Category: World News

The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed his support for President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace initiative aimed at funding and implementing basic reconstruction efforts in Gaza, according to a Politico report published Saturday.

In an interview with the publication, Guterres indicated his organization is actively working alongside the board’s framework. “There is an objective there that was defined, approved by the Security Council, and we are cooperating actively with structures created by the Board of Peace,” Guterres stated.

However, the UN leader emphasized that he believes the board’s role should remain limited to Gaza’s rebuilding efforts. “This is not the effective way to address the dramatic problems that we have now. We need to be clear about international law, to be clear about the values of the Charter of the United Nations. That is essential in any peace initiative,” he explained.

During the interview, Guterres also addressed regional tensions, urging Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He proposed that the United Nations could play a role in safeguarding the crucial waterway and contribute to reducing ongoing attacks in the area.

The Secretary-General revealed he has not had direct communication with President Trump since the conflict began, though he has maintained contact with other members of the administration.

Israeli forces launched military strikes against Iran and Lebanon on Saturday while the United States announced plans to deploy thousands of additional Marines to the Middle East, as President Donald Trump criticized NATO partners for their unwillingness to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

The death toll has exceeded 2,000 since U.S. and Israeli forces began their offensive against Iran on February 28, with growing American concerns about the conflict’s potential expansion as it continues into its fourth week.

Saturday’s Israeli operations targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon’s capital city, marking an escalation in airstrikes against the Iranian-supported group. This represents the most significant expansion of the Iranian conflict since Hezbollah began attacking Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Tehran.

Israeli military officials confirmed they also conducted fresh strikes against Iranian targets Saturday, including locations within Tehran itself.

Critical energy facilities throughout Iran and neighboring Gulf nations have come under attack, causing oil prices to spike 50% since hostilities began and raising fears of worldwide economic disruption.

United Airlines responded to the crisis by announcing a 5% reduction in scheduled flights for the second and third quarters, anticipating continued elevated fuel costs.

The strategically important Strait of Hormuz, which handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, has remained largely inaccessible to commercial vessels since the U.S.-Israeli military campaign commenced.

President Trump criticized American allies as “cowards” on Friday for refusing to participate in efforts to reopen the waterway while combat operations continue.

Multiple allied nations, who were not briefed prior to the conflict’s start, have committed to joining “appropriate efforts” to restore safe maritime passage through the strait. However, Germany and France have insisted that fighting must cease first. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz indicated he would discuss the situation with Trump over the weekend.

Iran has signaled willingness to permit Japanese-affiliated ships to transit the Strait of Hormuz, according to Kyodo News reports Saturday, citing Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi. Japan relies on the strait for approximately 90% of its oil imports.

In an attempt to boost supply and reduce prices, the Trump administration announced a 30-day sanctions waiver allowing the sale of 140 million barrels of Iranian oil currently held on tankers due to the conflict. The administration had previously implemented similar relief measures for sanctioned Russian oil.

Before Saturday’s attacks, Israeli military personnel issued evacuation orders for seven neighborhoods in southern Beirut suburbs. Lebanese casualties have surpassed 1,000 deaths, with more than one million people displaced by Israeli strikes.

Friday saw Israeli forces execute two major bombing campaigns against Tehran and central Iran, while Israel endured several rounds of Iranian missile attacks, according to Israeli military reports.

As Muslims throughout the region began Eid al-Fitr celebrations marking Ramadan’s end Friday evening, and Iranians observed Nowruz, their traditional New Year, Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei released a defiant statement.

Khamenei, who has remained out of public view since an Israeli attack killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, on the conflict’s opening day, declared that Iranians had responded with “unity and resistance” and “dealt a disorienting blow to the enemy.”

A U.S. intelligence official, speaking anonymously, suggested Khamenei’s written statement raises concerns about his wellbeing, noting his father traditionally delivered New Year messages via video.

Three U.S. officials informed Reuters Friday that 2,500 Marines, accompanied by the amphibious assault vessel Boxer and supporting warships, would be dispatched to the region, though their specific mission remains undisclosed.

A recent Reuters/Ipsos survey revealed nearly two-thirds of Americans expect Trump to authorize troops for large-scale ground combat, with only 7% supporting such action.

Two officials confirmed no final decision has been made regarding ground troop deployment into Iran. Sources previously told Reuters that potential targets might include Iran’s coastline or the Kharg Island oil export facility.

When questioned Thursday about troop deployment plans, Trump stated he was “not putting troops anywhere,” adding, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.”

Trump indicated the United States was approaching its military objectives, which include weakening Iran’s armed forces and preventing nuclear weapons development, and suggested the possibility of reducing military operations.

BEIRUT (AP) — Twelve healthcare workers died instantly when an Israeli airstrike hit a medical facility in southern Lebanon, with one person critically injured and four others trapped beneath debris for hours.

The March 13 attack on the village of Burj Qalaouiyah facility represents one of the most devastating single incidents since the current Israel-Hezbollah conflict erupted on March 2. The targeted medical center operated under Hezbollah’s healthcare division, the Islamic Health Society, which has now lost 24 staff members during the past two weeks of fighting.

Israeli forces have expanded their strategy beyond attacking Hezbollah’s military capabilities, now systematically targeting the organization’s civilian operations in what appears to be an effort to diminish the Iran-supported group’s influence and erode its popular support base.

The militant organization functions both as an armed faction and political entity, with its healthcare and community service programs serving as key pillars of its public backing throughout the years.

Beyond medical facilities, Israeli airstrikes have eliminated more than twelve locations belonging to Hezbollah’s banking operation, al-Qard al-Hasan. Additional bombardments have severely damaged the organization’s Al-Manar television headquarters and Al-Nour radio broadcasting centers.

The military campaign has also focused on the group’s Amana fuel stations and Sajjad discount retail outlets, where economically disadvantaged residents purchase heavily subsidized goods.

Wednesday’s Israeli airstrike on a residential building in central Beirut resulted in the deaths of Mohammed Sherri, who directed political programming for Hezbollah’s Al-Manar television network, and his spouse.

Israeli officials claim Hezbollah operates military functions within healthcare facilities and assert that al-Qard al-Hasan — formally registered as a charitable organization providing no-interest loans — funds the group’s armed operations. Lebanon’s Health Ministry rejects Israeli allegations regarding military use of Hezbollah medical facilities.

“This represents a distinct conflict that will not conclude through ceasefire agreements,” stated Hilal Khashan, a political science professor at American University of Beirut. “This conflict will persist until Israel accomplishes its complete goal — eliminating Hezbollah not merely as a military force, but ultimately removing Hezbollah entirely from Lebanon’s political arena.”

Hezbollah faces mounting domestic and international demands to surrender its weapons and recognizes this current confrontation as pivotal. Fierce fighting along Lebanon’s southern frontier between Hezbollah militants and advancing Israeli forces has resulted in numerous Lebanese fighter casualties.

During Monday’s visit to the northern battlefront, Israeli army commander Gen. Eyal Zamir declared that Hezbollah now engages in “a conflict for its survival and faces severe consequences for joining this confrontation.” He emphasized that Israeli military pressure will continue to “escalate further.”

“This constitutes an existential struggle. It is neither limited nor straightforward,” Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem declared during a weekend televised address. Kassem pledged his organization would continue fighting indefinitely and never capitulate.

Israeli authorities maintain that Lebanon has failed to disarm the organization according to the Lebanese government’s own commitments, therefore Israel will complete this objective independently.

Contrasting with earlier Israeli conflicts, the current situation occurs while the Lebanese government has declared Hezbollah’s military operations unlawful and officials have arrested multiple group members for unauthorized weapons possession.

Similar to past conflicts, Hezbollah faces domestic criticism from Lebanese opponents who hold the Iran-backed organization responsible for initiating this war through rocket attacks on Israel. Hezbollah launched these rockets in retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, occurring less than 48 hours after U.S. and Israeli operations against Iran commenced, sparking regional warfare.

Israel responded with extensive aerial bombardment campaigns across Lebanese territories, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and displacing more than one million residents from southern and eastern Lebanon, as well as Beirut’s southern neighborhoods.

“Hezbollah executed a self-destructive action that will not alter the situation,” commented legislator Samy Gemayel, who leads the nationalist Kataeb Party, adding that Tehran exploits Lebanon “as a launching pad to protect Iran.”

The previous 34-day Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 concluded without a clear victor. A 14-month conflict beginning in October 2023 — when Hezbollah fired rockets supporting Palestinians following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault on southern Israel — eliminated much of Hezbollah’s political and military leadership and significantly weakened but did not destroy the organization.

Following airstrikes against Hezbollah facilities even in central Beirut, local residents demonstrated and compelled the group to shut down an al-Qard al-Hasan branch in the capital’s center. Yielding to public pressure, employees removed the financial institution’s signage and dismantled automated teller machines, ending its presence in central Beirut.

Amnesty International has declared that al-Qard al-Hasan branches do not constitute legitimate military objectives under international humanitarian law and that these strikes warrant investigation as potential war crimes.

“The Israeli military appears to operate under the assumption that designating something as Hezbollah-connected, whether healthcare personnel, residences in border communities, or financial institutions, makes it a valid target. This approach is incorrect,” said Heba Morayef, regional director for the Middle East and North Africa at Amnesty International.

Mahmoud Karaki from Hezbollah’s Islamic Health Society reported that during the most recent 2024 conflict, his organization lost 153 members in Israeli attacks. However, he promised the group would maintain its operations as it has during previous wars.

“By attacking us, they target the support system for civilians and their resilience in areas under assault,” Karaki stated.

The Israeli military’s Arabic spokesperson has alleged that Hezbollah uses ambulances for weapons and fighter transportation, accusations the paramedic organization firmly denies.

Hezbollah and Iranian representatives have indicated that any cessation of U.S.-Israeli operations against Iran must also include ending Israeli attacks in Lebanon.

Senior Hezbollah official Mahmoud Qamati informed Lebanon’s Al-Jadeed television Monday that “Iran will not abandon Lebanon or the resistance, nor will it permit Lebanon to remain defenseless,” adding that “Lebanon will participate in this victory and will not be abandoned.”

When asked whether Tehran could accept a ceasefire halting strikes on Iran while continuing in Lebanon, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded: “I doubt that.”

“We reject ceasefire concepts; we support ending the war completely. And concluding the war means precisely that — terminating warfare on all battlegrounds,” Araghchi told Al Jazeera English, adding this encompasses Lebanon, Yemen, Iraq, Iran and “additional regional nations.”

While the United States dispatches additional warships and Marines to the Middle East, President Donald Trump announced his administration is exploring the possibility of reducing military operations in the region, despite Iran’s threats to target tourist destinations globally.

These conflicting signals from Washington emerged as rising oil costs sent U.S. stock markets tumbling, leading the Trump administration to announce it would remove sanctions on Iranian oil currently aboard vessels in an effort to combat skyrocketing fuel costs.

Combat operations continue to escalate without any indication of slowing down.

Israeli forces reported that Iran maintained its missile attacks against Israeli territory early Saturday morning, while Saudi officials confirmed they intercepted 20 drone attacks within just two hours in the kingdom’s eastern provinces, where critical oil infrastructure is located. Saudi defense officials reported no casualties or infrastructure damage from the attacks.

Casualty figures have climbed beyond 1,300 fatalities in Iran, over 1,000 deaths in Lebanon, 15 Israeli casualties, and 13 American service members killed in the region. The conflict has forced millions of Lebanese and Iranian civilians from their homes.

Recent developments include:

Israeli defense forces announced early Saturday they were conducting operations against targets in Tehran.

This announcement followed the military’s earlier statement that it had launched a series of strikes against Hezbollah installations throughout Beirut’s southern suburbs in Lebanon.

Earlier that day, Israeli forces issued fresh evacuation orders for seven Beirut suburban neighborhoods, causing some residents to discharge firearms as warning signals for families who had returned home to evacuate once again.

Initial reports indicated no immediate casualties from these operations.

United Airlines’ chief executive told company staff the airline is bracing for oil prices to remain near $100 per barrel through the end of 2025.

In a Friday message to United personnel, CEO Scott Kirby explained that jet fuel costs, which have more than doubled over the past three weeks, would result in $11 billion in annual expenses for the carrier if current price levels persist.

Brent crude oil has fluctuated dramatically from approximately $70 per barrel before the Iranian conflict began to peaks of $119.50 this week.

Regarding United’s contingency planning, Kirby stated, “I think there’s a good chance it won’t be that bad, but … there isn’t much downside for us to preparing for that outcome.”

WASHINGTON – Cuban authorities have turned down a request from the United States Embassy in Havana seeking permission to bring in diesel fuel for power generators, this while the Trump administration maintains its ongoing fuel embargo against the Caribbean nation, according to two U.S. officials with knowledge of the situation.

The rejection comes as the State Department considers cutting personnel at its Havana diplomatic mission due to diesel shortages. Such a reduction would likely prompt Washington to demand corresponding staff cuts at Cuba’s embassy in the nation’s capital, the officials said, speaking anonymously due to the delicate nature of the discussions.

The Washington Post initially broke the story of Cuba’s refusal.

The island nation has faced severe petroleum shortages since the United States moved against Venezuela’s leadership, cutting off vital oil deliveries from that country. President Trump subsequently warned other nations against selling or providing oil to Cuba, threatening them with tariffs.

Cuban authorities are now depending on domestic natural gas, solar energy, and locally produced oil to operate power plants, though these sources fall short of meeting the country’s energy needs.

This diesel dispute unfolds as Trump pushes for significant governmental changes under Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel’s leadership.

The president has indicated that Cuban officials would be wise to avoid the same outcome as former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, who faced removal and arrest during a U.S. military intervention in January. Venezuela had served as Cuba’s primary ally and oil supplier through heavily discounted petroleum deals.

Embassy staffing cuts aren’t expected in the immediate future, as American officials believe current diesel reserves will sustain operations for approximately one more month, according to one source.

Last week, Díaz-Canel acknowledged that Cuba has engaged in discussions with Washington. This represented the first official confirmation from the Caribbean nation regarding widely rumored talks with the Trump administration during its ongoing pressure campaign.

Relief organizations started flying humanitarian supplies to Cuba on Friday, delivering solar panels, food supplies, and medical equipment.

The island is preparing to receive a Russian oil delivery later this month, marking its first petroleum shipment in three months.

Both Trump and Secretary of State Marco Rubio have identified the island as the next location where America can extend its regional influence.

The Associated Press previously reported that the Trump administration seeks Díaz-Canel’s departure while continuing diplomatic negotiations with Cuban leadership. Officials have not specified who they would prefer to see assume power.

Iranian forces launched a pair of ballistic missiles targeting the Diego Garcia military installation but failed to strike the joint U.S.-British base located in the Indian Ocean, according to a Friday report from the Wall Street Journal citing several American officials.

According to the newspaper’s sources, one of the intermediate-range missiles experienced a malfunction while airborne, and a U.S. naval vessel deployed an SM-3 defensive missile against the second projectile, though officials could not confirm whether the defensive action was successful. The Wall Street Journal did not provide details about the timing of the missile attack.

Neither the White House nor representatives from the British embassy in Washington or the U.K. Ministry of Defence provided immediate responses when Reuters sought comment on the reported incident.

Israeli forces launched fresh airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon’s capital during the early morning hours Saturday, military officials confirmed.

Before conducting the strikes, Israeli authorities issued evacuation orders for residents in seven neighborhoods located in Beirut’s southern suburbs.

No casualties were immediately reported following the attacks.

The latest military action comes as Israel has intensified its aerial campaign against Lebanese targets during the third week of ongoing hostilities with the Iran-supported militant organization.

The current conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has emerged as the most lethal escalation stemming from the broader U.S.-Israeli confrontation with Iran, beginning when the Lebanese militant faction launched attacks against Israel in solidarity with Tehran on March 2. The violence has resulted in more than 1,000 deaths across Lebanon and forced over one million people from their homes.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — As Middle Eastern conflict enters its third week, Iran issued fresh warnings Friday about expanding retaliation against recreational and tourist locations globally, while Washington announced additional naval vessels and Marines heading to the region.

Later that day, President Donald Trump posted on social media that his administration was contemplating a “wind-down” of military activities in the area. His statement followed another oil price surge that sent U.S. markets tumbling.

These contradictory signals emerged as the conflict shows no indication of slowing.

Iranian forces launched fresh strikes against Israeli targets and energy infrastructure in nearby Gulf nations, coinciding with one of Islam’s most sacred observances. Iranians simultaneously marked Nowruz, their traditional New Year celebration, while Israeli bombing campaigns hit Tehran.

Limited intelligence from Iran makes it difficult to assess damage to the nation’s weapons facilities, nuclear installations, or energy infrastructure from sustained American and Israeli bombardments that commenced February 28. Questions also remain about Iran’s current leadership structure. However, Iranian attacks continue disrupting oil distribution and driving up food and fuel costs worldwide.

Washington and Tel Aviv have provided varying justifications for military action, ranging from encouraging internal Iranian revolt to dismantling the country’s nuclear and missile capabilities. No evidence of popular uprising has emerged, and no conclusion to hostilities appears imminent.

Trump stated in his social media message: “We are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts in the Middle East.”

This statement contradicted his administration’s decision to strengthen regional military presence and seek an additional $200 billion in congressional war funding.

Pentagon officials confirmed to The Associated Press that three additional amphibious assault vessels carrying approximately 2,500 Marines are deploying to the Middle East. Two additional officials verified ship movements without specifying destinations. All sources requested anonymity due to operational sensitivity.

Earlier this week, the military redirected another amphibious group with 2,500 Marines from Pacific operations to Middle Eastern waters. These forces will supplement over 50,000 American military personnel already stationed regionally.

While Trump has ruled out ground invasion of Iran, he maintains that all military options remain available.

Iranian Revolutionary Guard spokesman Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini told state media Friday that missile production continues despite Israeli claims of destroying manufacturing capacity. Iranian television later reported Naeini’s death in an airstrike.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written Nowruz statement praising Iranian resilience during wartime. He characterized American and Israeli attacks as based on false assumptions that eliminating top Iranian officials would trigger governmental collapse.

Khamenei has remained out of public view since assuming supreme leadership after Israeli strikes killed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and reportedly injured him. Airstrikes have also eliminated Iran’s Supreme National Security Council head and numerous other senior officials.

Iran’s chief military spokesman, Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi, declared that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” worldwide would become unsafe for enemy nations. This threat raises concerns about Iran returning to international militant tactics as leverage.

NATO commander Gen. Alexus Grynkewich announced the alliance relocated several hundred Iraqi-based personnel to Europe. These advisors had been working with Iraqi defense officials before Iranian attacks targeted British, French, and Italian military installations.

Since Israel bombed Iran’s massive South Pars offshore gas field, Iranian attacks on Gulf neighbors have intensified while maintaining shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which twenty percent of global oil and essential goods transit.

Early Friday, two Iranian drone waves struck a Kuwaiti oil refinery, igniting fires. The Mina Al-Ahmadi facility processes approximately 730,000 barrels daily, ranking among the Middle East’s largest refineries.

Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, has climbed to around $108 per barrel during fighting, up from roughly $70 before hostilities began.

Trump’s social media post provided unclear guidance on strait security, suggesting other nations using the waterway should patrol it, though this wouldn’t be necessary once Iran’s threat “is eradicated.”

The president previously criticized NATO allies as “cowards” for not directly participating in waterway security operations.

British officials announced Friday they agreed to allow American forces to use UK bases for operations preventing Iranian shipping attacks in the strait.

Powerful explosions rocked Dubai as air defense systems intercepted incoming fire over the city, where many observed Eid al-Fitr, marking Ramadan’s conclusion.

Jerusalem experienced loud explosions after Israeli military warned of approaching Iranian missiles. Military officials reported missile debris struck Jerusalem’s Old City perimeter, near sites sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

Iranian casualties have exceeded 1,300 during the conflict. Israeli operations against Iran-backed Hezbollah forces in Lebanon have displaced over one million people, with Lebanese authorities reporting more than 1,000 deaths. In Israel, Iranian missiles have killed 15 civilians, while four others died in the occupied West Bank. American military deaths total at least 13.

HAVANA — International solidarity efforts reached Cuba Friday as approximately 650 representatives from 33 nations and 120 organizations delivered roughly 20 tons of emergency humanitarian supplies to the island nation struggling through a devastating energy shortage.

The delegates participating in the “Our America Convoy to Cuba” touched down via aircraft from Italy, France, Spain, the United States, and multiple Latin American nations, with additional participants expected to dock Saturday aboard a three-ship flotilla departing from Mexico, according to organizers.

An advance team of activists had already reached Havana Wednesday, distributing donated supplies directly to medical facilities.

This international relief effort unfolds against a backdrop of escalating U.S.-Cuba tensions, with both governments confirming ongoing diplomatic discussions following President Donald Trump’s implementation of an oil embargo. Trump recently declared he anticipated having the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form,” stating: “I can do anything I want.”

The donated materials include solar energy equipment, food supplies, and cancer treatment medications for the island, which has experienced widespread disruptions since Trump’s January energy embargo intensified an ongoing five-year economic downturn as his administration pushes for governmental restructuring.

“In the end, we are dozens and dozens of delegates, and we represent millions of people in this convoy,” declared David Adler, an American citizen serving as coordinator for Progressive International, among the caravan’s organizing groups. “We cannot allow this collective punishment. We cannot normalize it.”

Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío responded Friday to speculation regarding potential governmental changes or possible removal of Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel through the current bilateral negotiations.

“The Cuban political system is not up for negotiation, nor is the president, nor the position of any official in Cuba, subject to negotiation with the United States or with the government of any other country,” Fernández de Cossío stated.

He emphasized numerous areas of mutual interest where Washington dialogue remains feasible, citing historical precedent.

Manolo de los Santos, representing The People’s Forum — another organizing entity — characterized traveling to Cuba currently as both “defying the U.S. blockade” and preventing “another Gaza in the Americas.”

Multiple experts and regional officials, including Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, have cautioned about potential humanitarian catastrophe in Cuba.

Adler noted overlapping support between the Gaza-bound flotilla and the Cuba mission. Beyond social advocates, the Cuban effort encompasses labor organizations, notable personalities, and political movements, including Mexico’s Morena party, Brazil’s Workers’ Party, and Uruguay’s Broad Front.

Prominent participants include British Parliament member Jeremy Corbyn; Colombian Senator Clara López; former Spanish political leader Pablo Iglesias; American labor organizer Chris Smalls; and Brazilian humanitarian worker Thiago Ávila.

Following weeks where Cuba received assistance solely from Mexico, which provided food and sanitary supplies through three separate shipments, international activists and officials began forming support networks and gathering donations.

Díaz-Canel conveyed appreciation through social media platforms.

“They bring shipments of aid to combat the attempt to suffocate us. Welcome once again to the compassion of the people. Solidarity always returns to those who practice it with no other interest than human well-being,” the president stated.

Brazil separately announced plans to ship 20,000 tons of food items, mainly rice, beans, and milk powder. Chilean legislators also delivered aid Thursday, while China confirmed through its embassy that a vessel loaded with 60,000 tons of rice had departed for Cuba.

WASHINGTON – Since launching military operations alongside Israel against Iran in late February, President Donald Trump and his senior officials have presented constantly changing justifications and expected durations for the conflict, leading critics to question whether adequate planning occurred before the war began.

The administration’s stated goals have ranged from encouraging regime change in Tehran to diminishing Iran’s military capabilities and reducing its regional power, while also advancing Israeli security interests.

The following timeline shows how Trump’s explanations have evolved:

FEBRUARY 28: ENCOURAGING REGIME CHANGE

As U.S. and Israeli forces began their assault, Trump posted a social media video urging Iranian citizens to “take over” their nation’s leadership. “It will be yours to take,” Trump declared. “This will be probably your only chance for generations.”

Trump characterized the military action as “major combat operations.”

FEBRUARY 28: TARGETING MILITARY CAPABILITIES

Trump stated that Washington would prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, despite Tehran’s assertions that its nuclear program serves civilian purposes. Iran currently possesses no nuclear weapons, while both the United States and Israel maintain nuclear arsenals.

The president vowed to eliminate what he called Tehran’s ballistic missile capabilities. “We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground,” Trump declared. “We’re going to annihilate their navy.”

Trump alleged that Iran’s long-range missiles “can now threaten our very good friends and allies in Europe, our troops stationed overseas, and could soon reach the American homeland.”

These statements mirrored arguments made by President George W. Bush before the Iraq invasion, which contained inaccurate claims. Current intelligence assessments and expert analysis contradict Trump’s statements, indicating Iran’s missile program remains years away from posing a threat to American territory.

MARCH 2: CHANGING TIMEFRAMES

Trump indicated the conflict would continue for four to five weeks but acknowledged it might extend longer.

“We’re already substantially ahead of our time projections. But whatever the time is, it’s okay. Whatever it takes,” Trump stated during White House remarks. On social media, he claimed America possessed a “virtually unlimited supply” of weapons and that “wars can be fought ‘forever,’ and very successfully, using just these supplies.”

Congressional notification from Trump contained no specific timeline. Earlier media interviews showed Trump telling the Daily Mail the war might last “four weeks, or less,” then informing The New York Times it could take four to five weeks, before later suggesting a longer duration.

MARCH 2: RUBIO CITES ISRAELI PRESSURE

Secretary of State Marco Rubio explained to journalists that Israel’s decision to attack Iran compelled American involvement.

“We knew that there was going to be an Israeli action, we knew that that would precipitate an attack against American forces, and we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,” Rubio explained.

MARCH 3: TRUMP OFFERS DIFFERENT EXPLANATION

Trump provided contradictory reasoning, claiming he authorized American participation because Iran appeared ready to attack first.

“I might have forced their (Israel’s) hand,” Trump acknowledged. “If we didn’t do it, they (Iran) were going to attack first.”

MARCH 4: PENTAGON DEFINES MISSION

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth outlined the objective as seeking to “destroy Iranian offensive missiles, destroy Iranian missile production, destroy their navy and other security infrastructure.”

MARCH 6: DEMANDING TOTAL CAPITULATION

“There will be no deal with Iran except UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER,” Trump posted on social media.

MARCH 8-11: CONTRADICTORY ASSESSMENTS

In a CBS News interview broadcast March 8, Hegseth described Iranian strikes as “only just the beginning.”

Twenty-four hours later, Trump told the same network “I think the war is very complete, pretty much.”

“We’ve already won in many ways, but we haven’t won enough,” Trump informed reporters that same day. When questioned whether the conflict was starting or finishing, he responded: “Well, I think you could say both.”

By March 11, Trump again claimed victory while adding: “We’ve got to finish the job.”

MARCH 13: MODERATING REGIME CHANGE RHETORIC

During a Fox News appearance, Trump said the war would conclude “when I feel it in my bones.”

Trump backed away from his earlier calls for internal Iranian uprising. “So I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons,” Trump acknowledged.

MARCH 19: NO DEFINITIVE ENDPOINT

Hegseth announced that Washington would not establish a specific timeline, leaving the decision to Trump.

“We wouldn’t want to set a definitive time frame,” the Defense Secretary stated. “It will be at the president’s choosing, ultimately, where we say, ‘Hey, we’ve achieved what we need to.’”

MARCH 20: CONSIDERING CONCLUSION

Trump wrote on Truth Social that “we are getting very close to meeting our objectives as we consider winding down our great Military efforts” regarding Iran. Earlier that day, he told reporters “I don’t want to do a ceasefire” when questioned about the conflict.

Conflict in their homeland and tensions with their adopted country have left Iranian Americans facing a difficult decision this week: whether to celebrate Nowruz, their traditional new year holiday.

Kayvon Pourmirzaie and his spouse, Behnaz Almazi, chose to mark the occasion by traveling from Philadelphia to attend a Persian pop-up dinner in New York City over the weekend. Born and raised in America after his parents immigrated before Iran’s 1979 Islamic revolution, Pourmirzaie expressed optimism about the ongoing turmoil.

“Nowruz for me this year signifies a chance to see my beautiful homeland,” said Pourmirzaie. “Even more important, I’m excited for the world to see the beauty of Iran. Nobody wants war, but this is a very strong feeling for me.”

The current U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran creates complex emotions for Iranian Americans: hope that a despised government might fall; concern for loved ones still under its control; frustration with what many view as poorly planned military action; and sometimes guilt over their own safety.

As the conflict enters its third week, Nowruz — among Iran’s most significant secular observances — brings these internal conflicts into sharp relief. The Friday celebration traditionally features dancing, music and meals centered on herb-rich foods like kuku sabzi, a frittata-style dish representing spring renewal and new beginnings.

Across America, many Nowruz gatherings have been scrapped or transformed into solemn events. Saeed Shafiyan Rad, who leads Boston’s Iranian Association, explained their decision to cancel their usual large-scale celebrations that typically draw thousands of participants.

“We want to respect the people,” said Shafiyan Rad. “We just want peace and prosperity for the Iranian people.”

While disagreements within Iranian immigrant communities aren’t unusual, the current warfare has intensified these divisions just as Nowruz draws attention to them. Young Iranian Americans, many who have never visited Iran, are particularly affected as generational differences emerge around what Iranian identity means from a distance.

Hedi Yousefi is organizing her second annual Norooz Bazaar in New York City, featuring Iranian American cuisine and artists. Despite receiving threatening messages from critics and her own doubts about appropriateness, she concluded that honoring Nowruz aligns with Iranian people’s wishes.

“For me, this is an act of resistance against the regime,” said Yousefi, who left Tehran for America 13 years ago. “My grandfather always said (the regime) would like nothing more than to stop Nowruz.”

Persian American content creator Omid Afshar has turned to his kitchen more frequently before Nowruz, experimenting with traditional Iranian dishes. The Instagram personality, who showcases Persian dining establishments at @omidafshar, sees cooking as cultural reconnection.

“Cooking Persian food has become a way to reconnect with our culture,” said Afshar. “For a long time growing up in America, I felt like I had to make that part of myself smaller so I could fit in with the rest of the world around me.”

According to Persis Karim, former head of San Francisco State University’s Center for Iranian Diaspora Studies, Nowruz feasts should provide consistency during turbulent periods. However, she finds herself unable to embrace the holiday’s hopeful message this year.

“I’m not comfortable celebrating a tradition I love because I’m so appalled by what is happening to my family in Iran,” Karim said. “Of course I wish for a change of regime. But it should come from within Iran, not from bombs from the United States.”

Brooklyn restaurateur Nasim Alikhani initially considered shutting down Nowruz celebrations at her Persian establishment, Sofreh, but ultimately reached a different decision, similar to Yousefi’s reasoning.

“Iran has been invaded throughout history … And yet Iranians kept the tradition of Nowruz alive,” she said. “I will not allow this unjust war and this aggression to win. Instead of singing and dancing around the table, maybe we will pray for peace and hold hands with our guests. But the food will absolutely be there, because there is no gathering without food.”

Persian dining establishments and markets usually experience their busiest period during Nowruz. This year, however, sales have declined in areas where public opinion opposes the military action. Conversely, in regions with strong support, particularly Los Angeles — whose massive Iranian population earned it the nickname “Tehrangeles” — business surges with each news development.

Farinaz Pirshirazi, who co-owns Los Angeles Persian restaurant Toranj, described the correlation between current events and customer traffic.

“When the war started, we had a spike. When the supreme leader of Iran was said to be dead, we had a spike,” said Pirshirazi. “Whoever came in had the biggest smile on their face, and they were crying a little bit out of joy. They were all telling us, ‘We have to go out tonight, and we have to have Persian food.’”

The current situation has also reversed some cultural customs. Following Iran’s brutal January crackdown on demonstrators, many Iranian Americans prepared halva, a sweet paste typically served during mourning periods. When warfare commenced and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died, they continued making the confection.

“It was a sarcastic way of sharing the joy and happiness,” Pirshirazi said. “Usually halva is something that they do at funerals, when you’re sad. But in this particular situation, it was very sarcastic, because it was a sign of joy that they were making halva.”

Anais Dersi helped organize the pop-up dinner that Pourmirzaie attended, where dishes included a pasta interpretation of tahdig, Iran’s beloved crispy rice preparation. After her Brooklyn event last month sold out within hours, she decided to host another Nowruz gathering, with both events raising funds for Iranian charities.

“The idea was bringing the community together over something. Giving people a place to mourn, to feel distraught, or whatever they were feeling,” she said. “As a first-generation American, food is a tether to my culture. I can’t always connect through politics or language, but the food feels like mine. And it feels like it belongs to others too. It’s a great unifier.”

Fernando Haddad has officially stepped down from his position as Brazil’s Finance Minister to pursue the governorship of São Paulo state, according to an announcement published in the country’s official gazette on Friday.

The 80-year-old President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has named Dario Durigan, who previously served as the finance ministry’s executive secretary, as Haddad’s replacement.

Haddad, widely viewed as a potential successor to the aging president, announced his gubernatorial campaign on Thursday. The race will likely pit him against incumbent Governor Tarcísio de Freitas, a supporter of former far-right President Jair Bolsonaro who has indicated plans to seek reelection.

Speaking at a campaign event Thursday in São Bernardo do Campo, Haddad expressed confidence about his political ambitions. “I don’t run in elections to bargain, I run to win,” he stated. “Political victory is always possible: you just have to present yourself with integrity and a strong plan.”

Political analyst Paulo Henrique Cassimiro from Rio de Janeiro State University believes Haddad faces an uphill battle against de Freitas, who currently holds the lead in polling data. However, Cassimiro noted that the gubernatorial campaign will elevate Haddad’s national profile.

“Lula’s Workers’ Party is really counting on him, including for Lula’s succession,” Cassimiro explained. “Even if he loses, running brings a very large amount of political capital, raises the person’s profile and makes the candidate’s name more widely known.”

Should President Lula win reelection—he declared his candidacy last October—Haddad could potentially return to his finance minister role, according to Cassimiro’s analysis.

Current polling shows a tight race between Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s oldest son who has also announced presidential ambitions, in a potential head-to-head matchup.

During Thursday’s São Paulo event, President Lula characterized Brazil’s current political climate as deeply troubling. “If we don’t bring forward the best people we have in each city and each state, and if we don’t take up the fight to defend democracy, we run the risk, through inaction, of handing democracy back once again to the fascists,” the leftist leader warned.

Haddad’s 2018 presidential campaign came about because Lula was imprisoned at the time. Though Lula served 19 months in jail, the Supreme Court eventually overturned his convictions, clearing the path for his successful 2022 campaign against Bolsonaro. The former president is currently serving a 27-year sentence for coup attempt charges following his electoral loss.

During his tenure leading Brazil’s finance ministry, Haddad successfully implemented significant reforms to the nation’s taxation system for goods and services—changes that had been under consideration for decades. He also championed well-received income tax modifications.

However, his time as finance minister wasn’t without challenges. Social media users created viral memes in 2024 dubbing him ‘Taxad’—a play on words combining ‘tax’ with his last name—after implementing controversial tariffs on inexpensive international online purchases.

Economist Carla Beni from the Getulio Vargas Foundation identified managing the economic effects of Middle Eastern conflicts as a key challenge facing new Finance Minister Durigan.

The government recently implemented temporary federal tax cuts on diesel fuel as global energy costs continue climbing. Officials plan to offset the resulting revenue loss through a 12% tax on crude oil exports.

“A very intense war like the one we’re seeing in the Middle East is something quite complex for Durigan to manage,” Beni observed.

Defense officials are sounding the alarm about weakened European air defenses after the Pentagon transferred substantial numbers of Patriot missile systems from European bases to Middle Eastern operations, according to sources within the U.S. military.

The ongoing conflict with Iran, now in its third week, has prompted Washington to deploy thousands of service members to the region while the Pentagon seeks an additional $200 billion in emergency funding. Iranian forces have launched missile and drone attacks throughout the Gulf region, targeting American military installations and civilian facilities in tourist areas.

Military sources confirm that two Patriot defense systems were relocated from German bases to Turkey following multiple ballistic missile launches directed at Turkish territory from Iran since hostilities began. Additional Patriot missiles from various European stockpiles have been redirected to strengthen Middle Eastern air defenses, according to three defense officials who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of military operations.

European Patriot missile inventories are “absolutely” being depleted due to the Iranian conflict, with one official describing the situation as “pretty concerning.”

When asked about the missile transfers, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt responded to the Associated Press: “The US military has more than enough munitions, ammo, and weapons stockpiles to achieve the goals of Operation Epic Fury laid out by President Trump — and beyond.”

However, one defense official maintained that NATO retains “plenty” of defensive capability for European protection, noting that American military assets are positioned globally to project power worldwide.

The Patriot defense platform, a surface-to-air missile system operational since the 1980s, can engage aircraft, cruise missiles, and short-range ballistic missiles.

Combat experience in Ukraine has demonstrated the Patriot system’s effectiveness against diverse threats, including Russia’s maneuverable hypersonic Kinzhal missiles, according to military officials.

However, in Middle Eastern operations, American forces are deploying Patriots “against threats that don’t require them,” one official noted, including relatively inexpensive Iranian Shahed drones.

Military experts argue Patriots should primarily defend high-value systems, such as precision strike missiles fired from HIMARS platforms currently operating in the Middle East.

The missile redeployment occurs as Russia maintains its Ukrainian offensive, with European nations experiencing spillover effects including drone incursions from the Baltic region to Poland and Romania. European officials report Russia is conducting hybrid warfare operations against Europe through sabotage and cyber attacks.

Any military capability removed from Europe represents resources that “can’t respond to Russia” should Moscow exploit potential opportunities, the defense official warned.

Turkish defense authorities report NATO forces have intercepted three Iranian ballistic missiles over Turkish airspace since President Donald Trump initiated military action against Iran on February 28. One Patriot system was transferred from Germany’s Ramstein air base to Incirlik Air Base, where American and NATO personnel are stationed.

Turkey announced last week that NATO positioned another Patriot system in southeastern Malatya province, home to a NATO radar installation. General Alexus Grynkewich, commanding U.S. and NATO forces in Europe, confirmed Wednesday that certain European air defense assets have been relocated to Middle Eastern operations.

Captain Reann Mommsen, spokesperson for U.S. European Command overseeing American military activities in Europe, declined to address shortage concerns and cited operational security in refusing to discuss missile movements or locations.

Ukrainian leadership has repeatedly requested additional Patriot systems and missiles. This week, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned that Kyiv will “definitely” experience Patriot shortages due to American military operations against Iran.

A German military official stated he has not observed operational shortfalls in Ukraine caused by Middle Eastern conflicts, though he anticipates potential future shortages that could diminish Ukraine’s defensive capabilities and endurance. The official also spoke anonymously regarding sensitive military matters.

In a BBC interview, Zelenskyy reported American production of 60-65 Patriot missiles monthly, totaling approximately 700-800 annually, while noting that 803 were expended on the first day of Middle Eastern combat operations.

The Foreign Policy Research Institute, a Pennsylvania-based security think tank, calculated that America used roughly 325 Patriot missiles during the initial 96 hours of Iranian conflict. The organization estimated total usage by Washington and allied Gulf nations at approximately 943 missiles.

Following the outbreak of Middle Eastern hostilities, military sources informed the Associated Press that America possessed limited effective anti-drone capabilities in the region but planned to deploy the Merops anti-drone system.

The Merops platform, transportable in pickup trucks, neutralizes drones more economically than missile-based systems by using drone-versus-drone technology.

Officials characterized the American response to Iranian Shahed drones as “disappointing,” particularly since these represent more basic versions of the same drones Russia continuously improves for Ukrainian operations.

The United States currently maintains a “limited” number of operational Merops systems in the Middle East, with additional units en route and regional training programs underway, according to defense officials.

Volunteers in Mexico are organizing a humanitarian mission to deliver essential supplies to Cuba as the island nation struggles with widespread power outages and economic difficulties caused by U.S. restrictions on oil imports.

At a port in Mexico’s Yucatan state, located roughly 497 miles from Havana across the Gulf of Mexico, dozens of volunteers gathered to pack boats with rice, baby wipes, and other critical supplies. A hand-painted sign reading “Let Cuba Live” marked the collection site.

Volunteer Marisela Vega described how the grassroots movement gained momentum. “At the beginning we felt like we were going against the tide, trying to get enough aid,” Vega explained. “And suddenly it overflowed. … When everyone started finding out, little by little they responded more and more.”

The donated items include beans, baby formula, shampoo, and feminine hygiene products, according to Vega. Volunteers have also used donations to purchase medications for the shipment.

The boats departed Friday as part of the “Nuestra America Convoy” (“Our America Convoy”), a civilian initiative calling on volunteers worldwide to send vital goods to Cuba. The effort specifically seeks food, medicines, and energy supplies like batteries and flashlights, with all items being collected at a central location in Cuba by Saturday.

The aid mission responds directly to actions taken by U.S. President Donald Trump during heightened tensions between Washington and Havana. The United States has imposed an oil embargo on the Caribbean communist nation following the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, Cuba’s primary economic supporter. This week, Trump suggested he might soon have the “honor of taking Cuba” while engaging in discussions with Cuban officials.

Mexico, which previously supplied fuel to Cuba before the U.S. delivery ban, has provided humanitarian assistance to the island.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum addressed the situation Friday, stating: “Cuba has lived through an economic blockade for years that has prevented the Cuban people from being able to develop freely in economic terms. It is the people of Cuba themselves who must decide how to govern without foreign intervention.”

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel acknowledged the arrival of European supplies Friday as part of the “Nuestra America” relief effort. “The warmth of the people is welcome,” he wrote on social media.

LONDON, March 20 – British officials on Friday granted the United States permission to utilize UK military installations for operations targeting Iranian missile positions that have been attacking commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz.

Government ministers convened Friday to address Iran’s military actions and the country’s obstruction of the crucial shipping lane, a statement from Downing Street revealed.

The official statement explained that ministers “confirmed that the agreement for the U.S. to use UK bases in the collective self-defence of the region includes U.S. defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.”

Communities along Mexico’s Gulf Coast remain on edge as crude oil continues threatening their shorelines, with residents anxious about additional contamination nearly four weeks after the initial pollution was discovered.

According to the Gulf of Mexico Reef Corridor Network, a coalition representing fishing, Indigenous and environmental organizations, the oil spill has impacted 143 miles of coastline and 39 communities across Tabasco and Veracruz states.

Local economies built around fishing and tourism face significant concerns as the Easter holiday season approaches, typically a peak time for beach visitors in the region.

The environmental coalition reports that crude oil has now reached Ostion lagoon in Veracruz, an important nursery habitat for fish, shrimp and clams. Conservationists are particularly worried about insufficient information regarding wildlife impacts and stress the urgent need for shoreline restoration before sea turtle nesting season starts in April.

During cleanup efforts in Coatzacoalcos, ecologist Alex Zepeda warned of continued spreading while holding tar-covered sea turtle remains. “These slicks are going to keep spreading,” Zepeda stated.

“Part of this oil residue is here on our beaches, but some of it is surely still miles offshore,” he added, advocating for offshore containment barriers to help control the marine pollution.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced Thursday that government officials are examining the spill’s origins, suggesting it may have come from an oil tanker operating off Tabasco’s coast. She clarified that state petroleum company Pemex bears no responsibility for the incident.

Cleanup operations involving Pemex and environmental agencies have removed approximately 95 metric tons of contaminated material from affected beaches, according to official reports.

Environment Minister Alicia Barcena revealed earlier this week that a discharge occurred near an offshore anchorage adjacent to the Pajaritos petrochemical facility, where commercial vessels conduct cargo operations.

Barcena indicated that investigators consider a private ship the most probable source, though the official inquiry remains ongoing.

Ukrainian authorities have initiated mandatory evacuations of children from the eastern city of Sloviansk as Russian military forces continue their advance toward the strategically important location in the Donbas region.

Regional Governor Vadym Filashkin announced the evacuation order through his Telegram channel, stating: “I signed an order for the compulsory evacuation of children from certain areas of Sloviansk that are most vulnerable to enemy strikes.”

The decision comes as Russian troops have moved to within approximately 12 miles of Sloviansk’s outskirts, steadily pushing forward from positions to the north and east of the city. Military analysts view this proximity as a significant threat to civilian safety in the area.

Sloviansk serves as a critical component of what Ukrainian officials describe as an urban “fortress belt” spanning several cities and towns that remain under government control throughout the eastern Donetsk region. This defensive network represents Ukraine’s efforts to maintain territorial control in the broader Donbas area, which Moscow has identified as its primary military objective due to the region’s coal mining operations and industrial infrastructure.

Ukrainian forces currently maintain control over roughly one-quarter of the Donetsk region, with military leaders expressing confidence that their network of fortified settlements can sustain defensive operations for an extended period.

The expansion of dangerous zones near front-line areas has accelerated throughout the conflict, as advancing drone technology and increased deployment have made locations 10 to 20 kilometers from active combat zones increasingly hazardous for civilian populations.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Vice President JD Vance is planning a trip to Hungary just ahead of what could be Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s most challenging electoral battle in two decades, Hungary’s foreign minister announced.

While Vance’s office hasn’t officially confirmed the upcoming visit, the timing would place it shortly before Hungary’s April 12 election where Orbán seeks his fifth straight term in office.

The longtime leader, who has controlled Hungary since 2010, is confronting his most serious political threat from center-right opposition party Tisza and its head, Péter Magyar.

With most polling data showing him behind, Orbán has launched a comprehensive campaign effort across the nation to regain voter confidence.

Magyar has pledged to rebuild Hungary’s weakened democratic framework and realign the nation with Western partnerships, presenting a formidable challenge to the pro-Russian populist’s previously secure position.

During a Friday podcast appearance, Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó attributed Vance’s upcoming visit to the “very intensive Hungarian–American intergovernmental relationship,” though he didn’t provide specific arrival details.

This potential visit would follow Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent trip to Budapest, where he publicly backed Orbán’s reelection bid.

Among European Union leaders, Orbán stands as one of President Trump’s strongest advocates and has actively sought the U.S. president’s support as the election approaches. The Hungarian leader previously indicated he hoped Trump himself might visit Hungary before voters head to the polls.

NEW YORK — Federal authorities in New York are examining whether Colombian President Gustavo Petro maintained connections to drug trafficking organizations, according to two individuals with knowledge of the investigation.

The sources, who were not permitted to publicly discuss the active investigation, provided information to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity.

Federal prosecutors working in Brooklyn and Manhattan have spent recent months interviewing drug dealers about their connections to Petro, particularly focusing on claims that the Colombian leader’s associates requested payments to prevent their deportation to the United States, one source revealed.

The individual noted that it remains unclear whether federal authorities have directly implicated Petro in criminal activity.

“The investigation focuses on efforts at Colombian jails to get donations to the Petro campaign — and Petro himself — in exchange for a promise not to extradite,” this person said.

A representative for the Colombian presidency refused to provide comment regarding the active investigations involving Petro or related legal matters.

The New York Times initially reported on the federal investigation earlier Friday.

Petro became a focus of interest during drug trafficking investigations conducted by New York law enforcement, which eventually identified him as a person of interest, according to a second source with knowledge of the situation.

The investigations involving Petro remain in preliminary phases and may not lead to criminal charges, this individual explained, noting that the White House has played no part in these investigations.

Petro, who previously served as a rebel commander, won the presidency with promises to decrease Colombia’s reliance on oil and gas while redirecting government funding toward combating widespread poverty.

The outspoken leftist politician, recognized for his lengthy and sometimes rambling public addresses, has frequently condemned the Trump administration’s support for Israel, its attacks on drug vessels in Caribbean waters, and has compared White House immigration policies to “Nazi” methods.

Following one such criticism delivered at a pro-Palestinian rally near United Nations headquarters in New York, Trump responded by canceling Petro’s U.S. visa. Trump also temporarily imposed steep tariffs on Colombian goods after Petro rejected deportation flights from the United States.

However, the relationship between the two leaders has recently improved. Following a White House meeting in February, Trump praised Petro as “terrific.”

Advocacy groups and researchers are condemning the British royal family following a controversial photograph from a recent diplomatic gathering in London.

The image, taken during a March 10 Commonwealth Day reception at St. James’s Palace, shows King Charles III standing with Caribbean government representatives underneath a large portrait of George IV, a former monarch who financially benefited from enslaved people’s labor.

The gathering included foreign ministers from Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, and Trinidad and Tobago, along with Grenada’s high commissioner to Britain, Rachér Croney, and other Caribbean diplomatic officials. The group of 29 attendees posed with Charles and British Foreign Minister Yvette Cooper for the photograph, which was later distributed through various Caribbean government social media accounts.

Independent researcher Desirée Baptiste’s findings, shared with Reuters in 2023, revealed that George IV received approximately 1,000 pounds—equivalent to about 103,000 pounds in today’s currency—from profits generated by two Crown-owned estates in Grenada. These properties relied on the forced labor of hundreds of enslaved individuals during the 18th and 19th centuries. George IV ruled Britain from 1820 to 1830.

“It is offensive to have his portrait up,” said Arley Gill, who chairs Grenada’s National Reparations Committee. “It is doubly offensive to have persons of African descent with the king below a photograph of him.”

“It just rubs salt in the wounds,” Gill added.

Gill suggested the controversy surrounding the photograph could serve as a learning opportunity for Caribbean officials to better understand the historical impact of slavery.

Baptiste described the photograph as a “diplomatic misstep” by palace officials and called on Charles to “deepen his understanding” of how the monarchy participated in the slave trade.

Robert Beckford, a British theology professor with Jamaican roots, characterized the group portrait as demonstrating “historical amnesia.”

“Standing beneath royal portraits normalises forgetting,” Beckford stated.

The current monarch has previously acknowledged the painful legacy of slavery, expressing regret during a 2022 address to Commonwealth leaders. Charles has also supported academic research examining the royal family’s historical involvement in the slave trade.

Additional research published by The Guardian in 2023 uncovered that King William III, who reigned from 1689 to 1702, received 1,000 pounds worth of shares in the Royal African Company, an organization responsible for transporting thousands of enslaved Africans to the Americas.

Buckingham Palace officials have not responded to requests for comment regarding the controversial photograph.

The incident has intensified calls from experts for the monarchy to issue a comprehensive apology and fully acknowledge how the institution profited from slavery throughout history.

Qatar’s top energy official disclosed that he had repeatedly cautioned U.S. government leaders and American oil executives about the risks of Iranian retaliation against energy infrastructure in the Gulf region.

Saad al-Kaabi, who serves as both QatarEnergy’s chief executive and the nation’s energy minister, revealed his concerns proved justified after Iranian strikes severely damaged his country’s crucial natural gas facilities.

“I was always warning, talking to executives from oil and gas that are partnered with us, talking to the U.S. Secretary of Energy, to warn him of that consequence and that that could be detrimental to us,” al-Kaabi stated in an interview.

Among QatarEnergy’s American partners are industry giants ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips.

Daily Warnings About Energy Facility Threats

“They were aware of the threat, and they were always reminded by me, almost on a daily basis, that we need to make sure that there is restraint on oil and gas facilities,” the energy chief explained.

The Department of Energy directed inquiries to the White House regarding al-Kaabi’s claims.

White House representative Taylor Rogers responded: “President Trump and his entire energy team were not ignorant of the reality that there would be short-term disruptions to oil and gas supply during the ongoing operations in Iran, and planned for these highly anticipated, temporary disruptions.”

While ExxonMobil refused to provide a statement, ConocoPhillips acknowledged the situation: “We remain fully committed to our longstanding partnership and will continue to work with QatarEnergy on a path to recovery.”

The current U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran have entered their third week, with missile and drone strikes hitting tankers, refineries, and critical energy infrastructure throughout the region. Qatar’s Ras Laffan facility, recognized as the globe’s largest liquefied natural gas complex, has suffered the most significant documented damage.

Al-Kaabi informed reporters Thursday that the destruction to the $26 billion facility would disrupt LNG shipments to European and Asian markets for as long as five years.

International leaders have long dreaded such circumstances, where installations essential to global supplies of crude oil, natural gas, jet fuel, and liquefied petroleum gas for heating and cooking face extended damage periods.

No Advance Notice of Strike

Wednesday saw Israel launch an assault on Iran’s primary South Pars gas field, marking a significant escalation in the conflict. Iran retaliated with strikes against energy infrastructure across Kuwait, UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar’s Ras Laffan complex.

Al-Kaabi confirmed he received no advance notification about the South Pars attack.

“I was not aware of anything, but I don’t think anybody was aware. President Trump said he didn’t know. So do you think we would know?”

The South Pars field represents part of the world’s most extensive gas reserve, shared between Iran and Qatar, where Qatar refers to its portion as the North Field.

The QatarEnergy leader indicated the company has not yet determined whether insurance policies will cover losses from the conflict.

Extensive Infrastructure Damage

Al-Kaabi explained that the Ras Laffan attack eliminated 17% of Qatar’s LNG export capability, with effects lasting up to five years due to the specific equipment destroyed.

“The cold boxes are gone,” he noted, describing the cooling systems damaged on two of the facility’s 14 processing trains that purify and chill gas for liquid transport.

“This is the main unit, that is the cooling box of the LNG, it is completely destroyed.”

Major Expansion Project Now Postponed

Following the evacuation of personnel after earlier Iranian attacks this month, expansion work at Ras Laffan will face delays, affecting gas deliveries scheduled for France, Germany, and China starting in 2027.

“It wasn’t easy to pull everybody from offshore, you know, 10,000 people evacuated in 24 hours, and shut down all the operations,” al-Kaabi recalled.

“I’m so glad we have zero injuries, zero fatalities. It is because of that decision we took.”

The expansion project was designed to strengthen Doha’s position as the world’s leading LNG exporter, increasing Qatar’s processing capacity from 77 million to 126 million tons annually by 2027.

“No work is happening on the North Field expansion. There are no workers there. It’s definitely delayed,” al-Kaabi confirmed.

“I think it will be delayed for months, if not a year or more.”

Production at QatarEnergy can only resume after hostilities cease, and even then would require three to four months to return to full loading capacity, according to al-Kaabi.

Regional Economic Consequences

Al-Kaabi, who also chairs Qatar Airways, warned that the conflict’s impact would spread across all Gulf economies.

“This has taken the whole region back 10-20 years.”

“Tourism is out. Your airlines are not flying …Your trade is down. There is nothing moving from any of the ports.”

“You have economies that have zero income from oil and gas, and we are predominantly an oil and gas economy. So obviously, the spending from the governments is going to be at a much, much lower rate.”

Personal Impact Hard to Express

Al-Kaabi built his career at QatarEnergy after joining the state company in the mid-1980s while pursuing studies at Pennsylvania State University.

Recognized for maintaining composure during challenging periods, he advanced through company positions to become CEO of the then-named Qatar Petroleum in 2014.

When asked about his feelings regarding the attacks on his company and nation, al-Kaabi struggled to respond.

“How I feel is difficult to describe,” he said, pausing before continuing to the next question.

A damaged Russian gas tanker that has been floating without crew in the Mediterranean Sea for two weeks has now moved into Libya’s search and rescue territory, positioning itself roughly 40 nautical miles from Libya’s coastal boundaries, according to Italy’s civil protection officials on Friday.

The vessel, known as the Arctic Metagaz, belongs to Russia’s “shadow fleet” — ships used to transport oil and gas while circumventing international sanctions imposed due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

The liquefied natural gas carrier sustained severe damage from what authorities believe was a maritime drone strike in waters near Malta earlier this month.

Russian officials claim Ukrainian naval drones were responsible for hitting and damaging the tanker. Ukrainian authorities have not issued any statement regarding the incident.

Italy’s Civil Protection department, which has been tracking the vessel’s movement, stated Friday that the primary danger currently stems from possible gas releases, though no leakage has been identified at this time.

Given current wind patterns moving southward and ocean currents, and assuming conditions remain stable, the ship could reach Libya’s coastline “from four to six days,” Civil Protection spokesman Pierfrancesco Demilito told reporters during a Rome press briefing.

Demilito reported the tanker contains approximately 450 tons of heavy oil and 250 tons of diesel for operational fuel, along with an undetermined amount of LNG that may have already partially escaped.

Officials also worry the vessel might collide with offshore drilling facilities. However, no such installations are currently positioned in the area, Demilito noted.

He explained that any rescue operations would need approval from Libyan officials since the ship has entered their rescue jurisdiction, though Italy has volunteered assistance if needed.

In a collaborative letter delivered Wednesday to the European Commission, government heads from Italy, Spain, Malta, Greece and Cyprus cautioned that the vessel creates an “imminent and serious risk” of environmental catastrophe, requesting activation of the EU’s emergency response system.

The five Mediterranean leaders called for a unified European approach to rapidly deploy necessary resources, emphasizing concerns about the tanker’s compromised structure and dangerous cargo.

While all crew members were safely evacuated, the crippled tanker continues drifting while loaded with potentially explosive fuel.

In their correspondence, the leaders stressed wider dangers from ships operating beyond international safety regulations, cautioning about threats to maritime security and environmental protection throughout the Mediterranean region.

Investigators in the Czech Republic are examining a warehouse blaze at a drone manufacturing facility as a potential act of terrorism involving arson, officials announced Friday.

The blaze occurred at an industrial facility in Pardubice, located approximately 60 miles east of Prague, with no reported casualties according to law enforcement.

LPP Holding acknowledged the fire damaged one of their facilities and stated they are assisting with the ongoing investigation while declining additional comments.

The firm produces equipment for both civilian and defense applications, including drone systems currently utilized by Ukrainian military forces in their conflict with Russian forces.

“The incident may be related to a terrorist attack,” Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar stated.

“At the moment, we don’t have information about a further danger,” he said.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš described the situation as “very serious.” Senior police official Martin ondrášek indicated investigators are working under the assumption of deliberate arson.

Emergency responders successfully extinguished the flames, and authorities confirmed no public safety threat remains. Officials have not disclosed what materials were stored in the affected warehouse.

LPP Holding had previously announced plans to establish a facility for drone development and manufacturing, along with personnel training, in partnership with Israeli defense contractor Elbit Systems.

Metnar indicated Czech officials will coordinate investigation findings with international allies.

Authorities in Rio de Janeiro have reassigned four police officers to administrative roles as investigators examine their conduct during a fatal operation in one of the city’s impoverished neighborhoods that resulted in eight deaths, officials announced Friday.

The reassignments came after initial reviews of Wednesday’s law enforcement action in the Prazeres favela revealed questionable handling of body cameras, according to Rio state’s military police in a statement to news outlets. Officials declined to specify what constituted the misuse or whether the devices may have been deactivated during the operation.

Police leadership moved the officers from field operations to desk assignments to allow for a complete and open examination by the military police’s internal oversight unit, according to the statement.

The operation resulted in the death of Claúdio Augusto dos Santos, believed to be a high-ranking leader within the Red Command criminal organization. Six additional suspected traffickers and one local resident also died in the confrontation.

Gang members responded to the raid by torching a public bus and creating roadblocks, resulting in five people being taken into custody on destruction charges.

Approximately 150 military police personnel participated in Wednesday’s coordinated sweep across multiple interconnected communities including Prazeres, Fallet, Fogueteiro, Coroa, Escondidinho and Paula Ramos.

The operation follows last year’s massive assault on Red Command positions in the Penha and Complexo de Alemao neighborhoods, which became Rio’s deadliest police action with over 120 fatalities. The casualties triggered public demonstrations and demands for Governor Cláudio Castro to step down.

Intelligence reports indicate Red Command has expanded its territorial control by more than 100 percent since 2023, with organized crime groups now operating in almost half of all municipalities throughout Brazil’s Amazon region.

A 29-year-old Palestinian man has come forward with disturbing allegations that Israeli settlers subjected him to sexual assault during a violent raid on his West Bank community earlier this month.

Suhaib Abu Kbash from the Bedouin community of Humsah described how approximately 80 masked settlers carrying knives and sticks stormed his area on March 13. According to Abu Kbash, roughly 20 of the attackers physically assaulted him, removed his clothing, restrained his genitals with zip ties, and forced him to walk naked in view of his young children.

“I thought they were going to kill me,” Abu Kbash stated.

Three witnesses who observed the incident have confirmed Abu Kbash’s version of events to Reuters reporters.

Israeli military and law enforcement officials confirm they are actively investigating the matter. Police authorities reported that seven individuals have been taken into custody as potential suspects, with both police officers and military personnel sent to the Humsah area.

“The forces, together with forensic investigators from the district, began conducting searches for suspects and collecting testimonies, evidence, and findings,” the statement said.

“As part of the investigation, which is currently under a court-issued gag order, seven suspects were arrested several days ago on suspicion of involvement in the incident.”

Officials have not disclosed whether formal charges have been filed against any of the detained suspects.

The Yesha Council, which serves as a representative body for Jewish settlements, chose not to comment on the allegations.

The community of Humsah is located in the Jordan Valley between two hills, in an area that Israeli human rights organization B’Tselem reports experiences frequent settler attacks. Yuli Novak, the group’s executive director, characterized the alleged assault on Abu Kbash as containing “horrific sexual violence” and described it as part of an increasing pattern of violent incidents.

Israeli military officials have not yet provided a response to requests for comment regarding B’Tselem’s assessment.

Palestinian communities have consistently maintained that Israeli military forces prioritize protecting settlers over local residents — an accusation that military officials reject.

Abu Kbash reported that the settlers made threats to sexually assault women and children in the community unless they abandoned their homes. “We will stay here. If we leave, they will take over all this land,” he declared.

Violent incidents involving settlers have increased significantly since Israel and the United States conducted strikes on Iran in late February, with Reuters documenting that Israeli settlers have killed no fewer than five Palestinians during this timeframe.

Legal prosecution of settler violence cases remains uncommon in Israel. Israeli rights organization Yesh Din reported that by the end of 2025, among the hundreds of documented cases since Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, only 2% have resulted in formal indictments.

Abu Kbash also claims the settlers took 400 sheep during the alleged raid, which represents a critical source of income for the community. He says his efforts to file a theft complaint with Israeli police have been unsuccessful. While police confirm they are investigating the alleged assault, they have not addressed the reported livestock theft.

Palestinian leadership seeks to establish an independent nation encompassing the West Bank, Gaza, and East Jerusalem — territories that came under Israeli control during the 1967 Middle East conflict.

Israeli settlement expansion throughout the West Bank has accelerated with support from Israel’s current right-wing administration.

The majority of international governments consider Israel’s settlement construction in the West Bank to be a violation of international laws governing military occupations. Israeli officials contest this legal interpretation.

Iranian state media confirmed Friday morning that Ali Mohammad Naini, a high-ranking spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed in what Israeli forces acknowledged as a targeted assassination.

The Israel Defense Forces verified Naini’s death and described him as a senior official who “held several roles … and in the past two years served as the chief propaganda distributor for the IRGC.” Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Naini had been “martyred.”

The killing occurred just hours after Naini publicly challenged statements made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday. When Netanyahu claimed Iran has “no ability” to produce ballistic missiles, Naini countered that the country’s missile stockpiles remained adequate and manufacturing operations were continuing despite ongoing conflict.

Naini served as the IRGC’s deputy for public relations and was killed just days following Israeli strikes that targeted two other high-ranking Iranian officials: Ali Larijani, considered a key power broker within the Iranian government, and Gholamreza Soleimani, who held a prominent position in suppressing anti-government demonstrations.

In a separate development announced Friday, Israel’s Foreign Ministry revealed that six additional nations have officially classified the IRGC as a terrorist organization. The countries joining this designation include Iceland, Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Liechtenstein.

This expansion came after Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar held conversations with his international counterparts regarding the matter.

Israeli military forces launched airstrikes against Syrian government military installations following reports of attacks on the Druze minority community in southern Syria’s As-Suwayda region.

The Israeli Defense Forces targeted a military command facility and weapons stockpiles at Syrian regime military installations, responding to escalating violence against the Druze population in the area.

Reports from Druze media outlets indicate that Syrian internal security personnel also came under mortar fire, followed by the deployment of heavily armed units from the National Guard Druze paramilitary group throughout As-Suwayda.

The military action occurred as fresh worries emerged about the security of Druze populations in the area, where previous conflicts have escalated into significant violent confrontations.

Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that Israel would not permit Syrian military forces to use the current conflict with Iran and Hezbollah as justification for attacking Druze communities.

Israel has historically maintained unofficial relationships with Syrian Druze populations, offering assistance and limited protection along border areas. Israeli Druze community leaders have consistently called for intervention when Syrian Druze face security threats.

During the previous summer, violent clashes broke out in the Druze-dominated As-Suwayda province following local disagreements and abductions involving Druze factions and Bedouin tribal groups that escalated into wider confrontations.

The conflict intensified when Syrian government troops and supporting militia forces moved into Druze territories, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including non-combatants, and causing significant destruction to residential areas and public infrastructure.

A Tel Aviv University professor is calling Israel’s largest oil refinery a “ticking time bomb” following a recent Iranian missile attack that narrowly avoided causing a catastrophic disaster.

While the Bazan refinery in Haifa Bay escaped serious damage during the strike, Marcelo Sternberg, a climate change ecology professor at Tel Aviv University’s School of Plant Sciences and Food Security, says the close call should serve as a wake-up call rather than cause for relief.

“It’s actually a time bomb,” Sternberg told The Media Line, emphasizing that the real threat comes from what could have happened during the attack.

The refinery’s location in a heavily populated area near Haifa has drawn criticism for years, even before the current conflict began. Sternberg noted that the facility sits dangerously close to residential neighborhoods, creating a volatile situation.

“This type of oil refinery in a highly populated, dense area close to the city of Haifa,” he explained, has faced opposition long before wartime conditions made the risks even more apparent. “There have been a lot of claims before the war against the position of this refinery… because it’s located very close to highly populated neighborhoods.”

The environmental expert stressed that while this particular attack resulted in minimal damage, the ongoing daily operations already pose significant health risks to nearby residents through air pollution. He described the current contamination levels as “very, very high” from normal refinery operations.

Sternberg compared the unpredictable nature of missile attacks to a deadly game of chance. “It’s like Russian roulette,” he said. “You don’t know exactly where the missile will fall and if the missiles will be able to fully repel the attack or not.”

The professor warned that a direct strike on critical refinery components could trigger devastating consequences far beyond the initial impact. He pointed to attacks on refineries in other locations as examples of how quickly situations can spiral out of control.

“Definitely the damage and the potential of explosions that we see in other places where the refineries were attacked,” could escalate rapidly, he explained. “Not only the fire, but the explosion and the release of heavy smoke and all the additional elements that are contained in that smoke are highly, highly toxic, and they can produce the death of people.”

Despite only one person being injured in the recent attack, Sternberg emphasized this was purely fortunate timing rather than effective protection. “It was very, very lucky that it did not happen in a wider case,” he said.

The geographic challenges facing the facility add another layer of concern, with Haifa positioned within striking distance of multiple hostile forces, particularly from northern borders. Sternberg described the overall security situation as “very, very risky.”

Local officials and residents have been pushing for years to relocate the industrial complex away from populated areas. “The general public, and even the mayor of Haifa, is claiming… to move this plant to another place, south of Israel,” Sternberg said, referencing proposals to shift heavy industry to less populated regions like the Negev desert.

Should a major strike occur, the consequences for local residents could be severe and immediate. Sternberg warned that mass evacuations would likely become necessary to protect people from toxic gas releases.

“If there is a major impact, definitely a vast part of the population will need to be evacuated,” he predicted, citing the dangers posed by poisonous gases released when petroleum products and chemical byproducts explode. “This will lead to major movement of people being evacuated to major areas.”

The professor expressed frustration with what he sees as government inaction on addressing these long-standing safety concerns. “This is something that people have been claiming a lot, but the government is not interested, unfortunately,” he said. “The issues about the environment are not on the agenda of this government.”

Beyond environmental and safety concerns, the refinery’s strategic importance to Israel’s fuel supply creates additional vulnerabilities. The Bazan facility handles a dominant portion of the country’s refining capacity, making any disruption potentially significant for fuel availability.

“It will definitely affect petrol,” Sternberg warned, arguing that government planning focuses too heavily on immediate concerns rather than long-term strategic risks. “The government is looking only at the short term and not really planning for what may happen.”

He suggested that distributing refining capacity across multiple smaller facilities could reduce the current single-point-of-failure risk. “How can we make small areas or small distillation plants?” he asked, noting this critical question has not received adequate attention from policymakers.

Sternberg also criticized what he sees as misplaced priorities in government planning and the influence of powerful private interests in maintaining the current arrangement. “The priorities are not there,” he said regarding environmental planning and risk reduction efforts.

He referenced the strong political influence of the family that owns the petrochemical facility, suggesting their lobbying power has helped prevent structural changes that could improve safety.

As the refinery continues operating under ongoing security threats, Sternberg warned that avoiding catastrophe may depend more on luck than proper planning and preparation.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a press conference Thursday evening, defending his nation’s military actions against Iran while addressing tensions with President Trump over recent strikes.

Speaking to both Israeli citizens and international media, Netanyahu claimed that after 20 days of warfare with Iran, the country has been stripped of its nuclear enrichment and ballistic missile production capabilities. He declared that Israel and the United States are achieving victory together, emphasizing what he called extraordinary cooperation with the Trump administration.

The press conference came after President Trump publicly criticized Israel’s Wednesday attack on Iran’s South Pars gas infrastructure. Trump stated he was not informed beforehand about the operation and suggested Israel would halt similar strikes following Iran’s retaliatory attack on Qatar’s Ras Laffan gas facilities. Former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro noted on social media that such a large-scale operation would typically require American coordination or approval.

Netanyahu directly confronted these concerns, confirming that Israel conducted the operation independently and that Trump subsequently asked for no repeat actions. He called suggestions that Israel had pulled Washington into the conflict “ridiculous,” stating that nobody dictates to President Trump and that both leaders share the same perspective on Iran.

The Israeli leader described the U.S.-Israel partnership as reaching historic heights, calling Israel an exemplary ally and highlighting extensive military and intelligence cooperation between the nations.

During his dual-language presentation, Netanyahu commended Israeli citizens for following civil defense protocols, saying their steadfastness enables government and military forces to pursue their strategic objectives.

Netanyahu outlined three primary war aims: destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities, dismantling its missile programs, and establishing circumstances that would enable Iranian citizens to determine their own future. He noted that Israel now targets not just weapons but also the industrial infrastructure supporting these programs.

“And already now, after 20 days, I can tell you that Iran does not have the opportunity to enrich uranium and it does not have the opportunity to create ballistic missiles,” Netanyahu stated.

He detailed the elimination of top-level Iranian political and military command structures, missile and defense systems, and the deaths of prominent Iranian officials including Intelligence Minister Ali Larijani and the Basij commander. Netanyahu reported destroying hundreds of missiles and launchers while conducting coordinated strikes with U.S. forces across air, ground, underground, and maritime targets.

Netanyahu accused Iran of attacking civilians, Americans, and U.S.-connected facilities throughout Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, UAE, and Oman, as well as using proxies in Cyprus and Europe. He charged Tehran with attempting global blackmail by threatening the Straits of Hormuz. “So today, Israel and the United States are protecting America, Israel, the entire Middle East, but I venture to say the entire world,” he declared.

The Prime Minister argued the campaign has enhanced Israel’s strategic position, describing his country as more powerful than ever while Iran grows increasingly weak. He pointed to expanded security perimeters in Gaza, Syria extending to Mount Hermon, and Lebanon, claiming threats from Hezbollah and Iran have been substantially diminished.

However, Netanyahu recognized that Iran continues launching attacks that have resulted in Israeli casualties. He offered sympathy to grieving families while asserting the actual damage was far less than Iran intended.

Regarding potential Iranian regime change, Netanyahu said Israel can help establish the right conditions but emphasized that “in the end, it will be dependent solely on them,” referring to Iran’s population. He mentioned signs of internal pressure, including leadership conflicts and some defections, but cautioned it’s premature to predict regime collapse. Even if the current government survives, he argued, it will emerge considerably weakened.

During the question period, Netanyahu repeated that Israel is making significant headway in weakening Iran’s nuclear and missile programs while refusing to provide a specific timeline. He again dismissed accusations that Israel forced U.S. involvement and emphasized that Trump operates independently despite close collaboration.

He confirmed Israel acted unilaterally in attacking Iranian gas infrastructure and subsequently honored Trump’s request to avoid similar future operations. Netanyahu also highlighted internal fractures within Iran’s government, noted Hezbollah’s severe degradation, and rejected worries that eliminating Iranian leaders strengthens extremists, maintaining that any political change must come from the Iranian people themselves.

Persian Gulf nations are questioning whether their longstanding diplomatic strategy with Iran remains effective after missile and drone attacks directly struck their territories, targeting crucial energy infrastructure and civilian areas.

For decades, Gulf countries maintained open communication with Tehran to manage regional tensions and avoid conflict. However, recent strikes on oil and gas facilities, strategic installations, and civilian locations have brought warfare directly to nations that previously managed to remain insulated from broader Middle Eastern conflicts.

The confrontation has expanded beyond military targets to include critical economic systems. Israeli attacks on Iran’s South Pars gas field – part of the world’s largest offshore natural gas reserve shared with Qatar – prompted Iranian counterstrikes against Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City, a globally significant liquefied natural gas hub. Israeli operations also targeted Iran’s Kharg Island, which handles much of Iran’s oil exports.

These developments prompted Saudi Arabia to organize a high-level ministerial gathering bringing together Arab and Muslim nations, including Gulf states alongside Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Pakistan and others. The meeting produced a joint statement condemning Iranian missile and drone attacks on civilian infrastructure, energy facilities and sovereign territory while affirming nations’ rights to self-defense under international law.

The statement signaled movement toward legitimizing potential military responses while officially maintaining commitment to reducing tensions. Participants emphasized ongoing coordination among member countries and stressed that respecting sovereignty and avoiding interference would remain central to future Tehran engagement.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud’s post-meeting comments illustrated this strategic shift. While expressing preference for reducing tensions, he indicated that continued attacks could prompt more forceful responses, including possible military action if necessary.

A Qatari political analyst explained this balanced approach to The Media Line, noting that Gulf nations’ fundamental position toward Iran hasn’t changed, but operating conditions are rapidly evolving.

“The region’s main ask of Tehran continues to be that it should respect their sovereignty. So, in that regard, the current war does not change the political calculus. However, while the ‘ask’ is not changing, the approach might change if the war drags on for too long,” he stated.

“The region’s economy will suffer irreparable damage if the closure of the Strait of Hormuz continues for longer than a couple of months,” he explained.

The analyst added that while Gulf nations, particularly Qatar, Oman and the UAE, previously pursued neutrality and mediation with Iran, the region may soon need to explore alternative strategies, including diplomatic pressure and international alliance-building.

The crisis appears to be strengthening regional cooperation among Gulf states. The Qatari analyst observed a transformation in intra-Gulf relationships, with previous disagreements giving way to unified responses against shared threats.

“This could signal a deeper strategic shift. While the diplomatic crisis of 2017-2021 created mistrust and suspicion between Qatar and its neighbors, the political situation today has shifted internal thinking in the opposite direction,” he noted, referencing solidarity shown by neighboring countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain following Israel’s September 2025 attack on Doha.

“That attack had the inadvertent effect of revitalizing and expanding the GCC [Gulf Cooperation Council] Unified Military Command. Within days of Israel’s attack on Doha, the Arab Gulf states took swift and decisive measures to strengthen air defense coordination across the region,” he said. “The benefits of this close coordination are being felt today, as the region’s air defenses are being tested by Iran’s relentless missile and drone attacks.”

However, he acknowledged structural limitations remain in developing fully integrated defense capabilities, noting Gulf states must overcome collective action challenges and build greater trust before creating a “NATO-like force” as an alternative to U.S. security guarantees.

Saudi political analyst Abdulaziz Alshaabani characterized Saudi Arabia’s recent diplomatic activities as part of broader regional recalibration aimed at containing escalation and preventing conflict expansion. “The objective is not limited to political alignment, but extends to conveying a message that regional stability is a collective responsibility,” he told The Media Line.

Regarding Pakistan’s participation in the ministerial meeting, Alshaabani emphasized flexibility over formal partnership. “The presence of Pakistan should not necessarily be interpreted as the formation of a formal military alliance, but rather as an extension of political and strategic coordination beyond the Gulf region,” he said.

Alshaabani highlighted evolution in Saudi messaging: “The shift in Saudi rhetoric can be understood in light of increasing security risks, particularly following attacks that targeted sovereignty and energy infrastructure. This has pushed the discourse toward greater firmness, reflecting a stronger emphasis on deterrence.” He continued, “However, this does not mean a complete abandonment of de-escalation, but rather its integration with clearer messaging that any further escalation will carry consequences.”

“Riyadh is also consolidating its position as a central coordinator of Gulf responses, particularly in matters related to energy security and the protection of critical infrastructure. This reflects a move toward more structured regional coordination, especially after recognizing that threats may directly impact multiple countries at the same time,” Alshaabani observed.

The focus on energy infrastructure reflects Gulf economies’ interconnectedness, particularly regarding gas production, oil exports, desalination and transportation. Disruptions in one country quickly create regional ripple effects, reinforcing needs for coordinated responses.

Alshaabani described Saudi Arabia’s Iran relationship as shifting toward more conditional, security-focused framework. “This phase can be viewed as a reassessment of Saudi policy toward Iran, rather than a fundamental shift. Saudi Arabia is moving from a cautious approach to a model that balances continued dialogue with strengthened deterrence and containment measures,” he said.

The Qatari analyst noted similar dynamics regarding economic relations, expecting reduced bilateral engagement with Iran while deepening intra-Gulf cooperation.

“Qatar wants to reduce its exposure to external economic shocks, especially those caused by the actions of belligerent states like Iran or Israel. Besides, any progress toward improving trade with Iran has been set back by decades due to Tehran’s attacks on Qatar. At the same time, economic and security interdependence within the Gulf is expected to increase in the coming months and years. So, while one door closes, another opens,” he observed.

Alshaabani pointed to complex regional perceptions of escalation responsibility: “Saudi Arabia is expected to maintain a pragmatic approach. At the same time, it is becoming increasingly clear across the region that the current escalation is not driven by Iran alone,” explaining that Israel is widely viewed as central to pushing toward broader confrontation.

“As a result, regional tensions are increasingly viewed as the outcome of interactions among multiple actors, rather than being attributed to a single side,” he added.

This perception affects normalization prospects. Alshaabani believes current conditions don’t favor advancing normalization with Israel short-term, since escalation and regional public sentiment make such steps more sensitive and complex. He emphasized normalization remains tied to regional stability and broader security environment, particularly in the Gulf.

Gulf states appear to be transitioning toward more layered approaches. Diplomacy remains important but is no longer considered sufficient alone. Deterrence is being reintroduced more explicitly, though without clear appetite for direct military escalation. Coordination is increasing while remaining constrained by structural and political limitations.

The central challenge for Gulf nations is no longer choosing between engagement or deterrence, but combining both without being drawn deeper into widening conflict. As attacks continue targeting critical infrastructure and energy systems, the space for managing escalation without direct involvement continues narrowing, leaving the region navigating increasingly fragile equilibrium.

French military officials are implementing corrective actions after a naval officer accidentally revealed the location of the country’s aircraft carrier through a fitness tracking application.

The incident occurred when a crew member aboard the Charles de Gaulle used the Strava exercise app during a March 13 morning run, according to reporting by French newspaper Le Monde. Journalists were able to track the officer’s workout data and subsequently pinpoint the nuclear-powered vessel’s Mediterranean location using satellite imagery from that date.

Military spokesperson Col. Guillaume Vernet confirmed that the Strava activity violated current protocols and said command is implementing corrective actions.

“During their service, naval personnel receive regular briefings about security risks from connected devices, particularly social media usage in personal time and potential location tracking through digital apps,” Vernet explained to The Associated Press on Friday.

“Various levels of connected device restrictions are implemented throughout the French navy to prevent information disclosure about vessels. Command determines these restriction levels based on threat assessment,” he added.

The carrier’s Mediterranean deployment this month was publicly known, and Rear Adm. Thibault Haudos de Possesse had conducted a media briefing via video link from the Charles de Gaulle on the same day as the officer’s tracked run.

During that briefing, the commander revealed that multiple warships, including French and allied frigates, were accompanying the carrier, which carries 20 Rafale fighter aircraft, two Hawkeye surveillance aircraft and three helicopters.

Le Monde emphasized the security concerns of revealing the strike group’s near real-time location on a public platform during ongoing conflicts in Iran. A March 12 drone strike on a Kurdish military facility in the Erbil area killed French Chief Warrant Officer Arnaud Frion and injured six others.

This week, French President Emmanuel Macron revealed details about France’s future nuclear aircraft carrier, which will surpass the Charles de Gaulle in size. The 10 billion-euro ($11.5 billion) France Libre is scheduled for 2038 deployment and will accommodate 30 Rafale fighters and 2,000 crew members.

The new carrier will measure 310 meters (1,017 feet) in length with 80,000-ton displacement, significantly larger than the current Charles de Gaulle’s 261-meter (856-foot) length and 42,000-ton displacement.

French naval forces intercepted an oil tanker in the Western Mediterranean on Friday that officials suspect belongs to Russia’s covert shipping network designed to circumvent international sanctions, President Emmanuel Macron announced.

Maritime authorities confirmed to Reuters that naval personnel boarded the vessel Deyna, which flies under a Mozambican flag but was allegedly using false documentation. The ship had departed from Russia’s northern port of Murmansk before its interception.

This covert fleet of oil tankers has emerged as Russia’s method of maintaining crude oil exports despite economic restrictions imposed by Western nations following Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.

“The war involving Iran will not deflect France from its support for Ukraine, where Russia’s war of aggression continues unabated,” Macron stated on social media platform X.

“These ships, which circumvent international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are war profiteers. They seek to reap profits and finance Russia’s war effort,” the French president added.

Although European sanctions against Russian energy remain active, the United States has temporarily relaxed some restrictions on Russian oil purchases due to Middle Eastern conflicts affecting global energy markets and driving up prices.

Russian diplomatic officials in France have not responded to requests for comment, though Moscow has historically characterized the seizure of its vessels or ships carrying Russian cargo as acts of maritime piracy.

Military sources confirmed the intercepted tanker was transporting Russian crude oil.

These shadow fleet vessels typically operate through complex and unclear ownership arrangements, raising significant environmental concerns. The aging, poorly maintained tankers pose risks of oil spills, equipment breakdowns, and other maritime accidents that could damage ocean ecosystems.

Such ships commonly operate without premium Western insurance coverage or proper safety certifications, often relying on unknown insurance providers or unverified vessel inspectors – requirements that are standard for legitimate commercial maritime operations, according to shipping industry experts.

British forces assisted in the maritime operation, according to French Mediterranean command officials.

UK Defense Secretary John Healey confirmed on X that British military personnel supported the French-led mission, stating that “disrupting, deterring and degrading Russia’s shadow fleet – and starving Putin’s war machine of funds – is a priority for this government” and allied nations.

Following a prosecutor’s directive, the vessel was guided to a secure anchorage location for comprehensive examination, French military officials reported.

“These inspections will likely focus on vessel documentation, including flag state registration and P&I Club insurance, with particular scrutiny on any discrepancies or evidence of falsified documents,” a maritime security expert explained.

The source noted that recent public declarations by French officials suggest an increasingly aggressive approach, indicating this situation could develop into more serious legal action.

“Should material irregularities or violations be identified, French authorities may proceed with the formal seizure of the vessel,” the security source added.

This marks France’s second similar interception in recent months. In January, French forces stopped the oil tanker Grinch in waters between Spain’s southern coastline and Morocco’s northern shores, suspecting it of operating within Russia’s shadow fleet network.

French naval forces also provided support to Belgian authorities in a third operation conducted earlier this month.

BRUSSELS, March 20 – The North Atlantic Treaty Organization has confirmed modifications to its operations in Iraq following media reports indicating the military alliance began pulling staff from the region amid escalating Middle East conflicts.

NATO spokesperson Allison Hart confirmed the changes in an email statement to Reuters, saying “We can confirm that we are adjusting our posture in the context of NATO Mission Iraq. We are working in close coordination with Allies and partners.”

Hart emphasized personnel safety as the driving factor behind the decision while declining to provide operational specifics. “The safety and security of our personnel is paramount, which is why we will refrain from providing additional details about this matter. NATO and Iraq’s political dialogue and practical cooperation, including through NATO Mission Iraq, will continue,” she stated.

The alliance’s operational changes come as military tensions continue across the Middle East region, though NATO maintains its commitment to ongoing diplomatic and practical partnerships with Iraqi officials.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei is preparing to deliver a statement shortly to commemorate the beginning of the Persian New Year, according to Iranian state-controlled media outlets on Friday.

The announcement comes as Iran observes Nowruz, the traditional Persian celebration marking the start of spring and the new year in the Persian calendar.

KARAMOJA, Uganda — Wildlife officials in Uganda have successfully brought rhinos back to a remote national park where poachers had completely eliminated them four decades ago, marking what conservationists are calling a major victory in the fight to save this endangered species.

Four southern white rhinos have been moved into Kidepo Valley National Park in northeastern Uganda this week, with the first pair arriving on Tuesday and two additional animals transported in metal containers on Thursday. The rhinos came from a private breeding facility in the country’s central region.

Kidepo Valley National Park had been without rhinos since 1983 after poachers killed off the entire population. However, the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary in central Uganda has been successfully breeding these massive animals since 2005, creating a stable population for relocation efforts.

“This moment marks the beginning of a new rhino story for Kidepo Valley National Park,” stated James Musinguzi, who leads the Uganda Wildlife Authority. “We are deeply grateful to our conservation partners whose technical expertise, financial support and logistical contributions have made this milestone possible.”

The relocation project involved cooperation between local wildlife officials and several conservation organizations, including Global Conservation. The animals were moved more than 400 kilometers (250 miles) from the Ziwa Rhino Sanctuary to their new home within Kidepo Valley National Park.

Park officials have prepared the rhinos’ new environment with protective fencing, road access, and fire prevention systems. Additional rhinos are planned to arrive later this year, including some from neighboring Kenya.

According to Jeff Morgan, who directs Global Conservation, the rhino transfer “shows that Uganda is stable again for tourism, national parks are being protected, and Ugandans and international visitors can watch rhinos in their natural setting, which will be an incredible feat.”

While poaching continues to threaten wildlife in Uganda’s parks, improved security protocols have reduced such incidents in recent years.

Criminal hunters target rhinos because their horns command extremely high prices in illegal markets, particularly in Asian countries where they are sought for traditional medicine and other purposes. Research shows that rhino horn products sometimes sell for more than gold on black markets.

WASHINGTON, March 20 – President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack Friday against NATO member nations, branding them as ‘cowards’ for their refusal to back the ongoing U.S.-Israel military campaign against Iran.

Taking to social media, Trump declared: ‘Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!’

The president has been pressing major American allies – none of whom were briefed about the military action beforehand – to assist in protecting maritime traffic through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The military confrontation has caused widespread disruption to international markets, resulted in thousands of casualties, and forced millions from their homes since the U.S.-Israeli offensive launched on February 28.

Trump expressed frustration that NATO member states refuse to participate in combat operations against Iran while simultaneously voicing concerns about escalating fuel costs.

‘Now that fight is Militarily WON, with very little danger for them, they complain about the high oil prices they are forced to pay, but don’t want to help open the Strait of Hormuz, a simple military maneuver that is the single reason for the high oil prices. So easy for them to do, with so little risk,’ Trump posted.

He concluded his message with: ‘COWARDS, and we will REMEMBER!’

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Iranian military leaders issued warnings against global tourist destinations and declared continued missile production capabilities on Friday, displaying defiance as U.S.-Israeli military operations enter their third week, having eliminated numerous high-ranking Tehran officials and damaged weapons manufacturing and energy infrastructure.

The Islamic Republic launched attacks against Israeli targets and energy facilities in neighboring Gulf nations while many Muslims observed Eid al-Fitr, one of Islam’s most sacred celebrations. Iranians simultaneously celebrated Nowruz, their traditional Persian New Year, though festivities remained more restrained than usual this year.

Limited intelligence emerging from Iran makes it difficult to assess the extent of damage to the nation’s military, nuclear, or energy infrastructure since hostilities commenced February 28, or to determine current leadership structures. However, Iran has demonstrated ongoing capacity for attacks that disrupt oil distribution and impact the worldwide economy, driving up food and fuel costs well beyond Middle Eastern borders.

American and Israeli officials have presented varying justifications for the military campaign, ranging from encouraging domestic rebellion to overthrow Iranian leadership to dismantling nuclear and missile development programs. No visible signs of popular uprising have emerged, and Iran’s remaining military capabilities and potential conflict resolution remain unclear.

Iran’s senior military spokesperson issued a Friday warning that “parks, recreational areas and tourist destinations” globally would face danger for Tehran’s adversaries.

Gen. Abolfazl Shekarchi delivered these threats while Iran endures continued American and Israeli bombardment. The statement raises fresh worries that Iran might resume militant operations outside the Middle East as wartime leverage.

American and Israeli leadership claim weeks of bombardment have devastated Iran’s armed forces. Air campaigns have also eliminated the supreme leader, Supreme National Security Council chief, and numerous other high-level military and government officials.

Thursday saw Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assert that Iran’s naval forces were destroyed and air capabilities severely compromised, while claiming ballistic missile manufacturing had been eliminated. Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard challenged the missile production claims Friday.

“We are producing missiles even during war conditions, which is amazing, and there is no particular problem in stockpiling,” spokesman Gen. Ali Mohammad Naeini was quoted as saying in Iran’s state-run IRAN newspaper.

Naeini stated Iran had no plans for rapid conflict resolution. “These people expect the war to continue until the enemy is completely exhausted,” he said.

Shortly following the statement’s publication, Iranian state media reported Naeini’s death in an airstrike.

The nation’s new Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei issued an uncommon declaration, stating Iran’s adversaries must have their “security” eliminated.

Khamenei has remained unseen since replacing his father, 86-year-old Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in an Israeli strike on the war’s opening day.

Iran has intensified energy facility attacks across Gulf Arab nations following Israel’s bombing of Iran’s extensive South Pars offshore natural gas installation earlier this week.

Two Iranian drone waves targeted a Kuwaiti oil refinery Friday morning, igniting fires. The Mina Al-Ahmadi facility, capable of processing approximately 730,000 daily barrels, ranks among the Middle East’s largest refineries. Thursday brought another Iranian assault on the same installation.

Bahrain reported warehouse fires from intercepted projectile debris, while Saudi Arabia confirmed destroying multiple drones aimed at its oil-producing Eastern Province.

Massive explosions echoed through Dubai as defensive systems intercepted incoming attacks over the city, where residents were celebrating Eid al-Fitr, marking Ramadan’s conclusion.

In Iran, many observed Nowruz despite Israel announcing fresh strikes and explosions heard over Tehran. The Persian New Year, coinciding with spring equinox, represents a southwestern Asian tradition spanning millennia.

Jerusalem also experienced loud explosions after Israeli military warnings about incoming Iranian missiles. Emergency responders treated two approximately 70-year-old individuals with minor injuries.

Beyond consistent Iranian strikes, Israel has repeatedly targeted Lebanon, focusing on Iran-supported Hezbollah fighters who have launched rockets and drones into Israeli territory.

Friday brought Israeli expansion into Syria, with officials citing infrastructure attacks responding to what they characterized as assaults on the Druze minority community. Syria’s state-operated SANA news service did not immediately confirm the attack.

Over 1,300 Iranian deaths have occurred during the conflict. Israeli operations in Lebanon have displaced more than one million residents, according to Lebanese authorities, who report over 1,000 fatalities. Israel claims eliminating more than 500 Hezbollah fighters.

Within Israel, Iranian missile attacks have killed 15 people. Four additional deaths occurred in the occupied West Bank from Iranian missile strikes.

At least 13 American military personnel have died.

Iranian energy infrastructure attacks throughout the Gulf, combined with shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz—a crucial passage for one-fifth of global oil and essential goods transport—has sparked global energy crisis concerns.

Brent crude oil, the international benchmark, has surged during fighting, reaching approximately $107 in Friday morning trading, representing over 47% increase since war began.

Rising fuel costs arrive as world leaders already struggle with elevated food prices and consumer goods. Asia faces particular hardship as most Strait of Hormuz oil and gas exports flow there.

However, price impacts spread throughout the global economy. Essential raw materials—including helium for computer chip manufacturing and sulfur for fertilizer production—face supply disruptions and potential shortages, elevating costs across entire supply chains.

LONDON — Three men who survived bombings carried out by the Irish Republican Army in England withdrew their civil lawsuit against former Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams on Friday.

The case was dismissed on what should have been the final day of a two-week trial at London’s High Court. Attorney Anne Studd, representing the three plaintiffs, told the court the lawsuit would be withdrawn following “proceedings developed overnight.” She indicated the decision stemmed from issues surrounding “abuse of process.”

The lawsuit accused Adams of bearing direct responsibility and complicity in Provisional IRA decisions to carry out bombings in England during 1973 and 1996. The men were seeking symbolic damages of 1 pound ($1.34).

Adams, age 77, testified during the proceedings but was absent from court Friday when the case was dropped. He quickly issued a statement expressing satisfaction with the plaintiffs’ decision.

“I attended the civil case out of respect for them,” he said in a statement. “This decision brings to an emphatic end, a case that should never have been brought.”

Adams stands as one of Northern Ireland’s most significant figures during decades of sectarian violence. He served as head of the IRA-associated political organization Sinn Féin from 1983 through 2018 and played a key role in negotiating the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement. While he has consistently rejected claims of IRA membership, some former associates have identified him as a senior leader.

The three plaintiffs alleged Adams served on the IRA’s governing Army Council and bore equal responsibility with those who physically planted explosives during “the Troubles,” three decades of violence involving Irish republican militants, British loyalist groups, and U.K. military forces. The conflict claimed approximately 3,600 lives, primarily in Northern Ireland, though the IRA also conducted bombing campaigns in England.

Police officer John Clark sustained shrapnel wounds to his head and hand during the 1973 Old Bailey courthouse attack in London. Jonathan Ganesh experienced psychological trauma from the 1996 London Docklands explosion. Barry Laycock became 50% disabled and faced emotional and financial hardship following the 1996 Arndale shopping center bombing in Manchester.

During testimony, the three men explained they had not pursued legal action previously because they were unaware of their options, lacked financial resources, dealt with physical or mental injuries, and worried about violent retaliation.

Adams has never faced criminal charges related to these bombings or been detained on suspicion of involvement. Authorities charged him with IRA membership in 1978, but prosecutors later abandoned the case due to insufficient evidence.

Last year, Adams secured a 100,000 pound ($116,000) libel judgment against the BBC regarding claims in a television documentary that he had authorized the execution of an informant within the Irish republican movement.

French naval forces seized control of an oil tanker in the Mediterranean Sea on Friday that officials believe is part of Russia’s covert shipping network designed to bypass international sanctions imposed over the Ukraine conflict.

Maritime officials identified the vessel as the Deyna, which they suspect was operating with fraudulent flag documentation. The seizure occurred in the western Mediterranean with assistance from British forces who had been tracking the ship’s movements.

“This operation aimed to verify the nationality of the vessel,” maritime authorities explained in an official statement. The tanker was displaying Mozambique’s flag while traveling from the Russian Arctic port of Murmansk. Paperwork discovered during the boarding “confirmed doubts about the validity of the flag,” officials reported.

French naval personnel redirected the vessel to a secure anchorage location for additional inspection, and the matter has been forwarded to prosecutors in Marseille for potential legal action.

President Emmanuel Macron identified the Deyna as part of Russia’s “shadow fleet” in a social media statement.

“These vessels, which circumvent international sanctions and violate the law of the sea, are war profiteers. They seek to generate profits and finance Russia’s war effort,” Macron declared. “We won’t let this happen.”

Intelligence estimates suggest Russia operates hundreds of ships to dodge sanctions related to its military campaign in Ukraine. France and allied nations have pledged to intensify enforcement efforts against these operations.

This marks the third such incident involving French forces in recent months. In January, France’s navy stopped another Russian oil tanker in the Mediterranean, which was eventually released after paying millions in penalties. Last September, French naval personnel boarded a different tanker off the Atlantic coast that Macron also connected to the shadow fleet operation. Russian President Vladimir Putin condemned that earlier action as maritime piracy.

Spanish authorities have determined that the death of an Illinois college student who vanished during a spring break trip to Barcelona appears to be accidental, regional police announced Friday.

Twenty-year-old James “Jimmy” Gracey, a University of Alabama student from Elmhurst, Illinois, was discovered Thursday afternoon in coastal waters near a Barcelona beach. The location was close to where he had last been spotted with friends outside a local nightclub early Tuesday morning.

According to a representative from Catalonia’s regional police force, investigators believe “all signs point” to an accidental death for the young man. An autopsy has been scheduled to determine the exact cause.

Gracey disappeared around 3 a.m. Tuesday after leaving the Shoko nightclub. He failed to return to his shared rental accommodation, prompting concern from his travel companions. Authorities later located his mobile phone. The student’s hometown of Elmhurst sits approximately 19 miles west of Chicago.

The grieving family released a public statement requesting prayers and privacy during this difficult period.

“Our family is heartbroken as we confirm that Jimmy’s body has been recovered in Barcelona. Jimmy was a deeply loved son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend, and our family is struggling to come to terms with this unimaginable loss,” the statement said.

The Spanish coastal city attracts millions of international tourists annually and maintains a reputation for safety, particularly when compared to major American metropolitan areas. Petty theft typically represents the primary concern for visitors to the Mediterranean destination.

Barcelona’s seaside areas remain easily accessible from the city’s core, making them particularly attractive to younger travelers. The location where Gracey spent his final evening features numerous dining establishments and entertainment venues popular with both residents and tourists.

Speaking to reporters before official confirmation of the death, Gracey’s aunt described her nephew as “just a great kid, a good Catholic boy from the Midwest.”

University of Alabama officials expressed their sorrow in an official statement, saying the campus community “is heartbroken to learn of the death of Jimmy Gracey.”

“Jimmy’s loss is deeply felt across our campus. Our condolences are with the Gracey family during this devastating time,” the university added.

Moscow is moving forward with comprehensive regulations that could block major international artificial intelligence platforms from operating within Russian borders, according to newly released government documents.

The Russian Ministry for Digital Development has outlined proposed rules targeting AI services including ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini if these platforms cannot meet Moscow’s compliance requirements. Officials say the measures aim to expand Russia’s efforts to create an independent internet infrastructure free from outside influence while upholding what authorities describe as “traditional Russian spiritual and moral values.”

Ministry officials stated the proposed framework is intended to “help protect citizens from covert manipulation and discriminatory algorithms.”

The regulatory plan is expected to favor domestically developed AI systems created by Russian companies like state-owned Sberbank and tech firm Yandex. This initiative comes as Moscow continues expanding government oversight of internet services within the country.

Following additional review and official approval, these rules are anticipated to take effect in the coming year.

According to the proposed regulations: “The operation of cross-border artificial intelligence technologies may be prohibited or restricted in cases specified by the legislation of the Russian Federation.”

State media outlet RIA reported Friday that international AI platforms would be subject to these new requirements because they inherently transfer Russian users’ information outside the country’s borders.

Technology attorney Kirill Dyakov explained to RIA that “Cross-border artificial intelligence technologies refers to all foreign AI models, including ChatGPT, Claude and Gemini, where the use of such models results in user data, queries and dialogues being transmitted to the developers of these models outside Russia.”

The three AI systems Dyakov referenced were created by American companies: OpenAI developed ChatGPT, Anthropic created Claude, and Google parent company Alphabet built Gemini.

However, Dyakov noted that other international open-source AI technologies, including China’s Qwen and DeepSeek platforms, could potentially operate within closed systems using Russian infrastructure belonging to government agencies and domestic businesses, since user information would remain within those networks.

Under the proposed regulatory framework, AI platforms serving more than 500,000 daily users would be required to maintain Russian citizen data on servers located within the country for a three-year period, according to RIA’s reporting. Western technology companies have historically declined to comply with similar data localization requirements.

France’s top diplomat delivered a sobering assessment Friday following discussions with Israeli leadership, stating that the ongoing Middle East crisis shows no clear path to resolution in the near future.

Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot acknowledged the challenging reality during a press briefing with his Israeli counterpart Gideon Saar near Tel Aviv, emphasizing that despite the bleak outlook, diplomatic efforts must continue.

“There is no obvious short-term way out of the ongoing regional escalation, which has in some ways been unfolding since October 7, 2023. But this must in no way serve as a pretext for inaction,” Barrot stated to assembled journalists.

The gravity of the situation became immediately apparent when Iranian missiles streaked toward Israel as the minister prepared to address reporters, forcing Barrot, his delegation, and media personnel to seek shelter as warning sirens wailed across the area.

The French official’s visit to Israel followed his Thursday trip to Lebanon, where he worked to promote ceasefire negotiations and reduce regional tensions. France maintains deep historical connections with Lebanon and has partnered with the United States in mediation efforts since Iran-backed Hezbollah began launching attacks against Israel.

During his meetings, Barrot conveyed France’s concerns regarding potential Israeli ground operations in southern Lebanon while emphasizing that Lebanese forces must take all necessary steps to disarm Hezbollah, as the Lebanese government has demanded.

However, Israeli officials have dismissed Beirut’s offer for direct negotiations, viewing it as insufficient given the timing and circumstances, according to sources familiar with the discussions. These sources indicate that while Lebanon’s government shares Israel’s goal of disarming Hezbollah, officials fear that confronting the group could spark civil conflict.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who held talks with Barrot on Thursday, has indicated readiness to engage in direct discussions with Israel. This comes as Israel continues conducting airstrikes in Lebanon following Hezbollah’s March 2 attack on Israeli territory, while Hezbollah has dismissed diplomatic overtures and maintained its military operations.

Recent diplomatic activity has seen France proposing alternative solutions to American-led peace initiatives, though three diplomatic sources report that Washington has shown limited enthusiasm for the French proposals. Israel has reportedly rejected these suggestions entirely while discussions with U.S. officials continue.

Chinese foreign ministry officials issued a plea Friday for immediate cessation of Middle East hostilities, expressing alarm over the conflict’s growing impact on worldwide commerce, energy supplies, and shipping lanes after nearly three weeks of fighting.

Foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian addressed the escalating situation as Muslim communities worldwide conclude Ramadan observances. “History and reality have repeatedly shown the world that force is not the solution to problems and armed conflict will only breed new hatred,” Lin stated during a ministry briefing.

Beijing’s diplomatic representative described the expanding Middle East conflict as damaging to shared global interests, reaffirming China’s stance that all parties must halt military actions while ensuring uninterrupted energy distribution from the region.

The Chinese statement coincided with the 23rd commemoration of the Iraq War’s beginning, when coalition forces led by the United States launched their 2003 invasion to remove Saddam Hussein from power, based partially on allegations his regime maintained weapons of mass destruction.

The Iraq intervention resulted in prolonged regional turmoil and governmental collapse, ultimately creating conditions that enabled the emergence of ISIS terrorist operations.

Current Middle East tensions present Beijing with mixed consequences, according to policy experts. While the crisis allows China to position itself as a more dependable global partner, rising energy prices pose threats to Chinese manufacturing and could spark domestic inflation if hostilities persist.

The regional instability also jeopardizes President Xi Jinping’s signature Belt and Road development program, which relies on Middle Eastern corridors to transport Chinese exports to markets across the Gulf region, North Africa, and Europe during a period when domestic consumer demand remains weak.

Military actions have resulted in postponing a planned summit between Xi and President Donald Trump by approximately six weeks. The delayed China visit had been viewed as an opportunity to improve strained relations between the economic superpowers following disputes over American trade tariffs.

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán warned Friday that his administration may implement additional measures targeting Ukraine to force the restart of Russian oil shipments that have been halted to Hungary and Slovakia since the beginning of the year.

During a media briefing in Brussels following his decision to obstruct a 90-billion euro ($104-billion) European Union aid package for Ukraine, Orbán declared that his administration possesses “a lot of cards in our hands” beyond preventing the financial assistance that Kyiv requires for military equipment and economic stability.

“We have other tools as well,” he stated. “Forty percent of Ukraine’s electricity supply goes through Hungary, we haven’t touched that yet. (The EU) constantly wants to introduce new sanctions (against Russia). That will require unanimity, and we will not give it.”

Relations between Hungary and Ukraine have deteriorated significantly in recent weeks, creating an intense dispute over Hungary’s ability to receive Russian oil via a pipeline running through Ukrainian land.

The flow of oil through the Druzhba pipeline was disrupted following what Ukraine described as Russian drone attacks that damaged pipeline facilities. Hungarian officials have blamed Ukraine for intentionally establishing an “oil blockade” to prevent Russian crude deliveries, and have vowed to oppose all EU assistance to Kyiv until the shipments restart.

Hungary and Slovakia, both governed by leaders who maintain friendly ties with the Kremlin, remain the sole EU nations still receiving Russian oil imports.

In a bid to convince Orbán to remove his opposition to the loan, EU representatives announced Tuesday that the bloc had provided Ukraine with technical assistance and funding to fix the pipeline, which Kyiv has agreed to accept.

On Friday, Orbán also warned he would reject the EU’s upcoming seven-year budget if it contains aid for Ukraine, stating: “We have a lot of cards in our hands, so I don’t think it’s worth picking a fight with Hungary.”

European Union leaders criticized Orbán Thursday for his obstruction of Ukrainian aid, claiming he is blocking essential assistance and weakening EU decision-making processes to gain electoral advantage domestically.

With Orbán confronting what analysts predict will be his most competitive election on April 12, he has intensified an anti-Ukraine strategy that depicts Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy as a fundamental danger to Hungary.

He has claimed that the Ukrainian president, together with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, seeks to pull Hungary into Russia’s conflict, now in its fifth year, and has maintained that his re-election represents the sole path to peace and stability.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky has dispatched an official team to the United States as he works to revive stalled peace discussions aimed at ending Russia’s military campaign against his nation. Meanwhile, a top Russian government official suggested Friday that fresh U.S.-facilitated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv may happen in the near future.

The three-way discussions, which haven’t achieved any major breakthroughs on critical matters, have been suspended as the Iran conflict has captured global focus.

Zelensky wants to rebuild progress in the diplomatic process and announced Thursday evening that he had dispatched officials to America for what’s anticipated to be a Saturday gathering. The White House has not verified any such meeting.

Russian government spokesperson Dmitry Peskov stated that Moscow will not participate in those discussions. He noted that timing and location for fresh three-party negotiations remain undecided.

“The pause is temporary, we hope it’s temporary regarding the continuation of the trilateral format,” he said.

Western European leaders have consistently criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin over the past year for stalling in diplomatic efforts while attempting to leverage his larger military’s combat advantage and seize additional Ukrainian territory. Russian troops currently occupy almost 20% of Ukraine.

The recent Middle East crisis that started February 28 with Israeli and American attacks on Iran has shifted global focus away from Ukraine’s situation.

Simultaneously, Russia benefits from a temporary American exemption on petroleum sanctions while Ukraine faces severe financial constraints and continues awaiting a 90-billion-euro ($103 billion) loan commitment from the European Union.

Kyiv may also receive fewer sophisticated air defense systems needed to counter Russian aerial bombardments as the Iran conflict depletes available supplies.

Putin is widely anticipated to begin fresh military campaigns as Ukraine’s weather conditions improve, creating additional challenges for Kyiv.

Ukraine has emerged as a major global manufacturer of combat-proven drone defense systems, and Zelensky hopes to offer technical knowledge to Arab Gulf nations facing Iranian Shahed attacks in return for air defense weaponry.

A group of high-ranking Ukrainian representatives has traveled to the Gulf area recently.

“There is an understanding of what new security agreements can be reached with countries in the region,” Zelensky said in an evening address on Thursday.

QUSHTAPA, Iraq (AP) — Displaced as children from Iran decades ago, thousands of Kurdish refugees now living in Iraq maintain cautious optimism that ongoing conflicts involving the U.S. and Israel could destabilize the Iranian government that drove them from their homeland.

These Iranian Kurds cling to dreams of returning to ancestral homes they know only through wall paintings and aging family photos displayed in their current dwellings.

However, these thousands of displaced people understand that their desire for political independence and their long-standing resistance to Iran’s religious leadership make a safe return improbable. They insist they will only return home if Iran gets a new government that ensures their protection and supports their political objectives.

More than 300 families live in Kawa Camp, located in the Qushtapa district of Irbil within northern Iraq’s self-governing Kurdish territory. These families were forced from their homes following Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, which triggered prolonged warfare with Kurdish independence movements.

Many current residents descend from those original fighters. As children, they escaped with their families from Kermanshah, a northern Iranian province. Some later joined resistance movements while in exile, launching attacks against Iranian security personnel. Most now struggle economically on the fringes of Iraqi Kurdish society, lacking citizenship, full legal rights, access to public services, or property ownership rights.

At Kawa Camp, residents’ hopes for homecoming are clouded by profound distrust of international powers that have repeatedly used their struggle for strategic purposes. Many interpreted recent reports about the Trump administration potentially asking for their support in ground operations against Iran as another example of such exploitation.

“From 1979 until now, this has been our only hope — that the regime will fall. I’m watching the clock; if it falls now, I’ll return home the next second,” said a 57-year-old member of the Iranian Kurdish opposition party living in Kawa, who fled Iran at age 11.

This individual, like most people interviewed for this report, requested anonymity due to concerns about retaliation from Iran-supported Iraqi militias that have increased attacks on Iranian Kurdish installations. They also worry about Iranian intelligence surveillance, as many still have family members living in Iran.

Iraqi Kurds control a semi-independent region in northern Iraq. Many have conducted insurgency operations aimed at creating their own nation, which they call Kurdistan. Iranian Kurds have extensive historical complaints against both the Islamic Republic and the monarchy that came before it.

Community leader Jehangir Ahmadi displays a painting of a street from his birth village in Iran’s predominantly Kurdish Kermanshah province, which shares a border with Iraq. He hasn’t visited that street in almost five decades, and his childhood memories play like vintage footage: He remembers playing among those dusty walls while village elders would gather under the poplar trees.

Ahmadi recalls the frantic escape from home and the lengthy wait to cross the border. His family initially stayed in a border camp before relocating to another facility in the desert regions of western Anbar province. Security conditions worsened dramatically after Saddam Hussein’s overthrow during the 2003 U.S.-led invasion, leading the United Nations to relocate them again.

Through the years, temporary shelters were replaced with permanent housing, marketplaces developed, and the Iranian Kurds gained employment rights, with many working as traders, cab drivers and factory employees. However, purchasing property or vehicles requires finding an Iraqi guarantor who must accept legal responsibility for them, essentially binding their futures to that guarantor, Ahmadi explained.

“For all our lives in Iraq we were paying the price of leaving. Until now people look at us like we are slaves,” Ahmadi said. “Until now we don’t have good work, no good place to live.”

According to Ahmadi, Kurds, particularly Iran’s Kurdish population, have consistently been victims throughout history. He cited the brief Republic of Mahabad in northwestern Iran, which had Soviet backing before collapsing in 1976; Iran’s 1975 withdrawal of support for a failed Kurdish rebellion against Iraq; Iraq’s 1988 chemical weapon attacks against Kurds; and territorial losses in northeast Syria following President Bashar Assad’s December 2024 downfall.

Therefore, Ahmadi expressed doubt about the reported U.S. request for backing an Iranian Kurdish military force in the current conflict.

“We didn’t trust that they will support us because we are wounded nation, we have been betrayed many times,” he said.

Iranian Kurdish opposition militias operating from Iraq have faced attacks from Iran’s Iraqi allies since the Iran conflict began.

Military leaders and Iraqi Kurdish politicians report they lack the capability to launch a genuine ground assault without U.S. air support, and that the concept proposed by the United States was never formally discussed with Washington.

A high-ranking Iraqi Kurdish official revealed that some Iranian Kurdish organizations initially anticipated Iran’s religious government would quickly collapse and planned to advance into Iranian Kurdish regions to claim victory. Other Iraqi Kurdish leaders, viewing Tehran’s administration as more durable, gave them a stark warning: “You will be massacred,” according to the official.

Unit commander Rebaz Sharifi took cover in a mountain crevice when Iran-backed militias launched a drone attack on a Kurdistan Freedom Party base, waiting for additional strikes to end. The party is an Iranian-Kurdish nationalist independence organization known locally as PAK.

Sharifi reported there are approximately 8,000 to 10,000 Iranian Kurdish fighters — a number confirmed by two other Iraqi Kurdish officials. Apart from standard assault weapons, they lack advanced modern armaments and do not have drones, which are essential in contemporary warfare.

He stated that Iranian-Kurdish organizations are requesting security assurances, particularly air protection, to defend against Iranian rockets and drones.

“We don’t want to go now because we know we will die because of (Iranian) airstrikes and missiles,” he said. “It’s not the right time for this because Iranian forces still have power to control the skies.”

At just the possibility that these groups might prepare for deployment, Iran-backed forces in Iraq began launching almost daily aerial bombardments.

“So, imagine what they will do if we move there now,” Sharifi said.

The danger of ongoing attacks forced Kurdish fighters to relocate their families from military installations to nearby towns for protection.

In Kawa, a local resident connected to the Democratic Party of Iranian Kurdistan is providing shelter for a fighter’s wife and children from the party’s military branch. They relocated from the party’s Koya camp near the border due to persistent attacks during the war’s initial days.

The militia drone strikes haven’t targeted civilian areas yet, but the party member worries this could change as the conflict continues.

“Every day we are afraid of the militias,” he said. “We are nervous at night because we think they might hit here also.”

He also fears Iranian intelligence operations in the region.

“My relatives in Iran told me that they know where I work, what I do, and where I live,” he said.

OSLO, Norway (AP) — In her first public discussion about the controversial connection, Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit revealed she felt manipulated and unsafe during interactions with deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, particularly during a 2013 visit to his Florida estate in Palm Beach.

Crown Princess Mette-Marit, wife of Crown Prince Haakon who is next in line for Norway’s throne, participated in a 20-minute television interview Thursday with Norwegian network NRK alongside her husband. The interview took place on the same day her son Marius Borg Høiby’s criminal trial wrapped up.

Høiby, the crown princess’s child from an earlier relationship, faces rape charges that he has denied. Prosecutors are requesting a sentence of seven years and seven months imprisonment. The court’s decision is anticipated in early June.

While Thursday’s NRK broadcast didn’t reveal any shocking new information, it represented the royal couple’s first formal media appearance to discuss the controversy surrounding the crown princess’s connection to Epstein. Although her association with him has prompted criticism of her decision-making, she faces no criminal allegations.

The interview’s duration was shortened because of Mette-Marit’s medical condition — she suffers from pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that severely impacts breathing.

The crown princess had previously issued an apology for placing the royal family in a difficult position. Her initial meeting with the American financier occurred in 2011, with their communication extending through 2014. Documents related to Epstein referenced the crown princess hundreds of times, and she expressed regret about their association in 2019.

Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while facing trial for sexually abusing minors at his U.S. residences. Speaking to NRK, Mette-Marit stated she was unaware of his criminal behavior and abuse, noting she only observed his interactions with adults and never saw illegal activity.

During the interview, she expressed feelings of responsibility toward Epstein’s victims and revealed she has spent years reflecting on their connection and the accusations against him. She acknowledged failing to properly investigate his background.

Released documents containing email correspondence between the pair suggested what appeared to be a close friendship to some observers. In one electronic message, Mette-Marit told Epstein, “you tickle my brain.”

During October 2012, Epstein mentioned in an email that he was in Paris “on my wife hunt.” The crown princess responded that Paris was “good for adultery” but “Scandis” made “better wife material.”

Additional email exchanges revealed that Mette-Marit used an Epstein-owned Florida property in Palm Beach for several days in 2013. She explained the arrangement came through a shared acquaintance, and it was during this stay that she experienced the troubling encounter that prompted her to telephone Haakon back in Norway.

Though she refused to provide additional details during the NRK interview, she explained that she maintained contact with Epstein afterward because she was naive and had fallen victim to his manipulation.

ROME (AP) — Umberto Bossi, who established Italy’s Northern League party and emerged as one of the nation’s most impactful yet controversial political personalities, passed away Wednesday at 84 years old, according to his party.

Political leaders from across Italy responded quickly to news of his passing. President Sergio Mattarella honored him as “a passionate political leader and sincere democrat,” while Premier Giorgia Meloni recognized his “fundamental contribution” to creating Italy’s first modern center-right coalition.

Starting from humble beginnings, Bossi built a political movement that transformed Italy’s postwar political scene. Beginning in the late 1980s, he became the spokesperson for northern Italy’s frustrated taxpayers, turning regional complaints into a populist campaign focused on independence and sometimes complete separation from the south.

His famous populist phrase “Roma ladrona” (Thieving Rome) captured his criticism of the corrupt central government and became a battle cry for disappointed voters across a generation.

Bossi was born September 19, 1941, in Cassano Magnago, a small industrial town in northern Italy’s manufacturing region. He officially began his national political career in 1987, gaining the nickname “Il Senatùr” (the Senator in Lombard dialect) when he joined Italy’s senate.

Throughout the following years, he successfully grew the Northern League from a small regional organization into a major national political power, creating partnerships — and unexpected breaks — with late center-right leader Silvio Berlusconi.

Under Berlusconi’s government, he held ministerial positions twice, focusing on institutional reform while advancing his lifelong goal of national federalism.

Bossi’s legacy remains complicated: supporters viewed him as a visionary while critics saw him as a divisive populist, but everyone agrees he was a major figure whose ideas and aggressive political approach permanently changed modern Italian politics.

His appearance in a white tank top during summer 1994 became a legendary moment in Italian political history, deliberately contrasting with the polished image of his political partner-turned-opponent Berlusconi. This image became a lasting representation of his straightforward, “common man” approach.

A severe stroke in 2004 greatly impacted Bossi’s health, though he stayed involved in politics for many years following his recovery.

In 2012, he resigned from party leadership after a controversy involving misused party money, but he maintained his influence as the movement’s founding figure, despite tensions with current party leader Matteo Salvini.

Legislation that would eliminate criminal penalties for abortion procedures throughout pregnancy is making progress through the British Parliament. The House of Lords had the opportunity to support an amendment to the Crime and Policing Bill that would have stripped out the decriminalization provisions, but chose not to act.

The Christian Institute’s Simon Calvert criticized British legislators, stating they have “shown little regard for public opinion and have dehumanised the unborn to a shocking new degree.”

As nationwide demonstrations swept across Iran in late 2025, Shayan Ghadimi watched her 70-year-old mother make a fateful decision to travel from Paris back to their homeland to witness the historic uprising firsthand.

Now, months later, that separation weighs heavily on the family as they struggle to maintain contact through violent government suppression and ongoing military conflict. For Iranian communities worldwide, the traditionally joyous Persian New Year celebration of Nowruz has become a time of profound worry rather than celebration.

Ghadimi’s elderly mother had been following the early demonstrations on television from Paris. “We could see the market closed, the people in the street. She said, ‘I want to be there,’” the 41-year-old restaurant owner explained while preparing meals in her aromatic Paris eatery.

“Now, she is all alone at home, with no way to stay in contact, watching the sky. I cannot imagine the state she is in,” Ghadimi shared.

The impact extends far beyond individual families. A Paris-based Iranian cultural organization that previously hosted musical performances for Nowruz has declared itself in mourning this year. Similarly, Iranian American groups across the United States have either called off their celebrations entirely or dramatically reduced their scope.

The holiday known as Nowruz, meaning “new day” in the Persian language, traditionally aligns with the spring equinox and is observed across a vast region spanning from Afghanistan to Turkey. People of various religious backgrounds within Iranian communities celebrate this ancient Zoroastrian festival, which traces its origins back thousands of years, despite periodic attempts by religious conservatives to discourage the practice.

Shakiba Edighoffer, while shopping for traditional Nowruz ingredients, described the emotional turmoil she and fellow Iranians experience as military operations continue. Israel and the United States have launched attacks targeting Iran’s government officials and armed forces, while the Islamic Republic has responded by launching missiles and unmanned aircraft toward Israel and neighboring Gulf nations.

“You hear news about this or that leader of the Islamic Republic being eliminated … about executions or bombings,” explained Edighoffer, who works as a makeup artist.

The near-complete breakdown of communication networks has transformed attempts to check on relatives and friends enduring bombardments into anxiety-inducing ordeals.

“I had a friend who managed to connect very briefly on Instagram a few days ago, but I think it’s been about 20 days now since the war started, and that was really the only time I was able to speak with him a little,” Edighoffer noted.

Despite the circumstances, she emphasized the importance of maintaining cultural traditions. Observing Nowruz alongside family and friends “helps us cope, at least a little, with the psychological pressure,” she explained. “All these oppressors want is for us to be sad, to forget our millennia-old Persian and Iranian traditions. We must not give them that victory.”

Among the customers visiting Ghadimi’s restaurant for traditional grilled meat dishes and seasoned rice, opinions about the conflict’s potential outcomes vary dramatically. Some express hope that the warfare might herald positive change, while others focus solely on the casualties and devastation caused by Israeli and American military strikes.

“I have people in tears. I have people who cry for joy. They say, ‘Did you see? They are coming. We are going to be saved.’ Others say, ‘Our country is being destroyed,’” she observed.

Communication with her mother has been severely limited since her January departure for Iran, with only two successful phone conversations occurring during the entire period.

“Quite honestly, I don’t try anymore. Because it stresses me out, if I try calling and can’t get hold of her,” she admitted. “My sister calls 100 times a day and can’t reach her.”

Her mother had originally purchased a round-trip ticket and promised to return in time for the Nowruz celebration.

However, during their most recent conversation approximately one week ago, her mother revealed that those plans had shifted. Having witnessed the 1979 Islamic Revolution firsthand, she expressed determination to remain and observe Iran’s unfolding political transformation.

“I am staying here until the end,” her mother declared.

COPENHAGEN – Danish voters will cast ballots Tuesday in a national election overshadowed by President Donald Trump’s ongoing campaign to acquire Greenland, the Arctic territory home to 57,000 residents that has remained under Danish control for hundreds of years.

The following chronology outlines key developments in the international standoff:

2019

Trump unexpectedly floated purchasing Greenland from Denmark during his initial presidency, prompting Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen to dismiss the idea as “absurd.”

The president canceled his scheduled Denmark trip, describing Frederiksen’s response as “nasty.”

JANUARY 2025

Before his inauguration, Trump declined to eliminate the possibility of employing military or economic pressure to gain control of Greenland.

Donald Trump Jr. visited the territory, claiming residents “will benefit tremendously if, and when, it becomes part of our nation.”

MARCH 2025

The victorious Demokraatit party in Greenland’s elections promised to deepen relationships with Denmark.

Vice President JD Vance criticized Denmark’s security efforts regarding Greenland.

DECEMBER 2025

Trump named Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as special representative to “lead the charge” concerning Greenland.

JANUARY 4-6, 2026

Following the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, Trump declared “we do need Greenland,” with administration officials confirming the president was considering various approaches, including possible military action.

JANUARY 9

“We are going to do something on Greenland whether they like it or not. Because if we don’t do it, Russia or China will take over Greenland, and we’re not going to have Russia or China as a neighbour,” Trump stated to journalists.

JANUARY 14-15

Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt and Danish counterpart Lars Lokke Rasmussen met with Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, declaring that Danish and Greenlandic independence remained non-negotiable.

Multiple European nations including Germany, France, Sweden, Norway, Finland and the Netherlands deployed military personnel to Greenland as a show of solidarity and deterrence.

White House officials indicated that European troop deployments would not influence Trump’s strategy.

JANUARY 17-19

Trump threatened escalating tariffs against European partners until America could purchase Greenland, causing market volatility and dollar weakness.

European Union leadership cautioned against a “dangerous downward spiral.”

JANUARY 21

At the Davos forum, Trump unexpectedly retreated from tariff threats, eliminated force as an option, and indicated a resolution might be near.

The president announced that he and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte had “formed the framework of a future deal.”

Financial markets rebounded and oil prices dropped as confidence returned.

Reuters learned from sources that Rutte and Trump agreed to continue discussions between America, Denmark and Greenland regarding modifications to a 1951 military access accord.

JANUARY 28

Official diplomatic negotiations commenced among the United States, Greenland and Denmark.

FEBRUARY 11

NATO initiated an Arctic presence enhancement mission as part of tension reduction efforts.

FEBRUARY 21-22

Trump announced a U.S. medical vessel was “on the way” to Greenland “to take care of the many people who are sick, and not being taken care of there.” Greenland’s prime minister rejected the ship, saying “no thanks.”

FEBRUARY 26

Frederiksen announced Denmark’s parliamentary election would occur March 24.

A comprehensive investigation into last year’s historic power failure across Spain and Portugal has revealed that numerous system breakdowns combined to create Europe’s most severe electrical grid collapse in more than two decades.

The European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity (ENTSO-E) released its final analysis Friday, detailing how the April 28th incident unfolded when voltage control systems failed to respond properly, triggering widespread power plant shutdowns across the Iberian Peninsula.

The blackout left millions of residents in Spain and Portugal without electricity for as long as 16 hours, marking the first incident of this magnitude in the region’s history.

According to the investigation, several critical issues contributed to the cascade failure. Traditional power facilities including coal, natural gas, and nuclear plants failed to regulate voltage levels as grid operators had anticipated under standard operating procedures. Additionally, some voltage control systems required manual operation, creating dangerous delays during the emergency.

The report also identified that protective equipment designed to disconnect during voltage spikes was not properly calibrated according to established safety standards.

Investigators noted that Spain’s electrical grid operates with broader voltage tolerance ranges compared to other European nations, leaving minimal safety margins between normal operations and automatic shutoff thresholds.

The study further suggested that coordination problems with power connections to France may have worsened the situation as it developed.

“The analyses above clearly indicate that the key phenomenon in the incident was the non-effectiveness of voltage control within the Spanish power system,” the report’s summary said.

Researchers encountered obstacles during their investigation when power plant operators claimed they lacked essential data needed to explain some of the initial generation failures that occurred in Spain.

To prevent similar widespread outages, the report recommends enhanced monitoring systems for electrical networks and improved communication protocols between utilities and grid operators throughout the region.

The investigation was designed to identify systemic problems and propose solutions rather than assign responsibility for the incident.

BEIRUT (AP) — Following Israel’s assassination of a senior Iranian Basij commander earlier this week, the military launched additional attacks targeting lower-level members of the notorious force that helped suppress major demonstrations this year. An Israeli drone destroyed one of numerous temporary roadblocks the Basij had established throughout Tehran, the Iranian capital.

According to Israeli and American officials, their ongoing bombardment campaign seeks to dismantle the Islamic Republic’s mechanisms for internal suppression. The military offensive, now approaching its third week, has seen monitoring organizations estimate that approximately one-third of all attacks have focused on senior leadership and major installations of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard and its volunteer Basij units responsible for maintaining allegiance to Iran’s religious government.

Israeli forces recently expanded their targeting to include Basij security checkpoints, putting lower-ranking personnel at risk. However, the Basij, police forces, and Revolutionary Guard continue to maintain control, with no evidence of Iranians responding to American and Israeli encouragement for revolt, as citizens instead seek shelter from aerial bombardments and ongoing instability.

Tehran residents report that security personnel continue to maintain a threatening presence throughout the city. War monitoring groups indicate that an escalated suppression campaign, which started with January’s nationwide protest crackdown, persists and frequently targets individuals who record footage of strikes or attempt to circumvent weeks-long internet restrictions to communicate externally.

Israel’s strategy may seek to damage Basiji morale and encourage desertion or service refusal. The campaign could also embolden numerous Iranians who remain outraged over the thousands killed during January’s violent suppression. In early March, Israeli military forces broadcast a message in Farsi encouraging Basiji mothers to “save their children” by urging them to abandon their weapons.

However, according to Hamidreza Azizi, an authority on Iran’s security and foreign policy, Basijis maintain strong ideological commitment and represent “the most decentralized force within an already highly decentralized system.”

Azizi explained that Israel’s elimination of top commander Gen. Gholam Reza Soleimani on Tuesday morning will probably not significantly impact the organization. The Basij leadership position is selected based on “ideological rigidity and demonstrated loyalty to the supreme leader” rather than technical competence, serving a primarily symbolic function.

“In most cases, Basij units operate autonomously or semiautonomously, particularly in operational matters,” Azizi stated.

Throughout Tehran, Basij security checkpoints have multiplied, typically consisting of simple traffic cone barriers and several vehicles. One local resident reported five or six new checkpoints appearing in his affluent neighborhood alone. Personnel at these locations search cars for weapons, inspect identification documents, and occasionally demand to examine mobile phones, according to the resident who requested anonymity for security reasons.

Checkpoint attacks commenced on March 11, with Armed Conflict Location and Event Data, an American monitoring organization, documenting at least 15 separate incidents in one day.

“We are landing crushing blows on the Revolutionary Guards and the Basij, both in the streets and at checkpoints,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the following day, stating the objective was establishing conditions for Iranians to remove their government.

On Tuesday, Israeli military officials announced strikes against more than 10 Basij locations throughout the capital. Video footage shared online and confirmed by the Associated Press displayed two burning vehicles near traffic cones on a central Tehran boulevard. The scene corresponded with aerial footage released by Israeli forces showing a Tuesday checkpoint strike as public transportation and civilian vehicles passed nearby.

Iranian citizens have been distributing videos and social media posts revealing checkpoint locations, frequently tagging the Israeli military’s Farsi account and requesting strikes, sometimes honoring protesters killed in those areas. Others share checkpoint information to warn commuters about traffic delays. Multiple videos show checkpoints positioned beneath bridges, apparently seeking protection from aerial attacks.

The Basij, meaning “mobilization” in Farsi, comprises tens of thousands of volunteers operating under Revolutionary Guard authority. Most remain unarmed and participate in “ideological and political activities,” according to Azizi, a visiting researcher at the German Institute for International and Security Affairs.

The organization operates similarly to how the Communist Party functioned in the Soviet Union, maintaining divisions in educational institutions, universities, government agencies, and other organizations, he explained. Male and female volunteers work to guarantee devotion to the Islamic Republic through activities like conducting religious instruction or intimidating those who violate social regulations. They can also be activated for government-sponsored events, including counter-demonstrations, Azizi noted.

Local paramilitary divisions deploy during periods of domestic unrest — such as January’s protests — equipped with weapons ranging from clubs and stun devices to lethal ammunition.

Throughout those protests and the current conflict, the Basij’s function has been supplying personnel, Azizi explained.

“The state’s security apparatus has been continuously engaged, leaving many of its core forces both deeply entrenched and likely fatigued,” he said. Through checkpoint operations, the Basij enables security agencies to concentrate on intelligence collection and detentions.

Iranians describe widespread text message warnings against demonstrations and aggressive Basij patrols in Tehran. On Thursday, Iran announced executing three men detained during January’s protests, marking the first known implementation of such sentences.

Over the past week, semi-official media sources have reported arresting more than 100 individuals across Iran, mostly charged with collaborating with hostile nations or sharing media content with foreign organizations. At least 14 faced accusations of possessing Starlink internet equipment or planning to distribute them or virtual private network access cards. Starlink has provided one of the few methods for accessing global internet since the unprecedented blackout started January 8.

The government has also reportedly disabled portions of Iran’s domestic internet and canceled some VPN cards issued to individuals with specialized occupations.

The Iran Human Rights Documentation Center, an American-based organization, reported people being arrested for photographing checkpoint, base, and military facility locations. Authorities continue detaining individuals connected to January’s protests, former political prisoners, or minority group members.

The rights organization said it received reports of security forces firing weapons at checkpoints. In one case, two teenage brothers were shot and killed after honking their vehicle horn celebrating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death in the war’s initial attack.

ATHENS, Greece — Israeli military operations have systematically eliminated Iran’s highest-ranking officials in a series of targeted strikes.

The campaign began with the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the conflict’s initial phase. Subsequently, Ali Larijani, who served as secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council and ranked among the nation’s most influential figures, was also eliminated. Multiple other senior military and political officials have been killed as well.

With such extensive losses among Iran’s top echelon, questions emerge about the country’s current leadership structure and who maintains operational control.

Iran’s governmental system centers around the supreme leader position, which has served as the ultimate authority since the Islamic Republic’s establishment following the 1979 revolution that toppled the shah.

Following Khamenei’s death, his 56-year-old son Mojtaba Khamenei received swift appointment as the new supreme leader. The younger Khamenei, known for maintaining a low profile, has remained absent from public appearances since the airstrike that claimed his 86-year-old father’s life.

Despite never holding an elected or appointed governmental role, the cleric had been widely viewed as a potential successor. He maintains strong connections with Iran’s influential paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

His ideological stance is reportedly more extreme than his father’s positions. In his official capacity, he now oversees Iran’s military forces, and nuclear program decisions fall under his authority.

However, questions persist about his actual control over the nation.

“I’m not sure who’s running Iran right now,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated during a Thursday evening press conference. “Mojtaba, the replacement ayatollah, has not shown his face. Have you seen him? We haven’t, and we can’t vouch for what exactly is happening there.”

The Israeli strike that killed his father also claimed the life of Mojtaba Khamenei’s wife, Zahra Haddad Adel. American and Israeli intelligence sources indicate he sustained injuries in the same attack.

“Iran’s command and control structure is in utter chaos,” Netanyahu declared.

According to Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow specializing in Middle East security at the Royal United Services Institute, a UK-based defense and security think tank, the elimination of numerous Iranian leaders will transform the theocratic system, though changes may unfold gradually.

“Leadership matters, and the loss of key decision-makers spanning politics, intelligence, internal security and (the) army will have transformative consequences,” Ozcelik stated.

“The fixation on the terminology of ‘regime collapse’ is obscuring the fact that the regime is already changing” as a result of the military strikes and leadership assassinations. However, she noted that the war’s complete impact on the country may require time to fully manifest.

“We need to be prepared for change that may take years, not weeks or months.”

Many experts believe actual authority now lies with Iran’s formidable paramilitary Islamic Revolutionary Guard.

“The Revolutionary Guard is the state now,” explained Ali Vaez, Iran project director at the International Crisis Group. Prior to the conflict, civilian leadership was “subservient entirely” to the supreme leader, while the Guard represented the country’s second-most powerful institution.

However, with the elder Khamenei deceased and his son lacking equivalent authority, “it is really the Revolutionary Guards who are running the country.”

The Guard emerged from Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution as a protective force for the Shiite cleric-led government. It subsequently gained constitutional recognition and functions alongside Iran’s conventional military.

The Guard’s overseas operations unit, the Quds Force, played a crucial role in establishing what Iran calls its “Axis of Resistance” opposing Israel and the United States. It provided support to Syria’s former President Bashar Assad, Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi rebels, and additional regional armed groups.

During the conflict’s early stages, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi indicated that the country’s military forces were operating without centralized governmental oversight.

“Our … military units are now in fact independent and somehow isolated and they are acting based on instructions — you know, general instructions — given to them in advance,” Araghchi stated during a March 1 Al Jazeera interview.

When questioned about Tehran’s attacks on other Gulf states, including Oman, which had served as an intermediary in recent U.S.-Iran nuclear negotiations, he responded: “What happened in Oman was not our choice. We have already told our … army, armed forces to be careful about the targets that they choose.”

The prospect of Israeli or American military action against Iran had long been anticipated. The Islamic Republic had incorporated this possibility into its strategic planning, establishing numerous backup plans, according to Vaez.

“I think the mistake in the U.S. and in Israel is that they ended up believing their own rhetoric that Iran is akin to a terrorist organization, that decapitating the regime or removing one or two layers of political elite would result in paralysis and collapse,” Vaez observed. “Whereas this is a state, … it has multiple layers of leadership.”

Even with all senior commanders eliminated, he noted, subordinate officers can assume their predecessors’ responsibilities. “The expectation that this regime will … implode by removing a few dozen senior leaders, I think is nothing but an illusion.”

NUUK/COPENHAGEN – Political candidates from Greenland are using President Trump’s interest in purchasing their Arctic homeland as a bargaining chip to secure greater concessions from Denmark in next week’s parliamentary elections.

Trump’s public desire for the United States to obtain Greenland has spotlighted the remote island home to 57,000 residents, highlighting ongoing concerns about Denmark’s investment in military defense, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

“The most important thing for us in this election is the sovereignty of the Greenlandic people,” stated Juno Berthelsen, 43, who represents the opposition Naleraq party that supports independence. “The Greenlandic people … should always be at the centre of any conversation about Greenland.”

The Naleraq party, whose name translates to “point of orientation” in the indigenous Kalaallisut language, has put forward five candidates including Berthelsen to compete for Greenland’s two parliamentary seats in Denmark’s national legislature. Greenland operates as an autonomous territory under Danish sovereignty.

UNPRECEDENTED MOMENT

Although many residents view Naleraq’s push for immediate separation from Copenhagen as hasty or misguided, others recognize Trump’s territorial ambitions as an opportunity to address decades-old complaints against Denmark.

As global superpowers increasingly compete for Arctic influence and climate change creates new shipping lanes while exposing natural resources, Greenland’s strategic value has become undeniable. This forces Copenhagen to demonstrate its value as an ally rather than taking the relationship for granted.

Any appearance of Danish negligence could strengthen Trump’s argument for American involvement.

Numerous Greenlanders criticize Denmark for unfairly profiting from their fishing sector, preventing economic self-sufficiency, and failing to shield the over 17,000 Greenlanders residing in Denmark from prejudice.

Anna Wangenheim, who serves as Greenland’s health minister and represents the Demokraatit party alongside Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, believes Trump’s demands have triggered a necessary confrontation.

“The fact that we are in the eye of the hurricane in the Arctic means that we have a very great opportunity to have much greater influence than we have had before.”

SEEKING REPRESENTATION

Aage Josefsen, a 55-year-old bus operator in capital city Nuuk, views the election through a straightforward lens: determining who truly represents Greenland’s interests. “The Greenlandic government should have more say in meetings, instead of Denmark just speaking on Greenland’s behalf,” he explained.

Campaign platforms from Greenlandic politicians include establishing a maritime patrol unit staffed by local fishermen and hunters, restructuring fishing operations to keep more profits on the island, and requiring Danish students to study Greenlandic history and culture.

Denmark’s left-leaning Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen confronts a competitive election despite gaining support for her firm resistance to American pressure regarding Greenland, as many Danish citizens express frustration with increasing living expenses and social service strains.

Political experts suggest Frederiksen may find it difficult to secure a parliamentary majority, making every vote critical – including those from Greenlandic representatives – for maintaining her leadership position.

Candidates are also demanding revision of the 1951 military cooperation agreement between Denmark and the United States, which was negotiated without Greenlandic participation.

“It must be something that Greenland can also see itself reflected in, a defence agreement about our land,” explained Ane Lone Bagger from the Siumut party.

SHIFTING ATTITUDES

Bagger noted that Trump’s pressure has already altered Danish behavior. “Suddenly there are apologies and this and that,” she observed.

In the previous year, Denmark issued formal apologies to thousands of Greenlandic women who were subjected to forced contraception procedures from the 1960s through 1991.

This changed approach from Copenhagen is exemplified by Frederiksen, who has established herself as Greenland’s strongest advocate, making multiple visits to the territory and mobilizing European allies against American pressure.

She has clearly stated that Greenland’s destiny belongs solely to its people to determine.

However, many islanders worry that international political tensions overshadow their everyday concerns.

For Inuujuk Louis Petersen, a 24-year-old taxi driver campaigning for Demokraatit in Nuuk’s Danish parliamentary race, the situation carries both personal and political significance.

Greenland never requested to become the center of superpower competition, he noted. “It is of course at the expense of the life we have always been used to,” he said. “And that was peace and quiet.”

A leading pharmaceutical trade organization in the United Kingdom is sounding the alarm about potential medicine shortages if Middle East conflicts continue to disrupt global supply chains.

Medicines UK, which represents companies responsible for 85% of NHS prescriptions, reports that while Britain has managed to avoid drug shortages up to this point, escalating shipping expenses are putting severe financial strain on generic medication producers.

Mark Samuels, the organization’s Chief Executive, described Britain as being “one step away” from experiencing medicine shortages should regional instability continue, noting that current stockpiles only offer temporary protection.

According to Samuels, manufacturers of low-cost generic medications are already feeling the impact of increased transportation expenses and shipping delays. These companies may soon reach their limit for absorbing additional costs.

“If the conflict continues for the longer term, then I think manufacturers will cease being able to absorb the costs, and then we’ll either have some price rises for the NHS or we’ll have a failure to supply. Probably a mixture of both,” Samuels explained during a Thursday interview with Reuters.

The executive emphasized that off-patent medications face particular vulnerability compared to patented drugs, as their narrow profit margins provide minimal flexibility for handling increased freight expenses. With approximately 55% of generic drugs in Britain costing less than 1 British pound ($1.34) for a month’s treatment, transportation represents a substantial portion of total costs, raising concerns that some products could become unprofitable.

Previous reporting has indicated that the ongoing conflict is already affecting the flow of essential medications to Gulf regions, threatening supply chains for cancer treatments and other medications requiring temperature-controlled transport as companies seek alternative shipping routes.

Samuels noted that biosimilar medications face greater risk than standard oral medications due to their longer production timelines and more complicated manufacturing processes.

South Africa’s trade regulators have announced significant new import duties targeting structural steel from China and Thailand following a comprehensive investigation that uncovered evidence of unfair trade practices.

The International Trade Administration Commission of South Africa revealed that Chinese structural steel imports will now face a substantial 74.98% tariff, while products from Thailand will be subject to a 20.32% duty. These final rates represent a major increase from the temporary measures implemented in 2024, which set provisional duties at 52.81% for China and 9.12% for Thailand.

The new tariffs specifically target structural steel products primarily utilized in construction projects. According to the March 19 government announcement, the trade commission’s investigation determined that both countries were engaging in dumping practices.

In their official statement, regulators concluded that steel products “originating in or imported from the PRC and Thailand was being imported into the SACU market at dumped prices, thereby causing material injury.”

The commission explained that dumping occurs when products are sold in foreign markets below normal pricing or production costs, creating unfair competition that harms local manufacturers.

Officials from both the Chinese and Thai embassies have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the new trade restrictions.

The trade commission confirmed that South Africa’s commerce minister has given approval for the recommended tariff structure.

South Africa’s steel sector has been struggling with declining domestic demand while simultaneously dealing with a surge of foreign imports, predominantly from Chinese manufacturers. Major industry players like ArcelorMittal South Africa have been forced to close production facilities due to these market pressures.

According to data from the South African Iron and Steel Institute, imported steel represents approximately 36% of the country’s total steel usage, with Chinese products accounting for 73% of those imports.

While conflict continues to intensify throughout the Middle East, Iranian American families nationwide are determining how best to celebrate Nowruz, the traditional Persian New Year holiday.

Communities with Iranian heritage are navigating the challenge of honoring their cultural traditions during a time of regional turmoil and uncertainty.

South Korean lawmakers approved comprehensive judicial reforms Friday that will remove investigative authority from prosecutors, a change supporters say will reduce the potential for political manipulation of one of the nation’s most influential government institutions.

The new law establishes a dedicated agency focused solely on indictments and prosecutions while transferring investigative responsibilities to a different organization.

This historic decision formalizes the division of authority that President Lee Jae Myung and his liberal Democratic Party believe is essential to stop political misuse of unconstrained prosecutorial influence.

Liberal efforts to restructure the prosecution system intensified following accusations that former prosecutor chief Yoon Suk Yeol exploited the office to secure the presidency and target political adversaries.

When conservative leader Yoon declared martial law briefly in December 2024, many reform supporters viewed this as the ultimate justification for dismantling the system that elevated him to power.

Friday’s vote concludes a multi-decade political battle in South Korea to restructure the prosecution service. Demands for reform grew as prosecutors faced allegations of pursuing political opponents while shielding allies, with liberal politicians contending that such concentrated authority encouraged abuse and undermined democratic oversight.

Park Eun-jung, a former prosecutor and representative from the liberal Rebuilding Korea Party, explained that the reform aims to address “a shameful history of prosecutors changing the standard of the law to suit their political advantage.”

However, opponents, including conservative legislators who attempted to prevent the vote through filibuster tactics, argue the restructuring could diminish oversight of investigators and transform reform into a political weapon for the current administration.

Choi Jin-a, a law professor at Korea University, warned the legislation would eliminate safeguards ensuring the prosecution service’s political neutrality and independence, “making prosecutors and police even more beholden to political power.”

Reform advocates maintain that breaking the prosecution’s control is exactly their objective.

“In democracy, no function is controlled by one group, and power works for the people through dispersion and checks,” explained former Democratic Party representative Choe Kang-wook.

Iranian state television announced Friday that Ali Mohammad Naini, a communications official with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, died in military strikes carried out by the United States and Israel.

Naini served as both a spokesperson and deputy of public relations for Iran’s Revolutionary Guard forces, according to the state media report from Tehran.

The announcement comes amid ongoing tensions in the Middle East involving Iranian military forces and their regional activities.

Chinese anti-corruption authorities announced Friday they are investigating Chongqing Mayor Hu Henghua for alleged serious violations of law and party discipline.

China’s Central Commission for Discipline Inspection revealed the probe in a brief statement but provided no specific details about the nature of the alleged violations against Hu.

This investigation represents the latest development in China’s ongoing “high-pressure” anti-corruption drive targeting Communist Party officials. The campaign has resulted in numerous senior party members facing investigations, dismissals, and criminal charges in recent years.

Chongqing ranks among China’s four directly-controlled municipalities, sharing equivalent administrative authority with provinces. The other three cities with this special status are Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai.

Hu’s record includes a previous disciplinary action from 2023, when party officials issued him a formal warning for inadequate oversight of housing, construction, and safety standards. This failure contributed to a deadly building collapse in Changsha, the capital of Hunan province, which claimed more than 50 lives in 2022.

The mayor took office in Chongqing in December 2021, following a career that included various high-ranking positions in Hunan province from late 2013 through 2020.

Officials from Myanmar’s legislature announced Friday that the presidential selection process will commence on March 30, with many political observers anticipating the current military leader will secure the position.

The announcement comes after a disputed election victory by a party supported by the military. Under the established procedure, three presidential nominees will be put forward – one each from the military, the upper legislative chamber, and the lower legislative chamber.

Following a review period, lawmakers will choose one of these three nominees to serve as president, while the remaining two will take on vice presidential roles, according to officials from the Pyidaungsu Hluttaw speaking during a state media broadcast.

The timeline for the candidate review process and the actual presidential vote remains unclear, as officials provided no specific dates for these steps.

Political analysts widely believe Min Aung Hlaing, the current junta leader, will assume the presidency of the Southeast Asian nation.

Independent political observer Htin Kyaw Aye anticipates the general will resign from his military leadership position before the March 30 deadline, citing constitutional requirements that prevent active civil servants from seeking the presidency.

“Since Min Aung Hlaing aspires to the presidency, he must step down from his current role as Commander-in-Chief to be eligible with 2008 constitution,” stated the Thailand-based analyst.

The analyst noted that military forces and the army-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party will maintain their grip on the nation’s political landscape following the staged elections conducted in December and January.

“This is not a transition to democracy, but rather a transformation from a military-clad dictatorship to a civilian-clothed one,” he explained.

The country has experienced significant unrest since early 2021, when military forces removed the democratically elected civilian administration headed by Nobel Peace Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi. The military takeover sparked widespread demonstrations that eventually evolved into armed resistance movements challenging junta rule throughout the nation.

South Korean government officials acknowledged Friday that Iranian strikes on Qatar’s energy infrastructure have created market uncertainty, though they emphasized the nation maintains adequate liquefied natural gas supplies through diverse sourcing options.

The state-owned QatarEnergy company announced it must invoke force majeure clauses on long-term supply agreements lasting up to five years for LNG deliveries to Italy, Belgium, South Korea, and China following the Iranian attacks that eliminated 17% of the country’s LNG export capabilities.

As the globe’s third-largest LNG purchaser behind China and Japan, South Korea relies on natural gas for electricity generation, industrial operations, and residential heating systems. Data from analytics company Kpler shows the country imported 47.77 million metric tons of LNG last year, with Qatar providing 7.16 million metric tons of that total.

Qatar ranks as South Korea’s third-most important LNG supplier, following Australia and Malaysia in volume.

“Given that the share of imports from Qatar is relatively low (at around 14% in 2026) and alternative supply sources are available, there are no issues regarding gas supply and demand,” South Korea’s Industry Ministry said in a statement, without elaborating on the potential alternative sources.

“However, as uncertainty has been growing, we plan to closely monitor supply, demand, and price trends and respond accordingly,” the ministry added.

The government-controlled Korea Gas Corp (KOGAS) reported Friday that its LNG stockpiles exceed required reserve levels. “KOGAS has sufficient capabilities to respond to supply and demand crises,” the company stated.

Officials plan to manage LNG supplies by boosting coal and nuclear power production while decreasing dependence on natural gas-powered electricity generation, according to Democratic Party representative Ahn Do-geol, who spoke earlier this week.

Natural gas-fired power plants generated 27% of South Korea’s electricity in 2025, with the remainder primarily coming from coal, nuclear, and renewable energy sources.

Ahn indicated that restrictions limiting coal power generation would be removed, while scheduled maintenance at six nuclear facilities would be expedited to maximize nuclear energy utilization.

LNG purchasers across Asia have been scrambling to secure replacement supplies since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran blocked tanker passage through the Strait of Hormuz and interrupted Qatari deliveries.

Alex Siow, lead Asia gas analyst at ICIS analytics firm, suggested that Kogas should have little trouble replacing Qatari volumes through spot market purchases, as the company is less constrained by price considerations than other buyers.

Siow noted that South Korea had already begun increasing coal-fired electricity generation, while a new nuclear power facility scheduled to begin operations in the second half of the year will provide additional energy capacity.

DAEJEON, South Korea — A devastating blaze broke out at an automotive parts manufacturing plant in South Korea’s central region Friday, leaving no fewer than 50 workers injured, according to emergency officials.

South Korea’s National Fire Agency reported that 35 individuals sustained serious injuries, though authorities could not immediately determine if any victims faced life-threatening conditions.

Dramatic footage captured at the location revealed dense gray smoke pouring from the industrial complex.

Emergency officials could not immediately determine how many employees remained trapped within the building and cautioned that the casualty count might climb higher. The blaze began around 1:17 p.m., with authorities declining to speculate on what may have sparked the fire.

The fire agency dispatched more than 200 emergency responders along with 70 emergency vehicles to combat the flames.

Prime Minister Kim Min-seok, who serves as the nation’s second-ranking official under President Lee Jae Myung, ordered the complete deployment of emergency personnel and equipment to suppress the fire and conduct rescue missions.

Norway’s Crown Princess Mette-Marit publicly addressed her controversial connection to deceased sex offender Jeffrey Epstein on Friday, expressing deep remorse about their relationship in what represents one of the most significant scandals to impact the Norwegian royal family.

The princess’s comments come after the U.S. Justice Department made public millions of documents related to Epstein, creating worldwide controversy as they exposed the convicted financier’s connections to high-profile individuals, including the Norwegian royal and several prominent politicians, business leaders, and diplomatic officials from Norway.

“I was manipulated and deceived,” Mette-Marit stated during her television interview with Norway’s public broadcasting network NRK.

“Of course, I wish I had never met him,” the crown princess added when discussing Epstein.

The newly released documentation revealed ongoing correspondence between the 52-year-old princess and Epstein that continued well beyond 2008, when he entered a guilty plea for soliciting a minor. Mette-Marit, who issued an apology to King Harald and Queen Sonja in a statement on February 6th, faces no criminal allegations.

Although previous news reports had established some connection between Mette-Marit and Epstein, the recent document release revealed a far more substantial relationship, prompting criticism from Norway’s prime minister and calls for the princess to provide a complete explanation.

According to the American documents, the princess, who is married to Crown Prince Haakon and future queen, remained in contact with Epstein between 2011 and 2014, including a four-day stay at his Palm Beach residence during a personal visit in 2013.

“I’ve never seen anything illegal,” Mette-Marit emphasized during Friday’s NRK interview.

Public support for Norway’s royal institution has declined in recent months, according to polling data from February involving 1,009 participants.

The Norstat survey, published February 21st by NRK, found that 60% of Norwegian citizens now back the monarchy, representing a drop from 70% in January, while republican support increased from 19% to 27% during the same timeframe.

International trade relations face a potential turning point as diplomats warn that stalled reform efforts at the World Trade Organization may drive nations toward alternative trading arrangements.

A crucial four-day conference of WTO trade ministers scheduled for next week in Yaounde, Cameroon arrives at a pivotal moment for the organization that replaced the post-World War II trade framework in 1995.

The discussions occur against the backdrop of the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has disrupted global energy markets and poses significant risks to worldwide economic stability.

President Donald Trump’s aggressive use of tariffs has heightened international trade disputes, undermining the WTO’s authority while multilateral negotiations remain stagnant and the organization’s dispute resolution system has been paralyzed for six years.

While most WTO member nations support organizational changes, they remain split on developing an actionable strategy, according to diplomatic sources and confidential documents reviewed by Reuters. This disagreement may push trade-dependent nations to explore alternative solutions.

“Our ‘Plan A’ is to get reform within the WTO system, but there are many hurdles,” stated Swedish Trade Minister Benjamin Dousa, noting that unsuccessful Yaounde negotiations would motivate the European Union “to pursue a parallel track.”

The 27-member European bloc might strengthen partnerships with nations in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and other aligned economies, Dousa explained to Reuters.

The CPTPP encompasses 12 nations, including Australia, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Malaysia and Britain.

Such cooperation would “supplement” the WTO framework, enabling participants to establish specific trade regulations among themselves while continuing to advocate for broader multilateral system reforms, according to two EU diplomatic sources.

“As a Plan B we have to open up for plurilateral agreements,” Dousa continued, referring to arrangements where willing nations commit to binding obligations.

Although some plurilateral deals have been integrated into WTO operations, certain members express frustration that a development investment initiative scheduled for Yaounde discussion has faced repeated obstruction despite majority backing.

Should this initiative remain blocked without agreement on reform directions, “we will consider our options,” warned one Western diplomatic representative.

EU-CPTPP partnerships could advance agreements covering digital commerce and essential raw materials while expanding Free Trade Agreements, according to Svitlana Taran from the European Policy Centre.

A Canadian official identified “a lot of momentum” in EU-CPTPP collaboration, with Yaounde discussions planned regarding origin rules and investment policies.

WTO Director General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala informed Reuters that the organization endorses diversifying trade relationships.

“If they want to get together as a group and try to do something, we see it as complementary,” she stated.

Both Dousa and a European diplomat described the EU-CPTPP partnership, which currently represents more than 35% of worldwide trade, as potentially forming a “core group” open to additional members.

Looking ahead, participants might develop a “multi-speed” WTO structure, maintaining fundamental regulations while incorporating flexibility through different commitment levels and plurilateral arrangements for motivated groups to progress in specific sectors, Dousa explained.

One European trade diplomat anticipates a “tiered trade system” with varying commitment degrees, including ‘most favoured nation’ (MFN) status, among willing participants developing outside WTO structures within five years before eventual WTO integration.

MFN status, a fundamental WTO principle, mandates that countries apply identical tariffs to all trading partners.

Confidential reform documents reviewed by Reuters reveal significant member disagreements: the United States supports changes but opposes detailed, comprehensive work plans, while the EU, Britain and China favor such approaches.

“I expect it to be quite a difficult ministerial,” acknowledged Okonjo-Iweala, though she expressed optimism about member consensus on reform necessity.

Washington’s main objective involves permanently extending a moratorium preventing customs duties on electronic transmissions like digital downloads, which expires this month. This extension would provide U.S. confidence to “remain fully engaged” in WTO operations, stated U.S. Ambassador Joseph Barloon.

India will likely continue opposing the moratorium, according to an official source.

“If U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer leaves Yaounde without a moratorium, the U.S. proclamations on the death of the WTO will be even louder,” predicted one diplomat.

The International Chamber of Commerce reports that businesses worry failure could trigger new taxes on cross-border data transfers.

Ministers will examine the MFN principle, currently governing 72% of global commerce, after Washington declared last December that MFN was inappropriate for the current era. The EU has similarly indicated interest in reconsidering MFN, primarily due to China-related concerns, a senior diplomat revealed.

Beijing maintains that MFN must continue as the foundation of the global trading system, a Chinese diplomat emphasized.

“We need a rules-based, not power-based, system.”

Israeli forces launched overnight airstrikes against Syrian government military installations on Friday, responding to recent attacks targeting Druze civilians in the Sweida province, according to Israeli military officials.

The military operation focused on command and control facilities as well as weapons storage sites located within Syrian military compounds in the southern region of the country. Israeli defense officials stated they will not accept violence directed at Druze communities and pledged ongoing efforts to safeguard these populations while closely watching regional developments.

The conflict in the Middle East has stalled American-mediated peace discussions between Ukraine and Russia, creating an opportunity for Vladimir Putin to launch fresh military campaigns against Ukraine that could intensify pressure on the embattled nation.

Moscow’s war treasury is swelling with profits from climbing global oil prices, while Iranian attacks in the Gulf region are rapidly depleting American air defense resources, sparking worries about reduced availability of support for Ukraine as the conflict enters its fifth year since Russia’s comprehensive invasion began.

European nations backing Ukraine have pledged continued unwavering assistance, but disagreements surrounding a substantial 90 billion euro ($106 billion) European Union financial package designed to fund Kyiv’s defense and economic requirements over two years demonstrate the growing difficulties.

NATO member countries’ unwillingness to deploy naval forces to help reestablish oil tanker movement through the Strait of Hormuz has triggered sharp criticism from President Donald Trump, revealing another developing division with potentially serious consequences for Ukraine.

Ukrainian leader Volodymyr Zelenskyy has attempted to maintain Washington’s focus by proposing Ukrainian knowledge in combating Iranian Shahed drones, dispatching more than 200 military specialists to the Gulf region. However, Trump has dismissed Zelenskyy’s assistance offer, stating America doesn’t require Kyiv’s help.

While fresh indicators of Western alliance tensions surface, Putin and his military commanders are considering strategies for spring and summer operations along the extensive 1,200-kilometer (approximately 750-mile) battle zone.

Russian armed forces seem to be preparing for another attempt to seize remaining Ukrainian-controlled portions of eastern Donetsk region, along with potential attacks in multiple other areas.

Military experts have noticed Moscow accumulating reserves, with operations anticipated to accelerate as spring weather conditions improve ground conditions.

The Washington-based Institute for the Study of War has observed Russian forces intensifying artillery bombardments and drone strikes, attempting to weaken Ukrainian defensive positions ahead of ground assaults.

Ukraine has tried to disrupt the Kremlin’s strategies by conducting counter-operations in Dnipropetrovsk and Zaporizhzhia regions, where Russian troops have attempted to establish footholds aimed at advancing toward regional capitals that serve as crucial industrial centers.

The ISW stated in a recent battlefield evaluation that Ukraine’s effective retaliation in Dnipropetrovsk region will likely continue forcing Russia to “choose between defending against the Ukrainian counterattacks and allocating manpower and materiel for offensive operations elsewhere” along the front, potentially disrupting the expected Russian offensive.

The organization also observed that Ukrainian forces have increased their medium-range attacks against Russian supply lines, military hardware and personnel to attempt derailing the anticipated offensive.

Russian military commentators caution that Moscow would require significant force reinforcement to execute any major offensive, creating difficulties for the Kremlin.

Following the highly unpopular “partial mobilization” of 300,000 reservists during the war’s early stages that caused hundreds of thousands to leave the country to avoid conscription, Russian military leadership has shifted approaches, depending on volunteers and recruiting international fighters enticed by competitive salaries and additional benefits.

Putin stated Russia maintains approximately 700,000 troops engaged in Ukraine, roughly equivalent to Ukraine’s reported troop numbers.

Following rapid movements by substantial tank and mechanized infantry formations during Russia’s initial 2022 invasion, the conflict has transformed into an attrition war featuring small soldier units engaged in exhausting, building-by-building combat throughout devastated eastern Ukrainian towns and villages. Widespread drone usage has limited troop concentration for significant maneuvers.

Russia has also utilized long-distance missiles and drones to bombard Ukraine’s power infrastructure and other critical facilities.

Throughout the past year, Russia has successfully penetrated and weakened Ukrainian defensive positions due to the “growing lethality” of Moscow’s attacks and Kyiv’s declining personnel numbers, according to analyst Jack Watling from the Royal United Services Institute.

“Russia is likely able to maintain its current rate of recruitment, despite the punishing rate of casualties” inflicted by Ukraine, he added.

While preparing for new offensives, Russia has increasingly attempted to recruit students for its recently established Drone Forces, providing relatively generous compensation and positioning at safe distances from combat zones.

Tulsi Gabbard, the U.S. director of national intelligence, informed the Senate Intelligence Committee on Wednesday that “Russia has maintained the upper hand in the war against Ukraine.”

She indicated the U.S.-led discussions between Ukraine and Russia “are ongoing. Until such an agreement is met, Moscow is likely to continue fighting a slow war of attrition until they view their objectives have been achieved.”

Multiple negotiation rounds have yielded no apparent progress as both sides remain deeply divided on fundamental issues.

Putin demands Ukraine remove its forces from four regions Russia has unlawfully claimed but never completely conquered, abandon NATO membership aspirations, drastically reduce its military, and eliminate restrictions on Russian language and Moscow-aligned Orthodox Church — conditions Zelenskyy has refused.

Zelenskyy has requested a ceasefire, American-supported security assurances to prevent future Moscow invasions, and has dismissed territorial claims over Ukrainian land.

Kyiv’s European supporters accuse Moscow of prolonging discussions hoping to achieve additional gains and insist Europe must participate in negotiations. Russia has refused their involvement.

Moscow declares it won’t permit European troops to oversee a potential ceasefire and will consider them legitimate targets.

“There have been signals from the Europeans indicating that they would like to take a place at the negotiating table regarding the Ukrainian settlement,” Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov stated this week, but added that “we don’t consider it necessary or expedient.”

Sam Greene, a professor at King’s College London, commented that Moscow’s approach was clear — “engaging with Washington just enough to prevent Ukraine from getting what it needed to shift the balance on the ground, and just enough to keep the Europeans at bay, but not enough to make real progress.”

The U.S. has provided Moscow a temporary exemption from oil sanctions, permitting sales of Russian crude already in transit — disappointing Kyiv and European nations.

Additionally, Trump has portrayed Zelenskyy as hindering peace efforts. “He has to get on the ball, and he has to get a deal done,” Trump said regarding the Ukrainian leader earlier this month.

He stated in an NBC News interview that while Putin was prepared for an agreement, “it’s much harder to reach a deal with Zelenskyy.”

Trump also rejected Zelenskyy’s proposal to assist in protecting American forces and allies in the Gulf from Iranian drones. “No, we don’t need their help on drone defense,” Trump told Fox News Radio.

Zelenskyy, who has adopted a more pragmatic public approach with Trump following their tense White House meeting in February 2025, has voiced increasing worry that the Iran conflict could damage Ukraine.

He informed the BBC this week that he had a “very bad feeling” about the Middle East conflict’s effect on Ukraine’s war, observing that peace negotiations are being “constantly postponed” while Russia profits from elevated oil prices and Ukraine might face shortages of American-made Patriot missiles.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iranian drone strikes targeted a major Kuwaiti oil processing facility in the early hours of Friday, igniting fires while warning sirens blared across Israel and explosive sounds echoed through Tehran during Israel’s retaliatory operations coinciding with Iran’s Persian New Year celebrations.

The ongoing conflict, now approaching its third week, continues to destabilize global markets as Iran maintains its assault on regional energy infrastructure. Kuwait reported that drone attacks on its Mina Al-Ahmadi refinery caused significant blazes, with emergency teams working to extinguish the flames.

The targeted facility has the capacity to process approximately 730,000 barrels daily and had previously sustained damage from another Iranian strike on Thursday. The refinery represents one of three major oil processing plants in Kuwait, a small but petroleum-wealthy nation situated along the Persian Gulf.

Tehran escalated its targeting of Gulf Arab energy installations following Israel’s Wednesday bombing campaign against Iran’s extensive South Pars natural gas complex located offshore in the Persian Gulf.

Powerful explosions rattled Dubai as defensive systems engaged incoming projectiles above the city, where residents were commemorating Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan’s holy fasting period, with mosques broadcasting their morning prayer calls.

Bahrain’s Interior Ministry reported warehouse fires caused by debris from intercepted missiles, while Saudi Arabia announced successfully downing several drones aimed at its petroleum-rich Eastern Province.

These fresh assaults followed an intensive period during which Iran targeted energy facilities throughout the region and fired over a dozen missile barrages toward Israel after the South Pars attack.

The South Pars field, representing Iran’s portion of the globe’s largest natural gas reserve shared with Qatar, sits offshore in the Persian Gulf. Given that approximately 80% of Iran’s electrical generation relies on natural gas, the Israeli strike directly threatened the nation’s power grid.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday evening that his country would pause additional strikes on the gas facility following U.S. President Donald Trump’s request, after Iran’s response caused oil prices to surge dramatically.

Iran’s attacks on neighboring Gulf Arab states, combined with its control over shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz—a vital passage for one-fifth of global oil and essential goods transport—have heightened fears of a worldwide energy emergency.

Brent crude oil, the global benchmark, which jumped above $119 per barrel during Thursday’s Iranian attacks, traded around $107 Friday morning, representing a more than 47% increase since the February 28 Israeli-U.S. strikes on Iran that initiated the current conflict.

Warning sirens activated across Israel early Friday, alerting residents in Jerusalem and northern regions of incoming attacks and forcing people into protective shelters. Initial reports indicated no immediate casualties.

Shortly after Israel announced new military operations against Iran, explosive sounds were audible in Tehran as Iranians observed Nowruz, their traditional New Year celebration. Additional details were not immediately released.

The war has claimed over 1,300 lives in Iran. Israeli military actions against the Iranian-supported Hezbollah organization in Lebanon have forced more than 1 million people from their homes, according to Lebanese officials, who report over 1,000 deaths. Israel claims to have eliminated more than 500 Hezbollah fighters.

Iranian missile strikes have killed 15 people within Israel, while four additional fatalities occurred in the occupied West Bank from Iranian projectiles.

At least 13 U.S. service members have lost their lives in the conflict.

The United Arab Emirates announced Friday it had dismantled what officials described as “a terrorist network funded and operated by Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Iran.”

Authorities detained five individuals on money laundering charges, claiming they were “operating within the country under a fictitious commercial cover” while planning activities that could destabilize the nation’s financial system.

The UAE’s state-operated WAM news service published photographs of the five detainees without revealing their identities.

PARIS, March 20 – Following a historic release of emergency oil reserves earlier this month, the International Energy Agency has now issued recommendations for combating rising fuel costs triggered by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

The conflict has sent energy prices soaring globally, raising inflation concerns worldwide and prompting the agency to seek additional ways to help consumers manage the financial strain.

On Friday, the IEA presented a series of measures that governments, companies, and individual households can implement to mitigate the impact of climbing energy costs on consumers.

Among the agency’s recommendations are encouraging remote work arrangements, lowering highway speed limits by a minimum of 10 kilometers per hour, and choosing alternative transportation methods over air travel when feasible.

IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol emphasized the organization’s ongoing efforts in a statement: “We have recently launched the largest ever release of IEA emergency oil stocks – and I am in close contact with key governments around the world, including major energy producers and consumers, as part of our international energy diplomacy.”

Birol further explained the purpose of the new guidelines: “In addition to this, today’s report provides a menu of immediate and concrete measures that can be taken on the demand side by governments, businesses and households to shelter consumers from the impacts of this crisis.”

Earlier this month on March 11, the IEA authorized the release of a historic 400 million barrels of oil from emergency reserves to address the dramatic increase in worldwide crude oil prices, with the United States providing the majority of the released supply.

DAEJEON, South Korea – Emergency crews are battling a massive industrial fire that has left 50 workers injured at an automotive parts manufacturing plant in South Korea, according to reports from Yonhap News Agency on Friday.

The blaze erupted at the facility located in Daejeon, a city situated approximately 99 miles south of Seoul. Of the 50 injured workers, 35 have sustained serious injuries requiring immediate medical attention.

South Korean fire officials have issued a nationwide emergency mobilization order to combat the dangerous flames. Nearly 240 emergency responders have been dispatched to the scene to fight the fire and conduct rescue operations.

Authorities are expressing grave concerns that the casualty count may continue to climb as firefighting efforts continue.

The country’s Prime Minister Kim Min-seok has issued direct orders emphasizing that rescuing human lives must remain the absolute top priority in the emergency response, according to Yonhap’s reporting.

Officials from the National Fire Agency were not immediately available to provide additional details when contacted by phone.

GUAJES DE AYALA, Mexico — In the rugged mountains of Mexico’s Guerrero state, Jesús Domínguez navigates dense vegetation with an assault rifle across his back and an explosive device attached to his belt.

The 34-year-old moves with a group of camouflage-wearing fighters who patrol remote areas against one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminal organizations.

Equipped with high-powered weapons trafficked from the United States, this 50-person militia represents one of many “autodefensa” or civilian protection units that have formed across Mexico during the last ten years to combat increasingly advanced cartels in regions where government forces cannot reach.

“The government doesn’t care about us, and it’s impossible for our arms to compete with (the cartel’s),” Domínguez explained from an observation point overlooking Guerrero’s mountainous terrain. “They come at you with a ton of force, so you need to respond with force…If you don’t, they’ll overwhelm you.”

These civilian fighters in Guajes de Ayala operate within Mexico’s chaotic environment of competing armed factions — ranging from international cartels to neighborhood criminal groups — particularly in areas like Guerrero that have suffered from fragmenting drug organizations for years. This complex situation presents a major challenge for Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum as she faces demands from the Trump administration while concerns grow about increased violence after the death of Mexico’s most influential drug kingpin.

The civilian defense unit formed in 2020 when La Nueva Familia Michoacana attempted to seize seven mountain communities located along a crucial route that connects drug trafficking organizations to Acapulco’s port, where narcotics and contraband move through.

Community members reported that this cartel, which the Trump administration labeled a terrorist organization last year, began cutting down trees illegally on their property and attempted to coerce locals into fighting against competing criminal groups.

Without Mexican army or police presence, townspeople took up weapons. Intermittent battles continued for almost twelve months. People evacuated on foot, trekking for hours across distant mountains carrying only their clothing. Towns that once housed 1,600 residents shrank to merely 400.

Following a temporary ceasefire, the militia reorganized in October when Nueva Familia Michoacana resumed their territorial expansion, establishing drug production facilities and conducting surveillance with unmanned aircraft, according to group commander Javier Hernández.

Currently, the fighters protect their communities from elevated positions and monitor approximately 100 cartel soldiers stationed several miles away using their own surveillance drones.

“We don’t want to be part of their ranks and we don’t want to leave our lands,” Hernández stated. “We don’t want to be slaves to any cartel.”

Guerrero experiences more deeply rooted conflict than most Mexican regions, with a militant history extending back to rebel movements from the 1960s. The situation has become more complicated as cartels have split into competing factions, creating conditions vastly different from previous eras when single organizations maintained complete regional dominance. A 2025 DEA assessment identifies five cartels operating in the area, along with numerous local gangs and civilian militias, many aligned with larger criminal enterprises.

“You have a kaleidoscope of armed groups,” explained Mónica Serrano, a researcher at Colegio de Mexico who studies Guerrero violence. “It’s one of the most vexing challenges facing the country and is at the root of the violence.”

Civilian protection forces expanded throughout Michoacan and Guerrero beginning around 2013. Similar to the Guajes de Ayala organization, they emerged from desperate efforts to avoid becoming casualties in cartel warfare.

However, in locations where criminal organizations have stronger presence than law enforcement, virtually every vigilante movement in recent years has either been absorbed by rival cartels or eliminated. Mexico’s federal government remains divided on whether to negotiate with vigilantes or prosecute them as criminals.

Sometimes, these groups transformed into cartel military units, well-funded and terrorizing the same communities they promised to defend. In other instances, cartels provided weapons to local residents to help combat rival organizations.

“They corner you and you can’t do anything,” Domínguez observed. “That’s how what’s been created – which began as autonomy – is corrupted. People end up joining criminal groups just to survive.”

The Guajes de Ayala community claims independence, yet their forces possess equipment far exceeding what local farmers could afford, including drone detection technology, intercepted radio communications, and DJI surveillance aircraft worth thousands of dollars for monitoring cartel operatives.

They carry assault rifles marked “MADE IN USA” and bearing manufacturer names from Florida, South Carolina and Poland. Due to Mexico’s restrictive firearms regulations, most weapons in the country are smuggled from the United States by cartels.

One fighter acknowledged the vigilantes buy weapons from cartels but declined to specify which organization.

Another revealed he previously belonged to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG) and received payment to join the vigilantes. A third wore headgear displaying “El Señor de los Gallos,” referring to Nemesio Oseguera Cervantes, the influential CJNG commander killed by Mexican military forces in February.

Two regional criminal gangs battling Nueva Familia Michoacana permit Guajes de Ayala residents to travel through their areas, preventing complete encirclement as occurred previously.

Meanwhile, Hernández said he provides information about the opposing cartel to law enforcement and that his organization rejected partnership proposals from other vigilante groups known for attacking civilians.

The spread of armed organizations throughout Mexico tests Sheinbaum as she works to counter Trump administration threats of U.S. military action.

Under Sheinbaum’s leadership, security forces have targeted criminal groups more aggressively than previous administrations. Murder rates have decreased significantly since she assumed office, reaching decade-low levels according to government statistics.

But Hernández said conditions have deteriorated for his community.

“It’s a lie. They say the government is doing wonders, but it’s nothing but propaganda,” he stated.

The elimination of Oseguera Cervantes, known as “El Mencho,” dealt a significant blow to Mexico’s most powerful criminal organization. However, experts and some community members in places like Guajes de Ayala fear this could trigger additional violence as other criminal groups attempt violent takeovers or competing CJNG factions battle for leadership.

A Marine officer in Guerrero, speaking anonymously for security reasons, said his units were “preparing for a possible reorganization of these groups.” He emphasized that Mexican forces haven’t abandoned communities like Guajes de Ayala and respond to requests for assistance from rural locations.

The settlements in Guajes de Ayala have become deserted areas filled with empty houses belonging to people too frightened to return.

Marisela Mojica, Domínguez’s mother, relocated six children and grandchildren after her daughter was abducted by individuals claiming membership in Nueva Familia Michoacana.

“If they come to kill us all, I want one of us to still be alive,” she said.

Mojica hasn’t seen her family in six years or met two grandchildren born after they escaped. She’s uncertain if she ever will.

Educators too afraid to travel between different criminal groups’ territories stopped attending classes in October, leaving schools empty. Government medical facilities have closed.

Hernández tallies the abandoned houses left in decay as he and his fighters drive to patrol the surrounding hills and valleys.

“These mountains are a place of silence,” he said. “You have no voice, and no one hears you.”

COPENHAGEN, Denmark — Danish citizens will cast ballots next week to determine their nation’s leadership for the coming four years, in an election taking place after a diplomatic clash between the United States and Denmark regarding Greenland’s future.

Last month, Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced the upcoming election, seemingly betting that her direct approach during the Greenland dispute would resonate with voters. Should the Social Democratic Party leader successfully form a new coalition following Tuesday’s voting, it would mark the beginning of her third administration.

The 48-year-old has served as head of government for the EU and NATO member nation since mid-2019. Frederiksen has built a reputation for backing Ukraine against Russian aggression while maintaining tough immigration policies.

During her current term, public approval declined amid rising living costs. However, her standing improved as Denmark dealt with Trump’s ambitions for Greenland, which reached a peak in January when he briefly threatened European tariffs over opposition to American control of the Arctic territory.

Election analyst Kasper Møller Hansen from the University of Copenhagen expects Frederiksen to retain leadership, though potentially with her party’s poorest performance to date. The Social Democrats appear headed for less than their 2022 total of 27.5% while maintaining their position as the largest party.

“She’s getting a big burst to her poll results on the topic of Greenland, or the relationship with the United States, or Ukraine,” said Møller Hansen. “On home turf, she’s being really challenged.”

Denmark’s proportional voting system usually creates coalition governments formed by multiple parties from either the political left or right. The current administration broke decades of tradition by spanning both sides of the political spectrum.

Two center-right politicians are competing against Frederiksen — one from within her existing coalition and another from the opposition.

Liberal Party leader Troels Lund Poulsen currently serves as Defense Minister. His Venstre party previously controlled multiple governments but has struggled in recent polling.

Alex Vanopslagh, 34, heads the Liberal Alliance within the conservative “blue bloc,” advocating for reduced taxes, streamlined government, and ending Denmark’s nuclear power prohibition. However, his recent acknowledgment of past cocaine use while leading his party may have damaged his electoral prospects.

The anti-immigration Danish People’s Party appears positioned for a comeback after performing poorly in 2022. Should neither liberal nor conservative factions secure governing majorities, Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen’s centrist Moderate party could determine the outcome.

Immigration remains a central campaign issue, with Denmark maintaining some of Europe’s strictest policies under Frederiksen’s influence.

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

Frederiksen advocates for establishing “return hubs” beyond EU borders for rejected asylum applicants.

Denmark processed 1,961 asylum requests last year, significantly lower than the 21,000 received in 2015.

Economic concerns including living expenses, retirement benefits, and potential wealth taxation have dominated campaign discussions — along with agricultural issues.

As a major global pork producer, Denmark faces calls from the left-wing Alternative party for improved animal welfare standards, agricultural whistleblower protections, and reducing livestock to levels needed only for the country’s 6 million residents. This proposal would eliminate 86% of the nation’s pig population.

Greenland itself hasn’t featured prominently in campaigning due to widespread agreement on the territory’s relationship with Denmark.

“There’s a huge consensus on our relationship to Greenland and our relationship to foreign powers,” Møller Hansen said.

Frederiksen declared in January that American acquisition of Greenland would effectively destroy NATO. The crisis has since cooled following Trump’s withdrawal of tariff threats, leading to trilateral security discussions between the U.S., Denmark, and Greenland.

The election will also test Greenlandic Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen, who has held office for approximately one year.

Campaign tensions have exposed divisions within his coalition government. Disagreements over local officials seeking Copenhagen parliamentary seats prompted one party to leave his alliance, forcing Greenlandic Foreign Minister Vivian Motzfeldt from her position. She subsequently left her Siumut party.

Voters will select members of the Folketing, Denmark’s unicameral legislature.

The parliament contains 179 seats: 175 representing mainland Denmark, plus two each from sparsely populated Greenland and the Faroe Islands, the kingdom’s other autonomous territory.

Over 4.3 million eligible voters can participate in next week’s election. Danish turnout traditionally runs high, reaching 84.2% during the 2022 contest.

Regional warfare expanded Friday as Iranian forces launched coordinated attacks across Gulf Arab nations, targeting critical energy infrastructure while residents celebrated Eid al-Fitr, marking the conclusion of Ramadan’s holy fasting period.

Loud blasts echoed through Dubai during early morning hours as defense systems successfully stopped incoming projectiles from reaching the city. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the effectiveness of defensive measures, stating “Authorities in Dubai confirm the success of all air interception operations, with no injuries reported.”

In Bahrain, government officials reported debris from intercepted missiles sparked a warehouse fire Friday morning, while Kuwaiti forces worked to counter incoming Iranian attacks. Saudi Arabian military units destroyed several Iranian unmanned aircraft attempting to strike the kingdom’s petroleum-producing eastern regions.

Israeli forces conducted bombing operations against Tehran Friday morning, with local observers reporting explosion sounds throughout Iran’s capital as citizens celebrated Nowruz, their traditional New Year holiday.

These Friday morning assaults occurred one day after Israel announced it would halt further attacks on a crucial Iranian natural gas installation, even as Iran continued its sustained campaign against petroleum and gas infrastructure throughout the Gulf region, forcing millions to seek shelter and creating turmoil in international markets.

Brent crude petroleum prices, the global benchmark, have surged dramatically since Israeli and American forces initiated hostilities with Iran. Combat casualties from Israeli military operations in Lebanon exceeded 1,000 people Thursday amid renewed clashes with Hezbollah militants.

Kuwait’s Mina Al-Ahmadi petroleum processing facility suffered its second Iranian drone assault in two days Friday, igniting fires across multiple operational sections. Emergency crews battled the flames with no immediate reports of personnel injuries.

The facility, capable of processing 730,000 barrels daily, represents one of three major refineries in the small but oil-wealthy Persian Gulf nation. Kuwait Petroleum Corporation announced the shutdown of damaged units following the attack.

Kuwait’s oil export capabilities have been severely compromised throughout the conflict due to its dependence on maritime shipping routes through the Persian Gulf and Strait of Hormuz, both frequent targets of Iranian military action.

The timing of Friday’s attacks coincided with Eid al-Fitr celebrations across the region, occurring as mosques issued their first daily prayer calls.

Israeli military officials announced the commencement of Tehran strikes in the early Friday hours, with local activists confirming they heard explosions around the Iranian capital following Israel’s declaration of renewed offensive operations.

The announcement followed Thursday’s intense Iranian missile bombardment of Israeli targets, with more than twelve separate launches documented by Israeli defense forces during that single day.

MOSCOW – Russian citizens are experiencing significant digital disruptions as the Kremlin implements sweeping internet restrictions across the country. Office employees face blocked websites, young people constantly switch between virtual private networks, and taxi operators navigate Moscow streets without digital mapping tools.

Moscow’s government has been systematically disrupting web access throughout various Russian regions while limiting access to popular messaging platforms Telegram and WhatsApp. Authorities have also eliminated numerous VPN services that citizens use to bypass online restrictions.

During the previous week, mobile internet service has been completely unavailable daily in sections of central Moscow, St. Petersburg, and additional major metropolitan areas, according to news correspondents and eight high-ranking international diplomatic sources stationed in Russia.

When questioned about limitations on messaging applications and internet access, Kremlin representative Dmitry Peskov confirmed to news outlets: “These measures are taking place.”

“They are partly related to the fact that a number of foreign companies refuse to comply with the norms of Russian legislation, and partly due to security measures against the threat of Ukrainian drones,” Peskov explained.

Military drones can utilize cellular infrastructure for navigation assistance.

This year’s digital restrictions in Russia have coincided with new legislation requiring mobile service providers to disconnect any customer upon Federal Security Service requests and granting the agency authority to establish its own network of pre-trial detention facilities.

The expanded digital control measures aim to help the Kremlin maintain internal stability during the ongoing Ukrainian conflict, according to diplomatic sources who spoke anonymously about sensitive matters.

If the conflict continues, it may progressively weaken public support, the envoys noted. When the war concludes, Russian leadership likely wants to prepare for potential domestic opposition, they added. One diplomat described Moscow’s assembled capabilities as enabling a potential “great crackdown” in cyberspace.

The conclusion of Moscow’s Afghan military involvement in 1989 triggered significant social upheaval in Russia, with returning military personnel contributing to widespread disorder throughout the 1990s. The turmoil intensified following the Soviet Union’s dissolution in 1991.

Russian investigative reporter Andrei Soldatov, who specializes in security service analysis, stated: “Russia’s leaders and security services remember 1991 and they remember what happened to Russia and what happened to them when Moscow stopped a big war in Afghanistan: the country collapsed, the security services were split apart — it was a disaster.”

“What is happening now is that the security services are trying to create a situation in which — if Putin signs a peace deal or if Putin goes for a protracted war — it would not destroy the whole thing,” Soldatov added.

Two Russian sources familiar with the digital restrictions revealed that Moscow examined other nations’ approaches, especially China and Iran, and assigned officials to develop methods for blocking extensive internet access, including both mobile and fixed connections, while managing online communications.

Following the 2022 Ukraine invasion, Russia enacted the most restrictive legislation witnessed since the Soviet era, expanding censorship authority and FSB influence, the primary KGB successor organization.

This year, Moscow has further escalated security measures. President Vladimir Putin, who worked as a KGB operative from 1985-1990, commemorated the Ukraine war’s fourth anniversary on February 24 by participating in the FSB’s annual Moscow conference.

He directed the agency to intensify counter-terrorism efforts — including Ukrainian attacks — while reinforcing the “information and digital space.”

Kremlin spokesperson Peskov stated that all actions were legally implemented to maintain security during the Ukraine conflict, which Putin characterizes as a Western confrontation.

Two Russian officials with Kremlin connections rejected claims that internet and messaging app restrictions were oppressive, describing them as necessary for enhanced security and national cohesion against Western attempts to create internal division.

Russia’s state digital and communications oversight agency, Roskomnadzor, did not respond to comment requests.

The eight diplomatic sources indicated Moscow’s internet restrictions this year exceeded anything they had previously witnessed in the nation.

Mobile internet access has been intermittently disabled in certain Russian regions for months, frequently following significant Ukrainian drone strikes. By mid-January, Russia had blocked over 400 VPNs, representing a 70% increase from late last year, according to Kommersant newspaper reporting.

Recently, the restrictions have intensified in Moscow, according to diplomatic sources and news correspondents, with the government also targeting Dubai-based Telegram and U.S.-owned WhatsApp.

Last month, Russia reduced Telegram’s service speed — the platform serves over 1 billion active users and is extensively used in both Russia and Ukraine — and investigated billionaire founder Pavel Durov in connection with a criminal terrorism case.

Russian authorities claimed Telegram had been compromised by Ukrainian and NATO intelligence services, resulting in Russian military casualties.

Telegram has rejected penetration claims and stated Moscow is attempting to force Russians toward MAX, a government-supported messaging application that educational institutions have been directed to use for parent and student communications.

Durov told news outlets: “Each day, the authorities fabricate new pretexts to restrict Russians’ access to Telegram as they seek to suppress the right to privacy and free speech. A sad spectacle of a state afraid of its own people.”

The Kremlin also completely prohibited WhatsApp last month for non-compliance with domestic regulations. The application’s owner, technology corporation Meta, criticized the action as detrimental to Russian citizens’ security.

Some young Russians pledged to circumvent the restrictions by adopting different VPNs as services face bans, not for political reasons but to access Western applications like Instagram and Snapchat, which face Russian limitations.

Andrei, who withheld his surname due to the situation’s sensitivity, questioned: “If these quite old politicians want to block everything, why have they not made any Russian apps that are interesting?”

Energy buyers seeking oil shipments in Asia or jet fuel in Europe are facing unprecedented costs as physical commodity prices surge beyond even the steep increases seen in futures markets.

The dramatic price spikes stem from a massive supply shortage triggered by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran, forcing refiners and energy traders throughout Asia and Europe to compete fiercely for available petroleum products.

This supply crisis shows no signs of quick resolution following extensive strikes on energy infrastructure throughout the Middle East region, creating what experts describe as the most severe global energy supply disruption on record. Iranian forces have also restricted vessel movement through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping channel that handles one-fifth of worldwide oil and gas transport, threatening to attack ships attempting passage through the strategic waterway.

“It is going to take longer than people realize to bring supply back to the market even once the strait is re-opened, because we would still have a logistics nightmare,” said Dennis Kissler, senior vice president of trading at BOK Financial.

Energy supply disruptions and price volatility can severely impact transportation, manufacturing, and shipping sectors, with consequences for consumers, businesses, and entire economies lasting months or years.

According to oil shipments tracker Petro-Logistics, daily crude and condensate volumes have plummeted by approximately 12 million barrels, representing roughly 12% of global daily consumption, due to production cuts and export suspensions by Gulf region producers. These lost barrels cannot be readily substituted from other sources.

While futures contracts have climbed steadily since U.S. and Israeli forces began striking Iran on February 28, actual cargo prices have experienced far more extreme movements.

Benchmark Brent crude reached a session peak of $119 Thursday before closing near $109 per barrel. Meanwhile, the key Middle East Dubai crude benchmark soared to an all-time high of $166.80 per barrel. Goldman Sachs predicted Thursday that continued supply disruptions could push Brent beyond its record $147.50 level from 2008.

European and African crude shipments have climbed to $120 per barrel, while even heavily sanctioned Russian oil, previously trading at steep discounts, has rebounded above $100.

Mediterranean markets remained stable until this week, but those prices have also increased as prospects for quickly reopening Hormuz have dimmed, according to one crude trader.

“What we’re seeing in spot differentials suggests a much tighter system beneath the headline price,” said David Jorbenaze, global oil market lead at commodities information provider ICIS.

Energy companies have expanded their search for alternatives to Middle Eastern supplies, which typically consist of medium-density, high-sulfur crude known as “sour” in industry terminology.

Russia’s Urals crude, a medium sour variety, has traded at significant discounts to Brent since that nation’s Ukraine invasion due to international sanctions. However, those prices have skyrocketed, with Urals delivered to India trading above Brent earlier this month for the first time in history.

In North Sea markets, Norwegian medium sour crude Johan Sverdrup commanded a record $11.30 premium over Brent Thursday, implying a cash price around $124 per barrel. Sour crude normally trades below Brent due to higher refining costs required.

American crude varieties have also gained ground, though the U.S. market’s geographic separation has created a substantial gap between Brent and benchmark West Texas Intermediate, which closed near $96 Thursday.

The benchmark Mars sour crude from the U.S. Gulf of Mexico, similar in quality to Middle Eastern production, has risen more dramatically. Mars Sour hit $107.53 on March 9, its highest level since July 2008, and traded Thursday at roughly $6 above U.S. crude.

Transportation fuel costs have increased even more sharply than physical crude prices. Northwest European jet fuel reached record levels around $220 per barrel according to LSEG data, while European diesel topped $200 per barrel for the first time since 2022. Europe depends heavily on Middle Eastern sources for both products.

Asian fuel prices have risen as refineries reduced processing rates, with refinery profit margins for gasoil reaching their highest point since June 2022 at over $60 per barrel.

On March 11, the United States and other International Energy Agency members announced plans to release 400 million barrels from strategic reserves, with the U.S. subsequently waiving sanctions on Russian oil shipments. However, these measures may prove insufficient, Jorbenaze warned.

“The market ultimately runs on barrels moving, not barrels being announced,” he said.

A striking collection of photographs from across Latin America and the Caribbean captured significant moments during the week of March 13-19, 2026.

The images showcase the bustling activity at a mezcal production facility in Mexico’s Oaxaca state, where the traditional spirit continues experiencing unprecedented popularity. While this surge has delivered substantial financial gains to numerous regional distillers, it has simultaneously created mounting concerns about environmental impact.

Additional photographs document Venezuela’s enthusiastic response to their national baseball team’s triumph against the United States during World Baseball Classic competition, as well as public demonstrations targeting government policies in Ecuador.

Mexico City-based photographer Fernando Llano assembled this visual collection.

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Military conflict in Iran is highlighting how dependent the world remains on vulnerable fossil fuel supply chains, adding new pressure for nations to accelerate their transition to clean energy sources.

Combat operations have virtually stopped petroleum shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping channel that handles roughly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas deliveries. This supply disruption has shaken energy markets worldwide, driving up costs and creating economic pressure for countries that depend on energy imports.

Asian nations, which receive most of their oil through this route, are experiencing the most severe impacts. However, the supply problems are also creating challenges for European leaders seeking to reduce energy consumption and African countries preparing for higher fuel prices and inflation.

What makes this crisis different from past oil supply shocks is that renewable energy has become cost-competitive with traditional fossil fuels in many regions. Data from the International Renewable Energy Agency shows that more than 90% of new clean energy projects launched in 2024 cost less than fossil fuel alternatives.

While petroleum products are essential for industries beyond electricity generation—including fertilizer manufacturing and plastics production—countries with greater renewable energy capacity are experiencing less severe impacts. Clean energy sources depend on local resources like sunlight and wind rather than imported materials.

“These crises regularly occur,” said James Bowen of the Australia-based consultancy, ReMap Research. “They are a feature, not a bug, of a fossil fuel-based energy system.”

China and India, home to more than a billion people each, both face the challenge of producing sufficient electricity for continued economic growth. While both nations have increased renewable energy production, China has implemented these changes on a much larger scale despite continuing to use coal-powered plants.

China now ranks first globally in renewable energy adoption. Data from the International Energy Agency indicates that approximately one out of every ten vehicles in China runs on electricity. Despite remaining the world’s top crude oil importer and largest purchaser of Iranian petroleum, China has reduced its import dependence by electrifying portions of its economy with clean energy.

Without this transition, China would be “far more vulnerable to supply and price shocks,” said Lauri Myllyvirta of the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. China can also draw on stockpiles accumulated during periods of lower prices and alternate between coal and oil for industrial fuel, he explained.

India has also increased clean energy usage, particularly solar power, but has moved more gradually and with less government backing for renewable equipment manufacturing and solar grid integration.

Following Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine, India made energy security a priority by purchasing discounted Russian petroleum and increasing coal production. The country also expanded solar and wind capacity, which has helped cushion supply disruptions without completely avoiding them, according to Duttatreya Das of the think tank Ember.

“Everyone cannot be China,” Das said.

India now confronts a cooking gas shortage that has sparked increased purchases of induction cooktops and raised concerns about restaurant closures. The fertilizer and ceramics sectors may also face difficulties.

This energy crisis is not unfamiliar to wealthy nations in Europe and East Asia.

During 2022, some European governments attempted to reduce fossil fuel dependence. However, many quickly shifted focus to securing new fossil fuel suppliers instead, according to Pauline Heinrichs, who researches climate and energy at King’s College London.

Germany moved quickly to construct LNG terminals for replacing Russian gas with primarily American fuel, while the energy transition, including demand reduction efforts, lost momentum, she noted.

According to a 2023 analysis, Europe’s additional fossil fuel spending since the Russia-Ukraine conflict equaled roughly 40% of the investment required to convert its power system to clean energy.

“In Europe, we learned the wrong lesson,” Heinrichs said.

In import-reliant Japan, policy responses to previous energy shocks have concentrated on diversifying fossil fuel sources rather than investing in domestic renewable energy, said Ayumi Fukakusa of Friends of the Earth Japan.

According to Ember data, solar and wind account for only 11% of Japan’s energy production, matching India’s level but trailing China’s 18%. Japan’s overall energy consumption is significantly lower than both countries.

The Iran conflict dominated discussions during Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s meeting this week with U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump, who has consistently encouraged Japan to purchase more American LNG, recently called on allied nations like Japan to “step up” in helping secure the Strait of Hormuz.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung described the crisis as potentially “a good opportunity” to accelerate the shift toward renewable energy.

Developing nations in Asia and Africa are competing with wealthy European and Asian countries and major buyers like India and China for limited gas supplies, driving prices higher.

Import-dependent economies—including Benin and Zambia in Africa and Bangladesh and Thailand in Asia—may experience some of the most severe impacts. Expensive fuel increases transportation and food costs, and many countries have limited foreign-exchange reserves, restricting their ability to pay for imports if prices remain elevated.

Africa may face particular vulnerability because many nations depend on imported oil for transportation and supply chains.

Building long-term energy security through cleaner energy investments makes strategic sense for African countries, said Kennedy Mbeva, a research associate at the Centre for the Study of Existential Risk at the University of Cambridge.

However, not all are choosing renewables: South Africa is exploring construction of an LNG import facility and new gas-powered plants.

Others, like Ethiopia which prohibited gasoline and diesel vehicles in 2024 to promote electric cars, are increasing their renewable energy commitment.

The true challenge extends beyond surviving the next crisis to ensuring it doesn’t “derail the country’s development trajectory,” said Hanan Hassen, an analyst at Ethiopia’s government-linked think tank, the Institute of Foreign Affairs.

Greater renewable energy adoption has helped protect some Asian countries from the energy crisis.

Pakistan’s solar expansion has prevented more than $12 billion in fossil fuel imports since 2020 and could save an additional $6.3 billion in 2026 at current prices, according to think tanks Renewables First and the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

Vietnam’s existing solar capacity will help the country avoid hundreds of millions of dollars in potential coal and gas imports over the next year, based on current elevated prices, according to the research group Zero Carbon Analytics.

Other nations are managing limited supplies carefully.

Bangladesh has shuttered universities to conserve electricity. With limited storage capacity to handle supply disruptions, the government implemented fuel rationing following a surge of panic buying at gas stations, said Khondaker Golam Moazzem, an economist with the Centre for Policy Dialogue in Dhaka.

Currently, governments must focus on managing shortages and controlling prices. Thailand has halted petroleum exports, increased domestic gas production, and started using reserves.

If the conflict continues into April, Thailand’s limited reserves and constrained subsidy budget mean prices will rise sharply, warned Areeporn Asawinpongphan, a research fellow with the Thailand Development Research Institute.

“The time for promoting domestic renewables should have happened a long time ago,” Asawinpongphan said.

DUBAI, March 19 – Should the current U.S.-Israeli military campaign against Iran conclude in the near future, political analysts believe one outcome has become evident: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emerges in a stronger position, while President Donald Trump faces the challenge of addressing market volatility and strain on Gulf partnerships that have shouldered significant burdens.

Political experts suggest the conflict has reshaped Israel’s domestic political landscape to Netanyahu’s advantage, shifting focus from Gaza operations toward Iran, where Israeli public unity remains strongest and Netanyahu’s defense and economic track record carries the most weight.

The situation presents Trump with opposite results: he finds himself engaged in a conflict without a clear conclusion, his Gulf Arab partners face escalating dangers, and the economic narrative that helped secure his return to the presidency has been undermined.

“There is a clear winner and a clear loser,” said Aaron David Miller, a former U.S. Middle East negotiator. “Netanyahu is by far the key winner. He has demonstrated Israel’s military competence. The Gulf states are by far the biggest losers.”

Miller noted that Trump lacks an exit strategy that would enable him to claim success and withdraw from the situation.

Iran expert Karim Sadjadpour explained that Trump, who called for Iran’s complete capitulation, anticipated discovering an Iranian equivalent to Venezuela’s compliant power broker Delcy Rodríguez, but instead “found an Iranian Kim Jong-un,” referencing North Korea’s resistant authoritarian approach.

Unlike perspectives in Washington, the Iranian conflict is viewed broadly in Israel as essential rather than optional, according to Natan Sacks, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute. “Even if regime change doesn’t happen,” Sacks said, “weakening Iran and the (militia) axis it leads is a huge goal for Netanyahu.”

FOR TRUMP, ONLY TOUGH CHOICES

Israeli sources indicate the aerial campaign has been strategically divided, with Israel targeting western and northern Iranian regions, striking ballistic missile and nuclear facilities, while U.S. forces focus on eastern and southern areas, including the Strait of Hormuz, to diminish Iran’s maritime capabilities.

Israel has spearheaded the elimination of Iran’s top leadership, officials report, including security chief Ali Larijani on Tuesday and Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib on Wednesday. Defence Minister Israel Katz announced that he and Netanyahu had given military commanders authority to target any senior Iranian official they can find, without needing additional authorization.

Despite these achievements, the conflict has not moved closer to resolution. Trump confronts three unfavorable options: continue the airstrikes, claim victory while hoping Tehran backs down, or significantly intensify operations — none providing a clear exit strategy, analysts observed.

The White House, U.S. State Department and Netanyahu’s office did not respond to requests for comment for this story.

U.S. intelligence chief Tulsi Gabbard informed Congress on Wednesday that although Iran’s government has been damaged since hostilities began, it continues to function, with Tehran and its allied groups still able to threaten U.S. and partner interests throughout the Middle East.

Trump’s apparent strategic error is creating significant repercussions across the Gulf region. As Iran launches missiles and drones toward commercial centers and restricts Hormuz, the pathway for one-fifth of global oil transport, analysts warn that Gulf nations risk becoming the conflict’s primary victims.

“The common threat they (Gulf Arab states) now perceive is nothing short of the future security and stability of the Gulf,” said Miller, also a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. “The notion that the Gulf represents the future of the region is now at stake — and with it, the Gulf’s vision for itself.”

US, ISRAEL OPERATE WITH DIFFERENT RISK PERCEPTIONS

Experts suggest Israel may accept Iranian instability more readily than the United States, believing it would experience less regional consequences, particularly following the weakening of allied groups Hamas and Hezbollah during recent years.

Meanwhile, Washington and Gulf partners face greater exposure to energy infrastructure attacks that increase oil costs and interrupt maritime commerce.

Assaf Orion, former strategy chief for the Israeli military, noted that regional nations question whether Israel seeks disorder in Iran, observing that Israel would experience less impact from such instability compared to neighboring countries or Washington.

Fundamentally, analysts explain, the two allies maintain different threat assessments: Israel considers Iran a potential existential danger, while Washington prioritizes preventing an extended conflict that could create substantial economic damage and harm partnerships.

Demonstrating this tension, an Israeli strike on Iran’s massive South Pars gasfield, the world’s largest offshore natural gas reserve shared with Qatar, prompted an angry Trump response. He posted on social media that the U.S. “knew nothing about this particular attack”, noting that Qatar, a U.S. partner that has experienced Iranian strikes on its own gas infrastructure, was uninvolved.

Trump’s Wednesday statement revealed his careful balance between the strong U.S. military partnership with Israel and crucial U.S. relationships with wealthy Gulf Arab nations.

Israeli officials report that Trump and Netanyahu have maintained daily phone conversations since the conflict began. However, Trump’s denial of advance knowledge regarding the Israeli attack contradicted earlier statements from both leaders claiming their armed forces operate in coordination.

Israel has not publicly accepted responsibility for the South Pars strike, which prompted Iranian retaliation against Gulf Arab energy installations. Israeli media extensively reported that the Israeli operation proceeded with U.S. approval.

Iranian sources indicate Tehran is carefully managing its response to inflict significant costs, restore deterrence and secure sanctions relief — offering Washington an exit only at a substantial price.

ISRAEL MARKETS BUOYED BY ATTACKS ON IRAN

Although the Iranian conflict receives public approval in Israel and could provide Netanyahu with political advantages, it has not yet resulted in improved polling numbers before elections scheduled for later this year.

Opinion polls indicate his conservative coalition lacks a majority, holding approximately 50 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, declining from 68.

This gap between public support and political benefit remains hidden, temporarily, by strong Israeli financial markets. Rising Israeli stock prices and shekel strength may suggest confidence, but they hide a more unstable situation.

Aviv Bushinsky, a former Netanyahu advisor, explained the war will ultimately receive judgment in absolute terms: either Iran’s “regime” collapses, or it survives. Anything less risks converting initial military successes into political problems for Netanyahu, who has characterized the operation as pursuing “total victory.”

Should Ali Khamenei’s system survive, even in a diminished capacity, the story would transform from success to excessive ambition, reviving unresolved dangers from Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israeli markets may reflect resilience, but they seem unaware of the price of an incomplete war.

LONDON – Seven major world powers released a coordinated statement Thursday denouncing Iran’s military actions in the Strait of Hormuz and announcing their willingness to participate in efforts to protect commercial shipping in the vital waterway.

The declaration from Britain, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and Canada represents a unified international response to escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf region.

“We condemn in the strongest terms recent attacks by Iran on unarmed commercial vessels in the Gulf, attacks on civilian infrastructure including oil and gas installations, and the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian forces,” the nations stated.

The coalition expressed alarm over the deteriorating situation and demanded Iran halt its aggressive tactics immediately. “We call on Iran to cease immediately its threats, laying of mines, drone and missile attacks and other attempts to block the Strait to commercial shipping, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817,” the statement read.

The countries emphasized that open sea lanes represent a cornerstone of international maritime law, referencing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Officials warned that Iran’s interference will impact populations worldwide, particularly those in vulnerable regions. “The effects of Iran’s actions will be felt by people in all parts of the world, especially the most vulnerable,” according to the joint declaration.

The nations characterized Iran’s disruption of international commerce and global energy supply chains as a direct challenge to worldwide peace and stability, citing UN Security Council Resolution 2817. They demanded an immediate halt to strikes against civilian energy infrastructure.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait. We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” the statement indicated.

To address energy market volatility, the countries praised the International Energy Agency’s authorization of coordinated strategic petroleum reserve releases. They pledged additional market stabilization measures, including collaboration with oil-producing nations to boost production levels.

The coalition also committed to supporting nations most affected by the crisis through United Nations channels and International Financial Institutions.

The statement concluded by emphasizing that maritime security and navigation freedom serve all countries’ interests, calling on every nation to honor international law and maintain fundamental principles of global prosperity and security.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo warned Friday that China’s relentless military expansion creates an urgent security threat, emphasizing that robust deterrence measures are essential to prevent Beijing from launching an attack.

Koo’s comments came after U.S. intelligence officials reported Wednesday that China currently has no plans to invade Taiwan by 2027 and prefers to gain control of the island through non-military means. However, the defense minister stressed that Beijing has not abandoned the possibility of using military force.

China has intensified its pressure campaign against Taiwan through regular military exercises, viewing the self-governing island as part of its territory. Taiwan’s democratically chosen leadership firmly rejects Beijing’s territorial claims.

Addressing the American intelligence assessment, Koo emphasized that China continues its military buildup without reduction in defense spending.

“So its military expansion, and the threat it poses to us, remain very serious,” he told reporters at parliament.

“We need to make it feel that any plan to attack Taiwan would carry a high degree of risk: in other words, to make its assessment of a successful invasion very low.”

The defense minister warned that if China’s military growth continues while Taiwan fails to strengthen its own defense systems, the probability of an attack would increase.

“On the other hand, if our defence capabilities continue to improve and our deterrence grows stronger, then its calculation regarding an attack on Taiwan will decrease. That would have the effect of pushing back such a date again and again.”

Beijing’s foreign ministry responded Thursday by calling Taiwan a domestic matter and urging the United States to “stop hyping up the ‘China threat’ theory.”

Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te has put forward a $40 billion defense spending increase, though legislative approval has been delayed. Opposition lawmakers, who hold a parliamentary majority, argue the proposals lack specificity and refuse to approve “blank cheques.”

President Lai toured Taiwan’s newly built domestic submarine Thursday, which remains in testing phases, along with one of the island’s two operational submarines purchased from the Netherlands during the 1980s.

Koo reported that upgrades have been completed on one Dutch-manufactured submarine, with the second vessel’s modernization scheduled to finish by year’s end.

“These two submarines will significantly enhance our combat capabilities,” he said.

PHUTHADITJHABA, South Africa — When 22-year-old Lamkelo Mtyho entered the sacred traditional circumcision ceremony, his family anticipated his proud return as a recognized man in their community. Instead, three weeks later, they received devastating news of his death.

Mtyho represents one of at least 48 young males who lost their lives during recent initiation ceremonies across South Africa, part of a centuries-old cultural practice that continues claiming lives despite government oversight efforts.

The secrecy surrounding these rituals makes investigating deaths extremely challenging for families and officials alike. Multiple former participants declined to discuss their experiences, while hundreds of unregistered schools operate for those unable to afford legitimate programs.

Authorities typically only report fatalities when numbers become significant, with few legal proceedings or medical examinations following deaths.

These traditional procedures pose serious health hazards due to inadequately trained operators, contaminated cutting instruments used multiple times, severe dehydration, and infected wounds that receive poor treatment in isolated locations far from medical assistance.

Former health minister Zwelini Mkhize addressed parliament last year, stating: “Imagine this number: 476 young people died in a five-year period and yet they were well before going into initiation. These deaths are unacceptable and should never have happened.”

Despite these dangers, hundreds of thousands of South Africans continue participating in ceremonies that occur twice annually, with the next season starting in June.

Mtyho enrolled in an officially registered school near Ngqeleni village in Eastern Cape province with his parents’ approval. These facilities typically consist of basic mud structures or temporary buildings housing dozens of participants away from public view.

His grandmother, Nozinzile, shared the account she received from a school security worker: “They were walking to the river to go and bathe, and along the way he started losing strength and collapsed. That is what we were told. It is said that it was an emergency situation, that the others ran to get water and tried to resuscitate him. When other people arrived there to help, it was too late.”

Speaking with frequent pauses outside the dwelling where Mtyho once helped with tasks like wood gathering, she declined to assign blame and no investigation into his death occurred.

She acknowledged the ritual’s difficulty but never imagined fatal consequences. As her oldest grandchild, Mtyho had planned to seek employment in town to become “the man of the house.”

Traditional Affairs Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa announced the December deaths, noting that participants often receive dangerous guidance to avoid water consumption believing it accelerates healing.

Successful ceremonies conclude with participants returning to their communities, presenting themselves through traditional songs and reciting ancestral lineages while villagers celebrate with music, chanting, and dancing.

Completing initiation grants elevated social standing for marriage prospects and participation in specific cultural activities, crucial considerations for many South African ethnic communities.

While medical circumcision remains available from infancy, cultural expectations drive many toward traditional methods.

Traditional leader Morena Mpembe, who supervises a registered facility in Phuthaditjhaba, Free State province, explained: “Initiation is a culture left behind to us by our elders. We grew up practicing it, as it teaches a young man to respect everyone, including those who are not initiates in society.”

South Africa’s high unemployment and economic disparity make fees for government-approved schools unaffordable for many families, creating demand for illegal alternatives.

Some boys attend unauthorized schools before reaching the legally required minimum age of 16, eager to achieve manhood status.

Mluleki Ngomane, an official with Gauteng province’s oversight body, noted: “It is very difficult for the government to monitor initiation schools which are not registered. They are not known until there is a tragedy of some sort.”

A 2022 legislative visit to Eastern Cape discovered more unregistered than licensed schools in OR Tambo municipality alone, with 68 illegal facilities compared to 66 legal ones.

Government and independent investigations have documented participant abuse, violence among initiates, substance abuse at illegal schools, and even forced participation through kidnapping.

Motlalepule Mantsha, a leader at a Phuthaditjhaba initiation school, observed: “We are seeing a rise in gangs because they want to grow their initiation schools, and we see that as a wrong way of practicing initiation. This is damaging the initiation’s image.”

Since 2021, South African regulations mandate strict health and safety compliance for school registration, admitting only males 16 and older with parental permission. Over 5,000 such facilities currently operate.

Registration requirements include three-month advance applications before each season, adequate surgical equipment preventing reuse, and training for traditional “surgeons” and “nurses” in sanitation, infection control, wound management, and HIV education.

During January and February, authorities arrested at least 46 individuals connected to illegal operations, including 16 traditional surgeons, 28 traditional nurses, and two parents accused of collaborating to falsify younger boys’ ages.

In a separate February case, courts sentenced a 26-year-old man to two years imprisonment for illegally circumcising two teenagers, ages 17 and 18, the previous year.

The Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Rights Commission, a parliamentary oversight body, reported in 2017 that “due to the principles of sacredness and secrecy of this practice, also compounded by the inaccessibility of rural locations,” monitoring schools remains difficult with “clear confusion” about local authority responsibilities.

The commission found that once complications develop, medical intervention comes too late, with some deaths resulting from participants’ existing health conditions, recommending mandatory medical examinations beforehand.

Makhanya Vangile, mother of two initiates, views ceremonies as vital cultural heritage requiring protection but worries about illegal school conditions.

“Here, we have guardsmen from our chief who go and check up on how the boys are being fed, their living conditions and safety,” she explained. “They are able to stop things like boys bringing harmful stuff like alcohol, knives and guns instead of traditional sticks.”

Nicholas Haysom, a prominent South African lawyer who played a crucial role in helping Nelson Mandela create his country’s groundbreaking post-apartheid constitution, passed away Tuesday at age 73.

The white South African, who dedicated his life to fighting racial segregation, later built an impressive international career working for the United Nations in troubled regions including Afghanistan, Iraq, Somalia and South Sudan.

Rebecca Haysom confirmed to The Associated Press that her father died in New York “after a long, valiant battle with heart and lung complications.”

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres praised Haysom’s commitment, saying he “devoted his life to justice, dialogue, and reconciliation — from his central role in South Africa’s democratic transition serving as chief legal and constitutional adviser to president Nelson Mandela to years of leadership in U.N. posts in some of the world’s most complex and fragile settings.”

Guterres added that Haysom’s influence “will endure in the peace processes he advanced, the institutions he strengthened, and the principles he helped bring to life around the world.”

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, himself a former freedom fighter, described the loss of “a distinguished diplomat and a pioneer of our democratic administration whose commitment to justice and peace made our country, our continent and the world a better place.”

“I remember him for applying his legal acumen, mentorship, wisdom and integrity to the development of our constitution,” Ramaphosa stated, encouraging South Africans “to honor his contribution to our nation and the international community by upholding the fundamental rights and maintaining the peace he advocated so passionately and eloquently.”

Born Nicholas Roland Leybourne “Fink” Haysom, he was raised in Durban by a progressive family that championed racial equality, particularly his activist mother who opposed apartheid. During his university years, he developed strong opposition to the segregation system and pursued legal studies at the Universities of Natal and Cape Town to address social injustices.

Haysom rose to lead the anti-apartheid National Union of South African Students and faced multiple arrests and detentions, including six months in solitary confinement around 1980, according to a UN interview he gave last year. Ramaphosa noted his artistic talents as well, recognizing him as South African Playwright of the Year in 1987.

At the time, Haysom recalled, few believed apartheid would collapse, making Mandela’s 1990 release “a tremendous moment.” Working with an activist human rights law firm, he was recruited by Mandela’s African National Congress to join its Constitutional Commission.

Haysom described spending years with “a very exciting group of intellectuals” designing the new South Africa and negotiating with the National Party, which had created and maintained apartheid, on transitional arrangements.

Following South Africa’s international isolation, Haysom explained the group sought “the perfect formula for a constitutional state that appreciated the need for equality among all its citizens and recreated a social contract which we wanted to be a lesson for the world.” Despite challenges, he noted “the South African constitution is still regarded as perhaps one of the most progressive constitutions in the world.”

“And I think that’s what led to me being asked to be Mandela’s legal adviser… while he was president,” Haysom explained, serving in that capacity from 1994 to 1999.

According to Haysom, Mandela aimed to establish precedent for the first post-apartheid administration to honor the rule of law, “and he was really at the forefront of creating a society built on respect for legal equality and human rights.”

Meeting with Mandela daily, Haysom described him as “tremendously gracious.”

“But he was steely, strong in the conviction he had that he was embarking on the right path, and he persevered,” Haysom observed. “As I say to my children, the lesson of Mandela is not just being a nice person, it’s perseverance in your ideals that’ll change the world.”

During Mandela’s presidency, Haysom joined efforts to resolve ethnic conflicts between Hutus and Tutsis in Burundi during the 1990s. He subsequently worked on peace formulas for Sudan’s north-south divide, ultimately contributing to South Sudan’s 2011 independence.

From 2005 to 2007, Haysom worked in Iraq seeking solutions for Shia, Sunni and Kurdish communities to coexist peacefully, recognizing this as a common challenge across conflicts. Between 2007 and 2012, he served in then-UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s office overseeing political, peacekeeping and humanitarian affairs, followed by four years in Afghanistan in various UN positions from 2012 to 2016.

His later UN work concentrated on Sudan and South Sudan, where he led the peacekeeping mission starting in 2021, with a brief assignment in Somalia. The Somali government expelled him in 2019 after he questioned the detention of a former al-Shabab extremist leader.

Haysom leaves behind his wife Delphine and sons Charles and Hector, plus three children from his first marriage to Mary Ann Cullinan: Rebecca, Simone, and Julian.

Reflecting on his career, Haysom admitted being “quite probably inappropriately proud” of his work in Burundi, Sudan and South Africa, though he acknowledged that after several years, those peace agreements faced difficulties.

This taught him that peace doesn’t endure indefinitely and democracy demands “constant engagement by people of good intention.”

SYDNEY – Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese encountered a hostile reception Friday when demonstrators disrupted his visit to Sydney’s largest mosque during Eid al-Fitr celebrations, expressing outrage over his administration’s approach to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

The confrontation occurred at Lakemba Mosque in western Sydney, where Albanese and Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had joined Muslim worshippers to commemorate the conclusion of Ramadan. Video footage captured the disruption beginning approximately 15 minutes into the religious ceremony.

Angry demonstrators shouted at both officials to “Get out!” while labeling them “genocide supporters,” referencing Israel’s military actions against Palestinians in Gaza that followed the 2023 Hamas militant attack.

An event organizer attempted to restore order, telling the crowd: “Dear brothers and sisters, keep calm a little bit. It is Eid. It is a joyful day.” The organizer also encouraged attendees to remain seated and stop recording the disturbance.

Security personnel intervened when one protester became particularly disruptive, physically restraining the individual before removing them from the premises. Both Albanese and Burke departed the mosque soon after, with demonstrators continuing their criticism by shouting “Shame on you!” as the officials left.

The incident highlights growing frustration within Australia’s Muslim and Jewish populations regarding the center-left government’s careful balancing act since the Gaza conflict began. The administration has simultaneously expressed sympathy for Palestinian civilians, called repeatedly for ceasefires, and affirmed Israel’s right to defend itself.

This confrontation follows similar protests that erupted last month during Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to Australia. Albanese had extended the invitation to Herzog following a deadly December 14 mass shooting in Bondi that specifically targeted the Jewish community. That visit prompted thousands to rally in Sydney, resulting in 27 arrests after demonstrators clashed with law enforcement officers.

Four people sustained injuries Thursday evening when a rocket launched by Hezbollah made a direct hit on an apartment building in the northern Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona, leaving one person in critical condition.

Emergency responders from Magen David Adom (MDA) and law enforcement rushed to the scene after the projectile struck the living room of a third-floor apartment. By 7 p.m., officials confirmed no one remained trapped in the building, though search operations continued throughout the area.

The victims were discovered inside an interior room of the building when the rocket hit, according to police reports. The building lacked a designated safe room, and authorities noted the group was trying to reach shelter when the attack occurred but couldn’t make it in time.

Emergency medical personnel provided on-site treatment before transporting all four victims to a local hospital. Among the casualties was a 60-year-old man in critical condition with shrapnel wounds, a 68-year-old woman in moderate condition suffering from a head wound, and two individuals in their twenties with minor blast-related injuries.

According to an MDA emergency responder, rescue teams encountered extensive destruction and smoke upon arrival, requiring the deployment of numerous ambulances, intensive care vehicles, and emergency motorcycles. Medical personnel extracted the injured from the wreckage and began immediate life-saving procedures while simultaneously conducting area searches and coordinating hospital transport.

Local residents described having only moments between the air raid warning and the rocket’s impact, with mere seconds separating the alert from the explosion.

Chief Superintendent Shlomi Toubul, who commands the Kinneret region, explained to N12 that the victims’ location within the building’s interior likely prevented more severe casualties.

BRUSSELS, March 20 – European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced Friday that the European Union will pursue alternative approaches to deliver a promised 90 billion euro ($104.2 billion) financial package to Ukraine, despite continued opposition from Hungary.

“We will deliver one way or the other,” von der Leyen stated to media representatives following a Brussels summit where European leaders were unable to persuade Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to remove his opposition to the crucial Ukrainian aid package.

During the meeting, EU leadership criticized Hungary’s stance as unacceptable, according to EU Council President Antonio Costa.

“A deal is a deal, we need to honour our word. And no one can blackmail the European Council,” Costa declared.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz revealed that European leaders had directed the European Commission to explore alternative funding mechanisms for the loan. He characterized Orban’s opposition as an unprecedented “act of serious disloyalty.”

“This will leave its mark,” Merz stated. “This is a serious violation of the principle of loyalty of the member states amongst each other, and it damages the standing of the European Union.”

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un made another public appearance with his teenage daughter Thursday, this time taking a ride together in a military tank during army training exercises, according to state media photographs released Friday.

The Korean Central News Agency reported that Kim supervised tank unit drills and infantry exercises on Thursday, demanding that military forces finalize their combat readiness preparations.

State media images depicted Kim and his daughter wearing matching black leather jackets while riding in an olive-colored tank alongside other military personnel during Thursday’s training session. The photographs captured the young girl poking her head through the tank’s opening while Kim sat atop the vehicle with a smile.

The daughter, believed to be named Kim Ju Ae and approximately 13 years old, has been making regular appearances at significant military and state functions alongside her father since the end of 2022, leading international observers to wonder if she’s being positioned as his successor. North Korean official media has described her as Kim Jong Un’s “most beloved” or “respected” daughter and has released numerous images and videos highlighting their bond.

During the previous week, the father-daughter duo discharged handguns while touring a weapons manufacturing facility and observed live testing of multiple rocket launcher systems. In September, she traveled with her father to Beijing, and during New Year’s festivities, she was photographed kissing her father’s cheek.

South Korea’s intelligence services concluded last month that Kim Jong Un appears ready to name her as his successor. However, some analysts question this evaluation, pointing to Kim Jong Un’s relatively young age and North Korea’s heavily patriarchal leadership structure.

The North Korean military training occurred while the United States and South Korea conducted their yearly joint military drills, which North Korea considers practice for an invasion. The allied nations concluded their 11-day computerized command center exercise on Thursday, though field training operations continue.

Officials in the United Arab Emirates announced Friday they have successfully broken up what they describe as a terrorist organization backed financially and operationally by Iran and Lebanon’s Hezbollah militant group, leading to multiple arrests.

The state news agency reported the dismantled organization was engaged in “money laundering, financing terrorism and threatening national security.”

Neither Hezbollah nor Iranian officials have responded to the allegations at this time.

This development comes amid escalating tensions following the U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran that began in late February, during which Tehran has conducted extensive missile and drone strikes throughout the Gulf region, with the UAE facing particularly heavy targeting.

UAE officials report their nation has endured hundreds of attacks, with strikes damaging oil infrastructure, port facilities, and locations close to major population centers.

The Emirates has historically maintained opposition to political Islamist organizations. Hezbollah, supported by Iran, joined the broader conflict on March 2 by launching attacks against Israel from Lebanese territory, which prompted Israel to respond with widespread aerial bombardments targeting Hezbollah positions throughout Lebanon.

According to the UAE’s state news agency, “The network had been operating within the country under a fictitious commercial cover and sought to infiltrate the national economy and carry out external schemes threatening the country’s financial stability.”

RIO DE JANEIRO (AP) — Brazil has implemented comprehensive new legislation designed to protect children from harmful online content, marking what experts describe as a significant advancement in safeguarding young internet users.

The initiative gained momentum last August when social media personality Felipe Bressanim, who goes by Felca, released a video condemning the sexual exploitation of minors on digital platforms. His 50-minute presentation, which attracted 52 million YouTube viewers, helped fast-track legislation that had been under development since 2022.

President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva signed the Digital Statute of Children and Adolescents into law in September after it passed through both congressional chambers. The regulations officially began this Tuesday.

The new statute mandates that children under 16 must connect their social media profiles to a parent or guardian’s account for monitoring purposes. Additionally, it bans platforms from employing engagement tactics like endless scrolling and automatic video playback. Digital companies must also establish robust age verification systems that go beyond simple user declarations of being 18 or older to prevent access to inappropriate content.

“We can no longer think that freedom doesn’t go hand in hand with protection,” Lula stated during Wednesday’s signing ceremony. “Enough of tolerating exploitation, sexual abuse, child pornography, bullying, incitement to violence and self-harm just because it happens in the digital environment.”

Maria Mello, who leads the digital rights division at the Alana Institute, explained that design elements specifically created to maintain user engagement pose particular dangers to children.

“It increases anxiety levels, pulls children out of school, causes vision problems,” Mello explained. Additional concerns encompass sexual predation, promotion of self-destructive behaviors, online harassment, and the commercial exploitation of minors’ personal information.

Brazil joins a growing number of nations worldwide addressing child safety in digital spaces. Australia recently enacted the world’s first complete social media prohibition for users under 16 in December, while Indonesia announced similar restrictions beginning this year.

Rather than implementing a total prohibition, Brazil’s approach emphasizes strengthening parental oversight, according to Guilherme Klafke, a legal scholar at the Getulio Vargas Foundation think tank. The new framework, he explained, “places more responsibility on those who offer digital products and services that may be accessed by children and adolescents.”

Lincoln Silva, a 48-year-old business owner collecting his children ages 8 and 11 from their Rio de Janeiro school Thursday, expressed support for the new rules, saying they will limit exposure to age-inappropriate material. “There’s information we should only have in adulthood,” he commented.

Technology companies have announced various changes to comply with the new requirements. WhatsApp revealed plans for parent-controlled accounts last week, giving guardians authority over their child’s contacts and group memberships.

Google announced it will deploy artificial intelligence in Brazil to determine whether users are minors or adults to automatically restrict certain material. YouTube will also require parental approval for users under 16 to establish or maintain channels.

Organizations that violate the new regulations face penalties up to 50 million reais (roughly $9.5 million).

The new limitations might frustrate younger users, noted Renata Tomaz, a communications professor at Getulio Vargas Foundation. She emphasized the importance of communicating with children to help them understand the law’s purpose.

“We need to convey all these points that we consider essential to protect children and adolescents in such a way that allows them to look at this law and say: ‘It’s good that I’m being protected.’”

WASHINGTON — A public disagreement between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s strike on Iran’s largest gas facility has highlighted the first major rift between the allies since their 20-day military campaign against Iran began.

Israel’s assault on the South Pars gas facility triggered Iranian counterstrikes against energy infrastructure across the Middle East. These retaliatory attacks drove global energy costs higher and prompted Gulf nation allies to urge Trump to restrain Netanyahu’s actions.

The consequences of this strike have left both Trump and Netanyahu addressing concerns about whether their war coordination remains seamless after what started as a joint offensive against their shared regional adversary. Any visible gap between the leaders could influence how the conflict unfolds and ultimately concludes.

Speaking to reporters during an Oval Office session with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Trump stated he neither supported nor authorized Israel’s strike on the massive gas field that serves as Iran’s energy backbone.

“I told him, ‘Don’t do that,’” Trump said regarding Netanyahu’s strike decision. “We get along great. It’s coordinated, but on occasion he’ll do something. And if I don’t like it — and so we’re not doing that anymore.”

Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel “acted alone” and confirmed he has accepted Trump’s request to halt additional attacks on Iran’s major gas infrastructure. The prime minister worked to minimize any perceived disagreement with Trump.

“It’s been said that for 40 years I’ve been saying that Iran is a danger to Israel and a danger to the world. That is true,” Netanyahu stated during a Jerusalem press briefing. “You know who else said that? President Trump.”

Netanyahu further emphasized: “Look, I don’t think any two leaders have been as coordinated as President Trump and I. He’s the leader. I’m his ally. America is the leader.”

Trump’s initial public response to Wednesday’s Iranian gas field attack came hours later through a heated social media message where he also stated the U.S. “knew nothing” about the operation beforehand.

However, two sources familiar with the situation who requested anonymity said the U.S. received advance notice of Israel’s intentions. One source indicated Israel coordinates its target selection with American officials.

Senior U.S. administration officials argued Thursday that Trump remains aligned with Netanyahu while prioritizing what he considers America’s national security interests in his Iran approach.

American air operations have concentrated on destroying Iran’s missile capabilities, further damaging its struggling nuclear infrastructure, and eliminating its naval forces. Israel has meanwhile conducted multiple high-profile assassinations aimed at overthrowing the Islamic leadership that has governed since 1979.

The prime minister has characterized this period as a chance to create a new Middle Eastern dynamic with Tehran under more moderate leadership that wouldn’t threaten Israel.

Netanyahu benefits from Israeli public opinion that strongly backs the war compared to American sentiment. This support provides him political freedom to pursue extended operations that could decisively weaken Iran’s religious government.

While Trump has provided various explanations for the conflict, he has consistently stated that preventing Iran from “never having a nuclear weapon” remains his main goal.

“The objectives that have been laid out by the president are different from the objectives that have been laid out by the Israeli government,” Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told House intelligence committee members Thursday when questioned about the White House stance on the gas field attack.

Unlike Netanyahu, Trump has become less enthusiastic about removing Iran’s religious leadership and establishing more moderate governance.

This represents a notable shift for the president from the conflict’s beginning, when he confidently assured Iranians they would soon have opportunities to end 47 years of clerical control.

During a Fox News Radio interview last week, Trump expressed much more caution about prospects for government opponents and voiced concerns about the paramilitary Basij force, which has been crucial in suppressing recent nationwide demonstrations and maintaining its threatening presence in Iran.

“So, I really think that’s a big hurdle to climb for people that don’t have weapons. I think it’s a very big hurdle,” Trump said.

When host Brian Kilmeade asked if he supported Netanyahu’s appeals for Iranians to reclaim their nation, Trump indicated he doubted their readiness for uprising. “I would think that Bibi would understand that too,” Trump added.

Throughout Trump’s five White House years, Netanyahu has been among his most reliable international allies. The Israeli leader consistently praises the Jewish state’s unprecedented White House support.

However, during the past three weeks, Trump and his staff have recognized both nations approach the war with different perspectives. Trump has called these differences understandable.

“You know, they’re there, and we’re very far away,” Trump observed.

Overall, Trump and Netanyahu’s disagreements remain mostly surface-level, according to Joel Rubin, a former Obama administration State Department official.

The Israeli prime minister has spent “many decades” seeking American backing for his goal of launching devastating strikes against Iran. Trump, Rubin noted, represents “the first president to say, ‘Go for it!’”

Nevertheless, extended warfare could increase Trump’s political pressures and deepen divisions, Rubin warned.

“When the war ends it’s likely gonna be Trump’s call and I do think that we’re probably gonna have a dynamic where, in the future, they’ll have to figure out how to be in sync in terms of identifying and defining when it’s time to end the military operation,” Rubin said regarding Trump and Netanyahu. “And Israel does not have the same focus on global oil markets as the U.S., and the repercussions.”

President Donald Trump has directed Israeli leadership to cease attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure as retaliatory strikes between the nations have caused global fuel costs to surge dramatically, intensifying the ongoing Middle East conflict.

The president’s directive followed Thursday’s sharp increase in energy markets after Iran retaliated against an Israeli assault on a significant gas facility by targeting Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City. This facility handles approximately 20% of global liquefied natural gas production, and the resulting damage will require several years to fully repair.

Iranian forces also struck Saudi Arabia’s primary Red Sea port facility, which the kingdom has been using to reroute exports around Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical Gulf shipping passage.

These attacks highlighted Iran’s ongoing capacity to inflict significant economic damage during the U.S.-Israeli military campaign and exposed vulnerabilities in air defense systems protecting the region’s most crucial energy assets.

Facing political pressure from rising fuel costs among his voter base before November’s midterm elections, Trump has criticized allies who have shown reluctance to assist in securing the Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly one-fifth of global oil shipments.

However, the president confirmed he had instructed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid future energy infrastructure attacks.

“I told him, ‘Don’t do that’, and he won’t do that,” Trump stated to reporters during a Thursday Oval Office session.

Sources familiar with military planning, including one U.S. official and three others with knowledge of the discussions, revealed to Reuters that Trump is weighing the deployment of additional thousands of American forces to the Middle East as the conflict, which has claimed over 2,000 lives, continues.

Despite these reports, Trump denied any plans for ground force deployment on Thursday. “I’m not putting troops anywhere,” he declared.

Netanyahu subsequently acknowledged Thursday that Israel conducted the South Pars gas field bombing independently and verified that Trump had requested Israel refrain from similar operations.

The Israeli leader claimed Iran has been “decimated” and lost its uranium enrichment and ballistic missile manufacturing capabilities after 20 days of coordinated U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. However, he noted that regime change would require a “ground component” beyond aerial operations, though he provided no additional details.

During Netanyahu’s remarks, Iranian forces launched another missile barrage toward Israel, according to statements from Israel’s military and Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Nearly three weeks into the conflict with no resolution in sight, and growing concerns about a global “oil shock,” seven allied nations issued a joint declaration. Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan expressed “our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait.”

The allies also committed to “other steps to stabilise energy markets, including working with certain producing nations to increase output.”

However, immediate action appears unlikely. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz emphasized that any assistance in securing the strait would only occur after hostilities conclude.

Major U.S. allies’ reluctance to engage reflects skepticism about a conflict European leaders describe as having unclear objectives they neither sought nor can control.

Israel’s South Pars gas field attack, which Trump said occurred without U.S. knowledge, revealed coordination gaps between the primary participants regarding strategy and objectives.

Three Israeli officials created additional confusion by stating the operation occurred with U.S. consultation but would likely not be repeated.

Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard informed the House intelligence committee that American and Israeli objectives differ: “…the Israeli government has been focused on disabling the Iranian leadership. The president has stated that his objectives are to destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles launching capability, their ballistic missile production capability, and their navy.”

Iran’s military declared that strikes against Iranian energy infrastructure had initiated “a new stage in the war” prompting attacks on U.S.-linked energy facilities.

“If strikes (on Iran’s energy facilities) happen again, further attacks on your energy infrastructure and that of your allies will not stop until it is completely destroyed,” Iranian military spokesman Ebrahim Zolfaqari warned through state media.

QatarEnergy’s chief executive confirmed to Reuters that Iranian attacks eliminated one-sixth of Qatar’s LNG export capacity, representing $20 billion annually in lost revenue, with repairs requiring three to five years.

Israeli media reported Iranian strikes damaged oil facilities at Israel’s Haifa port without causing casualties.

Since Wednesday, Iranian attacks have forced the UAE to close its Habshan gas facility and ignited fires at two Kuwaiti oil refineries.

HAVANA (AP) — Two Russian oil tankers are navigating toward Cuba, bringing the island nation’s first fuel deliveries in three months as the country grapples with widespread power outages and a deteriorating electrical infrastructure.

The Russian vessel Anatoly Kolodkin is currently positioned approximately 3,000 nautical miles away in the Atlantic and should arrive within 10 days, according to Jorge Piñón, a specialist with the University of Texas Energy Institute who spoke to The Associated Press.

This delivery would represent Cuba’s first oil arrival from any nation during a three-month period marked by a U.S. energy embargo.

The sanctioned tanker holds 730,000 barrels of fuel and appears on sanctions lists maintained by the United States, European Union, and United Kingdom due to the Ukraine conflict, Piñón explained.

A second ship, the Hong Kong-registered Sea Horse, is also reportedly transporting Russian petroleum to Cuba with roughly 200,000 barrels of diesel aboard, Piñón noted.

He pointed out that Cuba’s daily diesel consumption reaches about 20,000 barrels, meaning the Sea Horse’s cargo won’t fully meet overall diesel needs considering the nation’s depleted storage reserves.

Piñón expects the fuel will primarily serve “critical sectors of the economy,” including transportation and agricultural operations.

The Sea Horse could reach Cuba within four days if that destination is confirmed, he said.

Piñón observed that the vessel remained stationary for 20 days in Atlantic waters before resuming its west-southwestward course. It currently sits roughly 958 nautical miles from Matanzas, Cuba.

Tracking these ships proves challenging because some vessels disable their satellite monitoring systems to avoid detection amid international sanctions and potential U.S. seizure threats, according to experts.

Should either vessel’s arrival be verified, it would mark 2025’s first Russian oil delivery to Cuba. The last detected shipment arrived via the Ocean Mariner carrying 85,000 barrels from Mexico’s Pajaritos port on January 9.

During Thursday Senate testimony, General Francis Donovan, commander of U.S. Southern Command, stated his personnel are monitoring a Russian destroyer accompanied by a fuel “replenishment ship” scheduled for a Cuban port visit. He indicated the oiler’s cargo, even if unloaded, would unlikely significantly impact Cuba’s oil situation.

When questioned by senators, Donovan clarified his command isn’t currently practicing military intervention scenarios in Cuba and focuses solely on safeguarding the U.S. Embassy and Guantanamo Bay military installation, though it can address Caribbean migration or humanitarian emergencies if necessary.

Cuba generates merely 40% of its petroleum needs domestically, relying on Russia, Mexico, and Venezuela for the remainder.

However, essential Venezuelan shipments ceased after the U.S. targeted the South American nation in early January and detained its former president, Nicolás Maduro — a crucial commercial and ideological ally of Cuba.

In late January, President Donald Trump warned of imposing tariffs on any nation selling or providing oil to Cuba. That same month, Mexico suspended its oil exports to the island.

These developments have intensified Cuba’s energy and economic difficulties, resulting in 10-hour power failures, reduced work schedules, limited transportation options, and declining tourism revenues — formerly a primary income source.

The deteriorating conditions have also triggered minor demonstrations.

Cuba has endured a serious economic downturn since this decade’s start due to stricter U.S. sanctions, COVID-19 pandemic effects, and domestic financial reforms that sparked inflation.

Food and medication scarcities have become commonplace for Cuban citizens. These crises have also accelerated emigration, especially among youth and skilled professionals, to the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

This week, European activists participating in an ongoing international assistance convoy delivered over four tons of medical supplies to the island. Additional aid is anticipated Friday by aircraft and Saturday through a large flotilla bringing solar panels, medical equipment, and preserved food gathered by Mexican activists. British Parliament member Jeremy Corbyn and Irish hip-hop group Kneecap are expected among the flotilla passengers traveling to Cuba.

Trump has declared readiness to take Cuba through any necessary means, while the Cuban government, despite acknowledging U.S. discussions, has maintained its sovereign position.

MEXICO CITY – Mexican naval officials reported Thursday that eleven individuals suspected of criminal activity died during a military security operation conducted in the northern state of Sinaloa.

The deadly confrontation occurred as part of ongoing security efforts in the region, according to statements released by Mexico’s navy forces.

No additional details about the specific circumstances of the operation or the identities of those killed were immediately provided by authorities.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot will make an unexpected diplomatic trip to Israel on Friday following discussions in Beirut on Thursday, as France works to ease Middle Eastern tensions and broker a Lebanese ceasefire.

According to the French foreign ministry, Barrot plans to address regional security concerns, humanitarian assistance matters, and efforts to calm ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts with Israeli officials.

Sources close to the situation indicate Israel has dismissed Beirut’s proposal for direct negotiations, viewing the offer as insufficient and overdue from a Lebanese government that opposes Iran-supported Hezbollah but worries that confronting the group could trigger internal warfare.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun, who held talks with Barrot on Thursday, has shown openness to starting direct discussions with Israel. These talks come after Israel launched aerial attacks on Lebanon in response to Hezbollah’s March 2 assault on Israel. Despite diplomatic overtures, Hezbollah has refused the negotiation proposal and continues fighting.

Given France’s longstanding relationship with Lebanon, the country has joined the United States in attempting to mediate the dispute. Barrot coordinated with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio prior to his Lebanese visit.

“We call on the Israeli and Lebanese representatives to conduct constructive negotiations with a view to finding a lasting political solution, and we are ready, if necessary, to welcome them,” foreign ministry spokesperson Pascal Confavreux told reporters earlier on Thursday.

Last week, France offered alternative suggestions to American proposals aimed at ending the conflict, according to two diplomatic sources.

Three diplomatic officials revealed that Washington has shown limited enthusiasm for France’s recommendations, though conversations between the two allies continue. They also noted that Israel has turned down the French proposals.

ANTANANARIVO, Madagascar — The military leader of Madagascar announced Thursday that prospective government ministers must undergo polygraph testing as part of an anti-corruption screening process.

Colonel Michael Randrianirina, who assumed control of the Indian Ocean nation following an October coup, revealed that Madagascar has obtained lie detector equipment and trained personnel to evaluate potential cabinet members.

“We will know who is corrupt and who can help us,” Randrianirina stated. “We are not looking for someone who is 100% clean, but someone who is more than 60% clean.”

The military officer led the overthrow of President Andry Rajoelina after weeks of demonstrations last year, primarily driven by young citizens angry about inadequate public services and limited opportunities in the poverty-stricken country of approximately 32 million people.

Last week, Randrianirina dismissed his complete cabinet and disbanded the government structure. He named a new prime minister this past Sunday.

“After taking the polygraph test, candidates who fail will not proceed to an interview,” Randrianirina explained to media representatives. “Those who pass the polygraph test will have an interview with me and the prime minister.”

The military leader has committed to conducting fresh elections within two years of assuming power.

FRANKFURT, Germany (AP) — Military strikes targeting major energy infrastructure across the Persian Gulf region are sparking concerns about sustained disruptions that could drive up costs for fuel, electricity, technology components, and food supplies worldwide.

Thursday’s Iranian assault on crucial Gulf energy facilities came as payback for Israel’s strike on a natural gas operation that provides the majority of Iran’s gas supply. These retaliatory exchanges have heightened worries that initial war-related price increases could become permanent fixtures in the global economy.

Regional nations have already reduced oil production after Iranian strike threats forced most tanker operations through the Strait of Hormuz to halt, creating a bottleneck with nowhere for the oil to flow. Even when the strait reopens safely for tanker passage, energy supplies will take considerable time to resume normal flow because of the complicated process required to restart refineries and related operations. Any infrastructure damage from continued military action will extend these delays further.

Asian markets are experiencing the most severe impact since the majority of oil and gas passing through the strait heads to that region. Philippine government operations now run just four days weekly with orders to reduce air conditioning usage. Vietnamese authorities have encouraged remote work arrangements.

The disruptions extend beyond petroleum products. Critical materials including helium for semiconductor manufacturing and sulfur for fertilizer production face supply obstacles that could soon create shortages, pushing up prices throughout entire production chains.

Several major facilities have become primary targets in the conflict.

The South Pars natural gas field represents the planet’s largest such reserve, shared between Iran and Qatar, where Qatar calls its section the North Field. South Pars provides most of the natural gas Iran uses for residential heating and power generation.

Israeli forces struck facilities at Asuleyah connected to this field, prompting Iranian warnings of attacks on energy sites throughout other Gulf nations.

Iran already faces periodic electricity production challenges. Losing South Pars gas supplies would create additional hardships for Iranian civilians.

President Donald Trump stated Israel would not target South Pars again, but issued a social media warning that continued Iranian strikes on Qatar’s energy infrastructure would trigger U.S. retaliation to “massively blow up the entirety” of the field.

The planet’s biggest LNG export operation sustained “extensive” damage during Thursday’s Iranian retaliatory strike. State-owned QatarEnergy had already suspended operations following an earlier drone attack.

Ras Laffan processes gas from Qatar’s portion of the shared field with Iran, known as the North Field. The facility cools gas until it becomes liquid for tanker transport, primarily to Asian markets.

This attack severely impacted global energy markets since Qatar supplies 20% of worldwide liquefied natural gas. European consumers are already experiencing significantly higher prices.

This tanker facility has processed nearly all of Iran’s approximately 1.6 million daily barrels of pre-conflict crude exports, with most shipments bound for China. Trump announced U.S. bombing of military positions on Kharg Island March 13 while avoiding oil infrastructure, though he warned those energy facilities could face future attacks.

Some tankers continue loading operations there. Iranian oil appears to be exiting the Gulf through a “dark fleet” of vessels using false location data and hidden ownership to avoid sanctions, according to maritime intelligence firms.

Saudi Aramco’s pipeline connecting the Abqaiq oil processing facility near the Persian Gulf to Yanbu port on the Red Sea bypasses the Hormuz bottleneck, enabling Saudi Arabia to maintain substantial oil exports. However, the pipeline cannot fully compensate for the Hormuz closure. Saudi officials reported strikes on their SAMREF refinery at Yanbu, raising questions about continued oil export capabilities through that port.

This crucial tanker terminal on the Gulf of Oman allows Abu Dhabi to export significant oil volumes through a pipeline from the Habshan oil and gas field without using the Strait of Hormuz. Two strikes have disrupted operations, though activities have reportedly resumed.

After a drone attack, Kuwait Petroleum company reported Thursday that facility fires were extinguished, without detailing damage extent. Refineries are essential to Kuwait’s oil production since wells must shut down without processing destinations. Restarting refineries requires extensive time for safety protocols, keeping wells largely inactive until refineries resume operations.

Salalah hosts an $800 million facility producing liquid petroleum gas for Asian export, commonly used for cooking fuel. Indian restaurants have reduced operating hours and eliminated energy-intensive menu items like curries and fried foods. Located outside the Strait of Hormuz, operations were suspended as a precautionary measure following drone strikes.

This site provides approximately 20% of Abu Dhabi’s natural gas supply and serves as a major sulfur supplier extracted from gas, used in fertilizer and chemical manufacturing. Operations ceased Tuesday due to drone strike damage.

Four people died in overnight Iranian missile attacks that struck multiple locations across Israel and the West Bank from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, according to emergency services.

Warning sirens blared six separate times during the eight-hour period from midnight to 8 a.m. Thursday as waves of incoming missiles targeted various regions. The Magen David Adom ambulance service reported that a 30-year-old foreign worker in Moshav Adanim sustained fatal shrapnel injuries and died from critical wounds.

Near Hebron in the West Bank village of Beit Awwa, three Palestinian women lost their lives while 13 others were injured, with two victims in critical condition, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society confirmed. Palestinian Authority officials named the deceased women as Sahira, Amal and Mais Masalma, aged 50, 36 and 17 respectively.

These deaths represent the first Palestinian fatalities in the West Bank since the ongoing conflict involving America, Israel and Iran began.

Video evidence from the attacks suggested that Iran deployed cluster munitions in at least one of the strikes. A separate projectile demolished a residence in Neta, located close to Beit Awwa, leaving extensive structural damage.

The missile barrage caused widespread destruction across multiple sites. A Tel Aviv building suffered major damage after taking a direct hit.

Wednesday’s earlier attacks wounded three people in Petah Tikva in central Israel – a 44-year-old man and two children aged 13 and 12 – though their injuries were reported as minor.

Emergency sirens also activated in Haifa, the Galilee region, the Golan Heights, and near Eilat in southern Israel, but authorities reported no casualties in those locations.

Four people died in overnight Iranian missile attacks that targeted multiple locations across Israel and the West Bank from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, according to emergency services reports.

Warning sirens blared six separate times during an eight-hour period from midnight to 8 a.m. Thursday, signaling continuous incoming attacks. Emergency responders from Magen David Adom reported that a 30-year-old foreign worker sustained fatal shrapnel injuries in Moshav Adanim and died from critical wounds.

Near Hebron in the village of Beit Awwa, three Palestinian women lost their lives while 13 others sustained injuries, with two victims remaining in critical condition, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported. Palestinian Authority officials named the deceased women as Sahira, Amal and Mais Masalma, whose ages were 50, 36 and 17 respectively.

These deaths represent the first Palestinian casualties in the West Bank since the ongoing conflict involving America, Israel and Iran commenced.

A separate projectile struck a residence in Neta, located close to Beit Awwa, resulting in extensive property damage. Video evidence from the bombardment suggested that Iranian forces deployed cluster munitions in at least one of the attacks.

Property damage occurred across several other locations during the assault. A Tel Aviv building suffered considerable structural damage from a direct hit.

On Wednesday before the overnight attacks, three people sustained minor injuries in Petah Tikva in central Israel – a 44-year-old adult and two children aged 13 and 12.

Emergency alert systems also activated in Haifa, the Galilee region, the Golan Heights and near Eilat in southern Israel, although no casualties were documented in those locations.

ROME (AP) — Just steps away from Rome’s famous Pantheon lies a tranquil cloister that remains largely unknown to the millions of visitors who pass by daily.

Beyond its massive wooden entrance, decorated walls tell the story of centuries filled with drama, from papal elections to the religious trial of scientist Galileo Galilei. The general public cannot access these historic frescoes.

The courtyard centers around a fish pond surrounded by olive trees, two towering palms, and an orange tree whose fruit the resident friars transform into marmalade. Content cats rest in warm patches of sunlight across the lawn. Twenty Dominican friars continue to call the surrounding convent home while performing their religious duties.

“It is designed to be a place of prayer, of meditation and therefore in some way to encourage prayer and the meditation of the friars,” said Friar Aucone.

Throughout history, this location has drawn notable personalities including St. Catherine of Siena and Renaissance artist Fra Angelico, both entombed in the neighboring basilica. The site witnessed significant moments such as papal elections and proceedings of the Roman Inquisition.

The adjacent basilica’s title, Santa Maria Sopra Minerva, reflects its layered past — a Christian church honoring the Virgin Mary constructed above an ancient Roman temple dedicated to Minerva, goddess of wisdom.

“This cloister of Santa Maria Sopra Minerva is one of the largest and perhaps the most beautiful in all of Rome and it was a great cultural center in ancient times and it is even now,” said Claudio Strinati, an art historian.

During Julius Caesar’s era, citizens gathered here to vote. Dominican Friars constructed their church on this location in the late 1200s. The current cloister replaced an earlier version around 1570, designed by Guidetto Giudetti, who studied under Michelangelo.

Wall and ceiling frescoes display rosary mysteries intended to inspire contemplation among the Dominican residents. Additional artwork tucked into alcoves throughout the cloister reveals the complex and sometimes troubled history of this place and its occupants.

During the 16th century, the convent housed Roman Inquisition offices. High on the cloister walls, medallion portraits show beheaded Dominican Friars who served as inquisitors, depicted with severed necks and their heads in their hands.

“Among other things there was the tribunal of the Inquisition where famously Galileo Galilei was interrogated,” explained Strinati.

Within a chamber adjacent to the cloister, Galileo Galilei faced inquisition judges in 1633, compelled to abandon his “heretical” theory that Earth and other planets orbit the sun.

Fra Angelico, the Renaissance master and Dominican friar, resided at the convent while creating frescoes for the Vatican’s Niccoline chapel. Though in his fifties, Fra Angelico appears much older in his cloister wall medallion — a weathered elderly man in religious robes bent over his artwork.

Another medallion depicts St. Catherine of Siena, who lived at the convent and lies buried in the adjacent basilica. Friar Aucone observes with humor that while they possess her remains, her skull had to be given to Dominican Friars in Siena.

The structure encircling the cloister hosted two papal conclaves that chose Pope Eugene IV in 1431 and Pope Nicholas V in 1447. Five popes rest within the Basilica.

According to Strinati, concealed gems like the Santa Maria Sopra Minerva cloister contribute to Rome’s magical appeal.

“There is all the history hidden and therefore sometimes something is found and all generations, including mine, have discovered things,” he said. “The generations that will come later will continue to discover why it is so great and so profound that much is secret and hidden. And that is an element of its charm.”

A prominent Israeli missile defense authority warns that Iran’s cluster-equipped missiles present a critical timing challenge for defensive systems.

“After the cluster has opened, it’s too late,” Dr. Uzi Rubin explained to The Media Line, emphasizing the narrow window available to neutralize these weapons.

Rubin’s assessment comes amid growing scrutiny of cluster warhead technology used in Iranian missile strikes during recent hostilities with Israel. These weapons release numerous smaller explosive devices rather than delivering one large blast, creating unique defensive challenges.

The fundamental problem, according to Rubin, is straightforward: ballistic missiles equipped with cluster warheads must be destroyed before their payload separates and scatters submunitions. After that dispersal occurs, the weapon transforms from a single target into multiple threats, drastically reducing the effectiveness of interception efforts.

Rubin brings extensive credentials to his analysis. He established and directed Israel’s Missile Defense Organization from 1991 through 1999, guiding development of the Arrow system—Israel’s initial national missile defense capability. His subsequent roles included senior positions at Israel’s National Security Council, Israel Aerospace Industries, and the Defense Ministry. He also conducted research at Stanford’s Center for International Security and Arms Control. The Israeli government recognized his contributions with Defense Prizes in 1996 and 2003, while the US Missile Defense Agency honored him with the David Israel Prize.

When describing cluster warhead mechanics, Rubin began with historical context. “What is a cluster warhead?” Rubin said. “A cluster warhead is a class of bombs, which were more famously used in the Vietnam War and other wars. It’s a bomb which contains, instead of one big barrel of explosive, it contains a lot of small bomblets.”

He outlined the weapon’s operation during its final approach. “So a cluster warhead for a missile is the same thing,” Rubin said. “The tip of the missile, instead of containing a big barrel of explosives, contains a mechanism which holds on to a lot of small bombs. And when the missile approaches the target, it opens its skin, it peels off, and it spins around, and the bomblets are released and released into space and fall on the ground.”

Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal encompasses various systems developed over many years, with most capable of carrying different warhead configurations, Rubin noted. “Every one of their missiles, and they have several types, heavier ones, smaller ones,” he said. “For each one of them, they have a regular warhead or a cluster warhead.” The quantity of submunitions depends on the specific missile platform and its carrying capacity. “Cluster warheads can contain, let’s say, from 20-30 bomblets to 70-80 bomblets; it depends on the type of the missile.”

Defense systems face a critical timing constraint when engaging these threats. Interceptor missiles must eliminate incoming weapons while their warheads remain consolidated. After cluster mechanisms activate and disperse bomblets, successful interception becomes significantly more challenging since the destructive payload has already separated.

“Interception usually is done if it’s successful,” Rubin said. “It’s not always successful. It’s above the altitude where it opens there, and it disperses the cluster, when it’s still held in one piece.”

Technical analysis indicates cluster warheads typically release their contents at relatively low altitudes compared to ballistic missile flight paths. “In the papers, they say that the opening altitude of clusters is a dispersed altitude of 7 kilometers,” Rubin said. “Seven kilometers is pretty low. Most of the interception is done above that.”

Despite their unique characteristics, cluster warheads don’t require fundamentally different defensive approaches, according to Rubin. The core strategy mirrors that used against conventional ballistic missiles: eliminate the threat as early as possible during its flight path, well before it approaches target areas. “So, there is no difference in intercepting cluster warheads than the regular warhead,” he said. “You have to intercept them well away from the target.”

Below certain altitudes, successful interception becomes extremely difficult regardless of warhead type. “After the cluster has opened, it’s too late,” Rubin said. “But anyway, even if there’s not a cluster, a unitary bombhead, a barrel, below a certain altitude, you cannot intercept it anymore. It’s too late.”

This altitude limitation clarifies a widespread misunderstanding about Israel’s layered defense network. Iron Dome targets short-range rockets, while Arrow systems engage long-range ballistic missiles at high altitudes above Israeli airspace. The internationally recognized Iron Dome system isn’t designed to handle ballistic missile threats. “The Iron Dome is too low for that,” Rubin said. “The Iron Dome is not designed against that. It’s designed against a short-range rocket.”

Cluster and conventional warheads serve distinct tactical purposes, Rubin explained. Cluster munitions distribute damage over broader areas, posing greater threats to exposed personnel and unfortified facilities. “It depends for what use,” Rubin said. “A cluster warhead is very dangerous against troops in the open, against installations which are not protected.”

Traditional warheads focus their destructive force at single impact points. “A unitary warhead is more dangerous to, like you saw what happened last night in that village … that was a unitary warhead,” Rubin said.

Individual bomblets carry relatively modest explosive power compared to full ballistic missile payloads, but their combined impact remains lethal. Rubin likened submunition effects to rockets frequently launched by militant groups from Gaza. “No, it’s a small bomb,” he said. “The effect is like a Grad, a rocket that comes from Gaza. It can be fatal.”

The cluster warheads employed in recent conflicts aren’t new technology, Rubin emphasized. When asked whether versions used in current fighting differed from those fired in previous Iranian-Israeli exchanges, his response was brief. “Same thing,” he said. “They fired less of them, but it’s the same thing.”

For Rubin, the central challenge isn’t technological innovation but the compressed timeframe for effective response. Missile interception depends on altitude and split-second timing. Early destruction prevents warhead deployment; failure shifts the focus from prevention to damage mitigation.