Category: World News

President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held a telephone conversation Tuesday that centered on developments in the Middle East, with particular attention to ensuring the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible to international shipping, according to U.S. Ambassador to India Sergio Gor.

The diplomatic exchange between the two world leaders was revealed through a social media post by Gor on platform X, highlighting the ongoing international concern over the strategic waterway’s security.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenyan officials announced Tuesday that devastating floods have claimed 88 lives after two major rivers overflowed their banks, forcing families from their homes and destroying agricultural land throughout the East African nation.

The flooding disaster has impacted 21 counties across Kenya, creating serious concerns about public safety, damaged infrastructure, and mounting humanitarian crisis. More than 34,000 residents have been forced to evacuate their homes since the flooding began in early March, according to the Interior Ministry.

Western Kenya experienced the most recent flooding emergency when the Nyando River overflowed Monday, inundating portions of the Ahero Bridge on the Kericho–Awasi–Kisumu highway and cutting off transportation throughout the area.

Government officials released a warning urging drivers to avoid the flooded roadway and find alternate routes, especially during nighttime hours when visibility becomes poor.

“This advisory is especially critical during the hours of darkness, when it may be difficult to accurately determine the depth and strength of the flowing water,” the statement said.

Rescue operations have escalated in the hardest-hit regions, with the Kenya Red Cross Society leading efforts to save trapped residents and move families to higher ground.

Around the Nyando region, emergency workers have rescued more than 200 people along with over 200 farm animals, while pulling at least two families from life-threatening situations. Officials are also rushing to evacuate more than 900 students from Ahero Girls National School as flood levels continue climbing.

The Interior Ministry reported Tuesday that no fewer than 265 households have been impacted in the region. Evacuated families are finding temporary shelter in community buildings, including government facilities, religious centers, and medical clinics. Six children without guardians were among those rescued and are receiving special care.

Additional flooding has struck other areas across the country.

In Tana River County, the River Tana overflowed, swamping farmland in Mbalambala and nearby communities, including Asako village, putting food supplies at risk. In Uasin Gishu County, a coordinated response team is evaluating damage from rising waters along the Sosiani River in Lower Elgon View, where homes and hospitality businesses have been impacted.

Throughout Kenya, the flooding has upended normal activities, shutting down schools, making highways impassable, and halting commerce, especially in low-elevation areas and informal communities.

Government officials report that emergency response teams continue monitoring conditions on location, with more evacuations planned if rainfall continues.

While Kenya faces seasonal flooding annually, the current disaster’s scope and severity have heightened worries about emergency readiness and the risk to communities located near waterways and flood-vulnerable regions.

Officials have called on residents in dangerous areas to stay alert and heed official warnings, cautioning that situations may deteriorate further if heavy precipitation persists.

TOKYO — Beijing has formally complained to Japanese officials following a security breach at China’s embassy in Tokyo involving an alleged military member.

According to Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a Beijing press briefing, someone identifying himself as a member of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces climbed over the embassy wall and entered the diplomatic compound Tuesday morning.

Relations between the neighboring countries have grown increasingly tense following comments made by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in November. Takaichi stated that any Chinese military move against Taiwan would represent “a survival-threatening situation” for Japan that might require military response. China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory, has responded with increased diplomatic pressure and trade measures against Japan.

Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that the intruder, suspected to be a member of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force, was immediately apprehended and turned over to Tokyo police. No injuries occurred during the incident, according to the television report.

The suspect reportedly left a knife behind after scaling the embassy walls, NHK stated. TBS television reported the individual was carrying Self-Defense Force identification. Japanese media indicated police are treating the case as suspected trespassing.

Tokyo police declined to verify the reports or provide comment. The Ground Self-Defense Force acknowledged awareness of the incident to The Associated Press and said they are conducting their own investigation but could not elaborate further.

“China is deeply shocked by the incident and has lodged solemn representations with the Japanese side, expressing strong protest,” Lin stated. “The Japanese side has failed to properly manage and discipline its Self-Defense Forces personnel and has not fulfilled its responsibility to ensure the security of Chinese embassies and consulates and their staff.”

Lin called on Japan to conduct a complete investigation immediately, hold the individual accountable, explain the situation to China, and implement measures to prevent future incidents.

Taliban officials in Afghanistan freed American researcher Dennis Coyle on Tuesday following more than 12 months of detention, timing the release to coincide with Eid al-Fitr, the celebration marking Ramadan’s conclusion.

According to Afghanistan’s foreign ministry, Coyle was set free in the capital city of Kabul after his family made appeals and the nation’s Supreme Court determined “his previous imprisonment sufficient.”

The academic was taken into custody in January 2025 amid accusations of legal violations, though Taliban leadership never disclosed the specific charges against him.

The ministry revealed that both the United Arab Emirates and Qatar served as intermediaries in securing Coyle’s freedom. Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi held discussions in Kabul with former U.S. Afghanistan envoy Zalmay Khalilzad prior to the release.

Just weeks ago, the State Department labeled Afghanistan a nation that sponsors wrongful detention, claiming the country practices “hostage diplomacy.” This designation places Afghanistan alongside Iran as nations the U.S. accuses of imprisoning Americans to gain political advantages.

Taliban leadership has pushed back against American claims that they detain foreign nationals for diplomatic leverage, maintaining that arrests occur solely for legal infractions rather than bargaining purposes.

The Foreign Ministry stated Afghanistan freed Coyle “based on humanitarian sympathy and goodwill, and believes that such steps can further strengthen the atmosphere of trust between countries.” The statement continued that Kabul “also expresses the hope that both countries will find solutions to the remaining problems through understanding and constructive dialogue in the future.”

State Department officials have not yet responded to news of Coyle’s freedom.

At least one additional American remains in Taliban custody. Mahmood Habibi, a businessman with dual Afghan-American citizenship who worked for a telecommunications contractor in Kabul, disappeared in 2022.

While the FBI and Habibi’s relatives believe Taliban forces captured him, Afghan officials deny holding the businessman.

Ahmad Habibi, Mahmood’s brother, expressed gratitude for Coyle’s release while stating “we hope that our family will soon have the same feeling of relief, when Mahmood is returned home to us.”

WASHINGTON – America’s top diplomat Marco Rubio is set to participate in a gathering of Group of Seven foreign ministers in France this Friday, where discussions will center on the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine as well as escalating tensions in the Middle East following recent U.S.-Israel military operations against Iran, according to the State Department.

Allied nations are currently managing the consequences of President Donald Trump’s decision to launch strikes against Iran in recent weeks, which prompted Iranian retaliation against Gulf region neighbors and commercial shipping routes, effectively halting most maritime traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway.

The Secretary of State, who also serves as Trump’s primary national security advisor, is scheduled to participate in the G7 foreign ministers’ conference in Cernay-la-Ville, located just outside Paris, as confirmed by principal deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott in a Tuesday announcement.

“Areas of focus will include the Russia-Ukraine war, the situation in the Middle East, and threats across the world to peace and stability,” Pigott said.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukrainian officials reported that a massive Russian aerial assault targeting civilian areas resulted in four deaths and at least 27 injuries on Tuesday, as Moscow’s forces intensified their push against Ukrainian defensive positions in what appears to be the beginning of a long-expected spring ground campaign.

Ukraine’s air force confirmed that Russia deployed nearly 400 long-range drones against the country during overnight hours, marking the most extensive such attack in recent weeks. The bombardment extended into Tuesday’s daylight hours with additional drone strikes hitting the capital city of Kyiv.

The nighttime assault also included 23 cruise missiles and seven ballistic missiles launched by Russian forces, striking no fewer than 10 locations throughout Ukraine, air force officials reported.

Ukrainian citizens have faced continuous bombardments since Russia began its full-scale invasion of the neighboring country more than four years ago. Despite U.S.-mediated discussions between Moscow and Kyiv over the previous year, no relief has emerged, with Russia turning down Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal, while recent Middle East conflicts have shifted global focus away from Ukraine’s situation.

Along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) battle line that winds through eastern and southern Ukraine, understaffed defenders have been preparing for a renewed Russian offensive as weather conditions improve.

Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, who leads Ukraine’s armed forces, reported that Russian military units have recently launched coordinated breakthrough attempts across multiple strategic locations.

“Fierce fighting unfolded along the entire line of contact,” Syrskyi stated Monday via the Telegram messaging platform, noting that Russia conducted 619 attacks over a four-day period.

“The occupiers are attempting to bring up new units and are preparing to continue attacks,” Syrskyi explained, while confirming that Ukraine had positioned additional forces to counter these assaults.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War indicated that Syrskyi’s assessment supports their conclusion that Russia’s spring-summer offensive has commenced.

According to the ISW’s Monday analysis, Russia has increased its strike operations since March 17 and relocated heavy military equipment and additional personnel to front-line positions.

Russia has historically intensified its grinding attrition campaign each year as weather conditions become more favorable. Despite these efforts, Russian forces have failed to capture major cities and have achieved only minor territorial advances in rural regions. Russia currently controls approximately 20% of Ukrainian territory, including the Crimean Peninsula, which it seized in 2014.

Ukraine has developed sophisticated drone capabilities to compensate for its limited infantry resources.

As international attention focuses on Middle East tensions, Kyiv is proposing to share Ukraine’s combat-proven drone defense systems with U.S. and Gulf allies, seeking to exchange this expertise for critically needed Patriot air defense missiles to counter Russian bombardments.

Ukraine has also deployed its domestically manufactured long-range drones against Russian territories that support Moscow’s military operations. Russia’s Defense Ministry announced Tuesday that its air defenses successfully intercepted 55 Ukrainian drones overnight across Russian regions, annexed Crimea, and the Black Sea.

HANOI, Vietnam — Vietnamese and Russian officials have finalized an agreement to construct a nuclear power facility in Vietnam as the Southeast Asian nation resurrects its atomic energy program to strengthen power security and reduce carbon emissions.

The arrangement for the Ninh Thuan 1 facility, as reported by Vietnamese government media, marks a revival after two comparable projects were canceled in 2016 due to escalating expenses and safety considerations.

The pact was finalized Monday while Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính conducted an official visit to Moscow, meeting with Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. Both nations characterized the facility as a “symbolic project” representing their partnership, Vietnam’s official government publication reported.

The proposed facility aligns with Vietnam’s goals to achieve prosperity by 2050 through development as Asia’s next “tiger economy.”

The arrangement establishes plans for constructing two Russian-engineered reactors totaling 2,400 megawatts of generating capacity, modeled after an operational facility in Russia.

Energy security worries have intensified following the conflict in Iran, which sparked a worldwide energy crisis, elevating imported fossil fuel prices and increasing Hanoi’s urgency to find dependable, sustainable power alternatives.

Throughout Southeast Asia, rapidly expanding economies are embracing atomic energy for cleaner, more dependable electricity. Supporters argue it provides reduced emissions compared to coal, petroleum, and natural gas, while advanced technology has enhanced reactor safety, reduced size, and lowered construction costs.

Monday’s Moscow discussions extended beyond atomic energy to include expanding partnerships in petroleum, natural gas, technology, and infrastructure development.

Vietnam and Russia have sustained diplomatic relations since 1950, originating during the Cold War era. However, economic connections remain limited. Trade increased from $3.63 billion in 2023 to $4.77 billion in 2025, significantly below Vietnam’s commerce with China and the United States.

Russia continues as a primary weapons provider, although Hanoi is working to diversify its suppliers.

VERIA, Greece (AP) — Every spring, Greece’s premier peach-growing territory transforms into a breathtaking pink landscape. The simultaneous blooming of countless peach trees generates a magnificent display that draws tourists annually, primarily from Greece and increasingly from across Europe.

“It’s something that people must experience and see at least once in their lifetime, because it’s a huge area,” said Gianna Pilitsidou, president of the Veria Tourism Club, based in the northern city of Veria.

The expansive plain, covering 170 square kilometers (approximately 65 square miles), becomes entirely pink during bloom season, she explained.

In recent years, the Veria Tourism Club has coordinated special activities within the flowering peach groves to celebrate this natural phenomenon: photo opportunities, bicycle excursions, and showcasing products from area farmers.

“Every year we welcome spring with celebrations in the fields, inviting people to visit us and experience it,” Pilitsidou said.

During two consecutive weekends, thousands of tourists strolled through the blooming peach orchards surrounding Veria, situated 72 kilometers (45 miles) west of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.

“I want the people in Holland and Belgium to know what amazing spots there still are besides all the places that people already know,” said Wesley van Eijk, a blogger from the Netherlands who travels around Greece. “For example Veria. I mean more and more people get to know it, but you have to feel it and be here.”

These celebrations are designed to highlight the area and assist local peach growers.

“For all of this to happen, it takes a lot of hard work — a lot of effort from us farmers,” said Anastasios Chalkidis, president of the local farmers union. “We’re happy that this beautiful event takes place, this great promotion for the wonderful product we have.”

The festivities have proven beneficial for the area, with hospitality workers reporting a noticeable rise in tourist numbers.

“I came all the way from Germany to this fabulous event to have a look at the peach blossom, which I absolutely adore,” said traveler Andrea Lachnit. “You have to come because it’s stunning and beautiful and heavenly. I have never seen anything like this before.”

Peach trees throughout the Veria area typically flower from approximately mid-March through mid-April.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — For nearly twenty years before assuming his role as Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf conducted an extensive diplomatic campaign, presenting himself as a hardline leader with whom Western nations could negotiate within the Islamic Republic.

“I would like the West to change its attitude to Iran and trust Iran, and rest assured that there’s an attitude in Iran to advance issues through dialogue,” he stated to The Times of London in 2008.

As the conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran enters its fourth week, the 64-year-old former pilot and Revolutionary Guard commander has rejected claims of ongoing discussions with Washington, despite media reports suggesting he was proposed as a potential negotiating counterpart for the U.S.

Uncertainty surrounds Qalibaf’s actual influence within Iran’s religious government structure, which was severely disrupted following the February 28 Israeli air attack that resulted in the death of 86-year-old Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

The late leader’s son, Mojtaba, who now serves as Iran’s supreme leader, has supported Qalibaf throughout his numerous unsuccessful presidential bids. Nevertheless, various power centers within Iran’s theocratic system are likely competing for control of the Islamic Republic, with ongoing questions about Mojtaba Khamenei’s condition after reports he sustained injuries and has not been publicly seen.

During his tenure, Qalibaf has been connected to government crackdowns on protesters demanding political reform and has faced various corruption accusations.

President Donald Trump may be seeking an Iranian equivalent to Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, who assumed power after U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January.

“Many Iranians despise Ghalibaf; diplomats see him as pragmatic,” analyst Michael Rubin wrote, using an alternative spelling of the politician’s surname. “Those diplomats confuse pragmatism with opportunism. Ghalibaf is a survivor. He sees in Trump someone who can help him achieve what late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei denied him: the presidency or some equivalent interim leadership role.”

Iran’s semi-official Tasnim news agency, which maintains close ties to the Guard, characterized Western media reports on Tuesday as a “political bomb” designed to destabilize the country’s leadership.

“Qalibaf was introduced as a negotiating party in order to present a contradictory and non-unified image of Iran,” Tasnim reported. “The mention of Qalibaf’s name was clearly intended to create internal divisions within Iran and to provoke conflict among political forces.”

Born in Torqabeh city within Iran’s northeastern Razavi Khorasan province, Qalibaf’s father worked as a shopkeeper rather than belonging to the Shiite religious leadership that gained control during the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Following the pattern of many young men from his generation, he enlisted with the paramilitary Guard during Iran’s devastating 1980s conflict with Iraq, advancing rapidly through military ranks. Following the war’s conclusion, he directed the Guard’s construction division, Khatam al-Anbia, for multiple years while leading reconstruction efforts.

As a trained aviator, he subsequently commanded the Guard’s air force. In 1999, he co-authored a letter to reformist President Mohammad Khatami during student demonstrations in Tehran sparked by the government’s closure of a reformist publication and subsequent security force response. The letter warned Khatami that the Guard would act independently unless he agreed to suppress the protests.

The violent confrontations during these demonstrations, marking the beginning of a series of expanding protests over recent decades, resulted in multiple deaths, hundreds of injuries, and thousands of arrests.

Qalibaf later assumed leadership of Iran’s police force, modernizing operations and establishing the nation’s 110 emergency telephone system. However, leaked audio from a subsequent meeting between Qalibaf and members of the Guard’s volunteer Basij force revealed him claiming responsibility for ordering gunfire against protesters in 2003 and commending the violence employed during Iran’s 2009 Green Movement demonstrations.

Then-President Hassan Rouhani referenced the 2003 incident during their confrontation in a 2017 presidential election debate.

“There was an argument that you were saying that the students should come then we can pincer attack to them and finish the job,” Rouhani stated at the time.

While serving as Tehran’s mayor from 2005 to 2017, Qalibaf encountered corruption charges, including concerns over approximately $3.5 million donated to a foundation operated by his wife.

Despite this, he leveraged his position to attend the World Economic Forum and even complimented New York City during a Financial Times interview, likely surprising fellow hardliners. Political rivals compared Qalibaf to Reza Pahlavi, an ambitious military leader who became shah in 1925 and aggressively pursued Persia’s westernization while renaming it Iran before transferring power to his son Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi.

Qalibaf did not completely dismiss this comparison.

“If authoritarianism means when collective sense reaches a plan and decision, I’m very determined and firm in carrying it out,” Qalibaf explained to The Financial Times in 2008, positioning himself as an alternative to hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. “When the expediency of the society is in carrying a project, then I’m very firm and show little flexibility and don’t let that collective sense be marred or disarrayed.”

Despite unsuccessful presidential campaigns in 2005, 2013, 2017, and 2024, U.S. diplomatic sources indicated he maintained Mojtaba Khamenei’s backing, according to diplomatic communications released by WikiLeaks.

“Mojtaba reportedly has long maintained a very close relationship with Tehran Mayor and presidential hopeful Mohammad Baqr Qalibaf; Mojtaba was reportedly the ‘backbone’ of Qalibaf’s past and continuing election campaigns,” stated an August 2008 cable. “Mojtaba is said to help Qalibaf as an advisor, financier, and provider of senior-level political support. His support for and closeness to Qalibaf reportedly remains undiminished.”

With Khamenei now serving as Iran’s supreme leader, Qalibaf’s standing may receive substantial enhancement.

Following Trump’s decision to extend a 48-hour ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, media outlets reported Qalibaf as a potential Iranian liaison for the U.S. administration. Qalibaf has personally refuted claims of active negotiations.

“No negotiations have been held with the US, and fakenews is used to manipulate the financial and oil markets and escape the quagmire in which the US and Israel are trapped,” he posted Monday on X.

Notably, unlike numerous Iranian government officials, Qalibaf’s name does not appear on any U.S. bounty list.

Whether Israeli forces consider Qalibaf a target remains unknown. In his role as parliament speaker, Qalibaf endorsed the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault on Israel, declaring it demonstrated the “Zionist regime will never have peace until the day it is annihilated.”

Trump also expressed concern Monday that revealing his unnamed negotiating partner could endanger potential discussions.

When asked about his reluctance to identify the Iranian negotiator, Trump responded to reporters: “Because I don’t want them to be killed, OK? I don’t want them to be killed.”

MOSCOW – Russian government officials acknowledged Tuesday they are reassessing plans to expand the country’s long-term financial reserves after oil prices surged due to conflicts involving Iran.

The confirmation came after Reuters reported Monday that Moscow would delay its strategy to strengthen fiscal reserves in response to the recent petroleum market volatility.

When questioned about the news report, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov explained the matter falls under government authority. “This is the prerogative of the government,” Peskov stated during a press briefing. “These issues are discussed at meetings on economic issues with the participation of the head of state. These issues are currently being worked out.”

According to sources familiar with the situation, the decision to postpone the reserve enhancement plan stems from the recent spike in oil prices connected to ongoing tensions with Iran.

Peskov indicated that economic policy discussions involving President Vladimir Putin are addressing these fiscal matters as the situation develops.

Recent military operations may have eliminated Iran’s remaining fleet of F-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft, potentially bringing to a close an unusual chapter in aviation history that stretched across nearly five decades.

The fighter jets gained worldwide recognition through their starring role in the blockbuster film Top Gun. However, their real-world story involves a complex relationship between the United States and Iran that transformed dramatically over the years.

During the 1970s, the United States provided these advanced fighter aircraft to Iran when the two nations maintained friendly relations. The situation changed drastically as the countries later became adversaries, leaving Iran in possession of American-made military equipment.

Despite facing extensive U.S. sanctions that made obtaining replacement parts and maintenance support extremely difficult, Iran managed to keep these aging aircraft operational for many years through various means.

The U.S. military officially retired its own F-14 fleet in 2006, with the final launch taking place from the USS Theodore Roosevelt on July 28 of that year.

If confirmed, the destruction of Iran’s remaining F-14s would mark the end of an extraordinary period in which these American-designed aircraft continued flying in a nation that had become one of the United States’ primary opponents in the region.

JERUSALEM – Three high-ranking Israeli officials revealed Tuesday that President Donald Trump is actively pursuing diplomatic negotiations with Iran in hopes of bringing an end to Middle Eastern conflicts.

The officials, who requested anonymity, expressed skepticism that Iran would accept American conditions in any renewed diplomatic efforts. Previous negotiations collapsed on February 28 when the U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran began.

Any American requirements would likely focus on restricting Iran’s nuclear capabilities and ballistic missile development programs.

On Monday, Trump posted on social media that the United States and Iran had engaged in “very good and productive” discussions regarding a “complete and total resolution of hostilities in the Middle East.”

Iranian officials contradicted Trump’s statement, denying that any diplomatic talks had occurred.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented Monday that Trump sees potential in “leveraging the mighty achievements obtained by the IDF (Israel Defence Forces) and the U.S. military, in order to realize the goals of the war in a deal — a deal that will preserve our vital interests.”

LONDON, March 24 – European economic activity has slowed dramatically this month as ongoing Middle East conflicts have pushed business costs to their highest levels in more than three years while creating the most severe supply chain problems since mid-2022, according to new survey data released Tuesday.

The S&P Global flash euro zone Composite Purchasing Managers’ Index dropped to 50.5 in March, down from February’s reading of 51.9. This represents the lowest level in 10 months and falls short of economists’ predictions of a smaller decline to 51.0.

The index has remained above the critical 50.0 threshold that indicates expansion rather than contraction for 15 consecutive months.

Economic momentum ground to a halt as new business orders declined for the first time in eight months, primarily due to weakness in service industries. While manufacturing orders continued growing, production output in that sector edged down to 51.7 from the prior month’s 51.9.

“The flash euro zone PMI is ringing stagflation alarm bells as the war in the Middle East drives prices sharply higher while stifling growth,” said Chris Williamson, chief business economist at S&P Global Market Intelligence.

Business expenses increased at their steepest rate since February 2023, affecting both manufacturing and service companies with accelerating price pressures. The cost surge was particularly severe in manufacturing as energy prices climbed and supply networks became severely constrained due to the ongoing conflict.

Delivery delays from manufacturing suppliers extended significantly, reaching their worst levels since August 2022, primarily because of shipping interruptions related to the war.

Production levels kept rising in Germany, boosted by manufacturing output that expanded at its fastest pace in over four years, while France experienced another decline. Other eurozone nations showed only minimal activity increases, representing the weakest performance in 27 months.

Workforce levels dropped for the third month running, with job reductions concentrated in manufacturing where employment has fallen every month since June 2023. Service sector hiring increased slightly but at the smallest rate since September.

Business optimism crashed to nearly a year-low, with the monthly decline representing the steepest drop since Russia’s Ukraine invasion in early 2022. Companies maintained positive outlooks for the coming year but sentiment remained below historical averages.

“Output growth has meanwhile slowed to near-stagnation thanks to a slump in business confidence and deterioration of new orders,” Williamson added.

The survey findings suggest eurozone gross domestic product growth decelerated to a quarterly rate just under 0.1% in March, with forward-looking measures indicating increased recession risks in upcoming months.

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — An international human rights organization reported Tuesday that armed rebels in eastern Congo imprisoned civilians, including two media workers, inside shipping containers lacking proper lighting and air circulation.

The press freedom organization Reporters Without Borders (RSF) documented how the M23 rebel group, which receives backing from Rwanda and controls territory in eastern Congo, converted the metal containers into temporary jail cells under what the group described as “inhumane” and “degrading” circumstances in Goma.

Through witness testimony, satellite photographs, and images gathered in 2025, RSF verified that no fewer than two journalists were among those confined in the containers, which had been positioned at the regional legislative assembly building in Goma. The organization protected witnesses’ names for safety concerns.

Up to 80 prisoners were crammed into single containers simultaneously, deprived of light and fresh air, with permission to exit only once daily. According to witness accounts, detainees received inadequate food portions, while some described regular physical abuse. The testimonies revealed extreme circumstances — sweltering heat during daytime hours and frigid temperatures at night — with fatalities occurring. Those who survived typically endured weeks of confinement before relocation to different facilities.

M23 representatives had not provided a response to Associated Press inquiries by publication time.

The rebel organization’s seizure of Goma in the previous year has deteriorated working conditions for media professionals in eastern Congo, where intimidation and violence against reporters were already common. Reporters Without Borders noted that M23 has strengthened its grip on news reporting, including dictating specific terminology for describing the group’s activities.

Eastern Congo’s resource-abundant territory has endured continuous violence for decades while government troops battle over 100 different armed factions, with the Rwanda-supported M23 being the most formidable. The organization launched an extraordinary offensive into the area in early 2024, capturing strategic urban centers while rapidly expanding territorial control.

The ongoing warfare, which continues despite peace negotiations facilitated by the United States and Qatar, has created a massive humanitarian emergency, forcing no fewer than 7 million individuals from their homes.

A Bangkok court delivered a significant victory for environmental justice Tuesday, determining that an Australian-owned mining company must pay damages to hundreds of Thai villagers who suffered health consequences from toxic pollution.

The legal battle began in 2016 when more than 300 residents of Phichit province filed Thailand’s first environmental class action lawsuit against Akara Resources, which operates the Chatree Gold Mine — the nation’s largest gold extraction facility owned by Australia-based Kingsgate Consolidated.

According to the Bangkok Civil Court’s decision, the mining company could not demonstrate that dangerous contamination found in the community was unconnected to their operations. Medical examinations revealed dangerous concentrations of heavy metals in residents’ blood, including arsenic, cyanide and manganese.

“The fight is also for our future generation,” plaintiff Thanyalak Boontham stated following the court proceedings. “I’d like them to be able to grow up in a good environment.” Her own medical tests showed toxin levels above safe thresholds.

The court ordered individual compensation payments between 50,000 baht ($1,535) and 200,000 baht ($6,143) per affected person, along with additional funds for medical expenses and emotional suffering.

Emilie Palamy Pradichit from the Bangkok-based Manushya Foundation, which supported the villagers throughout their legal challenge, emphasized the broader implications. The outcome could determine whether communities see the judicial system as “a pathway or a dead end,” she explained.

Legal experts believe this verdict establishes important groundwork for environmental accountability across Southeast Asia. Jameela Joy Reyes from the Grantham Research Institute on Climate Change and the Environment described the decision as a “clarion call for many of the cases that are currently taking place” in nations like the Philippines and Indonesia.

Even when court precedents aren’t legally binding across borders, judges frequently reference similar cases from other countries, particularly in emerging legal areas such as climate litigation, Reyes noted.

The mining controversy involved multiple legal proceedings, several health studies, and a counter-lawsuit. Former Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha eventually used emergency military government authority to halt the mine’s operations, prompting Kingsgate to sue the Thai government in 2017 for improper license cancellation. The parties resolved that dispute through a settlement agreement last year.

Cherdsak Utha-aroon, Akara Resources’ sustainability general manager who attended the hearing, told reporters the company acknowledges the court’s determination and will consult with legal counsel about potential next steps. He declined additional commentary.

Environmental law specialist Georgina Lloyd with the United Nations Environment Program noted that these “polluter pays” lawsuits, where communities pursue legal action against corporations for environmental harm, are becoming increasingly prevalent in climate-related litigation.

“Asia’s share of climate and environmental litigation is increasing,” Lloyd observed. “We continue to see this trend growing both in the volume of cases but also the geographical scope of jurisdictions.”

The Grantham Research Institute documented approximately 225 climate litigation cases filed in 2024, part of nearly 3,000 cases they monitor across 60 nations worldwide.

Climate-vulnerable regions like Southeast Asia, which have experienced devastating extreme weather causing billions in damages, are expected to see more such legal challenges, according to Reyes.

Two groundbreaking “polluter pays” cases in Southeast Asia are pioneering legal strategies to hold corporations responsible for “climate harms” resulting from their greenhouse gas emissions, Reyes explained.

Survivors of 2021’s Super Typhoon Odette filed suit against energy giant Shell in British courts last year, arguing that Shell’s emissions significantly contributed to climate change and therefore the storm’s devastating intensity.

Additionally, a Swiss court in 2025 permitted Indonesian fisherfolk from Pari Island to proceed with their case against cement manufacturer Holcim, claiming the company’s emissions contribute to flooding and rising sea levels that endanger their homes and livelihoods.

These cases, along with Thailand’s Chatree decision, represent a “very poignant call for discussions on climate justice,” Reyes stated.

Beyond monetary compensation, the legal expert emphasized that “the fact that the court made a proclamation of liability is a win in and of itself. That could be translated to other jurisdictions and be used as a cautionary tale for other companies moving forward.”

BRUSSELS – Belgian authorities have detained two juveniles following an arson attack in Antwerp that officials suspect was driven by antisemitic motives, according to a Belgian government representative who spoke with Reuters on Tuesday.

The arrests took place during overnight hours spanning Monday into Tuesday in connection with the fire-setting incident in the Belgian city.

BEIJING, March 24 – Chinese President Xi Jinping conducted an uncommon inspection of the massive Xiongan development project currently under construction outside Beijing, encouraging government officials to fully commit to completing a venture that has become closely associated with his political reputation.

Situated approximately 100 kilometers southwest of China’s capital in Hebei province, the Xiongan New Area holds designation as one of three special economic zones considered to have national importance, joining the established technology and finance centers of Shenzhen and Shanghai Pudong along the coast.

During his Monday inspection, Xi emphasized that “The Xiongan New Area should take reform and innovation as the driving force to promote the deep integration of technological innovation and industrial innovation,” as reported by the state-run Xinhua news agency.

The Chinese leader aims to transfer government-owned companies, academic institutions, technology firms and banking organizations to Xiongan, which spans an area similar to Greater London, as part of efforts to reduce overcrowding and traffic problems in Beijing.

State media reports indicate that Sinochem and China Satellite Network Group are part of at least eight government-owned corporations relocating their main offices to Xiongan, with some already operational while others remain under construction.

Almost ten years after initial construction commenced in 2017, the central areas of Xiongan continue to have few residents, although planners expect basic development to finish by 2035.

Xi encouraged officials to “be bold in taking responsibility, throw themselves into the work of implementation, and strive to deliver satisfactory results to the Party and the people” during his inspection tour, according to Xinhua’s reporting.

While China’s senior leadership typically maintains distance from individual projects, Xi has personally attached his reputation to Xiongan as he has strengthened his role as the primary leader of both the Chinese Communist Party and the nation.

Government publications and state-controlled media describe the decision to construct the city as having enduring significance for the next thousand years, highlighting Xi’s direct involvement in planning, decision-making and advancing the development.

Xi initially toured the location in 2017, coinciding with his second term as Communist Party general secretary, then returned in 2019 following a constitutional change that enabled his third leadership term.

Monday’s tour included visits to the recently completed headquarters of state-owned China Huaneng Group power company and a local high school, marking Xi’s fourth inspection since his previous visit in May 2023.

Xi instructed officials to “promote the early implementation of innovative policies in fields including sci-tech and finance” within Xiongan, as China works toward achieving technological advances in critical areas.

A senior European Union official cautioned Tuesday that Vietnam’s decision to partner with Chinese technology companies for its 5G infrastructure could discourage international businesses from investing in the Southeast Asian country.

While European telecommunications giants Ericsson and Nokia are building Vietnam’s primary 5G network framework, Vietnamese government-owned operators have recently signed contracts with Chinese competitors Huawei and ZTE for additional 5G services.

This represents a significant departure from Vietnam’s historically cautious stance regarding Chinese partnerships, raising alarm among Western government representatives.

EU Commissioner for International Partnerships Jozef Sikela urged caution during an EU-Vietnam investment conference in Hanoi. “Be careful with dependencies in strategic areas,” Sikela advised when questioned about the Chinese telecommunications deals.

Speaking to Reuters at the investment forum, Sikela emphasized the strategic importance of network security. “5G is the new battlefield,” he explained. “Through the network you can access a lot and you can control a lot, and you have to be always careful who is your trusted vendor.”

The EU official warned that security concerns could impact future business relationships. “If investors have doubts about the security of their data, they might decide not to take the risk and not to invest,” he stated.

Neither Vietnam’s foreign ministry nor the Chinese embassy in Hanoi provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

Vietnam serves as a crucial manufacturing center, hosting significant production facilities for major Western corporations, including European companies Adidas and Lego. The nation’s sustained economic growth over several decades relies heavily on international investment.

On Tuesday, the European Union and European nations unveiled a fresh investment package targeting Vietnam’s transportation and energy infrastructure.

Sikela acknowledged that potential investment risks from insecure networks remain hypothetical at this point, noting that various European nations previously permitted Chinese telecommunications vendors to operate within their borders.

Both Huawei and ZTE face prohibitions from telecommunications infrastructure in multiple European countries and the United States due to national security concerns.

The Chinese companies have denounced these limitations as unjust, dismissing security worries as without merit.

Vietnamese government representatives have defended Chinese telecommunications equipment as dependable and cost-effective while minimizing security concerns. Reuters previously reported that additional agreements with Chinese companies are currently being considered.

BERLIN – Germany’s president delivered stark remarks Tuesday comparing President Donald Trump’s second term to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine as a historic turning point that demands his country pursue greater independence from the United States.

Frank-Walter Steinmeier drew parallels between two pivotal dates during a foreign ministry gathering in Berlin, stating his belief that relationships cannot return to their previous state.

“Just as I believe there will be no going back in relations with Russia before February 24, 2022, so too do I believe there will be no going back in transatlantic relations before January 20, 2025,” Steinmeier declared in his prepared speech.

The German leader argued his nation should apply strategies used to reduce “excessive dependencies” on Russia to its relationship with America, especially regarding defense and technological sectors.

While Steinmeier serves primarily in a ceremonial capacity as president, his position allows him to shape public discourse as the country’s official representative.

German officials have increasingly focused on developing alternatives to American-controlled technology amid growing worries about U.S. influence and access.

Steinmeier emphasized the broader implications of technological dominance, noting: “We know that this technological lead means not only foreign policy power, but also the power to influence our domestic politics through digital platforms and social media.”

He pointed to recent tensions between the Pentagon and artificial intelligence company Anthropic regarding safety protocols as potentially beneficial for European interests.

“Europe as a technology hub has talent, markets, opportunities and, importantly, ethical standards. We should build on these,” the German president concluded.

BEIJING – Chinese officials have filed a formal complaint with Japan following what they’re calling an illegal intrusion at their Tokyo embassy facility, according to statements released Tuesday by China’s foreign ministry.

The incident occurred Tuesday morning when someone identifying himself as a member of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces climbed over the embassy’s perimeter wall and unlawfully entered the diplomatic compound, said ministry spokesperson Lin Jian during a scheduled news briefing.

“The individual admitted that his actions were illegal and threatened to kill Chinese diplomatic personnel in the so-called name of God,” Lin stated, calling on Tokyo authorities to launch a comprehensive investigation into what happened.

Chinese officials have formally registered their strong objections with Japanese authorities over what they characterized as a serious security breach at the diplomatic facility.

International investors are fleeing Asian stock markets at an unprecedented pace this March, pulling out more than $50 billion as Middle East tensions threaten global oil supplies and spark economic concerns.

The massive withdrawal of funds represents the largest monthly exodus from the region since at least 2008, according to data from LSEG covering major exchanges across South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines.

The selling spree has been triggered by escalating tensions from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has raised alarm about potential disruptions to Middle Eastern energy exports and the possibility of an oil price shock leading to stagflation.

“Outflows from EM Asia markets were driven by the broad-based risk-off sentiment due to the Middle East conflicts, as most of EM Asia economies are net importers of energy products,” explained Jason Lui, who heads APAC equity and derivative strategy at BNP Paribas.

Energy markets have already felt the impact, with Brent crude oil prices skyrocketing as much as 65% during March to reach $119.50 per barrel.

The situation has been made worse by climbing global interest rates and changing expectations about monetary policy, according to Abdelaziz Albogdady, a market research and fintech strategy manager at brokerage FXEM. He noted that the outflows were amplified by rising yields and reassessment of rate expectations, alongside concerns about economic effects on countries that import oil.

Central bank officials from major economies have signaled that interest rates will likely stay put or increase further if the Middle East crisis continues to drive up prices.

Taiwan has been hit hardest, experiencing approximately $25.28 billion in outflows so far this month – the largest drain in at least 18 years. South Korea and India have also seen significant foreign selling, with about $13.5 billion and $10.17 billion in net sales respectively.

“Outflows in Taiwan and South Korea were mostly focused on AI/technology stocks given they have accumulated sizable gains during the AI boom,” Lui noted.

Despite the broader selloff, analysts at Nomura pointed out in a Monday research note that technology hardware companies in Korea and China continue to show promise, experiencing minimal direct effects from the Middle East crisis or higher energy costs.

Other regional markets have also seen money flowing out, with Thailand recording $1.35 billion in net outflows, the Philippines losing $182 million, and Vietnam seeing $21 million in departures. Indonesia bucked the trend, attracting $59 million in net inflows during the same timeframe.

Looking ahead, Lui warned that emerging Asian markets will likely continue experiencing volatility as conflicting news reports and heightened geopolitical tensions persist.

“Unlike the Liberation Day scenario during which the U.S. can unilaterally decide on the tariff threshold, the current energy shock may take longer to normalize given the disruption to the production facilities in the Middle East,” he said.

Credit rating agency S&P Global is cautioning that Hungary’s next government will face tough financial decisions following the country’s April 12 parliamentary election, requiring cuts to social programs to stabilize public finances amid global economic pressures.

The European nation’s budget shortfall has already hit nearly 40% of its yearly projection within the initial two months of this year, as longtime Prime Minister Viktor Orban has increased government spending before facing voters. The veteran politician confronts his most serious electoral challenge in his 16-year tenure.

According to S&P Global, failure to rebalance the country’s medium-term financial outlook following the elections, combined with mounting external economic pressures, could result in a credit rating downgrade.

“We would anticipate that the incoming government after the 2026 election (regardless of the government composition) will need to engage in consolidation efforts to rein in the trajectory of social spending,” S&P told Reuters in an emailed reply to queries.

Prime Minister Orban has maintained that no austerity measures will be necessary after the election to address the budget gap, which has surpassed government projections in recent years and is projected at approximately 5% of economic output.

His center-right challenger Peter Magyar is counting on rapidly accessing billions of euros in European Union funding, implementing anti-corruption measures, and introducing a wealth tax to strengthen government finances.

S&P noted that recent worldwide economic difficulties are putting downward pressure on its 2.5% growth projection following three years of economic stagnation. Goldman Sachs reduced its Hungarian growth forecast to 1.6% from 1.9% on Monday, citing the global energy price surge.

“Our current negative outlook to Hungary’s ‘BBB-‘ rating reflects the potential risk that its fiscal performance could prove materially weaker than our forecasts,” S&P said.

The rating agency indicated that the energy price crisis could increase both inflation and government costs for Hungary due to the economy’s heavy reliance on energy. S&P does not anticipate Hungary will receive funding from the EU’s pandemic recovery program because of timing limitations.

Fitch Ratings stated earlier this month that addressing sluggish economic growth and the decline in public finances and policy credibility would be the primary obstacles for Hungary’s incoming government following greater-than-expected fiscal stimulus before the election.

BAGHDAD – A deadly rocket assault targeted a Kurdish military facility north of Erbil on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of six Peshmerga soldiers and injuries to 22 others, according to military and security officials in Iraqi Kurdistan.

The attack struck the base in the northern region of Iraq’s Kurdistan territory, though authorities have not yet determined who was responsible for the deadly strike, sources confirmed.

The incident represents another violent episode in the ongoing instability affecting Iraq’s Kurdish region, where Peshmerga forces serve as the primary military defenders of the autonomous territory.

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Citizens across Denmark headed to voting stations Tuesday for a national election, as Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen campaigns for a third consecutive term leading the Nordic nation following tensions with President Donald Trump regarding Greenland’s future status.

Over 4.3 million eligible voters participated in selecting members of the Folketing, Denmark’s parliament based in Copenhagen, which serves four-year terms.

The prime minister announced the election last month, moving up the timeline by several months in what appears to be a strategic decision to capitalize on her firm stance during the Greenland dispute with the United States, hoping this would resonate with voters in the EU and NATO member nation.

During her current tenure, Frederiksen’s popularity had declined amid rising living costs — an issue that has dominated campaign discussions alongside retirement benefits and potential wealth taxation.

The 48-year-old Social Democratic leader has built a reputation for backing Ukraine against Russian aggression while maintaining strict immigration policies — a stance that reflects Denmark’s political direction over the past twenty years.

Responding to right-wing pressure and citing concerns about potential migration increases due to Middle Eastern conflicts, Frederiksen recently proposed measures including an “emergency brake” mechanism for asylum requests and enhanced oversight of undocumented criminals. Her administration had previously announced plans allowing deportation of foreign nationals sentenced to one year or more for serious offenses.

Two center-right candidates are vying to replace Frederiksen as prime minister. Defense Minister Troels Lund Poulsen from the Liberal (Venstre) party, currently serving in her government, represents one challenge from a party that has led multiple recent governments.

The second challenger is Alex Vanopslagh, age 34, from the opposition Liberal Alliance, advocating for reduced taxes, streamlined bureaucracy, and ending Denmark’s opposition to nuclear energy. However, Vanopslagh’s recent acknowledgment of past cocaine use during his party leadership may have damaged his electoral prospects.

On the far right, the anti-immigration Danish People’s Party appears positioned for a strong comeback after performing poorly in the 2022 elections.

Analysts expect no party to secure a clear majority. Denmark’s proportional representation framework typically creates coalition governments formed by multiple parties from either the left-leaning “red bloc” or right-wing “blue bloc” following extensive negotiations.

Frederiksen’s departing three-party coalition marked the first cross-partisan government in decades. Whether this election produces similar results remains uncertain, with the centrist Moderate party led by Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen potentially holding decisive influence.

Despite consuming significant government attention recently, Greenland has not featured prominently in campaign messaging due to widespread consensus on its relationship with Denmark.

Frederiksen stated in January that American control of Greenland would effectively destroy NATO. However, the diplomatic crisis has cooled considerably.

Following Trump’s retreat from tariff threats against Denmark and other European nations opposing U.S. control of the Arctic territory, America, Denmark, and Greenland began technical discussions regarding an Arctic security agreement.

Denmark’s unicameral parliament contains 179 seats, with 175 allocated to mainland Danish representatives and two each for delegates from sparsely populated Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the kingdom’s other semi-autonomous territory.

A powerful magnitude 7.6 earthquake rocked the Pacific island nation of Tonga on Tuesday, prompting emergency alerts in the capital city, the United States Geological Survey reported.

Emergency sirens blared throughout Nuku’alofa as residents responded to the seismic event, though officials confirmed no immediate damage or injuries occurred. Video from the Tonga Broadcasting Commission captured residents gathering on rooftops in the capital while warning sirens echoed across the city.

Local emergency officials with the Tonga National Disaster Risk Management Office initially activated tsunami protocols, directing residents in coastal zones to evacuate to elevated areas and move away from shorelines.

However, the Pacific Tsunami Warning Center quickly clarified that “there is no tsunami threat because the earthquake is located too deep inside the earth.”

According to USGS data, the seismic event occurred at an extraordinary depth of approximately 238 kilometers (148 miles) below the surface, with its center located roughly 150 kilometers from Neiafu.

The island nation frequently experiences significant geological activity due to its position along the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” a region known worldwide for intense seismic and volcanic phenomena that regularly produces earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanic eruptions.

Ukrainian authorities reported Tuesday that overnight Russian aerial assaults claimed the lives of three civilians and wounded 16 others across multiple regions of the country.

The strikes occurred just one day after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy issued a warning about an anticipated large-scale Russian offensive, based on intelligence reports his government had received.

In the southeastern city of Zaporizhzhia, regional officials confirmed one fatality and five wounded from the combined drone and missile bombardment that targeted the area.

“Russia launched a massive combined strike on Zaporizhzhia using drones and missiles,” stated Governor Ivan Fedorov through the Telegram messaging platform.

Fedorov detailed extensive property damage throughout Zaporizhzhia, including harm to six apartment complexes, two residential homes, a retail establishment, various non-residential structures, and an industrial facility. The governor shared images on social media showing emergency crews battling blazes in a tall residential building and another structure completely consumed by flames.

The eastern Poltava region suffered two deaths and 11 injuries from the assault, according to local leadership. Officials there reported damage to residential properties and a hotel from the strikes.

A proposed $11.6 billion military satellite network that Germany wants to develop independently is creating tension within the European Union, with lawmakers expressing concerns about divided efforts and wasted resources.

The German initiative would operate alongside the EU’s own $12.3 billion IRIS² satellite system, which serves as a cornerstone of the bloc’s strategy to achieve greater defense independence.

EU representatives speaking to Reuters warned that Germany’s separate project could damage efforts to strengthen shared defense capabilities, particularly as Europe adjusts to reduced American military support under President Donald Trump’s leadership.

Marie-Agnes Strack-Zimmermann, who chairs the European Parliament’s security and defense committee, expressed worry about the potential consequences.

“If Germany now builds a purely national architecture that is not integrated into IRIS², there is a risk of weakening European structures,” Strack-Zimmermann stated.

The German proposal calls for launching 100 satellites in low-Earth orbit dedicated solely to military communications. This contrasts with the broader EU initiative, which plans to deploy 290 satellites by 2029 to create a comprehensive space-based communication network.

Defense experts note that Germany’s satellite constellation would use technology similar to Elon Musk’s SpaceX Starshield platform, which has proven crucial for Ukraine’s military communications during the ongoing conflict.

While both the German and EU systems would match Starshield’s capabilities, IRIS² – which will handle both military and commercial communications – would still be significantly smaller than Starlink’s approximately 10,000 satellites.

A German government representative said Berlin continues to track the IRIS² development, noting it “has the potential, where appropriate, to complement national initiatives in fulfilling sovereign tasks.”

The spokesperson explained that Germany’s proposed network would meet specific military needs with capability requirements and performance standards that were “entirely different” from IRIS².

The disagreement highlights ongoing challenges within the 27-nation EU as it tries to balance individual country priorities with collective goals while managing costs and maintaining strategic unity.

Strack-Zimmermann warned that running parallel systems could create “duplicate structures, fragmented standards, and ultimately less strategic impact for more money,” particularly given growing security concerns from the Ukraine war.

“The decisive point is compatibility, connectivity and European integration,” she emphasized, stressing that individual nation projects must work within EU frameworks.

Italy is also exploring its own low-Earth orbit satellite network for both military and civilian purposes, though this project remains in early planning stages and trails behind Germany’s more advanced proposal.

European Commission spokesperson Thomas Regnier declined to comment on individual member state investments, calling them national decisions.

“By investing in IRIS², member states can be part of a common European effort that benefits from shared resources and expertise. This helps develop advanced satellite communication technologies more efficiently and at a larger scale,” Regnier explained.

Financial concerns are also mounting among lawmakers in both Germany and the EU.

“The (German) taxpayer will ultimately pay the bill,” said Jeanne Dillschneider, a Green Party member on the Bundestag’s defense committee.

Christophe Grudler, a European Parliament member from the Renew Europe party who focuses on defense and space issues, cautioned against wasteful spending.

“Fragmentation is rarely the most efficient use of public resources,” Grudler noted, adding that “a smaller, isolated constellation would come with limitations in coverage and scalability.”

However, Germany’s Alternative for Germany (AfD) party backed Berlin’s independent approach.

“Given the capabilities of potential adversaries to disrupt or even destroy satellites, redundancy – in military terms, reserves – is not a waste of money but a requirement of responsible national security policy,” stated AfD defense policy spokesperson Ruediger Lucassen.

OHB CEO Marco Fuchs argued that IRIS², which depends on public-private partnerships, doesn’t provide the specialized focus needed for military operations.

“If there is a genuine military requirement, you cannot simply say: ‘I’ll rent it from private companies and wait to see how the conditions turn out,’” Fuchs commented following his company’s earnings report last week.

While Airbus expressed interest in receiving a proposal request from Berlin, a company spokesperson refused to address duplication concerns.

Despite IRIS² supporters arguing it will decrease EU reliance on foreign providers and ensure compatibility across member nations’ military systems, analysts point out that full operation won’t begin until the 2030s.

“Europe must accelerate,” Grudler urged, though he noted that national systems were unlikely to fill the gap any faster.

Global financial markets faced fresh turbulence Tuesday as a short-lived rally quickly evaporated following escalating Middle East tensions, despite President Donald Trump’s decision to delay threatened military action against Iran’s electrical grid.

The temporary market boost from Trump’s postponement of bombing threats lasted less than 24 hours before investor confidence crumbled again. Oil prices shot back above $100 per barrel for Brent crude as geopolitical fears resurged.

Tehran rejected claims that diplomatic talks were underway with Washington, while ongoing energy supply disruptions continued to rattle global markets. Asian stock indices managed modest gains in overnight trading, but both U.S. and European market futures declined amid volatile conditions.

The U.S. dollar recovered previous losses while Treasury bond yields continued their upward trajectory. Despite Trump extending his weekend deadline by five days for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, tensions remain elevated with no clear resolution in sight for the Middle Eastern conflict.

Israeli military officials reported that Iran fired multiple missile barrages at Israel, activating air raid warnings across several regions including Tel Aviv, where residents heard explosions from defensive interceptor systems.

The ongoing energy crisis has forced nations worldwide to implement emergency measures for fuel procurement and consumption reduction. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Tuesday via social media that the country will begin tapping into joint oil reserves held by producer nations before the end of March.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung launched a national energy conservation initiative, directing government agencies to reduce their fleet vehicle usage significantly.

In energy trading developments, Iranian crude oil is being marketed to Indian refineries at prices above ICE Brent rates, following Washington’s temporary sanctions relief aimed at addressing the supply shortage, according to three industry insiders.

Economic data from Japan revealed that core inflation dropped below the central bank’s 2% benchmark in February, marking the first such decline in nearly four years. This development complicates the Bank of Japan’s messaging strategy as officials work to increase historically low interest rates.

Upcoming market indicators include preliminary purchasing managers’ index data for the eurozone, United Kingdom, and United States, all scheduled for release Tuesday.

Tuesday’s key market events include UK, eurozone, and U.S. preliminary PMI reports for March, speeches by European Central Bank officials Pedro Machado, Piero Cipollone, and Philip Lane at various venues, and remarks from Federal Reserve official Barr.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — While President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that America is negotiating with Iran to halt current military operations, Iranian forces simultaneously launched missile and drone attacks against Israel and several Gulf Arab nations.

Trump also extended his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, postponing threatened airstrikes against Iranian power facilities. This extension temporarily lowered oil prices and lifted stock markets.

The postponement provided temporary relief following weekend exchanges of threats between Washington and Tehran that could have left millions without electricity across Iran and Gulf regions, potentially destroying water desalination facilities critical to desert countries and raising concerns about nuclear facility strikes.

However, Iran disputes Trump’s characterization of ongoing negotiations, flatly rejecting claims that discussions are underway.

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated Israel would maintain its military operations against Iran and Lebanon despite U.S. ceasefire considerations.

“There’s more to come,” he said.

Early Tuesday, Iran launched three separate missile waves toward Israel, with the Israeli Home Front Command confirming impacts in northern regions.

Israeli forces simultaneously bombarded southern Beirut neighborhoods, claiming they were destroying facilities operated by Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant organization.

The attacks affected multiple Gulf nations. In Kuwait, air defense debris damaged electrical infrastructure, creating power outages lasting several hours. Bahrain activated missile warning systems, while Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry reported intercepting 19 Iranian drones aimed at its oil-producing Eastern Province.

Oil markets initially dropped below $100 per barrel following Trump’s negotiation claims. However, this decline proved temporary, with Brent crude prices returning to $104 per barrel during morning trading, representing a 40% increase since the conflict began February 28.

Trump originally established a Monday evening deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face power plant attacks, but extended this timeframe by five additional days.

Iran has permitted limited vessel passage through the strait connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters, while maintaining its policy of targeting ships associated with the United States, Israel, or their allies.

Iranian leadership remains suspicious of Washington’s intentions, partly because Tehran was engaged in negotiations with America before the surprise offensive that initiated current hostilities. Iran was also conducting talks last year when U.S. and Israeli forces struck its nuclear installations, triggering a 12-day conflict.

Trump’s deadline extension coincides with thousands of Marines heading toward the region, sparking speculation about potential American efforts to capture Kharg Island, located off Iran’s coastline and essential to its petroleum operations.

American forces bombed this Persian Gulf island over a week ago, targeting defensive systems while reportedly preserving oil infrastructure.

Iran has warned it might deploy mines throughout the Persian Gulf if U.S. ground forces appear imminent, which would complicate amphibious operations and endanger all regional shipping.

The postponement might align with Marine arrival schedules, expected Friday, according to analysis from the New York-based Soufan Center think tank.

“As Trump has in the past, he could be moving military assets into place, in this case to prepare for an invasion and seizure of Kharg Island, while using negotiations as a cover until those assets are fully combat-ready.”

The center also observed that “Trump could be actively seeking an offramp. Whether Iran reciprocates is yet to be seen.”

While Trump has stated no intentions to deploy ground troops inside Iran, he hasn’t eliminated this possibility. Israel has indicated its ground forces might participate in the conflict.

Iran’s Health Ministry reports casualties exceeding 1,500 deaths. Israeli losses include 15 fatalities from Iranian attacks. At least 13 American military personnel have died, along with more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states.

Optimism emerged Monday that the ongoing Iran conflict might begin to de-escalate after President Donald Trump announced his administration was engaged in meaningful discussions with Tehran, though Iran has rejected claims that any negotiations are occurring and violence persists across the region.

Trump postponed his ultimatum for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz on Monday, announcing the United States would delay attacks on Iranian power facilities for an additional five days to give American diplomats time to meet with what he called a “respected” Iranian official.

Tehran officials responded by stating the American president had retreated “following Iran’s firm warning.”

Financial markets experienced significant relief Monday as oil prices stabilized after dramatic declines before Trump’s statement. Trading has been extremely volatile since the conflict started due to questions about its duration.

Casualties have climbed to over 1,500 deaths in Iran, more than 1,000 in Lebanon, 15 Israeli fatalities and 13 American service members killed, along with numerous civilian deaths throughout the Gulf area. Displacement has affected millions across Lebanon and Iran.

Recent developments include:

Israeli forces conducted an early Tuesday morning attack on a residential building in Bchamoun, approximately 10 kilometers southeast of Beirut, resulting in at least two deaths according to preliminary figures from Lebanon’s Health Ministry.

The ministry reported five additional injuries from the strike.

The attack occurred without advance notice and targeted an area beyond Beirut’s southern suburbs, where Israeli military forces had previously issued evacuation warnings.

Video footage shared online depicted at least one apartment unit completely consumed by flames.

During the same early Tuesday timeframe, Israeli forces targeted multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including an Amana company fuel station in Rashidieh near the coastal city of Tyre, creating a massive fireball visible from a distance.

No immediate casualty reports were available from these strikes.

Israeli forces have consistently targeted Amana fuel facilities since the Hezbollah conflict resumed on March 2, claiming these locations serve as part of the organization’s “economic infrastructure” supporting military operations.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Independent damage assessments from outside organizations remain unavailable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

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

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

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

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

EUROPEAN PRODUCT PROTECTIONS

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

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

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

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

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

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

STRATEGIC MINERALS

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

SERVICE INDUSTRIES

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

INVESTMENT PROVISIONS

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pakistani authorities have yet to officially confirm these diplomatic contacts.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Birthday celebrations at the shore. Family weekend outings. A relaxing evening beverage.

With gasoline costs staying elevated worldwide, families are tightening their budgets and sacrificing minor luxuries as daily expenses balloon while they struggle to cover essential bills.

“Right now, we’re managing to survive,” explained Luis Catalano, a cab driver filling up his tank at a Buenos Aires gas station in Argentina. “However, I’m uncertain how much longer we can continue.”

Despite some promising signs regarding potential diplomatic progress in the Iranian conflict, the war continued into its 24th day Monday, keeping the crucial oil shipping lane through the Strait of Hormuz essentially blocked.

Around the world, families felt the financial impact.

“You cannot stretch your income through the entire month,” explained German Toledo, a 38-year-old traffic safety employee refueling at the same YPF station where Catalano waited. Toledo noted that climbing fuel costs have compounded other increasing expenses while wages remain flat, intensifying financial hardship. His paycheck has remained unchanged for five years.

According to Toledo, a single income no longer covers basic living expenses.

President Donald Trump offered some hope Monday that gas station relief could be coming, announcing ongoing discussions with Iranian officials who appeared interested in negotiating an end to the conflict. These statements caused global oil markets to drop, with Brent crude prices declining 9.7% to $101.26 per barrel, down from nearly $120 the previous week.

Iranian officials disputed any negotiations had occurred, with their parliament leader dismissing Trump’s statements as market manipulation tactics. Regardless, consumer fuel prices remained unchanged immediately.

Petroleum travels complex routes requiring weeks to move from extraction sites to retail pumps. The crude must be processed at refineries into usable fuel, then transported through pipelines and shipping vessels to distribution centers before reaching gas stations. Consumer prices similarly trail global market changes, often requiring weeks to reflect new rates.

Therefore, drivers continue facing high costs.

“I’m struggling to make it,” Catalano stated.

Like most economic disruptions, those with limited resources suffer most severely, forcing them to examine already tight budgets for additional savings.

Kevin Plucken, a 35-year-old custodian from Cologne, Germany, can only purchase 20 euros worth of gasoline per visit. Seeking to reduce his “overwhelming” expenses, he has modified his weekend plans. Rather than driving his two children to distant activities, he searches for nearby entertainment options.

“The costs are simply too high,” he stated.

At locations worldwide, many agreed that rising gas prices represented another financial burden for ordinary people already dealing with persistent inflation.

“All prices are increasing,” noted Felicia Iwasa from Lagos, Nigeria. “Our economic situation is challenging.”

In Manila, Philippines, operators of the brightly decorated public transportation vehicles called “jeepneys” face similar difficulties, with diesel fuel costs rising even more dramatically than gasoline prices. These vehicles evolved from military jeeps abandoned by U.S. forces after World War II, later customized and decorated to become essential transportation for Filipino workers.

Johnny Pagnado, a 55-year-old operator, reported eliminating every possible expense, including his evening beer ritual. However, he fears long-term consequences, particularly funding college education for his four children.

Fellow driver Sandy Roño, age 34, expects to cancel his upcoming birthday beach celebration. He could not afford last month’s rent or his jeepney payment.

Should fuel prices remain elevated, Roño indicated he would seek different employment.

“I will quit driving and search for alternative work,” he explained.

BRUSSELS, March 23 – Railway operations came to a complete halt in Belgium’s capital Monday evening after authorities discovered suspicious packages at Brussels Midi station, prompting an immediate evacuation of the transportation hub.

Law enforcement officials found two concerning items – one inside a train car and another located on a station platform, according to a police spokesperson who spoke with reporters.

Bomb disposal experts from the military joined police investigators in examining the packages, though officials declined to provide additional details about the ongoing operation.

The closure brought rail service to a standstill across Brussels, with no trains entering or departing the facility since approximately 5:30 p.m. local time, confirmed Vincent Bayer, a spokesperson for Belgium’s national railway company SNCB.

Brussels Midi serves as the primary transportation center connecting the Belgian capital to major European cities including Paris, London, Amsterdam and destinations throughout Germany. The adjacent metro station was also shuttered during the security response.

Railway officials acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding service restoration, stating on their website: “The duration of the disruption is still undetermined. We are waiting for additional information from the police forces.”

The security incident came just 24 hours after Belgium observed the tenth anniversary of coordinated bombings that claimed dozens of lives at Brussels Airport and the Maalbeek metro station. Islamic State operatives carried out those attacks on March 22, 2016, and King Philippe joined other senior officials Sunday in honoring the victims during memorial ceremonies at both locations.

Peru’s President Jose Maria Balcazar named Waldir Ayasta to head the nation’s energy and mining ministry on Monday, filling a vacancy left after the previous minister’s resignation amid sexual assault allegations.

The appointment follows Sunday’s departure of Angelo Alfaro, who stepped down after facing accusations of raping a minor in 2000. Ayasta received his oath of office from the president during a ceremony at Lima’s Government Palace.

The new minister now oversees Peru’s most vital economic department, as mining operations generate roughly 60% of the nation’s export revenue. Peru ranks as the globe’s third-largest copper producer.

Alfaro, age 72, has rejected the allegations but acknowledged the accuser was 16 years old when the alleged assault occurred.

The former minister had only recently joined the administration on February 24, shortly after Balcazar assumed the presidency as Peru’s eighth leader in eight years. This pattern reflects the ongoing instability within the South American nation’s widely unpopular political establishment.

Criminal investigations have touched more than half of Peru’s legislative members.

Balcazar, 83, has also drawn criticism for his past statements supporting child marriage, positions he maintains. During a 2023 legislative vote to prohibit marriage involving underage girls, he was among three lawmakers who chose not to participate.

Prime Minister Denisse Miralles submitted her resignation on March 17, prompting a cabinet reorganization just one month into Balcazar’s term and weeks before the April 12 general election.

The upcoming presidential contest remains highly divided, with many voters yet to choose their preferred candidate. Balcazar plans to transfer presidential authority to his successor on July 28.

European Union officials confronted Chinese e-commerce giant AliExpress on Monday about enhanced safety measures, as the platform faces mounting pressure over hazardous and counterfeit merchandise reaching European consumers.

European authorities have intensified oversight of rapidly expanding Chinese retail platforms including AliExpress, Temu, and Shein, which deliver inexpensive goods from China to Europe without customs duties through a low-value shipping exemption. The EU launched a formal probe into Shein last month under its comprehensive Digital Services Act governing major online platforms.

The Alibaba-owned marketplace, which operates across more than 200 nations, has faced European Commission scrutiny since March 2024 and pledged in June to implement legally enforceable improvements to its oversight systems.

However, a Reuters investigation in November discovered inappropriate childlike products being sold on the platform, prompting AliExpress to remove the Chinese vendor responsible for those listings.

The company has promised to automatically restrict visibility of adult-oriented merchandise, according to Eric Pelletier, Alibaba’s international government affairs director, who addressed European legislators.

“At the same time we recognise we have much more work to do,” Pelletier said. “We are actively engaging with the Commission to address the outstanding issues, including preventing the reappearance of illegal listings, strengthening penalties and accelerating the closure of noncompliant sellers.”

EU legislator Christel Schaldemose, who leads parliamentary work on the Digital Services Act, expressed skepticism about the company’s promises.

“I will not be happy and I don’t believe in your systems until the day I see it has an impact,” Schaldemose said.

“My main concern is of course safety, but I also think that it is an unfair competition towards the companies who are complying with the rules we have in EU,” said Schaldemose.

Low-value online shipments entering Europe surged 26% in the past year to 5.8 billion packages. European officials plan to impose charges on these deliveries to create more balanced competition with European retailers.

LONDON – British officials called in Iran’s ambassador to the United Kingdom on Monday following the filing of espionage charges against two individuals suspected of working with Iranian intelligence operations.

The charges were brought against an Iranian citizen and a person holding both British and Iranian citizenship, who prosecutors say conducted surveillance activities on Jewish locations throughout Britain last week in a London courtroom.

According to court documents, the defendants spent five weeks during the summer months collecting intelligence and performing reconnaissance work on Jewish community sites at the direction of Iran’s spy network.

Britain’s foreign ministry released a statement emphasizing their stance on the matter: “National security remains our top priority, and we take threats posed by Iran and those who do its bidding extremely seriously.”

The statement continued: “This government will take all measures necessary to protect the British people, including exposing Iran’s reckless and destabilising actions at home and abroad.”

Court officials identified the defendants as Nematollah Shahsavani, a 40-year-old holding dual citizenship, and 22-year-old Iranian citizen Alireza Farasati. Prosecutors allege the pair conducted hostile reconnaissance operations targeting the Israeli Embassy, Britain’s most historic synagogue, and additional Jewish community locations.

Both defendants declined to enter pleas during their court appearance and remain in jail custody pending their scheduled hearing at London’s Old Bailey Court on April 17.

For years, British intelligence officials and parliamentary members have raised concerns about Iranian-backed threats, claiming Tehran has orchestrated more than 20 suspected kidnapping and murder schemes targeting individuals in the UK.

JOHANNESBURG — A former South African police commander with one of the most chilling nicknames from the apartheid era appeared Monday before an investigation examining the brutal 1985 murders of four activists, as the nation continues examining unpunished crimes from its segregated past.

Eugene de Kock, known as “Prime Evil” for his deadly campaign against apartheid opponents, claimed he wasn’t directly involved in the high-profile murders of the Cradock Four. However, he revealed that security forces maintained photographs of approximately 6,000 anti-apartheid supporters labeled as “known terrorists” who were targeted for surveillance and execution when arrests weren’t feasible.

According to de Kock’s testimony, the four victims weren’t on these lists. The murdered men — Matthew Goniwe, Fort Calata, Sicelo Mhlauli and Sparrow Mkonto, three working as educators — were seized by officers during a traffic stop and subsequently killed. Authorities discovered their charred remains in what became one of apartheid’s most disturbing incidents.

During his appearance, de Kock revealed that an officer connected to the murders approached him seeking assistance with a cover-up operation.

“He wanted to know if I could get another firearm,” de Kock stated, explaining he was also asked “if we could interfere with the ballistics.”

The 77-year-old former head of an elite anti-insurgency police division received two life sentences plus 212 years behind bars in 1996 following convictions for murder, abduction and additional charges related to capturing, torturing and executing activists. Authorities granted him parole in 2015.

Security officers escorted de Kock to the courthouse in Gqeberha, the southern city where the four men died. Court officials obscured his appearance in the official video feed after the judge determined he shouldn’t be visible, according to the Foundation for Human Rights representing victims’ relatives.

Previous investigations during apartheid were broadly viewed as deliberate cover-ups. A 1987 probe concluded unknown individuals committed the murders. Another investigation launched in 1993 determined unnamed police personnel were responsible.

This current examination began last year following persistent demands from the families. Six former officers linked to the killings escaped prosecution despite being named and rejected for amnesty during South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation proceedings in the late 1990s. All six have since passed away.

South African officials have renewed investigations into additional apartheid-era atrocities recently, including Nobel Peace Prize recipient Albert Luthuli’s 1967 death, attorney Griffiths Mxenge’s 1981 murder, and the 1977 custody death of legendary anti-apartheid leader Steve Biko.

President Cyril Ramaphosa launched a separate investigation last year to determine whether post-apartheid administrations under his political party deliberately obstructed inquiries and prosecutions of crimes from the segregation period.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — More than a dozen leaders from European far-right political parties converged on Hungary’s capital Monday to demonstrate solidarity with Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, whose upcoming April election could determine the future direction of the nationalist movement across Europe and the United States.

Since regaining control of Hungary in 2010, Orbán has established himself as a central figure in the international far-right movement, even before former U.S. President Donald Trump launched his 2016 campaign.

The Hungarian prime minister’s political achievements — including four consecutive electoral wins, comprehensive control over government institutions, media outlets and universities, plus his focus on traditional family principles — have made him a model for conservative success in both America and Europe.

However, with just three weeks remaining before Hungarian voters head to the ballot box, polling data indicates Orbán trails a center-right opponent — suggesting his decade-and-a-half in power and his influence within conservative circles may be ending.

Princeton University professor Kim Lane Scheppele, who specializes in sociology and international affairs, noted that despite Orbán’s significant European influence and popularity among Trump’s MAGA supporters, the upcoming vote carries enormous consequences.

“Hungary is this kind of proof of concept that the MAGA kind of politics can work,” Scheppele said. “If Orbán loses, then it loses some of that luster.”

Monday’s Budapest meeting brought together the Patriots for Europe organization, established in 2024 by Orbán and his nationalist allies.

This coalition represents the European Parliament’s third-largest faction, with member parties from 13 EU nations united by their opposition to immigration, preference for national control over European unity, and commitment to traditional social principles.

The gathering featured prominent figures including France’s Marine Le Pen, Italy’s Matteo Salvini, and the Netherlands’ Geert Wilders. Each of the 13 speakers addressed the audience, praising Orbán and encouraging Hungarian voters to support him and his Fidesz party in the April 12 contest.

Le Pen, currently appealing a March 2025 conviction for misappropriating European Parliament resources, commended Orbán’s stance on “immigration, identity and sovereignty.” She described Hungary as “an emblem of the resistance of a proud and sovereign people to oppression.”

“On April 12, you will send a new message of strength and determination to tired old technocrats in Brussels,” she told the crowd.

The Patriots organization has cultivated relationships with Trump and his MAGA supporters, adopting the motto “Make Europe Great Again.” Orbán has consistently predicted a nationalist takeover across Europe, positioning the Patriots as the mechanism to accomplish this goal.

During the Budapest assembly, Orbán declared the Patriots “are talking openly about wanting to take control of the European Union. We want to occupy and transform the center of Brussels.”

Professor Scheppele explained that Orbán’s importance to European far-right success stems from his ability to leverage Hungarian state power and financial resources to advance their objectives.

“Hungary has been really important because it’s been governed for 16 years by somebody trying to build this movement, and that means that it’s kind of a safe haven,” she said.

Orbán’s reach extends well beyond European boundaries. He and Trump maintain a mutual admiration, regularly exchanging public praise and campaign support.

Demonstrating Orbán’s ongoing appeal among American conservatives, Budapest hosted the fifth Hungarian Conservative Political Action Conference (CPAC) on Saturday. There, Orbán proclaimed the West was experiencing “the greatest political realignment of the past hundred years.”

“The epicenter of this realignment, its center of power, is the United States, and its forward base in Europe is Hungary,” he said.

Trump sent a video message to CPAC endorsing Orbán’s reelection bid and applauding his protection of “your borders, your culture, your heritage, your sovereignty, and your values.”

Scheppele observed remarkable similarities between Orbán’s Hungarian accomplishments and what Trump supporters envisioned for a second presidential term in America.

“A lot of the inspiration for the way that MAGA launched itself and developed a kind of political program to consolidate power very quickly was modeled on Orbán,” she said. “These are really interlocking networks and I think that the (Hungarian) election therefore looms very large in the MAGA political imagination.”

Orbán’s current political difficulties — driven by persistent economic stagnation, deteriorating public services, and mounting corruption accusations — mirror challenges facing Trump’s movement.

As Hungary’s election nears and Trump potentially faces losing one of his most vocal international supporters, the former president confronts declining approval ratings due to the Iran conflict and an immigration enforcement campaign whose public support has declined sharply.

Trump’s Republican Party anticipates substantial defeats in November’s midterm elections.

A military transport aircraft carrying 110 soldiers crashed Monday during takeoff in Colombia’s remote Amazon region, according to officials and local media reports.

The Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules went down near Puerto Leguizamo, a town in southern Colombia close to the Peruvian border, while transporting military personnel, Defense Minister Pedro Sanchez confirmed.

“The exact number of victims and the causes of the crash have not yet been determined,” Sanchez stated.

Local news outlet BluRadio reported that authorities confirmed 110 soldiers were traveling on the aircraft when it crashed approximately two miles from a populated area.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro expressed his concerns about the incident on social media, using the crash to highlight his frustrations with military modernization delays.

“I hope there are no fatalities in this horrific accident that should never have happened,” Petro wrote. “I will grant no further delays; it is the lives of our young people that are at stake. If civilian or military administrative officials are not up to this challenge, they must be removed.”

The C-130 Hercules aircraft series dates back to the 1950s, with Colombia first acquiring these planes in the late 1960s. The country has recently updated some of its aging fleet with newer versions provided by the United States through a program that transfers surplus military equipment.

Officials have not yet released specific information about the aircraft involved in Monday’s crash.

This incident follows another C-130 crash in late February when a Bolivian Air Force plane went down in El Alto, narrowly avoiding residential areas. That accident resulted in more than 20 deaths and 30 injuries, with scattered banknotes from the aircraft’s cargo leading to confrontations between local residents and security personnel.

Lockheed Martin has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the Colombian incident.

A pivotal witness in Prince Harry’s privacy case against a British tabloid shocked London’s High Court Monday by claiming his crucial testimony was fabricated and his signature was forged.

Private investigator Gavin Burrows, whose evidence could determine the lawsuit’s outcome, testified that the legal action “was based on a pack of lies.”

Prince Harry, King Charles’ younger son, along with six other prominent individuals including musician Elton John, filed suit against Associated Newspapers’ publications. They allege the company engaged in extensive illegal information collection, including phone hacking activities spanning three decades.

The publisher, which operates the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, has rejected all allegations of misconduct.

According to the plaintiffs’ legal team, Burrows provided a witness statement in August 2021 claiming he had “targeted hundreds, possibly thousands of people” on behalf of Associated through various illegal methods, from wiretapping phone lines to stealing voicemail messages and obtaining data through fraudulent means.

These accusations form a major portion of the plaintiffs’ legal argument.

However, Burrows later contacted Associated’s attorneys claiming he never provided such testimony and that someone had falsified his signature. He told the court he first learned about the allegations supposedly made by him through newspaper coverage.

“This statement has nothing to do with me,” Burrows declared during his video testimony from an undisclosed international location, citing safety concerns for himself and his family due to threats received.

During heated questioning with plaintiffs’ attorney David Sherborne, who received court approval to treat Burrows as a “hostile” witness, Burrows stated: “You have got to explain to your claimants how you have been conned. This thing is based on a pack of lies.”

Associated’s defense team has characterized the entire case as artificially constructed and financially backed by media opponents, including deceased Formula One executive and privacy advocate Max Mosley. They claim a “research team” supporting the plaintiffs’ lawyers compensated witnesses for their testimony.

Sherborne challenged Burrows’ credibility, suggesting he changed his story only after a dispute with Graham Johnson, a member of the research team. Johnson, a former journalist with a phone-hacking conviction who now documents tabloid misconduct, previously testified that Burrows had agreed to participate in book and documentary projects for which he received 75,000 pounds ($100,747.50), with their partnership dissolving in early 2022.

Burrows claimed ignorance about his involvement in the Associated case until January 2023, when he became “absolutely furious” upon learning his name was connected to it. He said he contacted the publisher because he believed plaintiff Doreen Lawrence, an anti-racism activist, was being deceived.

“The whole thing is a thing of fiction,” he testified, denying any employment or payment relationship with Associated.

Burrows represents the final witness in the trial that commenced in January, with closing arguments scheduled for later this month.

Conservative Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni suffered a major political blow after citizens overwhelmingly voted against her administration’s proposed judicial system overhaul in a referendum that concluded Sunday.

Opposition forces claiming “No” captured approximately 54% of votes, while Meloni’s “Yes” supporters managed only about 46%, based on nearly complete data from Italy’s Interior Ministry.

The two-day voting period drew unexpectedly high participation at nearly 59%, following an intensely divisive campaign. The outcome energized center-left opposition parties while revealing cracks in the right-wing alliance backing Meloni.

This referendum loss threatens to undermine Meloni’s authority domestically and internationally. The setback could also hinder her ability to justify her controversial partnership with U.S. President Donald Trump and his increasingly criticized military actions against Iran.

The proposed changes targeted Italy’s long-disputed judicial framework. One central element would have permanently divided the professional tracks of judges and prosecutors, eliminating their ability to transfer between positions.

The plan also sought to restructure the High Judicial Council, the body responsible for magistrate appointments and disciplinary actions. Under the failed proposal, this council would have been divided into three distinct chambers, with member selection switching from internal voting to random selection from qualified judicial personnel.

TAIPEI – The head of Taiwan’s main opposition political party declared Monday that strengthening diplomatic relationships with Beijing doesn’t require taking an anti-American position, emphasizing that Taiwan’s future hinges on maintaining stable connections with China.

Cheng Li-wun, a former legislator who secured the leadership of the Kuomintang (KMT) party last October, has indicated she plans to pursue even stronger Beijing relationships than her predecessor Eric Chu, who never traveled to China during his leadership tenure starting in 2021.

Beijing considers democratic Taiwan part of its territory and refuses diplomatic contact with President Lai Ching-te’s administration, labeling him a “separatist.” However, Chinese officials routinely host high-ranking KMT representatives, though Cheng hasn’t made the trip since winning her election.

This approach has drawn sharp criticism from Lai’s Democratic Progressive Party, which accuses the KMT of attempting to sacrifice Taiwan’s democratic values and freedoms to appease Beijing while following Chinese directives to obstruct defense funding and distance Taipei from Washington.

During remarks to the Taiwan Foreign Correspondents’ Club, Cheng defended her party against what she called “misunderstanding and prejudice” regarding their political positions, reaffirming her backing for U.S. weapons purchases while noting such proposals need proper financial analysis.

“In terms of the overall narrative, the KMT has long maintained very good relations with the United States. This does not affect our desire to improve relations with the mainland,” she stated.

“There is no contradiction between the two, and there is no need to choose one over the other,” Cheng continued. “Why does improving relations with mainland China have to mean being less pro-American?”

She emphasized the critical importance of maintaining positive China relationships “whose relationship with Taiwan directly affects Taiwan’s survival.”

While Cheng has publicly stated her interest in meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, she avoided giving specifics about progress on those potential discussions.

The KMT and its smaller partner, the Taiwan People’s Party, control a legislative majority, providing them significant political influence to halt government initiatives and advance their own agenda.

All three major political parties are preparing for mayoral and county leadership races scheduled for late November, which will serve as an important indicator of public support before the 2028 presidential contest.

Beijing has intensified military pressure against Taiwan and continues to maintain that military action remains an option for bringing the island under Chinese authority.

When questioned about her views on potential future unification across the Taiwan Strait, Cheng indicated the timing isn’t appropriate for such discussions.

“What we need to deal with now is how to create peaceful and stable cross-strait relations.”

Lai’s administration continues to reject Beijing’s territorial claims over Taiwan.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungary’s leading opposition candidate is calling for a treason investigation following reports that the country’s government has been secretly feeding confidential European Union information to Russia for years.

Péter Magyar, who leads in polls ahead of next month’s parliamentary elections, responded Monday to a Washington Post investigation revealing alleged covert communications between Budapest and Moscow. Magyar accused Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó of “appearing to conspire with Russia, thus betraying both Hungarian and European interests.”

“Should these allegations prove accurate, this constitutes treason, punishable by life imprisonment. An incoming TISZA administration will launch an immediate investigation into this matter,” Magyar stated on social media.

Magyar’s TISZA party currently leads in polling just three weeks before elections that could remove Viktor Orbán’s nationalist Fidesz party from power after 14 years of rule.

According to the Post’s reporting, which relied on multiple current and former European security sources, Orbán’s administration has consistently given Moscow access to classified EU deliberations.

Sources told the newspaper that Szijjártó routinely contacted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during breaks at EU gatherings, including last Thursday’s summit of the bloc’s 27 leaders, delivering “real-time updates on discussions” and potential outcomes.

One European security official described how these communications meant “essentially every EU meeting for years has included Moscow’s presence at the table.”

Since Russia launched its full-scale assault on Ukraine in 2022, Szijjártó has traveled to Moscow 16 times officially, including a March 4 meeting with President Vladimir Putin. Szijjártó’s office has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Orbán dismissed the allegations, instead claiming the Post report demonstrates illegal surveillance of Szijjártó. “Surveillance of a government official constitutes a grave assault on Hungary. I have directed the Justice Minister to immediately examine the information concerning the surveillance of Péter Szijjártó,” Orbán posted on social media.

The European Commission announced it is seeking direct clarification from Hungary regarding these claims. “Trust between member nations and institutions forms the foundation of EU operations,” Commission spokesperson Anitta Hipper said Monday. “We anticipate the Hungarian government will provide explanations.”

Hungary’s relationships with other EU nations have deteriorated significantly since Russia’s Ukraine invasion, reaching a new low this month when Orbán reversed his commitment to a 90-billion euro ($104 billion) loan for Kyiv.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk, a frequent Orbán critic, suggested the revelations were unsurprising. “Reports that Orbán’s team briefs Moscow comprehensively on EU Council proceedings shouldn’t shock anyone,” Tusk wrote Sunday on social media. “We’ve suspected this for quite some time. This explains why I speak only when absolutely required and share only essential information.”

Chad’s government has launched an urgent evacuation of refugees from Sudan as military forces prepare for deployment along the volatile border region, according to a refugee agency official who spoke Monday.

The emergency relocation follows President Mahamat Idriss Deby’s directive last week for armed forces to ready themselves for potential retaliatory strikes after a drone attack from Sudan claimed 17 lives in Chad, including individuals attending a funeral ceremony.

Government officials announced separately that Chad has bolstered security measures at the border and may conduct military operations inside Sudanese territory.

Approximately 2,300 refugees will be moved in the first phase of relocations, with women and children comprising more than half of those affected, according to Saleh Tebir Souleymane, who represents Chad’s National Commission for the Reception and Reintegration of Refugees and Returnees in the border community of Tine.

The evacuation process started Saturday in the Ennedi Est province, moving people deeper into Chad’s interior away from the frontier zone. Officials planned to extend the operation Monday to encompass all border communities serving as temporary refugee sites, Souleymane explained.

“We have received instructions from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to act quickly because the border will be secured in the coming days by the army, which is already deploying there,” Souleymane stated.

Chad shut down its eastern border with Sudan last month following violence connected to the ongoing war that resulted in five Chadian military deaths.

However, refugees are still crossing into Chad “due to the intense fighting on the Sudanese side,” according to Souleymane.

The internal conflict between Sudan’s military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, which erupted in April 2023, has repeatedly extended beyond Sudan’s borders into Chad, resulting in deaths and property destruction.

BRUSSELS — A historic trade agreement linking the European Union with four South American nations will officially launch May 1, following more than 25 years of complex negotiations amid growing global economic tensions from tariffs, mineral restrictions, and ongoing conflicts in Iran.

The European Commission announced Monday that the EU-Mercosur trade pact received its final approval after Brussels received formal notification from Paraguay confirming the country’s ratification. This agreement represents a cornerstone of the 27-member EU’s broader strategy to reduce economic reliance on China and the United States.

Legislative bodies in Uruguay, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina have all given their approval to the arrangement, which encompasses over 700 million people and represents 25% of worldwide economic output. Bolivia, which recently joined Mercosur, was not part of the original negotiations but may participate in the agreement in future years.

“The priority now is turning this EU-Mercosur agreement into concrete outcomes, giving EU exporters the platform they need to seize new opportunities for trade, growth and jobs,” said European trade commissioner Maroš Šefčovič.

Strong resistance from agricultural groups and environmental advocates caused significant delays to the agreement in December. Additional complications arose when EU legislators voted to refer the deal to the bloc’s legal system for review. The EU’s executive branch responded by deciding to implement the agreement on a temporary basis, essentially bypassing the European Parliament.

This approach means commercial activity will commence in May and will only cease if the European Court of Justice issues an unfavorable ruling.

French President Emmanuel Macron described this strategy as “a bad surprise.” France and Poland had spearheaded efforts to block or modify the agreement with additional protections for consumers and farming interests.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has dismissed such objections to an agreement she characterizes as essential for the EU’s future in an increasingly unstable global environment.

“This is about resilience, this is about growth, and Europe shaping its own future,” she told a news conference in February. Recently, she has not taken questions about the issue.

Von der Leyen is currently visiting Australia this week for discussions regarding a possible trade agreement, defense collaboration, and critical mineral supply arrangements.

WASHINGTON – President Donald Trump announced Monday that diplomatic discussions between the United States and Iran have produced significant common ground between the two nations.

Speaking to reporters, Trump revealed that negotiations held on Sunday were set to resume Monday, expressing optimism that a diplomatic agreement could be reached quickly if discussions remain productive.

The president disclosed that Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner conducted the diplomatic discussions with Iranian representatives.

Trump also revealed he had issued orders to delay planned military strikes targeting Iranian power facilities for a five-day period, just hours before a deadline that could have intensified the ongoing conflict, which has now entered its fourth week.

ROME – Initial polling results from Monday indicate that Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration has suffered a close defeat in a crucial referendum regarding judicial system reforms, potentially weakening her governing alliance before next year’s national elections.

Multiple polling organizations, including SWG and Opinio, reported after the March 22-23 voting period that opposition forces supporting the “No” position captured between 49% and 53% of votes, while the administration’s “Yes” supporters received 47% to 51%. YouTrend polling also showed the “No” side leading.

Voter participation exceeded projections and came after a contentious campaign period that exposed significant hostility between Italy’s conservative governing alliance and the country’s judicial branch, creating divisions that may have long-term consequences.

Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has made the boldest territorial claim yet by a senior Israeli official, demanding that his country’s northern boundary be pushed deep into Lebanon to reach the Litani River, as military forces continue their devastating campaign across southern Lebanon.

Speaking on an Israeli radio show Monday, Smotrich delivered what represents the most direct statement from a high-ranking Israeli leader about capturing Lebanese land during the ongoing conflict with Iran-supported Hezbollah forces.

The regional conflict expanded on March 2 when Hezbollah launched missile attacks against Israel. In response, Israeli forces have commanded all civilians to evacuate areas south of the Litani River while conducting relentless aerial bombardments against what they consider Hezbollah’s primary operational zone.

According to Lebanese officials, Israel’s combined air and ground operations have resulted in more than 1,000 deaths, while displacing over one million residents as Israel has demanded mass evacuations across large portions of the nation.

During his radio appearance, Smotrich stated that the Lebanese military operation “needs to end with a different reality entirely, both with the Hezbollah decision but also with the change of Israel’s borders.”

“I say here definitively…in every room and in every discussion, too: the new Israeli border must be the Litani,” Smotrich declared.

As head of a small far-right faction within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, Smotrich frequently voices positions that exceed Israel’s stated policies. Netanyahu’s administration has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding these territorial demands. However, Defense Minister Israel Katz suggested similar intentions earlier this month, warning Lebanon could experience “loss of territory” unless it dismantles Hezbollah.

These territorial statements carry particular weight in Lebanon, a nation struggling to break free from decades of invasions and occupations by its southern neighbor. Israeli military forces have conducted multiple assaults on Lebanon beginning in 1978 and maintained control over the south from 1982 through 2000.

A Lebanese government representative informed Reuters that Beirut continues hoping international allies will apply sufficient pressure on Israel to halt the warfare, potentially through President Joseph Aoun’s proposal for direct negotiations.

Beyond Lebanon, Smotrich has also advocated for Israeli annexation of Gaza Strip territory currently under Israeli control, extending to the armistice boundary with Hamas. An October ceasefire agreement left Israel controlling 53% of Gaza, where authorities have ordered resident evacuations and demolished structures.

Israeli military officials describe their Lebanese operations as focused ground movements and precision strikes targeting Hezbollah fighters and weapon storage facilities, designed to safeguard northern Israeli communities from Hezbollah attacks.

Lebanon’s government has prohibited Hezbollah military operations and expressed interest in pursuing direct negotiations with Israel.

Throughout the weekend, Israel destroyed a major bridge connecting southern Lebanon to the rest of the country after directing its military to eliminate all Litani River crossings and intensify the destruction of homes near the southern frontier.

International legal standards typically forbid military forces from targeting civilian infrastructure, and United Nations human rights leadership has condemned Israel’s Lebanese actions, particularly its extensive evacuation directives.

Monday brought additional Israeli strikes against two more Litani River crossings — targeting a roadway near the main bridge hit Sunday and another smaller bridge elsewhere along the river.

Hanna Amil, mayor of the Christian border community Rmeish where residents have declined to abandon their homes, described increasingly challenging conditions to Reuters.

“Once or twice a week, a convoy from the Lebanese army accompanies us as we try to get basic goods from nearby areas,” Amil explained.

“Already, we have no state electricity, no water and we have diesel shortages. If all the routes to the north get cut off, who knows what the future could hold for us,” the mayor added.

HARARE, Zimbabwe — Authorities in Zimbabwe have arrested the most prominent critic of proposed constitutional changes designed to extend the presidency of 83-year-old leader Emmerson Mnangagwa beyond his current term limit. Former finance minister Tendai Biti was scheduled to face court proceedings on Monday.

The arrest represents the most significant detention to date among those opposing efforts to allow Mnangagwa to remain in power past 2028, when his current term is set to conclude, for an additional two years. Law enforcement officials have increasingly prohibited gatherings and detained individuals attempting to voice their opposition to the proposed amendments in recent months.

Biti serves as the leader of the Constitutional Defenders Forum, an organization actively campaigning against the constitutional modifications. According to CDF spokesperson Jacob Rukweza, both Biti and the group’s programs director Morgan Ncube face charges of conducting a public gathering without proper police notification. The pair were taken into custody Saturday in Mutare, located in the country’s eastern region.

Zimbabwean officials have not provided any statement regarding the arrests. However, government representatives have previously dismissed claims that they are undermining democratic reform commitments established following the end of Robert Mugabe’s lengthy reign.

Mnangagwa assumed leadership following a widely-supported military intervention that removed Mugabe from power in 2017. He has publicly stated his intention to leave office at the conclusion of his second term in 2028.

Despite these statements, Mnangagwa has not publicly challenged his ruling ZANU-PF party’s efforts to extend his tenure. His administration endorsed the amendment proposal in February before forwarding it to Parliament, where the governing party maintains majority control.

The suggested constitutional modifications would delay upcoming elections until 2030, transfer presidential selection from direct public voting to parliamentary appointment, and increase both presidential and parliamentary terms from five to seven years.

Biti and fellow critics argue that any constitutional change extending presidential terms requires voter approval through a referendum. However, Justice Minister Ziyambi Ziyambi and Mnangagwa allies contend that Parliament can enact these changes without public consultation since the two-term restriction would remain intact, despite longer individual terms.

Resistance to the amendments has intensified, with legal challenges submitted to various courts. Nevertheless, organizing physical opposition gatherings has become increasingly dangerous. Amnesty International has characterized the recent arrests as part of an “escalating crackdown on peaceful dissent.”

Earlier this month, law professor and opposition leader Lovemore Madhuku required hospitalization after being assaulted by unidentified attackers he identified as police officers following a political meeting discussing the proposed amendments. Police officials denied any involvement and stated the gathering had been prohibited.

In the previous year, the offices of SAPES Trust, a research organization, were destroyed by fire just hours before the group planned to host a press conference featuring amendment opponents.

Mnangagwa secured reelection in a contested 2023 vote, though international human rights organizations documented systematic suppression of opposition politicians and their supporters by the ruling party.

Authorities in Hong Kong have been granted expanded powers allowing them to compel individuals suspected of violating national security laws to surrender passwords for mobile devices and computers, marking another step in the territory’s ongoing restrictions on opposition activities.

Those who refuse to cooperate face imprisonment of up to one year along with fines reaching HK$100,000 ($12,773), while individuals who provide false or deceptive information could receive three-year prison sentences and penalties up to HK$500,000.

Hong Kong’s administration officially published these new modifications to the national security law’s enforcement regulations on Monday, utilizing authority that circumvents the territory’s legislative body. The comprehensive security legislation was implemented by Beijing in 2020.

Government officials are scheduled to inform legislators about these changes on Tuesday, according to an official announcement.

The broad-reaching legislation imposes penalties for various offenses, including undermining state authority and collaborating with international entities, carrying potential life sentences.

While the law drew condemnation from Western nations and human rights organizations, authorities in both Beijing and Hong Kong defended its necessity for restoring order following extensive pro-democracy demonstrations that disrupted the city throughout 2019.

Under the updated regulations, law enforcement officers can require individuals under investigation for potential national security violations to supply passwords or decryption keys for electronic equipment and offer police “any reasonable and necessary information or assistance.”

The modifications also grant customs officials authority to confiscate materials considered to contain “seditious intention,” even without arrests being made in connection with national security violations related to those items.

Urania Chiu, a legal academic in the United Kingdom who studies Hong Kong affairs, criticized the new measures as interfering with basic freedoms, including communication privacy and fair trial rights.

“The sweeping powers given to law enforcement officers without any need for judicial authorisation are grossly disproportionate to any legitimate aim the bylaw purports to achieve,” Chiu stated.

A representative for Hong Kong’s government maintained that the revised regulations comply with the territory’s constitutional framework, known as the Basic Law, and its human rights protections, adding they “will not affect the lives of the general public or the normal operation of institutions and organisations.”

The Security Bureau reports that 386 individuals have been detained for national security violations to date, with 176 people and four corporations receiving convictions.

Media executive Jimmy Lai received a 20-year prison sentence in February for collaborating with foreign entities and sedition, drawing international condemnation.

SEOUL, South Korea — Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, declared Monday that any potential meeting between her brother and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is impossible unless Japan abandons what she termed outdated policies.

Her remarks followed Takaichi’s recent comments to the press about her discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, where she expressed having “a very strong desire” to arrange a face-to-face meeting with Kim Jong Un.

“But this is not the one that comes true, as wanted or decided by Japan,” Kim Yo Jong stated. “In order for the top leaders of the two countries to meet each other, Japan should first be determined to break with its anachronistic practice and habit.”

While Kim Yo Jong, who holds a high-ranking position in the regime, didn’t specify exactly what Japan’s outdated practices entail, she previously indicated in 2024 that North Korea would only consider diplomatic meetings if Japan accepted the country’s nuclear weapons development and stopped pursuing the issue of kidnapped Japanese citizens. That proposed meeting never took place.

In Monday’s statement released through North Korean state media, Kim Yo Jong declared: “I don’t want to see the prime minister of Japan coming to Pyongyang.” However, she characterized her opposition as “just my personal position,” which analysts interpret as an attempt to pressure Japan into making diplomatic concessions.

Experts believe North Korea seeks improved relations with Japan as a strategy to create division between the United States and its regional partners. Japan, meanwhile, remains focused on resolving the cases of its citizens who were kidnapped by North Korean operatives during the 1970s and 1980s.

Following years of denying involvement, North Korea admitted during a 2002 meeting between Kim Jong Il, the current leader’s deceased father, and former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi that its agents had abducted 13 Japanese citizens. The regime permitted five of those individuals to return to Japan. Japanese officials maintain that additional people may have been taken and some could remain alive.

Koizumi traveled to North Korea a second time in 2004 for another meeting with Kim Jong Il, marking the final diplomatic talks between the two nations.

The prospects for a North Korea-Japan summit appear unlikely given that North Korea has avoided diplomatic engagement with both the United States and South Korea since 2019. While Trump, who conducted three meetings with Kim Jong Un from 2018 to 2019, has repeatedly stated his intention to restart negotiations with Kim, the North Korean leader has suggested he would only resume discussions if the U.S. abandons “its delusional obsession with denuclearization” of North Korea.

According to Takaichi, Trump voiced his support for quickly resolving the abduction cases and indicated he would “provide cooperation in various ways” regarding potential meetings with Kim Jong Un.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — Israeli military forces successfully exploited Iran’s comprehensive street surveillance system to locate and eliminate the nation’s supreme leader, demonstrating how modern warfare increasingly targets digital infrastructure originally built for domestic control.

Across the globe, hundreds of millions of surveillance devices monitor storefronts, residential areas, and public spaces, with many connected to internet networks lacking adequate security measures. Military and intelligence organizations now leverage artificial intelligence breakthroughs to analyze massive volumes of surveillance data and locate specific targets.

Israeli operations on February 28 showcased the devastating potential when adversaries compromise such networks, successfully tracking Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei using Tehran’s own monitoring equipment — this despite multiple prior alerts about security breaches in Iran’s surveillance infrastructure, based on interviews and Associated Press analysis of leaked intelligence, official statements, and media coverage.

Two intelligence sources familiar with the mission described to AP how compromised surveillance cameras contributed to the operation that resulted in Khamenei’s death. Both sources requested anonymity as they lacked authorization for media interviews.

Iranian authorities deployed thousands of monitoring devices throughout their capital following successive protest movements, including massive January demonstrations that concluded with violent government suppression resulting in numerous civilian casualties.

The compromise of Tehran’s camera systems was widely acknowledged: hackers had repeatedly breached the city’s surveillance network beginning in 2021, and the previous year, a prominent Iranian official publicly acknowledged Israeli infiltration of the camera system, calling it a threat to national security.

Conor Healy, research director at surveillance publication IPVM, noted that Khamenei’s assassination reveals a critical security paradox facing governments attempting to suppress opposition movements.

“The infrastructure authoritarian states build to make their rule unassailable may be what makes their leaders most visible to the people trying to kill them,” Healy said. “Do you trust who is watching?”

Cybersecurity professionals have long cautioned about cameras becoming warfare tools.

Security engineer Paul Marrapese discovered in 2019 that he could breach millions of camera systems from his California home office.

Despite his continued warnings, vulnerable camera installations keep expanding. Recent scans revealed nearly three million unprotected camera feeds globally, including approximately 2,000 Iranian devices, Marrapese informed AP.

“There are millions and millions and millions of these throughout the world,” Marrapese said. Many remain extremely vulnerable to attack: “They’re just dumb little things. … It’s fish in a barrel.”

Manufacturers market internet-connected cameras accessible through mobile devices, with feeds easily redirected by malicious actors. Many installations lack proper security protocols, with unsophisticated users failing to establish passwords or apply security updates. While camera protection requires ongoing attention, successful hacking needs only one weakness, such as outdated systems or simple passwords like “1234.”

Even government surveillance networks isolated from public internet remain at risk: a single insider with malicious intent can compromise entire systems.

“Humans are kind of the weakest link,” Marrapese said. “There’s really only so much you can do.”

Eyal Hulata, Israel’s former national security adviser now with the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, confirmed Israel faces constant Iranian cyberattacks but maintains effective defenses.

“There is high alert on all cyber fronts,” he said.

Military camera hacking remained largely theoretical until 2023, when Hamas compromised southern Israeli surveillance systems before their October 7 assault, enabling monitoring of Israeli military patrols and facilitating their attack, according to Israeli media reports. That year also saw Ukrainian officials report Russian attempts to hijack cameras near missile targets, continuing into 2024 with Russians breaching Kyiv cameras and border crossing surveillance systems.

Artificial intelligence advances now enable military forces to overcome a major obstacle in weaponizing stolen footage: processing enormous video volumes to identify individuals, vehicles, and targets — work that previously required analyst teams working for weeks or months but now occurs instantly. Simple keyword searches allow AI systems to scan feeds and deliver immediate results.

“It used to be that you could hack the cameras, but humans had to do the real work of figuring out where the person was,” said cryptographer and security expert Bruce Schneier. “With AI systems … you can do a lot more automatically.”

Iranian cameras have faced repeated breaches in recent years.

In 2021, an Iranian exile organization released footage showing abuses at Tehran’s infamous Evin prison. The following year, another group claimed responsibility for hacking over 5,000 Tehran cameras, releasing gigabytes of surveillance material and internal documents through a Telegram channel.

During a 12-day conflict last summer, Israel utilized Tehran’s camera network to locate and bomb an Iranian Supreme National Security Council meeting, wounding Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, according to Iranian legislators and Israeli documentary evidence.

“All the cameras at our intersections are in the hands of Israel,” Mahmoud Nabavian, deputy chairman of the Iranian parliament’s national security committee, told Iranian media in September. “Everything on the internet is in their hands … if we move, they will find out.”

These security weaknesses emerged as Iran expanded surveillance camera usage following nationwide protests. Metro system cameras, for instance, detect women not wearing mandatory hijabs, using facial recognition technology to identify violators.

However, data gathered for government control creates attractive targets for hackers, said researcher Michael Caster, who studied Chinese surveillance technology sales to Iran.

“Malicious parties can more easily gain access,” Caster said.

Iran, facing long-term Western sanctions, struggles to obtain current hardware and software, frequently depending on Chinese-manufactured electronics or legacy systems. Pirated Windows and other software versions are widespread, making the country more vulnerable to potential hackers.

The Financial Times previously reported camera usage in Khamenei’s assassination.

The operation source who spoke with AP revealed that Israeli forces had compromised nearly all Tehran traffic cameras for years, transferring information to Israeli servers. At least one camera angle enabled Israel to monitor daily routines of individuals, including parking locations near Iran’s leadership facilities, both sources confirmed.

Algorithmic analysis provided intelligence including residential addresses, commuting routes, and security details, according to the briefed source. The same individual said the attack required months of planning, but execution accelerated once intelligence confirmed Khamenei and senior officials would be at the leadership compound that morning.

Israel’s prime minister’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

Colonel Amit Assa, former Israeli Shin Bet domestic security official, explained that such operations rely on multiple intelligence sources, including undercover operatives and intercepted communications.

However, Assa emphasized cameras play crucial roles by enabling intelligence officers to identify individuals, providing essential confirmation for strike decisions.

When officers observe a person’s face on command center screens, it assists in deciding to “put your finger on the yellow button, as we say,” he said.

Check Point Research, a cyber threat intelligence organization, reports Iranian camera hacking attacks have increased since the war began, with activity surges in Israel and Gulf nations including Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates.

Such breaches could help Iran monitor targets and evaluate damage following missile attacks, according to Gil Messing, Check Point Research’s chief of staff.

“The more people are installing cameras … the more area is being covered by these cameras,” Messing said. “It is very easy to use in order to get extra eyes into different places.”

Analysts estimate over one billion security cameras operate worldwide, triple the number from ten years ago. Hundreds of millions more are installed annually.

Muhanad Seloom, assistant professor in security studies at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, noted that wealthy Gulf nations like Qatar have long secured their petroleum facilities against wartime targeting. However, officials only recently recognized that street cameras could also become weapons.

“I don’t think anyone anticipated that these traffic cameras would become targeting tools … there is alarm all over,” Seloom said. “How come Iran’s whole leadership has been decapitated on the first day? … It is a topic that is being talked about.”

Regional governments maintain heightened vigilance.

Gulf monarchies have prohibited residents from recording or livestreaming Iranian strike footage, with the UAE arresting dozens for sharing conflict videos online. While partly protecting national reputation, these restrictions also reflect concerns about Iranian military exploitation of such material, Seloom explained.

Earlier this month, Israel’s National Cyber Directorate announced warnings to hundreds of camera owners targeted by Iran, urging password changes and software updates to prevent attacks.

Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group, described the increased hacking since the war began as “a wake-up call,” though acknowledging limited solutions for addressing vulnerabilities.

“It’s a whack-a-mole,” Vaez said.

BERLIN – Following what party officials described as a devastating electoral defeat over the weekend, Germany’s Social Democratic Party leadership announced Monday they will prioritize policy changes over leadership restructuring.

The SPD suffered a major blow in Rhineland-Palatinate’s state election, losing control of a region they had governed for three and a half decades. This marks the second significant electoral setback in a series of five state contests that Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s coalition government faces this year.

The victory provided a political boost for Merz’s Christian Democratic party while further undermining his coalition partner’s position and threatening governmental stability.

SPD co-leaders Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil and Labour Minister Baerbel Bas acknowledged the need for serious discussions within party leadership regarding accountability for the loss. However, they emphasized that Germany’s current challenges require immediate attention to policy matters rather than internal restructuring.

“The situation facing Germany was too serious for ‘self-lacerating’ internal debates about personnel issues while a major package of reforms had to be agreed with their coalition partners,” the leaders stated, stressing the importance of advancing promised tax and social welfare changes.

This electoral defeat compounds problems stemming from an equally disappointing result in Baden-Wuerttemberg on March 8, intensifying the crisis that has plagued the SPD since their coalition government under Chancellor Olaf Scholz collapsed in 2024.

Current polling data shows the party trailing behind the far-right Alternative for Germany nationally, increasing pressure on party leadership, though no serious internal challengers have emerged.

Describing the Rhineland-Palatinate outcome as devastating, Klingbeil explained that party executives unanimously agreed their response should focus on “setting a clear programmatic and strategic course” rather than changing personnel.

Party leadership plans to convene Friday with SPD ministers, state governors, and senior officials to develop a comprehensive reform package for subsequent negotiations with coalition partners.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has initiated an investigation into allegations that his foreign minister was under surveillance amid reports of secret communications with Russian officials.

The controversy erupted following a Washington Post report claiming that Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto regularly contacted Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during European Union meetings to share confidential discussions.

“We are dealing with two serious issues: there is evidence that Hungary’s Foreign Minister was wiretapped, and we also have indications of who may be behind it. This must be investigated immediately,” Orban posted on social media Monday.

The timing proves particularly challenging for Orban, who is facing his most difficult reelection campaign since taking office in 2010. With Hungary’s April 12 election approaching, polls show the center-right opposition Tisza party holding a significant lead.

According to the Washington Post report, which cited a European security official, Szijjarto allegedly provided Lavrov with “live reports on what’s been discussed” during breaks in EU meetings over several years.

Szijjarto quickly rejected these claims, calling the report “fake news” on Sunday.

The situation intensified when Hungarian conservative publication Mandiner released audio recordings featuring investigative journalist Szabolcs Panyi discussing how he provided Szijjarto’s phone numbers to “a state organ of an EU country” for verification purposes.

Panyi acknowledged the conversation’s authenticity on Facebook, explaining he was cross-referencing the numbers with intelligence from a European security service while investigating potential information sharing between Szijjarto and Russia.

Speaking to Reuters, Panyi accused the government of employing intelligence tactics to expose his source communications while he investigated sensitive matters.

Szijjarto expressed outrage over the Mandiner revelations, describing them as “shocking.”

“It is astonishing that with the active cooperation of a Hungarian journalist one or more foreign intelligence services have wiretapped me,” Szijjarto stated in a Facebook video.

The foreign minister has maintained regular contact with Moscow since Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, including a March 4 meeting with President Vladimir Putin to discuss oil supply arrangements.

Despite the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, Orban has preserved close relationships with Putin and continued Hungary’s dependence on Russian energy resources. Last week, citing disagreements with Kyiv over a damaged oil pipeline, Orban prevented the European Union from implementing a loan package for Ukraine that was approved in December.

Former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, the Socialist leader who introduced France’s 35-hour work week and championed progressive social policies, has passed away at the age of 88.

Current Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced Jospin’s death, which occurred on Sunday according to family sources reported by Agence France-Presse.

In a statement posted on X, Lecornu praised Jospin’s legacy, saying he “served France with constancy, rigor and a sense of responsibility” and that “his actions, guided by a certain vision of social progress and republican values, leave a lasting mark and a model of commitment.”

With his distinctive white curly hair and thick glasses, Jospin maintained the scholarly appearance of the economics professor he had been before François Mitterrand unexpectedly appointed him to lead the Socialist Party in 1981.

Following corruption scandals that devastated the Socialists in the 1993 parliamentary elections, Jospin helped restore the party’s reputation, remaining free from the bribery and fraud allegations that had tainted other leaders.

From 1997 to 2002, Jospin served as prime minister under conservative President Jacques Chirac in an unusual power-sharing arrangement known as “cohabitation,” heading a coalition of left-wing parties.

During his tenure, Jospin rejected the free-market reforms that were gaining popularity in Britain and other nations, instead pursuing distinctly leftist policies.

His major accomplishments included implementing France’s gender parity law requiring equal numbers of male and female candidates in national elections, establishing civil unions for both same-sex and heterosexual couples, and reducing the standard work week from 39 to 35 hours—a change celebrated by labor advocates but denounced by business leaders as economically harmful.

Despite his political success, Jospin struggled with public appearances, his naturally reserved demeanor becoming even more rigid when facing television cameras.

His political career ended abruptly following a devastating defeat in the 2002 presidential election’s first round, where he unexpectedly lost to far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen.

In that shocking result, Le Pen narrowly edged out Jospin for second place by fewer than 200,000 votes, both receiving over 16% of the total. This allowed Le Pen, the anti-immigration National Front founder, to advance to the runoff against incumbent Chirac, delivering a major blow to mainstream French politics.

French voters ultimately united behind Chirac in the second round to prevent Le Pen from reaching the Élysée Palace, giving Chirac a decisive victory.

Born on July 12, 1937, Jospin came into the world under unusual circumstances—his midwife mother reportedly elevated her pelvis using volumes of Voltaire’s writings during labor.

“She believed I would have the spirit of Voltaire,” Jospin once recalled.

His formative years in Nazi-occupied Paris left a lasting impression on his personality and political approach.

“I have the memory of the importance of silence. If you weren’t quiet, you ran the risk of putting people in danger. Certainly in political life I’ve retained a certain horror of talkativeness,” he reflected.

Raised in a Protestant household, Jospin attended the elite École d’Administration Nationale, which has produced numerous French political leaders and intellectuals.

The leftist student movements of 1968 drew him into politics, and after initially associating with Trotskyist groups, he eventually joined the Socialist Party.

Throughout his career, even as his views evolved, Jospin maintained his skepticism of unchecked capitalism, frequently repeating his signature slogan: “Yes to the market economy, no to a market society.”

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Following a razor-thin electoral outcome that left no party with a governing majority, Slovenia’s president called Monday for immediate coalition discussions among the nation’s political parties.

According to preliminary tallies covering 99.85% of ballots, Prime Minister Robert Golob’s liberal Freedom Movement secured 29 seats in the 90-member parliament, while the opposition Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) captured 28 seats — a margin of victory of less than one percent.

The narrow results mean neither major party can govern alone, leaving smaller parties to play the decisive role in determining Slovenia’s next government. The potential shape of future political alliances remains unclear.

President Natasa Pirc Musar took to social media platform X to encourage rapid negotiations, stating “I urge them to sit down at the negotiating table as soon as possible.” She offered congratulations to what she termed the “relative winner” — Golob’s pro-European Union Freedom Movement.

Sunday’s election was viewed as a critical moment for determining whether this EU member nation would continue its liberal trajectory or shift rightward. The inconclusive results highlight the sharp political divide among Slovenia’s 1.7 million registered voters.

Under Golob’s leadership, the current administration has championed liberal policies within the 27-member European Union. In contrast, SDS leader Janez Jansa represents a populist approach and maintains close ties with Hungary’s nationalist Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. A Jansa victory would strengthen Europe’s right-wing political movements.

Despite the narrow victory, Golob expressed optimism about forming the next administration while recognizing that “tough negotiations” await his party.

Jansa, known for his admiration of U.S. President Donald Trump, indicated his party’s reluctance to participate in what he considers an unstable coalition. He warned that the current “balance of political powers … based on what we see now, will not provide much stability.”

The election followed an intense campaign marked by accusations of foreign meddling and corruption scandals, intensifying existing tensions between the competing political factions.

Since gaining independence from Yugoslavia in 1991, Slovenia has regularly alternated between right-wing and left-leaning governments. The mountainous country of 2 million citizens joined both NATO and the European Union in 2004.

A frontrunner in West Africa’s upcoming presidential election has announced plans to establish local police units in northern border communities to combat escalating extremist violence.

Finance Minister Romuald Wadagni, who serves as the ruling party’s candidate for Benin’s April 12 presidential election, outlined his security strategy while presenting his campaign platform. Wadagni has held his current cabinet position under President Patrice Talon’s administration since 2016.

The proposed municipal police forces would operate in northern border communities, where extremist groups have intensified their operations. Wadagni emphasized that Benin has “no choice” but to collaborate with neighboring nations to tackle these security threats, as militants from the Sahel region escalate attacks along the borders shared by Niger, Benin, and Nigeria.

While Benin already maintains both national Republican Police units and military personnel in the northern region, Wadagni did not provide specific numbers for the proposed municipal officers or detail the program’s anticipated costs.

“The goal will be to ensure that young people, in their own environment, are trained, equipped, and given the opportunity to defend their homes, their families, their siblings, and their surroundings,” he said.

Northern security concerns represent a major challenge awaiting Wadagni if he succeeds Talon, who has focused on comprehensive economic reforms while working to enhance Benin’s tourism sector.

Although Benin typically maintains silence regarding extremist violence in its northern territories, officials confirmed last April that al Qaeda-affiliated group Jama’at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin conducted an assault that resulted in 54 military fatalities. A more recent attack this month claimed 15 soldiers’ lives and injured five others at a northern military installation.

The deteriorating security situation sparked a failed military coup attempt against Talon in December, with discontented soldiers citing worsening northern security conditions “coupled with the disregard and neglect of our fallen brothers-in-arms.”

Regional partners, including Nigeria, assisted in preventing the coup attempt.

MOSCOW – Russian officials issued stern warnings Monday regarding recent military strikes conducted by U.S. and Israeli forces in the vicinity of Iran’s Bushehr nuclear facility, calling the attacks extremely hazardous.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Moscow has communicated its concerns directly to Washington about the potentially devastating impact of such operations.

Peskov emphasized that these military actions could result in devastating and permanent damage.

“We believe that strikes on nuclear facilities are potentially extremely dangerous. (…) Therefore, the Russian side, taking an extremely responsible stance on this issue, has repeatedly voiced its concerns,” Peskov stated during Monday’s briefing.

The Russian official indicated that the Iranian conflict situation “as recently as yesterday” required immediate transition to diplomatic negotiations rather than military action.

“This is the only thing that can effectively help defuse the catastrophically tense situation that has now developed in the region,” he added.

According to Rosatom, Russia’s state-owned nuclear energy company, a military strike occurred on March 17th targeting an area “on the territory adjacent to the building of the metrological service, located on the site of the Bushehr nuclear power plant, in close proximity to the operating power unit.”

Moscow denounced the attack on the nuclear facility grounds and urged all parties to reduce tensions surrounding the strategic installation.

PARIS – Former French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin, who led the Socialist government from 1997 to 2002, has passed away on March 23rd, prompting an outpouring of condolences from political leaders across France.

French President Emmanuel Macron honored Jospin’s distinguished career on social media, describing him as a major force in French governance who held numerous key positions including Socialist Party leader under François Mitterrand, education minister, prime minister, and Constitutional Council member. “Through his rigour, his courage and his commitment to progress, he embodied a noble vision of the Republic,” Macron stated.

Current Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu praised Jospin’s dedication to the nation, writing that “He served France with steadfastness, high standards and a strong sense of responsibility.” Lecornu added that Jospin’s contributions, “guided by a vision of social progress and Republican values, has left a lasting legacy and stands as a model of dedication. France has today lost a faithful public servant, whose name will forever be associated with the State.”

Even political opponents acknowledged Jospin’s character. Far-right leader Marine Le Pen, while noting their policy disagreements during his tenure, called him “a man of integrity on the left, the only one who had the courage, in the aftermath of the 2002 presidential election, to denounce the shameless lie of the fascist threat that was being frantically stirred up by both the right and the left between the two rounds.”

National Rally party chief Jordan Bardella remembered Jospin as “a leading figure of the Fifth Republic and, despite our differences, as an honest man of the left.”

Former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, who worked with Jospin personally, highlighted his lasting influence on French politics through “his dedication, his rigour and his sense of public duty, qualities I was able to appreciate first-hand whilst working alongside him.”

Hard-left politician Jean-Luc Melenchon, who served under Jospin as vocational education minister, called him “a paragon of high standards and hard work.” Melenchon credited Jospin with implementing the 35-hour work week and maintaining “his refusal to move the retirement age,” adding that Jospin represented “an intellectual presence in a world that was drifting off course.”

National Assembly President Yael Braun-Pivet emphasized Jospin’s concrete achievements, noting how “he transformed the daily lives of the French people: universal healthcare, gender parity, youth employment schemes, and civil partnerships.” She praised his reputation for “integrity and his sense of public duty: rigour and respect for institutions.”

Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure expressed deep sorrow over the loss, describing Jospin as embodying “a left-wing movement that was demanding, principled and Republican.” Faure emphasized that Jospin “had succeeded in leading the pluralist left to victory” and called for a national tribute, stating that Jospin’s career “serves as a reminder that it is possible to govern without pandering to the prevailing trends.”

Segolene Royal, the 2007 Socialist presidential candidate who served in Jospin’s cabinet, mourned the passing of “a political ideal of rare integrity, guided by an unwavering moral compass.” Royal noted that with Jospin’s death, “a certain vision of politics is leaving us — one that respects debate and is committed to sound decision-making, without insults or fury.”

Former Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve described Jospin as “a respected statesman” whose “integrity, his sense of responsibility and his loyalty to the values of socialism and the left made him a guiding light for all those who believed in social progress.”

Hubert Vedrine, who served as Jospin’s foreign minister, told Le Monde newspaper that Jospin “was an extraordinary prime minister” with “a remarkable way of exercising authority, as he was both a great teacher and very precise.” Vedrine defended Jospin against critics, explaining that while some viewed his management style as micromanagement, “in reality he was very respectful of the necessary authority of each of his ministers, whilst himself being very clear in his ability to articulate where he wanted to go and to explain his decisions.”

LONDON, March 23 – British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday that security evaluations show no indication that Iran is directing attacks toward mainland Britain.

“We carry out assessments all the time in order to keep us safe, and there’s no assessment that we’re being targeted in that way,” Starmer told reporters.

The Prime Minister’s statement came in response to questions about potential Iranian threats to Britain following weekend news reports indicating Iran had launched two ballistic missiles at Diego Garcia, a joint US-UK military installation located in the Indian Ocean.

Starmer additionally stated that any efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz would require thoughtful analysis and a workable strategy. He emphasized that protecting British interests and reducing tensions remain his top priority.

Iranian authorities announced Monday they are moving forward with punishments for individuals detained during widespread anti-government demonstrations that swept the nation in January.

Hamzeh Khalili, the first deputy Chief of the Judiciary, confirmed that legal proceedings against those arrested have concluded, with final judgments now being carried out across the country.

The January uprising represented one of the most significant challenges to government authority in Iran’s recent history, prompting what analysts describe as the most severe government response since the Islamic Republic’s establishment.

“The cases of January terrorist elements and rioters have been processed. Some have led to final verdicts being issued and are now being implemented. Some cases have already been implemented in the past few days, which will be reported. No leniency will be applied to the convicts in these cases,” Khalili stated to Mizan, the judiciary’s official news platform.

The announcement follows last week’s execution of three men found guilty of killing two police officers during the January unrest. Human rights organizations, including Hengaw, have expressed alarm over what they characterize as an escalation in state executions targeting political prisoners and demonstration participants, occurring as Iran faces increased military and diplomatic pressure internationally.

Khalili further declared the judicial system would show no compassion toward individuals he described as “infiltrators, mercenaries, traitors who cooperate with the enemy,” noting that hundreds more arrests have occurred throughout March amid ongoing tensions with Israel and the United States.

Flooding has claimed the lives of five people in Oman during the last 24 hours, with emergency officials reporting that rushing waters carried away multiple vehicles on Monday.

According to Oman’s Civil Defence and Ambulance Authority, rescue teams saved seven individuals after floodwaters swept a vehicle containing 10 people into a wadi in the Wilayat of Barka region. The remaining three passengers were discovered deceased.

A second tragedy occurred in the Wilayat of Al-Maabilah area, where two residents perished when their car was overtaken by floodwaters in another wadi. Emergency responders later retrieved both bodies.

Officials reported that intense rainfall across portions of the nation led to these fatal incidents.

The Gulf nation has faced similar devastating flood events in recent years. In April 2024, sudden flooding resulted in at least 20 fatalities and submerged extensive regions of the country.

A British citizen imprisoned in Iran has made a desperate plea to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, calling on him to publicly defend the man and his wife against espionage allegations they strongly deny.

Craig Foreman and his wife Lindsay are currently serving 10-year prison sentences after Iranian authorities convicted them in February on charges of spying for Britain and Israel. Both have consistently maintained their innocence throughout the ordeal.

From his cell in Tehran’s Evin prison, Foreman recorded an audio message that was obtained by Reuters, describing their current situation as living in “a war zone” while criticizing the British government for not doing enough to prove their innocence.

The imprisoned man expressed feeling “let down, alone and completely frustrated by the lack of public defence by the people in charge of the government.”

“You know we are innocent. Go public with the information you have to clearly step up, step out of the shadows and help us. Our lives are constantly at risk,” Foreman stated in his message.

The couple’s fears have intensified as Tehran faces ongoing military strikes from U.S. and Israeli forces. Earlier this month, an explosion near Evin prison shattered windows and forced inmates to take cover under their beds for protection.

According to Foreman, British officials have provided “zero information” about emergency procedures should their dangerous situation worsen further.

The UK’s foreign ministry has previously condemned the prison sentences as “totally unjustifiable” and stated that protecting British citizens detained in Iran remains a top government priority.

Last Friday, officials promised to maintain pressure on Iranian authorities for the couple’s freedom, though the ministry declined to comment when contacted Monday about Foreman’s latest appeal.

Lionel Jospin, the former French Socialist prime minister whose political career ended with a stunning upset loss to a far-right candidate in 2002, has passed away at age 88, according to sources within his Socialist party who confirmed his death Monday.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Jospin’s political downfall came on the evening of April 21, 2002, when French voters received shocking results from the first round of the presidential election. Jean-Marie Le Pen, representing the far-right, had secured enough votes to advance to the runoff – marking the first time in French Republic history that such a candidate reached the final round.

Shortly after the results were announced, Jospin spoke to his stunned supporters. The leftist leader, who had been widely expected to become the next president, accepted complete responsibility for the surprising loss. Standing before a crowd of crying supporters, a visibly shaken but controlled Jospin declared his retirement from political life.

The Socialist leader would never again seek elected office.

Reflecting on that devastating election years afterward, he remarked: “One may regret not having had the chance to prove oneself when there was a single step left to climb, and one stumbled before that step.”

This measured response exemplified the reserved nature of a politician many considered stern and distant.

PROGRESSIVE POLICIES WITH FISCAL DISCIPLINE

During his tenure as prime minister between 1997 and 2002, Jospin implemented significant social reforms. He reduced the standard work week, expanded free medical care, and established civil unions that granted unmarried couples – both heterosexual and same-sex – the same legal rights as married couples.

While championing progressive causes, he also maintained fiscal discipline and privatized more government-owned enterprises than any previous leader. His governing philosophy was captured in his motto: “Yes to the market economy, no to a market society.”

Le Monde newspaper’s editor-in-chief wrote on April 22, 2002: “For a time, Lionel Jospin was able to revive reformist politics which, after so many years of crisis, reconciled economic progress with social progress.”

Despite his accomplishments, the bespectacled politician with white hair never connected deeply with French voters. His serious demeanor and marriage to philosopher Sylviane Agacinski reinforced perceptions of a rigid leader more at ease with policy documents than inspiring public enthusiasm.

His final vote tally in 2002 – 16.18% compared to Le Pen’s 16.86% – dashed his presidential ambitions forever. Though Le Pen was decisively defeated by center-right President Jacques Chirac in the runoff, Jospin never returned to prominent political roles.

EARLY LIFE AND IDEOLOGICAL EVOLUTION

Born in 1937 in a middle-class Paris suburb, Lionel Robert Jospin inherited both the discipline of his Protestant upbringing and the socialist activism of his parents – unusual in a nation that is traditionally Catholic but maintains secular public institutions.

His father Robert worked as a teacher and organized for the French Section of the Workers’ International, which later became the Socialist Party that Jospin would eventually lead. His mother Mireille Dandieu served as a midwife before becoming a nurse and school social worker.

After studying at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris in 1956, he attended the École Nationale d’Administration, where France’s political elite are trained. There he embraced Trotskyist ideology, joining the Internationist Communist Organisation under the alias “Comrade Michel.”

Jospin began working for France’s foreign ministry in 1965 but resigned during the 1968 student uprising against President Charles de Gaulle to pursue studies in America. Upon returning to France in 1970, he taught economics at a Paris university for more than ten years.

He cultivated relationships with Left Bank intellectuals, including Agacinski, whom he wed in 1994. Pushing back against characterizations of his personality, he told reporters in 1999: “When you finally understand that I am a rigid person who evolves, an austere person who laughs, and an atheist Protestant, you will write less nonsense.”

RISE TO POWER

Joining the Socialist Party in 1971, Jospin climbed its hierarchy to become one of President François Mitterrand’s most trusted allies while mentoring future leaders including François Hollande, who would later become president.

Mitterrand, whom Jospin considered a mentor, taught him that politics represented “a will, an art, a culture and a skill,” he later explained to Le Nouvel Observateur magazine. However, by the 1990s, Jospin had emerged as leader of a faction critical of Mitterrand’s legacy.

Following a narrow loss to Chirac in the 1995 presidential race, Jospin got another chance when Chirac called an unexpected parliamentary election in 1997. The left won control of the National Assembly, forcing the president to work with an opposing government led by Jospin.

Television footage from that election night showed Jospin taking notes on a notepad as early returns arrived, already planning his future administration.

While allowing Chirac to handle foreign policy matters, Jospin managed domestic affairs. Leading a coalition of Socialists, Communists and Greens, he abandoned many radical beliefs from his youth.

The former Trotskyist, who eventually acknowledged his extremist past, pursued economic liberalization policies. He sold major state-owned companies and accepted public spending reductions to qualify France for the European single currency.

His leadership coincided with sustained economic growth and falling unemployment, partly due to creating approximately 300,000 public sector jobs for young people and reducing the standard work week from 39 to 35 hours – a change unions praised but many businesses criticized.

This combination of progressive and liberal reforms created tensions with both private sector interests and his coalition partners.

“Remain firm on ends, be flexible on means,” he once stated, a principle that helped him navigate ideological conflicts.

ELECTORAL DEFEAT AND REFLECTION

Just four days before the 2002 presidential election, Jospin dismissed suggestions he might finish third as unrealistic.

However, what appeared to be a standard rematch between Chirac and Jospin was disrupted by Le Pen’s strong showing and competition from multiple left-wing candidates.

Jospin’s third-place finish behind Le Pen sparked massive street demonstrations. Chirac ultimately won overwhelmingly thanks to left-wing voters who supported him to block Le Pen.

“I overestimated the extent to which Jacques Chirac was rejected, and I overestimated how positively the public viewed my record,” he told documentary filmmaker Patrick Rotman in 2010. “I underestimated the impact that the left’s divisions had. I underestimated the first round.”

When asked about losing to Chirac, who was later convicted of using taxpayer money to fund political allies’ fake jobs, Jospin emphasized his principled approach.

“For my part, I simply strove in politics to respect the rules, to cultivate the principles of the Republic, to be honest and to keep my commitments,” he told Rotman.

He expressed pride in leading a government that “worked well for five years and avoided every scandal.”

After briefly considering another campaign, he withdrew, allowing Socialist Ségolène Royal to make an unsuccessful presidential run in 2007.

In 2012, President François Hollande named Jospin to head his Commission on renewal and ethics in public life, focused on eliminating corruption from French politics.

Having earned recognition for his professionalism, he largely escaped the scandals and corruption that tainted many contemporaries in the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

He leaves behind Agacinski and his children from a previous marriage: composer Hugo and visual artist Eva.

Jospin represented the final generation of traditional French politicians – more connected to academic study and regulation than crowd-pleasing messaging – predating the era when political leaders used social media to reach voters directly.

However, his approach ultimately failed to unite the left’s diverse factions.

In 2002, each of the four parties in his coalition government fielded separate candidates. Had just two of them supported his campaign, he would have won the first round, he reflected in a France Info interview 20 years later.

Regarding his decision on election night to accept full blame for the defeat, he observed with characteristic understatement: “I acted as if I only blamed myself.”

Former French Socialist Prime Minister Lionel Jospin passed away at age 88, according to two sources within his political party who confirmed his death Monday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Jospin became widely known for a stunning political upset in 2002 when he was defeated in the first round of France’s presidential election by far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen. On the evening of April 21, 2002, French voters witnessed an unprecedented moment as Le Pen became the first far-right politician in the Republic’s history to advance to a presidential runoff.

Following the shocking results, Jospin spoke to his supporters, accepting complete responsibility for the unexpected loss. Despite appearing visibly shaken but maintaining his composure, he declared his retirement from politics as supporters cried out in dismay. The Socialist leader would never seek elected office again.

Reflecting on that pivotal moment years afterward, Jospin remarked: “One may regret not having had the chance to prove oneself when there was a single step left to climb, and one stumbled before that step.” This measured response exemplified the restrained demeanor that characterized the politician many considered overly formal.

During his tenure as prime minister between 1997 and 2002, Jospin championed significant progressive legislation. He reduced the standard work week, expanded free medical care, and established civil unions granting unmarried couples – both same-sex and heterosexual – rights equivalent to married partners.

While advocating for progressive social policies, Jospin also embraced fiscal discipline and privatized more government-owned enterprises than any previous leader. His balanced approach was encapsulated in his motto: “Yes to the market economy, no to a market society.”

A Le Monde newspaper editorial from April 22, 2002, noted: “For a time, Lionel Jospin was able to revive reformist politics which, after so many years of crisis, reconciled economic progress with social progress.”

Despite his policy achievements, the serious, white-haired politician with glasses struggled to connect emotionally with voters. His scholarly demeanor and marriage to philosopher Sylviane Agacinski reinforced perceptions of a reserved leader more at ease with policy documents than inspiring public enthusiasm.

The 2002 election results – where Jospin received 16.18% compared to Le Pen’s 16.86% – dashed his presidential ambitions. Though Le Pen ultimately lost decisively to center-right President Jacques Chirac in the runoff, Jospin never returned to prominent political roles.

Born in 1937 in a middle-class Parisian suburb, Lionel Robert Jospin inherited both the discipline of his Protestant upbringing and his parents’ socialist convictions in predominantly Catholic France. His father Robert worked as a teacher and organized for the French Section of the Workers’ International, which later became the Socialist Party Jospin would lead. His mother Mireille served as a midwife before becoming a nurse and school social worker.

After studying at the Institute of Political Studies in Paris in 1956, Jospin attended the École Nationale d’Administration, where France’s governing elite receives training. During this period, he embraced Trotskyist ideology, joining the Internationalist Communist Organisation under the alias “Comrade Michel.”

Jospin began his career at the French foreign ministry in 1965 but resigned during the 1968 student demonstrations against President Charles de Gaulle to pursue studies in America. Upon returning to France in 1970, he spent more than ten years teaching economics at a Paris university.

He cultivated relationships within Left Bank intellectual circles, including his future wife Agacinski, whom he wed in 1994. Addressing misconceptions about his personality in 1999, Jospin told reporters: “When you finally understand that I am a rigid person who evolves, an austere person who laughs, and an atheist Protestant, you will write less nonsense.”

Joining the Socialist Party in 1971, Jospin advanced through party leadership and became a trusted ally of President François Mitterrand, mentoring future leaders like François Hollande. Mitterrand taught him that politics represented “a will, an art, a culture and a skill,” Jospin later explained to Le Nouvel Observateur magazine. However, by the 1990s, he led a faction critical of Mitterrand’s presidency.

After narrowly losing the 1995 presidential race to Chirac, Jospin got another opportunity when Chirac called an unexpected parliamentary election in 1997. The left gained control of the National Assembly, forcing the president to work with an opposing government led by Jospin.

Television footage from that election night showed Jospin taking notes as early returns arrived, already planning his future administration. While Chirac handled foreign affairs, Jospin managed domestic policy despite leading a coalition including Socialists, Communists, and Greens.

The former Trotskyist, who eventually acknowledged his radical background, pursued economic liberalization policies. He sold major state companies and accepted public spending reductions to qualify France for European monetary union participation.

His leadership coincided with sustained economic expansion and declining unemployment, partly due to creating approximately 300,000 youth-oriented public jobs and reducing the standard work week from 39 to 35 hours. Labor unions praised this change while many businesses criticized it.

This combination of progressive and liberal reforms created tensions with both private sector interests and coalition partners. Jospin’s guiding principle was: “Remain firm on ends, be flexible on means.”

Four days before the 2002 presidential election, Jospin dismissed suggestions he might finish third as unrealistic. However, what appeared to be a straightforward rematch between Chirac and Jospin was disrupted by Le Pen’s strong showing and competition from multiple left-wing candidates.

Jospin’s third-place finish behind Le Pen sparked massive street demonstrations. Chirac won the runoff overwhelmingly thanks to left-wing voters supporting him against Le Pen.

In a 2010 interview with documentary filmmaker Patrick Rotman, Jospin analyzed his defeat: “I overestimated the extent to which Jacques Chirac was rejected, and I overestimated how positively the public viewed my record. I underestimated the impact that the left’s divisions had. I underestimated the first round.”

When asked about losing to Chirac, who was later convicted of funding fictitious political positions with taxpayer money, Jospin emphasized his principled approach: “For my part, I simply strove in politics to respect the rules, to cultivate the principles of the Republic, to be honest and to keep my commitments.”

He expressed pride in leading a government that “worked well for five years and avoided every scandal.”

Though he briefly considered another campaign, Jospin stepped aside, allowing Socialist Ségolène Royal’s unsuccessful 2007 presidential attempt. In 2012, President François Hollande named Jospin to head his Commission on renewal and ethics in public life, focused on eliminating corruption from French politics.

Earning recognition for his professionalism, Jospin largely escaped the scandals that tainted many contemporaries during the late 20th and early 21st centuries.

He is survived by Agacinski and children from his first marriage: composer Hugo and visual artist Eva.

Jospin represented a traditional style of French politician – more connected to academic study and regulatory details than crowd-pleasing rhetoric – from an era before social media transformed political communication. However, his approach ultimately failed to maintain unity among the left’s diverse factions.

In 2002, each of the four parties in his coalition government nominated separate candidates. Jospin reflected in a France Info interview 20 years later that support from just two of them would have secured first place in the initial voting round.

Regarding his election night decision to accept full responsibility for the loss, he observed with characteristic understatement: “I acted as if I only blamed myself.”

LARISSA, Greece — Legal proceedings have begun in Greece for a devastating railway collision that claimed 57 lives in February 2023, with the majority of victims being young students, in what became a national tragedy that exposed decades of ignored safety concerns.

The horrific accident created a massive explosion upon impact, trapping passengers inside twisted and destroyed train cars.

Thirty-six defendants, primarily railway and transportation officials, are facing severe criminal charges related to public transportation safety violations.

The catastrophic collision happened in Tempe, located in Greece’s northern region, when a passenger train was mistakenly directed onto incorrect tracks, placing it directly in the path of an approaching freight locomotive — a shocking failure on what was already a basic railway system.

According to investigators, this fundamental mistake was made worse by broken signaling equipment, along with failures in personnel management, supervision, and upkeep over many years of postponed safety improvements.

Due to the massive scope of these legal proceedings, which will involve hundreds of witnesses, a converted university campus is serving as the courthouse. The trial is anticipated to continue for two years.

Law enforcement officers established a security perimeter around the courthouse while several hundred protesters assembled outside, and family members of victims, many wearing black clothing, came to observe the legal proceedings.

“True justice would mean having our children returned to us. However, what we’re demanding now is severe punishment for those who are responsible,” stated Pavlos Aslanidis, whose 27-year-old son Dimitris died in the accident. “It’s deeply troubling that three years have passed, and nobody has been imprisoned.”

Those facing charges include railway station supervisors who were working that evening, their manager, former railway administrators, high-ranking transportation ministry personnel, and previous executives from Hellenic Train, the Italian-owned company operating the service.

Family members of the victims, many who have actively pushed for justice and accountability, plan to be present throughout the trial.

This tragedy continues to be an emotionally charged and politically sensitive matter, leading to numerous public demonstrations and work stoppages, with opponents claiming the conservative administration is placing all blame solely on railway personnel.

Outside Greece’s parliament building in Athens, a temporary memorial displays the victims’ names painted in red, encircled by lit candles and floral tributes.

Multiple additional legal proceedings connected to this disaster are currently underway, including a parliamentary investigation examining political responsibility.

Legal proceedings commenced Monday in Greece for a catastrophic railway collision that claimed 57 lives in February 2023, as demonstrators and striking workers gathered to protest what they believe was government negligence in the deadly incident.

The fatal collision occurred on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train transporting students from Athens to Thessaloniki crashed into a freight train near Tempi in central Greece. The incident stands as Greece’s most devastating railway disaster and sparked an extensive investigation spanning multiple years.

The collision resulted in a massive explosion and fireball, exposing significant government shortcomings including corrupt practices, inadequate safety measures, and prolonged neglect of railway infrastructure during the country’s financial crisis in the previous decade.

The tragedy has sparked widespread demonstrations throughout Greece, with citizens calling for political leaders to be held responsible and demanding an end to political immunity protections.

Thirty-six defendants, including a station master and railway executives, now face trial on various charges including traffic violations leading to deaths, negligent manslaughter, and causing physical harm. Notably, no political figures have been charged in the case.

More than 350 individuals are expected to provide testimony, including family members of victims, crash survivors, and railway employees.

According to national investigators, while most fatalities occurred during the impact, as many as seven victims died from the resulting fire.

Greek railway employees conducted a symbolic 24-hour work stoppage on Monday, suspending train services, while demonstrators assembled outside the courthouse in Larissa.

Investigations revealed that a European Union-supported safety system installation project began in 2014 but remained significantly behind schedule by 2023. Victims’ families have also alleged that officials attempted to conceal evidence.

The current center-right administration, which maintains its innocence, has committed to ensuring justice and implementing comprehensive railway reforms by 2027.

BEIJING, March 23 – Chinese officials issued an urgent appeal Monday for all nations engaged in Middle East hostilities around the Strait of Hormuz to cease combat operations and return to diplomatic talks, warning against what they called a destructive pattern of escalation.

Foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian expressed grave concerns about the potential for regional instability during a press briefing, particularly in response to questions about President Donald Trump’s pressure on Iran regarding the crucial shipping corridor.

“Should hostilities continue to escalate and the situation deteriorate further, the entire region will be plunged into chaos,” Lin Jian stated during the Monday briefing.

The Chinese diplomat emphasized Beijing’s position that military action would only perpetuate destructive patterns of conflict. “The use of force will only lead to a vicious cycle,” he declared, while also noting that the current conflict should never have started.

The statement reflects China’s growing diplomatic involvement in Middle Eastern affairs, particularly regarding conflicts that could impact global shipping routes and regional stability.

MOSCOW – A storage tank containing fuel burst into flames following a drone strike at Russia’s Primorsk port on Monday, according to Alexander Drozdenko, who serves as governor of the northwestern Leningrad region. Drozdenko shared the information through his official Telegram account.

The Baltic Sea facility represents Russia’s most significant western oil export terminal, with the capacity to handle over one million barrels of crude oil daily. The port serves as a crucial shipping point for Russia’s primary Urals crude oil blend as well as premium diesel fuel.

Data indicates that approximately 16.8 million metric tons of diesel were shipped from Primorsk during the previous year.

This incident continues Ukraine’s ongoing campaign targeting Russian energy infrastructure, with strikes aimed at oil export terminals and refineries designed to weaken Moscow’s wartime economy.

The facility previously faced disruption in September when another attack temporarily halted oil loading operations.

Drozdenko reported that air defense systems successfully intercepted 35 drones over the Leningrad region during recent attacks. Meanwhile, Russia’s defense ministry stated that a total of 249 drones were shot down across the country during overnight operations.

European manufacturers are facing yet another crisis as the Middle East conflict sends energy costs soaring, threatening an industrial sector already weakened by years of challenges.

At a German chemical plant in Kleinkarlbach, Gechem owner Martina Nighswonger describes the mounting pressure from her modest office filled with product samples and packaging materials. Her company has weathered the pandemic’s economic damage, surging energy bills from the Ukraine conflict, harsh U.S. trade penalties, and now faces rising raw material costs from Middle East tensions.

“There’s just no letup. Every year profits get a little smaller, and eventually they’re gone,” Nighswonger explained from her facility, where she now conducts daily emergency planning sessions and relieves stress with a punching bag. “It’s exhausting, and you just don’t know what to do anymore.”

Gechem produces chemical mixtures for household cleaners and automotive brake fluid, placing it directly in the path of the latest crisis affecting European industries from chemicals and plastics to metals, textiles and toys.

Though the Gulf region conflict impacts global businesses, European companies face particularly severe consequences due to already elevated energy expenses compared to other world regions, according to executives interviewed across Germany, France, Denmark and Switzerland.

Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz after Israeli and U.S. military actions had already disrupted oil shipments when recent attacks on major gas facilities in Iran and Qatar drove crude prices near $120 per barrel – twice the early 2026 levels.

The IW German Economic Institute projects Germany’s economy could lose 40 billion euros ($46 billion) over two years if oil remains at $100 per barrel, highlighting European industry’s vulnerability after enduring high energy costs, intense Chinese competition and facility shutdowns.

Germany, Europe’s largest economy still recovering from Ukraine war impacts, pays some of the world’s highest wholesale electricity rates at $132 per megawatt hour, far exceeding the $48 U.S. rate and above the $120 EU average, International Energy Agency data shows.

“Europe is on the chopping block for this and clearly does not have the margin to take a second energy hit in such a short period of time,” stated Ipek Ozkardeskaya, senior analyst at Swiss bank Swissquote. “Germany and the UK look like the most vulnerable to the energy shock.”

Crisis Management Mode

Established in 1861, Gechem represents Germany’s Mittelstand – the 3.4 million medium-sized companies employing over 33 million workers and generating more than half the world’s third-largest economy’s output.

With 46 million euros in sales last year and 165 employees, Gechem has halted new hiring and, for the first time in twenty years, isn’t ruling out layoffs, Nighswonger revealed.

Investment plans for a new bottling machine and solar facility expansion, projects worth millions of euros combined, remain suspended.

Contributing to the strain, sulfamic acid prices from Asian suppliers have jumped 20%, adding 300,000 to 400,000 euros to annual costs for the ingredient used in toilet and dishwasher tablets, Nighswonger noted.

Beyond oil and gas market disruptions, Iran’s Strait of Hormuz blockade has affected supplies of fertilizers, sulfur, helium, aluminum, polyethylene and other essential materials. Transportation expenses have also surged with higher fuel costs.

“The situation will hit our small- and medium-sized businesses especially hard, as many of them have no way to switch their supply of raw materials at short notice,” explained Wolfgang Grosse Entrup, managing director at German chemicals association VCI.

Even before the Iran conflict, Germany’s Mittelstand was struggling from recent crises. Government statistics show 24,064 primarily small and medium companies filed for bankruptcy in 2025, the highest total since 2014.

The strain is affecting Europe’s 635 billion euro chemicals sector throughout the supply chain.

German company Lanxess, with 5.7 billion euros in revenue last year, announced Thursday it would eliminate 550 positions and implement immediate price increases as costs rise.

“We monitor the situation in the Middle East on a daily basis now,” Lanxess CEO Matthias Zachert told media representatives.

Christian Kullmann, CEO of German chemical firm Evonik, said while some additional costs might be passed to customers, certainly not all could be transferred.

German adhesives and consumer products manufacturer Henkel reported indirect raw material price increases, while the country’s largest chemical producer BASF has already raised certain prices by over 30%.

“Our companies are operating in full crisis mode,” VCI’s Grosse Entrup stated.

Supply Chain Emergencies

Similar pressures are spreading throughout Europe’s manufacturing centers.

Peter Voser, chairman of Swiss engineering company ABB, told Reuters an extended Gulf conflict would severely impact the global economy through energy shortages and higher prices.

“In the shorter term, companies which use gas as their primary energy source could even shut down their assembly lines, which could contribute to price increases in some sectors,” he explained. “But the real global impact will come later. The longer the war goes on, the deeper the cut on the demand side will be.”

In France, Marc-Antoine Blin, president of plastic pipe manufacturer Elydan, said Asian suppliers dependent on Middle Eastern oil have declared force majeure, driving up raw material costs.

“We have suppliers in Vietnam and in Thailand who have experienced force majeure and who can no longer ship raw materials,” he stated. Elydan operates six European factories and uses 40,000 to 50,000 tonnes of polymers annually.

If the conflict continues, he would need to transfer higher costs to customers. “I don’t think we can absorb such a shock ourselves by cutting into our margins.”

In Denmark, LEGO is shifting toward recycled plastic and bio-based materials from renewable sources like sugarcane for its toy bricks to reduce fossil fuel dependence, but repeated uncertainty cycles remain concerning.

“Whether it’s COVID, or it’s inflation coming out of that, or it’s Russia attacking Ukraine or, I mean, there’s been so many things – and tariffs last year,” CEO Niels Christiansen told Reuters. “Volatility, of course, is never good.”

Financial Strain

Demonstrating how the Gulf crisis affects business operations, Lanxess canceled a planned joint-venture stake sale, with sources indicating deteriorating markets following the Iran conflict played a role.

Swedish outdoor technology company Dometic suspended its dividend, while Thyssenkrupp Steel Europe, the continent’s second-largest steelmaker, warned sustained gas price increases would impact production expenses.

Germany’s steel industry association WV Stahl called for additional government support to stabilize gas and electricity prices for one of the continent’s most energy-intensive sectors, saying the Iran conflict exposed Europe’s “enormous vulnerability.”

French trade group Polyvia, representing plastics and composites businesses, is raising government concerns as suppliers use soaring gas costs to renegotiate contracts for higher prices – with growing risks of reduced supply allocations.

However, European governments have less financial flexibility than in 2022 to protect industry with massive subsidies. If oil approaches $130 per barrel, default risks will increase significantly for sectors including metals and chemicals, according to Karl Pettersen, co-head of corporate ratings at Scope Ratings.

“Europe’s competitiveness hinges on improving its supplies of secure, affordable energy,” he concluded.

BUENOS AIRES, Argentina — Under gray skies at a municipal cemetery, family members carried two urns holding the remains of Eduardo Ramos and Alicia Cerrotta. They bent down to kiss the wooden containers before placing them in a mausoleum in Argentina’s northern Tucuman province.

“We finally know where they are,” one relative said softly.

This burial ceremony concluded a half-century of anguish. Eduardo, a 21-year-old writer and poet, along with his wife Alicia, a 27-year-old psychologist, were abducted by Argentine military personnel in the period after the 1976 military takeover that began a brutal dictatorship. Human rights groups estimate the regime made 30,000 people vanish, though government records suggest approximately 8,000.

When Argentina returned to democratic rule in 1983, the government prosecuted those responsible for these atrocities. However, the task of locating victims’ remains has primarily been left to family members, human rights advocates and forensic specialists.

This search has been complicated by the military’s unwillingness to share details about where victims were taken and, in recent years, by funding reductions to human rights initiatives implemented by libertarian President Javier Milei.

“Fifty years after the coup, ‘where are they?’ remains a very relevant question,” said Sol Hourcade, a lawyer for the Center for Legal and Social Studies representing plaintiffs in crimes against humanity trials.

Eduardo and Alicia carried the designation of “disappeared” until 2011, when an independent archaeological team found their remains alongside those of approximately one hundred other people in what became known as the Pozo de Vargas, a nearly 40-meter-deep (130-foot-deep) pit originally used to provide water for steam trains.

Military forces had converted this well into a mass burial site, throwing in the bodies of students, political dissidents and rural laborers considered threats to the state, then covering them with layers of soil, rocks and rubble.

The excavation and identification work required years to complete. In early March, Tucuman officials returned the partial remains of Eduardo and Alicia to their families.

“When I saw the urns, I realized that for us this means a final farewell,” said Ana Ramos, Eduardo’s sister. She was 13 when she last saw him and buried him at 63. “People have no idea what it means when the remains are returned. At first, it’s very overwhelming, but it’s the most liberating thing that has happened to us.”

Soaring inflation and increasing political violence from both leftist and far-right militant organizations created conditions for the coup against President María Estela Martínez on March 24, 1976. Martínez, the third wife of former populist leader Juan Domingo Perón, took power after his death, governing a nation influenced by the populist movement he established, known as Peronism.

A military council headed by Jorge Rafael Videla, Emilio Eduardo Massera and Orlando Ramón Agosti took control. A characteristic element of their governance was the forced disappearance of individuals considered subversive.

“There was no other solution: we agreed it was the price to pay to win the war, and we needed it not to be evident so that society wouldn’t realize,” Videla told journalist Ceferino Reato in his final interview before dying in prison in 2013 while serving a life sentence for crimes against humanity.

Political opponents were kidnapped and brought to secret detention facilities, where they faced torture and were kept in horrific conditions. Many were later “transferred” — a code word for execution by firing squad or through so-called death flights, where prisoners were drugged, put on planes and thrown alive into the Río de la Plata.

Victims’ bodies were placed in unmarked graves in public cemeteries or mass burial sites near military installations. Others were cremated.

Pregnant prisoners were forced to deliver babies while in custody and then executed. Human rights organizations estimate approximately 500 infants were illegally seized and adopted by military families or their associates; roughly 140 have been identified since then.

Following Argentina’s democratic transition, local residents near the Pozo de Vargas, situated next to a train station, began spreading stories that the bodies of disappeared people might be buried in that location.

Government oppression in this small northern province had been particularly brutal, since guerrilla organizations had controlled significant portions of the area before the military takeover. An estimated 2,000 people lost their lives in Tucuman.

The Pozo de Vargas is regarded as the largest secret mass burial site from Argentina’s final dictatorship, with remains of 149 individuals recovered from the location.

“The well began as a myth and today it is concrete, material evidence of what state terrorism was,” said Ruy Zurita, a member of the Tucuman Archaeology, Memory and Identity Collective, which discovered the site in 2002. “It wasn’t accidental or an excess — it was planned.”

While archaeologists uncovered the first bone pieces in 2004, comprehensive excavation work didn’t start until five years later because of insufficient government backing, funding and equipment. Much of the labor was volunteer work.

No intact skeletons were found, only approximately 38,000 bone pieces.

Since 2011, the Argentine Forensic Anthropology Team — an independent group established by U.S. anthropologist Clyde Snow — has been working to assemble this complicated puzzle in its Buenos Aires laboratory, successfully identifying 121 sets of remains. Twenty-eight sets of remains are still awaiting identification.

Since democracy returned, the organization has excavated roughly 1,600 bodies, identifying just over half of them.

The Ramos family learned in 2015 about finding Eduardo’s tibia bone following the lengthy identification process. However, they chose to wait to receive his remains until the team could attempt to reconstruct his skeleton, his sister explained.

“I can’t ask for forgiveness if I did nothing,” former Army corporal Juan Manuel Giraud told The Associated Press as he lit a cigarette in his Buenos Aires apartment.

Giraud, 75, wears an electronic ankle monitor while serving a life sentence under house arrest. Convicted in 2022 for killings during a 1976 military operation, he insists he never killed, tortured or witnessed such acts.

He is not the only one in denial. Most of the 1,231 security force members convicted for their actions during the dictatorship deny the accusations and have not shared information about where the disappeared were taken.

For Hourcade, the attorney representing families, the answers may be found in classified government archives, though accessing them remains a “titanic task,” particularly without comprehensive public policies designed to locate the remains.

As part of his cost-cutting measures, Milei reduced the Human Rights Secretariat to a sub-secretariat, slashed its budget and eliminated staff positions. Technical teams analyzing archives were dismissed, accused of political bias and conducting what Milei’s administration called persecution of former military personnel.

The recently constructed mausoleum at the Tafi Viejo cemetery in Tucuman has most of its spaces still vacant, waiting for new identifications.

“Today marks the end of one stage: receiving and … saying goodbye to Eduardo and Alicia,” said Pedro, another of the Ramos siblings, during the funeral. “All I know is that grief walks with us forever.”

WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) — The director of the International Energy Agency warned Monday that escalating Middle East tensions pose a “major, major threat” to worldwide economic stability due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Speaking to Australia’s National Press Club in Canberra, Fatih Birol emphasized that every nation would feel the consequences if the situation deteriorates further. “No country will be immune to the effects of this crisis if it continues to go in this direction,” Birol stated.

According to Birol, the current Middle Eastern turmoil has created more severe disruptions than both the 1970s oil crises and the energy market upheaval caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine combined.

His warning coincided with Israel conducting fresh strikes against Tehran in the early morning hours Monday.

Meanwhile, a senior U.S. military official advised Iranian citizens to stay in protective shelters indefinitely, as Iran launched retaliatory attacks on neighboring Gulf states and issued threats to target their electrical infrastructure.

The energy agency chief reported that conflict has caused significant damage to 40 power facilities spanning nine regional nations, with impacts ranging from “severely or very severely damaged.”

Birol revealed ongoing discussions with European and Asian governments regarding potential releases from strategic petroleum reserves to stabilize markets.

“We will see, we will look at the markets,” he explained. “If it is necessary of course we will do it, but we will look at the conditions, we will analyze, assess the market and discuss with our member countries.”

With Iran maintaining control over the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum Sunday via social media, giving Tehran 48 hours to reopen the waterway or face U.S. strikes that would “obliterate” Iranian power infrastructure.

Global financial markets are experiencing significant turbulence following President Trump’s weekend ultimatum to Iran, creating what analysts describe as a television-style countdown to potential military action.

On Saturday evening, Trump used social media to deliver a stark warning: Iran has until Monday at approximately 7:45 p.m. Eastern Time to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, or the United States will “obliterate” Iranian power facilities. The deadline threatens to create chaos for Asian markets when they open Tuesday.

Trump indicated that the primary target would be Iran’s largest power facility, which is a nuclear installation. Such an attack would likely violate international law and could trigger a significant environmental catastrophe.

Iran fired back with its own threats, vowing to shut down the Strait of Hormuz “completely” and launch attacks against energy and water systems in surrounding nations. Officials warned that strikes on desalination facilities would cause particularly severe damage.

Oil markets have responded with extreme volatility, with Brent crude experiencing wild swings before settling up 0.5%. The U.S. has attempted to calm immediate concerns by permitting sales of Iranian and Russian oil already aboard tankers.

Despite short-term measures, longer-term supply fears are driving futures prices significantly higher. September Brent contracts have jumped $1 to reach $92.90, indicating sustained high prices ahead. Natural gas markets face similar pressures, with seven tankers currently at sea carrying the last available Qatari supplies.

The crisis has already created worldwide shortages of aviation fuel, marine bunker fuel, and fertilizer, threatening to increase costs for travel, retail goods, and food production.

Fatih Birol, head of the International Energy Agency, is currently visiting Australia where he described the situation as “very severe” and potentially worse than both 1970s oil crises combined.

Rising energy costs are creating inflationary pressure that is hammering bond markets, with 10-year Treasury yields reaching eight-month peaks at 4.4150%. This is increasing borrowing expenses for developed countries already facing budget shortfalls and mounting debt.

Higher yields are putting pressure on stock valuations, while increasing fuel costs will reduce consumer spending and corporate earnings. Investors have dramatically adjusted expectations for central bank policies, eliminating prospects for Federal Reserve rate cuts this year while anticipating 75 basis point increases from the European Central Bank and 85 basis points from the Bank of England.

Stock markets are reflecting this pessimism, with Japan’s Nikkei falling more than 3% and South Korean markets dropping nearly 6%. European futures are down 1.1% to 1.3%, while S&P 500 futures have declined approximately 0.4%.

Monday’s key market influences include speeches by European Central Bank officials Piero Cipollone and Philip Lane, European Union consumer confidence data for March, and U.S. construction spending figures for January.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards issued a warning Monday that any assault on the country’s electrical infrastructure would prompt retaliatory strikes against Israeli power facilities and electrical systems serving American military installations across the region.

The Monday declaration appears to walk back previous threats aimed at regional water desalination facilities, which provide essential drinking water supplies throughout Gulf nations.

“The lying … U.S. President has claimed that the Revolutionary Guards intends to attack the water desalination plants and cause hardship to the people of the countries in the region,” the statement shared on state media said.

The Iranian response follows Saturday’s warning from President Donald Trump, who threatened to target Iranian electrical facilities unless Tehran completely reopened the Strait of Hormuz to maritime traffic within a 48-hour deadline.

“We are determined to respond to any threat at the same level as it creates in terms of deterrence … If you hit electricity, we hit electricity,” the Revolutionary Guards said.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s military leadership issued a stark warning Monday, vowing to strike electrical infrastructure that supplies power to U.S. military installations throughout the Middle East region.

The threat came from Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard as tensions continue to escalate between Tehran and Washington over control of critical shipping lanes.

Iranian state broadcasters aired the warning during Monday morning programming, delivering a message that represents Tehran’s latest effort to justify its recent actions against Gulf Arab nations.

“What we have done is to announce our decision that if the power plants are attacked, Iran will retaliate by targeting the power plants of the occupying regime and the power plants of regional countries that supply electricity to US bases, as well as the economic, industrial and energy infrastructures in which Americans have shares,” the statement declared, using Iran’s typical reference to Israel as an “occupying regime.”

The Revolutionary Guard added a pointed emphasis: “Do not doubt that we will do this.”

This escalation follows President Trump’s weekend warning that American forces would target Iranian electrical facilities within 48 hours unless Tehran stops interfering with shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

PARIS, March 23 (Reuters) – French voters completed mayoral runoff elections on Sunday, delivering results that may influence the political landscape heading into the 2027 presidential campaign just over a year away.

While municipal contests don’t always predict national outcomes, these elections offered insights into France’s current political climate. Here are five key developments from the voting that concluded 13 months before the April-May 2027 presidential elections:

NATIONAL RALLY MOMENTUM SHOWS CRACKS

Though Marseille doesn’t represent all of France, the far-right’s inability to win the nation’s second-biggest city, along with losses in nearby Toulon, has damaged perceptions of an inevitable National Rally (RN) path to power in 2027.

Many observers had assumed RN leader Jordan Bardella entered the presidential race as the clear frontrunner following two unpopular terms under President Emmanuel Macron that weakened centrist forces.

These municipal outcomes challenge that narrative.

The results indicate that established parties can still prevent RN victories when they coordinate effectively, especially in major urban areas where the far-right brand continues to repel many voters.

Nevertheless, the RN hasn’t been stopped across the board.

In traditionally conservative Nice, RN ally Eric Ciotti overcame a Macron-supported opponent. The party also captured smaller municipalities like Carcassonne and increased its council representation by thirteen times.

Key takeaway for 2027: while the RN maintains frontrunner status on paper, the perception of certain victory has diminished, and urban limitations appear genuine.

CENTRISTS EXCEED EXPECTATIONS AND CONSIDER UNITY

The centrist coalition performed above predictions despite Macron’s low approval ratings.

Former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe retained Le Havre against polling predictions, strengthening his position as the centrist most capable of challenging the RN in 2027.

Macron-aligned candidates also secured surprising wins in Bordeaux and Annecy, while gaining influence through partnerships in Toulouse, Angers and Limoges.

Results remained uneven, though. Macron-supported contenders fell short in Lyon, Nice and Pau, where former Prime Minister François Bayrou lost his seat.

Key takeaway for 2027: Philippe has positioned himself as the center’s strongest presidential prospect, though without unified support, the faction risks elimination before the final round.

PARTNERSHIPS WITH FRANCE UNBOWED HURT MAINSTREAM LEFT

The voting delivered a clear message to moderate leftist parties: they achieve better results without the radical France Unbowed (LFI) movement.

LFI has faced mounting controversies, from backlash over a far-right activist’s death in Lyon to fresh antisemitism allegations stemming from Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s statements.

In Paris, Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire prevailed after rejecting an LFI partnership. In Marseille, Socialist Benoît Payan beat the RN while maintaining separation from LFI, whose candidate stepped aside.

Conversely, Socialist-LFI partnerships failed in cities including Toulouse, Limoges and Clermont-Ferrand. LFI did achieve notable wins in Saint-Denis and Roubaix, demonstrating it maintains an energized but geographically limited support base.

Key takeaway for 2027: the left faces a strategic crossroads, with the presidential campaign likely featuring competing leftist approaches.

LYON VICTORY MASKS GREEN PARTY DECLINE

The Green Party, which gained control of major cities in 2020, couldn’t replicate that performance.

Following economic pressures and global instability, environmental concerns seem less urgent to voters. Green incumbents lost in Strasbourg, Bordeaux and Poitiers.

In Lyon, the sitting Green mayor barely survived, demonstrating how precarious the party’s urban dominance has become.

Key takeaway for 2027: the Greens’ setbacks reflect voter rejection of priorities and messages that failed to connect beyond their core supporters, questioning their 2027 influence.

CONSERVATIVE LOCAL POWER FACES NATIONAL CONSTRAINTS

The conservative Republicans (LR) couldn’t capture Paris, a symbolic loss widely blamed on candidate Rachida Dati’s controversial reputation and pending corruption charges.

In other areas, the party emphasized its durability, maintaining its position as France’s largest local political force.

Key takeaway for 2027: the Republicans keep a substantial voter foundation, but must choose between remaining a well-supported minority or joining with centrists to confront extremist movements on both flanks.

Authorities in London are investigating the destruction of four ambulances serving the Jewish community as an antisemitic hate crime, officials announced Monday.

The vehicles, which provide emergency medical services through the volunteer organization Hatzola, were deliberately set on fire in the Golders Green area of north London, according to Metropolitan Police.

“Officers remain on scene and the arson attack is being treated as an antisemitic hate crime,” police officials stated in their announcement of the investigation.

Emergency responders dispatched six fire trucks and 40 firefighters to battle the blaze after receiving calls from local residents at approximately 1:40 a.m. GMT, the London Fire Brigade reported.

The intensity of the fire caused gas cylinders within the ambulances to explode, shattering windows in a nearby apartment building. Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the incident.

“Multiple cylinders on the vehicles exploded and caused windows to break in an adjacent block of flats. No injuries are reported,” fire officials confirmed.

Firefighters successfully contained the blaze by 3:06 a.m. GMT.

Hatzola operates as a nonprofit volunteer emergency medical service that provides rapid response to health crises within the Jewish community.

This attack occurs amid a documented surge in antisemitic incidents across Britain and internationally following the outbreak of the Gaza conflict that began with Hamas attacks.

British authorities have recorded a substantial increase in hate crimes targeting Jewish individuals and institutions since the Middle East violence escalated.

The deadliest antisemitic attack in Britain during the previous year occurred in Manchester, where two Jewish worshippers were killed during Yom Kippur, the most sacred holiday in Judaism.