Author: Admin

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump indicated Monday that the United States plans to dramatically escalate its military actions against Iran, describing current operations as minimal compared to what lies ahead.

During an interview with CNN on Monday, Trump suggested that America’s military response has been restrained so far. “We haven’t even started hitting them hard. The big wave hasn’t even happened. The big one is coming soon,” the president stated.

The president’s remarks followed reports of the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, creating questions about who will assume control of the Islamic Republic. Trump acknowledged the leadership vacuum, telling CNN that the administration remains uncertain about Iran’s current command structure.

“We don’t know who the leadership is. We don’t know who they’ll pick,” Trump explained during the interview.

According to Reuters reporting from Sunday, numerous high-ranking U.S. officials express doubt that the ongoing military campaign against Iran will result in immediate government change within the country.

Multiple nations in the Persian Gulf region have approached Italy seeking advanced air defense technology as Middle Eastern conflicts continue to intensify, according to Italy’s defense minister who briefed lawmakers Monday.

Defense Minister Guido Crosetto explained that regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have prompted these urgent requests from Gulf nations looking to bolster their defensive capabilities.

The escalating situation has seen Israel launch attacks into Lebanon following strikes from the militant organization Hezbollah, while Iran has targeted Gulf nations with missiles and unmanned aircraft. Additionally, a drone manufactured in Iran recently struck a British military installation in Cyprus.

“The Gulf countries are expressing strong concern about the evolution of the crisis and have indicated the urgent need to strengthen their defence capabilities, particularly air defence and anti-drone,” Crosetto told Italian parliament members.

Among the requested equipment is the SAMP/T system, a joint French-Italian defense platform also called MAMBA, which has the capability to monitor multiple dozens of aerial threats while simultaneously engaging up to ten targets. This represents Europe’s sole domestically-produced system capable of stopping ballistic missiles.

However, meeting these requests poses significant challenges since Italy is currently providing SAMP/T units to Ukraine for protection against Russian attacks, creating supply constraints.

“It is a very delicate issue, considering that these capabilities are already heavily strained and limited in light of European needs and the support provided so far to Ukraine,” the defense minister explained during his parliamentary testimony.

Crosetto had recently returned from Dubai on Sunday, where he and his family had been temporarily stuck following Iran’s recent military actions. He appeared alongside Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who characterized the regional conflict as presenting direct security risks to Italy itself.

Iranian officials are working urgently to select a new Supreme Leader following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who led the nation for nearly four decades before being killed in an unexpected joint U.S.-Israeli attack.

This marks just the second occasion since Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution that the country must choose a new supreme leader. Candidates being considered span from hardline figures favoring continued confrontation with Western nations to reform-minded individuals supporting diplomatic solutions.

The supreme leader holds ultimate authority over all critical decisions in Iran, including matters of war and peace, as well as the nation’s controversial nuclear activities.

Currently, a temporary leadership group consisting of President Masoud Pezeshkian, hardline judicial leader Gholamhossein Mohseni Ejei, and prominent Shiite religious figure Ayatollah Ali Reza Arafi is steering Iran through what many consider its most significant crisis in recent decades. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced Sunday that officials expect to name a new supreme leader within the coming days.

The selection process falls to the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member body required by law to promptly designate a replacement. This assembly comprises Shiite religious leaders who win public elections after the Guardian Council, Iran’s constitutional oversight body, approves their candidacy.

Given Khamenei’s substantial influence over both religious institutions, analysts believe the next leader is unlikely to represent a dramatic shift in direction.

Among the leading possibilities is Khamenei’s son, a mid-ranking Shiite cleric widely viewed as a potential heir. While he maintains strong connections to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, he has no governmental experience. His appointment could create complications, given the Islamic Republic’s historical opposition to inherited leadership and its claims of offering a more equitable system.

Arafi, who sits on the interim governing council, received Khamenei’s personal endorsement for Guardian Council membership in 2019 before winning election to the Assembly of Experts three years later. The senior religious leader oversees an extensive network of Islamic schools.

Former President Hassan Rouhani, considered a moderate voice, led Iran from 2013 through 2021 and negotiated the significant nuclear deal with President Obama’s administration that President Trump later abandoned. Rouhani maintained Assembly of Experts membership until 2024, when he claimed officials prevented his reelection bid. He condemned this action as limiting Iranian citizens’ political involvement.

Hassan Khomeini represents the most notable descendant of Islamic Republic founder Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini. Though also viewed as relatively moderate, he lacks government experience and currently works at his grandfather’s memorial site in Tehran.

Senior cleric Mirbagheri enjoys support among hardline factions and serves on the Assembly of Experts. He maintained close relationships with the late Ayatollah Mohammad Taghi Mesbah Yazdi, another hardline figure who argued Iran should retain the option to develop “special weapons,” widely understood as nuclear weapons.

During the COVID-19 outbreak, Mirbagheri criticized school closures as part of a “conspiracy.” He currently directs the Islamic Cultural Center in Qom, Iran’s primary center for religious education.

BRUSSELS — European nations find themselves increasingly entangled in the escalating Middle East conflict between the U.S.-Israel alliance and Iran, scrambling to safeguard military installations and rescue thousands of citizens trapped in the expanding war zone.

The crisis has thrust European countries into emergency mode, despite having no voice in the initial U.S.-Israeli military operations against Tehran. Now they’re grappling with the consequences as Iranian retaliation spreads throughout the region that houses vital European trading partners and strategic commercial pathways.

Thousands of Europeans residing in major Middle Eastern cities like Beirut, Dubai, and Jerusalem now face uncertainty, while extensive immigrant communities from Turkey, Egypt, and Gulf nations living across Europe watch developments with growing concern.

Although European powers have declined direct military participation, Britain, France, and Germany announced their willingness to collaborate with Washington in countering Iranian attacks. The United Kingdom has granted American forces access to British military installations for strikes against Iranian missile facilities.

The conflict’s reach has already touched European soil. Cyprus, currently holding the EU’s rotating leadership, was forced to clarify its non-involvement after an Iranian-designed Shahed drone struck a British air facility on the island’s southern shoreline this past weekend. These same drone models have previously appeared in European skies during Russia’s assault on Ukraine.

Anticipating potential domestic threats, several European governments have enhanced security protocols at transportation hubs including train terminals and airports.

Notably, European leadership has largely avoided condemning the American-Israeli military campaign. Many officials welcome the potential collapse of Iran’s government, which has repeatedly detained European nationals and undermined continental economic interests over recent years.

Spain stands as a notable exception to this consensus. Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared Sunday, “One can be against a hateful regime, and at the same time, be against a military intervention that is unjustifiable, dangerous and outside of international law.”

European involvement remains essential given the region’s volatility and the continent’s need for Middle Eastern stability. Concerns about prolonged petroleum price increases and potential unpredictable migration waves ensure continued European engagement.

The immediate European focus centers on protecting thousands of nationals caught in the spreading conflict zone.

EU foreign ministers addressed evacuation concerns during weekend emergency discussions. While no coordinated rescue operation launched, officials acknowledged one might become necessary shortly.

German authorities report approximately 30,000 German travelers stranded aboard cruise vessels, in hotels, or at shuttered airports, unable to return due to the fighting. Most remain in Middle Eastern locations, though some are stuck elsewhere because their connecting flights route through Abu Dhabi, Qatar, or Dubai. Military extraction proved impossible due to closed airspace.

The Czech Republic has dispatched two aircraft to Egypt and Jordan for citizen retrieval, collecting dozens of Czech nationals who traveled overland from Israel. Four additional planes were scheduled for Oman to transport more of the estimated 6,700 Czechs throughout the region.

Iranian threats against vessels in the Strait of Hormuz—the narrow Persian Gulf passage handling one-fifth of global oil commerce—have prompted calls for enhanced EU merchant ship protection following actual attacks in those waters.

France responded by deploying two additional warships to strengthen Operation Aspides, the European naval mission in the area. However, these vessels will only patrol the distant Red Sea and Gulf of Aden—entry points to the Suez Canal connecting the Red Sea and Mediterranean—joining three ships already stationed there.

Operation Aspides launched two years ago to shield maritime commerce from potential Houthi rebel attacks originating in Yemen. While the Houthis have voiced support for Iran, they haven’t immediately declared military action on Tehran’s behalf.

Officials are reviewing the mission’s authorization and considering stricter engagement protocols, though immediate changes appear unlikely.

Preserving broader Middle Eastern stability remains a primary European objective. Iran’s retaliatory actions across multiple countries have drawn widespread condemnation.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas plans to organize talks with Gulf Cooperation Council nations at the ministerial level this week, as the bloc works to reassure Iran’s neighbors and other regional countries facing potential threats.

“Iran’s attacks of a number of countries in the Middle East are inexcusable. The events must not lead to further escalation that could threaten the region, Europe and beyond, with unpredictable consequences,” Kallas stated following Sunday’s emergency discussions.

The European Union intends to spearhead diplomatic initiatives aimed at reducing regional tensions while maintaining efforts to prevent Iranian nuclear weapons acquisition, despite the collapsed nuclear agreement after the Trump administration’s withdrawal.

EU officials indicate no preferred successor for Tehran’s leadership, noting it’s premature to identify potential candidates for future support. Foreign ministers primarily expressed “solidarity with the Iranian people.”

They pledged assistance for “their fundamental aspirations for a future where their universal human rights and fundamental freedoms are fully respected.”

European leaders maintain that authentic popular opposition to the regime emerged recently but was crushed through unprecedented violence. Thousands died and tens of thousands faced detention.

One certainty remains: the EU will unlikely support any leadership promoted by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard. The IRGC’s addition to the bloc’s terrorism list last month makes European recognition of them as legitimate negotiating partners virtually impossible.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Recent military operations involving American and Israeli forces targeting Iran have intensified concerns about violations of international legal standards, as Tehran and allied groups responded with missile strikes throughout the Middle East region on Monday.

From United Nations headquarters in New York, the center of post-World War II international governance, Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the Security Council on Saturday, declaring that American and Israeli military strikes breached international law and UN Charter provisions. Guterres simultaneously criticized Iran’s counter-attacks as violations of Middle Eastern nations’ sovereignty and territorial boundaries.

Trump administration representatives maintain their military operations represent legitimate actions to prevent Tehran from developing nuclear capabilities. “It’s a matter of global security. And to that end, the United States is taking lawful actions,” stated Mike Waltz, Trump’s UN ambassador.

In a Sunday correspondence to the United Nations, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi described the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as “constitutes a grave and unprecedented breach of the most fundamental norms governing relations among States.”

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth offered a forceful defense of American military actions on Monday. “No stupid rules of engagement, no nation building quagmire, no democracy building exercise, no politically correct wars. We fight to win and we don’t waste time or lives,” Hegseth declared from Pentagon headquarters.

These Iranian operations follow by fewer than eight weeks the American military operation that resulted in the capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro in Caracas, subsequently transporting him to New York for prosecution.

International law expert David Crane, who established and led a United Nations tribunal prosecuting Sierra Leone war crimes, authored an assessment stating that American operations in Iran and Venezuela “highlight a dangerous trend: the normalization of unilateral force as a tool of foreign policy. Even when the outcome is positive, the violation of international law and constitutional limits sets a precedent that threatens global stability and undermines America’s own legal foundations.”

Democratic lawmakers in Washington have characterized the military strikes as unlawful. Their position maintains that constitutional authority for war declarations rests exclusively with Congress. Critics argue the Trump administration has not provided adequate justification or strategic planning for the military operations and their consequences.

Congressional leadership rapidly organized a Monday debate regarding Trump’s constitutional authority for Iranian bombardment under war powers legislation.

The International Criminal Court’s founding treaty amendment defines aggression as “the use of armed force by a State against the sovereignty, territorial integrity or political independence of another State, or in any other manner inconsistent with the Charter of the United Nations.”

The court specifically identifies aggressive acts including: “Bombardment by the armed forces of a State against the territory of another State or the use of any weapons by a State against the territory of another State.”

Since the United States, Israel, and Iran maintain non-membership status with the court, ICC jurisdiction over the current conflict requires Security Council referral to court prosecutors.

UN Charter provisions restrict nations to using force against other countries only with Security Council authorization or for self-defense purposes, explained Marieke de Hoon, who teaches international criminal law at Amsterdam University.

De Hoon characterized the Iranian attacks as aggression crimes.

“It is a violation of the prohibition to use force, the cornerstone of the international legal order, and there is no legal justification for it: it is not a self-defense against an armed attack by Iran or an imminent threat” of attack, “nor is there a UNSC resolution to authorize use of force,” she explained to The Associated Press. “Regime change moreover violates the sovereignty of another state.”

Iranian leadership maintains an established record of violently suppressing opposition movements and supporting extremist activities that have created Middle Eastern instability. Trump administration forces targeted the nation’s nuclear facilities in previous military strikes last year.

However, De Hoon argued these factors cannot justify American and Israeli bombardments.

International law grants Tehran self-defense rights, she noted, while adding that “Iran is not allowed to attack civilian infrastructure in other countries. Its response needs to be proportionate to stop the aggression, without offering itself a legitimation toward, for instance, regime change in the aggressor country.”

Crane acknowledged that removing Maduro and Khamenei from power might enhance regional stability, decrease human suffering, and improve democratic and peaceful prospects, but “international law does not permit states to unilaterally decide which tyrants to remove by force.”

Reading University international law professor Marko Milanovic stated that during peacetime, “it is a clear violation of international law to assassinate the head of state or government of some other state.”

Government leaders “enjoy personal immunities and inviolability, and any attacks against them would also violate the sovereignty of their state,” he explained.

Wartime conditions alter these protections, he noted, explaining that when political leaders serve as armed forces members, “then they are combatants like any other members of the armed forces and are not immune from attack.”

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday that his nation will finish technical preparations needed to begin European Union membership negotiations within the coming days.

Speaking to reporters through a WhatsApp media session, Zelenskyy again urged EU partners to establish a concrete timeline for Ukraine’s admission to the bloc, arguing this would serve as a crucial security guarantee for his country as it works to negotiate an end to the conflict with Russia.

“We are ready, but not all leaders of the European Union are… I mean, not everyone is ready to give Ukraine this opportunity,” Zelenskyy stated.

Ukraine gained official EU candidate status shortly after Russia launched its invasion in February 2022.

However, Kiev’s advancement through the standard EU membership process has stalled due to Hungary’s opposition, which has prevented the required unanimous consent to formally begin discussions on the six main “clusters” of membership requirements.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who maintains the strongest Russia ties within the EU and faces crucial elections in April, has also blocked the most recent EU aid package for Ukraine valued at 90 billion euros spanning this year and next.

Orban claims Ukraine has cut off Russian oil deliveries to Hungary through the historic Druzhba pipeline that runs through Ukrainian territory. Ukraine maintains the pipeline suffered damage from a Russian drone strike.

Kiev views EU membership as essential to its post-conflict reconstruction. Ukraine’s inclusion in the EU with a specific entry date appears in preliminary versions of a 20-point peace framework developed jointly by Ukraine and the United States, currently being discussed with Russia.

European Union officials have indicated that Ukraine, given its checkered history regarding government transparency, anti-corruption efforts, and legal system reforms, may require several years of institutional changes to satisfy EU entry standards.

Zelenskyy reiterated Monday that Ukraine would be technically prepared for EU membership by next year, emphasizing that the actual timing depends on political commitment from existing member nations.

“If they truly believe in Ukraine, if they want to see Ukraine in the EU, then this is the opportunity: at the end of the war, to give Ukraine a concrete date and not repeat the mistake they made with NATO,” he explained.

PARIS – French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that his nation will expand its nuclear weapons stockpile and bolster its defense capabilities, citing growing concerns about global conflicts potentially escalating to nuclear warfare.

Speaking from a naval submarine facility in Brittany on March 2nd, Macron warned of mounting international tensions that require France to strengthen its military deterrence strategy.

“We are currently experiencing a period of geopolitical upheaval fraught with risk,” Macron declared during his address, emphasizing that France needs a “hardening” of its nuclear deterrence approach to address these challenges.

The announcement comes as nations worldwide grapple with various regional conflicts and security threats that have raised concerns about potential nuclear escalation.

The head of the United Nations nuclear monitoring organization stated Monday that there’s no evidence recent strikes by Israel and the United States damaged Iran’s nuclear installations, contradicting Iranian officials who claim the Natanz facility was attacked.

Rafael Grossi, director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, addressed the organization’s 35-member governing board, saying Iran’s nuclear program has been cited as justification for the military operations by Israel and the U.S., who contend Iran is advancing toward nuclear weapons capability.

However, Iran’s atomic installations appear to have avoided significant damage in the current round of attacks, unlike the June strikes that severely impacted nuclear facilities.

“We have no indication that any of the nuclear installations … have been damaged or hit,” Grossi told the Board of Governors meeting.

The IAEA chief revealed that his organization’s emergency response team has struggled to maintain contact with Iran’s nuclear oversight authorities, though some communication with Iranian officials continues.

“We are, of course, in conversation with Iran, but at the moment, it’s very limited. Until last Thursday, it was very intense,” Grossi explained during a news briefing, noting that while no IAEA personnel are currently stationed in Iran, the agency is monitoring developments through satellite surveillance.

Iran has prevented IAEA inspectors from returning to facilities damaged in the June bombardment.

Shortly after Grossi’s presentation, Iran’s IAEA representative Reza Najafi contradicted the assessment, telling journalists that strikes had targeted the Natanz nuclear site.

“Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” Najafi declared. When asked by reporters to specify which installations were struck, he responded “Natanz” before departing.

The Natanz location previously contained two uranium processing facilities that sustained damage during June attacks – a surface-level plant that the IAEA determined was completely destroyed, and a subterranean facility that suffered extensive damage.

When questioned about the Iranian ambassador’s statements, Grossi maintained his position during the subsequent news conference.

“I will not get into a polemic on that. We stand by what I said before. We haven’t seen major military activity targeting the nuclear facilities. We have been looking at different satellite images,” he stated.

“There might be something there, but not significant or comparable in any way to what we saw last time.”

Grossi had participated in recent diplomatic discussions in Geneva, where Oman facilitated negotiations between Iranian and American representatives regarding nuclear issues.

“An understanding eluded the parties this time. I am sure we are, quite understandably, feeling a strong sense of frustration,” Grossi informed the governing board.

The IAEA director encouraged renewed diplomatic efforts while reaffirming the agency’s assessment that Iran shows no credible signs of operating a coordinated nuclear weapons development program. Iranian officials continue to deny any military objectives in their nuclear activities.

Energy facilities across the Middle East went offline Monday as escalating conflicts between Israel, the United States, and Iran triggered widespread precautionary shutdowns of oil and gas operations.

Qatar suspended its liquefied natural gas production, which accounts for roughly one-fifth of the world’s total supply. The nation ranks as the globe’s second-largest LNG exporter behind the United States and serves as a crucial supplier for balancing energy demands in Asia and Europe. QatarEnergy’s customer base is 82% Asian.

Saudi Arabia’s largest domestic oil refinery ceased operations after being targeted by a drone attack, according to a source familiar with the situation.

The military actions have extended into their third day, also forcing the halt of most oil production in Iraqi Kurdistan and shuttering several significant Israeli gas fields, which has disrupted exports to Egypt.

Energy markets reacted dramatically, with oil prices climbing as much as 13% during trading to exceed $82 per barrel – the highest level since January 2025. The price surge occurred as the conflict brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a virtual standstill. This critical waterway handles one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.

Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, which processes 550,000 barrels daily, was closed as a safety precaution. The facility sits within an energy complex along the kingdom’s Gulf coastline that also functions as a vital export terminal for Saudi crude oil.

Aramco has not yet responded to requests for comment.

QatarEnergy announced it was also stopping production of LNG-related products. Earlier Monday, Qatar’s government reported that two Iranian drones struck a QatarEnergy facility, with officials currently evaluating the extent of damage.

In Iraqi Kurdistan, oil companies including DNO, Gulf Keystone Petroleum, Dana Gas and HKN Energy have suspended operations at their fields as a safety measure, though no damage has been reported. The region exported 200,000 barrels daily through a pipeline to Turkey’s Ceyhan port in February.

Off Israel’s coast, the government ordered Chevron to temporarily close the massive Leviathan gas field, where the company is working to increase capacity to approximately 21 billion cubic metres annually as part of a $35 billion export agreement with Egypt. A Chevron representative confirmed that its facilities, including the Tamar gas field, remain secure.

Energean also shut down its production vessel that services smaller gas fields in the area.

In Iran, explosions were reported Saturday at Kharg Island, which handles 90% of Iran’s crude exports, though the impact on facilities remains unclear.

Iran ranks as the third-largest producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, contributing about 4.5% of global oil supplies. The country produces approximately 3.3 million barrels per day of crude oil, plus an additional 1.3 million barrels daily of condensate and other liquids.

Regarding the Saudi facility, the source indicated that conditions at Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery are now stable. The Saudi defense ministry spokesperson told Al Arabiya TV that two drones were intercepted at the site, with debris sparking a contained fire but causing no injuries.

While some refinery units were shut down for safety reasons, an unnamed energy ministry official told Saudi state news agency SPA that petroleum product supplies to domestic markets remained unaffected.

However, the Ras Tanura closure will likely heighten supply concerns as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped following attacks on vessels in the area Sunday.

“The attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery marks a significant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, principal Middle East analyst at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.

“The attack is also likely to move Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Gulf states closer to joining U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.”

Saudi Arabia’s well-protected energy infrastructure has faced previous attacks, particularly in September 2019 when drone and missile strikes on the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities temporarily eliminated more than half of the kingdom’s crude production.

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis previously targeted Ras Tanura in 2021.

The nation’s highest-ranking military officer warned Monday that American military goals in Iran will require an extended timeline to accomplish, with more U.S. casualties anticipated as joint operations with Israel enter their third consecutive day.

General Dan Caine, who serves as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed reporters about the expanding aerial campaign between the United States and Israel against Iranian forces, which shows no signs of concluding soon. During Monday’s operations, Kuwait’s air defense systems accidentally downed three U.S. F-15E fighter aircraft while responding to an Iranian assault, according to military officials.

“This is not a single overnight operation. The military objectives that CENTCOM and the Joint Force have been tasked with will take some time to achieve, and in some cases will be difficult and gritty work,” Caine explained to the media. He confirmed that America continues deploying additional military personnel to the Middle Eastern region, building upon an already substantial troop presence.

The general’s remarks followed President Donald Trump’s Sunday indication that Iranian strikes could continue for up to four weeks.

Military officials reported that a fourth American service member succumbed Monday to wounds received during the Iranian operation. U.S. forces have successfully intercepted numerous ballistic missiles aimed at American positions and regional allies.

At the same briefing, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth assured that military actions against Iran would not result in an “endless war,” while recognizing the operation cannot be finished immediately. Hegseth outlined plans to eliminate Tehran’s missile capabilities, naval forces, and additional security infrastructure.

“This is not Iraq. This is not endless,” Hegseth stated.

President Trump initiated what military analysts consider the most significant U.S. foreign policy risk in recent decades, launching the coordinated campaign with Israel on Saturday against a longtime adversary that has challenged America and its allies for generations.

Despite the ongoing U.S.-Israeli attacks, Iran’s conservative religious leadership has demonstrated no indication of surrendering control. Defense experts suggest that American and Israeli air superiority, without ground troops, may prove insufficient to remove them from power. Reports indicate dozens of Iranian deaths from the strikes, including several that apparently struck civilian locations.

Officials in Gaza are warning of a critical shortage of fuel and essential supplies after Israel shut down all border crossings into the war-torn territory following military action against Iran.

The closure came Saturday after Israel announced coordinated airstrikes on Iran conducted alongside the United States. Israeli military officials have not provided a timeline for reopening the crossings, stating they cannot operate safely during active warfare.

The Palestinian territory relies entirely on fuel deliveries by truck from Israel and Egypt, and the supply shortage threatens to cripple hospitals and disrupt water and sewage systems. The majority of Gaza’s population has been forced from their homes during Israel’s ongoing two-year conflict with Hamas.

United Nations official Karuna Herrmann, who oversees fuel distribution in the region, warned of the dire situation ahead. “I expect we have maybe a couple of days’ running time,” Herrmann stated.

Palestinian aid coordinator Amjad Al-Shawa, who collaborates with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations, provided a similarly grim assessment. He projected fuel reserves might stretch three to four days, while supplies of produce, flour and other basic necessities could also be depleted if border operations remain suspended.

Reuters could not confirm these supply estimates independently.

COGAT, Israel’s military agency overseeing Gaza access, maintained that sufficient food had entered the territory since an October ceasefire began to meet population needs. “(The) existing stock is expected to suffice for an extended period,” COGAT stated without providing specifics. The agency did not address questions about potential fuel shortages.

The ceasefire is part of a broader American-supported initiative aimed at ending the conflict, which includes reopening Egypt’s Rafah border crossing, expanding humanitarian aid deliveries, and reconstruction efforts.

Hamada Abu Laila, among Gaza’s displaced residents, expressed concern that the border closures could trigger another humanitarian crisis similar to the famine that affected portions of the territory last year when Israel halted aid shipments for nearly three months.

“Why is it our fault, in Gaza, with regional wars between Israel, Iran, and America? It is not our fault,” Abu Laila said.

Large numbers of Iranian nationals made their way across the Turkish border on Monday as regional conflict intensified, according to eyewitness reports from the scene.

A Reuters correspondent observed the mass crossing at the Kapikoy border checkpoint, where new arrivals described a climate of anxiety in Iran’s capital and long lines forming at fuel stations throughout the country.

The border crossing came after Turkey announced earlier Monday that routine day-trip travel between the nations had been mutually halted at all three crossing points. Turkish officials stated they would only permit Turkish citizens and third-country nationals to enter, following reports Sunday that some Iranian travelers had been turned away.

Despite the restrictions, Iranian citizens began streaming through the Kapikoy gate by Monday afternoon, carrying luggage through light snowfall with snow-capped Iranian mountains visible in the distance.

One Tehran resident, who requested anonymity while explaining his family was waiting in Istanbul, described conditions in the capital. “The situation in Tehran is already difficult,” he stated. “There are difficult things in Tehran, bombings. Everyone is scared. But for example, normal people, nothing happened to them.”

The man explained he had purchased household supplies when the conflict began, noting that stores were packed with customers.

Binali Kilic, who identified himself as an Iranian of Azeri descent from the Qazvin region near the Turkish frontier, said daily life continued in his area but military targets were under constant attack, disrupting civilian routines.

“They’ve withdrawn into themselves. Everyone is in their homes,” Kilic explained as travelers pulled suitcases through the checkpoint toward waiting transport vehicles. “There were sounds of bombing coming from nearby areas that were hit.”

Regarding daily necessities, Kilic noted supplies remained available but fuel access had become problematic. “There are no food problems or anything like that. The only concern people have is getting fuel for their trips, near and far. There are queues at petrol stations,” he added.

Turkish Trade Minister Omer Bolat confirmed Iran was allowing its citizens to return home through Turkey, while commercial freight continued moving through all three border crossings under enhanced security measures.

“All our units continue to perform their duties on high alert to ensure the uninterrupted continuation of Turkey’s border crossing services and trade flows,” Bolat announced.

BEIRUT — Lebanese residents evacuated from southern regions and Beirut’s southern neighborhoods on Monday, finding safety in makeshift shelters at schools throughout the capital after renewed deadly violence between Israel and the Iranian-backed militant organization Hezbollah.

According to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, no fewer than 31 individuals lost their lives while 149 others sustained injuries during nighttime attacks across Beirut’s suburbs and southern Lebanese territories.

Lebanon’s administration on Monday harshly criticized Hezbollah’s choice to join Iran’s conflict against Israel and the United States, declaring the organization’s military operations unlawful and insisting it surrender its arsenal.

Traffic congestion plagued roadways through the night and into Monday as residents escaped what represented Israel’s most devastating bombardment of Lebanon in over twelve months, occurring just hours after Hezbollah launched cross-border missiles for the first time in more than a year.

Inside a public school quickly transformed into emergency housing, displaced families brought mattresses, plastic containers, and bundles of personal items. Additional families waited on sidewalks with their possessions, while some men smoked cigarettes as they anticipated available space indoors.

Community volunteers moved among the crowds, recording names as families occupied classrooms and assembled in the school’s outdoor areas.

Hussein Abu Ali, who escaped from a southern Beirut neighborhood with his spouse and kids, recounted when the attacks occurred.

“My son began shaking and crying,” he said. “Where are you supposed to go? I stepped outside, then back in because I was afraid of shooting in the air. I gathered my children and went down to the street.”

Nadia Al-Salman, forced to leave the southern community of Majdal Zoun, stated they “left our homes not out of fear or terror of the United States, but to fulfill our religious and legal duty to protect ourselves.”

“They do not intimidate or frighten us, and they will not make us retreat even an inch from the path of resistance,” she added.

Throughout the most recent Israel-Hezbollah conflict in 2024, over one million Lebanese citizens were forced from their homes at its peak. Many remain unable to return to southern residences, where border communities continue lying in devastation.

Hezbollah fired rockets toward Israel one day following the militant Palestinian organization Hamas’s assault on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked the Gaza conflict. Following months of limited confrontations, the situation intensified into comprehensive warfare in September 2024 before a U.S.-mediated ceasefire temporarily ended hostilities two months afterward.

Following that truce, Israel has maintained almost daily bombardments in Lebanon, claiming its goal involves preventing Hezbollah’s reconstruction efforts.

Monday’s violence also represented the first occasion in over twelve months that Hezbollah acknowledged responsibility for attacking Israel. The organization released a statement claiming the bombardments occurred as retaliation for Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s assassination and for “repeated Israeli aggressions,” characterizing it as “a legitimate defensive response.”

However, Lebanon’s administration declared Hezbollah’s military operations unlawful and insisted the organization surrender its weapons. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced following an urgent Cabinet session Monday that exclusively the state should determine war and peace matters.

He stated that Hezbollah’s military actions were prohibited moving forward and urged security forces to prevent missile or drone launches from Lebanon while detaining those responsible for the attacks. This represented the most severe position Lebanon’s government has adopted regarding Hezbollah, which maintains a political wing with parliamentary representation alongside its armed militants.

Israeli military officials overnight warned approximately 50 communities throughout southern and eastern Lebanon to evacuate. Military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin stated Israel maintains “all options on the table,” including possible ground operations in Lebanon and warned that “Hezbollah will pay a very heavy price.”

He reported Israel has mobilized more than 100,000 reserve forces since the conflict with Iran commenced Saturday.

A deadly assault on a South Sudanese village has claimed the lives of at least 169 people, marking another devastating chapter in the nation’s escalating conflict that threatens to spiral into full-scale civil war.

The Sunday attack in Abiemnom county left 90 civilians dead, according to James Monyluak, information minister for the Ruweng administrative region. Among the casualties were women, children, and numerous fighters.

Following the massacre, approximately 1,000 terrified residents fled to a United Nations peacekeeping base seeking safety, according to the U.N. Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

“Such violence places civilians at grave risk and must stop immediately,” stated Anita Kiki Gbeho, a UNMISS official. “I urge all involved to cease hostilities without delay and engage in constructive dialogue to address their grievances.”

“Our peacekeepers will continue to do everything within their capabilities to protect civilians seeking refuge at our base,” she added.

UN officials reported 23 wounded in the assault and expressed alarm over “reports indicating that dozens of civilians and some local officials have lost their lives.”

The massacre represents part of intensifying hostilities across South Sudan, where forces supporting President Salva Kiir are clashing with militants believed connected to opposition leader Riek Machar.

Intelligence suggests the armed fighters responsible for Sunday’s attack maintain connections to Machar’s faction, the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-In-Opposition.

Machar served as Kiir’s deputy until his September dismissal following criminal charges. He remains under house arrest in Juba, South Sudan’s capital, while his trial continues.

The United States has called for negotiations between Kiir and Machar to resolve the crisis.

The current violence jeopardizes a delicate 2018 peace accord that ended five years of civil warfare. Under that arrangement, Machar assumed the role of first vice president in a unity government. However, a UN investigation determined that South Sudan’s leadership is “systematically dismantling” the peace framework.

Machar’s allies contend the subversion charges against him are politically driven. Violence surged dramatically following his removal from office.

The crisis intensified in December when opposition fighters captured government positions in Jonglei county, an opposition stronghold that has become a focal point of renewed combat displacing an estimated 280,000 people, according to UN figures.

Humanitarian organizations have cautioned that restricted access to opposition-controlled territories is putting civilian lives in danger.

Since January, government forces have launched a counterattack involving air strikes and ground operations, despite official pledges to honor the peace agreement.

KYIV, Ukraine — Diplomatic negotiations between Ukraine and Russia set for this week could be moved from the United Arab Emirates to alternative locations due to escalating Middle East violence, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Monday.

The Ukrainian leader indicated that Switzerland or Turkey might serve as backup venues if the originally planned Abu Dhabi meeting cannot proceed safely amid regional warfare.

Zelenskyy also confirmed that Western nations have not signaled any immediate disruption to crucial air defense missile shipments to Ukraine despite their Middle East defense obligations.

The U.S.-facilitated diplomatic initiative aims to resolve the conflict that started when Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. However, recent American and Israeli military actions against Iran, along with retaliatory missile strikes from Iran and its allied militias targeting Israel and Arab nations, threaten to shift global focus away from the nearly three-year European war.

“Because of the fighting, we cannot guarantee at this time that the meeting will happen in Abu Dhabi,” Zelenskyy stated during a WhatsApp conversation with journalists. He had announced the UAE capital as the chosen location just last week.

Past diplomatic sessions between the warring nations have taken place in Abu Dhabi, Istanbul, and Geneva, though none have achieved significant progress on major disputes.

The Ukrainian president reported no immediate reduction in American and European air defense weapon supplies, particularly the crucial American-manufactured Patriot missile systems. Nevertheless, he warned that delivery quantities might decrease if Middle Eastern hostilities persist.

According to Zelenskyy, Russia’s winter campaign to destroy Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure was unsuccessful, despite causing substantial damage. He noted that Russian air strikes have now shifted focus to other critical systems, including water supply networks.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Sunday that the UK plans to deploy Ukrainian specialists to assist Persian Gulf nations in intercepting Iranian drones. Ukraine has developed significant drone warfare capabilities throughout the conflict, as Russia conducts daily bombardments using Iranian-designed Shahed drones.

However, Zelenskyy said he has not been contacted directly by Britain or other nations regarding such assistance requests.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — After more than six decades of doubt, a painting once dismissed as a fake has been verified as an authentic work by renowned Dutch artist Rembrandt van Rijn, according to an announcement Monday from a prominent Netherlands museum.

The Rijksmuseum, which serves as the country’s premier art and history institution, revealed that “Vision of Zacharias in the Temple” is indeed a genuine piece created by Rembrandt when he was 27 years old in Amsterdam during 1633. The confirmation came after two years of intensive examination and advanced technological analysis.

The artwork had disappeared from public view for decades following its purchase by an unnamed private collector in 1961. This acquisition occurred just one year after art experts had concluded the piece was not created by the famous Golden Age painter. Beginning Wednesday, visitors will be able to view the painting alongside other renowned works at the Rijksmuseum, where it will remain as part of a long-term lending arrangement.

Museum Director Taco Dibbits explained that the institution frequently receives inquiries from individuals wondering whether their paintings might be undiscovered Rembrandt works. “We always hope to find a new Rembrandt, but this happens rarely,” Dibbits told The Associated Press. He described making such a discovery as being “just like (finding) a needle in a haystack.”

The anonymous owner initially approached the museum with a simple question about whether the painting was of Dutch origin. “He really didn’t know what he had. And then to discover that it’s a Rembrandt is something that’s amazing to experience,” Dibbits explained.

The composition illustrates a religious narrative featuring high priest Zacharias receiving a divine visit from the Archangel Gabriel, who announces that Zacharias and his spouse will become parents to John the Baptist. According to the museum, the painting captures Zacharias’s astonished reaction through dramatic lighting that signals Gabriel’s celestial presence.

Jonathan Bikker, the museum’s specialist in 17th-century Dutch art, detailed the comprehensive research process that led to the authentication. The investigation included advanced macro X-ray fluorescence scanning technology and detailed comparisons with other confirmed Rembrandt pieces.

“So the wood that was used for the panel on which it’s painted, that is definitely from a tree that was cut down before 1633, the date on the painting,” Bikker explained.

“All the pigments, the paint in the painting were used by Rembrandt in other paintings. And the layers of paint and how he painted it, that is also precisely the same as in other works by Rembrandt,” he continued.

This authentication increases the catalog of known Rembrandt paintings to approximately 350 works and raises optimism about potential future discoveries.

“We’re not actively looking for new paintings by Rembrandt, but I think this gives us hope — not just us, but everyone who’s interested in Rembrandt,” Bikker stated.

WASHINGTON — Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth and the nation’s top military officer, Air Force Gen. Dan Caine of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, are scheduled to address reporters Monday regarding ongoing U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran.

This will represent the administration’s first formal media briefing since Saturday concerning the strikes and developing Iranian situation. Although President Donald Trump has participated in several telephone interviews with individual news outlets, he has avoided on-camera questioning and has only issued two video statements since military operations commenced.

The scheduled briefing occurs amid an expanding regional conflict. Iranian forces and their proxy organizations have fired missiles targeting Israeli territory, Arab nations, and American military installations throughout the Middle East.

American military personnel have suffered four combat deaths. Trump indicated Sunday that additional U.S. casualties should be expected.

The escalating crisis was highlighted when Kuwait, a U.S. partner nation, accidentally destroyed three American warplanes during a combat operation while Iranian aircraft, missiles, and unmanned drones were conducting attacks. According to U.S. Central Command, all six crew members successfully ejected from their F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft and remain in stable medical condition.

American leadership has not presented any withdrawal strategy or indicated when the conflict might conclude, while the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has created uncertainty about the Islamic Republic’s future and pushed the region toward greater instability.

During a Sunday discussion with The New York Times, Trump indicated the military campaign might continue for “four to five weeks.”

The Republican commander-in-chief reported that American and Israeli forces have already hit hundreds of objectives. These operations included joint strikes on Iranian missile facilities and naval targets, with claims of destroying Iran’s naval command center and several warships.

Iran’s Red Crescent Society reports that U.S.-Israeli operations have resulted in at least 555 Iranian deaths. Regional authorities indicate 11 Israeli fatalities and 31 deaths in Lebanon.

TOKYO (AP) — Global tensions reached new heights Monday as international leaders grappled with the aftermath of coordinated US and Israeli military operations against Iran that resulted in the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.

President Donald Trump, confirming Khamenei’s death in the strikes, described the military action as “the single greatest chance for the Iranian people to take back their Country.”

The international response revealed deep divisions, with many nations carefully avoiding direct commentary on the weekend strikes while focusing criticism on Iran’s retaliatory attacks. Several governments condemned Tehran’s missile strikes against Arab nations while remaining silent about the American and Israeli military operations.

Clear divisions emerged among key allies: Australia and Canada voiced explicit backing for the US actions, while Russia, China and Spain issued sharp rebukes of the strikes.

Following Saturday’s major assault by US and Israeli forces, Trump urged Iranian citizens to “seize control of your destiny” and overthrow the Islamic government that has controlled Iran for over four decades. Tehran responded by launching missiles and unmanned aircraft at Israeli targets and American military installations throughout the Middle East.

European leaders Keir Starmer of Britain, Emmanuel Macron of France, and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz issued a joint declaration urging Washington and Tehran to restart diplomatic discussions, emphasizing their preference for a peaceful resolution.

These three nations have spearheaded international efforts to negotiate agreements regarding Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Thailand’s Foreign Affairs Ministry appealed for peaceful dialogue, requesting “all the parties to prevent the conflict from further deterioration, thereby undermining international peace and security and affecting innocent civilians.”

Oman issued a declaration stating the American military action “constitutes a violation of the rules of international law and the principle of settling disputes through peaceful means, rather than through hostility and the shedding of blood.” However, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi, who previously facilitated nuclear discussions between Washington and Tehran, maintained after two days of fighting that “the door to diplomacy remains open.”

The Arab League, representing 22 member nations, characterized Iran’s attacks as “a blatant violation of the sovereignty of countries that advocate for peace and strive for stability.” This coalition has traditionally criticized both Israeli and Iranian actions that threaten regional stability.

Senior diplomats from six Persian Gulf nations demanded Iran immediately cease attacks on their soil, arguing these actions violated national sovereignty and jeopardized regional peace.

Foreign ministers from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain conducted an emergency virtual conference Sunday after the US-Israeli strikes triggered Iranian missile barrages against American bases and civilian targets including airports, hotels and residential neighborhoods.

Syria, previously Iran’s strongest regional partner under former President Bashar Assad, issued a statement exclusively condemning Iranian actions, demonstrating the new government’s efforts to strengthen relationships with regional economic powers and the United States.

Saudi Arabia declared it “condemns and denounces in the strongest terms the treacherous Iranian aggression and the blatant violation of sovereignty.”

Several European and Middle Eastern nations chose diplomatic language, avoiding appearances of either endorsing unilateral American military action or directly criticizing the United States.

Other countries responded more forcefully.

Russia’s Foreign Ministry labeled the strikes “a pre-planned and unprovoked act of armed aggression against a sovereign and independent U.N. member state.” Moscow accused America and Israel of using nuclear concerns as cover while actually seeking government overthrow.

Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov expressed Monday that Russia felt deeply disappointed seeing the US and Israel attack Iran despite recent diplomatic progress.

China’s leadership said it remained “highly concerned” about the American and Israeli strikes, demanding immediate cessation of military activities and renewed negotiations.

Spain’s prime minister criticized the US-Israeli operations, advocating for immediate tension reduction and peaceful talks.

Canada, despite recent diplomatic friction with America, supported the military intervention. “The Islamic Republic of Iran is the principal source of instability and terror throughout the Middle East,” stated Prime Minister Mark Carney.

Australia’s Senate approved a resolution celebrating Khamenei’s death while rejecting provisions praising the United States and Israel.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi downplayed Monday concerns about economic impacts on Middle Eastern oil supplies following the strikes, noting Japan maintains domestic reserves lasting several months.

The Palestinian Authority condemned Iranian attacks on Arab states that have historically provided financial support, while making no reference to Israeli or American strikes.

Anxiety spread across multiple nations. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide expressed to broadcaster NRK his worry that failed US-Iran negotiations could trigger “a new, extensive war in the Middle East.”

The Nobel Peace Prize-winning International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons criticized the US and Israeli military operations.

European Union leadership released a Saturday statement advocating restraint and diplomacy to guarantee “nuclear safety.”

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said Monday that India remained troubled by the crisis and supported dialogue to reduce tensions.

Germany announced it would not participate in military operations against Iran but would consider protecting German troops at international bases in Jordan and Iraq if attacked, according to Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul.

British comedy legend John Cleese has announced he will avoid performing in British Columbia during his planned Canadian tour this year. The Monty Python co-creator made the decision following a substantial court ruling in the province.

A school official in British Columbia was recently ordered to pay $750,000 in damages after making public statements opposing transgender ideology. This legal outcome has prompted Cleese, known for his advocacy of free expression and his atheist beliefs, to reconsider performing in the region.

“What a pity. Now I won’t be able to risk doing any shows in British Columbia,” the veteran entertainer stated.

The decision means fans in that Canadian province will miss out on seeing the celebrated performer during his theatrical tour of the country.

International travelers found themselves trapped Monday after military operations between the United States, Israel and Iran forced the closure of major aviation routes throughout the Middle East.

Vacationers and business people were left waiting in hotels, terminals and aboard cruise vessels with little information about when normal air travel might return. Officials advised citizens abroad to stay put while evacuation plans were developed.

Key transportation centers in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Doha – including the world’s busiest Dubai International Airport – suspended operations after being directly impacted by the conflict. These facilities serve as crucial connection points linking Europe, Africa and Western nations with Asian destinations.

Qatar Airways announced Monday that all services remain halted, with the next status update scheduled for Tuesday morning. Jordan also implemented partial airspace restrictions.

Germany faces a particularly challenging situation with approximately 30,000 of its citizens currently unable to return home from the region.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul stated late Sunday that military rescue operations were impossible due to the airspace closures.

He explained that officials were exploring alternative methods to assist stranded Germans and urged people to heed guidance from travel companies and local officials.

The German Travel Association issued an urgent advisory telling tourists to “remain at their booked hotels as a matter of urgency” and avoid “make their own way to the airport or to a neighboring country.”

Similar guidance came from other nations dealing with stranded citizens.

Czech Prime Minister Andrej Babiš announced plans to deploy two aircraft to Egypt and Jordan for citizen evacuation. One plane will collect 79 Czech nationals in Sharm El Sheikh who are traveling by bus from Israel to Egypt. The second aircraft will retrieve citizens from Amman, Jordan. Babiš reported approximately 6,700 Czech citizens are currently in the affected region.

An additional four Czech evacuation flights are departing for Muscat and Salalah in Oman to transport tourists home.

The disruption extended to Asia, where thousands became stranded on Indonesia’s popular Bali island following widespread flight cancellations.

Officials at Bali’s international airport reported at least 15 cancelled flights by Monday afternoon, including eight departures and seven arrivals on routes serving Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Major carriers including Air France suspended service to Tel Aviv, Beirut, Dubai and Riyadh, while airlines from Air India to KLM issued travel warnings and halted operations.

Airport representative Gede Eka Sandi Asmadi confirmed that 3,197 departing passengers were impacted by the service interruptions.

American airlines issued travel alerts as the transportation chaos affected financial markets Monday morning, with travel sector stocks declining sharply. United, Delta and American Airlines each dropped 5% to 6%, while international hotel companies and cruise operators like Carnival experienced even steeper losses.

Lebanon’s Prime Minister Nawaf Salam announced on March 2nd that his government will prohibit Hezbollah’s armed operations throughout the country. The announcement comes after Israel conducted strikes against facilities connected to Hezbollah in response to the militant group’s recent missile and drone attacks.

The escalation follows unconfirmed reports regarding the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, which appears to have triggered the series of retaliatory actions between the groups. Israel targeted what it described as Hezbollah-affiliated locations after the organization launched its attacks using missiles and unmanned aircraft.

PARIS — French President Emmanuel Macron will address European security concerns Monday when he delivers a closely anticipated speech updating his nation’s nuclear weapons strategy from a military submarine base.

The French leader plans to detail how his country’s nuclear arsenal factors into European defense planning as continental leaders express mounting anxiety about President Donald Trump’s stance on Ukraine, Greenland and NATO commitments.

Despite escalating Middle East tensions involving Iran, French officials decided to proceed with the previously scheduled address. A presidential aide, speaking on condition of anonymity per standard protocol, explained that current global violence demonstrates why France must maintain its strategic independence against emerging threats.

Across Europe, government leaders are questioning whether the United States will honor its traditional “nuclear umbrella” commitment — the longstanding promise that American nuclear capabilities would shield NATO allies from attack.

As the European Union’s sole nuclear-armed nation, France holds unique significance in continental defense discussions. Macron’s administration indicated the speech will expand upon his 2020 nuclear deterrence remarks, made before Russia’s comprehensive Ukraine invasion transformed European security calculations.

Presidential officials have not revealed specific details about Monday’s announcement.

Several European countries have already accepted Macron’s previous invitation to participate in discussions about French nuclear deterrence and potentially join nuclear training exercises.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz disclosed earlier this month that he had conducted “preliminary discussions” with Macron regarding nuclear cooperation and publicly suggested German military aircraft might transport French nuclear weapons.

“We have to re-articulate nuclear deterrence,” Macron stated at this month’s Munich Security Council gathering. He described having “strategic conversations” with Merz and other European leaders “in order to see how we can articulate our national doctrine, which is guaranteed and controlled by the Constitution, with special cooperation, common exercises and common security interests.”

France and Britain established a joint agreement in July enabling their independent nuclear forces to operate in “coordinated” fashion. The United Kingdom, though no longer an EU member while remaining a NATO partner, represents Europe’s only other nuclear-capable nation.

Macron has repeatedly emphasized that authority over French nuclear weapons deployment remains exclusively with France’s president.

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Malaysian officials have granted Australian mining company Lynas Rare Earths a decade-long extension to operate its processing facility, while mandating the elimination of radioactive waste production by 2031.

The Lynas processing plant in Malaysia represents the first rare earth refinery established outside of China, producing essential materials for advanced technology manufacturing. Located in Pahang state’s central region, the facility has been operational since 2012 but has faced ongoing controversy regarding radiation concerns from accumulated waste materials.

Science Minister Chang Lih Kang announced Monday that radioactive waste produced over the next five years must undergo treatment and neutralization through thorium extraction or alternative approaches. He emphasized that no additional permanent storage facilities would be permitted.

The renewed operating permit extends through March 3, 2036, with a mandatory review scheduled after five years. Chang noted the license faces potential revocation if Lynas fails to meet established conditions.

Activist organizations have maintained sustained opposition to the Lynas facility, pushing for the company to remove its radioactive materials from the country. These groups argue that radioactive components, including thorium and uranium, become more dangerous following mechanical and chemical processing.

Lynas received a five-year window to upgrade its infrastructure and expand operations under what Chang characterized as an aggressive but definitive schedule. He reported that laboratory testing has demonstrated encouraging outcomes in waste radiation neutralization through thorium extraction, though implementing such technology on an industrial scale typically requires seven to 10 years.

“We have not gone against our promise to prevent the accumulation of radioactive waste in Malaysia. We remain committed to that position, and through this license renewal, we aim to fully achieve this goal by 2031,” Chang said in a statement.

Chang explained the license approval followed comprehensive technical assessment, considering Malaysia’s strategic priorities and commitments from Lynas. Current radioactive waste will be housed in a permanent storage facility currently under development, expected to be completed by year’s end.

Rare earth elements comprise 17 minerals essential for manufacturing electric and hybrid vehicles, defense systems, flat-screen televisions, mobile devices, mercury-vapor lighting and camera lenses. While China holds approximately one-third of global rare earth deposits, it maintains nearly complete control over supply chains. Lynas has indicated its refinery could supply almost one-third of worldwide rare earth demand, excluding China.

Malaysia’s only other rare earth processing facility — run by Japan’s Mitsubishi Group in northern Perak state — shuttered in 1992 after public demonstrations and allegations linking it to birth defects and leukemia among local residents. The site remains one of Asia’s most extensive radioactive contamination cleanup locations.

Thousands of Lebanese residents are abandoning their communities as deadly violence escalates along the Israeli-Lebanese border following Monday’s missile exchanges between the two nations.

The violence began when Hezbollah fired rockets from Lebanese territory into Israel, responding to the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Israeli forces answered with military strikes against Lebanese targets, resulting in at least 31 fatalities according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

Images captured by Associated Press photographers document the mass displacement as families pack belongings and flee areas near the conflict zone.

VIENNA (AP) — Iran’s representative to the International Atomic Energy Agency made accusations Monday that American and Israeli military strikes hit the country’s Natanz uranium enrichment complex.

However, this claim conflicts with statements from UN nuclear oversight director Rafael Grossi, who indicated the agency has found “no indication” that atomic facilities in Iran have been struck “up to now.”

“Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday. Their justification that Iran wants to develop nuclear weapons is simply a big lie,” Iranian Ambassador Reza Najafi stated to media at IAEA offices in Vienna during a special Board of Governors meeting requested by Russia.

When a journalist asked which atomic facility he meant, Najafi responded “Natanz.”

Located approximately 220 kilometers (135 miles) south of Tehran, the Natanz complex combines surface and underground laboratories that handled most of Iran’s uranium processing operations.

Prior to current hostilities, IAEA reports showed Iran operated sophisticated centrifuges at the site to process uranium to 60% purity — just one technical step away from the 90% weapons-grade threshold. Officials believe some of this material remained at the facility when the entire compound was struck last June.

The primary surface enrichment structure at Natanz was called the Pilot Fuel Enrichment Plant. Israeli forces struck this building on June 13, rendering it “functionally destroyed” and causing significant damage to subterranean chambers containing centrifuge arrays, according to IAEA Director-General Rafael Grossi’s assessment at that time. A subsequent U.S. operation on June 22 targeted Natanz’s underground sections with penetrating explosives, potentially destroying remaining equipment.

Speaking to the special Board of Governors session, IAEA Director Rafael Mariano Grossi stated the International Atomic Energy Agency currently has “no indication that any of the nuclear installations, including the Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the Tehran Research Reactor or other nuclear fuel cycle facilities” in Iran have sustained damage or been targeted.

Grossi noted the IAEA continues attempting to reach Iranian nuclear regulatory officials through the agency’s Incident and Emergency Center “with no response so far,” citing communication difficulties due to the ongoing conflict.

The IAEA chief called for military restraint, cautioning that Iran and numerous other regional nations facing military action operate “operational nuclear power plants and nuclear research reactors, as well as associated fuel storage sites, increasing the threat to nuclear safety.”

He reported that thus far “no elevation of radiation levels above the usual background levels has been detected in countries bordering Iran.”

Najafi further accused the United States of using “deception and disinformation to invade other countries.” He claimed the conflict was initiated by U.S. President Donald Trump, “who attempts to portray himself as a man of peace and asking for Nobel Peace Prize. Even when they talk about peace, it is a lie. And if they call for diplomacy, it’s about deception,” he stated.

The Iranian ambassador characterized the strikes on his nation as “unlawful, criminal and brutal” and urged the 35-member IAEA Board of Governors to “categorically condemn” the military actions.

A joint military operation conducted by the United States and Israel during the weekend has resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and numerous other high-ranking officials, sparking intense Iranian retaliation that raises fears of expanded regional conflict.

U.S. allies have committed to assisting in defending against Iran’s missile and drone attacks. For the first time in over a year, the Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah has launched strikes against Israel, prompting Israeli counterattacks.

The conflict has resulted in the first reported American military casualties. Additional fatalities have been confirmed in Israel and Gulf region countries, while Iranian officials report hundreds of deaths within their borders.

Following Khamenei’s death, Iran faces the task of selecting a new supreme leader for the first time since 1989. President Donald Trump has called on Iranian citizens to take advantage of this opportunity to topple the theocratic government that suppressed nationwide demonstrations earlier this year. However, there are no indications of such an uprising occurring.

Global reactions have been mixed, with some demonstrations taking place while others have celebrated the developments.

These military actions occurred just two days following the most recent diplomatic discussions between the U.S. and Iran regarding restrictions on Tehran’s nuclear activities. The situation mirrors events from the previous year, when negotiations were interrupted by an Israeli assault that resulted in a 12-day conflict and American bombardment of Iranian nuclear facilities. Washington has maintained that Iran has been reconstructing its nuclear capabilities in recent months.

Iranian officials claim they have not conducted uranium enrichment since June, though they have prevented International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors from accessing the sites targeted by American forces.

The 86-year-old Khamenei died during Saturday morning’s bombing of his residential compound. Iranian ballistic missile installations, naval headquarters, and warships were also struck. Iran reports that attacks also hit the Natanz nuclear enrichment facility.

With no designated heir, Iran has established a three-person leadership council. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has indicated that a new supreme leader will be selected within “one or two days.” Limited street celebrations following Khamenei’s death have been reported, though internet restrictions within Iran have made monitoring the situation difficult.

Iranian forces have responded with strikes against Israel, resulting in multiple casualties. Iran has also launched attacks on American military installations throughout the region. Military officials confirmed three service members were killed, marking the first known American losses. Additional Iranian attacks have caused several deaths in Gulf states including the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, while hundreds of flights have been disrupted at major international airports.

The strikes followed a significant U.S. military buildup in the region, representing the largest American presence there in decades. Israeli and American intelligence agencies spent weeks monitoring the locations of senior Iranian leadership. Trump has stated that the “heavy and pinpoint bombing” operations in Iran will continue throughout the week or potentially longer.

American military installations across the region remain vulnerable to potential Iranian attacks.

Washington has indicated willingness to engage in future discussions with Iran’s incoming leadership. Meanwhile, certain congressional leaders have objected to launching the strikes without legislative approval.

Israel views Iran as a fundamental threat and has consistently worked to eliminate its nuclear and missile programs, while also targeting allied armed groups such as Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli operations have significantly weakened these organizations following Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel that initiated the Gaza conflict.

Early Monday, Israel conducted strikes in Lebanon in response to missiles fired by Hezbollah across the border.

Israel has now committed to “nonstop” attacks and reported that 100 fighter aircraft simultaneously struck targets in Tehran at one point. During last year’s conflict, Israel presented Trump with a proposal to eliminate Khamenei, which has now been accomplished.

Israeli citizens sought shelter throughout the weekend, though most Iranian attacks have been successfully intercepted. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, facing international criticism over the Gaza war, is declaring the outcome a victory for Israeli security.

However, threats persist from Iranian-supported groups like Yemen’s Houthi rebels, who have promised to restart attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes and Israeli targets.

The current crisis has already exceeded the intensity of last year’s Israel-Iran conflict, where the United States became involved near the conclusion by bombing Iranian nuclear sites, leading to Iran’s calculated response against a U.S. military base in Qatar.

Currently, hundreds of Iranian missile and drone attacks have caused widespread alarm across Gulf nations that had previously remained relatively protected from regional instability.

The United Arab Emirates reported disruptions at Dubai’s primary airport, while tourists and residents reacted to the sounds of interceptor missiles. Saudi Arabia confirmed it intercepted attacks and summoned Iran’s diplomatic representative. Senior diplomats from six Gulf states declared their “right to self-defense.”

Oil markets experienced sharp price increases when trading resumed Sunday, as investors anticipated potential supply disruptions from this crucial region. Concerns about attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most vital oil transit point, are also affecting supply considerations.

In response, eight nations within the OPEC+ oil alliance announced plans to increase crude oil production.

Monday may bring initial information about potential impacts on Iran’s nuclear program as the International Atomic Energy Agency’s Board of Governors convenes a meeting regarding the conflict.

PARIS – French officials declared Monday their willingness to provide military assistance to Gulf nations facing retaliatory attacks from Iran, while criticizing recent strikes against Iranian targets as lacking proper international authorization.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the pledge during a press conference following an emergency meeting at France’s Foreign Ministry in Paris.

“Regarding more specifically our partners in the region who have been targeted, deliberately aimed at by the Iranian regime, we stand ready to contribute to their defense,” Barrot stated to journalists.

The foreign minister clarified that any French assistance would come “based on their request, in a proportionate manner and in accordance with the principle of collective self-defence provided for under international law.”

Barrot also criticized Saturday’s military actions by Israel and the United States against Iran, arguing these “unilateral strikes” should have received authorization from the U.N. Security Council to gain proper legitimacy.

The French official urged Iran to cease its current offensive operations and make significant compromises to reach a diplomatic resolution that could bring stability to the Middle East.

According to Barrot, no French personnel were injured in Sunday’s drone strike on a French naval facility in Abu Dhabi, though the attack resulted in minor property damage.

Energy facilities across the Middle East came under attack Monday, forcing the temporary closure of Saudi Arabia’s largest domestic oil refinery following a drone strike, according to industry sources.

The escalating violence has now entered its third day, prompting energy companies to halt operations at facilities throughout the region as a safety precaution. Oil production in Iraqi Kurdistan has been largely suspended, while several major Israeli natural gas fields have also ceased operations, disrupting energy exports to Egypt.

Saudi Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery, which processes 550,000 barrels daily, was temporarily shuttered after the attack. The facility sits within a crucial energy hub along Saudi Arabia’s Gulf coastline that also functions as a key export terminal for the kingdom’s crude oil.

In northern Iraq’s Kurdistan region, energy companies including DNO, Gulf Keystone Petroleum, Dana Gas and HKN Energy have halted production at their oil fields as a safety measure. The region had been exporting approximately 200,000 barrels per day through a pipeline to Turkey’s Ceyhan port in February. Officials report no damage to the facilities.

Off Israel’s coast, Chevron’s massive Leviathan natural gas field suspended operations Saturday, while Energean also shut down its production vessel that services smaller gas fields in the area.

Saudi defense officials confirmed that two drones were intercepted at the Ras Tanura facility, with falling debris sparking a small fire. The Saudi defense ministry spokesperson told Al Arabiya TV that no personnel were injured in the incident.

“The situation at Aramco’s Ras Tanura refinery is under control,” a source familiar with the matter reported. Saudi Arabia’s state news agency said some refinery units were shut down as a precaution, but emphasized that fuel supplies to domestic markets remained unaffected.

The facility closures are heightening concerns about global energy supplies, particularly as shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has nearly stopped following attacks on vessels Sunday. About 20 percent of the world’s oil consumption passes through this critical waterway. Brent crude oil prices jumped approximately 10 percent Monday, climbing above $82 per barrel.

Energy analysts view the Saudi refinery attack as a major escalation in regional tensions. “The attack on Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura refinery marks a significant escalation, with Gulf energy infrastructure now squarely in Iran’s sights,” said Torbjorn Soltvedt, principal Middle East analyst at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.

Soltvedt added, “The attack is also likely to move Saudi Arabia and neighbouring Gulf states closer to joining U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran.”

This isn’t the first time Saudi Arabia’s heavily protected energy infrastructure has come under attack. In September 2019, drone and missile strikes on the Abqaiq and Khurais facilities temporarily eliminated more than half of the kingdom’s oil production. The Ras Tanura facility was previously targeted by Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi forces in 2021.

Qatar successfully stopped Iranian strikes aimed at civilian targets, including the nation’s international airport, according to a foreign ministry spokesperson who spoke with CNN on Monday.

The spokesperson, Majed Al Ansari, warned that these types of aggressive actions “could not remain unanswered” and confirmed that Qatar is currently not maintaining diplomatic engagement with Iran.

The March 2nd statement highlights escalating tensions between the two Middle Eastern nations as Qatar takes a firm stance against what it describes as unprovoked attacks on non-military infrastructure.

Military forces have taken control of two northern Pakistani cities under emergency curfew orders following deadly weekend violence that claimed at least 23 lives, government officials announced Monday.

The lockdown affects Gilgit and Skardu, where thousands of Shiite protesters stormed United Nations facilities on Sunday in response to U.S.-Israeli military operations that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The demonstrations turned destructive as crowds targeted the UN Military Observer Group offices that oversee Kashmir ceasefire monitoring and attacked UN Development Programme facilities in Skardu. Violence also erupted in Gilgit, where demonstrators set fire to a police station and caused damage to a school and local charity buildings. Regional police report 12 fatalities and 80 wounded in the Gilgit-Baltistan area alone.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed Monday that protesters vandalized the UNMOGIP Field Station during the violent confrontations. “The safety and security of U.N. personnel and premises throughout the region remain our top priority, and we continue to closely monitor the situation,” Dujarric stated.

Regional government representative Shabir Mir announced Monday that authorities have restored order, with the emergency curfew scheduled to continue through Wednesday. Police commander Akbar Nasir Khan instructed citizens to remain in their homes due to “deteriorating law and order conditions.”

Violence also erupted in Pakistan’s major southern port of Karachi, where angry crowds breached the U.S. Consulate grounds Sunday, shattering windows and attempting to ignite the structure. Law enforcement responded with riot control measures including batons, tear gas, and live ammunition, resulting in 10 deaths and over 50 injuries. Additional violence in the capital city of Islamabad claimed one life as Shiite protesters attempted to march toward the American Embassy.

American diplomatic facilities suspended normal operations Monday, with the U.S. Embassy and consulates in Karachi and Lahore canceling scheduled visa services and citizen assistance due to security threats. Pakistani security forces have increased protection around all U.S. diplomatic properties nationwide, including enhanced security perimeters around the Peshawar consulate facility.

Financial markets reflected the regional instability Monday as the Pakistan Stock Exchange experienced significant losses, with the primary KSE-100 Index dropping nearly 10 percent. Market analysts attributed the widespread selling across all sectors to increased uncertainty following the Iranian attacks and resulting geopolitical tensions.

The violent demonstrations reflect growing fury throughout Pakistan, especially within Shiite communities, following the U.S.-Israeli military operations that eliminated Khamenei and other high-ranking Iranian officials. Although Shiites represent a minority population nationally, they constitute majorities in certain northern districts and throughout Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province along the Afghan border.

These domestic disturbances occurred as Pakistan continues cross-border military confrontations with Afghanistan that began Thursday following Afghan retaliatory strikes responding to Pakistani air operations conducted the previous Sunday. Pakistani forces have maintained ongoing border operations since the conflict began.

MOSCOW – Russian officials announced Monday they are maintaining ongoing communications with Iran’s government following what Moscow describes as unprovoked attacks on the country, expressing significant disappointment over recent developments.

On Sunday, Russian President Vladimir Putin denounced the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as a calculated assassination. Russia’s Foreign Ministry has pointed fingers at the United States and Israel, claiming their actions are pushing the Middle East toward uncontrolled chaos.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov revealed Monday that Russian officials are examining the circumstances and forming their own assessment after Washington decided to conduct military operations against Iran, despite what appeared to be productive diplomatic discussions.

“Regarding the talks facilitated by Oman between America and Iran, we must voice our profound disappointment that despite reports of meaningful advancement in those discussions, circumstances have still descended into direct hostilities,” Peskov stated during a press briefing.

The spokesperson mentioned that Putin plans to conduct an international phone conversation about Iran later Monday, though he wouldn’t reveal the intended recipient.

“What I can share is that we maintain ongoing communication with Iran’s government and are examining developments affecting that nation. Meanwhile, we’re continuing discussions with leaders of countries impacted by this conflict, including nations in the Persian Gulf region,” Peskov explained.

NAIROBI – An assault by unknown gunmen in South Sudan’s Ruweng Administrative Area on Sunday resulted in the deaths of 122 individuals, with 82 of those being civilians, according to the region’s information minister who spoke Monday.

James Monyliak Majok confirmed the devastating toll to Reuters, stating: “I would like to sadly inform you that among those killed included the County Commissioner and the Executive Director. Eighty two were mostly children, women, and elderly.”

The identity of the attackers and their motives remain unclear as authorities continue investigating the incident that claimed the lives of numerous vulnerable residents along with key local government officials.

Iranian representatives accused the United States and Israel of launching military strikes against the country’s major nuclear facility at Natanz, according to statements made during a United Nations nuclear oversight meeting in Vienna on Monday.

Speaking to journalists at the International Atomic Energy Agency’s board meeting, Iran’s U.N. nuclear watchdog ambassador Reza Najafi claimed the attacks targeted peaceful nuclear operations under international supervision.

“Again they attacked Iran’s peaceful, safeguarded nuclear facilities yesterday,” Najafi stated to reporters gathered at the 35-nation governing board session. When pressed by Reuters about which specific installations were targeted, Najafi confirmed the strikes hit the Natanz complex.

The extensive nuclear installation at Natanz has been a focal point of international attention regarding Iran’s nuclear program activities.

Iranian Americans residing in the Los Angeles area are expressing their viewpoints regarding recent military operations conducted by the United States and Israel targeting Iran.

The Iranian diaspora community in Los Angeles has been sharing their reactions as tensions escalate in the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel.

NEW DELHI (AP) — Canadian and Indian leaders announced Monday their commitment to enhancing economic cooperation, marking a significant effort to repair diplomatic relations that have been troubled for the past two years.

Following discussions with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that both nations would work toward completing a “comprehensive economic partnership” designed to boost bilateral trade to $50 billion by 2030.

The two countries resumed progress on trade agreement negotiations that had been stalled, as Carney has worked to rebuild diplomatic communication and stabilize the relationship between the nations.

According to Carney, both governments are targeting completion of the agreement before year’s end.

“This is not merely the renewal of a relationship. It is the expansion of a valued partnership with new ambition, focus, and foresight,” Carney said.

The relationship between the countries became strained when Canadian officials claimed India played a role in the death of a Canadian Sikh activist near Vancouver in June 2023. India strongly rejected these claims and criticized former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s administration for providing refuge to Sikh extremists associated with the Khalistan movement. India has prohibited this movement, which seeks to establish an independent Sikh state.

The diplomatic crisis resulted in both nations removing senior diplomatic personnel and temporarily halting certain visa operations.

The relationship began improving last June when Carney extended an invitation to Modi to attend the G7 summit in Alberta.

Following Monday’s discussions, Modi revealed that India and Canada had signed a nuclear cooperation agreement allowing Canada to provide uranium to India. He also noted that both countries would collaborate on strengthening defense industries and improving maritime domain awareness.

Representatives from both governments also signed multiple memoranda of understanding covering critical minerals, energy cooperation, and cultural exchange programs.

Carney plans to continue his trip to Australia and Japan later Monday as part of his strategy to expand Canada’s trade relationships beyond the United States. His administration has established an objective to double Canada’s non-U.S. exports within the next ten years, citing concerns that American tariffs are discouraging investment.

BEIJING – Chinese officials confirmed Monday that one of their citizens died in Tehran amid escalating Middle East violence, while Beijing has successfully evacuated over 3,000 nationals from Iran.

The fatality occurred as tensions exploded following weekend strikes by U.S. and Israeli forces that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Iran responded with retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and Gulf nations where American military installations are located.

During a routine press conference, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning explained that diplomatic missions in surrounding nations have established working committees to receive and support evacuated citizens, though she provided no details about plans for their return to China.

Ning revealed that Beijing received no advance warning about Washington’s military operations against Iran.

The spokesperson also pushed back against reports suggesting Iran and China were nearing an agreement for supersonic anti-ship missile purchases, stating China remains a responsible major power that “always fulfilled its international obligations.”

Ning repeated Beijing’s condemnation of the strikes and Khamenei’s killing, calling on all involved nations to halt military operations immediately to avoid further escalation.

The Chinese official emphasized that Gulf states’ sovereignty, security and territorial boundaries must be completely respected, adding that China supports enhanced dialogue between nations in the region.

Growing tensions in the Middle East involving Iran are creating significant disruptions to oil shipments destined for Asian markets, as shipping vessels remain stuck in the Persian Gulf while crude oil and transportation expenses climb, according to industry experts and analysts who spoke Monday.

These supply chain interruptions underscore the vulnerability of Asia, which represents the globe’s largest oil-consuming region and relies on Middle Eastern producers for 60% of its petroleum needs, amid ongoing hostilities between the United States and Israel against Iran.

President Donald Trump indicated that the U.S.-Israeli military operations could extend for several weeks, potentially causing extended interruptions to shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that handles approximately 20% of worldwide oil production and a comparable portion of liquefied natural gas shipments from Middle Eastern suppliers.

Weekend attacks resulted in damage to three oil tankers and claimed the life of one crew member, while earlier strikes prompted roughly 200 vessels to anchor near the Strait as a safety precaution. Insurance companies withdrew war risk coverage on Monday, and industry experts anticipate shipping rates will spike as operators keep their fleets away from the area.

Citi analysts noted in their report: “Iran has not officially shut the Strait of Hormuz but risk aversion from shippers is a real phenomenon. Transit volumes have already declined with vessels parking outside the Strait.”

International oil prices jumped approximately 9% on Monday following earlier increases of up to 13%.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara addressed the situation during a briefing, stating: “Some crude oil tankers bound for Japan from the Middle East are waiting in the Persian Gulf, avoiding passage through the Strait of Hormuz.”

Japanese trading company Itochu confirmed it is facing “some impact” on Gulf shipments of crude oil and petroleum products and plans to obtain supplies from non-Middle Eastern sources, according to an email statement.

Japan’s largest refiner, Eneos, indicated it would evaluate effects on future crude oil purchasing while keeping watch on developments.

A prolonged closure of the Strait would drive oil costs higher and potentially create supply shortfalls for China and India, the world’s first and third-largest oil importing nations, compelling these countries to use emergency reserves and reduce refinery activity.

The International Energy Agency, comprising primarily developed nations, mandates that member countries maintain oil reserves equal to no less than 90 days of net oil imports.

Kihara stated that Japan currently has no immediate intentions to release from its strategic petroleum reserves, among the world’s most substantial.

Indonesia’s state energy corporation Pertamina announced it has implemented risk management strategies and is optimizing refinery operations to maintain fuel and liquefied petroleum gas availability. The nation serves as Southeast Asia’s top gasoline importer.

Several Indian refineries have already informed Middle Eastern suppliers they cannot secure vessels to transport crude oil, according to sources from two companies.

India’s energy ministry and refiners conducted weekend meetings to explore options for reducing the crisis’s impact on the nation’s energy security, sources revealed.

The refiners plan to examine all alternatives, including Russian oil pending New Delhi’s approval, if the crisis extends beyond 10-15 days, sources indicated.

One source explained: “Alternative routes to get oil from the Middle East are costly and availability is not there as ships are not willing to go through that route.”

The interruption of LNG deliveries from Qatar, Oman and the United Arab Emirates would most severely affect Asian purchasers, particularly Pakistan, India and Bangladesh, analysts warned.

Rystad Energy analysts observed in their assessment: “Those countries face a choice between attracting LNG cargoes from other producers and reducing gas demand either by fuel switching or outright demand curtailment.”

China and Japan rank as the world’s top two LNG importing countries. However, Japan obtains most of its supply from Australia. Japanese utilities currently hold LNG inventory sufficient for approximately three weeks of domestic consumption, Kihara reported.

Recent military operations targeting Iran may influence North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to restart nuclear discussions with President Donald Trump, according to analysts and former government officials speaking from Seoul.

Previous diplomatic efforts aimed at addressing North Korea’s nuclear weapons program and missile development collapsed after high-level meetings between Kim and Trump during 2018 and 2019, despite initial optimism. However, the recent Iranian situation could change Pyongyang’s calculations.

The military action that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei occurred two months following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by American special operations forces under Trump’s direction.

“Kim must have thought Iran was attacked like that because it didn’t have nuclear weapons,” explained Song Seong-jong, who teaches at Daejeon University and previously worked for South Korea’s Defence Ministry.

North Korea’s foreign ministry described the military operation as unavoidable, characterizing the United States as “hegemonic and rogue” in a statement released through state-controlled media this past Sunday.

During a recent ruling party gathering, Kim announced plans to expand the country’s nuclear arsenal, though he suggested future discussions remained possible based on Washington’s approach.

“If the United States withdraws its policy of confrontation with North Korea by respecting our country’s current status … there is no reason why we cannot get along well with the U.S.,” Kim stated according to the KCNA news agency.

Trump has expressed interest in renewed discussions, leading to speculation about a potential meeting during his upcoming visit to China scheduled for March 31 through April 2.

“The lesson the Trump administration wants pariah states to take is clear; stop threatening America and its allies and make a deal before it is too late,” said Leif-Eric Easley, who teaches international studies at Ewha Womans University in Seoul.

Easley noted that North Korea has developed more sophisticated nuclear capabilities than Iran possessed, including advanced warhead technology and long-range missile systems.

North Korea formally adopted legislation in 2022 authorizing first-strike nuclear attacks, with Kim declaring this made the nation’s atomic status “irreversible.”

Sydney Seiler, currently a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and former U.S. representative in six-nation nuclear talks, believes renewed negotiations haven’t been Kim’s main focus.

“President Trump’s willingness to use military force and threats for negotiating leverage must make Kim nervous and less likely to hastily seek talks,” Seiler observed.

Some experts suggest Kim’s increased security concerns might actually encourage diplomatic engagement.

“Unlike Iran, it’s impossible to denuclearise North Korea,” said Cho Han-bum from the government-funded Korea Institute for National Unification, pointing to the widespread distribution of nuclear facilities throughout the isolated nation.

International estimates suggest North Korea has built approximately 50 nuclear warheads and maintains sufficient materials to construct up to 40 additional weapons, according to last year’s assessment by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute.

Yang Moo-jin, a professor at Seoul’s University of North Korean Studies, sees potential for discussions if Kim attempts “to leverage his personal rapport with President Trump to explore Washington’s position on North Korea, while at the same time buying time to further advance the country’s nuclear capabilities.”

Nam Sung-wook, who teaches at Sookmyung Women’s University and formerly led a research organization connected to South Korea’s intelligence service, believes Kim might agree to conditional talks if America recognizes North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.

Nam also suggested the North Korean leader likely feels protected by relationships with China and Russia.

Kim traveled by armored train to Beijing last September, where he appeared alongside Chinese President Xi Jinping and Russian President Vladimir Putin at a significant military demonstration.

Despite these international partnerships, Ko Young-hwan, a former North Korean diplomat who defected and now advises the South Korean government, thinks Kim may want to reassure Trump about nuclear restraint.

“The incident in Iran must have made him think he should manage relations with the United States better,” Ko concluded.