, Sri Lanka — A deadly submarine attack by US forces has claimed the lives of 87 Iranian naval personnel after their warship participated in military exercises with India’s navy, according to officials from New Delhi.

The attack highlights how the ongoing US-Israeli military campaign against Iran is expanding far beyond Middle Eastern boundaries. The incident has also sparked intense discussions in India regarding maritime safety throughout the Indian Ocean, where New Delhi maintains substantial naval operations.

Sri Lankan naval forces pulled 87 bodies from the water and saved 32 crew members from the IRIS Dena on Wednesday, after the vessel was destroyed in international waters near the island nation. Such submarine warfare represents an uncommon occurrence not seen since the Second World War.

According to Sri Lanka’s maritime forces, they responded to an emergency call from the IRIS Dena, but arrived to find only oil slicks and survivors in the water where the ship had been. Medical facilities in Galle, located on Sri Lanka’s southern shoreline, received the rescued sailors for treatment.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the attack as evidence that US-Israeli military actions against Iran are expanding internationally, calling the IRIS Dena a “prize ship.” President Donald Trump has stated that eliminating Iran’s naval capabilities remains a primary war objective.

The Defense Department shared footage on social media platform X capturing the torpedo strike. The video shows the Iranian vessel being torn apart by an underwater blast, sending massive water columns skyward.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the US Navy for what he called “an atrocity at sea” in destroying the frigate, posting on social media Thursday that America “will come to bitterly regret” the assault.

Araghchi reported the IRIS Dena was carrying “almost 130” personnel.

Indian naval and defense officials confirmed the Iranian warship had taken part in the International Fleet Review and the multinational MILAN 2026 naval training operation, hosted by India’s navy at Visakhapatnam port between February 15-25. Defense ministry sources said 74 nations participated in these events.

Indian naval social media posts from February 17 showed the Iranian vessel during the exercises, including photographs of crew members displaying their national flag on deck.

Araghchi emphasized that the frigate had served as “a guest” of India’s naval forces. Indian government officials have yet to issue public statements regarding the incident.

In Sri Lanka, Media Minister and government spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa informed parliament Thursday that a second Iranian vessel has entered their territorial waters.

Jayatissa offered no additional information about this ship or its crew size. He stated the government aims to “minimize the loss of lives and safeguard regional peace” without providing specifics.

India considers the Indian Ocean vital to national security, regularly deploying naval patrols and hosting international training exercises to protect crucial shipping routes for worldwide commerce and energy transport. The nation has historically attempted to balance diplomatic relations between the US and Iran while promoting peaceful dialogue.

Indian opposition politicians Thursday criticized the government’s silence on the matter, arguing that a warship’s destruction so near India’s maritime territory demanded an official response.

The opposition Indian National Congress party criticized what it termed “silence” from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration.

“The conflict has reached our backyard, with an Iranian warship sunk in the Indian Ocean. Yet the Prime Minister has said nothing,” opposition leader Rahul Gandhi posted on X.

Former diplomat Kanwal Sibal, who held the foreign secretary position from 2002-2003, wrote on X that while India bears no “political or military responsibility for the U.S. attack,” its “responsibility is at a moral and human plane.”

“The U.S. has ignored India’s sensitivities,” Sibal stated. “The ship was in these waters because of India’s invitation.”

A United States submarine launched a torpedo attack against an Iranian naval vessel in the Indian Ocean this week, representing the first instance of America sinking an enemy ship with such weaponry since the Second World War.

The incident occurred on March 4 when the Iranian warship IRIS Dena came under attack from American forces, according to officials from Sri Lanka, the United States, and Iran. The strike was part of coordinated U.S. and Israeli military actions targeting Iranian assets.

Search and Recovery Efforts Continue

Sri Lankan naval forces initiated emergency rescue operations after receiving an urgent distress signal from the IRIS Dena during the early morning hours of Wednesday.

When rescue teams arrived at the location, they found the warship had already gone down, with only a petroleum spill marking where the vessel once floated. Approximately 130 personnel were aboard the ship when it sank.

Recovery teams have pulled 87 bodies from the water and saved 32 survivors, who received medical attention for relatively minor wounds and were anticipated to leave the hospital on Thursday. Maritime search teams continue looking for roughly 10 missing crew members.

Naval Exercise Participation

The vessel went down in Sri Lankan territorial waters, approximately 19 nautical miles from the southern coastal city of Galle, following the submarine assault.

The Dena had been making its way back to Iran after completing participation in naval training exercises conducted in India between February 16 and February 26, staged near the southern Indian port of Visakhapatnam.

The Iranian ship joined 17 other foreign naval vessels in the MILAN exercise, which occurs every two years and included participants from Sri Lanka, Australia, Japan, and Russia. Military representatives from more than 70 nations observed the drills, including delegates from the United States and Britain.

Indian military officials characterized the training operation as among the most extensive multinational naval exercises in the Indo-Pacific region, designed to improve coordination between forces, enhance maritime surveillance capabilities, and strengthen joint response systems.

International Response

India’s naval command had previously celebrated the Dena’s participation as evidence of the “enduring cultural connections between the two countries.” Following the sinking, footage has emerged showing Iranian naval personnel parading through Visakhapatnam streets during exercise ceremonies.

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi posted on social media platform X that the Dena served as “a guest of India’s Navy” and suffered the attack without advance notice while in international waters. He warned that the United States “will bitterly regret the precedent it has set.”

New Delhi has remained silent regarding the attack, although many Indians have commended neighboring Sri Lanka for its rescue response. India’s primary opposition Congress party condemned the government’s lack of response, stating the conflict had “reached our backyard” and challenging New Delhi’s position as a “net security provider” in the Indian Ocean area.

BRUSSELS – NATO’s top official affirmed Thursday that alliance members will maintain their commitment to Ukraine’s defense despite ongoing tensions involving Iran.

Speaking to Reuters, NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte emphasized that member nations view their international obligations as interconnected rather than conflicting.

“Many leaders in Europe and the United States, Canada say it has to be ‘and, and’: make sure that as allies we enable what the Americans are doing in the Middle East … and at the same time make sure that Ukraine has what it needs to stay strong in the fight,” Rutte explained during the Brussels interview.

The NATO chief’s remarks underscore the alliance’s position that supporting multiple international efforts simultaneously remains a priority for member countries.

MOSCOW – A court in Russia’s Krasnodar region handed down a 15-year prison sentence Thursday to a Romanian national found guilty of conducting espionage operations on behalf of Ukraine.

According to a Telegram announcement from the court’s media office, the defendant identified as Adrian-David Chercio was convicted of collecting and transmitting sensitive intelligence about air defense installations located in Sochi, the Black Sea resort destination.

Court officials stated that Chercio entered into an agreement to conduct intelligence work for Ukrainian authorities in November 2024, though they did not disclose the timing of his detention.

Romanian foreign ministry representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the case.

BERLIN — A German court handed down a 13-year prison sentence Thursday to a young Syrian man who attacked and severely injured a Spanish visitor at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial more than a year ago.

The 20-year-old perpetrator, identified by authorities only as Wassim Al M. following German privacy regulations, faced conviction on multiple charges including attempted murder and seeking membership in an international terrorist group, according to reports from German news agency dpa.

Court officials determined that he made the journey from Leipzig to Berlin on February 21, 2025, with the intention of conducting an assault on behalf of the Islamic State organization.

Presiding judge Doris Husch explained that the defendant selected the Holocaust Memorial as his target location because “he believed he would find people of Jewish faith there.” The attack involved stabbing the Spanish visitor in the neck area, followed by the perpetrator yelling “Allahu akbar,” meaning “God is great.”

The 31-year-old Spanish victim lived through the assault but continues to receive mental health care and remains unable to return to work.

Throughout the legal proceedings, the defendant claimed he immediately felt remorse for his actions and maintained that he had come to Berlin because of coercion from someone he met online while viewing Islamic State propaganda materials.

According to investigators, the defendant reached Germany in 2023 without adult supervision and received approved asylum status before settling in Leipzig. Police took him into custody approximately three hours following the attack when he approached law enforcement officers while covered in blood.

The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe consists of 2,700 gray concrete blocks situated close to the Brandenburg Gate in central Berlin, serving as a tribute to the 6 million Jewish victims of the Holocaust.

This violent incident took place just two days prior to a nationwide German election where immigration policies had emerged as a major campaign topic, intensified by several fatal attacks involving immigrants in the preceding months.

Chinese officials unveiled their most conservative economic growth projection in more than 30 years during Thursday’s opening of the nation’s annual legislative session in Beijing, signaling what experts view as a realistic approach to ongoing domestic financial challenges.

The government also published its complete five-year strategic plan extending through 2030, highlighting priorities for economic and political direction with emphasis on developing independence in sectors including artificial intelligence, robotics, and cutting-edge technologies amid intensifying competition with America.

The week-long legislative gathering is anticipated to formally endorse the five-year blueprint in the coming days.

Premier Li Qiang announced an economic expansion goal of 4.5% to 5% for 2026 during his annual government work presentation — marking the most modest target since 1991 and representing the first reduction from the official “around 5%” objective established for 2023 through 2025.

This decreased projection follows an extended real estate sector downturn that caused housing values to plummet, undermined consumer spending and investment confidence, and resulted in widespread unemployment.

To tackle the nation’s internal economic difficulties, government representatives committed to steadying the real estate market through managing new construction and decreasing existing inventory.

Li also emphasized the significance of stimulating domestic spending, though the country’s allocation of 250 billion yuan ($36 billion) designated for consumer product trade-in incentives fell short of the previous year’s 300 billion yuan commitment.

Even amid the ongoing U.S.-China trade dispute, Beijing reported achieving its official 5% economic growth objective for the previous year. This success stemmed primarily from its unprecedented trade surplus approaching $1.2 trillion, driven by increased exports to areas including Europe and Latin America.

“What we achieved in 2025 was indeed hard won,” Li stated during his address. “Rarely in many years have we encountered such a grave and complex landscape.”

Regarding Taiwan, the independently governed territory that Beijing has claimed for generations, Li emphasized that the government will “resolutely fight against” independence movements.

The selection of “fight against” terminology seemed to represent a more aggressive stance compared to the previous year’s language of “resolutely oppose.”

Within the comprehensive draft of its five-year strategy through 2030, Chinese leadership outlined ambitions for achieving technological independence to compete with the United States. The proposed plan detailed objectives for progress in artificial intelligence, robotics, semiconductors, biomedicine, quantum technology, and aerospace sectors.

To guarantee innovation advances, Chinese authorities estimated at least 7% annual average increases in national research and development expenditure.

Government leaders also announced a 7% military budget increase for 2026, reaching approximately 1.9 trillion yuan ($270 billion). This represented a slight decrease from the roughly 7.2% yearly growth over the past three years.

During his presentation, Li declared that the nation must accomplish “solid gains in military training and combat readiness.” This statement coincided with President Xi’s expanding military leadership purge — including dismissing nine military officials from the congress the previous week — as the country accelerates its armed forces modernization timeline.

Like numerous global regions, China confronts a population challenge as its citizenry ages and fertility rates decline. The 1.4 billion population decreased for the fourth consecutive year in 2025, dropping by approximately 3 million from the prior year.

Chinese officials pledged Thursday to establish a “fertility-friendly society” through policies addressing education, employment, childcare, and healthcare assistance aimed at encouraging increased births.

Concerning environmental objectives, China, the planet’s largest polluter, indicated it would maintain its renewable energy initiatives and carbon emission reductions.

For the five-year period ending in 2030, Beijing established a target of decreasing carbon emissions per gross domestic product unit by 17%, compared to the 18% reduction goal from the preceding five-year span.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Iranian government has long threatened to unleash widespread missile and drone attacks throughout the Middle East if it perceived an existential threat to its survival.

The Islamic Republic is now making good on those warnings.

Following Saturday’s U.S.-Israeli military operation that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Tehran has deployed thousands of drones and ballistic missiles against Israeli targets, U.S. military installations and diplomatic facilities in the region, plus energy infrastructure throughout the Persian Gulf. Iranian forces have also launched missile strikes against Turkey and sent drones into Azerbaijani territory.

Tehran’s fundamental approach centers on creating fear about an expanding conflict, hoping that Washington’s allies will exert sufficient pressure to stop the military campaign. An extended war with American and Israeli casualties could also benefit Iran’s position.

However, this strategy of attacking neighboring countries could prove counterproductive.

Preserving Iran’s governmental structure through the conflict represents Tehran’s top objective, according to Ellie Geranmayeh, deputy director of the Middle East and North Africa program at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

“Iran is upping the costs for this U.S. military campaign and regionalizing it from the get-go, as they promised they would if America restarts the war again with Iran,” she said. Last June, the United States joined Israel in a 12-day military campaign against nuclear enrichment facilities. While Iran claims its nuclear program serves peaceful purposes, Iranian officials had previously threatened to develop nuclear weapons while enriching uranium to near-weapons-grade concentrations.

Iranian leadership believes that causing casualties and disrupting energy supplies to increase oil and gas costs will prompt America’s partners or domestic opposition to pressure U.S. President Donald Trump into scaling back operations.

“The Iranians are banking on basically out-stomaching him, and exhausting him and his allies to the point where they would basically have a diplomatic off-ramp,” Geranmayeh said. While Trump remains unpredictable, she noted, he currently appears focused on “unconditional surrender to his demands, rather than a negotiated settlement.”

American and Israeli forces have conducted hundreds of air attacks, causing significant damage to Iranian governmental, military and nuclear facilities. Though severely outmatched militarily, Iran continues launching ballistic missiles at Israel, resulting in 11 deaths and disrupting daily life for millions of Israelis. Additional fatalities have occurred in Gulf Arab nations, while the U.S.-Israeli offensive has claimed 1,045 Iranian lives.

Following over two years of conflict in Gaza, Israeli citizens show limited enthusiasm for another extended military engagement. Public opinion surveys indicate Americans are similarly reluctant about prolonged warfare.

The American-Israeli assault followed unsuccessful diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding Tehran’s nuclear program and Western economic sanctions.

Trump announced Monday that his four goals include eliminating Iran’s missile capacity, destroying its naval forces, preventing nuclear weapons acquisition, and stopping support for allied militant organizations.

Iran’s military response has affected every regional nation, including Oman, which facilitated recent nuclear negotiations and maintained decades of close Iranian relations after helping the late Sultan Qaboos bin Said suppress a 1970s insurgency.

Last week, with U.S. naval forces gathering in the region, Oman’s foreign minister traveled urgently to Washington attempting to preserve nuclear discussions.

Subsequently, Oman became involved in the conflict. Iranian missiles have struck an Omani port and vessels near its coastline. Oman’s Duqm port provided logistical support for the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier’s deployment preparations.

Saudi Arabia, which established diplomatic détente with Tehran in 2023, also faced attacks this week. Its Ras Tanura oil refinery suffered repeated strikes and drones hit the U.S. Embassy in Riyadh — creating an awkward situation for Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who has cultivated close ties with Trump.

Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, both maintaining strong Trump relationships, have also experienced repeated targeting.

A stark mathematical reality emerges as fighting continues. Iran possesses limited missile and drone inventories, while Gulf Arab states, the U.S. and Israel maintain finite supplies of interceptor missiles capable of stopping incoming attacks.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reported Wednesday that thousands of Iranian missiles and drones have been “intercepted and vaporized” during the conflict. Israeli military officials claim to have eliminated dozens of missile launch systems.

For American and Israeli forces, destroying missiles and launch platforms remains crucial. Both nations had to intercept Iranian missiles during June’s war and repeatedly throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict.

“In simple terms, we are focused on shooting all the things that can shoot at us,” said U.S. Navy Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of American Central Command.

A senior Western official, speaking anonymously about intelligence information, estimated Iran has several days of ballistic missile supplies at current firing rates, though Tehran may reserve some for extended operations.

Israeli military sources report significantly reduced Iranian launches recently due to airstrikes — despite warning sirens continuously sounding across Israel from Wednesday into Thursday.

Iran’s approach of threatening energy security, creating divisions between Gulf and Western nations, and increasing operational costs is “backfiring,” said Hasan Alhasan, a Middle East specialist with London’s International Institute for Strategic Studies.

“It’s driving and pushing the Gulf states into closer alignment with the United States,” he said.

“The Gulf states can’t simply sit idle and continue absorbing indefinite attacks to their critical infrastructure and to civilians in Gulf cities,” Alhasan said. They likely seek both additional defensive weapons and diplomatic solutions to end the conflict.

Iran’s foreign minister suggested his country’s military units now operate independently without central government oversight, potentially explaining Iran’s increasingly unpredictable attacks.

“They are acting based on instructions — you know, general instructions — given to them in advance,” Abbas Araghchi told Al Jazeera on Sunday.

However, following a Wednesday conversation with Araghchi, Qatar’s prime minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, “categorically rejected” his claim that Iranian missiles only targeted American interests rather than Qatari territory.

GOMA, Congo — Congolese officials report that more than 200 people perished when a coltan mining operation collapsed Tuesday in the country’s eastern region, though the armed group controlling the facility strongly contests that death toll.

The deadly incident occurred at the Rubaya mining complex, which falls under the control of M23 rebels, according to a Wednesday statement from Congo’s Ministry of Mines. This marks another tragic mining accident in the nation’s mineral-wealthy territories dominated by armed groups.

M23 senior official Fanny Kaj challenged the government’s casualty figures, claiming the destruction resulted from bombing attacks rather than a structural failure and asserting only five fatalities occurred.

“I can confirm that what people are publishing is not true. There was no landslide; there were bombings, and the death toll isn’t what people are saying. It’s simply about five people who died,” Kaj stated.

However, Ibrahim Taluseke, who works at the mining site, contradicted the rebel account, saying he personally assisted in retrieving more than 200 bodies from the disaster zone.

“We are afraid, but these are lives that are in danger,” Taluseke explained. “The owners of the pits do not accept that the exact number of deaths be revealed.”

The Rubaya facility sits in eastern Congo’s core region, an area abundant in valuable minerals but devastated by decades of warfare involving government troops and various militant organizations, including the Rwanda-supported M23 group. The rebels’ recent comeback has intensified the ongoing conflict and deepened the humanitarian emergency.

Congo stands as a leading global source of coltan, a dark metallic mineral containing tantalum, an essential element for manufacturing smartphones, computers and aircraft engines.

According to U.S. Geological Survey data, the Central African nation supplied approximately 40% of worldwide coltan production in 2023, with Australia, Canada and Brazil serving as other major producers. The Rubaya operations alone account for more than 15% of global tantalum supply.

M23 forces captured the town and seized control of its mining operations in May 2024. A United Nations investigation revealed that since taking Rubaya, the rebels have levied taxes on coltan trade and transportation, earning no less than $800,000 monthly.

Eastern Congo has experienced recurring crises spanning multiple decades. Ongoing conflicts have generated one of the planet’s most severe humanitarian disasters, displacing over 7 million residents, with more than 300,000 forced from their homes since December alone.

The Congolese and Rwandan governments signed a U.S.-mediated peace agreement in June, with ongoing negotiations between rebel forces and Congo continuing. Nevertheless, combat persists across multiple battlegrounds in eastern Congo, resulting in continued civilian and military casualties.

The diplomatic accord between Congo and Rwanda also provides the U.S. government and American corporations with access to essential minerals.

A comparable mining collapse occurred last month, resulting in over 200 deaths.

MENTON, France — The son of a former French president is attempting to kickstart his political career in a picturesque Mediterranean town, bringing with him a conservative philosophy shaped by years spent in America during Donald Trump’s rise to power.

Twenty-eight-year-old Louis Sarkozy, whose father Nicolas Sarkozy once led France, is competing in this month’s mayoral contest in Menton, a small community positioned between mountain ranges and the Italian frontier along the French Riviera.

The younger Sarkozy lived in America throughout his teenage years and into his twenties, an experience he credits with forming his political worldview during Trump’s presidential tenure. He’s now testing whether his famous surname combined with American-influenced right-wing ideology can defeat a formidable far-right opponent grounded in France’s nationalist traditions.

His campaign focuses on local concerns including a housing shortage caused by vacation rental properties flooding the market and addressing criminal activity. Though running as an independent candidate, Louis Sarkozy has gained backing from moderate and center-right politicians who want to block a victory by the far-right National Rally party.

The aspiring politician hopes to mirror his father’s trajectory, who leveraged his role as mayor of Neuilly, an affluent Parisian suburb, into France’s highest office.

However, the Sarkozy family name carries baggage. Nicolas Sarkozy faced brief imprisonment last year over corruption allegations he contests, and his post-presidential years have been marked by multiple legal controversies that have damaged the family’s reputation.

Vandals spray-painted “Son of a prisoner” on Louis Sarkozy’s campaign headquarters last month, reflecting the mixed reception his candidacy has received from residents. Polling data shows National Rally candidate Alexandra Masson leading significantly over Sarkozy, though he appears positioned to advance to a runoff election where coalition-building could provide a route to victory.

“People do not vote for you because your name is Sarkozy, they vote for your project,” he explained to Reuters, noting that his father is providing campaign guidance.

The motorcycle-riding candidate, who displays arm tattoos and has appeared frequently in French celebrity publications, describes his ideology as traditional French liberalism merged with American conservative positions on border security and law enforcement. Despite his tough-on-crime stance, he advocates for drug decriminalization.

While not openly endorsing Trump, who remains unpopular among French voters, Sarkozy evaluates the former president’s policies individually. He has criticized Trump’s immigration approach and previously proposed requiring legal immigrants to complete military service as a method to reduce immigration numbers.

Having attended a military academy in rural Pennsylvania for four years, Sarkozy believes this experience provided valuable insight into authentic American culture. He condemned Trump’s recent threats regarding Greenland but praised him for “doing exactly what he said,” adding “he is much more popular than we think.”

Sarkozy enthusiastically endorses America’s business-friendly economic framework, arguing that France suffers from overly restrictive employment regulations and an outdated retirement system.

“We must unblock our companies, let the French work. Work longer in life, work longer in the week even if it is not popular,” he stated. “Either we do it now, or it is an IMF rescue plan that makes us do it in 25 years.”

This candidate represents part of a generational transformation, joining a small but expanding group of political figures attempting to introduce Trump-influenced concepts to France’s conservative movement. Sarah Knafo, a relatively unknown European Parliament member seeking Paris City Hall, represents another example of this trend.

“This discourse from the United States resonates with a significant segment of the population favourable to Trump’s ‘I say it, I do it’ brand of politics,” explained Stewart Chau, Research Director at Verian.

Louis Sarkozy’s reinvention of French conservative ideology highlights the changing dynamics on the political right, as the center-right Les Republicains party searches for strategies to counter Marine Le Pen’s increasingly powerful National Rally.

Though calling Masson “a good candidate,” Sarkozy has rejected any potential partnership with the National Rally.

“It is an opposition party, a party made to shout,” he commented, expressing doubt about the far right’s ability to govern effectively if they achieved national power.

Masson dismissed Sarkozy’s entry into Menton politics, labeling him a “Franco-American boy” who “lacks territorial anchoring.”

“People know that I am very invested in local issues,” Masson responded.

During his campaign activities in Menton, Sarkozy received support from his mother Cécilia Attias, who traveled from New York to assist his efforts.

“Louis needs to know France and there is nothing better than a municipal mandate for that,” she observed.

Pakistan finds itself walking a diplomatic tightrope as violent demonstrations following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei threaten the country’s delicate relationships with both Washington and Tehran.

The crisis intensified last week when angry protesters breached the U.S. consulate compound in Karachi and demonstrations spread to other cities across Pakistan. The unrest has created a significant challenge for Islamabad as it attempts to maintain strong connections with President Donald Trump’s administration while managing outrage within its substantial Shi’ite Muslim population.

The situation is further complicated by Pakistan’s ongoing conflicts with Afghanistan and its strategic partnerships with both the United States and Saudi Arabia. Pakistan recently joined Trump’s Board of Peace initiative and signed a mutual defense agreement with the Saudis.

“Pakistan is trying to maintain domestic peace by expressing solidarity with Iran, while it also risks being pulled into the orbit of the war by the U.S. and Saudis,” explained Arsalan Khan, an assistant professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.

“If the war progresses, then it may find itself making trade-offs between domestic peace and its geopolitical commitments,” Khan added.

A senior Pakistani security official acknowledged the gravity of the situation, telling Reuters: “Balancing relationships and blowback is the most pressing issue for Pakistan.”

The violence claimed at least 26 lives as demonstrators clashed with law enforcement after news broke of Khamenei’s death on Sunday. During the consulate breach in Karachi, U.S. Marines opened fire on protesters who had scaled the facility’s walls, according to two American officials. Video evidence revealed that some demonstrators were armed and shot into the diplomatic compound.

Leading Shi’ite religious authorities throughout Pakistan have declared periods of mourning and issued warnings that additional demonstrations are planned, raising concerns about continued instability in major urban centers.

“Death has not weakened the Shi’ites but united them with a new spirit of revolution and independence from the slavery of the U.S. and its allies,” declared Shi’ite cleric Sajid Ali Naqvi.

Pakistan’s Shi’ite community represents approximately one-fifth of the nation’s 240 million citizens, making it the world’s second-largest Shi’ite population after Iran. The majority of Pakistanis follow Sunni Islam.

This minority group has frequently faced sectarian violence from organizations including Islamic State and the Sunni militant organization Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan.

The religious divide between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims originated after Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632, when his followers disagreed over succession. These theological differences continue to fuel tensions in modern times and have brought some nations to the edge of civil conflict.

Pakistan’s political development and Khamenei’s respected position among Shi’ites have influenced the community’s reaction to the Iranian leader’s killing, according to Madiha Tahir, an assistant professor at Yale University.

During the 1980s, General Zia ul Haq promoted a form of Sunni Islamic governance in Pakistan, while the 1979 Iranian revolution provided new support and religious connections for Pakistani Shi’ites.

“Pakistani Shias found themselves marginalized in an increasingly sectarian state and vulnerable to violence,” Tahir noted.

“At the same time, the Iranian Revolution meant that they could draw on Iran for aid. It had a profound effect on Shia communities and politics in Pakistan,” she continued.

For Pakistan’s Shi’ite population, Iran’s Ayatollah became a protector of their religious identity, said Kamran Bokhari, senior director at the New Lines Institute in Washington.

“Add in anti-Americanism and anti-Israeli sentiment and you can see how this becomes a powerful potion,” Bokhari observed.

Shi’ite organizations connected to the Millat-e-Jafaria network and other groups have organized protests and called for investigations into the deaths of demonstrators. They have also demanded criminal charges against the U.S. consul general.

“He was our representative. He was like our pope,” said Syed Hussain Ali, who operates the digital platform Hussaini Khayal and organized a memorial service for Khamenei.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif officially denounced Khamenei’s killing, describing it as a “violation of international law.” However, he avoided specifically naming the United States and also stated that “Pakistan stands in full solidarity with Saudi Arabia and our brotherly Gulf countries in this perilous time.”

Experts suggest that while the Shi’ite protests may eventually subside, the deaths of demonstrators could maintain ongoing tensions, particularly as funeral services for the victims continue to draw large crowds.

“Each one of those deaths is a reminder of the embattled place of Shias within Pakistan,” Tahir explained. “There is definite potential for this to continue.”

GALLE, Sri Lanka – Sri Lankan government officials announced Thursday that they are working to protect individuals aboard an Iranian vessel located in waters near the South Asian island nation.

The ship is currently positioned within Sri Lanka’s economic zone but remains outside the country’s territorial waters, according to cabinet spokesperson Nalinda Jayatissa.

“We are doing our utmost to safeguard lives,” Jayatissa stated during Thursday’s announcement.

Officials have not released additional details about the nature of the emergency or the number of people aboard the Iranian vessel.

Clouds of smoke and debris filled the skies over southern Beirut neighborhoods early Wednesday morning as Israeli military operations expanded into Lebanon, creating what officials describe as a significant second battleground in the ongoing conflict with Iran-backed forces.

Israeli commanders characterized their recent military moves over the last day as measured and protective responses, which included sending more soldiers into Lebanon’s southern region and launching air operations further into Lebanese territory. Military leaders cautioned they would expand their campaign if hostile activities from Lebanese soil persist.

According to Israeli defense statements, the bombing runs focused on Hezbollah leadership facilities and ammunition depots throughout Beirut and additional Lebanese locations. The intensity of military exchanges has increased as evacuation notices and safety warnings circulated across portions of the capital city and southern regions.

Lebanese Health Ministry officials confirmed that no fewer than 40 individuals have died with hundreds more injured during this recent surge of attacks. Tens of thousands of residents have abandoned their homes as fears mount that the confrontation could develop into a more extensive, long-term military campaign.

Lebanese government officials have taken steps to publicly separate the state from Hezbollah’s military actions. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam declared Hezbollah’s armed activities as “illegal” while indicating efforts to stop attacks originating from Lebanese soil.

“We will not accept anyone dragging the country into adventures that threaten its security and unity,” Salam posted on his X account Saturday, warning Hezbollah against joining Iranian retaliation against Israel.

Israeli leadership portrayed Hezbollah’s choice to engage in combat as following Iran’s regional strategy, with Defense Minister Israel Katz delivering a stern message directed at Hezbollah’s command structure.

“Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for the shooting towards Israel, and Naim Qassem, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, who decided on the shooting under pressure from Iran—is now a target for elimination,” read a social media post by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. “Whoever follows in the path of Khamenei will soon find himself with him in the depths of hell along with all the thwarted elements of the axis of evil.”

Israeli officials view the expanding Lebanese conflict as directly connected to their broader confrontation with Tehran, maintaining that Hezbollah continues operating as an Iranian proxy despite significant losses in previous fighting.

“Ideologically, Hezbollah still has very close ties to Iran,” Avraham Levine, a speaker and digital content manager at the Alma Research and Education Center, a security think tank in northern Israel, told The Media Line. “Nothing has changed; Hezbollah is still a main tool for Iran when it comes to Israel.”

This escalation threatens to destroy a delicate ceasefire that mostly remained intact following the 2023–2024 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which forced tens of thousands from their homes on both sides before an internationally mediated agreement reduced hostilities.

“Hezbollah has now challenged this ceasefire by joining the war, no less,” Levine said. “The likely scenario is a continuation of Hezbollah fire, keeping Israel busy on another front and applying pressure by showing support for Iran.”

Levine predicted that Hezbollah would probably conduct focused, selective strikes against Israeli military positions near the border instead of launching a major ground invasion into Israeli territory.

“We have launched an offensive campaign against Hezbollah. We are not only operating defensively; we are now going on the offensive as well,” Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of the General Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Monday at a briefing with senior commanders. “We must prepare for many prolonged days of combat ahead. This requires strong defensive readiness and sustained offensive readiness, operating in continuous waves while constantly utilizing opportunities.”

Israeli authorities have also identified a wider range of targets connected to Hezbollah’s operational network in Lebanon, including financial systems, while advising civilians to stay away from Hezbollah-associated locations as strikes expanded beyond border areas.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese escalation has developed during the fifth day of joint US-Israel operations against Iran, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicating the campaign might require “some time” despite both allies emphasizing early military successes while Iranian counterattacks continue reaching Israel.

During the initial stages, Israeli and US officials reported that both militaries gained control of Iranian airspace by weakening crucial air-defense systems, allowing continued strikes on missile facilities, command centers, and other strategic objectives.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died during the campaign’s opening phase, along with other high-ranking Iranian military leaders, according to Israeli and US announcements and various reports.

US military forces have also reported attacking Iranian naval targets, describing the maritime operations as part of broader efforts to reduce Iran’s regional influence and military capabilities.

“Targeting the navy is of utmost importance and can remove one of Iran’s main tools which it has used to threaten countries in the region and threaten the continuity of international trade,” Meir Ben-Shabbat, head of the Misgav Institute for National Security and former national security adviser, told The Media Line.

Ben-Shabbat contended that the campaign’s early phase demonstrated remarkably close operational partnership between Washington and Jerusalem, including successful defense against incoming attacks.

“First and foremost, the close cooperation between Israel and the US must be noted. The amount and quality of the strikes is testament to high-quality intelligence and high operational abilities of the Israeli air force, in addition to a high success rate of air defense systems in Israel,” Ben-Shabbat said.

Iran has maintained its ballistic missile and drone attacks against Israel, with Israeli media reporting that at least 12 people have died and more than 60 have been wounded since the conflict began, along with additional strikes causing damage and casualties in central Israel.

“To all of these achievements, we must add the significant performance of the US military that, in addition to managing and coordinating the effort, conducted over 1,000 strikes against major power centers in Iran,” Ben-Shabbat said.

Currently, the most pressing concern is whether the Israel-Lebanon conflict remains a limited escalation or develops into an extended campaign that pulls Lebanon further into the regional war, particularly as Beirut’s administration faces demands to back up its public statements with concrete action.

BANGKOK — International energy markets are experiencing severe disruption as military conflict near the Persian Gulf blocks critical oil and natural gas deliveries, sending fuel costs skyrocketing across the globe.

Asian nations face the greatest vulnerability because they depend extensively on imported energy supplies, with much of their fuel traveling through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical waterway that handles one-fifth of worldwide crude oil and liquefied natural gas commerce.

Energy consulting firm Kpler reports that approximately 13 million barrels of oil traveled through this strategic corridor daily in 2025, representing roughly one-third of all ocean-transported crude petroleum that gets refined into gasoline and diesel fuel.

The strait also serves as a pathway for about 20% of global LNG — natural gas that’s been cooled into liquid for simpler storage and shipping. The U.S. Energy Information Administration notes that over 80% of LNG moving through this waterway in 2024 was destined for Asian markets.

Following the start of the Iranian conflict, Brent crude prices — the global benchmark — have surged 15% to approximately $84 per barrel, marking the highest levels seen since July 2024.

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that America would provide risk insurance for shipping companies and potentially deploy naval forces to safeguard vessels if necessary. However, the supply disruptions are creating ripple effects far beyond the immediate region. When energy supplies become limited, wealthier nations typically outbid developing countries for available fuel shipments, leaving economically vulnerable areas facing shortages. Similar patterns emerged during previous energy crises triggered by Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

“The crisis, with the closure of the Hormuz Strait as the latest development, would not only raise oil and gas prices but also grind global economic activity to a halt,” stated Zulfikar Yurnaidi from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations’ Centre for Energy.

The massive scale of Asia’s two largest populations amplifies these energy security concerns.

China leads the world in crude oil imports while India ranks third globally. Extended periods of elevated oil prices would create widespread economic impacts, affecting transportation systems, manufacturing sectors, and household budgets.

While China purchases more Iranian oil than any other nation, Beijing has made energy security a priority and maintains alternative supply sources, including significant renewable energy capacity. Last year, China imported roughly 1.4 million barrels daily from Iran, accounting for about 13% of its total seaborne crude purchases, according to Kpler data.

Most Iranian oil shipments are currently in transit and should meet Chinese demand for an additional four to five months, Kpler estimates. China also maintains considerable strategic petroleum stockpiles, though exact quantities remain classified government information.

The country can increase purchases from Russia through its independent refineries — industry term “teapots” — which have become primary buyers of Iranian, Russian and Venezuelan oil, often at significant discounts due to Western sanctions risks. Despite war-related supply interruptions, global oil availability remains adequate overall.

“It is therefore unlikely that China would struggle to source enough crude to power its economy or meet domestic demand,” explained Muyu Xu, a senior crude oil analyst at Kpler. “The real question is at what price.”

India may restart Russian crude oil purchases despite pressure from Trump to avoid such transactions.

The country maintains crude reserves lasting less than one month. Energy analyst Vibhuti Garg from the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis in Delhi warns that the next two weeks are crucial, and conditions could rapidly worsen, driving up fuel expenses and general inflation if fighting continues.

“It is a very, very volatile situation,” Garg noted.

The primary concern involves higher costs for perishable food products susceptible to supply disruptions. Additionally, a weakening rupee and increased borrowing expenses could slow economic growth, she explained.

East Asia remains among the most vulnerable regions to Middle Eastern energy supply interruptions.

Japan imported 2.34 million barrels of crude daily in January, representing about 95% of that month’s total imports, according to its Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. Japan typically ranks as the world’s second-largest LNG importer.

South Korea depends almost entirely on energy imports. The Korea International Trade Association reports the country obtains approximately 70% of its crude oil and 20% of its LNG from Middle Eastern sources.

Taiwan imports nearly all its LNG requirements. While attempting to reduce Middle Eastern dependence, it still sources about one-third from Qatar, which suspended LNG production following attacks on its facilities.

Japan and South Korea maintain substantial energy stockpiles. Taiwan has announced sufficient supplies for March and established contingency plans for future needs.

However, analysts emphasize that reserves provide only temporary protection, and energy-dependent industries like Taiwan’s semiconductor sector remain at risk.

Governments are operating in “hope for the best, prepare for the worst” mode, according to Grant Hauber from IEEFA, who warns some may regret not diversifying earlier into renewable energy — a “natural hedge” against supply disruptions.

Fossil fuels continue dominating energy systems across all three East Asian economies. Renewable sources provide less than 10% of electricity in South Korea and Taiwan, and approximately 22% in Japan, based on International Energy Agency data.

Developing Southeast Asian nations with growing energy needs face risks of being outbid by wealthier countries as supplies tighten.

Singapore officials have advised businesses and residents to prepare for increased energy costs.

Manila authorities prohibited non-essential government vehicle travel and personal use of official cars to reduce fuel consumption.

Thai officials have encouraged public energy conservation as motorists queue at gas stations amid climbing prices.

Full-time delivery workers and drivers — crucial for moving goods and people through Thailand’s crowded cities — rely on fuel for their livelihoods. In the northern city of Chiang Rai, 64-year-old taxi driver Sommit Sutar expressed uncertainty about conserving fuel while maintaining his work.

“Gasoline was already expensive. This war will make the problem even worse,” Sutar said.

Thailand’s government has halted petroleum exports to strengthen domestic reserves, which officials say can last up to 61 days while increasing natural gas production from the Gulf of Thailand and Myanmar.

Thailand’s heavy reliance on spot-market LNG leaves it “highly exposed to price and geopolitical volatility,” noted Amy Kong from Brussels-based research organization Zero Carbon Analytics. This vulnerability makes the country susceptible to bidding competitions with wealthier nations.

DUBAI – A prominent Iranian religious leader has taken on a crucial wartime role following the death of the country’s Supreme Leader in recent military strikes.

Ayatollah Alireza Arafi has been thrust into Iran’s highest levels of power during an extraordinarily turbulent time, moving from his position among senior religious figures to active leadership after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed.

The scholar-turned-administrator, known for his hardline positions, now serves as one of three top officials tasked with guiding the nation through its most unstable period since the Islamic Revolution of 1979.

Iranian authorities named Arafi to a temporary three-person leadership council responsible for running government operations, working alongside President Masoud Pezeshkian and Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei. This appointment came after Khamenei’s death during U.S.-Israeli military operations that began February 28.

The emergency leadership faces dual challenges: coordinating Iran’s response to ongoing U.S.-Israeli military action while simultaneously handling the critical process of choosing a new supreme leader. The religious establishment faces intense pressure to quickly select Khamenei’s replacement, as delays could project weakness and undermine confidence in governmental stability.

While Arafi, now in his late 60s, may not have the international recognition of other prominent clerics, his career advancement under the strongly anti-Western Khamenei positioned him for moments of prominence. Some religious leaders have even considered Arafi as a possible candidate to succeed Khamenei.

PROCEDURAL CHALLENGES AHEAD

Should Arafi pursue the supreme leadership position, he faces significant institutional obstacles. The 88-member Assembly of Experts, responsible for choosing the next leader, must first have a committee nominate him during a meeting with at least two-thirds attendance.

Following nomination, Arafi would still need support from two-thirds of attending members – approximately 40 senior religious leaders. Success remains uncertain at every step of this process.

Born in 1959, Arafi brings limited direct political experience but maintains strong ideological alignment with Khamenei’s vision. He has consistently advocated for governance based on complete implementation of Shi’ite religious law.

His influence stems primarily from significant institutional positions: leadership of Al-Mustafa International University and oversight of religious education in Iran’s holy city of Qom. He also holds membership in both the Guardian Council, which vets election candidates, and the Assembly of Experts – appointments he received through Khamenei’s support and confidence.

Arafi’s standing within Iran’s religious hierarchy began early when, at age 11, he relocated to Qom, the center of Shi’ite religious scholarship and learning.

As the son of an Ayatollah, Arafi pursued extensive education in religious law and philosophical studies throughout his formative years.

His professional trajectory accelerated after Khamenei assumed supreme leadership in 1989. At just 33 years old, Arafi began leading Friday prayers in his birthplace of Meybod, an early indication of Khamenei’s trust in him as the Supreme Leader strategically elevated loyal supporters.

INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS INFLUENCE

Arafi later assumed the same prayer leadership role in Qom, Iran’s sacred Shi’ite center, building both religious credibility and political influence within the clerical hierarchy.

His leadership of Al-Mustafa International University expanded his reach significantly. The institution operates connected religious schools and Islamic educational centers across more than 50 nations, working to spread the Islamic Republic’s ideological influence internationally.

According to the university’s Persian-language website, over 50,000 international students participate in its programs, with those studying in Iran receiving complimentary housing, home financing assistance, and healthcare coverage for themselves and family members.

Arafi left this university position in 2018. Two years afterward, the U.S. State Department officially designated the Quds Force as a terrorist organization, noting its recruitment activities.

The designation highlighted how the force had recruited Pakistani and Afghan students from Al-Mustafa International University into the Zaynabiyoun Brigade and Fatemiyoun Division – armed groups operating in Syria under Revolutionary Guards’ Quds Force direction and previously sanctioned for terrorism and human rights violations.

While leading the university, Arafi asserted that roughly 50 million individuals converted to Shi’ite Islam over eight years through the institution’s missionary work. This claim faced skepticism from critics.

In 2016, Iranian leadership appointed him to head the country’s nationwide religious education system.

Arafi enhanced his political position three years later when Khamenei personally selected him for the Guardian Council, an influential oversight body that examines proposed laws and determines candidate eligibility for elections.

Two major oil-producing nations could be forced to drastically reduce their crude output in the coming days if a critical Middle Eastern shipping passage stays blocked, according to financial analysts at J.P. Morgan.

Banking experts warned Tuesday that Iraq may need to halt production within approximately three days, while Kuwait could face similar constraints within two weeks. The disruption stems from the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow but crucial waterway connecting the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman.

The financial institution projects that blocked access to this strategic passage could eliminate 3.3 million barrels of daily oil production by the eighth day of the current Middle Eastern crisis. Should the blockade continue, analysts estimate losses could grow to 3.8 million barrels daily around day 15, eventually reaching 4.7 million barrels per day by day 18.

This waterway serves as one of the planet’s most important energy transit points, handling approximately 20 percent of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Two senior Iraqi petroleum officials confirmed to Reuters that their nation would need to slash oil production by more than 3 million barrels daily if tanker vessels cannot safely navigate through the strait to reach loading facilities.

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that American naval forces stand ready to provide escort services for oil tankers traveling through the waterway if needed.

Meanwhile, Iranian media outlets reported that a high-ranking Revolutionary Guards official declared the strait closed to all traffic, warning that Iran would target any vessel attempting passage.