Author: Admin

PREAH VIHEAR, Cambodia (AP) — Three months have passed since a ceasefire halted intense military confrontations between Cambodia and Thailand, yet evidence of warfare remains deeply etched into this ancient temple perched on a 1,722-foot cliff in the Dangrek Mountains.

The millennium-old sacred site has become a casualty of the decades-long territorial dispute between these Southeast Asian nations, placing the historic structure at serious risk.

Constructed by the Khmer Empire that also built the famous Angkor Wat temple complex 100 miles to the southwest, Preah Vihear earned UNESCO World Heritage designation in 2008 and represents a treasured cultural monument for Cambodians.

Following two major periods of warfare last year, significant portions of the structure have been compromised, with Cambodian authorities warning that certain sections could potentially crumble.

The location where visitors previously marveled at intricate stone carvings and breathtaking views across Cambodia’s lowlands now features scattered rubble, bomb craters, and charred remains of burned plants.

“The temple has turned quiet, and its beauty looks so sorrowful because of the tragedy,” Hem Sinath, archeologist and deputy director-general of the National Authority for Preah Vihear, told Associated Press journalists visiting earlier this month.

Tourist access has been suspended due to unstable walls and concerns about unexploded weapons remaining in the area. Barriers and warning signs mark potential landmine locations, a familiar danger for Cambodians following civil conflicts that concluded in the late 1990s. Conservation workers, maintenance crews, and military personnel continue operating at the site, where Thai forces remain visible across the border.

Cambodia’s Culture Ministry reported in January that all five prominent gateway structures sustained damage, with three nearly destroyed completely. An ancient northern stairway that had been restored through American-funded conservation efforts took repeated hits from bombardment.

Last week’s ministry statement documented temple damage at 142 locations during July fighting, plus 420 additional sites damaged during more intense December combat.

“Experts have predicted that during the upcoming rainy season, some structures on the verge of collapsing could finally fall,” Hem Sinath said.

Independent damage assessments from outside organizations remain unavailable.

Information Minister Neth Pheaktra blamed Thai military forces for using inaccurate intelligence to justify border incursions and intentionally harming the temple.

“Preah Vihear temple belongs to all humankind. It is not an enemy of Thailand,” he wrote.

International regulations prohibit attacks against significant historical landmarks like this temple, though Thailand contends that Cambodia turned the site into a military installation by placing weapons, storing munitions, and operating surveillance equipment there, eliminating its wartime protections. Thai forces targeted a tall construction crane at the location, claiming it functioned as military communications equipment.

Thai Army spokesperson Maj. Gen. Winthai Suvaree has maintained that Thai military units aimed exclusively at military objectives.

Cambodia rejects claims that its armed forces operated from the temple, with the Culture Ministry stating the site remains under civilian administration and that security personnel were present solely to safeguard the cultural landmark.

Both countries point fingers at each other for initiating the conflicts that erupted in July and December. Cambodia reports that over 640,000 residents fled border areas during the fighting, with nearly 37,000 still unable to return home.

The temple, called Phra Viharn by Thai people, has remained central to border disagreements since the 1950s. The International Court of Justice determined in 1962 that the temple and surrounding two-square-mile area belonged to Cambodia, reconfirming this decision in 2013.

For many years, the site attracted tourists from both countries, with numerous international visitors entering through Thailand before border closures.

UNESCO’s 2008 recognition of the temple as a Cambodian heritage site intensified Thai resentment, while rising nationalism fueled by domestic Thai politics led to periodic armed confrontations at the temple in 2008 and 2011.

Rebuilding the temple presents enormous challenges. Hem Sinath worries that weakened structures might collapse during monsoon season, which typically starts in late May or early June and lasts through October.

India, China, and the United States have participated in earlier restoration work, but funding has been suspended since fighting began.

Hem Sinath explained that urgent new projects needed to prevent further deterioration face obstacles due to safety and security concerns while the ceasefire remains unstable.

“We have a plan; we want to do a repair — the sooner the better, but as you see, it depends on the situation along the border,” he said.

SYDNEY, March 24 – European Union officials and Australia completed negotiations Tuesday on a comprehensive free trade agreement, marking Europe’s push to broaden its export destinations and strengthen economic relationships outside its usual trading sphere.

The newly finalized deal includes several key provisions across multiple industries:

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

Import duties will be eliminated immediately for major European exports including wine and sparkling wine varieties, select fruits and vegetables along with their processed forms and juices, chocolate products, sugar, candy, ice cream and numerous processed farm goods.

European cheese imports will see tariff elimination phased in over three years.

Europe will reciprocate by removing import duties on most Australian farm products including wine, nuts, fruits and vegetables, honey, olive oil, the majority of dairy items, wheat, barley and seafood.

Australian beef, lamb, sugar, rice, wheat gluten, skimmed milk powder and natural butter will receive either new quota volumes or expanded existing quota arrangements for reduced-tariff access.

EUROPEAN PRODUCT PROTECTIONS

The agreement provides full protection for certain EU ‘geographical indications’ – special names for products like Pecorino Romano or Ouzo – following brief transition periods.

For other products including feta or gruyere, Australian producers who have continuously used these terms for at least five years may continue using them provided they clearly label the product’s actual origin.

Australian Prosecco wine producers may continue domestic sales but must halt exports after a 10-year period.

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

Australia will completely open market access for all European passenger vehicles and most other automobiles, with only select truck categories facing gradual duty removal over a brief timeframe.

The luxury car tax threshold for European electric vehicles will increase to A$120,000 ($83,600) in Australia. This change will exempt roughly 75% of EU electric vehicles from luxury car taxation.

STRATEGIC MINERALS

Europe will eliminate tariffs on Australian critical mineral and hydrogen imports. Australia will open investment opportunities in these sectors to European companies.

SERVICE INDUSTRIES

The agreement facilitates European companies’ service sales in Australia, particularly in professional and business services, maritime shipping, and financial services. Both nations will reduce discriminatory practices and expand opportunities for service providers and investors.

INVESTMENT PROVISIONS

European investors will receive the most favorable treatment given to any foreign investor in Australia, with most receiving treatment equivalent to domestic Australian investors. Companies from both regions will be able to establish and operate businesses freely in each other’s territories.

President Donald Trump announced Monday that diplomatic communications are taking place with Iranian officials, while giving the Islamic Republic an additional five days to reopen the Strait of Hormuz before potential military action against its energy infrastructure.

The President’s shift toward diplomacy, coming during the fourth week of the ongoing conflict, helped lower oil prices and boost stock markets. This development provides temporary relief following a weekend of escalating threats between Washington and Tehran that could have left millions without power across Iran and Gulf nations, while potentially damaging critical water desalination facilities.

During a press briefing, Trump indicated Iran desires “to make a deal,” revealing that U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner conducted discussions Sunday with an Iranian official. While Trump declined to identify the Iranian representative, he clarified that no communication occurred with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei.

Iranian officials quickly disputed these claims. “No negotiations have been held with the US,” posted Iranian parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf on X, stating that “fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets.”

According to Trump, any potential agreement would require Iran to surrender its enriched uranium stockpile, which remains central to its controversial nuclear program. Tehran has historically rejected such conditions, maintaining its sovereign right to uranium enrichment for civilian applications.

Princeton University professor Robert Goldston, who specializes in arms control and fusion energy research, noted that Iran has completed approximately 99% of the centrifuge operations needed to create weapons-grade uranium sufficient for nine nuclear devices. International Atomic Energy Agency data from June 2025 shows Iran possessing 440.9 kilograms (972 pounds) of highly enriched uranium.

Regional powers Turkey and Egypt have initiated contact with both sides, marking the first coordinated mediation attempt by major Middle Eastern nations.

The conflict, initiated by the United States and Israel, has resulted in more than 2,000 deaths, destabilized global markets, driven up energy costs, and threatened major international aviation routes.

Trump’s weekend ultimatum threatened to “obliterate” Iranian power facilities unless the country ended its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. This waterway previously handled one-fifth of global oil trade before the war began. The original deadline was set to expire late Monday evening in Washington.

The President stated the five-day extension depends on “the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

Speaking later during a Tennessee appearance, Trump revealed his administration has been in negotiations “for a long time” with Iran.

“They want peace,” Trump declared. “They’ve agreed they will not have a nuclear weapon, you know, etc., etc. but we’ll see.” He expressed confidence about a “very good chance” for an agreement this week, attributing progress to his threats against Iranian energy infrastructure.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer acknowledged awareness of U.S.-Iran discussions.

“We, the U.K., were aware that was happening,” Starmer confirmed Monday without providing specifics.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi reportedly spoke with Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan by telephone. Turkey has previously served as a mediator in Tehran-Washington communications.

While Turkey’s Foreign Ministry declined Monday comments about message relay activities, Turkish officials confirmed Sunday that Fidan had contacted counterparts from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt, and the European Union, plus U.S. officials, seeking conflict resolution.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi announced Cairo delivered “clear messages” to Iran emphasizing conflict de-escalation, according to his office. Egypt’s Foreign Ministry reported “constant efforts and communications” with all involved parties.

An Egyptian official, speaking anonymously due to authorization restrictions, confirmed that the U.S. and Iran exchanged communications through Egypt, Turkey, and Pakistan over the weekend to prevent energy infrastructure attacks.

A Gulf diplomat, also speaking anonymously, indicated Egypt and Turkey are spearheading de-escalation initiatives.

“For now, it appears they managed to avert an energy catastrophe” that would follow Trump’s attacks on Iranian facilities and Iran’s retaliation, the diplomat noted.

Following Trump’s diplomatic pivot, Iran’s semi-official Fars and Tasnim news agencies characterized the American president as retreating from confrontation.

“Since the start of the war, messages have been sent to Tehran by some mediators, but Iran’s clear response has been that it will continue its defense until the required level of deterrence is achieved,” Tasnim reported. “With this kind of psychological warfare, neither the Strait of Hormuz will return to prewar conditions nor will calm return to energy markets.”

Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard had vowed retaliation if Trump executed his threats, promising strikes on power facilities serving American bases, “as well as the economic, industrial and energy infrastructures in which Americans have shares.”

Parliament speaker Qalibaf previously stated Iran would target vital regional infrastructure, including desalination plants essential for Gulf nations’ drinking water supplies.

The Revolutionary Guard-affiliated Fars news agency published a target list including the United Arab Emirates’ nuclear facility. Over the weekend, Iran fired missiles at Israel’s Dimona city, near a facility linked to its suspected nuclear weapons program, though no damage occurred.

As the U.S. deploys additional amphibious assault vessels and Marines to the Middle East, Iran’s Defense Council warned against ground operations, stating they would “lead to the mining of all access routes.”

While Trump has denied plans for ground troop deployment in Iran, he hasn’t completely ruled out the option. Israel has suggested possible ground force participation in the conflict.

Israel conducted fresh strikes Monday on Tehran, targeting infrastructure according to Israeli statements. Multiple explosions were reported across various locations, though immediate damage assessments were unavailable.

Israel continues battling Iran-affiliated Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, who have launched hundreds of rockets into Israeli territory. Recent Israeli operations have struck Beirut apartment complexes and destroyed bridges crossing southern Lebanon’s Litani River.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described the bridge targeting as “a prelude to a ground invasion.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed continued strikes against Iran and Lebanon despite U.S. ceasefire considerations.

“There’s more to come,” Netanyahu declared.

Officials report Israeli attacks have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon and displaced more than one million residents.

Iran’s Health Ministry reports domestic casualties exceeding 1,500, while Iranian strikes have killed 15 people in Israel. At least 13 U.S. military personnel have died, along with more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab nations.

The US dollar experienced significant declines against major world currencies Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone planned military strikes on Iran’s electrical infrastructure, easing concerns about extended conflict in the Middle East region.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump stated that the United States and Iran have had “very good and productive” discussions regarding a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.” Iranian officials, however, have disputed these claims, denying any direct diplomatic engagement.

These conflicting statements have left financial markets uncertain, despite an initial surge following Trump’s announcement of a five-day delay in the planned bombing. Market participants remain concerned about ongoing disruptions to approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz due to regional tensions.

The British pound retreated 0.5% to $1.33925 after Monday’s nearly 1% gain, while the euro declined 0.2% to $1.1593 following a 0.4% increase in the prior session.

The dollar index, tracking the US currency against multiple trading partners, climbed nearly 0.2% to 99.35 after reaching close to a two-week low Monday.

“The news overnight is giving a breather to volatility at least, but it’s difficult to see that this is going to trigger a risk-on trend,” said Rodrigo Catril, a currency strategist at National Australia Bank.

Catril noted that Trump’s previous policy decisions have made traders cautious, with uncertainty about whether this represents genuine diplomatic progress or merely stepping back from market-disrupting threats.

The Australian dollar dropped 0.2% to $0.6993 during early trading, retreating from a six-week peak. New Zealand’s currency fell 0.23% to $0.5845.

Crude oil prices moved higher after Monday’s dramatic 10% plunge, with Brent crude futures climbing back above $100.94 per barrel as supply concerns continue affecting market sentiment.

“The key question is whether participants see this as a genuine extension that brings a deal closer, or simply a delay that prolongs uncertainty,” said Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone.

“The U.S. dollar has seen selling on the back of the move lower in crude and the broader repositioning in risk. However, there is little conviction in the move, and conditions remain ripe for sharp reversals.”

The Japanese yen held steady at 158.61 against the dollar after Japan reported core consumer inflation of 1.6% in February. This figure fell short of the Bank of Japan’s 2% inflation target for the first time in nearly four years, creating challenges for the central bank’s interest rate policy decisions.

BANGKOK (AP) — Nations throughout Asia are reverting to coal-fired power generation as military conflict in Iran threatens the flow of oil and natural gas shipments through vital maritime corridors.

Asian nations face particular vulnerability due to their dependence on imported energy resources, with significant volumes transported through the Strait of Hormuz — a critical passage handling approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil and natural gas commerce.

Liquefied natural gas represents natural gas that has been cooled to liquid state for simplified storage and transportation. Energy officials have championed LNG as a transitional fuel during the move away from oil and coal toward cleaner power sources. American officials have worked to expand LNG exports throughout Asian markets. While LNG burns more cleanly than coal, it continues to release greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change, particularly methane.

The ongoing conflict has prompted nations to return to coal power to compensate for LNG supply gaps. India is increasing coal consumption to satisfy elevated summer electricity demands. South Korea has removed restrictions on coal-generated electricity. Indonesia is emphasizing the use of its domestic coal reserves. Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam are expanding their coal-powered electricity generation.

Increased coal consumption threatens to intensify smog conditions in metropolitan areas, delay the transition toward renewable energy sources and boost the region’s greenhouse gas emissions.

Energy specialists indicate that coal serves as a temporary solution, while renewable energy represents the permanent answer. Ongoing dependence on coal leaves Asia vulnerable to future supply disruptions, according to Julia Skorupska from the international Powering Past Coal Alliance.

“This kind of crisis is a real sort of warning,” she said.

Coal remains central to Asia’s emergency energy strategies. The fuel’s widespread availability throughout Asia positions it as the standard backup option when renewable sources or natural gas prove insufficient, explained Sandeep Pai, an energy specialist at Duke University.

China, leading both coal consumption and production globally, has constructed unprecedented coal power generation facilities since 2021 to strengthen its energy independence. National policy continues to support coal utilization, despite the country’s extensive clean energy infrastructure providing some alternatives.

India, ranking second in coal consumption and production worldwide, is preparing for an intense summer season and will increase coal dependency to satisfy peak electricity demand of 270 gigawatts — almost double Spain’s total electricity generation capacity. The country maintains approximately three months’ worth of coal reserves, with certain stockpiles designated for small enterprises.

Two recent Indian liquefied petroleum gas shipments exceeding 92,700 tons successfully navigated through the Strait of Hormuz. These imports will probably supply industries like fertilizer manufacturing rather than electricity production, Pai noted.

Coal supporters including Michelle Manook from FutureCoal argue the supply shortage would be more severe without coal availability and future utilization should be calculated. “The lesson has to be diversity,” she said.

Pauline Heinrichs, who researches climate and energy issues at King’s College London, highlights China’s increased coal usage to compensate for hydroelectric power shortages caused by drought conditions, worsening emissions that fuel climate change.

“You learn to respond to shocks generated by certain insecurities by reproducing the insecurity,” she said.

Compounding the challenge for import-dependent nations, Indonesia, the world’s top exporter, is prioritizing domestic consumption over international sales. This development could restrict regional availability and drive global prices upward, said Putra Adhiguna from the Energy Shift Institute.

Coal pricing follows global markets, exposing importing countries to price fluctuations and supply interruptions. Increased coal usage does not ensure affordable or dependable electricity, noted Russell Marsh from E3G.

Vietnam already confronts this price instability. The country boosted imports following weather-related supply shortages, but Indonesian supplies now face uncertainty, prompting consideration of coal imports from the United States and Laos, according to energy market analyst Argus Media.

The benchmark price for coal utilized in Asia, known as Newcastle coal from Australia, has increased 13% since the conflict started.

Rising prices will also impact Southeast Asia, the world’s third-largest coal-consuming region, including Vietnam, the Philippines and Thailand, which are increasing coal power generation.

Current increases in coal usage will delay and potentially undermine long-term initiatives to eliminate coal-fired electricity.

Indonesia was already experiencing difficulties meeting objectives to decommission coal facilities ahead of schedule, with financing obstacles predating the Iran conflict.

Coal power in Indonesia cost 48% more in 2024 compared to 2020 due to deteriorating facilities and increased expenses, according to the U.S.-based Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis or IEEFA. Government subsidies to the national utility increased 24% to $11 billion, representing approximately 5% of the national budget.

Jakarta has encouraged LNG adoption to facilitate a transition away from coal. However, the renewed coal dependence “sends a signal” that converting to natural gas “is not as easy as it sounds,” Adhiguna explained.

South Korea has committed to decommissioning most coal facilities by 2040 and reducing emissions by half by 2035. Nevertheless, the country is permitting increased coal usage during periods of low air pollution and LNG shortages.

In 2023, South Korea required substantial renewable energy expansion — approximately 8 gigawatts of new wind capacity annually — to achieve carbon neutrality objectives, Agora Energiewende reported. Progress has been limited, with renewable sources providing only 10% of electricity in 2024, compared to a global average of 32%, according to IEEFA.

During the past 11 years, South Korea has allocated $127 billion to fossil fuel projects. This amount exceeds renewable energy spending by 13 times, with 60% of export financing supporting LNG and $120.1 billion spent on fuel imports in 2024 alone, said Joojin Kim from Solutions for Our Climate.

South Korea maintains plans to eliminate coal usage, but recent policy changes could extend beyond the current crisis, Kim warned. “The concern is not just the decision itself. It is the precedent it sets.”

For nations with limited coal resources, such as Thailand, the effect on electricity costs would be minor, since coal represents too small a portion of generating capacity, explained Jitsai Santaputra from The Lantau Group. Domestic coal comprises less than 10% of Thailand’s energy portfolio.

Coal combustion creates fine particles that penetrate deeply into lungs and enter the bloodstream, increasing risks of heart disease, stroke, lung cancer and chronic respiratory conditions, according to the World Health Organization, or WHO.

This represents a widespread problem throughout Asia, particularly during seasons when agricultural burning occurs.

All 1.4 billion Indians breathe air containing particle concentrations the WHO considers dangerous, according to research by the Energy Policy Institute of Chicago. The government has suspended air-quality regulations, permitting restaurants to burn coal to address natural gas shortages.

Vietnam also experiences serious air pollution, with PM2.5 levels significantly exceeding WHO guidelines. The country is encouraging electric bicycle adoption and has established goals to reduce coal consumption.

Lan Nguyen, a shop owner in Hanoi, said she understands coal remains necessary for electricity generation currently, but expresses concern for her asthmatic son’s health. “I worry for my son’s lungs every day,” she said.

MELBOURNE, Australia — Following years of stalled discussions, the European Union and Australia have finalized the terms of a comprehensive trade agreement on Tuesday, resolving disputes that had derailed talks two years earlier over beef market access and naming rights for products like prosecco wine.

The signing ceremony took place at Australia’s Parliament House, where European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen joined Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese to formalize the deal that has been in development since 2018.

Both regions are pursuing this partnership as they work to expand their trade relationships beyond China and shield themselves from potential shifts in American trade policies.

“Today marks a defining moment in the relationship between Australia and the European Union,” Albanese told reporters.

“After eight years of negotiations, Australia and the European Union have signed a landmark trade deal,” he added.

Beyond trade, the two leaders unveiled a military cooperation agreement and announced plans to begin discussions about Australia potentially joining the Horizon Europe research funding initiative as an associate member.

One significant provision requires Australian wine producers to stop using the “prosecco” label for exports within a decade of the agreement’s implementation, protecting the traditional Italian sparkling wine designation.

For Australian livestock producers, Europe will establish import quotas totaling 30,600 metric tons for red meat products, with more than half entering duty-free.

The arrangement will also help guarantee Europe’s access to essential raw materials from Australia.

Global financial markets experienced a dramatic turnaround Tuesday following President Donald Trump’s decision to delay planned military strikes against Iran’s electrical infrastructure and extend his deadline by five additional days.

The announcement came after Trump’s initial Saturday demand that Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours. The president cited constructive discussions with Iranian representatives as the reason for the extension, though Iranian officials have disputed these claims.

Investment markets, which had been experiencing significant volatility at the week’s start, responded positively to news of the postponement. Investors appeared relieved by the reduced prospect of immediate military escalation in the region.

“It’s a negotiating tactic… I don’t think that the U.S. administration wants to see oil at $150 because they themselves provoked it,” explained Rajeev De Mello, who serves as chief investment officer at GAMA Asset Management.

The market response was swift and substantial. Stock prices climbed while crude oil futures dropped significantly. Additionally, the dollar weakened and government bond yields declined as traders adjusted their positions.

Asian markets carried this momentum into Tuesday’s trading session. The MSCI Asia-Pacific index, excluding Japan, gained 1.3%, while Australian shares rose 0.7%. Japan’s Nikkei index posted particularly strong gains of more than 2%, recovering most of Monday’s 3.5% loss.

Energy markets showed mixed signals Tuesday. After Monday’s dramatic 10% decline, oil prices recovered modestly. Brent crude futures increased 1% to reach $100.94 per barrel, while U.S. crude climbed 1.9% to $89.84.

However, analysts cautioned that uncertainty remains high given the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict and potential for sustained elevated energy costs.

“Markets are not out of the woods,” warned Chris Weston, head of research at Pepperstone. “Price action could remain choppy into Friday’s revised deadline… The key question is whether participants see this as a genuine extension that brings a deal closer, or simply a delay that prolongs uncertainty.”

The geopolitical developments also influenced expectations for central bank monetary policy. U.S. Treasury yields stabilized Tuesday after sharp overnight declines, reflecting reduced investor expectations for aggressive interest rate increases by major central banks this year.

The two-year Treasury yield remained relatively stable at 3.8498% after falling more than 6 basis points in the previous session. The benchmark 10-year yield stood at 4.3400%.

Market participants have essentially eliminated expectations for Federal Reserve rate increases this year, anticipating rates will remain unchanged. The Bank of England is now expected to raise rates only twice this year, down from four previous expectations. European Central Bank rate hike projections have similarly been reduced.

“Unless the Strait (of Hormuz) is reopened very quickly, we are still more likely than not to see higher interest rates and a meaningful increase in oil importers’ costs in the coming weeks,” noted Kit Juckes, head of FX strategy at Societe Generale.

Currency markets reflected the improved risk sentiment, with the U.S. dollar weakening as demand for safe-haven assets decreased. The euro traded at $1.1603 after gaining 0.4% overnight, while the British pound maintained strength near Monday’s two-week high at $1.3420.

The dollar showed slight gains against the Japanese yen, rising 0.04% to 158.54. This came as new data revealed Japan’s core consumer inflation rate dropped to 1.6% in February, falling below the Bank of Japan’s 2% target for the first time in nearly four years.

Precious metals also benefited from the market uncertainty, with spot gold prices increasing 0.6% to $4,431.65 per ounce.

Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro has been moved to a standard hospital room in Brasilia while recovering from pneumonia, according to his medical team on Monday.

The health update for the far-right former leader coincided with Brazil’s attorney general recommending he be allowed to complete his prison sentence at home rather than behind bars.

The 71-year-old politician, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, is currently serving a 27-year prison term for his role in orchestrating a coup attempt in 2023.

Dr. Brasil Caiado informed media in Brasilia that no release date has been set for Bolsonaro’s hospital discharge. The former president was admitted to medical care on March 13 after becoming sick while at the Papuda correctional facility in Brazil’s capital. He was placed in semi-intensive care three days after his admission.

The controversial former leader had been moved from federal police headquarters to an expanded cell in January. Bolsonaro’s relatives and supporters have consistently petitioned Brazil’s Supreme Court to permit him to complete his prison term, which began in November, from his residence.

In a ruling released Monday, Attorney General Paulo Gonet sided with Bolsonaro’s family request and recommended to Justice Alexandre de Moraes that the former president be sent home with electronic monitoring to complete his sentence.

“The clinical evolution of the former president, as shown by the medical team that took care of him in the latest incident, recommends” house imprisonment, Gonet said in his decision.

Justice de Moraes, who presided over Bolsonaro’s coup-related case, has not yet made a ruling. He typically follows Gonet’s recommendations.

SEOUL, South Korea — North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un announced his nation will permanently establish itself as a nuclear-armed state while taking an aggressive position against South Korea, which he labeled as the country’s greatest enemy, according to state-controlled media reports released Tuesday.

During an address Monday before Pyongyang’s ceremonial legislative body, Kim criticized the United States for what he termed worldwide “state terrorism and aggression,” seemingly referencing Middle Eastern conflicts, and declared North Korea would take a stronger position in opposing Washington as anti-American feelings grow. However, Kim avoided directly naming U.S. President Donald Trump and stated that “whether his adversaries choose confrontation or peaceful coexistence is up to them, and we are prepared to respond to any choice.”

These remarks echoed statements Kim made during last month’s ruling Workers’ Party Congress, where he attacked Seoul while keeping diplomatic channels open with the Trump administration, pushing Washington to abandon demands for North Korean nuclear disarmament before negotiations could begin.

State media reported that the Supreme People’s Assembly, which wrapped up its two-day meeting Monday, approved constitutional amendments without revealing specific details. Observers had anticipated the changes would formally designate South Korea as a perpetual adversary and eliminate language about shared Korean heritage. This follows Kim’s hardline position after announcing in 2024 that North Korea would drop its historical objective of peaceful reunification with the South.

Foreign policy experts suggest Kim’s attacks on South Korea demonstrate his belief that Seoul, which facilitated his initial Trump meetings in 2018 and 2019, no longer serves as a helpful mediator with Washington but instead blocks his efforts to expand regional influence. Kim has also demonstrated concern about South Korean cultural influence, launching intensive efforts to prevent its entertainment and language from affecting North Korean citizens while strengthening his dynasty’s totalitarian control.

During his address, Kim praised his country’s swift nuclear weapons and missile development over recent years, describing it as the “right” decision to address future dangers and “hegemonic pursuits” by “gangsterlike” imperial powers, language North Korea typically uses for the United States and its partners.

“The dignity of the nation, its national interest and its ultimate victory can only be guaranteed by the strongest of power,” Kim stated. “The government of our republic will continue to consolidate our absolutely irreversible status as a nuclear power and will aggressively wage a struggle against hostile forces to crush their (anti-North Korean) provocations and schemes.”

Kim has ended all substantial diplomatic contact with Washington and Seoul following the breakdown of his second Trump summit in 2019 due to American-imposed economic penalties against North Korea.

Kim has recently focused on strengthening ties with Russia, deploying thousands of soldiers and substantial military supplies to assist Moscow’s Ukrainian invasion, potentially receiving assistance and weapons technology in return. With the conflict possibly nearing conclusion, analysts believe Kim may attempt to maintain flexibility by adopting a more cautious approach toward Washington to keep future negotiations possible, ultimately seeking American sanctions relief and unofficial acceptance as a nuclear nation.

Nevertheless, some specialists think that joint American and Israeli operations against Iran and the elimination of Tehran’s former supreme leader may have increased Kim’s requirements for resuming talks with Washington.

COPENHAGEN – Danish citizens cast ballots Tuesday in a national election that could deliver Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen another term in office, despite her party facing potential historic losses amid economic pressures that have undermined her progressive agenda.

Polling data indicates Frederiksen’s Social Democratic Party is tracking toward its poorest electoral performance since the pre-World War II era, with many Danish voters criticizing her administration for failing to adequately safeguard their comprehensive social welfare system. Additional concerns center on voter fatigue following nearly seven years under her leadership.

The 48-year-old prime minister scheduled the election well ahead of the required October deadline, which political observers attribute to her attempt to leverage increased public support following President Trump’s renewed interest in acquiring Greenland, including his refusal to dismiss potential military action.

However, the Greenland controversy has since shifted to conventional diplomatic channels and been overshadowed by domestic policy debates, including proposals for wealth taxation and immigration reform discussions.

Frederiksen has built her campaign around assertions that her experienced and decisive leadership approach will guide Denmark’s 6 million residents through challenging relations with Washington and coordinate European responses to Russia’s ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

“I know that sometimes I express myself a bit bluntly,” she stated at a recent campaign rally. “But given the times we live in, it is perhaps very good that there are some things that cannot be misunderstood: that Russia should not be allowed to win or that Greenland is not for sale.”

Since assuming power in 2019, Frederiksen became Denmark’s first leader in over four decades to successfully unite left and right political factions, though her current coalition appears likely to surrender its parliamentary control.

Political commentator Hans Engell noted that “To a large degree, this election is about Mette Frederiksen,” explaining that while some citizens consider her the appropriate leader during turbulent times, others perceive her governing style as overly controlling.

Her Social Democratic Party, which had lost support among leftist voters due to strict asylum policy changes, has seen polling numbers climb from December’s 17% low point to approximately 21% following the Greenland diplomatic crisis.

Nevertheless, the progressive coalition remains unlikely to secure the 90 parliamentary seats required for majority control in Denmark’s 179-member Folketing, with current projections suggesting around 85 seats for the left-leaning alliance.

Despite this shortfall, Frederiksen maintains frontrunner status to lead the next government, as her left-wing partners appear committed while conservative opposition remains divided, with political allegiances returning to traditional ideological boundaries.

Central campaign themes include Frederiksen’s plan to restore wealth taxation to finance educational and social welfare investments, representing her effort to demonstrate a return to progressive policies.

Under Denmark’s parliamentary structure, governments can function without majority support provided they avoid having a majority actively opposing them.

The conservative opposition is headed by Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen from the Liberal Party, while former Prime Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen could prove decisive. Rasmussen leads the centrist Moderate Party and currently serves as foreign minister, positioning him as a potential power broker.

Rasmussen’s decision to support either Frederiksen’s coalition or a right-leaning alternative may ultimately determine government formation.

Twelve political parties are competing in the election, with four additional seats designated for representatives from Greenland and the Faroe Islands potentially playing crucial roles in the outcome.

Political analysts are particularly monitoring voting patterns in Greenland, looking for indicators of potential instability in the Nuuk government, which could complicate ongoing trilateral discussions between Danish, American, and Greenlandic officials regarding future policy coordination.

Polling locations open at 8 a.m. local time and close at 8 p.m., with preliminary results expected shortly after voting concludes.

Pakistan is stepping forward as a diplomatic go-between in the growing crisis involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, according to reports from The Financial Times.

Field Marshal Asim Munir, Pakistan’s top military commander, contacted President Donald Trump by phone on Sunday to discuss the Iranian situation and propose Pakistan’s services as a mediator. The following day, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held separate discussions with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

Pakistani authorities have yet to officially confirm these diplomatic contacts.

According to The Financial Times, Munir is spearheading this diplomatic effort by “leveraging Islamabad’s longstanding ties with Tehran alongside his reported rapport with US President Donald Trump to facilitate back-channel diplomacy.” The publication noted that Munir’s conversation with Trump aimed to reduce escalating Middle Eastern tensions.

Notably, President Trump has recently described Munir publicly as his preferred field marshal on multiple occasions over recent months.

Pakistani leadership has suggested their capital city could serve as an impartial location for discussions between American and Iranian officials, presenting their nation as a trustworthy and discreet diplomatic facilitator.

This diplomatic outreach occurs during a crucial period in the US-Israeli military operations against Iran, with ongoing hostilities raising alarm about regional stability and potential disruptions to worldwide energy supplies.

President Trump declared on Monday that he was suspending his threatened attacks on Iranian energy and military installations, announcing a five-day ceasefire period for both nations to engage in negotiations.

Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran and maintains strong relationships with Gulf nations, has carefully avoided taking sides in this conflict.

Experts observe that Pakistan’s approach reflects both strategic international considerations and internal factors, including the country’s substantial Shia Muslim community and deep-rooted cultural and trade connections with Iran.

During a recent gathering with prominent Shia religious leaders in Rawalpindi, Munir declared that Pakistan would not accept violence resulting from conflicts originating in other nations. The meeting centered on how religious authorities could contribute to national security and social unity.

These statements follow military strikes on Tehran by Israeli and American forces that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

In response to these attacks, deadly demonstrations broke out across multiple Pakistani cities, including Karachi, Islamabad, and Gilgit, resulting in at least 20 fatalities and numerous injuries.

Meanwhile, Pakistani leadership appears to recognize a chance to restore the country’s diplomatic significance on the world stage.

Through assuming a mediating position, Pakistan could enhance its global reputation while potentially gaining strategic or economic benefits from Washington.

Sources within the government and security apparatus indicate that Munir has communicated Pakistan’s readiness to enable discussions while promising both parties that Pakistan can establish private communication channels that few other nations could provide under current circumstances.

This effort expands upon previous indications from Sharif and military officials showing their preparedness to support diplomatic initiatives designed to ease tensions.

Currently, Pakistan is striking a delicate balance by publicly advocating for moderation and denouncing civilian harm while privately increasing diplomatic engagement.

With tensions remaining high, Pakistan’s behind-the-scenes diplomatic efforts underscore an important truth: in an increasingly divided region, moderate nations may be crucial for maintaining vital communication pathways.

A Jewish resident who has lived in Cyprus for years tells reporters that the Mediterranean island continues to be a haven where Israeli and Jewish visitors feel secure, even amid concerns about increasing criminal activity and demographic changes following the October 7, 2023 Hamas assault on Israel.

In an interview from Larnaca, a resident named Shely explained that Cypriots have affection for Israel and that Jewish tourists from Israel, America, and Britain still consider Cyprus a safe and friendly place to visit. He noted the island serves as a natural meeting place for Israelis due to its close location to Israel, requiring just a 40-minute flight.

According to Shely, some Jewish tourists have questioned whether they should conceal religious symbols like yarmulkes or refrain from speaking Hebrew publicly. His response to such concerns is negative.

“I always recommend to them, just, you know, be proud,” he said. “No one’s going to do anything. You’re incredibly safe here.”

While he admitted there were some demonstrations and graffiti incidents in the immediate aftermath of the conflict’s start, Shely noted these manifestations vanished relatively quickly.

Government statistics indicate a slight uptick in criminal incidents reported across Cyprus, though crime rates continue to be lower than most European nations.

Meanwhile, Shely observed that attitudes on the island have become more nuanced as additional residents from various Middle Eastern nations—beyond just Israel—have relocated there in recent years. He connected this migration pattern to increased serious criminal activity and mentioned that some local residents have voiced concerns.

Nevertheless, he emphasized that many Cypriots continue to regard Israelis positively, especially those who establish permanent residence and contribute to the local economy. He noted that following conflict periods in Israel, Cyprus typically experiences an increase in Israeli residents seeking stability and peaceful conditions for raising families.

“We are seeing so, so many Israelis looking for shelter here,” he said. “Sometimes, you know, you want to raise your kids in a place where there’s less war.”

President Donald Trump has declared a temporary five-day suspension of planned American military attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure following diplomatic discussions aimed at achieving a “complete and total resolution of hostilities” in the Middle East.

Through a Truth Social post, Trump revealed that the United States conducted “very good and productive conversations” with Iran during the previous 48 hours. The president characterized these diplomatic exchanges as “in-depth, detailed, and constructive” while noting that negotiations would extend through the remainder of the week.

Trump stated his willingness to “postpone any and all military strikes against Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure” throughout the five-day window. However, he emphasized that this decision remains conditional and “subject to the success of the ongoing meetings and discussions.”

This diplomatic shift represents a notable change from Trump’s more aggressive position taken Saturday evening, when he issued Iran a 48-hour ultimatum to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening that the United States would “obliterate” Iranian power facilities if his demands went unmet.

However, an Iranian news outlet, referencing an unidentified source, denied that any negotiations have occurred between Tehran and President Trump.

After Trump’s initial ultimatum, Tehran issued its own warning, stating it would “irreversibly destroy” vital infrastructure throughout the Middle East, including crucial water supply systems, should the United States proceed with Trump’s threat to “obliterate” Iran’s power facilities unless the Strait of Hormuz reopened within the two-day timeframe.

Prior to Trump’s announcement of the strike suspension, the Israel Defense Forces had projected “several more weeks of fighting” against Iran and Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

Major European capitals now sit within striking distance of Iranian missiles, security experts warn, following Tehran’s unsuccessful attack on a British-American military installation in the Indian Ocean.

The failed missile strike against the Diego Garcia base has demonstrated Iran’s ability to launch weapons across a 4,000-kilometer range, placing cities like Paris, Berlin, Rome, and London within potential reach of Iranian forces.

Benjamin Touati, who leads ELNET-Israel, described the attempted attack as part of a larger strategic transformation in the region. “The Middle East stands at a decisive turning point, even as tensions continue to escalate. The outcome of the conflict is increasingly clear; what remains uncertain is its cost, its duration, and the shape of the new regional order that will emerge,” Touati explained to reporters.

According to Touati, current tensions stem from developments that began well before recent events. “This transformation did not begin recently. The region has been evolving since October 7, 2023, and even earlier with the Abraham Accords and the growing Iranian threat—not only to Israel, but to Gulf states as well,” he noted.

The distance calculations are sobering for European leaders. Diego Garcia sits roughly 3,800 kilometers from Iran’s southeastern border, while Paris lies approximately 4,200 kilometers from Tehran and less than 3,500 kilometers from northwestern Iran. “The strike toward Diego Garcia carries implications far beyond its immediate tactical significance,” Touati observed, adding that the message to Europe is clear: “Europe is within range.”

However, counterterrorism specialist Daniele Garofalo cautioned against assuming immediate operational threats based solely on missile range demonstrations. “On the technical level, three layers must be separated: theoretical range, actual operational capability, and political decision to employ,” Garofalo told reporters.

Despite the symbolic importance of Iran’s long-distance missile launch, Garofalo emphasized that current intelligence assessments remain measured. “There is no evidence that Iran currently possesses a confirmed capability to reliably strike European targets,” he stated.

Even with missiles capable of reaching 4,000 kilometers, Garofalo explained that multiple factors must align before a genuine threat emerges. “If one assumes a vector in the 4,000 km class that is truly operational, some portions of Europe … fall within a theoretical reachability perimeter. However, theoretical reachability does not equal a credible threat of an imminent strategic strike,” he pointed out.

A successful long-range attack would require “vector reliability, penetration capability, targeting, a resilient C2 [command and control] chain, launch preparation, survivability management of launchers, and political willingness to accept a NATO response,” according to Garofalo’s analysis.

These missile range concerns coincide with growing disagreements between Washington and European allies regarding security measures for the Strait of Hormuz. The United States has advocated for stronger protective actions for maritime shipping lanes, while multiple European nations have shown reluctance to expand their military commitments in the region.

The strategic waterway serves as one of the planet’s most vital energy transit points, with approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments and substantial liquefied natural gas volumes passing through daily. Any interruption to commercial traffic through this corridor would immediately impact worldwide energy costs and European economies that rely heavily on energy imports.

European leadership has therefore prioritized economic stability over military escalation. Policy discussions across several capitals have focused on strengthening maritime monitoring, expanding intelligence cooperation, and providing protective escorts for commercial shipping. Britain, France, Germany, Italy, and the Netherlands have responded favorably to calls for protective action in the strait, though specific implementation details—including potential military measures—remain undisclosed.

This measured response reflects both political sensitivities and desires to prevent geographic expansion of the conflict. The gap between Washington’s push for stronger deterrence and Europe’s focus on risk management has contributed to perceptions of increasing transatlantic tensions over Hormuz security strategies.

Garofalo characterized the European stance as careful rather than uninvolved. “Public signals point in the opposite direction of a rapid Europeanization of the Hormuz theater,” he observed.

European governments will likely pursue gradual measures rather than dramatic changes, Garofalo predicted. “In practice, more presence and more prudence, not necessarily more combat,” he said. His assessment suggests European nations may enhance surveillance, intelligence sharing, and maritime protection without committing to major military deployments.

Touati, however, argued that evolving circumstances may demand more decisive action. “This is no longer a regional issue; it is a strategic challenge with global implications,” he stated.

The missile demonstration and maritime tensions reflect broader geopolitical changes, according to Touati. “The Iranian regime continues to escalate on multiple fronts—threatening regional stability, targeting moderate Sunni states in the Gulf, disrupting global economic flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and now extending its reach toward Europe itself,” he warned.

These differing assessments highlight broader uncertainty about appropriate European responses. Some analysts stress risk containment, while others warn that hesitation could invite further escalation.

Touati suggested that recent developments should prompt urgent reconsideration of European defense strategies. “Is this not the moment to move from concept to reality?” he questioned. The Diego Garcia attack is widely viewed as both a warning and provocation designed to discourage European intervention, he added.

Beyond direct missile threats, analysts increasingly emphasize hybrid warfare risks. Garofalo noted that indirect attacks may pose more realistic dangers for Europe. “If Iran chose indirect retaliation on European soil, the most likely form would not be a direct missile. It would be a hybrid package,” he warned.

Potential hybrid threats include “cyber operations against energy, healthcare, shipping, logistics, telecoms, finance, and public systems,” along with “limited sabotage or arson,” and “attacks on Israeli, Jewish, US, or Iranian dissident targets,” according to Garofalo’s analysis.

He also highlighted concerning operational patterns already documented. “The Iranian threat in Europe does not necessarily pass through ‘classic cells’—it often passes through criminal proxies, facilitators, and opportunistic tasking.”

Security monitoring should focus on “interfaces between hostile intelligence, organized crime, infiltrated diaspora, pre-operational surveillance, and cyber access,” Garofalo advised. “If I must put it bluntly—the real warning is not the lone fanatic. It is the convergence between gangs, Iranian intelligence, cyber access, and target selection,” he explained.

Questions about European preparedness also factor into current discussions. Using Italy as an example, Garofalo pointed to existing defense capabilities while identifying civilian readiness gaps.

“Italy is not exposed. On the military side, Italy is part of NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defense architecture and ballistic missile defense.” However, he noted that “public doctrine, widespread civil preparedness, alert culture, urban sheltering, population-institution exercises, and crisis communication are not at the level of a country truly preparing for a regular long-range threat.”

Touati framed the challenge in broader strategic terms. “Ultimately, Europe faces a deeper structural challenge. For decades, it has lived without war on its soil. This has shaped both its strategic culture and its reflexes,” he said.

“The question is no longer theoretical: Will Europe recognize this strategic momentum and prepare for what may be an unavoidable reality? Is Europe ready?” Touati asked.

The Diego Garcia incident, maritime tensions, and transatlantic policy differences underscore how the conflict’s effects are becoming increasingly worldwide. While no immediate threat to Europe has materialized, the combination of long-range missile capabilities, hybrid warfare scenarios, and strategic disagreements indicates that the continent now has closer connections to a conflict previously considered distant.

Israeli military officials have determined that a farmer’s death resulted from their own artillery fire rather than enemy attack, according to findings released one day following the tragic incident.

The investigation, conducted under the leadership of Northern Command chief Maj. Gen. Rafi Milo and other high-ranking military officials, revealed that Ofer “Pushko” Moskovitz died when Israeli artillery shells mistakenly hit kibbutz Misgav Am instead of their intended target in southern Lebanon. The artillery support was meant to aid Israeli troops conducting operations across the border.

Military investigators discovered that five artillery rounds struck various locations within the kibbutz community. Two shells hit a residential building, two more struck vehicles positioned near the community store, and the fifth shell hit Moskovitz’s vehicle directly. Officials stated that the chain of mistakes leading to this tragic outcome should never have happened and remains under continued examination.

The investigation revealed that artillery crews fired the rounds at an improper angle while failing to follow established protocols, causing all five shells to impact the Misgav Am ridge area rather than reaching enemy targets. Military leadership indicated they would review these conclusions and implement necessary changes across affected units.

Military officials have informed Moskovitz’s family of the investigation results and expressed deep regret over the incident while offering condolences to both the family and the broader Misgav Am community. A more detailed and transparent follow-up investigation will take place, with results being shared with the family first before public release.

Community members remembered Moskovitz as a prominent and respected leader within Misgav Am, describing him as a dedicated farmer, community spokesperson, and central figure in local affairs. Residents said his passing would leave a lasting impact on the entire Galilee region.

During a recent television interview with N12, Moskovitz had spoken passionately about his deep connection to the land, explaining that farming represented their entire way of life and that they remained committed to building a future in that location. He had expressed his dream that future grandchildren would someday walk through the orchards and understand them as his personal legacy.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — American military officials confirmed Monday that the United States has positioned advanced surveillance drones in Nigeria as the West African nation confronts an increasingly complex array of security threats.

The deployment involves MQ-9 Reaper aircraft, which joined 200 American military personnel who arrived in Nigeria last month to conduct training operations and provide intelligence support. These sophisticated drones are capable of reaching altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet and remaining airborne for more than 30 hours at a time. The aircraft have been extensively utilized by both U.S. military forces and the CIA across Middle Eastern operations, including missions in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Yemen during American combat operations in those regions.

Nigeria, which holds the distinction of being Africa’s most densely populated nation, is currently grappling with a complicated security situation, particularly across its northern territories. The country faces threats from several prominent Islamic extremist organizations, including Boko Haram and a splinter group that has aligned itself with the Islamic State and operates under the name Islamic State West Africa Province, or ISWAP. Additional concerns include the IS-connected Lakurawa organization, along with various criminal networks that focus on kidnapping operations for financial gain and unauthorized mining activities.

An AFRICOM representative from the U.S. Africa Command explained to The Associated Press that American personnel “are working alongside their Nigerian counterparts to provide intelligence support, advisory assistance, and targeted training in support of the Nigerian Armed Forces.”

Both the military personnel and the MQ-9 aircraft are operating from Bauchi Airfield, a recently constructed airport facility located in Nigeria’s northeastern region, according to the spokesperson. Officials have not disclosed the exact number of drones currently deployed to the location.

Each MQ-9 drone carries a price tag of approximately $30 million and comes in specialized variants designed for land-based and maritime operations. While these aircraft possess strike capabilities, AFRICOM officials emphasize that their mission in Nigeria will be limited exclusively to intelligence collection and training purposes.

This military deployment represents part of a fresh security cooperation agreement established following President Donald Trump’s assertions that Christians are being specifically targeted during Nigeria’s ongoing security crisis. American forces conducted strikes against Islamic State positions on December 26.

Previously, the United States maintained a significant drone installation in neighboring Niger, but operations ceased after the country’s military leadership forced American troops to withdraw.

Recent violence struck earlier this month when three suspected suicide attacks claimed the lives of at least 23 individuals and injured 108 others in Maiduguri, which serves as the capital of Borno state. While no organization has taken credit for the attacks, investigators suspect Boko Haram involvement, given the group’s 2009 launch of an insurgency campaign across northeastern Nigeria aimed at imposing their extreme interpretation of Islamic law.

The security situation has deteriorated further with the involvement of additional militant organizations from the broader Sahel region, including Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin, which conducted its first documented attack on Nigerian territory last year.

United Nations statistics indicate that more than 40,000 people have lost their lives since Boko Haram’s insurgency commenced. Security analysts argue that the Nigerian government’s efforts to safeguard its population remain inadequate.

Security officials reported early Tuesday that aerial bombardments struck facilities operated by Iraq’s Popular Mobilisation forces in Anbar province’s western region, resulting in the deaths of two militants and injuries to five additional personnel.

The Popular Mobilisation forces represent a coalition composed largely of Shi’ite militia organizations that receive support from Iran, according to security sources who provided details about the attack.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has been transferred out of intensive care following his hospitalization for bronchopneumonia, according to a Monday report from Brazilian news outlet G1.

The former president had been receiving treatment in the intensive care unit at a hospital in Brasilia since March 13, where he was being monitored for the lung infection.

G1 reported the development based on information provided by Bolsonaro’s physician.

The Trump administration is discreetly considering Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf as a possible diplomatic partner and even potential future leader, according to a Monday report from Politico that cited two administration officials.

According to the report, some White House officials view Ghalibaf as someone they could effectively work with to lead Iran and engage in negotiations with the Trump administration during the next phase of ongoing tensions.

JOHANNESBURG — In a solemn ceremony on Monday, South Africa laid to rest the remains of dozens of indigenous Africans whose bodies had been excavated and transported to European institutions for scientific study more than a century ago.

At least 63 individuals from the Khoi and San peoples were finally given proper burials after their remains were returned from European museums. This repatriation represents part of a broader continental effort to reclaim human remains and cultural artifacts that were taken from Africa.

The Khoi and San peoples are recognized as southern Africa’s original inhabitants, who fought against colonial forces before many were killed by European colonizers.

These particular remains had been excavated between 1868 and 1924, then given to The Hunterian Museum at Scotland’s University of Glasgow. Additional remains had been stored at South Africa’s Iziko Museums since the 1920s.

President Cyril Ramaphosa participated in the reburial ceremony alongside museum officials and traditional community leaders. He explained that the return of these remains resulted from discussions between the Scottish university and South African officials that began in 2022.

The president described the ceremony as an effort to restore human dignity to these individuals.

“The sale of human remains of Indigenous peoples for study in Europe was rooted in racism and used to advance theories of European racial superiority,” Ramaphosa stated. “They were dug up and turned into commodities and specimens, displayed under the cold gaze of pseudoscience.”

Ramaphosa also emphasized that most European nations should take greater steps to recognize the harm inflicted on Africans during the colonial era and should explore providing reparations to their former colonies.

WASHINGTON — As President Donald Trump enters the fourth week of military action against Iran, he delivered cautiously optimistic news Monday about potential diplomatic progress, sparking market rallies while Iranian leadership strongly disputed his assertions.

Trump announced via social media before markets opened that he would postpone his weekend threat to strike Iran’s electrical infrastructure for five days, pushing back his Monday evening deadline for Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. The crucial shipping lane handles roughly 20% of global oil transport and has remained closed throughout the conflict, driving fuel costs higher worldwide.

The president explained his decision to delay attacks on Iran’s essential infrastructure stemmed from what he described as productive weekend discussions between his representatives — son-in-law Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff — and unidentified Iranian officials he called “respected.”

Trump’s statement ignored Iran’s warning that critical Gulf region infrastructure, including energy production and water desalination plants necessary for drinking water supplies, would face “irreversible destruction” if he followed through on his bombing threats. These escalating threats had triggered significant sell-offs in Asian financial markets as Trump’s deadline approached.

“All I’m saying is we are in the throes of a real possibility of making a deal,” Trump told reporters Monday morning before departing Florida for Memphis, Tennessee aboard Air Force One. “And I think, if I were a betting man I’d bet for it. But again, I’m not guaranteeing anything.”

Within two hours of Trump’s comments, before his aircraft reached Tennessee, Iranian officials flatly rejected claims of any diplomatic contact with Washington and characterized Trump’s remarks as market manipulation tactics.

“No negotiations have been held with the US,” Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, Iran’s parliamentary speaker, wrote on X. “And fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped.”

Iran’s Foreign Ministry echoed similar sentiments, describing Trump’s announcement as merely an attempt “to reduce energy prices and to buy time for implementing his military plans.”

Regional experts note that ending the conflict now would mean Trump abandoning military action without fully accomplishing his declared mission objectives.

Throughout recent weeks, Trump has provided varying justifications for initiating the conflict while facing Democratic criticism for destabilizing the global economy, and polling data shows Americans remain split along partisan lines regarding the military engagement.

The president has established specific goals requiring achievement: weakening Iran’s missile capabilities, dismantling its defense manufacturing infrastructure, eliminating Iranian naval forces, preventing nuclear weapons development, and securing Strait of Hormuz shipping lanes.

Combined U.S. and Israeli airstrikes have advanced some objectives, though analysts question Trump’s ability to credibly claim complete success — especially regarding permanently eliminating Iran’s nuclear weapons potential.

Intelligence agencies and nuclear monitoring organizations estimate approximately 970 pounds of weapons-grade uranium remains buried under debris at three Iranian nuclear facilities severely damaged during June’s limited U.S. military operation in the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict.

Trump indicated Monday that retrieving Iran’s enriched uranium would be part of any potential agreement with the Islamic Republic, though he provided no implementation details beyond stating the U.S. military would “take it ourselves.”

“Trump’s war choice has not accomplished his military goals,” Aaron David Miller, former State Department Middle East negotiator and current Carnegie Endowment for International Peace senior fellow, posted on X. Miller observed that Iran retains the ability to attack regional allies and maintain Strait of Hormuz control. “No nukes; no enrichment, good luck with that. A singularly incompetent use of America’s power.”

Trump carefully avoided firm commitments Monday while highlighting positive energy market responses to his morning social media announcement about ongoing diplomatic discussions.

“The price of oil will drop like a rock, as soon as a deal is done. I guess it already is today,” Trump stated. “Now we have a very serious chance of making a deal. That doesn’t guarantee anything. I’m not guaranteeing anything. I’m not going to come out here in a week or two weeks, and have you all say, ‘Oh, you said…’ — I didn’t say anything.”

Last week, Trump authorized additional U.S. military deployments to the region as his administration considers options for securing Strait of Hormuz control to ensure safe oil tanker passage from Gulf nations to Asian markets.

The military moved three additional amphibious assault vessels and approximately 2,500 Marines to the Middle East last week, according to Associated Press and other news organizations. This deployment followed redirecting another amphibious group carrying 2,500 Marines from Pacific operations to Middle East assignments. These forces will supplement over 50,000 U.S. troops already stationed regionally.

While Trump has ruled out ground invasion plans for Iran, he maintains that all military options remain available. The incoming Marine reinforcements are expected to require several weeks to reach Middle East positions.

“We are witnessing how a conflict that began over politics and security is moving to be defined by energy and economics,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, a Washington-based policy organization. “It’s hard to ignore the logic inherent in the president’s own commentary, which both calms markets but also buys time for Marines to arrive.”

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will sit down with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese in Canberra Tuesday as both nations work to finalize a free trade agreement that has been under discussion since 2018.

The renewed effort to complete this deal occurs during ongoing Middle East conflicts and rising global trade tensions, as the European Union seeks to strengthen its economic position relative to the United States and China, building on a recent agreement reached with India in January.

Negotiations broke down in 2023 primarily due to disputes over European Union import quotas for meat products and agricultural sector protections. However, recent indications point to fresh progress, creating optimism that an agreement might be completed during this diplomatic visit.

“We look forward to welcoming President von der Leyen tomorrow,” Albanese stated in parliament Monday, noting that a free trade agreement with the EU would help strengthen Australia’s economy and create employment opportunities.

“I’m sure it will be a great success.”

Von der Leyen is scheduled to deliver remarks to parliament Tuesday.

Earlier this month, Trade Minister Don Farrell expressed confidence that negotiators could reach an agreement serving the national interest, while EU trade leader Maros Sefcovic indicated discussions were progressing positively.

Australia seeks expanded quotas for meat exports to European markets, while the EU wants reduced tariffs on manufactured products, especially automobiles, and improved access to Australia’s critical mineral resources to decrease reliance on China.

Australian news outlets report the agreement would eliminate the existing 5% import duty on European vehicles, which could reduce prices for BMW and Mercedes models sold in Australia.

Commercial exchange between the regions is significant, with total goods trade reaching 47.2 billion euros ($54.5 billion) in 2025, creating a 26.5 billion euro surplus for the EU.

Services trade totaled 38.1 billion euros in 2023, generating a 17.9 billion euro surplus also favoring the European bloc.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Monday that her administration is working to bring back international investigators to resume their work on the decade-old case involving 43 missing students from Guerrero state.

The five-member independent investigation team, called the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI), was originally formed in 2014 through a partnership between Mexico’s government and the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights to examine the students’ disappearance.

For over eight years, the GIEI uncovered significant flaws in the investigation process, leading to the freedom of multiple former suspects. However, when their agreements ended in 2023, the experts chose not to renew their involvement, claiming the government was obstructing their investigation efforts.

According to Angela Buitrago, one of the investigators who spoke with Reuters, discussions are underway to determine what conditions would need to be met for the GIEI team to rejoin the investigation. She indicated the experts have expressed willingness to return while they wait for specific terms to be established.

During her regular morning briefing, Sheinbaum revealed that her government has requested United Nations assistance in creating a new investigative structure.

The renewed investigation would feature more comprehensive examination of cellular phone data from September 26, 2014 – the night the students vanished – along with expanded search operations in new locations, according to the president.

The case involving students from Ayotzinapa Rural Teachers’ College continues to stand as one of Mexico’s most infamous human rights violations.

The independent experts’ early findings suggested coordination between law enforcement officers, military personnel, and criminal organizations.

However, after numerous detentions and official commitments over the years, no individual has received a conviction for any crimes connected to this case.

This month, a Tamaulipas state judge commanded military forces to provide case-related documents. The GIEI had consistently sought access to these materials throughout their involvement, with limited success.

Sheinbaum criticized this judicial ruling on Monday, describing it as “highly questionable.” She pointed out that the matter is currently under Supreme Court review and maintained that the defense ministry has already provided all necessary documentation.

BOGOTA, Colombia — A Colombian Air Force transport aircraft carrying 125 military personnel went down Monday shortly after departure from a remote airfield in the country’s Amazon region, with rescue teams successfully extracting at least 48 survivors from the wreckage.

The incident occurred in Puerto Leguizamo, an isolated town in Putumayo province near the borders with Peru and Ecuador, according to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez, who described the event as a “tragic accident” involving troops aboard the aircraft.

Video footage circulated by Colombian news organizations captured thick black smoke billowing from the crash site in an open field, with military vehicles racing toward the scene to assist in rescue operations.

Air Force Commander Carlos Fernando Silva provided details in a recorded statement, confirming the Hercules C-130 was transporting 114 passengers along with 11 crew members when it went down. Silva reported that rescue operations were ongoing as teams worked to extract additional survivors from the wreckage.

Local residents assisted in the emergency response, with footage showing injured soldiers being transported from the crash location on motorcycles operated by community members.

“At this moment we do not know details” of the crash Silva said. “Except that the plane had a problem and went down about two kilometers from the airport.” The military official added that two aircraft equipped with 74 medical beds had been dispatched to transport injured personnel to medical facilities in Bogota and other cities.

President Gustavo Petro expressed hopes on social media that there would be “no deadly casualties in this accident that should have not occurred.”

The president used the incident to highlight his ongoing efforts to upgrade military equipment, claiming these modernization initiatives have faced “bureaucratic difficulties” and suggesting accountability measures may be necessary. “If civilian or military administrative officials are not up to the challenge, they must be removed,” Petro stated.

Minister Sánchez characterized the crash as “profoundly painful for the country,” writing that: “We hope that our prayers can help to relieve some of the pain.”