Category: World News

A United Nations human rights specialist believes Haiti now has its best opportunity to combat widespread gang violence, thanks to an expanded international security force beginning deployment and leadership committed to offering alternatives to young gang members.

William O’Neill, the UN’s human rights expert for Haiti who recently visited the country, stated Monday that “We’re in a place now where the next few months are going to be crucial.” He added, “And I think it can turn around, because the gangs, at the end of the day, are not that powerful.”

The UN Security Council authorized a significantly larger 5,550-member force on September 30th through a US-Panama sponsored resolution, granting expanded authority to combat escalating gang violence in Haiti. This initiative aims to transform the existing Kenya-led multinational force, which arrived in June 2024 with approximately 1,100 troops, into a “gang suppression force” with arrest powers that the current mission lacks.

O’Neill informed UN reporters that support operations and other components of the gang suppression force are already establishing themselves in Haiti, with initial troop deployments scheduled for early April. Additional contingents will arrive in subsequent months, with the complete force expected to be operational by September. Several units from the current Kenya-led mission, including forces from El Salvador, Guatemala and Jamaica, are anticipated to remain.

Gang influence has expanded dramatically following President Jovenel Moïse’s 2021 assassination. These criminal organizations now dominate 90% of Port-au-Prince, the capital, and have extended their operations throughout rural areas, engaging in theft, kidnapping, sexual violence and rape. Haiti has remained without a president since the assassination, while Haitian police and the UN-backed multinational force have been unable to contain the violence.

O’Neill called on the UN Security Council to implement sanctions against additional gang leaders and corrupt officials and business leaders connected to criminal organizations. He emphasized that stopping the weapon flow, primarily from the United States, is crucial because “the gangs literally run out of bullets, and they lose their strength.”

The Haiti specialist, appointed by the UN high commissioner for human rights, expressed frustration that nearly five years after Moïse’s death, gang power has continued growing. However, he now feels “more than hope” with the incoming gang suppression force and a prime minister leading a Cabinet focused on delivering results for citizens, particularly creating opportunities for youth and gang members.

Currently, he noted, gang leaders constantly use social media to display expensive jewelry and designer athletic clothing while boasting about their activities. “Kids see this and they say, ‘That’s how I become rich, that’s how I become a big shot.’”

However, O’Neill referenced a disturbing video released recently showing a gang leader using a baseball bat to attack 10 to 15 young boys lying on the ground because they were suspected of attempting to leave the gang territory.

He suggested that removing several key gang leaders could significantly impact violence reduction, as others motivated by money and power would receive a clear message.

“Haiti is facing a difficult yet promising moment. If we can help Haiti address insecurity, fight corruption and impunity and protect human rights, then everyone will prosper,” O’Neill concluded. “We just can’t let them down.”

BAGHDAD — The American diplomatic compound in Baghdad faced a coordinated assault early Tuesday morning when militants fired rockets and launched at least five unmanned aircraft at the embassy, according to Iraqi security officials who characterized the incident as the most severe attack since regional hostilities commenced in late February.

A Reuters correspondent observed no fewer than three drones flying toward the embassy complex. The facility’s C-RAM defense system successfully intercepted two of the aircraft, but a third penetrated the compound’s defenses and struck within the embassy grounds, causing flames and smoke to rise from the impact site.

The sound of an explosion echoed through Iraq’s capital city, according to another Reuters witness on the scene.

Embassy officials could not be reached for comment as their mobile phones appeared to be turned off when contacted by Reuters.

Pro-Iranian militia groups have been targeting American assets throughout Iraq as payback for the ongoing conflict that started on February 28.

Just one day earlier, the Iran-affiliated organization Kataib Hezbollah confirmed the death of a high-ranking commander and official spokesman, while Popular Mobilization Forces reported that aerial bombardments resulted in the deaths of at least eight of their fighters in al-Qaim, an Iraqi border town near Syria.

In response to the embassy attack, Iraqi military personnel have been positioned throughout sections of the capital city and have sealed off Baghdad’s heavily protected Green Zone, the secure area that contains government offices and foreign diplomatic missions, including the American embassy.

Crude oil markets experienced a sharp upward swing Tuesday morning, with prices climbing more than 2% as traders remained concerned about global energy supplies amid the continuing conflict involving Iran.

Brent crude futures climbed $2.48, representing a 2.5% increase to reach $102.69 per barrel by early GMT trading, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude advanced $2.42, or 2.6%, settling at $95.92.

This uptick reversed Monday’s significant declines, when Brent futures dropped 2.8% and U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude tumbled 5.3% after some shipping vessels managed to navigate through the contested waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz, which serves as a critical passage for approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas commerce, has faced major disruptions due to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran, now entering its third week. These developments have sparked widespread concerns about potential energy shortages, escalating fuel costs, and increased inflation pressures.

Multiple U.S. allies declined President Donald Trump’s Monday request to deploy naval vessels for protecting commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting sharp criticism from Trump, who condemned Western partners for showing ingratitude following decades of American support.

“The risks remain stark: It only takes one Iranian militia to fire a missile or plant a mine on a passing tanker to reignite the entire situation,” IG market analyst Tony Sycamore said in a note.

Meanwhile, Iran has requested that India release three oil tankers that were confiscated in February, as part of ongoing negotiations aimed at ensuring safe transit for Indian-flagged vessels and India-bound shipments through the Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, according to three sources familiar with the discussions who spoke to Reuters.

The practical shutdown of the strait has compelled the United Arab Emirates, which ranks as the third-largest oil producer within the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, to halt production operations, cutting its output by more than 50%, two sources confirmed to Reuters.

In response to mounting energy costs, the International Energy Agency’s leadership has proposed that member nations consider releasing additional oil supplies, supplementing the 400 million barrels they have already committed to withdrawing from strategic reserves.

Several financial institutions have revised their long-term price forecasts upward, anticipating extended supply disruptions. Bank of America increased its 2026 Brent crude projection to $77.50 per barrel from the previous $61 estimate, while Standard Chartered elevated its forecast to $85.50 from $70.

Bank of America explained in their analysis that their updated projections consider two scenarios with equal probability: a rapid resolution restoring normal shipping flows by April that would bring Brent prices near $70, or extended disruptions continuing into the second quarter that could push prices toward $85.

Israeli officials announced they have comprehensive military plans extending at least three additional weeks as their forces conducted overnight strikes targeting locations throughout Iran.

The Cuban government made a surprising announcement Monday, welcoming Cuban Americans and other exiles to invest in and own businesses on the Communist-controlled island, despite decades of hostility between the two sides.

Cuban Deputy Prime Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva Fraga, who leads the foreign commerce ministry, declared on state television that “there are no limitations” for Cuban exiles seeking to invest in their homeland.

This represents a dramatic reversal for Cuba, which has historically viewed the exile community with deep mistrust, particularly since many Cuban Americans have long supported the U.S. trade embargo against the island nation.

The announcement comes as Cuba faces a severe economic crisis, worsened by U.S.-imposed oil restrictions and sanctions that have resulted in widespread power outages and shortages of essential goods including fuel, food, and medical supplies.

While Cuban nationals living on the island have been permitted to establish private businesses since 2021, those residing outside the country were previously barred from such opportunities.

“We have reiterated on several occasions that Cuba’s doors are open to investment from the Cuban community residing abroad. And when we say that, we’re not just referring to small ventures. We’re also referring to the possibility of investing in larger projects,” Perez-Oliva Fraga stated.

The deputy prime minister indicated that exiles could “participate fully in the various areas of the country’s development,” with the scope depending on the size of their business ventures.

Cuban officials expressed particular interest in agricultural investments, similar to arrangements with Vietnamese companies that produce rice on the island under agreements where the government retains land ownership.

The timing of this policy change is notable, occurring just days after Cuba confirmed it had initiated discussions with the United States, while Trump administration officials have privately indicated they would seek economic opportunities as part of any future agreement.

More than one million Cubans have left the island since 2021, creating the largest migration wave since Fidel Castro’s 1959 revolution and representing a significant pool of potential investors that remains largely unused.

Cuba also announced it was eliminating barriers for U.S. companies seeking to invest, though officials acknowledged that American laws still prohibit such trade and investment under the ongoing economic embargo designed to pressure the Havana government.

President Donald Trump has recently intensified pressure on Cuba by cutting off Venezuelan oil shipments and threatening tariffs on any nation that sells oil to the island, further damaging Cuba’s already struggling economy.

Trump escalated his statements Monday, claiming he expected to have the “honor” of “taking Cuba in some form” and asserting that “I can do anything I want” regarding the neighboring country.

CHISINAU, March 16 – Water supplies have been completely shut off to Moldova’s second-largest city after a Russian missile strike on a Ukrainian power facility caused widespread environmental contamination, government officials announced Monday.

The attack on the Novodnistrovsk hydroelectric station in southern Ukraine on March 7 resulted in an oil leak that has contaminated the Dniestr River system, affecting water quality across the border in Moldova. Balti, home to 90,000 residents, along with three smaller communities, will remain without water service for at least another 12 hours extending into Tuesday, according to Moldova’s Environment Ministry.

Educational institutions have been forced to close, with students switching to remote learning as authorities work to address the crisis.

Moldovan officials implemented a 15-day environmental emergency on Sunday as the full scope of the contamination became clear.

“We declared environmental alert and are acting to protect our people,” President Maia Sandu stated on social media. “Russia bears full responsibility.”

Sandu, who has set a goal of bringing Moldova into the European Union before 2030, directly blamed Moscow for the river pollution. The leader of one of Europe’s most economically disadvantaged nations has consistently criticized Russia’s 2022 military invasion of Ukraine and has accused the Kremlin of attempting to overthrow her administration. Russian officials counter that Sandu is promoting anti-Russian sentiment.

Since Sandu took office in 2020, the European Union has offered substantial financial assistance to Moldova. EU Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos announced the bloc’s readiness to provide support in addressing the pollution crisis.

“This is a reminder that Russia’s war does not stop at Ukraine’s borders,” Kos posted on X. “We stand in solidarity with the Republic of Moldova.”

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria — Three devastating explosions rocked Nigeria’s northeastern city of Maiduguri Monday evening, resulting in numerous deaths and hundreds of injuries in what authorities suspect were coordinated suicide attacks.

The deadly blasts struck the entrance to the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital along with two busy commercial areas — the Post Office market and Monday Market — according to Sirajo Abdullahi, who leads operations for Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency in the region.

“There are casualties and they are still managing the causalities at the hospital,” Abdullahi stated. “We can’t give the actual figure until we count.”

The attacks occurred in Borno state’s capital, an area that has endured more than ten years of violent insurgency from the homegrown extremist organization Boko Haram.

Witness Bagoni Alkali, who helped transport injured victims for medical care, described the horrific scene to reporters.

“Right now, over 200 people have been injured and are receiving care in the accident and emergency department,” Alkali reported.

“While I could tell you so many people have died, to be honest, many lost their lives at the scene immediately after the bomb exploded. It’s disheartening,” he continued.

Mohammed Hassan, a volunteer who regularly supports security forces in their fight against armed extremists, recovered ten bodies from the market locations.

“Many victims were rushed to the emergency ward, but some died at the hospital. We’re in dire need of blood,” Hassan explained. “This attack’s been one of the deadliest in Maiduguri in years.”

So far, no organization has taken credit for the suspected bombing campaign.

Earlier Monday, Nigerian military forces successfully fought off assaults by suspected Islamic militants on Maiduguri’s outskirts during the early morning hours, according to an official military statement.

Nigeria continues to face ongoing security challenges from various armed factions, particularly across the country’s northern regions.

Extremist jihadi organizations, including Boko Haram and its affiliated groups, have intensified their assault on Nigerian military installations throughout the northeast this month. However, such attacks within Maiduguri itself have become uncommon in recent years following increased military operations in Borno state, the center of Nigeria’s 17-year battle against armed extremist movements.

Borno Governor Babagana Umara Zulum issued a statement Monday strongly denouncing the explosions.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims and those injured as a result of the blast. The act is utterly condemnable, barbaric and inhumane,” Zulum declared.

The governor urged citizens to stay calm, continue their daily routines, and alert security forces about any suspicious activities or movements in their communities.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio has issued orders for American diplomatic personnel stationed around the globe to lobby international partners into formally labeling Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Lebanese organization Hezbollah as terrorist entities, according to confidential State Department communications obtained by Reuters.

The March 16 instruction, distributed to every American diplomatic facility worldwide, directs embassy staff to communicate this request to foreign officials “at the highest appropriate level” before March 20. The document specifies that these lobbying activities should be synchronized with Israeli diplomatic efforts.

The Trump White House is working to gain support from hesitant international partners for its military actions, particularly after many nations received no advance warning about the American-Israeli air campaign that began two weeks earlier.

Demonstrating the challenges facing this diplomatic push, multiple American allies announced Monday they would not deploy naval vessels to assist in reopening the Strait of Hormuz, declining Trump’s request to help maintain access to the crucial oil transport route.

The diplomatic cable emphasizes urgency, stating: “With the elevated risk of attack from Iran and its partners and proxies, all governments must move expeditiously to diminish the capabilities of Iran and Iran-aligned terrorist groups from attacking our respective nations and citizens.”

Iran’s Revolutionary Guard represents an elite military branch tasked with safeguarding the country’s Shiite Muslim religious leadership while maintaining significant control over Iran’s economic sectors. Both the Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah, a Shiite Muslim militant organization based in Lebanon, already carry terrorist designations from Washington and several other nations.

While the State Department communication lacks specific details about the heightened threat level, it references Tehran’s previous attacks against neighboring Middle Eastern countries and calls for coordinated international response.

The cable argues: “We assess that the Iranian regime is more sensitive to collective action than unilateral action, and that joint pressure is more likely to compel behavior change by the regime than unilateral actions alone.”

Officials believe such international designations would intensify pressure on Iran’s government while restricting its capacity “to sponsor terror activities” globally.

A State Department representative stated: “President Trump is focused on securing peace in the Middle East. The IRGC, Hezbollah, and other Iranian backed proxies destabilize governments and undermine regional peace.”

North Korea’s state media announced Tuesday that the country’s newly elected parliament will gather for its inaugural session this Friday, March 22, to discuss potential constitutional changes and evaluate progress on a comprehensive five-year national strategy.

The Supreme People’s Assembly serves as the nation’s legislative body and oversees government policy across all sectors, though its decisions typically rubber-stamp measures already approved by the dominant Workers’ Party leadership.

Officials and experts in South Korea are closely monitoring whether North Korea’s constitutional amendments might formally classify South Korea as a distinct and enemy nation, which would undermine Seoul’s efforts to promote diplomatic engagement and peaceful reunification.

According to the Korean Central News Agency, the roster of newly elected parliamentary representatives includes Kim Jong Un’s powerful sister, who analysts view as a key spokesperson for the leader on international matters.

The legislative session will select the head of the State Affairs Commission along with other top government positions while considering constitutional modifications, the state news agency reported.

Lawmakers will also examine progress on implementing a new five-year strategic plan that the Workers’ Party approved last month, which featured Kim’s commitment to expanding the country’s nuclear arsenal and building more advanced long-range missile systems.

Notably absent from the list of 687 newly elected representatives from the March 15 election was Kim Jong Un himself.

Kim maintains control over the nation through his roles as Workers’ Party general secretary, State Affairs Commission president, and supreme commander of the military forces. Political observers anticipate he will secure reappointment to lead the Commission.

Moscow’s mayor announced Monday that Russian defense systems successfully intercepted 67 Ukrainian drones that were targeting the Russian capital, according to official reports from the city.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin initially reported 38 drone interceptions on Monday morning. Throughout the day, he provided updates via Telegram posts, revealing that defense forces had shot down an additional 29 drones beginning around 8 a.m. local time (0500 GMT).

The mayor also disclosed that defense systems had destroyed approximately 250 Ukrainian drones attempting to reach Moscow during the previous 48-hour period.

Russia’s Defense Ministry provided separate figures, stating that air defense forces had eliminated 59 Ukrainian drones between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. across various regions of the country, with 13 of those drones specifically aimed at Moscow.

A heated debate erupted in Israel’s parliament after Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi disclosed that President Trump’s direct intervention led to the removal of a major provision from the country’s media reform legislation.

Speaking to the Knesset committee overseeing the media reform bill, Karhi explained that the decision came straight from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following conversations with the U.S. president. “The prime minister decided to remove it because this is a demand that came from the president of the United States,” Karhi stated during the session.

The eliminated provision would have mandated that international streaming services operating in Israel allocate a percentage of their local earnings toward funding original Israeli content. Major platforms including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV+, and Disney+ would have been subject to this requirement.

Karhi informed committee members that this issue arose during broader economic discussions between Israel and the United States. “This is a demand from the United States as part of negotiations for an economic agreement,” he explained to lawmakers.

The proposed requirement had gained significant support from Israel’s entertainment industry. Advocates argued that international streaming services now directly compete with Israeli broadcasters while facing fewer regulatory requirements. Local television networks already must invest substantial portions of their revenue in domestic programming to support Israel’s entertainment sector.

Opposition lawmakers immediately challenged both the decision and the degree of American influence over Israeli lawmaking. Yesh Atid party member MK Shelly Tal Meron expressed outrage during the proceedings: “The most shocking thing is that the president of the United States is determining Israel’s broadcasting law. What are we even sitting here for?”

Industry representatives attending the committee meeting to support the provision reacted with dismay. Many warned that eliminating this requirement removes a crucial funding source for Israeli productions during a time when international platforms increasingly dominate the market.

ACT organization CEO Giora Vala directly confronted lawmakers during the heated discussion. “Are we the fifty-first state of the United States?” Vala questioned as the room erupted in shouting.

This controversy emerged within Israel’s comprehensive effort to modernize its media oversight system. Karhi’s reform initiative aims to restructure current regulations and create a new supervisory body for both traditional broadcasters and digital platforms.

Government supporters maintain that Israel’s regulatory framework was built for an era dominated by television channels and hasn’t adapted to the rapid growth of global streaming and online content distribution.

However, opposition members and media oversight organizations express concern that portions of the reform could undermine regulatory independence and shift the power balance between government and media companies.

The streaming investment clause’s removal adds an unexpected international element to the domestic policy debate. U.S. concerns about Israeli regulations affecting American businesses had emerged previously. In May 2025, U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee cautioned Israeli officials against policies that might damage major American corporations operating there.

During those statements, Huckabee specifically mentioned companies like Chevron and streaming platforms including Netflix, encouraging policymakers to carefully consider measures affecting American businesses. Karhi’s committee remarks indicated these concerns remained active in ongoing Israeli-American discussions.

For Israel’s television industry, the implications are straightforward. International streaming platforms will continue serving the local market without any legal obligation to support Israeli content creation. Industry producers warn that without such requirements, local creators may face increasing challenges as global platforms expand and audiences shift toward digital streaming.

The timing of this change is particularly significant since the government had previously endorsed the bill with the investment clause intact. The legislation successfully passed preliminary review and cleared first and second Knesset readings with the streaming requirement still included. Only during committee review was the provision eliminated following Netanyahu’s directive.

Committee deliberations on the remaining reform elements are scheduled to continue over the coming weeks as lawmakers examine other sections before the bill returns for final Knesset consideration.

SANTIAGO, Chile — Chile’s newly elected conservative President José Antonio Kast has moved quickly to fulfill one of his most prominent campaign pledges.

Just days after taking office, Kast traveled to the northern border region of Chacalluta on Monday to launch construction of a barrier designed to prevent unauthorized border crossings from Peru. The area has become a major entry point for migrants seeking to reach one of South America’s most economically stable countries.

Kast outlined his comprehensive ‘Border Shield’ initiative, which includes building physical obstacles such as trenches and fencing along Chile’s northern frontier. The plan also calls for drone surveillance and military personnel to monitor the border zone.

The initial work appeared modest, with a single bulldozer visible cutting through desert terrain to create a trench.

However, Kast emphasized the significance of the moment, telling reporters that “for all of Chile, this is a milestone.”

“We have taken clear and concrete decisions to close our border to illegal immigration, drug trafficking and organized crime,” he stated. “We want to implement this without any delay.”

Similar to his political ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, Kast has utilized executive authority during his first week in office to sign multiple orders focused on strengthening border enforcement and removing individuals who entered the country without authorization.

Chile has experienced significant demographic changes, with its immigrant population growing by 100% from 2017 to 2024. Officials estimate that more than 300,000 undocumented foreigners currently reside in Chile, with many originating from Venezuela.

While many newcomers are families escaping political turmoil and economic hardship, criminal organizations from Venezuela and other nations have also established operations in Chile recently. Despite Chile maintaining relatively low murder rates compared to regional neighbors, incidents including vehicle thefts, abductions, and targeted killings have become more common, creating public anxiety and leading some citizens to associate these problems with recent immigration.

Kast’s election represents Chile’s sharpest conservative shift since 1990, when the nation returned to democratic governance following nearly two decades of military dictatorship under General Augusto Pinochet — a regime Kast supported during his younger years.

Iraqi officials confirmed Monday that an unmanned aircraft struck a prominent Baghdad hotel without resulting in any injuries or significant property damage.

The Al-Rasheed hotel, situated within Baghdad’s heavily secured Green Zone, was hit by the drone as witnesses reported seeing flames and smoke in the area, according to security officials. The Green Zone serves as home to various government facilities and the United States embassy.

Iraq’s interior ministry revealed following their investigation that the unmanned aircraft had struck the hotel’s upper perimeter fence. Ministry officials expressed strong opposition to any efforts aimed at targeting foreign diplomatic personnel operating within Iraq.

Security officials also reported that two Katyusha rockets were launched toward the American embassy compound in Baghdad during the same timeframe.

The Trump administration is set to reveal an international alliance of countries committed to providing naval escorts for vessels navigating through the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Wall Street Journal report citing U.S. government sources. The announcement could come within days as part of Washington’s broader strategy to protect the crucial shipping lane during heightened tensions with Iran.

American officials indicate that deliberations continue regarding the timing of when these maritime protection operations would commence – whether during the current standoff with Iran or following its resolution.

On Sunday, foreign ministers from Britain and the Gulf Cooperation Council, which represents six regional nations, released a unified declaration stating that GCC member countries have the right to implement any measures deemed necessary to protect their security, stability, territories, and populations.

According to Ynet’s reporting, President Trump confirmed ongoing conversations with multiple nations about monitoring the strategic waterway while encouraging their participation in defending this essential trade route. Trump noted that “Israel is working with the US to secure the Strait of Hormuz.”

Meanwhile, European nations are evaluating potential contributions to efforts aimed at preserving safe passage through the waterway.

“It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side,” stated EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas during remarks to reporters before an EU foreign affairs gathering in Brussels.

French President Emmanuel Macron addressed the situation directly with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during a recent phone call. In a post on social media platform X, Macron described urging Iran to cease its regional activities.

“I called on him to immediately end the unacceptable attacks that Iran is carrying out against countries in the region,” Macron wrote, emphasizing that “freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible.”

WASHINGTON – American military officials announced Monday that roughly 200 U.S. service members have sustained injuries during the ongoing conflict with Iran, marking an increase as the confrontation moves into its third week.

The updated casualty figures represent a rise from previous reports, with Reuters having documented approximately 150 wounded troops just last week, underscoring the risks posed by Iran’s counter-offensive operations.

According to U.S. Central Command’s official statement, most personnel experienced relatively minor trauma, with 180 service members having resumed their regular assignments.

Beyond those injured, 13 American military personnel have lost their lives since Iranian forces began launching counter-strikes against U.S. military installations after hostilities commenced on February 28.

Tehran’s offensive operations have extended beyond military targets, with strikes hitting diplomatic facilities, commercial hotels, airport infrastructure, and energy systems throughout Arab Gulf nations.

American forces have conducted operations against more than 7,000 Iranian targets throughout the campaign. Former President Trump revealed last week that U.S. forces targeted military installations at Kharg Island, Iran’s critical petroleum export hub responsible for processing 90% of the nation’s oil shipments.

MADRID (AP) — During a diplomatic encounter on Monday, Spain’s King Felipe VI acknowledged that his nation’s historical colonization of the Americas contained significant wrongdoing and moral problems, offering a more diplomatic approach to ongoing tensions with Mexico regarding centuries-old colonial injustices.

The monarch delivered these comments during a conversation with Mexico’s Spanish ambassador, Quirino Ordaz, at a Madrid museum showcasing an exhibit focused on women’s roles in pre-Columbian Mexican society.

Reflecting on Spain’s historical conquest activities, Felipe VI stated: “There are things that, when we study them, we come to know them, and well, with our current values, they obviously cannot make us feel proud.”

“But they must be understood in their proper context, not with excessive moral presentism, but with an objective and rigorous analysis,” he said.

These symbolic statements from the Bourbon monarch follow years of diplomatic friction between the two nations stemming from Mexico’s insistence that Spain formally apologize for its 1519-1521 Mexican conquest, which led to widespread deaths among the country’s pre-Hispanic communities.

Former Mexican leader Andrés Manuel López Obrador sent correspondence to both King Felipe and Pope Francis in 2019, requesting that Spain “publicly and officially” acknowledge the wrongs committed during Mexico’s conquest period. Spain’s rejection of this demand deteriorated governmental relationships between both countries.

Diplomatic relations further soured in 2024 when current Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum excluded King Felipe from her inauguration ceremony due to the royal palace’s continued refusal to offer a formal apology. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez characterized this exclusion as “unacceptable,” leading Spain to boycott Sheinbaum’s inauguration entirely.

However, diplomatic ice began melting last autumn when Spain’s Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares recognized the “pain and injustice” experienced by Mexico’s Indigenous communities under Spanish colonial rule. These statements occurred at the opening of the same museum exhibition the king visited Monday.

“There has been pain, pain and injustice toward the indigenous peoples to whom this exhibition is dedicated,” Albares said.

Sheinbaum viewed the foreign minister’s statements positively, describing them as initial progress and noting that “this is the first time that a Spanish government authority has spoken of regretting the injustice.”

The king’s recent statements do not represent an official royal palace apology from Spain. Sheinbaum indicated Monday that she requires time to evaluate his comments.

QUITO, Ecuador — Ecuador’s government announced Monday the mobilization of 75,000 military and law enforcement personnel across four violence-plagued provinces, where authorities have instituted nighttime curfews prohibiting residents from venturing outside between 11 p.m. and 5 a.m.

Authorities reported 253 arrests for curfew violations since the restrictions began Sunday evening in Guayas, El Oro, Los Rios and Santo Domingo de los Tsachilas provinces. The two-week emergency measure encompasses Guayaquil, the nation’s largest city, but excludes the capital Quito and the tourist destination of the Galápagos Islands.

Interior Minister John Reimberg announced Monday that military forces utilized approved artillery strikes against three designated targets, though he declined to elaborate on the specific nature of these operations. “Let whatever must fall, fall — and whoever must fall, fall,” he declared to reporters, emphasizing that no casualties were documented during these missions.

The South American nation faces an escalating battle against drug-fueled violence as competing criminal organizations wage war for dominance over Pacific coast shipping facilities crucial for transporting cocaine to American markets.

Government data from the Ministry of the Interior reveals Ecuador experienced its most deadly year on record in 2023, with homicides reaching 50 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants.

Murder rates have surged fivefold since the coronavirus pandemic began, driven by Colombian and Mexican trafficking networks fighting over smuggling corridors while forming alliances with domestic criminal groups.

President Daniel Noboa recently renewed emergency powers that authorize military forces to conduct joint operations with civilian police and search private residences without obtaining warrants.

The conservative president has pointed fingers at neighboring Colombia, claiming its administration fails to adequately combat criminal organizations operating across their shared border. This January, Noboa imposed import duties on Colombian goods, vowing to maintain these penalties until cross-border security conditions improve.

This month, Ecuador’s armed forces announced a collaborative strike with U.S. forces targeting a Colombian narcotics training facility, deploying unmanned aircraft, helicopters and naval vessels in the assault.

Military officials identified the compound as being situated within Ecuadorian territory and controlled by Comandos de la Frontera, a faction that broke away from FARC following the rebel group’s 2016 peace agreement with Colombia’s government.

Human rights organizations have criticized Noboa’s aggressive approach, arguing his hardline tactics have failed to decrease criminal activity while endangering innocent civilians.

A controversial incident last year highlighted concerns about the president’s anti-crime strategies when eleven military personnel received sentences exceeding 30 years for kidnapping four minors, whose remains were discovered near a Guayaquil-area military installation.

Afghan Taliban officials accused Pakistan of conducting an airstrike that struck a drug treatment facility in Kabul on Monday, resulting in an unknown number of casualties, while Pakistani authorities denied hitting civilian targets.

Pakistan’s Ministry of Information and Broadcasting stated on social media platform X that their forces had struck “military installations” and “terrorist support infrastructure” in both Kabul and Nangarhar provinces.

According to Pakistani officials, the targeted locations housed weapons stockpiles and equipment utilized by Afghan Taliban forces and “Fitna al-Khawarij” militants, which is Pakistan’s designation for extremist fighters.

Pakistan’s military has not yet provided an official response to requests for additional information.

Cross-border hostilities between the two countries began escalating last month when Pakistan launched aerial attacks into Afghanistan, claiming they were aimed at militant bases. Afghan authorities condemned these operations as violations of their territorial sovereignty and responded with retaliatory strikes.

The issue of militant activity has become a major source of tension between the neighboring countries, which were once allies but are now adversaries. Pakistani leadership maintains that Afghanistan serves as a safe haven for extremists who carry out attacks against Pakistan, while Taliban representatives reject these accusations and argue that addressing militancy is Pakistan’s domestic responsibility.

WASHINGTON – American diplomatic envoy Steve Witkoff and Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi have reportedly resumed direct communication through a previously established channel, according to sources cited by Axios on Monday.

The news outlet reported that officials familiar with the situation confirmed the renewed contact between the two representatives, though the depth and substance of their exchanges remains unclear. This represents the first documented direct dialogue between the nations since military operations began involving the United States and Israel against Iran.

According to Axios sources, Araghchi initiated contact by sending text messages to Witkoff. However, a U.S. official told the publication that Washington was “not talking” to Tehran, suggesting limited engagement from the American side.

Earlier reporting from Drop Site News had indicated that Witkoff was the one reaching out to the Iranian minister through messages. That outlet quoted Iranian officials who claimed Araghchi was disregarding communications from Witkoff.

The conflicting reports highlight the sensitive and complex nature of any diplomatic contact between the two countries amid ongoing tensions in the region.

Officials in Abu Dhabi confirmed Monday that a blaze erupted at a major oil and gas facility following an unmanned aircraft strike, with no casualties reported thus far, according to the emirate’s media office.

The incident occurred at the Shah energy complex, which ranks among the globe’s most significant facilities of its type and sits approximately 180 kilometers (111.85 miles) southwest of Abu Dhabi.

Authorities were actively responding to the situation at the facility on Monday, working to address the fire caused by the aerial attack.

BRUSSELS, March 16 – European Union member nations and parliamentary representatives reached an impasse Monday over continuing interim regulations that dictate how major technology companies including Google and Meta identify and address child sexual exploitation material online.

The existing framework, which allows companies to voluntarily scan for and eliminate such harmful content while being exempt from stringent digital privacy regulations, has operated since 2021 but is set to lapse on April 3rd.

A representative from Cyprus, currently leading the EU’s rotating presidency, expressed disappointment with the outcome. “Regrettably the European Parliament insisted on amending the scope of the interim measure in a way that, in the view of the vast majority of member states, would have made this measure ineffective,” the spokesperson stated. “Today’s development creates a vacuum.”

Parliamentary members recently demanded that the temporary regulations exclude end-to-end encrypted messaging from oversight requirements, alongside additional modifications to the proposed framework.

The European Union implemented these interim measures after being unable to reach consensus on permanent legislation addressing this contentious issue, which has created tension between those advocating for enhanced online safety protocols and privacy rights defenders concerned about potential government overreach.

Comprehensive legislation targeting child sexual abuse material, initially proposed by the European Commission in 2022, remains stalled amid ongoing disagreements between opposing factions who have raised objections to fundamental aspects of the proposal.

Major technology corporations have actively opposed any mandates requiring messaging platforms, application marketplaces, and internet service providers to identify and eliminate both existing and newly created exploitative images and videos, as well as instances of online predatory behavior.

A new collection of photographs has been released showing the current situation on the ground in the Middle East, as military operations involving the United States and Israel against Iran continue into their third week.

The visual documentation has been assembled by Associated Press photography editors to provide a comprehensive look at the ongoing conflict in the region.

HAVANA (AP) — Cuba’s entire population of 11 million people was left without electricity Monday as authorities confirmed a total power grid failure amid the nation’s worsening energy and economic struggles. The Caribbean island attributes its current difficulties to what it calls a U.S. energy embargo, implemented after President Donald Trump threatened tariffs in January against any nation providing oil to Cuba.

Cuba’s Ministry of Energy and Mines posted on X that the nation’s electrical infrastructure experienced a “complete disconnection” and announced they were looking into the cause.

Last Friday, President Miguel Díaz-Canel revealed the nation hasn’t received any oil deliveries for over three months, forcing reliance on solar energy, natural gas, and thermoelectric facilities. The power shortage has forced authorities to delay medical procedures for tens of thousands of citizens.

Just over a week ago, another major power failure struck the island’s western region, cutting electricity to millions of residents.

Essential oil deliveries from Venezuela stopped flowing after the United States took action against the South American nation in early January, including the arrest of former president Nicolás Maduro.

Although Cuba manages to produce 40% of its own oil and generates some electricity domestically, these resources fall short of meeting the population’s needs as the electrical infrastructure continues deteriorating.

President Díaz-Canel revealed Friday that Cuban officials are currently engaged in discussions with the U.S. government as the crisis continues to worsen.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s health has taken a turn for the better, allowing doctors to move him from intensive care to a less critical unit at a Brasilia hospital, according to his wife Michelle Bolsonaro.

The 70-year-old ex-president showed significant improvement over a 24-hour period, with medical tests revealing decreased inflammation levels since his admission to the ICU on Friday due to pneumonia complications, Michelle Bolsonaro announced on her Instagram account.

“We remain confident he will overcome this moment too,” Michelle Bolsonaro said.

Medical staff at DF Star hospital reported on Sunday that Bolsonaro’s kidney function had shown improvement, though they had planned to keep him in intensive care due to his pneumonia diagnosis. The hospital has not yet issued a statement regarding his move to the semi-intensive care unit.

The former president, who held office from 2019 to 2022, was brought to the medical facility on Friday from the correctional facility where he is currently incarcerated, serving a 27-year term for orchestrating a coup attempt in 2023.

The controversial former leader was moved from the federal police headquarters to an expanded cell in January. Bolsonaro’s family members and political supporters have made numerous appeals to Brazil’s Supreme Court requesting permission for him to complete his sentence under home confinement.

This hospitalization marks another in a series of medical episodes for the right-wing politician, who has required hospital care on several occasions following a stabbing incident during a campaign rally prior to the 2018 presidential race.

Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, the former president’s son, is anticipated to launch a presidential campaign this year, challenging current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Jair Bolsonaro faces convictions on multiple charges, including orchestrating an armed criminal organization and attempting to violently dismantle democratic institutions. The former president maintains his innocence regarding all accusations.

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria – Four separate explosions shook Nigeria’s northeastern capital of Maiduguri on Monday evening, according to security officials and local residents who witnessed the incidents.

The detonations occurred in the capital city of Borno state, an area that has been plagued by insurgent violence. Local sources reported that three of the explosions happened in Maiduguri’s downtown area – one near a postal facility, another close to a marketplace, and a third in the vicinity of a medical facility. A fourth blast was reported in the Kaleri district, security officials and residents told Reuters.

Authorities have not yet determined what triggered the explosions, and neither police nor military officials provided immediate statements about the incidents.

Earlier on Monday, Nigerian military forces issued a statement confirming they had successfully fought off attacks launched by suspected Islamic militants on Maiduguri’s outer areas during the early morning hours.

NAIROBI, Kenya — Four people lost their lives and several others sustained injuries when a controlled demolition operation went catastrophically wrong Monday in Kenya’s capital city, according to government officials.

Military personnel and emergency responders are currently searching through the debris for anyone who may remain trapped, the Interior Ministry reported. Photos from the scene showed emergency workers transporting victims away from the wreckage on medical stretchers.

Officials have not yet explained what caused the demolition operation to fail so disastrously, resulting in the casualties.

The structure was among multiple buildings “earmarked for removal under the ongoing Nairobi River Regeneration Project,” according to the ministry’s official statement.

While rescue teams successfully pulled at least two survivors from the wreckage, an Associated Press reporter present at the Blue Estate community in Shauri Moyo witnessed at least three fatalities being recovered from the debris. Government officials confirmed the death count reached four.

Such structural failures occur frequently throughout Nairobi, where the demand for housing far exceeds supply and corrupt construction companies regularly ignore safety standards or completely disregard building regulations.

Following a series of eight building failures that claimed 15 lives across Kenya in 2015, the president mandated a comprehensive review of structures nationwide to determine code compliance. The National Construction Authority’s investigation revealed that 58% of Nairobi’s buildings were deemed unsafe for occupancy.

The White House announced Monday that President Donald Trump’s upcoming summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping may face postponement as Trump dedicates his attention to ongoing military operations involving Iran.

The potential delay of Trump’s planned March 31 to April 2 visit to China threatens to heighten diplomatic friction between Washington and Beijing, particularly as the Iran conflict adds another layer of complexity to already strained relations over trade and Taiwan disputes between the world’s largest economies.

Following joint military strikes by the United States and Israel, Iran has issued warnings about attacking ships navigating through critical waterways, despite Iranian vessels continuing to pass through at typical volumes. Trump has appealed to multiple countries, including China, for assistance in ensuring safe passage through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, which handles roughly 20% of global daily oil shipments.

So far, Trump’s appeals for help have met with limited response. China, which brought in approximately 12 million barrels of oil per day during the opening months of 2026 – more than any other nation – has yet to formally address Trump’s assistance request.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt addressed reporters about the situation: “The president looks forward to visiting China. The dates may be moved. As commander-in-chief, it’s his number-one priority right now to ensure the continued success of this operation, Epic Fury. So we’ll keep you posted on the dates as soon as we can.”

In a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, Trump indicated he might delay the China meeting if Beijing refuses to assist with resolving the Strait of Hormuz situation.

During an appearance on Fox News’ “Fox & Friends,” Leavitt clarified the administration’s position: “I don’t think the meeting is in jeopardy, but it’s quite possible the meeting could be delayed.”

Shipping data analyzed by Reuters reveals that Iranian oil continues moving through the Strait of Hormuz at nearly regular levels, although broader Middle Eastern exports have plummeted by over 60% since hostilities began. According to U.S. Energy Department statistics, China receives the majority of Iran’s oil exports.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained Monday that any trip postponement stems from war coordination responsibilities rather than disagreements over China’s strait assistance or trade issues.

“The President wants to remain in DC to coordinate the war effort,” Bessent stated. “Traveling abroad at a time like this may not be optimal.”

Chinese foreign ministry officials have not yet responded to requests for comment. Beijing typically doesn’t announce specific dates for Trump’s visit or reveal Xi’s schedule details well in advance.

Despite uncertainty about timing, summit preparations continue moving forward. White House staff maintained logistical planning for the trip Monday, while Bessent conducted discussions in Paris with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng to establish potential trade and other agreements for the Trump-Xi meeting in Beijing.

These Paris negotiations, which started Sunday, saw Chinese representatives express willingness to consider additional purchases of American agricultural products, including poultry, beef, and various non-soybean crops, according to one source ahead of the second day of meetings. The discussions also covered rare earth mineral supplies predominantly controlled by China and new strategies for managing bilateral trade and investment.

Both Treasury Department and U.S. Trade Representative office spokespeople declined to provide details about the ongoing talks.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed Trump’s comments during a routine press briefing: “Head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations.” Lin confirmed that both nations are maintaining communication regarding the visit arrangements.

BRUSSELS – Nine European nations have sounded the alarm about a Russian natural gas tanker floating without power in the Mediterranean Sea, warning European Union officials that the vessel could trigger a major environmental catastrophe.

Italy and France led the group of countries in sending an urgent message to the European Commission on Monday, expressing grave concerns about the current state of the ship and its dangerous cargo.

“The precarious condition of the vessel, combined with the nature of its specialised cargo, gives rise to an imminent and serious risk of a major ecological disaster in the heart of the Union’s maritime space,” the correspondence obtained by Reuters stated.

According to Russia’s transportation department, the ship known as Arctic Metagaz was transporting liquefied natural gas from Murmansk, an Arctic port, when it came under assault from Ukrainian naval drones that were reportedly launched from Libya’s coastline earlier this month. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed their involvement in any such operation against the vessel.

JERUSALEM – Fragments from Iranian ballistic missiles and pieces of Israeli defense systems that intercepted them scattered around Jerusalem’s historic Old City on Monday, landing near some of the world’s most revered religious locations, according to Israeli authorities.

Officials reported no injuries or significant structural damage at either the Church of the Holy Sepulchre or the elevated complex known as the Al-Aqsa compound to Muslims and Temple Mount to Jews – a contested location considered sacred by both religions.

Police released photographs showing three officers removing what looked like a large circular metal missile component from a red-tiled rooftop near the Holy Sepulchre, which marks the traditional location where Christians believe Jesus was crucified and entombed, drawing pilgrims from around the globe.

Additional images revealed officers cordoning off a section of the Al-Aqsa compound’s courtyard, which also contains the iconic golden Dome of the Rock, with small debris pieces scattered across the ground.

“Jerusalem District police, bomb disposal teams, and Border Police units have secured the sites and are currently working to eliminate any remaining risk to the public,” authorities stated in an official announcement.

A European Union border patrol vessel went down Monday in waters near Megisti, Greece’s easternmost island, leaving four of five people aboard injured, according to Greek officials.

Those on the boat included four Estonian citizens – among them Estonia’s ambassador to Greece – plus one Greek coast guard officer working with Frontex, the EU’s border patrol agency. Coast guard crews and a nearby catamaran rescued all five from the water and transported them to Kastellorizo’s medical facility.

The four hurt passengers were subsequently flown by Greek Air Force Super Puma helicopter to a Rhodes hospital for treatment. Officials have not yet determined what caused the vessel to go down.

PRAGUE – Czech President Petr Pavel delivered sharp criticism Monday against his government’s decision to slash military spending, joining a chorus of disapproval that includes the United States and other NATO partners questioning the country’s commitment to alliance defense goals.

The controversy stems from budget cuts approved by Prime Minister Andrej Babis’ populist ANO party, which assumed control in December. The administration pushed through a revised 2026 spending plan that allocates 154.8 billion crowns ($7.28 billion) to the defense ministry, representing just 1.73% of the nation’s gross domestic product – a reduction from the previous administration’s proposal.

While government officials claim their defense allocation reaches nearly 2.1% of total spending, the nation’s fiscal oversight body has raised red flags, noting this figure incorporates questionable items such as road construction projects that likely fail to satisfy NATO standards.

During a Monday meeting with Finance Minister Alena Schillerova, Pavel – who previously served as a NATO official – expressed his strong opposition to the spending reductions, according to a presidential office statement.

“According to the president, it is not justifiable that defence expenditures stagnate or even decrease at a time of growing security threats,” the official statement declared.

Pavel has repeatedly cautioned that inadequate defense spending could damage relationships with allied nations, though he has indicated he will not use his veto power to block the budget.

Schillerova acknowledged that Pavel “did not hide” his desire for increased military funding, but she stood by the administration’s financial plans.

Babis has argued that resources must be directed toward other critical areas, particularly healthcare initiatives. He maintains that the Czech Republic will still fulfill its NATO obligation to spend 2% of GDP on defense.

The budget approval by Czech lawmakers last Thursday prompted U.S. Ambassador to NATO Matthew Whitaker to post on social media platform X that all alliance members “must pull their weight,” echoing similar concerns voiced by the American ambassador in Prague.

NATO’s European member nations face mounting pressure to boost their military investments. Alliance countries committed last year to increasing defense spending to 3.5% of GDP, plus an additional 1.5% for other defense-related investments over the coming decade. However, Babis has acknowledged that his country is not positioned to achieve this ambitious new benchmark.

AMSTERDAM – Dutch authorities announced Monday that four young men arrested following a bombing at a Rotterdam synagogue will face terrorism charges for their alleged role in the Friday morning attack.

According to prosecutors, the suspects – ranging in age from 17 to 19 years old – deliberately targeted the Jewish house of worship with the goal of terrorizing the local Jewish population.

“The acts were meant to instill fear in the Jewish community,” the prosecutors said.

Law enforcement officials took the four individuals into custody shortly after they allegedly set fire to the synagogue during the early morning hours on Friday. The arson attack resulted in an explosion at the religious facility.

MOSCOW – Russia’s highest-ranking military official announced Monday that his country’s forces have seized a dozen Ukrainian communities during the opening two weeks of March, according to reports from Russian government-controlled media outlets.

General Valery Gerasimov, who serves as the chief of Russia’s General Staff, made these claims while visiting troops in the southern theater of operations. The top commander stated that Russian military units are conducting offensive operations along every front line of what the Kremlin refers to as its special military operation in Ukraine.

The announcement comes as the conflict between Russia and Ukraine continues into its third year, with both sides claiming territorial gains and losses across multiple fronts.

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti — Haitian law enforcement officials have taken into custody legislator Arnel Belizaire following accusations of terrorism financing and conspiring against national security, according to authorities.

This capture represents another chapter in Belizaire’s troubled legal history within a nation where influential political leaders have historically avoided consequences for their actions. Several of these figures have connections to funding and backing criminal organizations that maintain control over roughly 90% of Port-au-Prince, the nation’s capital city.

The country’s National Police revealed the arrest Sunday evening, bringing to a close their search for the prominent politician that began approximately two months earlier.

Previously, Belizaire dismissed the warrant for his arrest as politically motivated harassment. Legal representation for him could not immediately be confirmed.

Just days before his capture, Belizaire had completed registration for his newly formed political organization ahead of the scheduled general election.

The United States had already designated Belizaire for “significant corruption” in the previous year, implementing travel restrictions that prevent him and his close family from entering American territory.

Belizaire’s legal troubles date back to the early 2000s when he faced arrest on unlawful firearms possession, resulting in imprisonment. After breaking out of custody and being recaptured, he managed another escape during Haiti’s catastrophic 2010 earthquake.

Following his 2011 election to Haiti’s legislative body, authorities detained him again after discovering his earthquake-related escape. However, he gained freedom through political intervention.

Years later, Belizaire faced another arrest on weapons trafficking allegations, though prosecutors ultimately dismissed those charges.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa — President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered an unprecedented military intervention to combat South Africa’s escalating crime crisis, authorizing 2,200 soldiers to join police operations for an entire year.

The dramatic decision highlights the struggles faced by Africa’s most developed economy as it battles persistently high levels of violent criminal activity.

Under South Africa’s Constitution, Ramaphosa must inform Parliament when ordering military deployments. In his official notification to legislators, the president explained that troops will support police in addressing two primary criminal threats: violence perpetrated by criminal gangs and illicit mining operations controlled by organized crime networks.

The military presence on city streets will continue from March 1, 2024, through March 31, 2027, according to Ramaphosa’s announcement.

Despite initial concerns from some opposition politicians about operational costs, the president’s decision has received broad support. Communities exhausted by ongoing violence actually celebrated when soldiers appeared on streets in Johannesburg, the nation’s largest city, during the initial deployment last week.

Military personnel will operate across five of the country’s nine provinces, including Gauteng province, which serves as the economic center and home to Johannesburg, and Western Cape province, where Cape Town, the second-largest city, is situated.

Additional military operations will take place in North West, Free State, and Eastern Cape provinces.

According to Ramaphosa, the deployment specifically targets assistance for police dealing with gang-related violence and unauthorized mining activities.

Criminal gang warfare results in hundreds of deaths annually throughout South Africa, particularly in impoverished communities called the Cape Flats surrounding Cape Town, the country’s premier tourist destination.

Government officials estimate approximately 30,000 unauthorized miners work within South Africa’s 6,000 abandoned gold and mineral mines. These mining operations frequently involve armed and dangerous groups defending their territories under the control of criminal organizations, according to authorities.

Ramaphosa identified gang violence and illegal mining as the two forms of organized crime posing the greatest threats to South Africa’s democratic institutions and economic progress.

Police leadership, who will oversee the soldiers during law enforcement activities, have established four primary operational goals: decreasing criminal activity in designated problem zones, apprehending suspects, seizing illegal weapons and explosives, and confiscating illegal drugs.

This marks not the first occasion South Africa has utilized military forces for crime prevention, though it represents the most extended deployment in recent memory. During 2023, Ramaphosa authorized more than 3,000 soldiers for a one-month operation in specific high-crime locations.

Later that same year, military deployment occurred following a series of truck attacks on major highways that raised concerns about potential widespread civil disorder.

A new Human Rights Watch investigation released Monday alleges that El Salvador is secretly holding some of its own citizens who were deported from the United States, keeping them in detention without court appearances or disclosure of their locations.

The human rights organization based in New York documented cases involving 11 Salvadoran nationals who were among more than 9,000 people sent back to their home country since early January 2025 during President Donald Trump’s administration.

“The United States should stop casting people into the black hole of El Salvador’s prison system,” stated Juanita Goebertus, who serves as HRW’s Americas Director.

The deportations have been carried out under Trump’s use of the Alien Enemy Act from 1798, an rarely-utilized wartime statute that allows removal of immigrants deemed security threats without standard legal procedures.

Human Rights Watch noted that neither American nor Salvadoran authorities have provided proof that the detained individuals have gang connections, despite US allegations that some are linked to the MS-13 organization.

Reuters reached out to El Salvador’s government for response to the HRW findings but did not receive immediate comment.

Legal representatives and family members have disputed any gang associations for the detained men and report being kept in the dark about where their relatives are being held.

The human rights organization conducted interviews with 20 family members and attorneys representing the 11 deported Salvadorans between mid-March and mid-October 2025. All were taken into custody immediately upon arrival, and none have appeared before judicial authorities or been permitted family communication.

The report indicates that several of the 11 affected individuals were transported to El Salvador in March 2025 alongside 252 Venezuelan nationals and placed in CECOT, a maximum-security detention facility.

Human Rights Watch found that among the more than 9,000 people sent from the US to El Salvador since January 2025, only 10.5% had been found guilty of violent or potentially violent offenses in American courts.

The practice of deporting Venezuelans to El Salvador has generated significant opposition from human rights organizations and triggered court challenges.

Since March 2022, El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele has maintained a state of emergency that continues today, leading to widespread arrests and the elimination of standard legal protections.

A new survey from Peru reveals that left-wing presidential hopeful Alfonso Lopez Chau is making substantial progress against the two conservative candidates currently leading the field ahead of next month’s national election.

According to polling data from Datum Internacional, Lopez Chau has increased his support to 6.5 percent, up from 5.1 percent in previous measurements. The economist and former central bank official represents the left-wing Juntos por el Peru party.

Meanwhile, the current frontrunners Rafael Lopez Aliaga and Keiko Fujimori captured 11.4 percent and 10.9 percent support respectively in the survey. Given the poll’s error margin of plus or minus 2.5 percent, these results suggest the possibility of a statistical dead heat among the top contenders.

The polling was carried out between March 6-10 and announced Sunday during programming on America Television. Retired air force general and former intelligence chief Wolfgang Crozo ranked fourth with 5.1 percent backing.

Fujimori, making her fourth presidential bid, is the daughter of former president Alberto Fujimori, who served a 16-year prison sentence for violations of human rights.

The survey found that 36.7 percent of Peruvian voters remain undecided or plan to abstain from voting, a decrease from the previous 38.5 percent but still significantly higher than the 18 percent recorded at the same point before Peru’s 2021 presidential contest.

Peru’s political landscape has been marked by ongoing turmoil, with eight different presidents holding office since 2018. The nation will conduct its election on April 12, with analysts predicting no candidate will secure a first-round victory, leading to a runoff election scheduled for June.

The winning candidate will take office at the end of July. Despite the political uncertainty, Peru’s economy has demonstrated stability as the world’s third-largest copper producer with significant dependence on mining operations.

Recent government statistics indicate Peru’s economy grew 3.54 percent compared to the previous year in January, driven by increased output of copper, zinc, gold and silver.

A United Nations investigation has determined that Israel’s bombing of an Iranian prison facility last year constitutes a war crime, according to findings presented Monday in Geneva.

The strike on Tehran’s Evin prison in June killed more than 70 individuals during aerial warfare between Israel and Iran, according to Iranian officials. The facility, notorious for housing political dissidents, has sustained additional damage from recent U.S.-Israeli military operations, creating serious concerns for inmates including a British couple.

Sara Hossain, who leads the Independent International Fact-Finding Mission on Iran, addressed the U.N. Human Rights Council with her findings. “We found reasonable grounds to believe that, in carrying out the airstrikes on Evin prison, Israel committed the war crime of intentionally directing attacks against a civilian object…,” Hossain stated. She reported that 80 individuals perished, including one minor and eight women.

The investigation’s conclusions, delivered to the Council on Monday, drew from victim and witness interviews, satellite analysis, and additional documentation.

Israeli representatives were absent from the council proceedings, having withdrawn from participation in the body that monitors violations and launches investigations. Israeli government offices, including the prime minister’s office, Foreign Ministry, and military, did not respond to requests for statements.

Hossain expressed alarm over rising civilian casualties in Iran and warned that current bombing operations might prompt Iranian authorities to intensify their suppression of opposition voices, noting increased executions following last year’s attacks.

“The core lesson drawn from our investigations in this context is clear: external military action does not provide accountability or bring meaningful change. Instead, it risks intensifying domestic repression …,” she explained.

Mai Sato, another U.N.-designated rights specialist focusing on Iran, raised additional concerns about prisoners, including those detained during widespread January demonstrations. She reported that families cannot reach imprisoned relatives, while food and medical supplies become increasingly scarce in detention facilities.

Iran’s diplomatic representative, Ali Bahreini, demanded international condemnation of the U.S.-Israeli attacks, claiming they have resulted in more than 1,300 Iranian deaths.

Two children died and 10 people suffered injuries when Pakistani military forces fired mortar rounds into Afghanistan’s Khost province overnight, according to Afghan officials who reported the violence Monday as border hostilities entered their third straight week.

Mustaghfar Gurbaz, who speaks for the provincial governor, confirmed that the mortar bombardment from Pakistan destroyed multiple residential buildings in villages throughout the southeastern region.

The deadly incident followed Pakistan’s report Sunday that an Afghan mortar strike hit a residence in the northwestern Bajaur district, resulting in four family members’ deaths and injuring two others, including a young child aged 5. Local residents and Pakistani officials stated their military retaliated Monday by attacking Afghan border positions where the previous day’s assault originated, inflicting significant casualties.

Afghan authorities have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the retaliatory strikes.

These border confrontations, which have featured several Pakistani aerial bombardments targeting Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul, represent some of the most severe violence between the neighboring countries in recent memory.

Pakistani leadership has characterized the current situation as an “open war.” President Asif Ali Zardari declared that Afghanistan’s Taliban government violated a “red line” when they deployed drone aircraft that injured multiple Pakistani civilians during the previous week.

Pakistan’s air force responded to those drone incidents over the weekend by bombing equipment storage facilities and what they termed “technical support infrastructure” located in Afghanistan’s southern Kandahar province, claiming these sites supported attacks within Pakistani territory. Kabul officials confirmed Pakistan struck two separate locations: an unoccupied security installation and a drug treatment facility that sustained minimal damage.

Afghanistan’s administrative Deputy Prime Minister Abdul Salam Hanafi declared overnight in Kabul that protecting national sovereignty becomes every citizen’s responsibility when territorial integrity faces violation.

During discussions with political commentators and journalists, Hanafi expressed sorrow regarding civilian deaths from recent Pakistani military actions, stating that warfare had been forced upon Afghanistan.

Pakistan, however, maintains that Kabul provides sanctuary to extremist organizations, specifically the Pakistani Taliban, which allegedly conducts terrorist operations on Pakistani soil. Afghan officials reject these accusations, insisting they prohibit their territory from being utilized for attacks against neighboring nations.

The current military confrontation began in late February when Afghanistan initiated cross-border assaults responding to Pakistani airstrikes within Afghan territory that Kabul claimed killed innocent civilians. These clashes shattered a Qatar-mediated truce established in October following earlier violence that resulted in dozens of military personnel, civilian, and suspected militant deaths.

PARIS (AP) — Beijing issued a stern warning Monday regarding President Donald Trump’s recent trade policy actions, expressing fears they could undermine bilateral economic relationships following diplomatic meetings in the French capital.

During the discussions, Li Chenggang, serving as China’s international trade representative, voiced Beijing’s deep concerns about new manufacturing investigations targeting foreign production that the Trump administration initiated following the Supreme Court’s rejection of previous tariff measures.

“We are concerned that the possible results of such investigations may interfere with or damage the hard-won and stable China-U.S. economic and trade relations,” Li stated to members of the press.

These diplomatic talks were designed to lay groundwork for Trump’s anticipated journey to China, scheduled for approximately two weeks from now, although the president has indicated the trip might face postponement. Li avoided discussing the visit’s timing and declined to field reporters’ questions.

The ongoing Iran conflict has surfaced as a potential obstacle precisely when Washington and Beijing were rebuilding their partnership after a destructive tariff battle that saw import duties climb into triple-digit territory. Both nations subsequently reached agreement on a twelve-month ceasefire.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, heading the American delegation in Paris, indicated that any postponement of Trump’s China visit would not stem from disputes over the Iran situation or initiatives to reestablish access through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for international maritime commerce.

Should Trump proceed with the China trip, it would mark his first presidential visit to the nation since his 2017 journey during his initial term. The visit would occur five months following his meeting with President Xi Jinping in Busan, South Korea.

European allies are declining President Donald Trump’s appeal for military assistance to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route that Iran has effectively shut down following recent U.S.-Israeli military operations.

The strategic waterway, which handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil shipments, was blocked by Iran using drones, missiles, and mines after Tehran retaliated against attacks by U.S. and Israeli forces.

NATO member countries, many of whom have faced Trump’s criticism in recent months, are showing hesitation about getting involved in the confrontation with Iran, despite typically being cautious about defying Washington.

German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius expressed skepticism about the request during remarks in Berlin on Monday. “What does Donald Trump expect a handful or two handfuls of European frigates to do in the Strait of Hormuz that the powerful U.S. navy cannot do?” Pistorius questioned, dismissing Trump’s warnings about potential consequences for NATO members who refuse to assist.

“This is not our war, we have not started it,” Pistorius stated.

A German government spokesperson, Stefan Kornelius, emphasized that the situation falls outside NATO’s scope and that Germany will not participate. “Neither the United States nor Israel consulted us before the war, and Washington explicitly stated at the outset of the war that European assistance was neither necessary nor desired,” Kornelius explained.

However, some European officials indicated limited willingness to contribute to a solution.

EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas revealed that the bloc is exploring options with the United Nations, potentially modeling efforts after agreements that have allowed Ukrainian grain exports during the ongoing conflict with Russia.

The European Union is also considering whether to expand its existing Middle East naval operation, Aspides, which currently safeguards vessels in the Red Sea from Houthi attacks, to cover the Strait of Hormuz region, according to Kallas.

Greece, however, which oversees the Aspides mission, announced through government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis that it will restrict its Middle Eastern involvement to Red Sea operations only.

China’s foreign ministry announced Monday that Beijing is engaging with all parties involved in an effort to reduce tensions surrounding the strait.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer committed to collaborating with allies on a joint approach to ensure safe passage through the waterway, though he acknowledged the challenges ahead and reiterated that the United Kingdom would avoid involvement in a broader conflict. Starmer mentioned that Britain possesses autonomous mine-detection technology that could prove useful.

Denmark’s position suggested the EU should pursue reopening the strait regardless of disagreements with the conflict itself. “Even if we don’t like what’s going on, I think it’s wise to keep an open mind on whether Europe in some way can contribute, but with a view towards de-escalation,” said Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen.

Several other European nations firmly rejected involvement. Spain indicated it would avoid any actions that might intensify the conflict, while Italian Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini warned that deploying military vessels to a combat zone would constitute joining the war.

“Italy is not at war with anyone and sending military ships in a war zone would mean entering the war,” Salvini told reporters in Milan.

Tehran has requested the return of three oil tankers that Indian authorities captured last month, according to sources familiar with ongoing discussions between the two nations about securing safe maritime routes through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Indian officials detained the Iran-connected vessels in February near their territorial waters, claiming the ships had disguised their identities and participated in unauthorized fuel transfers at sea.

According to an Iranian government source, Tehran has also requested medical supplies and pharmaceutical equipment as part of the negotiations. Iran’s diplomatic representative in New Delhi held discussions with Indian foreign affairs officials on Monday regarding these matters.

The sources requested anonymity given the delicate nature of the diplomatic talks.

Neither India’s external affairs ministry, Iran’s embassy in New Delhi, nor Tehran’s foreign ministry provided immediate responses to requests for comment.

Iranian authorities recently permitted two Indian liquefied petroleum gas carriers to navigate through the strait, with one vessel arriving back at India’s western coast on Monday. Maritime traffic has virtually ceased in the waterway since regional warfare began.

When questioned about discussions to guarantee safe passage for Indian ships, foreign ministry spokesman Randhir Jaiswal stated Monday that recent vessel movements demonstrated a “history of engagement, of dealing with each other.”

During his regular press conference, Jaiswal emphasized that no formal exchanges were taking place.

Following the commencement of American and Israeli military operations against Iran in late February, Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes throughout the region, including attacks on vessels attempting to cross the Strait of Hormuz that resulted in three Indian crew members’ deaths and one person missing.

Indian officials reported Monday that no fewer than 22 Indian-registered ships and 611 Indian maritime workers remain stranded in Gulf waters.

An Indian government source revealed that six of the trapped vessels carry LPG cargo, and the country prioritizes their safe return to address domestic cooking fuel shortages. Approximately 90% of India’s LPG imports originate from Gulf nations.

Indian maritime authorities confiscated the tankers Asphalt Star, Al Jafzia and Stellar Ruby, alleging the vessels had falsified their identities and movements while conducting prohibited ship-to-ship fuel transfers.

While Stellar Ruby flies an Iranian flag, the remaining two ships are registered under Nicaraguan and Malian flags.

A February 15 Indian Coast Guard criminal complaint obtained by Reuters alleged that Asphalt Star smuggled heavy fuel oil that was transferred to Al Jafzia, while bitumen was moved to Stellar Ruby. All three vessels currently remain anchored near Mumbai.

During the seizure period, Iranian state broadcasters quoted the National Iranian Oil Company denying any association with the three captured tankers.

Jugwinder Singh Brar, whom Washington accuses of operating a shipping network that facilitates Iranian oil transportation, confirmed he served as a consultant for all three seized vessels and maintained their operations were legitimate.

“We were transporting bitumen and there is nothing illegal in doing this. My ships have been there for 40 days and I have faced losses,” Brar stated in a telephone interview, adding he was unaware of any negotiations concerning the tankers.

Representatives from President Donald Trump’s “Board of Peace” conducted discussions with Hamas officials in Cairo over the weekend, working to preserve the Gaza ceasefire amid mounting pressures from the ongoing Iran conflict, according to three sources who spoke with Reuters.

This marks the first reported diplomatic contact between the Palestinian militant organization and Trump’s newly-established international oversight body since U.S. and Israeli forces began their bombing campaign against Iran. The Board of Peace, which Trump personally leads, has been given responsibility for managing post-conflict Gaza operations.

In what appears to be a direct outcome of the Cairo discussions, Israel announced Sunday its intention to reopen the Rafah border crossing – the only pedestrian passage between Gaza and Egypt – which had been closed since the Iran military operations commenced. One source indicated this Israeli decision stemmed directly from the weekend talks.

Before the Iran conflict erupted, Trump’s Gaza reconstruction and peace strategy represented his primary Middle East policy achievement.

During the Cairo meeting, Hamas delegates cautioned Trump’s representatives that the organization might withdraw from previous ceasefire commitments if Israel continues enforcing the new Gaza restrictions implemented during the Iran war, sources revealed.

Israeli authorities closed all Gaza border points when military operations launched on February 28, citing safety concerns for crossing operations. While limited merchandise and humanitarian supplies later resumed flowing, the Rafah pedestrian crossing on Gaza’s southern border remained shuttered until Sunday’s announcement promised its reopening this week following completed “security assessment” procedures.

Previous Reuters reporting indicated that discussions regarding Hamas disarmament – intended as a central component of Trump’s next-phase planning – have been suspended since the Iran conflict began.

According to one source, Aryeh Lightstone, an American assistant to Trump’s special representative Steve Witkoff, participated in the Hamas discussions on behalf of the Board of Peace. Two additional sources confirmed Lightstone’s scheduled involvement, though they could not verify his actual attendance.

Additional diplomatic sessions are anticipated this week. All sources requested anonymity due to lack of authorization for public statements.

A U.S. official confirmed Lightstone’s participation in Gaza-focused Cairo meetings during recent days, while declining to verify any direct Hamas contact. The official added that American negotiators continue engaging regional allies to advance Trump’s comprehensive 20-point Gaza framework.

Israeli government officials have not responded to inquiries about whether the Rafah reopening decision resulted from the Cairo diplomatic session. Hamas representatives declined comment requests.

Trump’s Gaza strategy commenced with an October ceasefire arrangement that left Israeli forces controlling over half the territory, while Gaza’s 2 million-plus residents remain concentrated in a narrow Hamas-controlled coastal area.

The peace initiative had shown increased progress during the month preceding the Iran conflict, including fresh reconstruction commitments and the initial Rafah reopening.

Israeli military forces have maintained Gaza operations throughout the broader regional conflict, including Sunday strikes that resulted in 12 fatalities, among them nine police personnel. Military officials cite ongoing Hamas threats and hostile fire as justification for continued attacks.

A Palestinian official familiar with the Cairo negotiations stated that Hamas believes Israel is using the Iran war as cover to abandon commitments under Trump’s peace framework. Israeli authorities dispute this characterization.

The success of Trump’s Gaza plan depends significantly on whether Hamas fighters will surrender their weapons in exchange for amnesty provisions, a crucial step designed to enable reconstruction efforts and additional Israeli military withdrawals.

None of the sources indicated whether weapons surrender discussions would feature in this week’s scheduled Cairo meetings.

MULTAN, Pakistan — A deadly building collapse claimed the lives of at least eight women and left more than 50 others injured Monday when a shop’s roof caved in during a government welfare distribution in eastern Pakistan, according to police and emergency responders.

The tragedy unfolded in Rahim Yar Khan, located in Punjab province, when more than 100 women had assembled to receive government financial aid in preparation for Eid al-Fitr, the celebration that concludes the Islamic holy month of Ramadan. Emergency worker Ashiq Mahmood explained that the structural failure occurred after the shop owner directed some women to climb onto the roof while others stayed inside the building, causing the roof to buckle under the excessive weight.

The women were there to collect funds from the Benazir Income Support Program, a government initiative honoring the late Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto, who died in a 2007 assassination involving gunfire and explosives. This program distributes financial aid to millions of Pakistan’s poorest families, with eligible households receiving quarterly payments of 13,000 rupees, equivalent to approximately $45.

Such dangerous overcrowding incidents frequently happen throughout Pakistan during Ramadan, as government organizations, charitable groups, and private companies hand out food supplies and monetary assistance to impoverished families. A similar tragedy struck in 2023 when at least 11 women and children lost their lives in a deadly crowd surge at a Ramadan aid distribution facility in Karachi, where hundreds of people had rushed to obtain assistance outside a manufacturing plant.

Dutch authorities are examining a second explosion in Amsterdam that struck an office building Monday, with the same extremist organization taking credit for both this incident and a recent bombing at a Jewish educational facility, according to police officials.

Law enforcement representatives confirmed they are working to determine whether the office building has any connection to Amsterdam’s Jewish community.

The blast resulted in a small fire that building security personnel quickly put out, causing only minimal damage to the structure, police reported. Investigators are working to verify if both incidents are truly connected to the same group.

Sienna Investment Managers, the company that oversees the damaged building, has not responded to requests for comment.

The earlier incident on Saturday targeted a Jewish school and also resulted in minor damage. Both Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema and Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten publicly denounced that attack.

The organization has additionally taken responsibility for previous attacks on synagogues in Rotterdam and in the Belgian city of Liege. These incidents have already prompted increased security measures at Jewish facilities throughout Amsterdam.

Justice Minister David van Weel stated Saturday that authorities cannot rule out connections between the Amsterdam and Rotterdam explosions, though he stopped short of confirming the group’s social media claims.

Fears about potential attacks targeting Jewish communities worldwide have increased amid recent military actions involving the United States and Israel against Iran, followed by Tehran’s retaliation.

Israeli military forces have advanced into additional areas of southern Lebanon as part of an expanded ground operation targeting Hezbollah strongholds, military officials announced Monday.

Lieutenant Colonel Nadav Shoshani, an Israeli military spokesperson, confirmed during a press briefing that troops were operating in “new locations that our troops were not operating yesterday.”

Shoshani characterized the latest military actions as “limited and targeted,” but refused to specify how far into Lebanese territory the forces would penetrate or whether troops would establish permanent positions.

The Israeli military has maintained five positions in southern Lebanon following a November 2024 ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. Additional forces were deployed after Hezbollah launched a rocket barrage on March 2, escalating tensions and drawing Lebanon deeper into a widening regional conflict.

According to Hezbollah, their March 2 attack was a response to the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader on February 28, marking the beginning of what they call a U.S.-Israeli war against Iran. Israel has countered with an intensive aerial bombardment campaign across Lebanon.

The conflict has resulted in more than 800 Lebanese deaths and displaced over 800,000 people from their homes, particularly in southern regions and areas surrounding Beirut, the capital.

Lebanese security sources reported to Reuters that Israeli troops surrounded the strategically important southern Lebanese town of Khiyam over the weekend. The town sits approximately 6 kilometers north of the Israeli border.

Israeli forces have gained effective control of Khiyam and are now moving westward toward the Litani River, according to sources. This advancement could potentially place significant portions of southern Lebanon under Israeli control while severing connections to the rest of the country.

Israeli military leadership has justified the ground offensive, which began after the March 2 rocket attacks, as a defensive strategy to shield Israel from ongoing Hezbollah assaults. Officials report that Hezbollah has been launching an average of at least 100 rockets and drones daily.

Two Israeli soldiers have lost their lives in combat operations within southern Lebanon during the current military campaign.

Israeli officials indicated Sunday that Israel and Lebanon are anticipated to engage in discussions in the coming days to negotiate a lasting ceasefire agreement that would require Hezbollah’s disarmament.

While Beirut began assembling a negotiating team last week for potential talks, Lebanese officials told Reuters over the weekend that they have not received confirmation regarding the scheduling of such meetings.

The November 2024 ceasefire agreement required Hezbollah to withdraw from southern Lebanon while Lebanese military forces would assume control of the region. In return, Israel was to halt its bombardment of Lebanese territory.

Israeli officials maintain that Lebanon has failed to honor its commitments under the agreement, leading Israel to continue conducting nearly daily airstrikes against what it identifies as Hezbollah positions and weapons facilities.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared Monday that his nation will avoid getting pulled into an expanded conflict with Iran, while simultaneously working alongside international partners to develop a coordinated strategy for reopening the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

During a press conference, Starmer acknowledged the challenging nature of restoring access to the waterway but emphasized its importance for stabilizing global energy markets. The Prime Minister indicated he has been in discussions with European, Gulf, and American allies regarding a plan to ensure navigational freedom, clarifying that NATO would not lead such an operation.

President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Starmer for initially declining to back U.S.-Israeli military actions against Tehran. Over the weekend, Trump suggested that Britain, along with China, France, Japan, and South Korea, should deploy naval vessels to the region to help reopen the shipping route.

The British government announced its first domestic financial assistance related to the crisis: a 53-million-pound ($70.30 million) aid package targeting vulnerable households that depend on heating oil, which has seen dramatic price increases due to the ongoing conflict.

“Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the (oil) market. That is not a simple task,” Starmer explained to journalists.

“So we’re working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact,” he continued.

The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman typically handles approximately one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas transportation. Tehran’s effective closure of the strait has driven oil prices above $100 per barrel.

While confirming that Britain was “taking the necessary action to defend ourselves and our allies, we will not be drawn into the wider war,” Starmer emphasized the country’s limited military involvement.

When questioned about Britain’s military capabilities after withdrawing its final minehunter from the region this month, the Prime Minister noted that autonomous mine-detection systems remain deployed in the area.

Starmer explained that Britain and its partners are evaluating available resources for a collective contribution, seeking to involve as many nations as possible in the effort.

Addressing his relationship with Trump, Starmer revealed they discussed the strait situation during a Sunday evening phone call. He dismissed concerns that the conflict had strained relations with America, describing their conversation as occurring “in the way that you would expect between two allies and two leaders” and affirming his “good relationship” with the U.S. president.

Oil shipment activities have restarted at a major United Arab Emirates port facility following a drone strike that caused operations to halt earlier Monday, according to two industry sources speaking to Reuters.

The Fujairah port, situated along the Gulf of Oman near the Strait of Hormuz, serves as a crucial shipping point for approximately 1 million barrels daily of the UAE’s Murban crude oil – representing about 1% of worldwide petroleum demand.

Emergency response crews worked to extinguish the fire that erupted in the emirate’s petroleum industrial area, according to a statement from Fujairah’s government media office. Officials confirmed no injuries occurred during the incident.

This temporary shutdown represents the second significant interruption at the important fuel distribution center within recent days. The facility had just returned to normal operations Sunday after recovering from another drone attack that occurred over the weekend.

These incidents occur amid ongoing tensions as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran creates challenges for maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage between Iran and Oman that typically manages one-fifth of global oil transportation.

A deadly shelling struck a village in northern Yemen on Sunday, claiming the lives of at least 10 people, with six of the victims being children, while more than 30 others sustained injuries, government officials reported Monday. Yemen’s government is pointing the blame at Iran-backed Houthi rebels for the fatal bombardment.

According to the Information Ministry, the rebels launched their attack against civilians who had come together for iftar, the traditional evening meal that ends the daily fast during Ramadan, in Hajjah province. While the Houthis maintain control over most of this province, certain sections remain under the authority of Yemen’s internationally recognized government, which operates from Aden.

Details surrounding Sunday’s bombardment remain murky, and Houthi representatives have refused to provide any statement regarding the incident.

Hajjah province has been a battleground between Houthi forces and government troops since Yemen descended into civil conflict in 2014. That year marked when the Houthis took control of Sanaa, the capital city, along with large portions of northern Yemen, forcing the government into exile. The following year saw a Saudi-led coalition, which includes the United Arab Emirates, step in militarily in hopes of reinstating the government.

This ongoing war has brought Yemen’s economy to near-total collapse and created “severe” food shortages in northern regions, including Hajjah, the World Food Program reports.

In an official statement, the Information Ministry warned that fatalities could climb higher, noting that several of those injured remain in critical condition.

TOKYO (AP) — Government weather officials in Japan declared Monday that cherry blossom season has officially begun after confirming the first blooms in three cities across the country.

Meteorological experts inspected designated Somei Yoshino cherry trees in Kochi in southwestern Japan, along with Gifu and Yamanashi in the nation’s central region. They confirmed finding more than five blossoms on each monitored tree, meeting the threshold needed to make the seasonal announcement.

Kochi’s cherry tree bloomed ahead of the others for the third consecutive year, appearing six days sooner than typical, according to the Japan Meteorological Agency. The trees in Gifu and Yamanashi flowered nine days ahead of their usual schedule.

“Low rainfall during the winter and longer hours of sunshine might have helped the early blooming,” Shinobu Imoto from Kochi Meteorological Agency explained to TBS television.

The beloved cherry blossoms, known as “sakura” in Japanese, typically reach full bloom from late March through early April, coinciding with the nation’s new academic and business calendar year. Countless Japanese citizens participate in traditional activities like strolling and having outdoor meals beneath the flowering trees.

However, recent years have brought challenges as areas surrounding popular cherry blossom destinations have reported problems including trash accumulation, excessive noise, and other complications related to too many tourists visiting these sites.

For hundreds of years, sakura blossoms have held significant cultural importance throughout Japanese society.

LONDON, March 16 – The United Kingdom is coordinating with international partners to develop a joint strategy for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring safe passage through Middle Eastern waters, though the effort presents significant challenges, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced Monday.

Speaking to the press, Starmer emphasized the critical importance of clearing the waterway for global economic stability. “Ultimately, we have to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to ensure stability in the (oil) market. That is not a simple task,” the Prime Minister stated.

The British leader outlined efforts to build an international coalition to address the shipping crisis. “So we’re working with all of our allies, including our European partners, to bring together a viable collective plan that can restore freedom of navigation in the region as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact,” Starmer explained.

French voters participated in the initial round of mayoral elections on Sunday, offering insights into the nation’s current political climate ahead of next week’s runoff contests.

The far-right National Rally achieved notable victories in its established territories, securing Perpignan in the opening round and placing second in Marseille. A potential win in Marseille, the country’s second-most populous city, would represent a significant milestone for the party.

However, the party’s influence remains confined to specific regions. In France’s largest metropolitan areas beyond its Mediterranean base, the National Rally struggled to gain traction, earning less than 8% support in Paris, Lyon, Toulouse, Nantes, Strasbourg and Bordeaux. This pattern indicates the party’s efforts to broaden its mainstream appeal have not yet succeeded in wealthy, diverse urban areas.

The hard-left France Unbowed party, under Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s leadership, exceeded predictions and demonstrated continued strength despite facing campaign challenges. The party secured Saint-Denis, the Paris region’s second-largest municipality, in the first round and appears positioned to win Roubaix in northern France.

These victories occurred despite recent setbacks, including controversy surrounding the death of far-right activist Quentin Deranque in Lyon and antisemitism allegations following Mélenchon’s comments about individuals with Jewish-sounding names.

The party’s success creates complications for moderate left-wing groups as they prepare for next year’s presidential race. How Socialists and Greens approach potential partnerships with France Unbowed in upcoming runoffs will signal the left’s unity or division heading into national competition.

Environmental parties, which capitalized on global climate activism to win major cities in 2020, faced difficulties replicating their previous success. Economic pressures and international tensions appear to have shifted voter priorities away from environmental concerns. This change was evident as Strasbourg’s Green mayor finished third, while Green candidates in Bordeaux and Lyon face uncertain prospects in next Sunday’s decisive votes.

President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist coalition, historically weak at the local level, entered these elections with limited expectations following disappointing 2020 results. However, one contest held national importance: former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe’s campaign to regain his Le Havre mayoral position.

Philippe exceeded polling forecasts by capturing 43.8% of first-round votes, positioning himself favorably against Communist and National Rally opponents in the runoff. Success would strengthen his credentials as a leading centrist candidate for the 2027 presidential election and potentially pressure other potential candidates, including former prime minister Gabriel Attal, to support his bid.

In Paris, left-wing parties appear likely to maintain their quarter-century control of the capital. Socialist Emmanuel Grégoire topped the first round with 38% support, leading conservative opponent Rachida Dati by more than 10 percentage points, effectively endorsing the environmental policies of the departing mayor.

The Paris race’s surprise came from nationalist candidate Sarah Knafo, who has built international recognition and attended U.S. President Donald Trump’s inauguration ceremony. Her 10% vote share qualified her for the second round, illustrating the strategic dilemma facing traditional conservatives before the presidential election: whether to isolate the far right and risk electoral defeat, or pursue collaboration with these groups.

BRUSSELS — European Union leaders announced Monday they are exploring ways to maintain access through the Strait of Hormuz as the three-week conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States continues to drive up global energy and commodity costs.

Speaking before a gathering of foreign ministers from the 27-member alliance in Brussels, EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas emphasized the importance of keeping the waterway accessible. “It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side,” Kallas stated.

President Donald Trump has reached out to international partners including France, China, Japan, South Korea and Britain, requesting assistance in securing the strait for worldwide maritime commerce.

According to Kallas, the EU is considering two primary approaches: extending their existing Aspides naval operation from the Red Sea into the Persian Gulf, or establishing a voluntary alliance where member countries would provide military resources as needed.

The conflict, which began with February 28 airstrikes conducted by Israel and the United States, has caused global energy costs to surge, with Brent crude oil prices climbing more than 40%. Beyond petroleum, the war has disrupted international supply networks, impacting Indian pharmaceuticals, Asian semiconductors, and Middle Eastern oil-based products including fertilizers.

Maritime vessels are either stranded in the Gulf or taking significantly longer routes around Africa’s southern coast. Aircraft transporting goods from Middle Eastern locations remain grounded. Extended fighting increases the likelihood of product shortages and price hikes across numerous sectors.

French President Emmanuel Macron has indicated his country is collaborating with European, Indian and Asian allies on a potential international escort mission for ships traversing the strait, though he stressed such action must occur “when the circumstances permit” and fighting has decreased.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul emphasized the need for the United States and Israel to clarify “when they consider the military aims of their deployment to have been reached.” Speaking before joining his EU counterparts in Brussels, he added, “we need more clarity here” from both nations.

Wadephul also characterized the Iranian government as presenting a serious threat to regional stability, shipping freedom and the global economy, stating “this danger definitely must not continue.” He expressed support for sanctions targeting those responsible for blocking the strait, though he provided no additional specifics.

The German minister suggested that once U.S.-Israeli objectives become clear, discussions should focus on establishing “a security architecture for this whole region,” which would include dialogue with Iran.

Luxembourg Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel noted the EU has not committed to military involvement. “The fact is, for the moment, the EU is not directly part of the situation. So we need to decide if we are going to be part or not. That’s an important decision,” Bettel explained.

The Aspides mission was originally created to counter shipping attacks in the Red Sea by Somali pirates and Yemen’s Iran-supported Houthi rebels, who have not yet entered the current conflict. Saudi Aramco operates pipeline infrastructure that circumvents the Strait of Hormuz, delivering oil to the Red Sea port of Yanbu.

“If we want to have security in this region, then it would be easiest to actually already use the operation that we have in the region and maybe change a bit,” Kallas explained. “There is also talk of coalition of the willing in this regard, but we also need to see what could be the fastest to provide this opening for the Strait of Hormuz, but of course, as you can see, it’s not easy.”

EU officials are concerned about a possible refugee crisis emerging from Iran if hostilities persist. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen addressed this concern in a Sunday statement: “Although for now, the conflict has not translated into immediate migratory flows toward the EU, what the future holds remains unclear and necessitates the full mobilization of every migration diplomacy tool we have at our disposal.”

As the conflict with Iran stretches into its third week, President Trump is calling on NATO member nations and China to provide assistance in securing the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, as oil prices soared to nearly $105 per barrel on Monday.

The president’s appeal comes as the ongoing military engagement continues to impact global energy markets and shipping routes through one of the world’s most important oil transit points.

BRUSSELS – The European Union plans to target nine individuals with sanctions over alleged war crimes linked to the massacre in Bucha, Ukraine, according to France’s top diplomat.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot announced the sanctions decision Monday while arriving for a gathering of European Union foreign ministers in Brussels.

The sanctions relate to war crimes accusations stemming from the Bucha massacre that occurred during the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

BAKU – An Azerbaijani court handed down a 10-year prison sentence Monday to a French national convicted of conducting espionage activities for his home country, according to reports from Russian state media RIA.

Officials in Azerbaijan say Martin Ryan, who was taken into custody in December 2023, was engaged in gathering classified intelligence regarding the nation’s defense partnerships with Turkey and Pakistan.

Authorities also allege Ryan worked to identify and enlist French-speaking residents of Azerbaijan to serve as informants for France’s intelligence services.

The defendant entered a partial guilty plea to the espionage charges brought against him.

MOSCOW, March 16 – Russian officials have imposed a substantial financial penalty of 35 million roubles, equivalent to $432,366, against the Telegram messaging platform for allegedly refusing to delete prohibited material, according to Monday reports from Russia’s Interfax news service.

Government officials have consistently criticized Telegram, which ranks among Russia’s most widely-used messaging applications, claiming the platform permits the distribution of illegal and extremist material through its services.

The messaging company disputes these allegations and has countered by claiming Russian authorities are intentionally disrupting its operations in an effort to compel users to migrate to MAX, a government-controlled messaging application.

The fine was calculated using an exchange rate of 80.95 roubles per U.S. dollar.

Aviation officials in Vietnam are alerting the country’s airlines to brace for substantial flight cuts beginning next month as fuel export restrictions from neighboring countries threaten to create widespread shortages.

The crisis stems from China and Thailand’s decision to halt jet fuel exports due to regional conflicts, leaving Vietnam scrambling to secure adequate aviation fuel supplies. The country relies heavily on imports for more than two-thirds of its aviation fuel requirements, with 60 percent traditionally sourced from these two nations, based on regulatory documents and importer records reviewed by Reuters.

Vietnam’s Civil Aviation Authority issued a stark warning in a March 9 memo to transportation officials, stating: “There are risks of jet fuel shortages for Vietnamese airlines from the beginning of April and the following months.”

The regulatory agency has directed airlines to reassess their operational schedules, particularly for domestic flights, while instructing airport facilities to arrange additional aircraft parking areas for Vietnamese carriers. Supply disruptions have also affected shipments from Singapore, according to official documentation.

Two major fuel importers, Petrolimex and Skypec, indicated in separate communications that they can only assure aviation fuel availability through March. Skypec has recommended that authorities limit air transportation to critical domestic routes should the regional situation continue to deteriorate.

These warnings followed China’s initial guidance to refineries against new export agreements earlier this month, which later escalated to a complete prohibition on refined fuel exports effective March 11. Thailand implemented its own ban on refined petroleum product exports, including aviation fuel, on March 6, with exceptions only for Myanmar and Laos.

Neither the aviation regulator, transportation ministry, nor the importing companies provided responses to requests for comment. Vietnam’s leading carriers, Vietnam Airlines and VietJet, also declined to offer statements.

According to Chinese customs records, Vietnam ranked as the third-largest purchaser of aviation kerosene from China in the previous year, trailing only Australia and Japan.

Vietnamese officials have initiated diplomatic discussions with both affected supplier nations. During a previously scheduled meeting in Hanoi on Sunday, Foreign Minister Le Hoai Trung requested “close coordination to ensure energy security” from his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, as reported by the Vietnamese government’s official news platform.

A representative from China’s foreign ministry indicated on Monday that Beijing remains prepared to enhance cooperation with Vietnam and other nations in addressing energy security challenges.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh also appealed to Thailand for assistance during a Friday meeting with the Thai ambassador to Vietnam, according to state media coverage.

Vietnam’s aviation authority has suggested exploring alternative supply sources, identifying South Korea, Japan, Brunei, and India as possible options. However, officials acknowledged that “in the current context it is difficult to find new suppliers.”

The country’s two domestic refineries face constraints in expanding jet fuel production due to pressure to increase output of other petroleum products, further complicating the supply situation.

Beyond supply concerns, escalating fuel costs are creating additional industry challenges, with many flight routes becoming financially unviable due to price increases.

Both Petrolimex and Skypec have reported that surging jet fuel prices are pushing them toward credit limits, prompting requests for more flexible banking arrangements until market stability returns.

Current jet fuel trading prices in Singapore have reached approximately $157 per barrel on a cost and freight basis, representing more than a 50 percent increase from pre-conflict levels, according to LSEG pricing information.

Voters in Kazakhstan have decisively backed constitutional amendments that expand presidential authority in the Central Asian nation, according to preliminary election results announced Monday.

Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission reported that more than 87% of voters who participated in Sunday’s referendum endorsed the constitutional revisions. Voter participation surpassed 73% of eligible citizens.

The approved changes will consolidate Kazakhstan’s bicameral parliament into a single legislative body and grant the president authority to select important government positions with parliamentary consent, including reestablishing a vice presidential role.

Additionally, the amendments establish a new governmental entity called the People’s Council, which will operate alongside parliament and possess the authority to propose laws and referendums. The president will have sole appointment power for all council positions.

This marks Kazakhstan’s second constitutional revision in four years, both initiated under President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership. Political observers suggest these modifications could create a pathway for Tokayev to extend his tenure beyond his current term’s conclusion.

The 72-year-old leader, who previously worked as a Soviet administrator and Kazakhstani ambassador before serving at the United Nations, faces a single seven-year term restriction ending in 2029. Political experts theorize Tokayev might leverage this referendum to restructure presidential term limitations, following patterns seen in other former Soviet nations including Russia, Belarus, Uzbekistan, and Tajikistan, where leaders have modified constitutions to alter term restrictions.

The constitutional revisions also redefine marriage specifically as a union between a man and woman, rather than simply between two individuals. Political analysts indicate this language was incorporated following legislation that prohibits what government officials consider LGBTQ+ “propaganda.”

Tokayev, who has navigated carefully between Moscow and Western nations amid sanctions imposed on Russia for its Ukrainian invasion, frames these constitutional modifications as necessary for rapid decision-making in an evolving global landscape.

“This step is of exceptional importance, especially in the current period when the geopolitical situation is unstable and challenges and threats to national security are becoming increasingly tangible,” Tokayev stated last week.

Kazakhstan’s opposition lacks representation in governmental institutions and has struggled to meaningfully impact public opinion during the month since referendum plans were announced.

The referendum occurred during challenging economic circumstances for Kazakhstan, with inflation hitting 11.7% in February and tax hikes generating public frustration.

Political analysts warn that economic difficulties might spark renewed demonstrations similar to the 2022 nationwide protests triggered by fuel price increases, which resulted in dozens of deaths among protesters and law enforcement officers. Experts suggest Tokayev aims to prevent such unrest by concentrating governmental authority under his control.

A tragic boating accident near a disputed US military installation site in Japan claimed two lives Monday when vessels carrying high school students from Kyoto overturned in waters off Okinawa.

According to Japan Coast Guard officials, twenty-one people were aboard two watercraft that capsized near Henoko, where construction of a controversial US base relocation project continues. The victims included a 17-year-old female student and the captain of one of the boats, named Fukutsu.

Eighteen students from a Kyoto high school were participating in a peace education field trip to observe the Henoko area. Ten students traveled on the vessel Heiwa Maru, while eight others rode on the smaller Fukutsu boat.

Emergency responders successfully rescued all 21 individuals from the water, but efforts to save the two victims were unsuccessful. Two additional people sustained injuries, though medical officials report their conditions are stable.

The vessels overturned approximately one kilometer east of Henoko during conditions that included a wave advisory, though officials noted the seas were relatively calm and showed no evidence of a collision between the boats. Coast Guard investigators are working to determine what caused the accident.

The location holds significance as the proposed site for relocating US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, a plan that has faced nearly three decades of legal challenges and community opposition from Okinawan residents and Tokyo officials.

While Henoko frequently attracts protesters opposing the base relocation, authorities emphasized the students were not participating in any demonstration activities.

The island of Okinawa hosts approximately 25,000 of the 50,000 American military personnel stationed throughout Japan under existing security agreements. Local residents have long expressed concerns about safety risks, environmental impact, noise pollution, and criminal activity associated with the military presence.

BEIJING – Chinese officials confirmed Monday that discussions are ongoing with Washington regarding President Donald Trump’s upcoming diplomatic visit, following Trump’s recent comments suggesting the trip could face delays over Strait of Hormuz security concerns.

In remarks published Sunday by the Financial Times, Trump emphasized that nations relying on the strategic waterway for shipping should contribute to its protection. “I think China should help too because China gets 90% of its oil from the Straits,” Trump stated to the publication, noting he wanted clarity on Beijing’s stance before proceeding with the scheduled visit. “We may delay,” he indicated regarding the planned trip.

The White House has announced Trump’s visit to China will take place from March 31 through April 2, marking a significant diplomatic summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

During a routine press briefing, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian addressed Trump’s statements, emphasizing the importance of high-level diplomatic engagement. “Head of state diplomacy plays an irreplaceable role in providing strategic guidance to China-U.S. relations,” Lin explained, confirming that both nations are maintaining dialogue about the upcoming visit.

Beijing also indicated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio, expected to join Trump’s delegation, would be welcome in China despite sanctions previously levied against him in 2020 related to his statements on Hong Kong and Xinjiang during his Senate tenure.

“China’s sanctions were aimed at Mr. Rubio’s words and deeds concerning China during his tenure in the United States Senate,” Lin clarified when questioned about whether the restrictions would prevent Rubio from traveling to China.

Meanwhile, Chinese and American officials are conducting meetings in Paris this week, exploring potential cooperation areas including agriculture, critical minerals, and managed trade arrangements that could feature prominently in discussions between Trump and Xi during the Beijing summit.

Fragments from Russian drones scattered across Ukraine’s capital city on Monday following an aerial assault, with local authorities confirming no casualties despite multiple impacts across three neighborhoods.

According to Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, pieces of destroyed drones landed in the central Shevchenkivskyi district, which serves as a busy area of the city center. Additional debris struck the western Svyatoshynskyi district, where fragments ignited a grass fire in an open space, and the adjacent Solomianskyi district, where wreckage hit an area without residential buildings.

Residents throughout the city reported hearing numerous explosions during the attack. City military officials had previously announced an air raid alert via Telegram, warning citizens of incoming Russian drone threats targeting the Ukrainian capital.

BRUSSELS, March 16 — The European Union’s top diplomat revealed Monday that she has been exploring with United Nations officials the possibility of establishing a shipping agreement similar to Ukraine’s wartime grain corridor to restore vital oil and gas transport through the blocked Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking before a gathering of EU foreign ministers in Brussels, foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas disclosed her conversations with U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres regarding potential solutions to clear the strategic waterway, which remains blocked due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

“I had talks with Antonio Guterres about whether it was possible to also have the same kind of initiative like we had (with) the Black Sea Initiative,” Kallas stated.

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively sealed by Iran during the third week of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. Iranian military forces have launched attacks against vessels navigating the narrow waterway separating Iran and Oman, cutting off one-fifth of worldwide oil supplies in what represents the most significant disruption on record.

The EU official characterized the strait’s closure as “really dangerous” for energy deliveries to Asia while also highlighting concerns about fertilizer production impacts.

“And if there is a lack of fertilisers this year, there’s going to be also food deprivation next year,” Kallas warned, though she offered no additional specifics.

Kallas indicated that ministers would examine potential modifications to the European Union’s Middle Eastern naval operation, known as Aspides, which presently concentrates on safeguarding vessels in the Red Sea against attacks from Yemen’s Houthi rebel forces.

“It is in our interest to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and that’s why we are also discussing what we can do in this regard from the European side,” she explained.

When questioned about German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul’s doubts regarding Aspides’ effectiveness in the Strait of Hormuz region, Kallas acknowledged the need for consensus.

“Of course we need to also have the member states on board,” she responded.

“If the member states say that we are not doing anything with this, then of course it’s their decision, but we have to discuss how we help to keep the Strait of Hormuz open.”

BRUSSELS, March 16 – Cyprus will proceed with hosting European Union informal council meetings in person from April through June, according to the island nation’s Energy Minister Michael Damianos, who made the announcement Monday.

The Mediterranean country, currently serving its term as the rotating EU presidency, had shifted all March gatherings to virtual formats or delayed them following a drone attack on a British military installation amid heightened tensions involving Iran earlier this month. Government officials from Cyprus identified the weapon as a Shahed drone manufactured in Iran, believed to have been deployed by the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization operating from Lebanese territory.

Speaking before a European foreign affairs gathering in Brussels, Damianos declared: “Things are all back to normal. All business, including your business resumes and all informal councils to be held in Cyprus between April and June will be held in the normal way.”

JAKARTA – Law enforcement officials in Indonesia have launched an investigation into a brutal acid assault targeting a prominent human rights advocate who has spoken out against military involvement in civilian governance.

Andrie Yunus, who serves as deputy coordinator for the Commission for Missing Persons and Victims of Violence (KontraS), sustained severe chemical burns across a quarter of his face and arms when two unknown attackers on a motorcycle doused him with acid on March 12.

The assault occurred shortly after Yunus had finished recording a podcast discussing the military’s growing influence in civilian matters, according to KontraS officials. The activist has been an outspoken opponent of this trend.

Concerns about weakening democratic institutions have mounted in Indonesia under President Prabowo Subianto’s leadership. The retired general’s administration has overseen a notable expansion of military participation in civilian sectors and government-operated enterprises.

These tensions contributed to widespread civil unrest that swept across Indonesia last August and September, which escalated after security personnel fatally shot a motorcycle taxi driver during a protest, sparking riots and mass detentions.

United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the assault in a social media post Saturday, calling it “horrific” and demanding justice for what he termed a “cowardly act of violence.”

A coalition of more than 170 Indonesian civil society organizations, including Amnesty International, has accused the perpetrators of attempting to murder Yunus as part of a campaign to intimidate human rights defenders.

Jakarta police spokesman Iman Imanuddin confirmed Monday that investigators are reviewing security camera recordings that captured the suspects trailing Yunus before the attack.

A parliamentary human rights oversight committee characterized the assault as a breach of Prabowo’s human rights pledges, while Justice Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra described the incident last week as “an assault on democracy itself.”

“Human rights activists work for the interests of the people and the state, as the protection of human rights and democracy is a constitutional mandate,” Mahendra stated.

Made Supriatma, a research fellow at Singapore’s ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, suggested the attack might have been designed to intimidate critics and discourage future demonstrations.

“It’s a warning shot for us all,” Supriatma observed.

BANGKOK – Thailand’s legislative body is scheduled to meet Thursday, March 19, for a crucial vote to select the country’s next prime minister, according to an announcement Monday from House Speaker Sophon Zaram. The session follows the nation’s general elections held last month.

Current caretaker Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul aims to secure his return to the top government position when the newly-elected parliament casts their ballots. His political party, Bhumjaithai, achieved a decisive win during the February 8 electoral contest, positioning him as the leading candidate for the role.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced that his nation expects financial compensation and technological transfers in exchange for providing drone defense expertise to Middle Eastern countries facing Iranian aerial attacks.

Speaking to reporters on March 15, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has deployed three specialist teams to conduct evaluations and train regional forces on effective anti-drone operations. These teams were dispatched to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and a U.S. military installation in Jordan.

“This is not about being involved in operations. We are not at war with Iran,” Zelenskyy stated.

The Ukrainian leader indicated that broader, long-term agreements for drone defense systems could be established with Gulf nations, though the specific terms of compensation remain under discussion.

“For us today, both the technology and the funding are important,” Zelenskyy emphasized.

Gulf nations have depleted substantial stockpiles of air defense missiles while combating Iran’s Shahed drone attacks. Ukraine has developed cost-effective countermeasures, using smaller interceptor drones and electronic jamming systems to neutralize Russian drone strikes on a nightly basis.

According to Zelenskyy, nations from the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa have all requested Ukrainian assistance in developing anti-drone capabilities.

Despite this international interest, President Donald Trump has stated that America does not require Ukraine’s help with drone defense operations.

Zelenskyy expressed confusion about Washington’s reluctance to finalize a substantial drone defense contract that Ukraine has been promoting for several months, questioning whether any agreement will materialize.

“I wanted to sign a deal worth about 35–50 billion dollars,” he revealed.

The Ukrainian president also criticized unnamed domestic companies and foreign governments for attempting to negotiate anti-drone equipment contracts without official authorization from Kyiv.

Zelenskyy voiced concerns that prolonged Middle Eastern conflicts could impact Ukraine’s access to critical air defense missiles.

“We would very much not like the United States to step away from the issue of Ukraine because of the Middle East,” he told reporters.

Peace negotiations involving Moscow, Kyiv, and Washington, originally scheduled to occur in the UAE, were delayed following U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran that escalated regional tensions two weeks ago.

While Washington has proposed conducting the talks in the United States next week, Zelenskyy noted that Russian representatives have rejected meeting on American soil.

“Either they will change the country where we meet, or the Russians must confirm (a meeting in) the U.S.,” he explained.

Regarding military developments, Zelenskyy reported that Ukrainian forces believe Russia’s planned spring offensive has “already failed,” as Moscow had intended for major operations to be fully operational by this time.

Citizens of Kazakhstan overwhelmingly endorsed constitutional reforms in a nationwide referendum held this week, with the Central Election Commission announcing Monday that 87.15% of voters supported the changes.

Nearly three-quarters of eligible voters participated in the referendum, with turnout reaching 73.12%, according to election officials.

The approved constitutional amendments reorganize Kazakhstan’s Parliament structure and restore the vice president position, which the country eliminated in 1996. Under the new framework, the president gains authority to select the vice president along with numerous other senior government positions.

The rapid pace of the constitutional drafting process has led some political observers within Kazakhstan to speculate about President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s future plans. Some analysts suggest he may be positioning to name a successor as vice president and step down before his term expires, while others believe he intends to remain in power with the new constitution potentially resetting his term limitations.

Speaking to reporters after casting his ballot in Astana, the nation’s capital, Tokayev addressed questions about whether the constitutional changes signal an upcoming leadership transition. He stated that the next presidential election would occur in 2029 when his current term concludes.

British youth find themselves caught in a complicated relationship with social media platforms, recognizing their harmful effects while opposing government efforts to restrict access.

The United Kingdom is exploring options to limit social media usage among children, potentially implementing restrictions similar to Australia’s under-16 ban. Officials have launched a public consultation running through May, seeking input from all stakeholders.

Students aged 16-18 from a south London school told reporters that platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok serve important roles in their social lives, helping them connect with others and discover new information about the world around them.

However, these same students acknowledged significant drawbacks, including feelings of unhappiness and fatigue, exposure to cyberbullying and dangerous content, and awareness that the applications are specifically engineered to maintain user engagement.

Awand Khdir, 17, described his summer usage habits: “During the summer, I’d spend around eight hours a day on just TikTok. But now it’s more like three or four hours. It’s still not good.” He added that “doom scrolling is an issue on its own, but… the content that you see sometimes, especially on TikTok, there’s a lot of dodgy stuff.”

Platform representatives highlighted their safety measures for teenage users. Snapchat implements age-appropriate protections for users 13-17, including default private accounts and restricted access to public profiles for younger teens. Instagram’s Teen Accounts feature sensitive content controls and parental supervision tools. TikTok automatically limits screen time to 60 minutes for teen accounts and prompts users to log off after 10 p.m., while age-restricting potentially inappropriate material.

Despite these protections, the interviewed students reported being able to circumvent the controls.

While parents and politicians often support restrictions, some mental health experts and researchers question their effectiveness. University of Cambridge Research Professor Amy Orben emphasized that social media’s influence varies widely among users, noting that while some teenagers encounter serious dangers, many others find valuable connections through these platforms.

“The online world, like the offline world, is very complex and its impacts will be very dynamic,” Orben explained.

Sumiksha Senthuran, 16, described “mindlessly scrolling” as helpful relief from academic pressure. Elizabeth Alayande, 17, highlighted social media’s role in building self-confidence and personal identity: “You can express yourself by posting videos or just relating with other people… and I don’t think it’s the biggest waste of time if you spread it out evenly with other priorities.”

However, students also reported exposure to disturbing material and online harassment. Teyanna Charley, 17, said “sometimes it’s quite negative because all you see is bad stuff… it’s quite tiring.” Vish Ragutharan, 16, who maintains a film blog, noted that his posts attract both positive and negative feedback, calling this “a real disadvantage.”

Body image content particularly affects some users. Joelle Azebaze Ayangma, 18, observed: “When you see other girls on TikTok, you kind of want to look like them. And that’s really crushing people’s self-esteem.”

Despite recognizing these risks, most students opposed implementing a ban. Ali Raza, 16, relies on apps to maintain contact with overseas family members. Dua Arshia, 16, worried that restrictions might drive young people toward platforms “where there’s more dangerous things.” Leah Osando, 17, questioned enforcement feasibility, stating “even if children get banned… they’ll go onto the dark web or use a VPN.”

Students also expressed concern about increasingly sophisticated AI-generated content that becomes harder to identify.

Three experts who have advised lawmakers on children’s internet safety stated that clear evidence supporting ban effectiveness remains lacking. Industry data revealed that one-fifth of Australian teenagers under 16 continued using social media two months after their country’s ban took effect, raising questions about platform age-verification methods.

These experts advocate for pressuring social media companies to develop safer platforms, particularly as algorithm-driven feeds become more addictive and sometimes direct children toward content promoting eating disorders or self-harm.

“These are commercial platforms,” Orben noted. “They are designed to harness attention, and… young people are increasingly saying that they struggle to get off.”

University of East London Professor Julia Davidson, a child online safety expert, suggested that intervention may come too late for children over 13. British regulator Ofcom reported in 2022 that six out of ten children aged 8-12 maintained social media profiles, despite most platforms requiring users to be at least 13.

“How are we going to enforce a ban with 14 and 15-year-olds who have grown up with it and built extensive networks?” Davidson questioned.

Professor Sonia Livingstone from the London School of Economics’ Digital Futures for Children centre warned that policymakers risk choosing inappropriate solutions, describing a ban as “a very blunt hammer to crack a nut.”

Livingstone urged politicians to demand “safety by design… without eliminating children’s access to the digital world, which is what they want and have a right to.”

She recommended that government focus on addressing big tech companies through targeted approaches: “Why don’t we say: Snapchat is the one where the randomers can get in touch with you. Instagram is the one where you can see the self-harm content. And TikTok is the one that wants you on so long that you can never get to sleep or do your homework.”

PARIS, March 16 – Nicolas Sarkozy, the former French president, returned to court Monday to challenge his criminal conspiracy conviction tied to allegations he sought illegal campaign financing from Libya, which resulted in a five-year prison term last year.

The conviction marked a historic low point for Sarkozy, making him France’s first post-World War II president to face imprisonment – a dramatic fall from grace for the politician who governed the nation between 2007 and 2012. He began serving time at La Sante prison in Paris last October but was released after three weeks when a court granted his release under judicial monitoring, which prohibited him from traveling outside France.

The conviction represented the culmination of extensive legal proceedings surrounding claims that his victorious 2007 presidential campaign received millions in illegal funding from Libya under the regime of deceased dictator Muammar Gaddafi.

Throughout the proceedings, Sarkozy has consistently maintained his innocence regarding accusations that he struck an agreement with Gaddafi in 2005, while serving as France’s interior minister, to secure campaign money in return for backing the internationally isolated Libyan regime.

Court officials determined there was insufficient evidence that Sarkozy directly negotiated such an arrangement with Gaddafi, or that Libyan funds actually reached his campaign accounts, despite acknowledging the timing was “compatible” and the money’s routing was “very opaque.”

However, judges found Sarkozy guilty of criminal conspiracy spanning 2005 to 2007 for allowing his close associates to contact Libyan officials in attempts to secure campaign financing.

“The fight against corruption is not just a matter of integrity: it is a prerequisite for protecting the rule of law and maintaining effective democracy,” stated advocacy organizations Sherpa, Anticor and Transparency International France in a Friday release.

Sarkozy’s attorney Christophe Ingrain declined to provide comment before the appeal proceedings began.

Regional authorities in southern Ethiopia report that fatal landslides have now claimed 125 lives, marking a significant increase from earlier casualty reports.

Intense rainfall last week caused multiple landslides across various areas within the Gamo Zone, creating widespread devastation throughout the region. Initial reports from officials last Thursday had confirmed 70 fatalities, but the South Ethiopia regional government updated that figure to 125 on Sunday.

The disaster has forced more than 11,000 residents to flee their homes, according to an announcement posted on the regional government communications office’s Facebook page.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed traveled to the affected areas on Saturday to offer condolences to grieving families and community members. During his visit, he promised government assistance for those impacted by the tragedy, sharing details of his trip on his X social media account.

POZNAN, Poland — Three decades ago, Polish citizens faced rationed sugar and flour while earning just one-tenth of what their West German counterparts made. Now, the nation’s economy has surpassed Switzerland to claim the 20th spot globally with more than $1 trillion in yearly economic output.

This remarkable transformation from Communist-era devastation in 1989-90 to Europe’s current growth leader offers valuable insights about creating widespread prosperity, according to economists. The Trump administration has suggested Poland deserves recognition through participation in this year’s Group of 20 major economies summit.

The dramatic change can be seen through individuals like Joanna Kowalska, an engineer from Poznan — a city of 500,000 residents located between Berlin and Warsaw — who returned to Poland after spending five years in America.

“I get asked often if I’m missing something by coming back to Poland, and, to be honest, I feel it’s the other way around,” Kowalska said. “We are ahead of the United States in so many areas.”

Kowalska now works at the Poznan Supercomputing and Networking Center, where teams are creating Poland’s first artificial intelligence facility and connecting it with a quantum computer — one of ten across the continent funded through European Union initiatives.

After completing her studies at Poznan University of Technology, Kowalska took what she considered a “dream come true” position with Microsoft in America.

However, she found herself longing for a “sense of mission,” she explained.

“Especially when it comes to artificial intelligence, the technology started developing so rapidly in Poland,” Kowalska added. “So it was very tempting to come back.”

The G20 summit invitation carries mainly symbolic weight; no guest nation has achieved full membership since the group’s 1999 formation at the finance minister level, requiring unanimous approval from existing members. Additionally, original member selection considered not only GDP rankings but also “systemic significance” in global economics.

Nevertheless, the invitation reflects concrete progress: Over 35 years — roughly one career span — Poland’s per capita gross domestic product climbed to $55,340 in 2025, reaching 85% of the EU average. This represents a massive jump from $6,730 in 1990, when it stood at just 38% of the EU average and now approximately matches Japan’s $52,039, based on International Monetary Fund data adjusted for Poland’s lower living costs.

Since joining the EU in 2004, Poland’s economy has expanded at an average annual rate of 3.8%, significantly outpacing Europe’s 1.8% average.

According to Marcin Piątkowski from Warsaw’s Kozminski University, who authored a book about the nation’s economic ascent, multiple factors contributed to Poland escaping the poverty cycle.

Building robust business institutions quickly proved crucial, he explained. This included establishing independent judicial systems, creating anti-monopoly agencies to maintain fair competition, and implementing strong banking regulations to prevent credit disruptions.

Consequently, the economy avoided the corruption and oligarch control that plagued other former Communist nations.

Poland also received substantial EU financial support both before and after its 2004 membership, gaining access to the bloc’s massive unified market.

Most importantly, broad political consensus across party lines focused on EU membership as Poland’s ultimate objective.

“Poles knew where they were going,” Piątkowski said. “Poland downloaded the institutions and the rules of the game, and even some cultural norms that the West spent 500 years developing.”

Despite its oppressive nature, communism helped eliminate traditional social barriers and expanded higher education access to factory and farm workers previously excluded. A post-Communist educational surge means half of young people now hold degrees.

“Young Poles are, for instance, better educated than young Germans,” Piatkowski said, but earn half what Germans do. That’s “an unbeatable combination” for attracting investors, he said.

Solaris, established in 1996 in Poznan by Krzysztof Olszewski, exemplifies Poland’s success through entrepreneurship and risk-taking innovation. The company now ranks among Europe’s top electric bus manufacturers with approximately 15% market share.

Olszewski, who received engineering training under Communist rule, initially operated a car repair business using West German parts for Polish vehicles. While most enterprises faced nationalization, authorities permitted small private workshops to function, according to Katarzyna Szarzec, an economist at Poznan University of Economics and Business. “These were enclaves of private entrepreneurship,” she said.

In 1996, Olszewski established a subsidiary of German bus manufacturer Neoplan and began serving the Polish market.

“Poland’s entry to the EU in 2004 gave us credibility and access to a vast, open European market with the free movement of goods, services and people,” said Mateusz Figaszewski, responsible for institutional relations.

A bold 2011 decision to manufacture electric buses proved pivotal when few European companies were exploring the technology. Figaszewski explained that larger Western corporations faced greater risks from unsuccessful electric vehicle transitions. “It became an opportunity to achieve technological leadership ahead of the market,” he said.

Poland still confronts significant challenges. Declining birth rates and population aging mean fewer workers will support retirees. Wages remain below EU averages. While small and medium businesses thrive, few have achieved global brand recognition.

Poznan Mayor Jacek Jaśkowiak views domestic innovation as Poland’s third economic development phase following socialism’s end. Initially, foreign companies established Polish factories in the early 1990s, utilizing skilled local workers.

Around 2000, he noted, Western firms brought more sophisticated operations including finance, information technology and engineering.

“Now it’s the time to start such sophisticated activities here,” Jaśkowiak says, emphasizing university investment as a top priority.

“There is still much to do when it comes to innovation and technological progress,” added Szarzec, the Poznan economist. “But we keep climbing up on that ladder of added value. We’re no longer just a supplier of spare parts.”

Szarzec’s students identify ongoing needs including reducing urban-rural disparities, improving housing affordability and supporting young families. They emphasize recognizing immigrants’ economic contributions, particularly millions of Ukrainians who fled Russia’s 2022 invasion, in an aging society.

“Poland has such a dynamic economy, with so many opportunities for development, that of course I am staying,” said Kazimierz Falak, 27, one of Szarzec’s graduate students. “Poland is promising.”

BEIRUT, Lebanon (AP) — The Lebanese capital shook from massive blasts in the early hours of Monday as Israeli forces targeted the city. Meanwhile, Israeli military operations expanded with fresh strikes against Tehran, and Dubai’s major airport shut down temporarily after an Iranian drone struck a fuel storage facility.

Following attacks by the United States and Israel over two weeks ago, Tehran has maintained a steady campaign of drone and missile strikes against Israeli targets, American military installations, and energy facilities throughout Gulf Arab nations.

The Islamic Republic has also brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a virtual standstill. This critical waterway handles one-fifth of global oil transport, sparking mounting concerns about a worldwide energy shortage and increasing political pressure on Washington as fuel costs burden American consumers.

International oil benchmark Brent crude held firm above $100 per barrel Monday morning. Trading opened at $104, marking a nearly 45% increase since the February 28 U.S.-Israeli offensive against Iran began. Prices have reached peaks of approximately $120 throughout this conflict.

President Donald Trump revealed he has reached out to roughly seven nations requesting naval vessels to maintain open passage through the Strait of Hormuz, though these requests have yielded no firm pledges. Republican leadership grows increasingly worried that escalating consumer prices could damage the party’s prospects in upcoming fall elections.

“I’m demanding that these countries come in and protect their own territory, because it is their own territory,” Trump told reporters as he flew back to Washington from Florida aboard Air Force One. He did not identify the countries, but has previously appealed to China, France, Japan, South Korea and Britain.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed suggestions that Tehran might pursue diplomatic resolution to end hostilities as “delusional,” posting on social media early Monday that his nation wanted neither “truce nor talks.”

“Our Powerful Armed Forces will keep firing until POTUS realizes that illegal war he’s imposing on both Americans and Iranians is wrong and must never be repeated,” he wrote on X.

Monday morning brought a drone attack on fuel storage near Dubai International Airport, the globe’s busiest hub for international passenger travel, igniting a substantial fire.

Emergency crews successfully controlled the flames without reported casualties, but airport operations ceased temporarily. Emirates airline, which operates its primary hub from this facility, announced all flights were “suspended until further notice.”

Subsequently, the UAE’s Defense Ministry reported its forces were engaging another wave of incoming Iranian missiles and drones.

Tehran has launched hundreds of projectiles toward Gulf nations hosting American military assets since fighting commenced. UAE officials report most attacks have been neutralized by defensive systems, though debris and some drones have penetrated the country.

Iranian leadership recently claimed the UAE permits its territory for launching attacks against Iran. Emirati officials have dismissed these accusations as false and emphasized their actions remain purely defensive.

Saudi Arabia reported intercepting 35 Iranian drones targeting its eastern provinces, where major petroleum facilities operate.

Israeli military confirmed early Monday that Iran had fired missiles toward Israeli territory.

According to Israeli forces, Iran deploys cluster munitions capable of bypassing certain air defense systems and dispersing smaller explosives across wide areas.

Thunderous explosions resonated through Beirut as Israel conducted pre-dawn attacks on the Lebanese capital, claiming to target infrastructure connected to Iran-allied Hezbollah militants.

Israeli military has ordered evacuations across numerous Beirut neighborhoods and southern Lebanon regions. More than 800,000 residents have been forced from their homes due to Israel’s Lebanese operations.

Israeli strikes have claimed at least 850 lives, including 107 children and 66 women.

Shortly after Israeli military announced new strikes on Tehran targeting infrastructure, explosions echoed through Iran’s capital and surrounding areas.

Red Cross figures indicate over 1,300 Iranian casualties so far.

Within Israel, Iranian missile attacks have killed 12 people with additional injuries, including three on Sunday. At least 13 American service members have died, with six perishing in an Iraqi plane crash last week.

Aboard Air Force One, Trump declined to specify which nations might join his proposed Strait of Hormuz security coalition to safeguard oil tankers and commercial vessels.

However, he warned he would remember countries that refuse assistance. He specifically mentioned British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who Trump said initially refused to deploy British aircraft carriers “into harm’s way.”

“Whether we get support or not, but I can say this, and I said to them: We will remember,” Trump said.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi informed parliament Monday that her administration “has not heard anything” from Washington regarding Trump’s naval assistance request for Strait of Hormuz protection.

Japan relies on Middle Eastern sources for over 90% of its crude oil imports, and she noted discussions about protecting Japanese vessels “regardless of a U.S. request.”

Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi stated he has no intentions of deploying warships to the Strait of Hormuz given current security conditions.

Japan initiated emergency oil reserve releases Monday to address supply shortage concerns and rising prices.

Trump predicted price decreases but avoided directly confirming whether his administration considers selling oil futures to limit surging costs, despite his interior secretary mentioning this possibility.

“The prices are going to come tumbling down as soon as it’s over. And it’s going to be over pretty quickly,” he told reporters.

Global financial markets remained volatile Monday as President Trump continues diplomatic efforts to build an international naval coalition for escorting commercial vessels through the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz.

Initial White House reports suggested several countries had committed to providing naval security for the vital shipping corridor, though discussions continue over timing relative to current military operations in the region.

However, those early claims have shifted to Trump conducting preliminary discussions with seven nations about potential escort missions, with no formal agreements yet secured. The countries under consideration include France, Japan, South Korea, Britain, and notably China – a choice likely to generate significant diplomatic controversy.

Interestingly, China possesses more appropriate naval assets for such missions than the United States, which lacks sufficient frigates and minesweeping capabilities. The prospect of Chinese naval forces successfully reopening the Strait where American forces have struggled could serve as leverage in ongoing U.S.-China trade negotiations currently taking place in Paris.

European officials are scheduled to meet today regarding the Strait situation, though Trump may have damaged relationships by appearing to threaten NATO’s future if allies decline participation.

The waterway remains essentially closed, creating mounting problems throughout global supply chains beyond just crude oil. Multiple countries, including China, have restricted exports of refined petroleum products to protect domestic reserves, sending shockwaves across Asian markets. Australia faces particular challenges with diesel shortages that could severely impact mining and agricultural operations.

Even if a coalition agreement emerges, serious questions remain about whether naval vessels alone can ensure safe passage through such confined waters, given Iran’s strategic position along the northern coastline. Any attempt to secure the northern shore would require ground forces and risk substantial casualties.

These concerns have pushed Brent crude oil prices up more than 1% during Asian trading, with continued market volatility expected.

The crisis presents unwelcome complications for central banks meeting this week, effectively eliminating hopes for monetary policy easing. Market analysts now expect rate increases from the European Central Bank, Bank of England, Bank of Canada, and Sweden’s Riksbank, while Australia’s Reserve Bank appears likely to raise rates for the second consecutive meeting.

Federal Reserve expectations have also shifted, with only one rate reduction currently anticipated, though upcoming policy guidance may eliminate even that possibility.

Monday’s key economic events include trade discussions between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris, along with releases of the Empire State PMI, February industrial production data, and NAHB housing sentiment indicators.

MOSCOW – Russian authorities reported Monday that Ukrainian forces conducted a large-scale drone assault on Moscow during the weekend, deploying more than 100 unmanned aircraft in successive waves targeting the capital.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin’s office confirmed that air defense systems intercepted over 100 drones across a two-day period as the long-range “kamikaze” aircraft approached the city.

A defense ministry source told TASS news agency that air defenses destroyed at least 145 drones during overnight operations, with 53 of those intercepted specifically over the Moscow region.

Russian aviation authorities reported that Moscow’s primary airports implemented flight restrictions during the drone assault.

The Moscow metropolitan area, including surrounding regions, houses approximately 22 million residents. Ukrainian officials have not yet responded to Russia’s claims about the reported drone attack.

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar (AP) — For the first time in over five years, Myanmar’s legislature convened Monday following recent elections that excluded key opposition groups, solidifying the military’s control over the government.

Myanmar’s military prevented the previous parliament from meeting after overthrowing Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected administration in February 2021, ruling without legislative oversight ever since. Military leaders have promoted the December and January elections as progress toward restoring democratic governance.

Yet the military and allied parties secured approximately 90% of parliamentary positions across both chambers, as Myanmar’s former governing National League for Democracy and other significant opposition movements were either barred from participation or boycotted what they considered rigged conditions.

Lawmakers dressed in ceremonial clothing gathered in Naypyitaw, the nation’s capital, Monday as the 373-member lower chamber began its session within the heavily protected legislative facility, recently rebuilt following severe earthquake damage last year.

Armed forces cordoned off routes to the parliament building, with all vehicles undergoing explosive device inspections before entry.

The 213-member upper chamber will begin proceedings Wednesday, followed by 14 regional assemblies starting Friday.

Myanmar’s military-drafted constitution automatically allocates one-fourth of the combined 586 upper and lower house positions — totaling 166 seats — to armed forces representatives, while the military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party captured 339 additional seats. Twenty-one smaller parties divided the remaining one to 20 seats among themselves.

The legislative session follows staggered voting conducted during December and January across 263 of Myanmar’s 330 townships.

Opponents characterized the military-organized elections as an attempt to validate their authority. The 2021 takeover sparked widespread resistance that plunged Myanmar into ongoing civil conflict.

Tom Andrews, a special rapporteur working with the U.N. human rights office, has urged the international community to reject the election results and any power arrangements that follow.

The newly formed legislature’s initial responsibility involves selecting speakers for both chambers, followed by choosing a president and two vice presidents.

Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, who currently leads the military administration, is anticipated to assume the presidential role.

Nevertheless, constitutional provisions prohibit a president from simultaneously serving as the military’s commander-in-chief — Myanmar’s most influential position — creating uncertainty about whether he would surrender that authority.

Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s 80-year-old former leader, is serving a 27-year prison term on charges widely viewed as spurious and politically motivated. Her party won landslide victories in the 2015 and 2020 elections, but was forced to dissolve in 2023 after refusing to register under new military rules.

An opposition shadow parliament, formed by elected lawmakers who were blocked from taking their seats when the military seized power in 2021, also held an online session on Monday.

The Committee Representing Pyidaungsu Hluttaw claims it is the country’s sole legitimate parliament.

President Donald Trump has requested that roughly seven nations deploy naval vessels to ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains accessible for shipping, while Iranian attacks persist against Gulf region nations during the early hours of Monday.

Operations at Dubai International Airport, which handles more air traffic than any other facility globally, were temporarily halted following a drone attack on a fuel storage tank that ignited a blaze. Officials reported the fire was rapidly extinguished with no casualties.

Iran has alleged that the United States is utilizing “ports, docks and hideouts” within the United Arab Emirates to conduct attacks on Kharg Island, the location of Iran’s primary oil export facility, though no evidence was presented for these claims as petroleum prices climbed.

The President indicated the U.S. is in discussions with nations that depend heavily on Middle Eastern petroleum to form an alliance that would patrol the shipping channel through which approximately 20% of global oil trade typically passes, though he refused to identify these countries.

Simultaneously, Israeli military actions have worsened Lebanon’s humanitarian situation, resulting in more than 850 fatalities and displacing over 850,000 individuals.

The UAE’s Defense Ministry reported that military forces were actively countering Iranian missiles and unmanned aircraft Monday morning.

Trump indicated he might postpone his highly anticipated China visit scheduled for month’s end as he intensifies efforts to pressure Beijing into assisting with reopening the Strait of Hormuz and stabilizing oil markets.

During a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, Trump noted that China’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil should motivate its participation in his proposed coalition aimed at restoring oil tanker movement through the strait following Iranian threats that have disrupted global petroleum flows.

“We’d like to know” before the trip whether Beijing will help, Trump stated.

“We may delay,” Trump said in the interview.

These remarks from Trump occurred while U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent conducted meetings with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng in Paris on Monday for renewed trade discussions intended to prepare for Trump’s planned Beijing visit.

Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry announced in an early Monday statement that Mohammed bin Salman and Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held a telephone conversation regarding current regional developments.

Both leaders characterized the ongoing “Iranian attacks against Gulf Cooperation Council countries” as “a dangerous escalation that threatens regional security and stability,” while affirming that GCC nations will maintain defensive efforts for their territories.

UAE officials have blocked the primary roadway and tunnel accessing Dubai International Airport.

Dubai Police advised motorists to utilize alternate routes.

Officials previously confirmed a drone struck an airport fuel tank, creating a fire without causing injuries.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced early Monday that forces successfully intercepted an additional wave of 35 drones over the kingdom’s eastern territory, a sparsely populated area near Iran containing significant oil facilities.

This increases the total drone interceptions to no fewer than 60 within recent hours.

The ministry has not yet disclosed information about casualties or property damage.

Australia’s government stated it will not dispatch a warship to the Middle East for maintaining Strait of Hormuz shipping access.

Following Trump’s announcement that he requested approximately seven countries to send warships for keeping the strait operational amid continued Iranian strikes on Gulf nations, Australia’s Transport Minister Catherine King informed Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Monday that she was unaware of Australia receiving such a request.

“We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to,” King said.

Australia announced last week it would supply the UAE with an air force surveillance aircraft and air-to-air missiles for defense against Iranian attacks.

However, a government statement clarified Australia was “not taking offensive action against Iran.”

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump is considering postponing his planned visit to China at month’s end while pushing Beijing to assist with reopening the Strait of Hormuz amid rising oil costs during the ongoing Iran conflict.

During a Sunday Financial Times interview, Trump pointed to China’s dependence on Middle Eastern oil as reason for their involvement in his proposed coalition aimed at restoring oil tanker passage through the strait following Iranian threats that have disrupted global petroleum flows. Trump indicated he wants to know Beijing’s position before traveling. “We may delay,” Trump stated during the interview.

This development highlights how significantly the recent U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran have altered international relations over the past two weeks. Canceling the planned meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping could trigger substantial economic repercussions, given the already strained Washington-Beijing relationship marked by mutual tariff threats throughout the past year.

The White House has not yet provided comment on the matter.

Trump’s remarks coincided with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s Monday meeting in Paris with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng for trade discussions designed to prepare for Trump’s Beijing visit. While both nations have maintained a truce preventing reciprocal tariff implementation, significant risks remain.

Initially, Trump had announced U.S. naval vessels would provide tanker escorts through the strait while minimizing Iran’s threat level. However, escalating oil prices have prompted his administration to explore alternative approaches, including this weekend’s proposal for international military cooperation. No countries have officially committed to participation yet.

Speaking to reporters on Air Force One during his return from Florida, Trump revealed discussions with “about seven” nations regarding military assistance. He declined to identify these countries and avoided direct questions about China, though later implied extending such an invitation to Beijing.

“China’s an interesting case study,” he observed, referencing their Gulf oil dependency. “So I said, ‘Would you like to come in’ and we’ll find out. Maybe they will, maybe they won’t.”

The Iranian conflict has driven oil prices sharply higher, increasing costs for American consumers as midterm elections approach. China faces its own economic challenges, recently reducing its 2026 growth projection to 4.5-5%, marking the slowest anticipated expansion since 1991. Extended strait disruptions could significantly impact Beijing’s long-term economic outlook.

Prior to Trump’s trip postponement suggestion, a Chinese Embassy spokesperson in Washington remained noncommittal regarding Trump’s request for international strait assistance.

“The Strait of Hormuz and waters nearby are an important route for international goods and energy trade. Keeping the region safe and stable serves the common interests of the international community,” the spokesperson stated. “All parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.”

The spokesperson continued: “As a sincere friend and strategic partner of Middle Eastern countries, China will continue to strengthen communication with relevant parties, including parties to the conflict, and play a constructive role for de-escalation and restoration of peace.”

The current conflict in Iran serves as a stark warning about the dangers of fossil fuel dependency, according to the United Nations’ top climate official who addressed European Union leaders on Monday.

Simon Stiell, who heads the UN’s climate change division UNFCCC, spoke to EU officials and government ministers in Brussels about how the Middle Eastern crisis has sent shockwaves through global energy markets. European gas prices have climbed 50% since the two-week conflict began, despite Europe being thousands of miles from the fighting.

“Fossil fuel dependency is ripping away national security and sovereignty, and replacing it with subservience and rising costs,” Stiell told the gathering of European leaders.

The UN official pointed out that Europe faces particular vulnerability in this area. “Europe is more reliant on fossil fuel imports than almost any other major economy,” he stated, warning that this dependence leaves consumers “at the mercy of geopolitical shocks and price volatility.”

The numbers support his concerns. The European Union purchases more than 90% of its oil from other countries and imports 80% of its natural gas supply.

European leaders are now scrambling to develop emergency plans to protect consumers from the latest energy price surge. They hope to prevent a repeat of the 2022 energy emergency, when Russia dramatically reduced gas shipments to Europe, causing prices to reach unprecedented levels.

The European Commission believes its long-term climate strategy offers a solution. By transitioning from fossil fuels to domestically produced renewable and nuclear energy, officials say member countries can achieve energy independence while avoiding unpredictable fuel costs.

However, some European governments, including Italy and Hungary, are pushing Brussels to scale back climate policies to provide immediate financial relief for businesses and industries.

Stiell strongly opposed this approach, calling such moves “completely delusional.” He argued that embracing renewable energy sources like wind and solar power would deliver lower energy costs, create employment in emerging clean-technology sectors, and guarantee reliable energy supplies.

“Meek dependence on fossil fuel imports will leave Europe forever lurching from crisis to crisis,” the UN climate secretary warned. “Renewables turn the tables. Sunlight doesn’t depend on narrow and vulnerable shipping straits.”

Myanmar’s legislative body held its first meeting Monday since military forces overthrew the civilian government five years ago, marking another step in what critics call a superficial transition back to democratic governance while the armed forces maintain firm authority.

The parliamentary session follows recent elections where the military-supported Union Solidarity and Development Party secured overwhelming victories amid sparse voter participation and an absence of meaningful opposition candidates.

Retired brigadier-general Khin Yi, who chairs the USDP, secured the position of lower house speaker during Monday’s proceedings. Political observers had anticipated his selection for this key role, which analysts view as crucial for military leadership to pursue their political objectives.

The Southeast Asian nation has endured ongoing civil conflict and a widespread humanitarian emergency impacting millions of citizens since military commanders executed their 2021 takeover against Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi’s administration, which had been preparing to begin its second term after winning decisive electoral support.

International governments across the West have condemned the recent voting process as fraudulent theater intended to solidify military authority and provide legitimacy to generals who have faced isolation, economic penalties, and exclusion from major global gatherings for half a decade.

The military-established USDP, founded in 2010, captured 81% of contested legislative positions and will share the two-chamber parliament with numerous military personnel directly chosen by the armed forces, which constitutional provisions guarantee one-fourth of all legislative positions.

This substantial military presence combined with their sway over the USDP essentially places the legislature under armed forces direction, providing military leadership the authority to select the president, with junta leader and coup architect Min Aung Hlaing anticipated to claim the position.

“This level of control makes it clear that one can expect nothing substantial from this body; it is evidently a parliament that will operate solely at the whim of the military leader,” said Htin Kyaw Aye, an independent analyst.

“It is merely a manoeuvre by the military leadership to shift power from their left hand to their right hand,” he said.

Additionally, military leadership plans to create a five-person committee called the Union Consultative Council, which experts have labeled a “superbody” designed to allow Min Aung Hlaing to preserve his authority over both military and civilian governance structures.

Military leadership has rejected international criticism of their electoral process, claiming it accurately represented citizen preferences. They have announced plans to establish a new government in April while predicting reduced sanctions and improved international relations and foreign business investment.

Monday’s state-controlled Global New Light of Myanmar published commentary regarding parliament’s formation, stating the nation hopes for optimal political circumstances prioritizing national interests.

“In carrying out political activities, they must act courageously for the good of the nation, free from personal bias, party bias, and feelings of favouritism or hostility,” it said.

France is significantly expanding its naval operations in the Middle East, sending an aircraft carrier along with additional warships to the region as President Emmanuel Macron conducts diplomatic outreach with regional powers, including Iran, to secure France’s role in upcoming peace discussions.

The French president emphasized that his nation’s military deployment serves purely “defensive” purposes and is designed to prevent France from becoming directly involved in the conflict.

Following the death of a French service member in a Thursday drone strike in Iraq, Macron reinforced this stance.

“We are not at war with anyone,” Macron declared.

However, France’s extensive naval deployment — which Macron characterized as “unprecedented” — has established the country as Europe’s most visible military presence in the region.

During a recent visit to the Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier, Macron stated that its Mediterranean positioning showcases “France’s strength: a balancing power, a force for peace.”

The French military deployment encompasses eight warships, two helicopter carriers, and the nuclear-powered Charles de Gaulle aircraft carrier equipped with 20 Rafale fighter aircraft in the eastern Mediterranean and broader Middle East region.

The French vessel Languedoc has positioned itself near Cyprus, a European Union partner nation, to strengthen drone and missile defense capabilities. France and Cyprus established a new strategic alliance in December. Additionally, Macron confirmed that two French frigates have been sent to the Red Sea to support maritime security and protect shipping lanes.

According to Macron, the naval deployment enables France “to respond to emergency situations” and conduct evacuations of French citizens when needed.

France maintains the largest European civilian population in the Middle East with over 400,000 nationals — including more than half residing in Israel and approximately 60,000 in the United Arab Emirates.

Several European nations, including Spain, Italy, the Netherlands, and Greece, have also positioned frigates in the area.

France’s rapid naval response stands in contrast to the United Kingdom’s delayed deployment of the HMS Dragon destroyer, which departed Portsmouth, England, on March 10.

British opposition leaders have criticized Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s administration for responding too slowly to protect British installations in Cyprus and regional allies. The U.K. has also deployed Typhoon and F-35 aircraft, helicopters, and air defense equipment to help intercept Iranian missiles and drones.

France maintains crucial defense partnerships with multiple regional nations, including Qatar, Kuwait, and the UAE, where it operates a permanent military installation in Abu Dhabi. French military forces, including air and naval units, have increased their Rafale fighter presence at the base from six to 12 aircraft.

French officials confirmed that Rafale aircraft have intercepted drones targeting the UAE since the conflict began.

“We stand by the side of our allies and our friends,” Macron stated during his Charles de Gaulle visit. “There have been some interceptions that have continued in recent days.”

“We do so within the framework of our partnerships,” he added, declining to provide additional specifics.

French military personnel are also stationed in Jordan and Iraq.

A French soldier was killed Thursday with several others wounded in a drone attack near Irbil in northern Iraq. The troops were conducting training operations with Iraqi forces as part of an international counterterrorism mission.

Former President François Hollande, who served from 2012 to 2017, acknowledged the importance of France demonstrating its ability to safeguard its citizens and support allies, while cautioning about potential dangers.

“We must be careful — it’s always a risky operation — to make sure our warships are not targeted,” Hollande warned. “Because if they are attacked, we have to fire back.”

Macron is spearheading diplomatic initiatives to end the Lebanese conflict, where more than 850 people have died and hundreds of thousands have been displaced as Hezbollah militants engage in renewed combat with Israel. Macron has called on Hezbollah to cease hostilities and urged Israel to abandon plans for a ground invasion.

France backs the Lebanese military as officials have committed to “take control” of Hezbollah-held territories and assume complete security responsibilities, Macron explained. Hezbollah’s weapons stockpile includes explosive drones similar to those employed by Iran.

France has historically served as Lebanon’s primary international supporter, given Lebanon’s past as a French protectorate, and contributes 800 personnel to the U.N. peacekeeping mission there. The French government has supplied the country with armored vehicles and operational military assistance.

French authorities reported sending 60 tons of emergency supplies to Lebanon last week via humanitarian aircraft to Beirut. The shipment contained medical supplies, equipment, a portable health facility, shelter materials, essential items, and baby formula.

Macron became the first Western leader to communicate with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian since the conflict started.

He reported urging Iran to stop attacking regional countries. Since their March 8 telephone conversation, this request has received no response.

Macron emphasized that “a diplomatic solution” is essential to halt the escalation and noted that he and Pezeshkian agreed to maintain communication.

Macron has also held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump, though no signs of reduced tensions have emerged.

France anticipates that diplomatic initiatives may succeed once the conflict’s most intense period ends, which could require weeks or months.

Macron is also advocating for an international initiative to protect the Strait of Hormuz, a vital energy passage, ensuring oil, gas, and goods can move freely again “when circumstances permit.” He has proposed that nations could deploy warships to escort tankers and cargo vessels once fighting diminishes.

Political expert Bertrand Badie, an international relations professor at Sciences Po Paris, noted that Macron has consistently worked to strengthen France’s global influence.

With declining domestic approval ratings and approximately one year remaining in his presidency, Macron may benefit more than other European leaders from pursuing diplomatic solutions, Badie observed.

“At this point, we are forced to scale back our expectations — drastically,” he stated. “From a diplomatic standpoint, what leverage does France really have?”

“My assessment is that this crisis cannot be resolved by French remedies,” Badie concluded. “There is no point in having any illusions.”

A devastating fire claimed the lives of 10 patients at a hospital in eastern India’s Odisha state during the early morning hours of Monday, according to local authorities.

The blaze erupted in the facility’s trauma care unit, where 23 patients were receiving intensive medical treatment at the time of the incident. The victims died during evacuation efforts as medical personnel worked to move patients to safety away from the flames.

State Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, who visited the hospital following the tragedy, indicated that an electrical malfunction likely triggered the deadly fire. Five additional individuals sustained critical injuries, though officials have not determined whether these wounds resulted from the fire itself or from previous medical conditions.

Hospital staff and security workers put themselves in harm’s way during rescue operations, with several sustaining injuries while helping patients escape the dangerous situation. “Medical staff and security personnel risked their lives in rescuing the patients; during this, they too sustained injuries, and they too are under treatment,” Majhi told members of the press.

The incident occurred in Bhubaneswar, highlighting ongoing safety concerns at medical facilities across the region.

President Donald Trump is reportedly building an international alliance aimed at reopening the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, according to a Sunday report from Axios.

The news outlet, citing four unnamed sources, said Trump is actively working to bring together multiple nations for this coalition and may reveal the partnership before the week ends.

The Strait of Hormuz serves as a critical waterway for global oil shipments and international trade in the Middle East region.

President Donald Trump reached out to international partners this past weekend, requesting naval assistance to help secure the strategically important Strait of Hormuz following ongoing Iranian military actions in the waterway during the third week of the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

While Trump confirmed his administration has made contact with seven nations, he did not reveal their identities. However, in a previous social media message, the president expressed hope that nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain would join the effort.

Iranian forces have successfully blocked the Strait, which runs between Iran and Oman, creating the most significant disruption to global oil markets in history by cutting off approximately 20% of the world’s petroleum supply.

Several nations have already provided their responses to Washington’s maritime security request:

JAPAN

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday that her country has no current intentions of deploying warships to provide escort services in Middle Eastern waters.

Speaking to parliament, Takaichi stated: “We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the legal framework.”

AUSTRALIA

Australian officials confirmed Monday they will not be contributing naval vessels to efforts aimed at reopening the blocked strait.

Cabinet member Catherine King told the state broadcaster ABC: “We won’t be sending a ship to the Strait of Hormuz. We know how incredibly important that is, but that’s not something that we’ve been asked or that we’re contributing to.”

SOUTH KOREA

South Korean leadership indicated they are taking time to evaluate the situation before making a commitment.

“We will communicate closely with the U.S. regarding this matter and make a decision after careful review,” representatives from South Korea’s presidential office announced Sunday.

BRITAIN

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Trump about the importance of restoring access to the strait to address the global shipping crisis, according to a Downing Street representative who spoke Sunday.

The spokesperson also noted that Starmer held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with both leaders agreeing to continue their Middle East discussions during a scheduled Monday meeting.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday that her nation has no immediate plans to send naval vessels to protect ships traveling through Middle Eastern waters, following President Donald Trump’s request for allied assistance in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking to parliament, Takaichi stated: “We have not made any decisions whatsoever about dispatching escort ships. We are continuing to examine what Japan can do independently and what can be done within the legal framework.”

The American president’s social media appeal for help from allies, including Japan, to safeguard oil and gas transport through the crucial shipping route creates a challenging situation for Tokyo. Japan’s pacifist constitution significantly restricts the types of military operations the country can undertake abroad.

According to Takaichi, the United States has not yet submitted an official request for military assistance in the region.

Senior economic representatives from the United States and China finished their negotiations in Paris on Monday, working toward potential agreements on farming products, essential minerals, and trade oversight that could be presented during an anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, according to individuals with knowledge of the discussions.

These sources informed Reuters that the discussions, described as “remarkably stable,” were headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The negotiations would establish possible outcomes for Trump’s planned visit to China at the end of March for discussions with Xi.

However, the sources noted that final decisions on any proposals would rest with the two leaders.

In a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, Trump indicated he might postpone his meeting with Xi this month while pushing Beijing to assist in reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked.

“We may delay,” Trump stated regarding the planned trip.

The American and Chinese teams conducted more than six hours of discussions on Sunday at the Paris headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, an organization of primarily wealthy democratic nations that does not include China as a member.

Throughout these negotiations, Chinese representatives demonstrated willingness to consider additional purchases of American farm products such as poultry, beef, and various row crops beyond soybeans, according to one source. The same source noted that China remains committed to purchasing 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually for the next three years under the Trump-Xi trade agreement from October 2025.

Representatives from the Treasury Department and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office refused to discuss the nature of the talks, while Chinese officials departed the negotiations on Sunday without addressing reporters.

China’s state-controlled Xinhua news agency commented on Sunday that “meaningful” advancement in U.S.-China economic collaboration could rebuild trust in an increasingly unstable global economy.

These Paris discussions follow multiple meetings throughout the previous year aimed at reducing tensions between Bessent, He, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and China’s primary trade negotiator Li Chenggang.

The two nations explored creating new official systems to oversee trade and investment between the world’s largest economies, which Trump and Xi may review in Beijing, sources revealed. Technical discussions regarding the proposed U.S.-China “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” were scheduled for Monday.

One source explained that the Board of Trade concept was more advanced and would focus on identifying products and industries where both countries could expand trade in a balanced manner without threatening national security or critical supply networks.

The Board of Investment would not establish broad investment strategies but would handle specific investment disputes that might emerge between the nations, the source added.

Sources also reported that American officials addressed the supply of Chinese-manufactured critical minerals to U.S. businesses and expressed concerns about limited access to yttrium from China, which is essential for jet engine turbines and other uses in the aerospace sector.

One source mentioned that both sides “found some ways to loosen up” more difficult aspects of critical minerals access, though specific details were not provided.

Prior to the talks, Greer told CNBC on Friday that the United States sought “to make sure that we continue to get the rare earths we need for our manufacturing base, that they keep buying the kinds of things they should be buying from us, and that the leaders have a chance to get together and make sure that the relationship is going the way we want it to go.”

Greer and Bessent also stressed during negotiations the American interest in having China increase purchases of Boeing aircraft and U.S. coal, oil, and natural gas, topics that could receive further attention on Monday, sources indicated.

However, with limited preparation time and Washington’s focus on the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, trade experts suggested that significant trade advances were unlikely, either in Paris or during the Beijing summit.

“Given that the leaders may meet up to four times this year, these deliverables maybe can be spread out, rolled out over the year,” explained Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator who currently leads the Asia Society’s Washington policy center.

Potential future meetings include a possible Washington visit by Xi, a China-hosted APEC summit in November, and a U.S.-hosted G20 summit in December.

Ongoing Middle East conflicts have sparked concerns in diplomatic and business communities about whether warfare might disrupt the growing economic connections between India, Israel, and Gulf nations. However, industry insiders suggest the opposite is occurring—the current crisis is demonstrating just how deeply rooted these partnerships have become and how challenging they would be to dissolve.

Ayush Singh, who founded the New Delhi-based cyber intelligence company ARPSyndicate, believes these relationships have evolved beyond dependence on any single administration or political climate.

“This partnership is not dependent on political leadership,” Singh explained to The Media Line. “It’s going to continue, and honestly, we can’t even predict how deep it will go.”

Some aspects of this framework are clearly visible. Trade agreements between the UAE and India, the Israel-UAE deal that emerged from the Abraham Accords—the 2020 diplomatic normalization between Israel and multiple Arab nations—and the EU-India agreement signed in January have created fresh commercial pathways throughout the region. Singh notes that beneath the surface lies a more complex network: military partnerships, acquisition processes, government approvals, and trust relationships developed over many years.

According to Singh, these connections existed before the Abraham Accords. Indian security personnel collaborated with Israeli colleagues in joint missions, built operational confidence, and subsequently brought those relationships into private industry after leaving government service.

Israeli companies recruited some of these former officials, leading to technology sharing arrangements. Singh emphasized these weren’t merely symbolic gestures or experimental startups. They emerged from established professional connections and received authorization from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, which must approve exports of offensive cyber technologies.

This development has created a specialized market in India. Singh reports that approximately 15 to 20 lawful interception suppliers—companies that provide surveillance and communications monitoring technology to governments—are now competing in that space. He says Israeli firms maintain preferred vendor status partly because they have invested years addressing specific operational challenges for Indian agencies.

“Every ministry, every agency has a gap in what they can do,” he noted. “Not everyone knows about these gaps. Only people at the leadership level know. But when you share one of those gaps with an Israeli vendor, they will pour money and resources into solving it, because they take the challenges Indians face seriously in a way that domestic vendors or American companies simply don’t match.”

While Singh describes the current foundation, Israeli investor and entrepreneur Erel Margalit is working to construct something more ambitious on that base.

“War cannot be won just on the battlefield,” Margalit stated in a phone conversation with The Media Line. “You need a diplomatic move at the end.”

Margalit envisions expanding bilateral relationships into a comprehensive India-Israel-UAE economic alliance connecting technology, investment capital, and infrastructure. He contends that India, Israel, and the UAE could serve as the foundation for a broader regional network combining Israeli innovation, Indian engineering capabilities, and Gulf financing.

“India, Israel, and the UAE hold the key to the next phase of the region,” he declared.

Two months before the current war started, Margalit assembled 450 entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders from Israel, Europe, the United States, and the UAE in Dubai to explore this concept. The group included founders and executive teams from Israeli artificial intelligence and cybersecurity companies, such as ControlUp, ThetaRay, Chain Reaction, and Quali. He said the most notable aspect was how Indian participants were already envisioning their role.

“The one thing that really stuck out was that in a lot of these conversations, we had Indian partners who said, ‘Yes, and we need to tie this to an ecosystem here. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour flight to India,’” Margalit recalled. “I found the conversations very engaging and eye-opening about what can be done.”

For Margalit, this represented part of an ongoing effort, not a single event. He remembered that shortly after the Abraham Accords, before regular commercial flights between Israel and the UAE had begun, he chartered an aircraft and traveled there with his companies.

“We didn’t come for symbolism,” he said. “We came to bring real value through technology and business.”

His current priority involves what he terms micro-vertical AI: specialized systems designed for specific sectors including banking, insurance, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure. In simpler terms, he’s discussing customized AI systems integrated into the essential operations of major industries, rather than consumer-oriented applications. India’s engineering capacity, he argues, makes it a logical partner, while Abu Dhabi provides a practical pathway for expanding business relationships even without complete political normalization between India and Israel.

Some of this expansion is already evident. Jonathan Zanger, chief technology officer at Israeli cybersecurity company Check Point Software Technologies, told The Media Line that India has become a significant center in the company’s worldwide engineering operations, with Israeli and Indian engineers working together on fundamental products.

“India is a central engineering and capability-building hub for us,” Zanger confirmed.

The partnership is also extending beyond cybersecurity. Earlier this year, more than 550 representatives from international infrastructure firms met in Tel Aviv to discuss contracts for the $50 billion Tel Aviv Metro project. Multiple Indian companies participated, including the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, indicating a broader transition from technology collaboration to physical infrastructure development.

This same reasoning drives interest in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, a proposed network of ports, railways, energy connections, and digital infrastructure designed to link India to Europe through the Gulf and Israel. Given current warfare and threats to major shipping routes, the project has gained additional strategic importance as governments seek secure alternative pathways.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, the annual geopolitical conference hosted by India’s Observer Research Foundation, former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir said momentum behind the corridor remains strong. An intergovernmental framework agreement has been signed, a digital trade platform to simplify customs is functioning, and feasibility studies are proceeding for projects including undersea power connections between India and the Gulf.

Harsh Pant, vice president for studies and foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation, said the war has delayed implementation but hasn’t altered the overall direction.

“We have not seen a declining commitment,” Pant observed. “It’s just that things have happened in the region.”

The war, however, is testing more than physical trade routes. Corridors like IMEC depend as heavily on digital systems as on ports, rail, and power connections. This is where the conflict is revealing another layer of vulnerability. Zanger cautioned that geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting the cyber realm, where attacks can disable the systems modern economies rely upon.

“I don’t think the world is very protected,” he warned. “This mega cybersecurity incident based on AI has not happened yet. But my concern is that it is going to happen.”

Singh provided a more specific example. He said Iran has invested years studying vulnerabilities in surveillance cameras, most of which are manufactured in China. If those weaknesses are being shared, he explained, Tehran can purchase access rather than develop reconnaissance capabilities independently.

“They can buy a single exploit and gain visibility into a location,” Singh said. “We’ve seen this in practice.”

In his assessment, this type of attack matters both militarily and economically. Inexpensive cyber tools and low-cost reconnaissance methods can compel governments to respond with far more costly defenses.

“They’re using very cheap methods. They fail a lot. But when they succeed, they succeed cheaply, and you’re countering those cheap weapons with expensive ones. Economically, you’re the one taking the hit.”

He argued that India cannot approach this conflict the way it handled the Russia-Ukraine war—as a significant international crisis with limited direct impact. India’s connections to the Middle East run deeper, affecting workers, services, trade routes, and supply chains.

“In wars, that kind of damage rarely gets counted,” he said. “But it’s real.”

Singh said only the United States and Israel currently provide the modeling capabilities India requires to understand that exposure in real time.

“They’re the ones who can model actual collateral—if we do X and it goes wrong, what’s the damage? That’s not a calculation a person makes anymore. It requires algorithms, advanced systems. India can’t go anywhere else for that.”

When asked whether the war will ultimately accelerate or complicate the regional integration he has promoted for years, Margalit said the outcome will depend on whether political and business leaders view this moment as an opportunity rather than merely a crisis.

“Military victory is only the first step,” Margalit said. “Wars are ultimately won through diplomatic clarity, agreements, and alliances that can move the region forward.”

He said the next phase must be built on new alliances, economic cooperation, and a shared strategic vision connecting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt with Israel and the United States.

This perspective is finding support in Europe as well. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking after a Monday call with India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar about the partial Hormuz blockade, said the crisis demonstrated why secure infrastructure and alternative routes are important. He referenced IMEC as the framework and is scheduled to open an IMEC forum in Trieste on Tuesday.

For Margalit, the strategic reasoning is already advancing faster than the diplomacy. Since Iran began attacking Gulf infrastructure, Israel has engaged in active security cooperation with nations with which it maintains no formal diplomatic relations.

“The next step is to take it to more of a formal alliance,” Margalit said. “I think it is already being discussed.”

In this context, the war may not be dismantling the India-Israel-Gulf network at all. It may be increasing pressure to formalize relationships that, in business, technology, and security, already function in practice.

The expanding conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States is creating significant challenges for Arab nations across the Middle East, forcing them to deal with military threats and economic disruption even as they try to stay out of the wider war.

Countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia are facing direct security challenges with missile interceptions and civilian injuries, while Egypt is experiencing financial strain through currency instability, reduced tourism, and disrupted trade routes.

These nations are working to manage the crisis fallout while attempting to prevent being drawn deeper into the regional confrontation.

Jordan Works to Limit Military Spillover

Jordan finds itself among the nations most directly affected by the conflict’s expansion. Tehran’s retaliatory strikes throughout the region have repeatedly violated the kingdom’s airspace, activating its air defense systems and requiring urgent coordination with international allies.

Government officials report that over 100 missiles and drones entered or threatened Jordanian airspace during the conflict’s opening week, with most being destroyed by defense systems. Falling debris from these interceptions has caused injuries and minor property damage in multiple locations.

Despite the heightened security situation, everyday life within the country has remained relatively normal, with officials working to maintain stability while security forces stay on high alert.

“The most immediate impact has been on aviation and tourism due to temporary airspace restrictions and reduced regional flights. Business activity inside Jordan continues largely as normal,” Mai Anati, the managing editor of The Jordan Times, told The Media Line.

However, regional tensions are creating economic ripple effects. In a nation that imports most of its energy, global market fluctuations are quickly felt by consumers.

“However, regional tensions tend to push oil prices higher, which can affect fuel costs and energy imports in a country like Jordan that relies heavily on imported energy,” she said.

Jordan has also become a key transit route as the conflict disrupts regional travel patterns. Foreign citizens looking to exit Israel and surrounding areas are increasingly using Amman as their departure point.

“So far, there are no indications of large-scale population movements into Jordan. Some foreign nationals have used Jordan as a transit point to leave the region through Amman,” Anati said. She noted that Jordan’s Foreign Ministry has also been assisting Jordanians in the Gulf with overland returns through embassy coordination.

“Daily life in major cities such as Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa continues largely as usual, with normal activity in schools, workplaces, and markets,” Anati said, explaining that authorities have implemented precautionary coordination and security measures while working to maintain normal daily routines.

Behind the scenes, Jordan’s security forces have elevated their readiness level to handle potential spillover incidents.

“Jordan has activated early warning systems and precautionary civil protection measures,” she explained. “Security institutions and civil defense remain on high alert, and authorities have issued public guidance on safety procedures to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies.”

To date, the direct impact within Jordan has remained contained.

“The impact inside Jordan has so far been limited,” Anati said, citing minor injuries from falling debris and minor property damage in several locations.

Nevertheless, the volume of intercepted threats demonstrates the kingdom’s vulnerability to the regional escalation.

“According to a statement by the Jordanian Armed Forces, since the beginning of the regional conflict, Iran has targeted Jordanian territory with 119 missiles and drones that were heading toward vital sites in the kingdom. Air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 108 of those missiles and drones,” she noted.

Despite these incidents, Jordan’s strategic approach has remained unchanged: protect national sovereignty while avoiding deeper participation in the conflict.

“Jordan is primarily focused on defending its sovereignty and protecting its airspace while continuing to call for regional de-escalation and diplomatic solutions,” Anati said.

“The kingdom’s position is clear: Jordan will not become a battlefield for any regional conflict,” she concluded.

Saudi Arabia Balances Defense and Caution

To the south, Saudi Arabia has also been forced to navigate the regional confrontation’s consequences. Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting strategic facilities across the Gulf have elevated the kingdom’s security stance and activated its air defense networks.

Multiple projectiles from Iran were intercepted above Saudi territory, including threats directed at crucial locations such as the Ras Tanura energy facility, the US Embassy in Riyadh, Prince Sultan Air Base, and Riyadh airport. While interceptions prevented major damage in most instances, falling debris in civilian areas resulted in two casualties, demonstrating the vulnerability of even well-protected infrastructure.

Riyadh’s official stance has stressed deterrence while maintaining a clear desire to avoid a broader regional war.

“Saudi Arabia’s official position has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting its sovereignty while avoiding escalation that could further destabilize the region,” Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a Saudi political analyst, told The Media Line. He said the kingdom has denounced attacks threatening its territory or security as violations of international law that undermine regional stability.

The implications for Saudi Arabia extend well beyond the immediate military aspects of the conflict. Gulf instability carries economic consequences far beyond the region, given Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s largest energy producers and a central hub in global trade networks.

“From Riyadh’s perspective, the broader concern is not only the immediate security dimension but also the wider regional risks. Any escalation in the Gulf could disrupt critical supply chains, including food imports and energy production, both of which are essential not only for Gulf countries but also for global markets,” Alshaabani said.

Safeguarding shipping lanes and energy facilities remains a strategic priority as the kingdom attempts to maintain market confidence and prevent the conflict from expanding.

“The stability of shipping routes, energy infrastructure, and regional trade flows remains a top priority for the kingdom,” he noted.

Saudi Arabia has responded by strengthening air defenses while maintaining diplomatic channels.

“As for a direct response, Saudi policy has generally focused on strengthening defensive capabilities, coordinating with regional and international partners, and pursuing diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation,” Alshaabani said.

“The kingdom has repeatedly indicated that its goal is to safeguard its security and economic stability while avoiding steps that could expand the conflict or endanger the broader region,” he concluded.

Egypt Bears the Economic Impact

Unlike Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which have faced direct security threats, Egypt has experienced the conflict primarily through economic and strategic consequences. Cairo has not been directly attacked by missiles or drones, yet regional instability is already putting pressure on crucial sectors of its economy.

“Egypt’s economic exposure to this conflict is almost entirely indirect—but no less damaging for that,” Samir Ragheb, a retired Egyptian army brigadier general and president of the Arab Foundation for Development and Strategic Studies, told The Media Line.

“The country is being hit through what might be called the ‘anxiety premium’: investor sentiment, shipping insurance rates, flight rerouting decisions, and tourist cancellation patterns all respond to regional instability as a whole, not just to whether Egyptian soil has been struck,” he noted.

Financial markets were among the first sectors to respond.

“The Egyptian pound has come under renewed pressure almost immediately. The currency had only recently stabilized following the IMF-backed reform program and the painful 2024 devaluation. The war reversed that trajectory within days,” Ragheb said. He added that “hot money,” or short-term portfolio inflows, had flowed out just as sharply, with some Egyptian analysts estimating capital flight at more than $2 billion in the opening week alone.

In response, the central bank has used reserves to support the pound. Meanwhile, rising global energy prices are adding strain to an economy already stressed by International Monetary Fund-linked reforms and subsidy reductions.

“The central bank has been spending reserves to defend the pound’s trading band, but that is a finite buffer,” he noted.

For average Egyptians, the effects are likely to appear gradually through rising prices.

“The downstream effect on ordinary Egyptians is real: higher transport costs, higher logistics costs for goods, and a secondary inflation wave that hasn’t yet shown up in official CPI figures but will,” he said.

Trade routes and regional supply networks have also started to adjust as the conflict disrupts established pathways.

“Regional land crossings have also been disrupted. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, already politically complicated, has seen further constraints,” Ragheb said. He said the Taba crossing has been used mainly for outbound traffic and that trade flows through the Aqaba-Nuweiba ferry route have also slowed.

However, the most significant economic vulnerability remains the Suez Canal.

“The Suez Canal wound is the deepest,” Ragheb said, noting that revenues had already dropped from more than $10 billion annually to about $4 billion by the end of 2025 because of the Houthi campaign in the Red Sea. Hopes that the Gaza ceasefire would restore normal shipping routes in 2026, he said, have now been indefinitely postponed.

Tourism, one of Egypt’s most critical sources of foreign currency, is extremely sensitive to regional instability and has already started to feel the effects.

Ragheb said tourism is not just a revenue source for Egypt but also a political stabilizer. The sector, he said, employs millions, supports key regional economies, and had reached roughly 19 million visitors in 2025.

“The cancellations since the escalation began have been real and measurable. Travel agencies across Europe—Egypt’s main tourism markets are Germany, Russia, Italy, and the UK—reported cancellation spikes within the first 72 hours of the conflict,” he noted.

According to Ragheb, the perception of risk can be almost as important as actual security conditions.

“Many travelers and travel insurers do not distinguish between Egypt being targeted and Egypt being adjacent to a region that is,” he said.

How persistent those economic shocks become will depend largely on the conflict’s duration.

“The critical threshold is duration,” Ragheb said.

“A conflict that ends or de-escalates within four to six weeks likely produces a manageable tourism downturn—perhaps a 15 to 20 percent dip for the season, with recovery possible before peak summer arrivals. A conflict that drags into April and May, or escalates further, would devastate the spring-summer booking cycle,” he noted.

At the security level, Egyptian planners are less worried about direct missile attacks than about indirect destabilizing effects.

“The concern within Egyptian security circles is real but calibrated,” Ragheb said, adding that officials are more worried about secondary effects, including the possibility that Islamic State’s Sinai Province could regain strength.

“That scenario—not Iranian missiles—is what Egyptian security planners lose sleep over,” he said.

Diplomatically, Cairo has attempted to position itself as a mediator while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.

Ragheb said, “President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has adopted the most activist diplomatic posture he has taken on any regional crisis in years—and that itself is significant.”

“President el-Sisi personally stated that Egypt had spent months attempting to prevent the war by bridging US and Iranian positions. That is not a routine diplomatic formulation—it is a political claim of effort and legitimacy that positions Egypt as a good-faith broker with channels to both sides,” he concluded.

Throughout the region, Jordan is protecting its airspace, Saudi Arabia is securing critical infrastructure, and Egypt is preparing for deeper economic pressure as neighboring governments attempt to contain an expanding conflict.

Military leaders from Israel’s Defense Forces report that coordinated operations with American forces against Iranian targets could extend for a minimum of three additional weeks, with planning potentially reaching beyond that timeframe.

Brigadier General Effie Defrin, speaking as the IDF’s official spokesperson, told CNN that Israeli forces are organizing for an extended campaign working alongside United States military personnel. His comments came two weeks following the start of current hostilities.

“We have thousands of targets ahead. We are ready, in coordination with our US allies, with plans through at least the Jewish holiday of Passover, about three weeks from now. And we have deeper plans for even three weeks beyond that,” Defrin stated.

Defrin emphasized that the military campaign follows strategic goals rather than predetermined timelines. He explained that the IDF “is not working according to a stopwatch, or a timetable, but rather to achieve our goals,” with the primary objective being to “weaken the Iranian regime severely.”

President Donald Trump has indicated that American military strikes may escalate further. U.S. forces conducted attacks on Saturday against military installations on Kharg Island, a crucial Persian Gulf location that handles approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports.

During an interview with NBC News, Trump hinted at potential future strikes on the same location. The president remarked that the U.S. might consider bombing the island “once more, just for fun.”

“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims that Tehran was seeking negotiations with Washington during his television appearance.

“We don’t see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us,” he told CBS News’ Face the Nation program.

“This is a war of choice by President Trump and the United States, and we are going to continue our self-defense.”

Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written declaration threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage that facilitates the transport of approximately 20% of global oil supplies.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stern message to Iranian leadership on Sunday, demanding an immediate halt to military operations targeting Middle Eastern nations both directly and through allied forces, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq.

In a social media statement, Macron revealed he had personally conveyed these demands to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during recent discussions.

“I reminded him that France is acting within a strictly defensive framework aimed at protecting its interests, its regional partners, and freedom of navigation, and that it is unacceptable for our country to be targeted,” Macron wrote on X.

The French leader also emphasized the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping that has faced disruptions.

“Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible,” he stated.

Looking toward long-term solutions, Macron outlined his vision for regional stability, calling for comprehensive diplomatic measures that would address Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and military activities throughout the region.

“Only a new political and security framework can ensure peace and security for all,” Macron declared, emphasizing that any agreement must include guarantees preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

European Union foreign ministers are set to convene Monday in Brussels to consider strengthening their naval operations in Middle Eastern waters, though expansion into the critical Strait of Hormuz remains unlikely, according to diplomatic sources.

The EU launched its Aspides naval mission in 2024 to safeguard commercial vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen targeting ships in the Red Sea. The operation currently operates with Italian and Greek vessels under direct command, plus French and additional Italian ships available for backup support.

Since late February, when American and Israeli forces began military operations against Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz has become largely impassable. This development has prompted some European leaders to consider whether their naval mission might help restore safe passage through the Gulf waterway.

The strait serves as a crucial pathway for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making Iran’s ability to block this route a significant concern for global economic stability.

However, diplomatic sources indicate Monday’s ministerial discussions will center on EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s proposal to increase the number of ships participating in the current mission.

“The conversation on Monday will be about trying to have more member states contribute further capacities,” said a senior EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed doubt about expanding the mission’s scope during a Sunday interview. He argued that Aspides – which takes its name from the Greek term meaning “shields” – hasn’t proven successful in its existing responsibilities.

“That is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” he told Germany’s ARD television.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a Saturday appeal for international cooperation, urging China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations affected by the oil supply disruptions to join efforts reopening the shipping routes.

French officials have been working to build a coalition focused on securing the strait once conditions stabilize, while British representatives are exploring various options with allied nations to ensure maritime shipping safety, according to official sources.

Diplomatic sources say it’s premature to determine whether the European Union might participate as a unified entity in such initiatives. Any modification to the Aspides mission’s mandate would require unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member nations.

“Protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz in the current situation is a decision that won’t be taken lightly by ministers,” said an EU diplomat.

North Korea conducted elections Sunday for its Supreme People’s Assembly, the nation’s legislative body responsible for formally endorsing government policies and selecting top officials, according to state media reports from KCNA.

State media announced that approximately 99.99% of qualified voters had participated in the election by 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.

The country’s leader Kim Jong Un participated in the voting process at a coal mining facility operated by young workers, where he emphasized that the coal sector plays a crucial role in advancing the nation’s economy and supporting his five-year economic development strategy, KCNA reported.

Citizens of North Korea residing in China and other socialist nations also participated in the voting process, according to the state media outlet.

While the assembly has the authority to create legislation and oversee policies across all government sectors, its endorsement serves merely as a procedural step for decisions already made by the dominant Workers’ Party, which maintains absolute authority. Kim Jong Un governs the nation through multiple leadership roles: general secretary of the Workers’ Party, president of the State Affairs Commission, and supreme commander of the Armed Forces.

SYDNEY – Another member of Iran’s women’s soccer team has rejected Australia’s offer of asylum and will head back to Iran, according to Australian media reports released Monday.

Last week, Australia provided humanitarian visas to six players and one staff member from Iran’s national team after they requested protection due to concerns about potential persecution back home. Their worries stemmed from their refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem during a Women’s Asian Cup game.

On Sunday, three delegation members decided to reject the asylum opportunity. Combined with another team member who changed her mind the previous week, this leaves just two individuals remaining in Australia.

“This is a very complex situation,” Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite said during a Sky News interview Monday.

Thistlethwaite explained that the government honors the choices of those returning to Iran while maintaining assistance for the two team members who have stayed in Australia.

According to Iran’s Football Association, the individuals declining Australia’s asylum protection plan to meet up with their teammates in Malaysia before departing for Tehran, where they will “to once again be embraced by their families and homeland.”

Iran’s Asian Cup participation began during the same period when U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes against Iran, resulting in the death of the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The team was knocked out of the competition one week ago.

U.S. President Donald Trump commended Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for permitting the women to remain, posting on social media that America stood ready to accept the players if Australia declined to do so.

Senior economic officials from the United States and China conducted what sources described as exceptionally productive discussions in Paris on Sunday, laying groundwork for potential agreements that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping could finalize during their upcoming Beijing meeting.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent led the American delegation in talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters. Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations characterized the discussions as both frank and constructive.

“All these meetings were to create stability, and today was remarkably stable,” one source told reporters following the conclusion of the talks.

The negotiations covered several key areas, including expanded agricultural trade opportunities. Chinese representatives indicated willingness to consider increased purchases of American poultry, beef, and various row crops beyond soybeans, according to one source. China also reaffirmed its commitment to purchasing 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually for the next three years.

Both delegations explored establishing formal mechanisms to better manage trade and investment relations between the world’s two largest economies. Technical discussions regarding proposed “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” frameworks were scheduled to continue Monday.

The Board of Trade concept appeared more fully developed, designed to identify products and sectors where both nations could expand balanced trade without compromising national security or critical supply chains, sources explained. The investment board would focus on addressing specific investment disputes rather than setting broad policy.

Critical mineral supply chains dominated another portion of the discussions. American officials expressed concerns about limited access to yttrium from China, an essential component in jet engine turbines. Sources indicated both sides identified potential solutions to ease restrictions in challenging mineral sectors, though specific details were not disclosed.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary Bessent also emphasized American interest in expanded Chinese purchases of Boeing aircraft and U.S. energy products including coal, oil, and natural gas. These topics were expected to receive further attention in Monday’s continued discussions.

The Paris meeting follows several previous sessions throughout the past year aimed at reducing tensions between Bessent, He, Greer, and Chinese chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang. Chinese officials departed without making public statements to waiting reporters.

Treasury and Trade Representative office spokespersons declined to provide characterizations of Sunday’s discussions when contacted. Sources emphasized that final decisions on any proposed agreements would rest with the two presidents during their anticipated late-March summit in Beijing.

PARIS, March 15 – Exit polling data released Sunday revealed a razor-thin contest between the current leftist mayor Benoit Payan and National Rally representative Franck Allisio in the opening round of Marseille’s mayoral race, with both candidates running nearly even in France’s second-most populous city.

The National Rally, a far-right political party, has positioned this Marseille contest as a crucial gauge of their political momentum leading up to France’s 2027 presidential campaign.

JERUSALEM – Two Israeli officials announced Sunday that diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon may commence within days, with the goal of establishing a lasting ceasefire that would include the disarmament of Hezbollah.

While Beirut is assembling a negotiating team, no specific date has been scheduled for the discussions. According to three Lebanese officials who spoke Saturday, Lebanon requires assurance that Israel will honor President Joseph Aoun’s primary condition – implementing a complete ceasefire to enable negotiations to proceed.

The potential diplomatic talks were initially disclosed by Israel’s Haaretz newspaper on Saturday.

A Lebanese official stated Sunday that Lebanon has not yet received formal notice from Israel regarding the proposed discussions.

The Israeli officials indicated that Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will spearhead Israel’s negotiating efforts, with France participating in the diplomatic initiative.

Israel’s Army Radio reported Sunday that Dermer, who formerly held the position of strategic affairs minister, traveled to Saudi Arabia last week to discuss the negotiations that would commence after the current military operations against the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization conclude.

Netanyahu’s office has not responded to requests for comment. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied earlier Sunday that any discussions with Lebanon were currently underway.

Lebanon became involved in the Middle Eastern conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, claiming the action was retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 800 Lebanese deaths and displaced more than 800,000 residents from their homes.

Aoun has indicated the Lebanese government’s willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Israel to achieve an end to the hostilities.

Lebanon’s openness to talks with Israel coincides with increasing internal tensions regarding Hezbollah’s armed status. The Beirut government prohibited Hezbollah’s military operations this month, but the organization dismissed the directive and continued fighting, launching hundreds of rockets toward Israel.

A Reuters report from Friday quoted an Israeli official stating that military operations against Hezbollah would likely intensify and persist even after attacks on Iran subside.

Citizens of Kazakhstan have endorsed a revised constitution through Sunday’s referendum, with early polling data suggesting the changes could potentially enable President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to extend his tenure beyond the scheduled 2029 conclusion of his term in the energy-rich Central Asian nation.

Exit polling indicated approximately 87% of participants supported the constitutional revisions, while election officials reported voter participation reached 73%.

The updated constitution reorganizes the nation’s legislative body and reestablishes the vice presidential position, which had been eliminated in 1996. Under the new framework, the president gains authority to select the vice president along with numerous other senior government positions.

The rapid development of these constitutional changes led some political observers within Kazakhstan to speculate that Tokayev might be positioning to either designate a successor as vice president before stepping down early, or potentially use the new constitution to reset his term limitations and remain in office.

The previous constitution and the newly adopted version both restrict presidents to a single seven-year term, a constraint that Tokayev implemented in 2022.

Following his vote in the capital city of Astana, when questioned by media about whether the constitutional changes would enable a power transition, Tokayev stated that the upcoming presidential contest would occur in 2029 at the conclusion of his current term.

“Some experts suggest that competition for power in Kazakhstan is reportedly intensifying, and that various trends giving rise to concern are on the rise,” Tokayev said. “However, there are absolutely no grounds for worry that this will have a negative impact on society.”

Resistance to the constitutional revision remained minimal, with government-sanctioned polling organizations reporting substantial majorities supporting the new document. Since gaining independence from Soviet rule in 1991, Kazakhstan’s leadership has exercised strict oversight of political activities in the nation of 20 million residents.

In an uncommon public declaration, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who served as Kazakhstan’s president from 1991 through 2019, announced his support for the new constitution.

Through a statement posted on his official website, the 85-year-old Nazarbayev wrote: “Some time ago, I made the choice to entrust (the presidency) to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and I stand by that choice forever. It is my hope that this Constitution will serve the well-being of our Kazakhstan and the welfare of our people.”

Nazarbayev, who previously served as Tokayev’s political mentor, lost his remaining official roles and authority following violent unrest in January 2022 that resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Tokayev has characterized the January 2022 violence as an attempted overthrow orchestrated by security service members who remained loyal to his predecessor. Multiple long-serving associates of Nazarbayev have faced imprisonment since the 2022 disturbances.

HAJI OMERAN, Iraq (AP) — When the border between Iraq and Iran reopened on Sunday for the first time since warfare began affecting the region, dozens of Iranian citizens immediately made the journey into northern Iraq seeking basic necessities, internet connections, communication with family members, and employment opportunities.

Those making the crossing described increasingly dire conditions within Iran, where continuous aerial bombardments and dramatically rising food costs have created desperate circumstances for residents.

Long lines of commercial vehicles carrying merchandise moved through the Haji Omeran border crossing from Iraq’s Kurdish territory, providing much-needed relief from the elevated prices Iranian citizens face at home.

The connection between these regions predates the current conflict, as Iranian Kurds have historically maintained regular contact with Iraqi Kurdistan due to shared family connections, cultural bonds, and economic relationships facilitated by borders that allow consistent commerce and family visits. The Iraqi Kurdish region now serves as an essential connection point for Iranians seeking contact with the broader world during wartime.

“When this border was closed, it affected everyone. Poor people, rich people, workers,” said Khider Chomani, a truck driver on his way to Iran carrying goods.

Border authorities had suspended operations due to escalating military tensions in the region. Iraqi Kurdish officials had been awaiting Iranian approval to resume crossing operations.

Nearly every Iranian Kurd who spoke with The Associated Press requested anonymity, expressing concerns about personal safety and potential retaliation from Iranian intelligence services, which they claim monitor individuals who communicate with news organizations.

According to these sources, numerous Iranian military installations, intelligence facilities, and security locations have suffered destruction. The bombing campaigns have limited security personnel movements, with officers avoiding government buildings and instead taking shelter in civilian locations like educational institutions and medical facilities, or remaining mobile in vehicles rather than reporting to traditional posts.

One Kurdish woman from Piranshahr made the 15-kilometer journey across the border on Sunday to reach family members and purchase necessary supplies.

“I came here to make a phone call. In most of Iran there is no internet,” she said. “For more than 16 days my relatives haven’t heard from me, and they are worried about me.”

She explained that many Iranians purchase Iraqi mobile phone cards and travel to border areas to establish connections and contact relatives overseas due to widespread internet disruptions throughout the country. Her trip allowed her to obtain communication services and update her family on her situation.

She proceeded to the marketplace in the border town to purchase food items at significantly reduced prices compared to her hometown of Piranshahr. She focused on essential items including rice and cooking oil, which have become unaffordable in Iran due to wartime price increases.

“The situation In Iran is terrible. People don’t feel safe, things are expensive, people don’t want to leave their homes,” she said.

Approximately thirty minutes later, she returned across the border carrying two shopping bags filled with groceries, explaining that her children were waiting for her return.

An elderly woman wearing a black head covering and light clothing despite heavy rainfall walked alone across the border checkpoint. She had traveled from Sardasht in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province and planned to continue to Choman in Iraq’s Kurdish region, approximately 40 kilometers from the border, to locate distant family members and request assistance.

Her son, who had earned income through cross-border smuggling of cigarettes and other merchandise, was fatally shot by Iranian military personnel 14 months earlier. Such smuggling activities are common in this porous border region. As the family’s only income source, his death left them without resources while caring for three children, the oldest being five years old.

With food costs climbing, she struggles to provide meals and has fallen two months behind on rent, owing approximately $200. “I don’t have anyone there to help me survive,” she said through tears. “The war made things worse — everything is more expensive.”

Unable to contact her relatives in advance, she hoped they would provide assistance. “I am powerless, but the kids are hungry and I must do my best for them,” she said. She was later seen standing in the rain seeking transportation from passing vehicles.

A group of Iranian workers from three different cities shared a taxi as they returned from visiting home, heading back to their employment in the Iraqi Kurdish region. The men work for the same construction company and planned to remain for one month to earn sufficient income to address increasing costs in their home communities.

“The situation will only become worse and civilians will be the only ones affected,” one worker said. “We left our kids and wives just to come and work here and make some money, otherwise we would not have left them alone.”

Iranian Kurds residing near locations used by Iranian government forces reported being forced to evacuate to safer areas to avoid bombardment.

A house painter who lives in the Iranian city of Urmia but works in Irbil, northern Iraq, described constant bombardment as a regular occurrence. He had briefly returned home after his mother expressed fear about the explosions, and he assured her that the family had no connections to Iranian authorities and faced no direct threat.

Conditions had become so severe that another Iranian Kurdish factory worker specializing in metalwork and living in the Iraqi Kurdish region urged his family in Urmia to relocate and join him. His family, including his wife and three children, arrived on Sunday and rested at a roadside restaurant.

He reported that security forces no longer use their bases following repeated attacks. Many military, intelligence and police facilities have been destroyed, and personnel avoid stationary positions.

“They don’t stay in their offices,” he said. “They stay in their cars, under bridges, in schools and hospitals. They drive around. Their bases are destroyed.”

PARIS – French counterterrorism officials have formally charged two brothers with orchestrating what prosecutors describe as a “lethal anti-Jewish” terrorist plot, according to a statement released Sunday by the national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office.

The siblings – a 22-year-old engineering student and his 20-year-old unemployed brother – were taken into custody last Tuesday following a routine traffic stop near a correctional facility in northern France. During the stop, law enforcement officers discovered a semi-automatic weapon, a container of acid, and an ISIS banner inside their vehicle, prosecutors revealed. Officials have not disclosed specific details about the intended target or the nature of the planned assault.

Both men now face formal charges including terrorist conspiracy and weapons possession related to terrorist activities. They remain in custody pending trial, with authorities withholding their complete names from public release.

The arrests come amid heightened global concerns about potential violence against Jewish communities following recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, along with Tehran’s retaliatory response.

Recent incidents have underscored these security fears. A gunman drove his vehicle into a synagogue in the Detroit metropolitan area last Thursday. In Europe, an explosion caused minimal damage to a Jewish educational facility in Amsterdam on Saturday, while another blast ignited a fire at a Belgian synagogue earlier this week.

French interior officials responded by increasing protective measures around Jewish religious sites throughout early March.

Investigators report finding extremist jihadist materials on the suspects’ electronic devices, with one brother having recorded a video declaring loyalty to the Islamic State terrorist organization.

International officials and civil rights organizations have documented increasing incidents of antisemitism, anti-Islamic sentiment, and anti-Arab prejudice worldwide since Hamas launched its attack in 2023 and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza began.

France’s national human rights monitoring body, the CNCDH, has observed that antisemitic incidents within France typically spike following Israeli military operations in Palestinian areas. While such incidents reached unprecedented levels after the 2023 Hamas assault, they decreased by 16% in 2025 compared to the previous year.

FRANKFURT – Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced concerns Sunday about proposals to extend the European Union’s naval protection mission beyond its current scope.

The minister criticized the existing Aspides operation, which aims to safeguard commercial vessels traveling through Red Sea shipping lanes, calling it “not effective.”

Speaking during a television interview on Germany’s ARD network, Wadephul expressed his reservations about broadening the mission’s reach to include the Strait of Hormuz waterway.

“And that is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” the minister stated during the broadcast.

ANTANANARIVO, March 15 – President Michael Randrianirina of Madagascar revealed his selection of Mamitiana Rajaonarison for the position of prime minister during a state television broadcast on Sunday. The announcement follows the president’s decision to remove his previous prime minister along with all cabinet members on Monday.