Category: World News

New international aviation regulations now restrict airline travelers to carrying a maximum of two portable battery chargers aboard aircraft, according to rules that went into effect Friday.

The International Civil Aviation Organization announced that passengers are also forbidden from charging these rechargeable battery devices while airborne, according to the agency’s official statement.

Several airlines including the Lufthansa Group and nations such as South Korea had previously begun implementing their own restrictions on portable chargers during flights. These measures followed safety incidents, including a fire aboard an Air Busan aircraft in 2025.

Officials with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration could not be reached immediately for response to the new regulations.

The Montreal-headquartered ICAO typically establishes worldwide aviation standards that receive approval from its 193 member nations. However, these latest requirements concerning portable battery packs took effect without delay.

The U.S. Coast Guard has issued a correction regarding two missing sailboats that were transporting humanitarian supplies from Mexico to Cuba, acknowledging that an earlier report claiming the vessels had been found was inaccurate.

A Coast Guard representative confirmed to Reuters on Friday that the previous statement provided to AFP indicating the boats had been located was wrong. The agency emphasized that rescue crews are still actively searching for the missing sailboats.

No additional details about the search operation or the condition of those aboard the vessels have been released at this time.

Intelligence officials from the United States and Europe have confirmed to The Associated Press that Moscow is delivering drone technology to Tehran, including enhanced versions of the same unmanned aircraft Iran initially provided to Russia following the 2022 Ukraine invasion.

Tehran has launched multiple drone attacks against Israeli targets, neighboring Gulf states, and American military installations throughout the Middle East over the past month, following recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian territory. Although Iran maintains its own inventory of Shahed drones, Moscow has enhanced the original design throughout the Ukraine conflict, incorporating improved navigation systems and other battlefield upgrades.

A European intelligence source revealed to AP that Russian and Iranian representatives have engaged in “very active” negotiations this month concerning the drone transfer from Moscow to Tehran. According to a U.S. defense source, it remains uncertain whether this represents a single delivery or part of an ongoing series. Neither source could specify the shipment’s scale or the exact number of drones involved. A separate European official noted that a limited drone delivery would unlikely significantly alter the war’s trajectory. All sources requested anonymity when discussing classified information.

The U.S. defense official noted that Moscow’s reasoning for providing Tehran with more sophisticated drones remains puzzling, considering each weapon sent to Iran represents one fewer munition available for use against Ukraine.

During a Friday press conference in Paris following the Group of Seven foreign ministers summit, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated that “there is nothing Russia is doing for Iran that is in any way impeding or affecting our operation or the effectiveness of it.” Neither the White House nor Pentagon responded to requests for additional comment.

The European source indicated their intelligence points to a drone shipment currently in transit, though they cannot verify the exact transportation method. Two truck convoys carrying what Moscow has labeled humanitarian assistance have traveled from Russia through Azerbaijan to Iran, potentially containing the drones, according to the European official.

Russia’s Embassy in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku reported that seven trucks carrying 150 tons of food and additional aid crossed into Astara in northern Iran on Friday, while Russia’s Emergency Ministry confirmed delivering 313 tons of medical supplies to Astara by rail, according to Interfax news agency reports.

A second European official stated their nation has not verified Russian drone transfers to Iran, but suggested that if drones are being transported by truck, the quantities are probably minimal and could represent a largely symbolic effort to preserve Moscow-Tehran relations. The official also noted that Moscow is providing targeting assistance to Iran.

Britain’s most recent defense intelligence evaluation indicates Russia almost certainly provided training and intelligence support, including information about drone types and electronic warfare tactics, to Iran before the Middle East conflict began. Iran is also sharing intelligence with Russia “quite generously,” the European intelligence official revealed, noting that Russian officials learned of Ali Larijani’s death — a senior Iranian security official — before the information became public.

However, the Russia-Iran relationship has experienced tension, the European official explained, with Iranian leadership feeling “deeply disappointed” after Russia failed to assist Iran during its 2025 confrontation with Israel, which resulted in Trump authorizing strikes on three major Iranian nuclear facilities.

When questioned Thursday about Financial Times reports regarding Russian drone supplies to Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov dismissed them as “false news stories.”

Russia and Iran finalized a $1.7 billion agreement for Iran’s Shahed drone technology after President Vladimir Putin’s Ukraine invasion in 2022, with Moscow deploying the Iranian-supplied drones in combat later that year.

Initially, Iranian drones arrived in Russia disassembled, but a manufacturing facility was subsequently established at the Alabuga plant in Russia’s Tatarstan region. The facility has since undergone rapid expansion and increased its workforce, including African women who claim they were deceived into drone production work.

Russian engineers have modified and improved the Shahed drone by developing decoy versions without explosives intended to overwhelm air defense systems. They have also incorporated various enhancements including jet engines, cameras, sophisticated anti-jamming technology, radio communication systems, artificial intelligence computing platforms, and Starlink internet connectivity.

Drone wreckage recovered in Ukraine also demonstrates continued Iran-Russia collaboration on military technology, including exchanges involving advanced anti-jamming capabilities and jet-powered engines that also propel Iran’s cruise missiles.

The U.S. official confirmed uncertainty regarding which drone version or versions Moscow is shipping to Iran.

Earlier this year, Ukrainian officials reported that Russian forces lost access to their Starlink satellite internet terminals at the front lines after Ukraine requested Elon Musk’s SpaceX company to block Russian use of the service in Ukraine. Russian forces subsequently experienced degraded command-and-control capabilities and navigation systems for Starlink-equipped drones.

Moscow might be transferring its Starlink-capable drones to Iran because Russian forces face increased difficulty using them in Ukraine, the U.S. official suggested. Alternatively, Moscow could be supplying Iran with other Shahed variants featuring jet propulsion, AI-powered autonomous flight capabilities without signal requirements, or camera equipment for surveillance missions, the U.S. official added.

The transfer of advanced Russian drones to Iran could complicate U.S. and allied efforts to intercept incoming drones, depending on the quantity of Russian drones delivered or how Iran utilizes the enhanced Russian technology, the official warned.

Jet-powered drones operate at higher speeds and therefore present significantly greater challenges for current U.S. anti-drone systems deployed in the Middle East, which would need to rely on limited supplies of costly advanced weapons for successful interception.

Mexican military officials announced Friday they have sent specialized rescue teams to assist in the ongoing search for four miners who disappeared following a mine cave-in in the country’s northwestern Sinaloa state.

The mining accident took place Wednesday at the Minerales de Sinaloa facility located in El Rosario municipality, according to a defense ministry announcement.

Military officials transported 38 search and rescue experts via aircraft to the accident site, where they joined 60 military personnel already providing security for the operation. The rescue effort also includes participation from local emergency responders and additional rescue units.

Two vessels participating in a humanitarian supply mission from Mexico to Cuba that had disappeared during their journey have successfully reached their destination, according to reports from Agence France-Presse on Friday.

The U.S. Coast Guard confirmed the safe arrival of the sailboats in Cuba, AFP stated. The vessels had been part of a larger flotilla delivering aid supplies across the waters between the two nations.

When contacted by Reuters, a representative for the aid convoy said the organization could not immediately verify whether the missing vessels had been found. Neither the U.S. Coast Guard nor Mexican naval authorities provided immediate responses when asked for additional details about the situation.

AMSTERDAM – Law enforcement officials in the Netherlands announced Friday that they have taken three more individuals into custody in connection with antisemitic incidents targeting Jewish places of worship.

Authorities detained two Dutch citizens, ages 20 and 23, for their suspected participation in an attack that occurred at a Rotterdam synagogue on March 13, according to prosecutors.

The latest arrests increase the total number of suspects held in connection with the Rotterdam incident to seven individuals.

In a separate case, officials also apprehended an 18-year-old man suspected of participating in preparations for an assault on a synagogue located in Heemstede.

Law enforcement had previously detained two juvenile suspects the prior week, who officials say were planning to detonate an explosive device at a synagogue in Heemstede, a community situated approximately 25 kilometers west of Amsterdam.

JERUSALEM — The militant organization Hamas is evaluating a disarmament proposal that could represent a significant compromise, potentially opening the door for President Trump’s reconstruction initiative in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

The group’s decision, anticipated within the next several weeks, carries enormous consequences for Gaza’s 2 million residents, who have endured uncertain conditions since a truce began nearly six months ago.

Since its establishment, Hamas has maintained armed opposition to Israel as a core principle, making the organization hesitant to surrender weaponry including rockets, anti-tank missiles and explosives that define its fundamental mission.

Given this history, compliance remains highly uncertain. Hamas has expressed dissatisfaction with the current U.S.-supported proposal being discussed. The ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran has added complexity to Gaza negotiations, potentially causing additional setbacks as regional focus shifts elsewhere.

Meanwhile, essential elements of Trump’s reconstruction strategy remain stalled, particularly the critical rebuilding of the devastated region.

“The future of Gaza … is entirely dependent now on Hamas decommissioning its weapons,” Mike Waltz, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, told the Security Council this week. “We truly stand at an inflection point now.”

The October 10th truce sought to end over two years of conflict while initiating a comprehensive process to conclude Hamas’ twenty-year governance and reconstruct Gaza.

While the ceasefire has stopped major combat operations and improved humanitarian assistance delivery to Gaza, providing some respite, challenges persist.

However, Israeli military actions have resulted in nearly 700 Palestinian deaths since the truce began, according to local medical authorities, with Israel maintaining control over more than half of Gaza. Israeli officials justify these strikes as responses to ceasefire violations.

The comprehensive aspects of the 20-point U.S. ceasefire framework remain unimplemented.

These components encompass deploying a U.N.-authorized international peacekeeping mission and foreign-trained Palestinian security forces, establishing a recently named Palestinian administrative committee for Gaza’s governance, additional Israeli military withdrawals, and a multi-year reconstruction program.

Hamas’ weapon surrender is essential for advancing these initiatives. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated no advancement will occur without disarmament, while numerous donor nations hesitate to provide funding or personnel for Gaza’s recovery if warfare might resume.

Trump’s comprehensive plan mandates that all Hamas “military, terror and offensive infrastructure, including tunnels and weapon production facilities” in Gaza must be eliminated. The framework also requires weapons be placed “permanently beyond use.”

Both Israel and the United States interpret this language as unambiguous, requiring Hamas to relinquish all armaments.

According to Hamas representatives and mediators speaking anonymously about ongoing talks, Hamas has attempted to distinguish between “heavy” weaponry like rockets and “light” arms such as rifles and handguns.

The organization also seeks to connect any demilitarization with Israeli troop withdrawals.

Nickolay Mladenov, director of the U.S.-supported Board of Peace, a newly established Trump-led organization supervising the ceasefire, informed the U.N. Security Council this week that mediating nations Turkey, Qatar and Egypt have submitted a proposal to Hamas.

“Serious discussions are underway as we speak,” he said.

According to Mladenov, the proposal demands “complete decommissioning” of all Hamas armaments while transferring Gaza security responsibilities entirely to the new administrative committee.

He explained that disarmament would start with the “most dangerous weapons,” including rockets, explosives and assault weapons, then progress to “personal weapons.”

This process would occur alongside gradual Israeli withdrawals.

Mladenov emphasized that disarmament represents “the only way forward” for reconstruction and the Palestinian governing committee’s success. “For the people of Gaza, the implications are profound.”

Hamas has responded with skepticism.

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim criticized Mladenov for allegedly favoring Israel. In a Thursday post on X, he accused the envoy of trying “to be more royalist than the king himself, as he attempts to tie everything to the weapons dossier.”

Other Hamas representatives, speaking anonymously about negotiations, indicated they had accepted the new proposal “in principle,” while maintaining reservations about certain plan elements.

They explained that their response will include modifications addressing concerns, particularly the absence of “crucial” assurances that Israel will cease Gaza attacks and avoid resuming warfare.

The timing of Hamas’ formal response remains unclear.

This uncertainty suggests additional delays or worse outcomes may await Gaza’s war-exhausted population.

Israel’s two-year military campaign, initiated following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel, destroyed extensive areas of Gaza and displaced approximately 90% of residents. Hundreds of thousands continue living in temporary shelters, unable to reconstruct their homes or lives while depending heavily on humanitarian assistance.

Extended negotiations would mean postponed Gaza reconstruction and heightened risk of renewed conflict.

WASHINGTON – A source with knowledge of ongoing diplomatic efforts says Tehran is anticipated to deliver its counter-proposal to an American peace plan today, aimed at bringing an end to the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.

According to the informed source, intermediaries have notified President Donald Trump and senior White House staff that Iran’s response to the U.S. proposal would be forthcoming on Friday.

The conflict, which erupted when American and Israeli forces launched attacks against Iran on February 28, has since expanded throughout the Middle Eastern region.

Tehran has been examining a comprehensive 15-point proposal delivered through Pakistani diplomatic channels, which reportedly contains requirements for dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities, restricting its missile programs, and essentially transferring control of the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, based on multiple sources and published accounts.

A senior Iranian representative told Reuters on Thursday that government leaders had examined the American proposal and concluded it primarily benefited U.S. and Israeli objectives. However, the official indicated that diplomatic discussions remain ongoing.

Slovenia’s Prime Minister Robert Golob began discussions with political party leaders on Friday to form a broad coalition government following last week’s extremely close election results that left no party with a clear majority.

Vote counting from the March 22 election shows Golob’s Freedom Movement (GS) secured 29 seats in parliament, edging out the right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) led by former premier Janez Jansa by just a single seat.

Both parties need additional partners to reach a working majority in Slovenia’s 90-member parliament, giving smaller political groups significant influence in determining the country’s next government.

Golob extended invitations to all parties that won seats except the SDS to join a unity government during what he described as a challenging period marked by Europe’s latest energy crisis stemming from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.

However, three center-right parties with platforms similar to the SDS declined the offer, stating they would attempt to create their own center-right alliance instead.

Current projections show parties historically aligned with Golob’s movement could bring his parliamentary support to 40 seats, while Jansa’s SDS and potential allies would hold 43 seats – still falling short of the needed majority. Jansa indicated he plans to wait for final vote tallies before beginning his own coalition discussions.

During Friday’s meeting, Golob emphasized the need for immediate economic intervention, stating that all participants agreed to work together on urgent measures to protect Slovenia’s agricultural sector and broader economy. He described these steps as necessary following “the unwise attack on Iran, and as Europe is preparing for a major economic crisis.”

Slovenia is already experiencing energy supply challenges and recently had to impose temporary restrictions on fuel purchases at gas stations due to hoarding behavior triggered by price increases.

Meeting participants agreed that any future government’s top priorities should focus on anti-corruption efforts and stabilizing the energy sector.

Under Golob’s leadership, Slovenia has maintained pro-European policies emphasizing social reforms while aligning its foreign policy with other European nations.

In contrast, Jansa – who maintains close ties with Hungarian nationalist leader Viktor Orban and has expressed support for U.S. President Donald Trump – advocates for business tax reductions, cuts to welfare and media funding, and a shift in Slovenia’s international relationships.

The SDS filed formal complaints with election officials requesting new early voting due to alleged irregularities, but the electoral commission rejected these claims on Friday.

The election attracted international scrutiny after Golob accused “foreign services” of interference, referencing a reported December meeting between Jansa and officials from Israeli private intelligence firm Black Cube. Golob characterized this as “the biggest scandal we have witnessed in Slovenia since independence.” Jansa has denied any wrongdoing and accused Golob of attempting to hide corruption within his own party.

Cuban leader Miguel Díaz-Canel voiced his worries Friday about two vanished sailboats transporting humanitarian supplies and nine individuals to the island nation.

Mexico’s naval forces announced Thursday evening they had launched search operations for the missing vessels, which set sail from Isla Mujeres in southern Mexico on March 20.

The boats’ disappearance occurs during a period when numerous nations and relief groups are delivering aid shipments to Cuba, as American fuel restrictions create devastating power outages and threaten to collapse the Caribbean country’s infrastructure.

“From our country, we are doing everything possible in the search and rescue of these brothers in struggle,” Díaz-Canel said.

Naval officials report no contact or verification that the ships reached Cuban shores, though they were anticipated to arrive sometime between Tuesday and Wednesday this week.

The relief organization Nuestra América Convoy announced Friday that considering the vessels’ reported speeds to Cuban maritime officials, the boats should reach Havana sometime between Friday and Saturday. The group issued a public appeal seeking any details or sightings of the missing craft.

Both ships carry seasoned mariners as captains and crew members, and each vessel contains proper safety systems and communication devices.

“We are cooperating fully with the authorities and remain confident in the crews’ ability to reach Havana safely,” the organization said in a statement.

An initial ship from Convoy Nuestra América successfully reached Havana on Tuesday, delivering 14 tons of food supplies and medications, 73 solar energy panels, and approximately twelve bicycles.

Mexican naval forces have notified maritime commands in Isla Mujeres and Yucalpetén, plus naval search and rescue stations as part of their response efforts. They’ve also coordinated with maritime rescue centers in Poland, France, Cuba and the United States, alongside diplomatic officials from the missing passengers’ home countries.

The rescue mission includes navy ships and Persuader aircraft conducting water and air search patterns along the projected path from Isla Mujeres to Havana. Operations factor in potential route deviations, current weather patterns, and regional ocean currents.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — After 30 days of conflict with Iran, American and Israeli forces are facing an adversary that operates more like a guerrilla movement than a traditional military power — maximizing damage with increasingly scarce resources.

Even while enduring daily bombardments from two of the globe’s most advanced air forces, Iran continues to harass neighboring Gulf states and Israel through missile and drone attacks while maintaining economic leverage over world markets, largely through intimidation tactics.

Iran’s capacity to regulate shipping — and consequently oil supplies — passing through the Strait of Hormuz represents its most significant strategic weapon. This approach mirrors strategies that Iran’s allied groups have employed for years under Tehran’s guidance as head of what it calls the “Axis of Resistance.”

At the same time, Iran’s financial system, already isolated from international markets due to longstanding sanctions, remains largely protected from the economic turmoil it’s creating elsewhere.

The blockade of the strait has triggered soaring oil costs, falling stock values, and increased prices for essential commodities, creating political pressure on President Donald Trump that may push him toward further military action.

Though Iran has achieved some success by closing the strait, domestic challenges remain that Washington and Jerusalem might leverage as the conflict continues. However, the theocratic government’s path to success through guerrilla-style methods stays relatively straightforward — simply endure.

“The Islamic Republic understands that it cannot defeat the United States militarily,” wrote Shukriya Bradost, a Mideast security analyst. “Instead, its objective is both simpler and more strategic: Survive the war long enough to claim victory.”

The Strait of Hormuz, the critical Persian Gulf passage that previously handled one-fifth of global oil and natural gas shipments, now sees minimal maritime activity. Iranian authorities permit only selected cargo to pass, setting their own terms and pricing. Despite losing most of its naval fleet, Iran maintains control over the waterway using decades-old stockpiles of missiles and drones.

Asian nations, which rely heavily on oil transported through the strait, face the most severe impact — but since oil markets operate globally, motorists across Europe and America also experience price increases. Because petroleum costs affect manufacturing and transportation of numerous products, gasoline isn’t the only commodity seeing higher prices.

This situation creates additional challenges for Trump, who already faced difficulties demonstrating to voters that he could reduce living expenses before November’s midterm elections.

Resolving the crisis presents complex options. Negotiating a ceasefire offers one possibility — Trump claims discussions are advancing, though Iran disputes this.

Should diplomacy fail, America and Israel must choose between declaring sufficient progress and withdrawing from the war — or significantly intensifying military operations to force the strait’s reopening. Trump has already deployed additional paratroopers and Marines to the region. He established a new ultimatum — postponed twice already — of 8 p.m. Eastern time on April 6 for Iran to restore strait access. He’s warned that failure to comply will trigger bombing campaigns against Iranian power facilities.

“Trump’s preference remains ‘escalate to de-escalate,’” the risk advisory Eurasia Group said in an analysis Thursday. “The U.S. is moving more ships and ground troops into the region and will be better prepared to escalate in mid-April.”

However, Iran has demonstrated remarkable endurance against the punishment it has sustained so far.

Trump stated Thursday evening that approximately 9% of Iran’s missile stockpile remains operational. Independent confirmation of this estimate proved impossible — but even if correct, Tehran retains multiple methods for causing destruction.

With its aircraft largely eliminated and air defense systems severely compromised, Iran still operates an extensive network of air and naval installations, many constructed decades earlier.

The country has also established underground facilities more recently, which combined with missile systems disguised as civilian trucks, enable concealment of launch positions until deployment. Maintaining mobile launcher movement helps protect them from aerial attacks.

This approach, called “shoot and scoot,” represents a standard practice among numerous insurgent organizations, including Yemen’s Houthi rebels. The Iran-supported group successfully interrupted international commerce in the Red Sea. Iranian-backed Shiite militias in Iraq employed comparable methods against American forces there. Both groups have persisted despite repeated targeting.

Iran’s geographical characteristics and landscape — a mountainous country roughly equivalent to Alaska in size — provide ample space and natural features for insurgent-style concealment.

Nevertheless, underlying problems persist for Iran as well.

Both American and Israeli officials have expressed hopes that Iranian citizens, who confronted their theocratic government during nationwide demonstrations in January, might overthrow their leadership.

No evidence of such an uprising has emerged — and currently, many Iranians remain in shelters avoiding airstrikes.

Iran’s population also recalls the government’s violent suppression earlier this year that resulted in thousands of deaths and tens of thousands of arrests. The Revolutionary Guard’s volunteer Basij militia, which played a crucial role in that crackdown, continues operating despite frequent targeting during the war, with social media footage showing armed members patrolling neighborhoods while broadcasting propaganda through speakers.

Indicating Iran feels pressure on its forces, Guard official Rahim Nade-Ali announced recruitment of children as young as 12 for the Basij. He characterized this as meeting public demand — but it also represents a method for replenishing ranks as checkpoints face attacks.

Uncertainty surrounds Iran’s leadership structure. Mojtaba Khamenei hasn’t appeared publicly since assuming the role of supreme leader, with American officials reporting he suffered war injuries. Guard and other military divisions seem to function without centralized command. Any ceasefire agreement that fails to satisfy Guard and hardline expectations could split the country’s political leadership.

But Trump’s military strategy might not produce intended results.

“Washington seems to believe that an overwhelming display of military power will force the Iranians to the negotiating table,” the New York-based Soufan Center said in an analysis Friday. “But … the U.S. can’t expect to gain in peace what it was not able to take in war.”

State media in Myanmar announced Friday that the country’s military leadership will undergo significant changes following the annual armed forces parade, marking an uncommon public announcement from the secretive organization that controls the Southeast Asian nation.

The timing of this leadership restructuring is particularly noteworthy, occurring just before Myanmar’s recently assembled parliament convenes Monday to begin selecting a new president. Current military commander Min Aung Hlaing has reportedly been eyeing the presidential position for some time.

During a Thursday gathering with former military officers, deputy commander Soe Win told attendees that “leadership changes” would take place after the armed forces ceremony in Naypyitaw, the nation’s capital, according to state media coverage.

This political shift follows a recent election that critics widely condemned as fraudulent, which resulted in victory for a military-supported political party. The outcome creates a pathway for Min Aung Hlaing to assume the presidency within Myanmar’s military-dominated governmental structure.

Friday’s elaborate military display included tanks, missile systems, artillery demonstrations, and aerial shows featuring illuminated aircraft and helicopters. Min Aung Hlaing, wearing his military decorations, reviewed the troops from an open-air vehicle.

In his brief address lasting under 20 minutes, the military chief avoided discussing the upcoming leadership transition. Instead, he emphasized the armed forces’ crucial importance, defended the necessity of the 2021 military takeover, and outlined the military’s ongoing political involvement “to collaborate in the national interest.”

“It must be clearly understood this does not signify ‘leading in politics’ as some pessimists might allege,” Min Aung Hlaing stated during his speech.

The recent election occurred during an ongoing civil conflict that erupted after the 2021 military coup, which removed the democratically elected administration headed by Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi. This upheaval has pushed the already impoverished nation deeper into chaos.

Independent analyst Htin Kyaw Aye noted that Myanmar’s military rarely announces high-level personnel changes in advance, particularly while engaged in combat operations against various armed opposition groups across multiple regions.

“This is a scripted transition, however, such a disclosure of information suggests that there may be underlying anxieties regarding the leadership transition and the redistribution of high-level positions,” the analyst explained.

Min Aung Hlaing, age 69, built his career as an infantry officer before being selected by former military leader Than Shwe to serve as commander-in-chief in 2011. He has not yet publicly identified who will replace him in the military hierarchy.

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France — Top diplomats from seven of the world’s leading nations issued an urgent plea Friday for immediate protection of innocent people and essential infrastructure during the ongoing conflict in Iran.

Meeting for their second day of discussions in France, the foreign ministers from the Group of Seven countries released a unified statement emphasizing the critical need to reduce the war’s impact on neighboring nations, everyday citizens, and vital facilities.

The diplomatic leaders highlighted their commitment to working together across different partnerships and supporting various efforts to address the crisis. “We focused on the value of diverse partnerships, coordination, and supporting initiatives, including to mitigate global economic shocks such as disruptions to economic, energy, fertilizer and commercial supply chains, which have direct impacts on our citizens,” the ministers stated in their official declaration.

The G7 representatives also emphasized the urgent necessity of ensuring safe passage for ships traveling through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz without requiring toll payments.

The Group of Seven includes the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the European Union as participating members.

DUBAI – Persian Gulf nations are pressuring Washington to ensure that any agreement with Iran extends far beyond simply halting the current conflict, insisting that Tehran’s missile and drone programs must be permanently restricted and that global energy supplies can never again be used as weapons, according to four Gulf sources.

President Donald Trump has given Iran additional time to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway that handles approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, or risk having its energy facilities destroyed.

However, Gulf policymakers say their primary concern has shifted from how the Iranian conflict concludes to what type of regional stability will emerge afterward, the four Gulf sources familiar with the discussions told Reuters.

SIMPLE CEASEFIRE WON’T SUFFICE

Gulf leadership, representing nations that have faced repeated attacks from Tehran during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, have informed Washington during private discussions that the Islamic Republic has provided them with no diplomatic escape route, sources indicated.

These officials are demanding that any agreement include enforceable limitations on missile and drone strikes against energy infrastructure and civilian targets, restrictions on threats to oil transportation routes and shipping lanes, and an end to proxy conflicts, sources added.

Any settlement must establish new rules of engagement that guarantee the Strait of Hormuz will never again serve as a weapon of war, and Gulf nations must be included in the framework of whatever follows, they argue.

“The real challenge is not persuading Iran to stop the war, but ensuring the Gulf is not left exposed to the same dynamics that made it possible in the first place,” Ebtessam Al-Kerbi, president of the Emirates Policy Centre, told Reuters.

Yousef al-Otaiba, the United Arab Emirates’ ambassador to the United States, has characterized the conflict not as a crisis to be temporarily halted but as a test of whether Iran can continue threatening the global economy in the future.

“A simple ceasefire isn’t enough,” Otaiba wrote in a column for the Wall Street Journal. “We need a conclusive outcome that addresses Iran’s full range of threats: nuclear capabilities, missiles, drones, terror proxies and blockades of international sea lanes.”

An agreement that merely suspends missiles, drones and proxy conflicts, he argued, would only postpone the next crisis.

Gulf nations’ economies, which depend heavily on energy exports and international travel, have suffered significant damage from the war, which has created shockwaves throughout the global economy. Disruptions in the strait have increased energy costs, disrupted supply chains and contributed to inflation.

The United States can confirm with certainty that it has eliminated approximately one-third of Iran’s extensive missile stockpile, according to five individuals with access to U.S. intelligence information.

Gulf officials say their doubts stem from past experience.

Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities – which are part of nuclear weapons development though Tehran denies pursuing such weapons – were limited under a 2015 agreement, but Tehran maintained its ability to threaten the region through missiles, drones, proxy conflicts and maritime security threats. Gulf states argue this possibility must now be eliminated for regional stability.

In 2018, Trump announced America’s exit from the 2015 Iran nuclear agreement, describing it as a “defective” and “one-sided” deal that failed to serve U.S. interests.

IRANIAN ATTACKS STRENGTHEN UAE-U.S. TIES

Qatar, Oman and Kuwait are privately advocating for a rapid end to the conflict, concerned about economic consequences and potential retaliation, sources revealed.

The UAE, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain indicate they are prepared to accept an escalation of the conflict and will not tolerate a post-war Iran that can still use the Strait of Hormuz as leverage or for what they consider extortion.

Trump has announced he will extend his deadline for Tehran to open the strait until April 7 at midnight GMT, and has stated that discussions with Iran are proceeding “very well.”

An Iranian official has characterized a U.S. proposal for ending the conflict as “one-sided and unfair,” and Tehran has demanded the shutdown of U.S. military bases in the Gulf as a prerequisite for any agreement.

However, UAE presidential adviser Anwar Gargash stated that Iran’s strikes against Gulf nations have had “profound geopolitical repercussions,” establishing Tehran as the primary threat influencing Gulf strategic planning. The consequence, he said, will be stronger security cooperation between the UAE and Washington.

“This is the cost of Iran’s misguided calculations,” he said.

GULF NATIONS SEEK SECURITY ASSURANCES

Abdulaziz Sager, chairman of the Saudi-based Gulf Research Center, said the Gulf states’ communication to Washington has become direct rather than subtle – that any deal with Iran must specifically address and guarantee Gulf state security.

“The United States protects its interests, and Israel’s. Now it is our turn to protect and defend ours,” he said.

This position was supported by the Gulf Cooperation Council, an organization that includes Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Oman and the UAE, which has demonstrated a united stance against any settlement that ignores Gulf security concerns.

Referencing 5,000 missile and drone strikes on Gulf energy installations, civilian infrastructure and maritime traffic, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Al-Budaiwi has declared that Iran has “crossed all limits.”

He stated that the Gulf has shown restraint to prevent a broader conflict but that the region will not tolerate being attacked again, clarifying that while diplomatic solutions are preferred, every nation maintains the right to self-defense.

Trump has been considering whether to deploy ground troops to capture Iran’s strategic oil facility at Kharg Island, which processes 90% of Iran’s oil exports, according to a U.S. official and three individuals familiar with the situation.

Capturing it, analysts suggest, would provide Washington with significant control over Iran’s economy.

Tehran has cautioned that any such action would prompt Iranian strikes against the “vital infrastructure” of any nation that assisted such a U.S. military operation.

Some Gulf partners have been advising Washington against deploying ground forces, including troops to Kharg Island, believing this would expand the conflict, provoke substantial Iranian retaliation, and possibly target Gulf energy and civilian infrastructure, a senior Gulf official stated. However, Gulf states are encouraging Washington to continue weakening Iran’s cruise and ballistic missile capabilities since these have long represented the primary threat to their nations, the Gulf official said.

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania — Torrential rains have sparked devastating landslides in southern Tanzania, claiming at least 20 lives over recent days, according to local officials, adding to a mounting death toll across the broader East African region.

The deadly slides occurred early Wednesday morning in the Mbeya region, destroying multiple homes as intense rainfall combined with powerful winds, according to Jaffar Haniu, who serves as administrator for Rungwe district where the disaster struck.

“The death toll now stands at 20,” he told reporters. “One victim is a very young child, a year and a half old.”

Weather forecasters are predicting additional rainfall in coming days, prompting Haniu to issue urgent evacuation warnings for residents living in areas susceptible to landslides.

The crisis extends beyond Tanzania’s borders. In nearby Kenya, where seasonal flooding occurs annually, the death toll has reached at least 88 people. The deluge has impacted 21 counties throughout the country, with a minimum of two rivers overflowing their banks since intense storms began this month.

The magnitude and severity of the ongoing emergency has sparked fresh discussions about disaster readiness and the precarious situation facing communities situated near waterways and flood-susceptible regions. Military forces have been called in to support emergency response teams.

Earlier in March, southern Ethiopia experienced its own landslide catastrophe, resulting in at least 80 deaths.

The Climate Prediction and Applications Centre, part of the regional organization IGAD, issued a forecast last month indicating the March through May rainy season carries a 45% probability of exceeding normal precipitation levels throughout most regional nations, spanning from Uganda to Djibouti.

BRASILIA, Brazil — Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro walked out of a Brasilia medical facility Friday morning to complete his 27-year prison term for attempting a coup from the comfort of his home in an affluent residential area.

Brazil’s highest court approved the home confinement arrangement earlier this week, citing the ex-leader’s deteriorating medical condition. Court officials said they may reassess this decision within the next three months.

Around 10 a.m. local time, Bolsonaro departed DF Star hospital in Brazil’s capital and returned to his residence in the Jardim Botanico district, where he resides with his spouse Michelle and 15-year-old daughter Laura.

The former president, now 71, was admitted to the medical facility on March 13 after developing pneumonia, adding to a series of health complications stemming from a 2018 stabbing incident that occurred before his presidential victory. Medical staff placed him in critical care for several days as he battled kidney dysfunction and inflammatory conditions.

Bolsonaro held Brazil’s presidency from 2019 through 2022, ultimately losing his re-election campaign by a narrow margin to the nation’s current leader, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

SAO PAULO, March 27 – Brazil’s former President Jair Bolsonaro left the hospital Friday and was moved to his residence, where he’ll remain under what officials are calling “humanitarian house arrest” for a minimum of three months.

The 71-year-old ex-leader has been imprisoned since November, serving a 27-year sentence for his role in attempting to orchestrate a coup following his electoral defeat to current President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in 2022.

Earlier this week, Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes approved the house arrest arrangement for 90 days based on medical considerations. Officials will review the far-right former president’s situation after the initial period to decide if the home confinement should continue.

The former president, who governed Brazil from 2019 to 2022, was hospitalized earlier this month in Brasilia’s intensive care unit after developing severe pneumonia, requiring antibiotic treatment.

Dr. Brasil Caiado, his physician, spoke to media about his recovery: “His progress over the past two days has been what we expected — smooth, without any complications.”

Medical issues have plagued Bolsonaro repeatedly since an assassination attempt during a 2018 campaign rally left him with stab wounds to his abdomen. Dr. Caiado indicated the former president will need to return to the hospital for shoulder surgery scheduled for late April.

Two Chinese cargo vessels abandoned their effort to navigate through the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, according to maritime tracking information, even though Iran had guaranteed safe transit for Chinese ships.

The shipping company COSCO had announced in a client notice on March 25 that it was accepting cargo bookings again for routes from Asia to several Middle Eastern destinations including the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait and Iraq.

Both vessels – the CSCL Indian Ocean and CSCL Arctic Ocean, registered under Hong Kong flags – have remained trapped in Gulf waters since the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran started on February 28.

Maritime data from Kpler shows the ships made their transit attempt at 0350 GMT Friday morning before reversing direction and heading back.

This marked the first time a major shipping company had attempted such a crossing since hostilities began, but the failed passage demonstrated that “safe passage could not be guaranteed,” according to Kpler analyst Rebecca Gerdes.

Earlier this week, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced on social media that his country “permitted passage through the Strait of Hormuz for friendly nations including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan.”

Ship tracking data revealed that both Chinese vessels had transmitted messages through their AIS systems indicating Chinese ownership and crew members aboard.

COSCO Shipping, the Shanghai-based parent company, did not respond to requests for comment.

Iran’s maritime attacks and threats have left hundreds of ships and approximately 20,000 crew members stranded in Gulf waters. Critical energy shipments, including Saudi crude oil and Qatari liquefied natural gas, have come to a virtual standstill.

President Donald Trump stated Thursday that Iran had allowed 10 oil tankers to pass through the Strait of Hormuz in what appeared to be a diplomatic gesture during ongoing negotiations.

No specific information has emerged about these tankers or whether any successfully completed the transit following Trump’s remarks.

A small number of other vessels have managed to depart recently, including Indian-flagged tankers transporting cooking gas and a Thai oil tanker that coordinated its passage through diplomatic channels, according to Thai officials and the vessel’s operating company.

Recent maritime traffic has primarily consisted of Iranian oil tankers leaving the area and bulk cargo ships bringing grain and other supplies into Iran, based on data from Lloyd’s List Intelligence and maritime analysis.

Iranian officials have maintained their position that certain vessels may receive transit permission, but Tehran reserves the right to make those determinations while blocking ships connected to the United States, Israel, or their allies.

“Aggressor parties – namely, the United States and the Israeli regime – as well as other participants in the aggression, do not qualify for innocent or non-hostile passage,” Iran stated in a March 24 communication to member nations of the International Maritime Organization, the UN’s shipping agency.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi suggested during a Friday phone conversation with his Pakistani counterpart that beginning peace negotiations would help “restore normal navigation” through the Hormuz waterway.

A 23-year-old Russian national will spend four years behind bars after being convicted of attacking a woman in London while President Donald Trump’s youngest son watched the violence unfold through a video call.

Matvei Rumiantsev received his sentence Friday at Snaresbrook Crown Court in east London, following his January 28 conviction for assault causing bodily harm. A jury cleared him of rape and choking charges but found him guilty of obstructing justice for sending the victim a letter from custody requesting she withdraw her accusations.

Justice Joel Bennathan described Rumiantsev as completely unremorseful and prone to jealous behavior during the sentencing hearing.

“Your lack of insight and empathy was apparent at trial,” the judge stated. “You continue to try to blame the complainant for everything that has happened.”

The January 18, 2025 incident occurred when an intoxicated Rumiantsev became envious of the victim’s online friendship with 19-year-old Barron Trump, whom she had connected with through social media platforms.

While beating the woman, Rumiantsev picked up her phone when Barron Trump called via FaceTime and deliberately pointed the camera toward the crying victim on the ground.

The president’s son immediately contacted London authorities from the United States, urgently requesting assistance during what he described as a difficult phone conversation with dispatchers.

“It’s really an emergency … I’m calling from the U.S., uh, I just got a call from a girl, you know, she’s getting beat up,” Barron Trump told the emergency operator.

Officers responded to the location and took Rumiantsev, who worked as a receptionist in London, into custody.

During testimony, Rumiantsev admitted to feeling jealous of Trump while also claiming he pitied him because he believed the woman was misleading the young man.

Defense attorney Sasha Wass argued during proceedings that Trump was unaware the woman had a romantic partner and questioned what he could have observed during such a brief video encounter lasting only seconds. She characterized the relationship as drama-filled and suggested the woman used her connection to Trump to provoke her boyfriend’s jealousy.

Barron Trump, the sole child of Donald and Melania Trump, did not provide testimony during the trial proceedings.

The judge commended Trump’s quick thinking in contacting emergency services, noting his actions likely prevented a more serious outcome. The victim reportedly feared for her life during the attack.

“Mr. Trump properly and responsibly, despite being in the United States, made sure the emergency services here were called, and he told them what he had seen,” the judge remarked.

WASHINGTON – American intelligence officials can verify the destruction of only about one-third of Iran’s extensive missile stockpile as military operations against the nation approach the one-month milestone, according to five sources with knowledge of classified intelligence assessments.

Another third of Iran’s weapons may have been damaged, destroyed, or buried within underground tunnel networks and bunker systems during bombing campaigns, though the status remains uncertain, four intelligence sources revealed. All sources requested anonymity due to the classified nature of the information.

Intelligence officials report similar findings regarding Iran’s drone arsenal, with confirmed destruction of roughly one-third of those capabilities as well.

These internal assessments, never before made public, indicate that while most Iranian missiles are either eliminated or unreachable, Tehran maintains substantial weapons reserves and could potentially recover buried or damaged systems after hostilities cease.

The intelligence findings contradict President Trump’s Thursday statements claiming Iran had “very few rockets left.” However, Trump acknowledged the ongoing threat from remaining Iranian weapons systems to potential U.S. operations protecting the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.

Reuters previously reported that Trump is considering escalating the conflict by sending American ground forces to Iranian coastlines near the Strait.

“The problem with the straits is this: let’s say we do a great job. We say we got 99% (of their missiles). 1% is unacceptable, because 1% is a missile going into the hull of a ship that cost a billion dollars,” Trump stated during a televised Cabinet meeting Thursday.

Pentagon and White House officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Democratic Representative Seth Moulton, a Marine veteran with four Iraq deployments, refused to discuss Reuters’ intelligence findings but challenged Trump’s characterizations of the war’s effectiveness against Iranian capabilities.

“If Iran is smart they’ve retained some of their capability – they’re not using everything that they have. And they’re laying in wait,” Moulton stated.

The Trump administration has outlined goals to diminish Iran’s military strength by eliminating its naval forces, destroying missile and drone systems, and preventing nuclear weapons development.

U.S. Central Command reports that Operation “Epic Fury,” launched February 28 alongside Israeli forces, is meeting or exceeding initial timeline projections.

American strikes have targeted over 10,000 Iranian military installations through Wednesday, with Central Command claiming destruction of 92 percent of Iran’s major naval vessels. Military officials have released footage showing attacks on weapons manufacturing facilities, emphasizing efforts to eliminate not just existing stockpiles but production capabilities.

Central Command has declined to specify exact percentages of destroyed missile or drone capabilities.

Intelligence sources cite difficulties determining pre-war missile quantities stored in underground facilities. The U.S. has not publicly disclosed estimates of Iran’s initial weapons stockpile.

Military analysts estimate Iran possessed between 2,500 missiles according to Israeli assessments and approximately 6,000 based on independent analysis.

Despite intensive American bombardment, Iran continues demonstrating active weapons capabilities.

Thursday alone saw Iran launch 15 ballistic missiles and 11 drones targeting the United Arab Emirates, according to UAE Defense Ministry reports.

Iranian forces have also revealed new capabilities, including their first long-range missile strikes against the U.S.-UK Diego Garcia military installation in the Indian Ocean last week.

Nicole Grajewski, an Iranian missile expert at Sciences Po university in Paris specializing in Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps analysis, suggested the Trump administration may have exaggerated strike effectiveness against Iranian capabilities.

She highlighted Iran’s continued ability to launch attacks from the heavily bombed Bid Kaneh military complex.

“The fact that they’ve managed to sustain this, I think, indicates the U.S. was overstating the success of its operation,” Grajewski explained, estimating Iran retains approximately 30 percent of missile capabilities.

Grajewski noted Iran operates more than twelve major underground facilities housing missile launchers and weapons systems.

“The big question is: have these facilities collapsed?” she questioned.

A senior U.S. official expressed doubt about America’s ability to accurately evaluate Iranian missile capabilities, particularly given uncertainty about underground weapons accessibility. “I don’t know if we’ll ever have an accurate number,” the official acknowledged.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth recognized challenges posed by Iran’s tunnel networks during March 19 remarks, stating: “Iran is a vast country. And just like Hamas and their tunnels (in Gaza), they’ve poured any aid, any economic development, humanitarian aid, into tunnels and rockets.”

“But we are hunting them down methodically, ruthlessly and overwhelmingly, like no other military in the world can do, and the results speak for themselves,” Hegseth added, without providing specific destruction percentages.

Cuban government representatives have approached high-ranking Vatican officials, including the Pope, requesting assistance in convincing the Trump administration to relax its oil sanctions against the island nation, according to a Friday report from the Washington Post citing sources with knowledge of the discussions.

The news outlet’s claims could not be independently confirmed by Reuters. Requests for comment from the Vatican’s press office, the White House, and Cuban government officials went unanswered.

The diplomatic outreach comes as Havana and Washington began discussions earlier this month amid mounting pressure from Trump’s oil sanctions that are driving the Communist-governed island deeper into financial hardship. Previous reports have indicated the Trump administration’s goal of ousting Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel from leadership.

New data from British government officials shows the United Kingdom performed nearly 300,000 abortions during 2023, marking the most recent year with complete statistics available. The figures reveal a striking comparison when measured against the roughly 600,000 babies born alive in the UK during that same 12-month period. Pro-life organizations point to these numbers as evidence of what they describe as a growing crisis. At the same time, British lawmakers are considering legislation that would remove criminal penalties for abortion procedures performed at any stage of pregnancy, including up until delivery.

PRAGUE — Czech authorities are investigating an attack where an unidentified suspect hurled multiple firebombs at a Russian cultural facility in Prague late Thursday evening, police announced Friday.

The assault targeted the Russian House, a state-funded facility that promotes Russian culture and history but lacks diplomatic immunity. While the building sustained damage including shattered windows and smoke-stained walls, it did not ignite.

According to facility director Igor Girenko, who spoke with Russian state media outlet Tass, six Molotov cocktails were thrown at the structure, though half of them failed to detonate.

The cultural center describes itself as organizing educational programs, scientific events, and Russian language instruction.

Russian Foreign Ministry representative Maria Zakharova condemned the incident as “a barbaric act,” according to the Tass news agency.

Moscow’s embassy in Prague has requested Czech officials enhance protection for Russian facilities and personnel throughout the country.

Czech Interior Minister Lubomír Metnar denounced the assault, calling it “unacceptable.”

VIENNA (AP) — The Austrian government announced Friday its intention to prohibit children under 14 from accessing social media platforms, becoming the latest nation to implement age-based digital restrictions for young users.

Alexander Pröll, who oversees digitization efforts in Chancellor Christian Stocker’s administration, stated that proposed legislation will be completed by June’s end. Pröll explained that “technically modern methods” for age verification will be implemented, allowing users to confirm their age while maintaining privacy protection.

The timeline for when this age requirement legislation might become law remains unclear, as it requires parliamentary approval.

Australia led this global movement in 2024, becoming the first nation to remove children under 16 from social media platforms to shield them from dangerous content and excessive screen exposure. Indonesia will implement a comparable restriction beginning Saturday.

Across Europe, French legislators passed legislation in January prohibiting social media access for children under 15, with implementation scheduled for September when the new school year begins. Spain revealed plans last month for an under-16 social media prohibition. Denmark announced an agreement last fall for an access restriction affecting those under 15. Britain’s government stated in January it would examine banning young teenagers from social media platforms.

Austria’s three-party centrist government is now embracing this international trend.

“Today is a good day for children for children in our country,” Vice Chancellor Andreas Babler declared during a press briefing. “In the future, we will protect children and young people with determination against the negative effects of social media platforms.”

“We will no longer look on as these platforms make our children addicted and often also sick,” he stated.

Austrian officials plan to supplement the restriction with enhanced educational programs in schools focusing on media literacy and artificial intelligence understanding.

Recent court decisions this week have reinforced long-held worries about social media’s impact on children, yet America continues to operate without comprehensive federal oversight addressing these issues.

A Los Angeles jury ruled Wednesday that both Meta and YouTube bear responsibility for damages to children who used their platforms. The previous day in New Mexico, jurors concluded that Meta deliberately caused harm to young users’ mental well-being while hiding information about child sexual exploitation occurring on its networks.

While parents and child advocacy groups celebrated these rulings, they contend that meaningful reform from companies like Instagram, YouTube and TikTok remains unlikely without federal oversight to control these corporations. Many are placing their faith in the Kids Online Safety Act, legislation designed to safeguard minors from social media, gaming websites and other digital platform dangers. The Senate passed this measure in 2024, but it has stalled since then.

Meanwhile, nations across the globe have enacted or are developing extensive limitations on children’s internet usage, from complete social media prohibitions to mandating that younger teenagers connect their profiles to parental accounts. Here’s an examination of how other countries are controlling youth technology access.

Australia made history in 2024 as the first nation to ban children under 16 from social media entirely. This legislation holds platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram accountable for penalties reaching 50 million Australian dollars ($34 million) if they allow users younger than 16 to maintain accounts. Though many parents have applauded this action, some specialists question whether age verification systems work effectively (platforms aren’t mandated to request government identification) and worry about impacts on young people’s freedom of expression, social relationships and privacy. Opponents also worry the restriction will affect privacy for all users who must demonstrate they’re over 16.

Brazil implemented new legislation this month aimed at protecting minors from addictive, violent and explicit online material, with specialists describing it as a significant advancement in youth protection.

The Brazilian law requires children under 16 to connect their social media profiles to a legal guardian for monitoring purposes. The rules also ban platforms from employing addictive elements like endless scrolling and automatic video playback. Digital companies must also establish robust age verification systems that go beyond simple self-reporting.

Indonesia is adopting Australia’s approach with its own social media ban for children under 16 starting this month.

These new rules will prevent children under 16 from maintaining accounts on “high-risk” digital services, including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox.

The rollout begins gradually from March 28 until complete platform compliance is achieved.

Indonesia becomes Southeast Asia’s first country to limit children’s social media access.

Beginning in January 2025, major social media and messaging services with at least 8 million Malaysian users must obtain licensing as part of increased government digital platform supervision. Licensed services must establish age verification, content safety protocols and transparency requirements, demonstrating the government’s commitment to creating safer digital environments. Malaysia also intends to prohibit social media access for children under 16 this year.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez declared in February that his country will restrict social media access for children under 16, aiming to protect young people from harmful online material.

France passed legislation in January prohibiting social media for children under 15, setting the stage for implementation at the beginning of the next academic year in September. This bill also bans mobile phone usage in high schools. The French government had previously enacted laws prohibiting phone use in all elementary and middle schools.

Denmark has passed comparable legislation banning social media access for users under 15, while the United Kingdom announced last month it would explore prohibiting young teenagers from social media platforms as it strengthens laws protecting children from dangerous content and excessive screen exposure.

The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is bringing Lebanon’s vulnerable government and society dangerously close to collapse, creating dangerous rifts along religious and political lines as Shiite Muslims are forced from their homes and hostility grows between the Iran-supported organization and its critics.

Political analysts and leaders from various Lebanese factions believe this renewed fighting, sparked by the broader Iran conflict, may represent the most destabilizing crisis the country has faced since its devastating 1975-90 civil war.

Israel has made threats of Gaza-style devastation and southern occupation, while bitter disagreements persist within Lebanon regarding Hezbollah’s weapons stockpile, which the organization has refused to surrender despite a year-long governmental effort to disarm them through peaceful means.

Israeli bombing campaigns and evacuation orders have forced Hezbollah’s Shiite supporters into Christian, Druze and other communities, where many residents hold the group responsible for initiating warfare to support Tehran just 15 months after the previous conflict ended.

Municipal officials are now screening displaced individuals looking for rental housing, concerned about housing anyone who might become an Israeli target.

Relations between Hezbollah and the government continue deteriorating. The administration under Prime Minister Nawaf Salam and President Joseph Aoun has prohibited Hezbollah’s armed branch, requested negotiations with Israel and ordered Iran’s ambassador to depart.

Hezbollah representative Mahmoud Qmati has drawn comparisons between the government and Vichy France officials who received death sentences for Nazi collaboration during World War Two.

“We are capable of turning the country upside down,” he stated to Lebanese media, though he subsequently claimed his comments were misinterpreted.

Druze parliament member Wael Abu Faour indicates that internal pressures are mounting due to political disagreements over the conflict and population displacement, along with “the defiant rhetoric from more than one side.”

“This exacerbates fears for internal stability,” he stated.

‘TICKING BOMB’

Since Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel on March 2 and Israel responded, more than 1,000 Lebanese have died and over one million people – representing more than 20 percent of the nation’s population – have been forced to relocate, with most being Shiite Muslims.

A foreign diplomat described the displacement as putting stress on community relationships and warned it would become “a ticking bomb” if the displaced cannot return home.

Israeli military forces have ordered evacuations from large portions of southern Lebanon, Beirut’s Hezbollah-dominated southern neighborhoods, and the group’s strongholds in eastern regions.

Israel’s defense minister has announced plans to establish a “security zone” extending to the Litani River, which reaches the Mediterranean approximately 30 kilometers north of the Israeli border. He stated that hundreds of thousands of Shiites will not be permitted to return south of the Litani until northern Israel’s security is guaranteed.

Nadim Gemayel, a Christian legislator who opposes Hezbollah, voiced worries that Israel is intentionally driving Shiites into other Lebanese regions to spark conflicts with different communities.

Hezbollah has maintained longstanding disputes with numerous other Lebanese groups and possesses weaponry superior to the national army’s arsenal.

During a short civil conflict in 2008, when a Western-supported government attempted to ban Hezbollah’s communication systems, Hezbollah fighters seized control of Beirut. The government subsequently withdrew its demands.

Gemayel noted that tension “already exists, but the ignition hasn’t happened yet, and I hope that it will never happen.”

“If the Israelis stay long, very long in the south, this will be catastrophic for everyone … Lebanon cannot assimilate such a displacement of people,” he stated, calling on the Lebanese government to “disarm Hezbollah and terminate this war.”

When asked to respond to accusations that Israel seeks to inflame sectarian tensions, an Israeli official avoided directly addressing the claim but stated that Hezbollah initiated the only conflict in Lebanon and encouraged the country to remove the group.

The Israeli military stated it operates exclusively against Hezbollah, calling any claims it targets specific populations “false and misleading.”

However, an Israeli military representative informed Reuters that evacuation warnings had been sent only to Shiite villages in southern Lebanon, while Christian villages remain inhabited and are not targeted by Israeli forces.

‘SECTARIAN LOGIC’

Hezbollah parliament member Hassan Fadlallah accused some Lebanese of approaching the displacement issue “with sectarian logic.”

“We will overcome this phase because the displaced will return to their land and their homes as soon as the aggression ceases,” he declared.

Highlighting existing tensions, residents of a mainly Christian area north of Beirut fought with displaced people and demanded their departure on Tuesday when pieces of an intercepted Iranian ballistic missile fell on the area.

Attempts to create a shelter for displaced individuals in Beirut’s Karantina district, located in a predominantly Christian area near the port, drew objections from Christian political leaders. Salam later ordered the location be used for aid storage instead.

In the primarily Christian Dekwaneh neighborhood east of Beirut, approximately 2,000 displaced Shiites are taking shelter in a vocational school.

Zeinab al-Meqdad, 50, reported her family has faced no difficulties in the neighborhood since leaving her home in the southern suburbs on March 2.

Antoine Abu Aboud, a community official, said an additional 1,000 displaced people are staying in hotels and rental properties in Dekwaneh.

“There is a war, and the situation is bigger than us. Today, we Lebanese must be patient with one another,” he remarked.

He explained that the local council has intensified screening of rental applicants, forwarding identification documents to security agencies for verification, as residents worry about anyone who might “represent a danger to their building or lives.”

COEXISTENCE BETWEEN STATE AND HEZBOLLAH ARMS ENDING?

Social divisions within Lebanese society are reflected in governmental structures, which have also been disrupted by the war’s consequences.

Hezbollah maintained significant influence over the state until suffering heavy losses from Israeli attacks in 2024. Following that conflict, the government attempted to disarm the group, but the numerous rockets launched by Hezbollah since March 2, along with its quick redeployment of fighters to the south, have undermined confidence in the state domestically and internationally.

Hezbollah expects the government will eventually reverse its decisions, including the prohibition of its military operations.

“All the measures taken by the government will be reversed when Israel fails to achieve its objectives,” Fadlallah stated. “When we finish confronting this aggression, we, as Lebanese, will address our internal problems.”

Israeli officials have suggested Israel’s military campaign will extend beyond the Iran conflict, with much depending on developments in the broader regional war.

A 15-point American proposal for ending the conflict includes Iran discontinuing financial support for allies like Hezbollah, according to Israeli cabinet sources. Iran has suggested that Lebanon must be part of any ceasefire agreement.

Christian legislator Alain Aoun described Lebanon as being in a transitional period, with final outcomes to be decided by the war’s results.

“The coexistence between the state and Hezbollah arms which we witnessed for decades is nearing its end in one way or another, with all the potential repercussions for society and the political system,” he stated.

HAVANA – The island nation of Cuba finds itself at a crossroads as high-level discussions with the United States unfold during a period of escalating tensions. Former President Donald Trump’s administration had implemented what amounts to an oil embargo, creating additional economic strain that has pushed the Communist leadership toward diplomatic engagement.

Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel has emphasized that any negotiations must occur “on the basis of equality” with mutual respect between the nations. However, Trump has made aggressive statements about Cuba, declaring he could do “anything I want” regarding the sovereign Caribbean nation.

Despite the harsh rhetoric, sources within the Trump administration have suggested to news outlets that some form of agreement might be possible. According to The New York Times, which spoke with four individuals knowledgeable about the discussions, Washington’s goal involves removing Diaz-Canel from his leadership position. In return, the United States might reduce economic sanctions while avoiding action against the Castro family members.

Several key individuals hold significant influence over how these negotiations proceed and what Cuba’s future might look like.

FORMER U.S. PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP

Trump has made increasingly aggressive statements in recent weeks, saying he anticipated having the “honor” of “taking Cuba.” Following military action against Iran, he stated, “We’re talking to Cuba, but we’re going to do Iran before Cuba.”

However, with American military forces occupied in Iran, the commanding general responsible for U.S. operations in Latin America informed senators that the military is not conducting invasion rehearsals or actively planning to seize control of the island nation.

Reports from The Times and USA Today suggest the American strategy would mirror recent events in Venezuela, where the United States removed President Nicolas Maduro on January 3rd. Instead of installing opposition leadership, Trump has worked with acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who was Maduro’s former vice president and assumed control after U.S. forces removed Maduro during an early-morning operation.

SECRETARY OF STATE MARCO RUBIO

Trump has designated Rubio, a Cuban American serving as both Secretary of State and National Security Advisor, to head the discussions with Cuban officials.

The Miami-born Rubio, considered a potential 2028 presidential candidate, grew up immersed in Cuban exile culture, which has historically opposed the Cuban revolution. Any agreement that allows the Communist Party to remain in control without consequences for the Castros could face criticism from South Florida’s Cuban American community.

However, if Rubio’s strategy involves overthrowing Cuba’s government, it risks triggering violence and potentially massive migration. Additionally, Cuba currently assists in anti-drug trafficking efforts. A sudden collapse of Cuban governance could create opportunities for criminal organizations along the country’s 3,570 miles of coastline, located just 90 miles from American shores.

RAUL CASTRO

At 94 years old, Raul Castro participated in the revolutionary struggle alongside his elder brother Fidel, helping overthrow a U.S.-backed government in 1959. He served as Fidel’s trusted defense minister for many years before becoming president, initially on an interim basis when Fidel fell ill in 2006, then permanently when Fidel stepped down in 2008. Following Fidel’s 2016 death, Raul became the primary unifying figure for revolution supporters.

Despite leaving the presidency in 2018 and Communist Party leadership in 2021, he maintains considerable influence, now holding the honorary title of army general.

When Diaz-Canel informed the nation about entering talks with the United States, he indicated that Castro was co-leading the effort. Diaz-Canel has frequently mentioned Castro’s ongoing involvement in governmental affairs.

In December 2025, as the Communist Party prepared to select Diaz-Canel’s replacement at this year’s crucial party congress, Castro recommended indefinitely postponing the gathering due to Cuba’s economic difficulties. Demonstrating his continued authority, the party’s Central Committee unanimously accepted his suggestion.

MIGUEL DIAZ-CANEL

Cuba’s current president and Communist Party leader became the first non-Castro to govern the country since 1959 when he took office in 2018.

His tenure began with significant challenges, including Trump’s rise to power, which reversed the diplomatic warming between Cuba and the United States that President Barack Obama had established.

The 2020 coronavirus pandemic then devastated Cuba’s crucial tourism sector while the government had invested billions in new hotels that now sit largely empty.

Diaz-Canel’s reputation suffered most severely from his handling of widespread popular demonstrations.

When Cubans spontaneously protested nationwide on July 11, 2021, creating the most significant challenge to Communist rule in decades, security forces swiftly suppressed the uprising after Diaz-Canel called on government supporters to confront demonstrators.

“The combat order has been given!” declared the 65-year-old leader.

The subsequent crackdown, combined with worsening economic conditions, has damaged Diaz-Canel’s standing.

Any Cuban surrender – particularly one requiring Diaz-Canel to step down with two years remaining as president and five years left as party leader – would be without precedent.

RAUL GUILLERMO RODRIGUEZ CASTRO

Rodriguez Castro, 41, nicknamed “El Cangrejo” or “The Crab,” is considered among his grandfather Raul Castro’s closest advisors. As his grandfather’s former bodyguard, he frequently accompanied him throughout his presidency and reportedly holds the rank of lieutenant colonel.

Cuban officials did not respond to inquiries about Rodriguez Castro’s background or potential negotiating role.

Axios reported on February 18, citing three unnamed sources, that Rodriguez Castro was conducting secret discussions with Rubio. The Miami Herald reported on February 26, also using unnamed sources, that Rubio associates met with Rodriguez Castro during a Caribbean Community conference in St. Kitts and Nevis.

Rodriguez Castro is the child of Raul’s daughter Deborah Castro Espin and the deceased General Luis Alberto Rodriguez Lopez-Calleja, who headed the military business empire GAESA.

Under Raul Castro’s leadership, GAESA gained control over the state’s most significant enterprises, including hospitality, banking, transportation, and retail sectors. Rodriguez Lopez-Calleja died from a heart attack in 2022 at 62. Reports indicate Rodriguez Castro may have assumed responsibilities within his late father’s business operations.

This family background positions Rodriguez Castro where Cuba’s political power intersects with its most influential economic institution, potentially making him a valuable intermediary for Washington.

Rodriguez Castro has never made public statements or granted interviews.

MANUEL MARRERO

Appointed prime minister by Diaz-Canel in 2019 and confirmed by the National Assembly, Marrero joined the Politburo, the Communist Party’s governing elite, in 2021, placing him among potential successors to Diaz-Canel.

The former architectural engineer, now 62, served as tourism minister from 2004 to 2019.

According to EcuRed, Cuba’s official online reference source, Marrero previously led Grupo Gaviota, GAESA’s tourism division, where he oversaw the construction of two resort properties.

OSCAR PEREZ-OLIVA FRAGA

Considered an emerging leader due to his expanding responsibilities since becoming foreign trade minister in 2024, he has since gained the positions of deputy prime minister and National Assembly member in 2025.

His family connection to the Castro brothers – his maternal grandmother Angela Castro was Fidel and Raul Castro’s sister – provides him with Castro family credibility without the burden of carrying their surname.

When Cuba introduced an investment program targeting Cuban nationals living overseas, Perez-Oliva Fraga received extensive television coverage on state-controlled media to present the initiative.

Political observers have suggested that Perez-Oliva Fraga might fulfill a function similar to Delcy Rodriguez’s role in Venezuela.

BEIRUT (AP) — United Nations investigators released a harsh report Friday stating Syria has shown “no indication” of examining human rights violations committed by government forces during last summer’s sectarian violence that claimed at least 1,700 lives, predominantly from the Druze minority community.

The damning assessment from the U.N. Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic demanded Syria’s administration examine security force commanders who permitted or orchestrated sectarian violence targeting Druze populations.

According to the findings, approximately 200,000 individuals fled their homes during the bloodshed in Sweida, which serves as the center of Syria’s Druze population. The casualties included nearly 200 women and children.

The violence erupted in mid-July when armed factions loyal to Druze religious leader Sheikh Hikmat al-Hijri fought with area Bedouin tribes, prompting government military involvement that essentially supported the Bedouin side. Sectarian violence initially targeting the minority religious group, then later the Bedouin population, along with multiple kidnappings, worsened community relations.

Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has promised to examine these incidents and prosecute those responsible across all parties, including government troops.

U.N. fact-finders conducted extensive fieldwork in Syria, speaking with over 400 survivors, officials, and suspected perpetrators. Their investigation covered impacted regions, including government-controlled territories and areas under the effective control of an Israeli-supported coalition of local Druze armed groups.

The assessment stated Damascus must determine whether “certain practices are tolerated” among elements within its security apparatus, referencing the brutality. It demanded identification and removal of leadership figures who enabled the violence.

Tribal combatants from distant regions of Syria moved into Sweida to assist government forces, while authorities seemed “unwilling or unable” to stop them, according to the findings.

The multi-day summer fighting in Sweida represented a major challenge for al-Sharaa, who has worked to establish complete governmental control throughout the conflict-ravaged nation and gain support from Syria’s minority populations.

While some prisoner exchanges have occurred, meaningful reconciliation remains elusive. Human rights organizations condemn Damascus for insufficient accountability mechanisms regarding civilian attacks.

The assessment detailed “widespread looting and systematic burning” during the government-backed offensive, plus civilian murders and kidnappings. Tribal forces attacked nearly every residence in 35 provincial villages that had mixed or majority-Druze populations.

“Particularly, the Druze population has been subjected to severe sectarian violence, leading to massive displacement that is expected to persist for an extended period,” the report said.

Investigators found some remains months following the ceasefire, discovered in streets and fields, with others burned or mutilated.

“Nearly all Druze religious sites in those villages … were looted, burned, and vandalized,” the report stated. It noted three worship centers were destroyed by fire, with another ransacked and damaged.

Counter-attacks against Bedouin non-combatants occurred mainly in Sweida province’s western rural areas. While most documented incidents happened during active fighting, many attacks “appeared to be deliberately directed at civilian areas.”

The findings describe Bedouin civilians, including minors and elderly residents, being shot dead while attempting to escape on foot, and one incident where two men’s remains were displayed at a village entrance for days. Four mosques were also attacked.

The violence’s magnitude overwhelmed medical facilities in both Sweida and adjacent Daraa province, as hundreds of victims arrived during the escalating conflict, exceeding morgue capacity. Many remains were severely burned while others left outdoors were “likely scavenged by wild animals before being found.”

“Hospital staff and first responders were forced to allow the burial of bodies before they could be identified; while safeguarding records and images of where the body was found and when, and of remaining clothing or jewelry, body marks or tattoos where available, to aid subsequent identification,” the report said.

The United Nations children’s agency announced Friday that Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah has resulted in the displacement of more than 370,000 Lebanese children from their homes.

Marcoluigi Corsi, who serves as UNICEF’s representative in Lebanon, revealed the devastating toll on young people caught in the crossfire. According to his report, at least 121 children have lost their lives while 399 others have sustained injuries during the ongoing conflict.

The figures underscore the humanitarian crisis affecting Lebanon’s youngest and most vulnerable population as military operations continue in the region.

VIENNA, March 27 – The Austrian government’s three-party coalition announced Friday its intention to establish a mandatory minimum age requirement of 14 years old for accessing social media platforms.

Alexander Proell, the conservative junior minister overseeing digitization, revealed the proposal during a joint news conference featuring cabinet representatives from all three governing parties. “Austria is introducing a compulsory minimum age of 14 for the use of social media platforms,” Proell stated, noting that officials expect to complete draft legislation by June.

The announcement represents a significant step by the conservative-led government to regulate young people’s access to digital platforms.

MOSCOW – Russian government officials criticized the United States on Friday for requiring a resolution to the Ukraine conflict before pursuing economic partnerships between the two nations.

Dmitry Peskov, who serves as the Kremlin’s chief spokesperson, argued that linking business cooperation to the war settlement is counterproductive for both countries.

“We are wasting time, and American companies, just like our own, are missing out on the profits they could already be making,” Peskov stated during Friday’s briefing.

The Russian official maintained that discussions about potential collaboration remain under consideration, emphasizing that Moscow and Washington “have many opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation” despite current diplomatic tensions.

TUNIS – Family members of imprisoned Tunisian opposition leaders have emerged as the primary advocates for democratic reform, taking up the fight for their detained relatives in what human rights organizations describe as President Kais Saied’s systematic suppression of political dissent.

Over the past three years, Tunisia’s major opposition party leaders have been incarcerated alongside numerous politicians, media figures, business leaders and activists. Authorities have charged them with plotting against national security, financial crimes, and corruption – accusations the defendants claim are completely false.

Youssef Chaouachi, a 35-year-old engineer, transformed into an activist following his father’s arrest three years ago. His father Ghazi Chaouachi, a Social Democratic leader, received a 20-year prison sentence in 2025 for allegedly conspiring to remove Saied from power, charges he vehemently rejects.

“We are now the ones organizing protests, speaking to the media, and putting ourselves on the front lines. We didn’t choose this role,” Youssef Chaouachi explained while holding his father’s photograph during a demonstration in Tunis last month.

The widespread arrests and legal proceedings have silenced nearly all opposition voices in a country that was once celebrated as the Arab Spring’s greatest democratic achievement, according to domestic and international human rights organizations.

“It feels like the revolution never happened,” Chaouachi stated.

Tunisia’s government media representatives did not respond to requests for comment regarding allegations of political persecution and false charges. During recent ministerial meetings at the end of 2025, the president has repeatedly declared he is “in the process of cleansing the country of the corrupt and traitors.”

In 2022, President Saied dismantled Tunisia’s Supreme Judicial Council and removed dozens of judges, citing corruption and obstruction of justice. Opposition leaders argue this action destroyed judicial independence.

Justice Minister Leila Jeffel addressed parliament last December, stating that courts enforce the law, the ministry upholds justice principles, and will not harm innocent people. She emphasized that the judiciary operates independently and judges need not fear reprisals.

Ministry officials were unavailable for additional comment.

The suppression of political opposition motivated four family members of different detainees interviewed by Reuters to expand beyond simple release campaigns. They now organize demonstrations, establish advocacy organizations, and conduct media interviews demanding political reform and the restoration of civil rights.

Currently in Tunisia, most political organizations are either dormant or have leadership in prison.

Family members of detainees have become increasingly prominent in street demonstrations and sit-ins outside courthouses and correctional facilities, joining other civil society activists.

While there’s minimal indication they can achieve their demanded changes, they appear to be gaining public support, evidenced by growing participation in at least three major demonstrations in recent months, as observed by Reuters journalists.

These family-led efforts coincide with Saied’s administration confronting labor strikes, public anger over lost civil freedoms, economic difficulties, and environmental deterioration, according to activists.

Saied disbanded parliament in 2021 and began governing through executive orders to eliminate what he termed widespread corruption and poor governance. A new parliament was elected in 2022 with only 8% voter participation.

“Tunisia has become a huge prison,” Youssef Chaouachi shouted at a February protest, while dozens of police officers watched nearby.

His father is among various imprisoned figures including moderate Islamist Rached Ghannouchi, Abir Moussi (a supporter of former President Zine El Abidine Ben Ali), and veteran leftist politician Nejib Chebbi along with his brother Issam.

Defense attorneys claim the cases are fabricated and politically driven, designed to eliminate opposition, arguing no concrete evidence exists to establish guilt.

Reuters did not independently examine the evidence.

Government officials have maintained the charges are legitimate.

The son of prominent attorney Ahmed Souab organized protests attracting thousands before Souab’s release following a successful appeal, while the son of detained politician Chaima Issa regularly demonstrates outside prisons.

Faiza Rahem, wife of imprisoned opposition figure Issam Chebbi, said the absence of opposition leaders motivated her involvement.

“We were not politically active, but injustice forced us to be,” she explained, adding it has brought together families of the imprisoned from various political backgrounds.

She described how the imprisonments now control family routines. When relatives plan gatherings or trips, they must coordinate around prison visiting hours and meal preparations.

The Chaouachi family’s suburban Tunis residence feels unusually quiet. Dining table seats that once hosted spirited discussions remained vacant during Ramadan meals. In the kitchen, Ghazi’s wife Sofia Ben Agla prepared a week’s supply of food for her husband’s prison visits.

Some relatives have faced legal action themselves.

Ghazi Chaouachi’s son Elyes, Youssef’s brother, now lives in exile and faces over 70 years imprisonment after convictions on multiple charges including terrorism, defamation for criticizing Saied and judges on Facebook, and inciting judicial violence, which he denies.

“I could have stayed silent and lived a normal life — visiting my father during holidays. But I chose another path. I chose to be a voice for those who have none,” he told Reuters from France, where he currently resides.

Last year, during a meeting with the prime minister at the presidential palace in Carthage, the president stated that Tunisia guarantees freedoms.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio is traveling to France today for a crucial G7 summit, where he plans to seek backing from reluctant European allies for the Trump administration’s ongoing military conflict with Iran.

The high-stakes meeting brings together officials from the globe’s most prosperous democratic nations as the U.S. works to build an international coalition. Rubio faces the challenge of convincing partners who have shown hesitation about supporting America’s military engagement in the region.

The diplomatic push comes as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East, with the administration looking to strengthen its position through allied support at this critical juncture.

GENEVA – A United Nations investigation released Friday documented devastating violence in southern Syria that claimed over 1,700 lives and displaced nearly 200,000 people during one week last July, with investigators saying multiple groups may have committed war crimes.

The comprehensive 85-page investigation by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Syrian Arab Republic determined that at least 1,707 people died in Suweida Governorate. Most victims were civilians from the Druze religious minority, along with members of the Bedouin population and at least 225 government workers.

According to the investigation, approximately 155,000 people continue to live as displaced persons, creating an ongoing humanitarian crisis that persists months after a tenuous ceasefire took effect.

A separate investigation commissioned by the Syrian government and released March 17 recorded 1,760 deaths and 2,188 injuries “from all sides.” That inquiry also determined there were “many human rights violations” by various parties, including local armed groups and individuals connected to ISIS, as well as government and security force members, many of whom have been detained.

The government-appointed committee, established soon after the violence occurred, stated its work was based on collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses, with results forwarded to the Justice Ministry.

The UN Commission determined that violations occurred across all major conflict participants. Many of these violations could qualify as war crimes, and some instances might rise to the level of crimes against humanity, investigators concluded.

According to the report, tribal fighters who joined government forces during initial operations functioned under direct government oversight, making the state responsible for their conduct, while other fighters were classified as active combatants.

The bloodshed occurred in three distinct waves from July 14 through July 19, 2025, approximately seven months following the rebel overthrow of Bashar al-Assad’s government, with each period characterized by civilian attacks and extensive abuses. During the opening phase, government troops and allied fighters conducted executions, unlawful detentions, torture, sexual assault and theft, mainly targeting Druze residents, the investigation found.

The second wave involved Druze armed groups striking back against Bedouin populations, carrying out murders, torture, forced relocations and attacks on civilian and religious locations, resulting in the displacement of virtually all Bedouins from territories they controlled.

The final phase witnessed thousands of tribal fighters organizing and moving into Suweida, where they conducted extensive looting, killings and home burning across dozens of villages, with nearly every structure in 35 villages reportedly damaged or completely destroyed.

Investigators stated that unlawful executions were commonplace, with civilians – including women, children, elderly and disabled individuals – targeted during home invasions and in public areas, frequently accompanied by religious slurs.

The commission also recorded systematic torture, kidnappings, sexual and gender-based violence, attacks on religious buildings and deliberate destruction of civilian property, much of which perpetrators filmed and shared on social media platforms.

Although major fighting ended following the July 19 ceasefire, intermittent conflicts and violations have persisted, and investigators cautioned that without accountability measures and political solutions, conditions remain unstable.

The commission emphasized that addressing violations, delivering justice for victims and restoring trust among communities would be crucial to preventing future violence.

KYIV – Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Friday that his country has entered into a defense cooperation pact with Saudi Arabia, establishing a framework for upcoming military contracts, technology sharing, and investment opportunities.

The Ukrainian leader made the announcement while on an official visit to the Saudi kingdom, noting that the pact was finalized before his scheduled meeting with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Speaking through his Telegram social media account, Zelenskyy expressed Ukraine’s willingness to collaborate with the Middle Eastern nation. “We are ready to share our expertise and systems with Saudi Arabia and to work together to strengthen the protection of lives,” the president stated.

The agreement marks another step in Ukraine’s efforts to build international partnerships amid ongoing global tensions.

BEIJING – China’s commerce ministry announced Friday it has opened two investigations examining US trade practices that restrict Chinese goods from entering American markets, choosing to pursue formal inquiries rather than immediate retaliatory action against recent US measures.

The announcement comes as a trade ceasefire between the two economic powers remains intact following the October meeting between US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Trump announced earlier this week plans to visit Beijing in mid-May as part of Washington’s broader strategy to rebuild relationships across the Asia-Pacific region.

According to the ministry’s statement, both Chinese investigations will wrap up within six months, though officials indicated the timeline could be extended if needed. The probes directly respond to two US Section 301 investigations targeting China, with the ministry characterizing their actions as reciprocal measures.

Chinese officials stated they will implement appropriate actions to protect their national interests based on what the investigations uncover.

The US initiated two trade inquiries earlier this month, examining excessive industrial capacity among 16 trading partners, including China, alongside concerns about forced labor practices. During bilateral trade discussions in Paris, Chinese representatives voiced objections to these investigations.

Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao reiterated these concerns Thursday while meeting with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer during a World Trade Organization gathering in Cameroon. Despite expressing reservations, Wang indicated China’s openness to enhancing economic and trade partnerships between the nations.

BEIJING – Chinese officials are pushing back against Japan’s response to a security incident at Beijing’s embassy in Tokyo, saying a simple apology isn’t adequate after a Japanese military officer carrying a knife forced his way into the diplomatic facility.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian told reporters Friday that while Japan has acknowledged the Tuesday incident was unfortunate, Chinese leadership wants much more transparency about what happened.

Japan’s chief government spokesman Minoru Kihara had previously called the embassy breach “regrettable” and promised new security protocols to prevent similar incidents.

However, Lin emphasized that Beijing remains unsatisfied with Tokyo’s handling of the situation. “The Japanese side has expressed deep regret to the Chinese side regarding this incident, but this is far from sufficient,” Lin stated during a routine press briefing.

Chinese officials are now pressing for complete details about the security breach. “We once again urge the Japanese side to conduct a thorough investigation as soon as possible and provide China with a responsible explanation,” Lin added.

According to Lin, Japanese authorities have yet to release specific information about how the incident unfolded or the circumstances surrounding the intrusion.

This diplomatic tension adds another layer of complexity to already strained relations between the two Asian powers. The countries’ relationship has grown increasingly difficult since Japan’s prime minister announced in November that Japanese forces could potentially intervene militarily if Chinese actions against Taiwan posed threats to Japanese territory.

ISLAMABAD (AP) — With concerns growing about broader Middle East conflict after recent U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran starting in late February, Pakistan has surprisingly positioned itself as a peace broker, volunteering to facilitate dialogue between Washington and Tehran.

While Islamabad doesn’t typically serve in such high-level diplomatic roles, the nation has taken on this responsibility due to its positive relationships with both the U.S. and Iran, plus its significant interest in seeing regional tensions de-escalate.

Pakistani leadership has indicated their public peace initiatives follow several weeks of behind-the-scenes diplomatic work, though specific details remain limited. Officials have also expressed Islamabad’s willingness to serve as a venue for direct discussions between American and Iranian representatives.

Pakistan’s involvement in U.S.-Iran diplomatic channels only became public knowledge recently through news coverage. Islamabad officials later confirmed they had transmitted an American proposal to Iranian leadership.

The identity of Iran’s primary contact in these indirect negotiations remains unknown. While Iran has denied participating in such discussions and rejected the U.S. proposal, Tehran has confirmed sending counter-proposals in response.

Pakistani officials report they are serving as a communication bridge, delivering U.S. messages to Iran and Iranian responses back to Washington, though they haven’t detailed the exact process or identified specific participants. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar noted this week that Turkey and Egypt are also conducting behind-the-scenes efforts to encourage negotiations.

Abdullah Khan, managing director of the Pakistan Institute for Conflict and Security Studies, suggested Pakistan’s mediation work may be helping maintain relative calm in the situation. He observed that President Donald Trump has postponed threatened major strikes against Iran’s energy sector due to diplomatic developments, while Iranian actions against U.S. Gulf interests have been restrained, possibly to maintain diplomatic opportunities.

Past U.S.-Iran negotiations have typically involved Middle Eastern nations like Oman and Qatar as facilitators, but with these countries now facing Iranian attacks during the current conflict, Pakistan has assumed this responsibility.

Experts note Pakistan’s border with Iran, combined with its established U.S. relationship, creates a distinctive advantage when direct U.S.-Iran communication remains difficult.

Islamabad maintains functional relationships with most major conflict participants, including both America and Iran. The country has strong strategic connections with Gulf nations like Saudi Arabia, signing a defense partnership agreement last year. However, Pakistan doesn’t maintain Israeli diplomatic ties due to the unresolved Palestinian statehood question.

U.S.-Pakistan relations have strengthened since last year through increased diplomatic contact and growing economic connections. Pakistan also joined Trump’s Board of Peace focused on Gaza stability, despite domestic Islamist opposition.

Recently, President Trump contacted Pakistani army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir, whom Trump has publicly called his “favorite Field Marshal.” Experts describe Munir as someone who maintains good connections with both Iranian and American military leadership.

The regional crisis presents some of Pakistan’s most severe economic and energy security threats in history, according to Islamabad security analyst Syed Mohammad Ali.

Pakistan depends on Middle Eastern sources for most oil and gas supplies, while approximately five million Pakistani workers in Arab nations send home annual remittances roughly matching the country’s total export revenue.

Increased regional tensions have already driven up global oil costs, forcing Pakistan to raise fuel prices about 20% and creating pressure for Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s government.

The conflict is also intensifying domestic unrest, as Pakistan has been managing its own border dispute with Afghanistan for months. Islamabad has blamed Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership for allowing militant organizations responsible for Pakistani attacks.

Nationwide protests broke out earlier this month following U.S. strikes on Iran, with demonstrators confronting security personnel in multiple cities.

Following the U.S. and Israeli attack on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, violence erupted in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi and northern regions, resulting in at least 22 deaths and over 120 injuries across the country.

At least 12 people died near the U.S. Consulate in Karachi when crowds breached the facility and tried to ignite it.

Khamenei held significant religious and political importance for global Shiites, including Pakistani communities.

Although Pakistan seldom acts as a mediator, the nation has participated in several significant diplomatic initiatives.

Former President Gen. Yahya Khan enabled secret communications that resulted in President Richard Nixon’s groundbreaking 1972 China visit. This breakthrough led to formal U.S.-China diplomatic relations in 1979.

Subsequently, Pakistan has contributed to various complex regional disputes, particularly during the 1988 Geneva Accords that enabled Soviet forces to leave Afghanistan. As a frontline nation and crucial intermediary, Islamabad joined U.N.-mediated discussions while collaborating with America and other partners to pressure Moscow’s withdrawal.

More recently, Pakistan enabled Afghan Taliban-Washington contact that produced Doha negotiations, resulting in a 2020 agreement that established conditions for U.S.-led NATO departure and the Taliban’s 2021 return to power.

India is working to strengthen energy partnerships with Russia following supply disruptions triggered by recent U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, according to sources familiar with the negotiations.

The development represents a significant shift for New Delhi, which had previously reduced Russian oil purchases earlier this year as part of broader diplomatic efforts with the Trump administration regarding trade tariffs.

Two individuals with knowledge of the discussions revealed that India and Russia are preparing to finalize agreements for Moscow to restart direct liquefied natural gas sales to India for the first time since the Ukraine conflict began. Officials from both nations reached a preliminary understanding during a March 19 meeting between Russian Deputy Energy Minister Pavel Sorokin and Indian Petroleum and Gas Minister Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi.

The talks also covered expanding crude oil shipments to India, potentially doubling from January levels to comprise at least 40% of India’s total oil imports within approximately one month, according to three sources briefed on the discussions.

India emerged as a significant purchaser of discounted Russian crude following the Ukraine invasion, acquiring nearly $44 billion worth of oil from Moscow last year. This relationship had created tensions with the Trump administration, as India ranks as the world’s third-largest oil importer and consumer.

The energy crisis intensified after the February 28 U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, which prompted Tehran to retaliate by targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. This critical waterway handles approximately half of India’s crude oil and natural gas imports, and its disruption has created supply shortages across the country.

Indian consumers have experienced the impact firsthand, with lengthy queues forming at gas stations and some restaurants facing cooking gas shortages.

Sources indicate that India has already contacted Washington seeking potential sanctions exemptions for the proposed Russian energy deals. Indian officials have also instructed energy importers to prepare for resuming Russian natural gas purchases.

When asked about the potential agreements, Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed last week that New Delhi maintains discussions with multiple countries to secure energy supplies, including natural gas. Indian authorities have also acknowledged purchasing Russian liquefied petroleum gas for cooking purposes, which falls outside current sanctions.

Russian energy ministry officials declined to provide comment on the India discussions, while the U.S. Treasury Department did not address questions regarding sanctions relief.

Former Indian Ambassador to Moscow Ajai Malhotra defended India’s approach, stating: “India chose the course that best served its national interests, anchored in a long-standing and trusted partnership with Russia.”

Malhotra added that New Delhi should “demand exemptions or accommodations as a normal part of negotiation between strategic partners,” referring to discussions with Washington.

The energy crisis has created broader economic concerns for India. A government briefing document dated March 20 warned that extended Middle East supply disruptions could trigger “higher inflation, a weaker currency and rising foreign debt.”

The internal assessment cautioned that export growth could decline by 2% to 4%, while wholesale inflation might increase by 0.3% to 0.7%. The document noted: “India had reduced purchases of discounted Russian crude, which would have buffered the situation to an extent.”

Russia appears eager to capitalize on the changing dynamics. Any new natural gas agreement would likely offer less favorable terms for India compared to the 20-year supply contract that India’s state-owned GAIL signed with Russia’s Gazprom in 2012. “It is now a seller’s market,” one source explained.

The renewed cooperation extends beyond energy. Russian state power company Rosseti executives visited New Delhi this month to propose collaboration on transmission infrastructure projects in India’s mountainous and remote regions, marking a potential first entry into India’s power transmission sector for Moscow.

Aviation ties are also expanding, with Timofei Titarenko from St. Petersburg’s Pulkovo Airport exploring additional direct flight connections between the two countries.

Top Russian diplomat Sergei Lavrov highlighted the strengthened economic relationship at a recent conference on Indo-Russian relations, noting that 96% of bilateral trade now occurs in rupees and rubles.

“The time-tested Russian-Indian friendship serves as an example of how interstate relations should and can be built – based on equality, mutual trust and respect, and consideration of each other’s interests,” Lavrov stated.

Financial infrastructure between the nations has also improved significantly. A senior executive from Russian bank Sberbank’s Indian operations reported that rupee-ruble transactions up to $1 billion can now be processed within a single day, more than doubling the speed from previous years.

Myanmar’s armed forces leadership is preparing for a major restructuring after Friday’s military parade, according to state media reports, marking an unusual public announcement from the secretive institution that controls the Southeast Asian country.

The timing of this leadership overhaul is significant, occurring just before Myanmar’s recently assembled parliament begins meeting Monday to select a new president. Current military commander Min Aung Hlaing has reportedly been positioning himself for this presidential role.

During a Thursday gathering with former military officers, Deputy Chief Soe Win announced that “leadership changes” would occur following the armed forces day ceremony, which traditionally includes an elaborate parade in the capital city of Naypyitaw.

“Irrespective of who leads, Tatmadaw will continue to follow the guidance of successive leaders, advisors and mentors, as well as established military doctrines and policies,” Soe Win stated, as reported by the Global New Light of Myanmar newspaper.

Myanmar is currently experiencing a political shift after elections held in December and January that critics widely condemned as fraudulent. The military-supported party’s victory has created a pathway for Min Aung Hlaing to assume the presidency.

These elections occurred during an ongoing civil conflict that began with a 2021 military coup, which removed the democratically elected administration of Nobel Peace Prize recipient Aung San Suu Kyi, further destabilizing the already struggling nation.

Independent analyst Htin Kyaw Aye noted that Myanmar’s military rarely announces high-level leadership transitions in advance, especially while engaged in combat operations across multiple regions.

“This is a scripted transition, however, such a disclosure of information suggests that there may be underlying anxieties regarding the leadership transition and the redistribution of high-level positions,” he explained.

The 69-year-old Min Aung Hlaing, an infantry veteran who was selected by former military leader Than Shwe to become commander-in-chief in 2011, has not yet publicly revealed who will succeed him in the military role.

A former rapper who transitioned into politics has taken the oath of office as Nepal’s new prime minister, facing the challenge of bringing stability to a nation plagued by governmental instability and economic struggles.

Balendra Shah, age 35, was inaugurated on Friday at the President House, becoming the youngest person to hold the office in decades. His Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), established just three years ago, secured a commanding 182 seats in the 275-seat parliament during the March 5 elections.

The election marked the first voting opportunity since deadly anti-corruption demonstrations in September, which resulted in 76 fatalities. Shah, who previously served as mayor of Kathmandu, makes history as the first Madhesi leader to govern the Himalayan country situated between India and China.

During the ceremony, Shah appeared in fitted pants, a coordinating jacket, his characteristic black Nepali cap, and sunglasses, with diplomats and government officials in attendance.

Political expert Puranjan Acharya emphasized the immediate expectations facing the new administration. “The first test of the new government lies in transparent and prompt delivery of services to people, who expect early signs of good governance from Sunday itself,” Acharya stated, noting that Sunday is a workday in Nepal.

According to Acharya, Shah’s immediate priority involves addressing the findings of an investigation into the violent protests, which families of victims have demanded be implemented. The investigation called for prosecuting officials responsible for the harsh response, including former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli.

The demonstrations were driven by unemployment and widespread corruption in the nation of 30 million, where approximately 20% live in poverty and roughly 1,500 citizens emigrate daily seeking employment opportunities.

Nepal has struggled with consistent leadership, experiencing 32 different governments since 1990, with none successfully completing a full five-year term.

The established Nepali Congress party finished far behind in second place with only 38 parliamentary seats. Oli’s Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist), who stepped down following the youth uprising, holds 25 seats.

Former Chief Justice Sushila Karki guided the country during the transitional period leading up to the parliamentary elections.

European Union leaders are eagerly awaiting Hungary’s April 12 election, hoping it will end Prime Minister Viktor Orban’s pattern of obstructing crucial EU initiatives, including essential financial support for Ukraine.

Current polling data indicates Orban’s nationalist Fidesz party, which has governed since 2010, may face defeat against Peter Magyar’s center-right Tisza party.

Orban has consistently frustrated EU colleagues through his close relationship with Russian President Vladimir Putin and alliance with U.S. President Donald Trump. His recent obstruction of a critical 90 billion euro Ukrainian loan package has particularly angered European partners.

“This was the last straw that broke the camel’s back,” an EU diplomat stated. “On our side, the hope to talk reason into Orban is gone.”

Should Orban lose office, diplomats from several EU member nations anticipate an end to Hungary’s obstruction of various policies, from Ukrainian financial assistance to sanctions targeting Russia and violent Israeli settlers.

However, if Orban secures another victory and continues using his veto power, some officials predict efforts to marginalize Hungary within the union.

“It seems that ‘more of the same’ is no longer an option for most EU countries,” former Latvian Prime Minister Krisjanis Karins, who attended numerous EU summits with Orban, told Reuters.

“If Orban stays, we will have to change how we work,” a senior European official added.

Hungarian government representatives did not provide comment when contacted.

Reuters interviewed more than twelve current and former officials knowledgeable about Europe’s relationship with Hungary regarding next month’s election implications for the EU. Speaking anonymously about internal member state politics, many expressed frank frustration with Orban.

“I think everybody hopes Orban will lose,” a second EU diplomat remarked.

European officials have long worried about what they perceive as Hungary’s declining democratic standards under Orban’s leadership, as he has strengthened executive authority, restricted press freedom and NGO operations, and conducted campaigns criticizing the EU and its initiatives.

Orban rejects claims of undermining democracy, positioning himself as a protector of Europe’s traditional Christian principles against disconnected liberal leadership.

However, the Orban administration’s maintained ties with Moscow following Russia’s comprehensive Ukraine invasion in 2022 created a more significant rift between Budapest and numerous Western governments.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz recently characterized Orban’s Ukrainian loan veto as “gross disloyalty” that harmed the EU’s credibility and operational capacity.

While Brussels officials hope for improved relations with Budapest should Tisza prevail, they remain cautious about expectations.

Vera Jourova, former European Commission deputy head, told Reuters that an opposition victory would “renew the chance of unity on basic security matters” within the 27-member EU.

Yet Magyar, remembered in Brussels as an effective negotiator during his diplomatic service for Hungary, would likely remain among the most skeptical voices regarding migration policy and potential Ukrainian EU membership, officials note.

“I have very few illusions about Magyar’s world view. We should be careful not to expect too much,” a third EU diplomat explained. “The difference will be more in tone of voice than substance.”

“Magyar is from the same political family (as Orban), nobody is expecting a revolution,” another EU diplomat observed.

Magyar has expressed commitment to strengthening Hungary’s position within the EU and NATO, particularly seeking to access approximately 17 billion euros in EU funding that Brussels suspended due to Orban’s non-compliance with rule-of-law requirements.

Richard Demeny, an analyst at Budapest’s Political Capital think tank, stated: “I don’t expect 180 degrees change (from a Magyar-led government) regarding EU relations, but we can expect a more constructive relationship with Brussels.”

A Magyar adviser, speaking anonymously, confirmed that such a government would maintain similar positions to Orban’s on migration and EU expansion issues.

“But the difference,” the adviser explained, “is that Orban used this to blackmail (the EU) and represent the Russian interest. We will represent the Hungarian interest.”

DOLLOW, Somalia — In a packed refugee camp in southern Somalia, the wails of hungry children offer a glimmer of hope — because the most severely malnourished youngsters lack the strength to make any sound at all.

Mothers at the Ladan displacement camp in Dollow focus solely on keeping their families alive, unconcerned with distant conflicts or aid logistics. These families escaped devastating drought conditions that have struck the Horn of Africa following four consecutive seasons without adequate rainfall.

With their farms destroyed and animals dead, refugees arrive at the camp carrying little beyond their children.

Relief workers at Ladan report that the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict — occurring more than 3,000 kilometers away — has complicated their operations, disrupting supply chains and causing fuel prices to skyrocket.

According to UNICEF, approximately $15.7 million in critical supplies including therapeutic nutrition, vaccines, and protective bed nets are currently in shipment or being prepared for Somalia. However, these deliveries now face significant uncertainty.

The United Nations agency reports that transportation expenses may increase between 30% and 60%, potentially doubling on certain routes, while shipping delays from rerouting and bottlenecks become increasingly probable.

During her Wednesday visit to Dollow, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell described the Iranian conflict as creating a “shock to the system” for the organization’s Somali operations.

“It means that we can’t get supplies in as easily, and that fuel costs are really high,” she stated. “It’s another problem that we have to try to deal with, and it means that more and more children will suffer.”

Simultaneously, over 400 medical and nutrition centers have shuttered across Somalia in the past year, primarily due to reduced U.S. funding, leaving numerous communities without essential services. Relief organizations caution that additional closures may occur.

These challenges have intensified conditions at Ladan, where malnutrition particularly threatens the youngest residents.

“What we’re seeing is that children are really on the edge already,” Russell observed.

From Somalia’s capital Mogadishu, government officials announced last month that approximately 6.5 million citizens — from a total population exceeding 20 million — confront serious food insecurity as drought conditions worsen and ongoing violence plus international aid reductions deepen the national emergency.

These humanitarian challenges represent only part of the crisis as Somalia’s government continues its prolonged battle against al-Shabab, the al-Qaeda-affiliated militant organization, working to regain territory from these extremist forces.

Recent findings from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, an international hunger monitoring organization, project that 1.84 million Somali children under age 5 will experience acute malnutrition during 2026.

At Ladan, situated along the town’s dusty perimeter, endless rows of temporary shelters extend beneath the unforgiving sun — fragile constructions of plastic sheeting and tattered cloth secured with sticks and thorny branches. Approximately 4,500 families call this camp home.

“We just want our children to survive,” explained Shamso Nur Hussein, a 20-year-old widow caring for three children. She abandoned their village in the Bakool region after losing all livestock.

Her makeshift cooking area at the camp — consisting of three stones and ash — remained cold, showing no evidence of recent use.

“Since morning we have only had black tea,” she informed The Associated Press during the camp visit.

At Dollow’s medical facility, mothers crowded together on narrow beds cradling weak children, some too exhausted to cry while others produced faint sounds.

Liban Roble, who coordinates nutrition programs, explained that the hospital previously treated mainly “moderate cases.”

“Now we are receiving children in extremely critical condition — severely malnourished, weak, and in some cases almost skeletal,” he reported.

Roble indicated the hospital maintains sufficient supplies to treat malnourished patients “until mid-April or the end of April.”

“If new stock doesn’t arrive, more children will deteriorate and potentially die,” he warned.

At Ladan’s nutrition facility, medical staff measured children and distributed peanut-based therapeutic paste, placing it directly into the youngsters’ mouths.

This treatment serves as a crucial lifeline, helping prevent rapid deterioration among malnourished children, according to nurse Abdimajid Adan Hussein.

“Their weakened bodies make them vulnerable to pneumonia, diarrhea and other illnesses,” Hussein explained.

Local leaders report that current assistance falls well below needs.

“We used to receive assistance from humanitarian agencies, but that stopped in September 2025,” stated Abdifatah Mohamed Osman, Ladan’s deputy chairman. “Now the little support we get is mainly therapeutic food for malnourished children.”

MOSCOW – Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov has accused the United States of attempting to seize control of the Nord Stream natural gas pipeline network in the Baltic Sea, according to statements made during a television interview on Thursday.

The pipeline system suffered catastrophic damage from unexplained explosions in September 2022, effectively cutting off most Russian gas deliveries to European nations. The blasts occurred more than three years ago and severely disrupted energy supplies across the continent, though Russia had already significantly reduced shipments by that time.

Both Russian officials and Western nations have characterized the pipeline destruction as deliberate sabotage. Investigators have spent considerable time attempting to determine responsibility for the attacks, leading to the arrest of a Ukrainian suspect in Italy last year on charges of orchestrating the operation.

During his appearance on France Televisions, Lavrov claimed America seeks to control international energy markets, pointing to situations in Venezuela and Iran as examples. He alleged Washington has gained influence over Venezuela’s massive oil reserves, which are considered the world’s largest.

“The United States is also now saying that it wants to take over the Nord Stream pipelines,” Lavrov stated, according to interview transcripts released by Russia’s foreign ministry.

The Russian official offered no additional specifics to support his allegations.

Reports from The Wall Street Journal in 2024 indicated that American businessman Stephen P. Lynch was pursuing acquisition of the Nord Stream 2 pipeline system, which consists of two lines with one remaining undamaged.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Israeli forces conducted fresh military operations against Iranian positions early Friday morning, targeting sites within Tehran as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East conflict nearing its one-month mark.

The Friday assault focused on locations described as being “in the heart of Tehran,” following Israel’s announcement that it would be escalating attacks against Iranian weapons manufacturing sites. Details about specific targets remained unavailable immediately following the strikes.

Smoke was visible rising from Beirut, though Israeli officials had not confirmed operations in the Lebanese capital at the time. Meanwhile, warning sirens echoed across Israel as defense forces worked to counter incoming Iranian missile attacks. Iran maintained its offensive operations against neighboring Gulf nations, with drone and missile strikes reported in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates.

Washington has been urging Tehran to engage with a 15-point ceasefire framework, while simultaneously deploying additional military personnel to the region, potentially preparing for operations to challenge Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz.

Following Wall Street’s most significant decline since hostilities began, Asian financial markets largely dropped Friday amid increasing skepticism about prospects for de-escalation. Energy prices climbed once more, with Brent crude reaching $107 per barrel during morning sessions, representing a surge of more than 45% since the February 28 joint U.S.-Israeli operation that initiated the current conflict.

Iran’s control over maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz has sparked mounting fears of a worldwide energy shortage, appearing to be part of Tehran’s approach to pressure Washington by destabilizing global markets. Gulf Arab nations reported Thursday that Iran is now collecting fees from vessels seeking safe transit through the strategic waterway.

Trump representative Steve Witkoff confirmed that Washington had transmitted a 15-point “action list” to Iran through Pakistani intermediaries for potential ceasefire negotiations. The proposal encompasses limitations on Iran’s nuclear activities and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to free navigation.

Tehran has declined the American proposal and presented its own five-point counter-offer, demanding financial compensation and acknowledgment of Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz.

During ongoing diplomatic activities, a U.S. naval group carrying approximately 2,500 Marines moved closer to the area. Additionally, no fewer than 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division — specially trained for hostile territory operations to secure strategic locations and airstrips — received deployment orders to the region.

While American and Israeli military actions against Iran persisted, the U.N. Security Council arranged private discussions regarding Iran for Friday in New York, confirmed by two U.N. officials speaking anonymously due to the meeting’s confidential nature.

The diplomats noted that Russia had requested the session to address U.S.-Israeli strikes on civilian infrastructure within Iran, which the United States, currently holding the Security Council presidency, agreed to schedule.

Iranian Health Ministry figures indicate that over 1,900 people have lost their lives in Iran since fighting commenced.

Israeli casualties include eighteen civilians and at least three military personnel killed in Lebanon. American forces have suffered thirteen fatalities. Additional deaths include four individuals in the occupied West Bank and twenty in Gulf Arab nations.

Lebanese authorities report more than 1,100 deaths. In Iraq, where Iranian-backed militia organizations have joined the conflict, 80 security force members have been killed.

The United Arab Emirates has informed the United States and Western partners that it’s prepared to take part in an international naval coalition designed to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz, according to a Friday Financial Times report citing sources with knowledge of the discussions.

According to the report, the UAE is working to rally dozens of nations to establish what it calls a “Hormuz Security Force” that would protect the strategic waterway from Iranian aggression and provide security escorts for commercial vessels.

Among regional nations, the UAE has endured more attacks from Iran than any other country, surpassing even Israel in frequency of incidents.

Multiple American allies have indicated they currently have no plans to deploy naval vessels to clear the blocked Strait of Hormuz, declining President Trump’s appeals for military assistance to maintain access to the crucial shipping route.

On Thursday, France announced it had conducted discussions with approximately 35 nations in search of partners and proposals for a mission to restore strait access, though only after the conclusion of the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran.

Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz has disrupted approximately 20% of worldwide oil and liquefied natural gas transportation, driving up energy costs and raising concerns about global inflation.

The UAE is also collaborating with Bahrain on a United Nations Security Council resolution that would grant official authorization to any future naval taskforce, though the report notes that Russia and China may block such efforts.

Security Council members have started discussions on resolutions aimed at safeguarding commercial shipping through and around the Strait of Hormuz, including a Bahraini proposal that would permit the use of “all necessary means,” as Reuters previously reported this week.

A week ago, a high-ranking UAE official indicated the country might participate in a U.S.-led initiative to protect maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz following Iran’s near-complete closure of the passage to vessels.

The shipping channel holds critical importance for the UAE’s economy, as the nation serves as both a significant oil producer and regional trading center. Iran has launched multiple strikes against an Emirati port facility outside the Gulf that handles oil export operations.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm the Financial Times report.

Russian President Vladimir Putin reportedly held a private meeting with the nation’s wealthiest business leaders this week, seeking financial contributions to help stabilize government finances amid escalating costs from the ongoing Ukraine conflict, according to reports from The Bell media outlet on Thursday evening.

The online publication, citing anonymous sources, indicated that Putin conducted the closed-door session with prominent Russian businesspeople on Thursday. The Financial Times published a corresponding report the same day, referencing three individuals with knowledge of the situation.

According to The Bell’s sources, Putin addressed military financing and the war’s continuation during the meeting. The conflict has now entered its fifth year since Russia launched its comprehensive invasion in February 2022.

Putin reportedly stated that Russia would continue fighting until it gains control over the remaining portions of Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region currently outside Russian authority, the publication noted.

The Bell also reported that billionaire Suleiman Kerimov committed to contributing 100 billion roubles (approximately $1.23 billion) during his meeting with Putin.

Reuters was unable to independently confirm these reports immediately. Attempts to reach Kerimov’s office at Russia’s Federation Council went unanswered during Friday’s non-business hours.

The extended Ukrainian conflict has created significant financial pressure for Russia, combining reduced budget income from energy exports with economic deceleration that impacts tax collections from various economic sectors.

Earlier this month, sources informed Reuters that Russian government officials have been considering potential 10% reductions to all “non-sensitive” budget expenditures for the current year, though final decisions depend on whether oil price increases related to Iranian conflicts remain stable.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — Nepal’s incoming prime minister has scheduled his inauguration ceremony for Friday afternoon using precise timing determined by Hindu religious traditions and numerological beliefs.

At exactly 12:34 p.m., Balendra Shah will be officially sworn into office on the same day Nepal observes Ram Navami, a celebration honoring the birth of the beloved Hindu deity Rama.

According to Hindu religious leaders, 12:34 p.m. represents the most favorable moment on Friday based on astrological interpretations. The timing also creates a sequential “1-2-3-4” numerical arrangement. Shah has additionally planned to arrive at his new workplace at 14:15 p.m., creating another “14-15” sequence that Hindu clergy view as spiritually beneficial.

Spiritual beliefs and astrological guidance hold significant influence in Nepal, where over 80% of citizens practice Hinduism and commonly consult favorable timing for launching businesses, wedding ceremonies, and sacred observances.

Shah’s birthplace is the capital city Kathmandu, though his ancestry traces to Nepal’s Terai area, a Hindu-majority region bordering India.

The inauguration will occur before President Ramchandra Paudel during an elaborate ceremony featuring Hindu customs, including “shankhnaad” – the ceremonial sounding of conch shells – along with sacred recitations performed by Hindu clergy and Buddhist religious leaders.

Shah intends to take his official pledge alongside his newly selected Cabinet members while government officials and foreign diplomatic representatives observe.

The incoming leader, Balendra Shah, worked as a structural engineer and gained recognition as a rap performer before serving as Kathmandu’s mayor. His political organization, the Rastriya Swatantra Party, secured approximately two-thirds of the 275 positions in Parliament’s influential lower chamber, the House of Representatives.

The 35-year-old political newcomer, commonly called Balen, will oversee a government facing the challenge of addressing widespread citizen dissatisfaction with Nepal’s traditional political establishments, which voters heavily criticized for corrupt practices and ongoing governmental instability.

Shah became a notable figure during the violent youth-driven demonstrations in September that brought down the previous administration in this nation of 30 million residents, unrest that resulted in multiple fatalities.

While Shah did not personally join the street protests, he openly endorsed the primarily Generation Z activists who spearheaded the movement.

During the week of March 20-26, 2026, significant events unfolded across Latin America and the Caribbean region.

In Colombia’s capital of Bogotá, military personnel conducted a memorial ceremony honoring those who perished in a cargo aircraft accident that occurred in Puerto Leguizamo, located in the nation’s southern territory.

Meanwhile, world-renowned soccer player Lionel Messi participated in practice sessions in Buenos Aires as Argentina’s national team prepared for an exhibition match against Mauritania.

In Mexico, groups of migrants traveled through Chiapas state to demonstrate against extended delays in processing their documentation and to seek permission to relocate to regions offering better job opportunities.

The photo collection highlighting these events was assembled by photographer Martín Mejía, who works from Lima, Peru.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Following President Donald Trump’s sharp criticism of NATO allies regarding their reluctance to support U.S. military action in Iran, Secretary of State Marco Rubio traveled to France Friday to meet with his Group of Seven diplomatic counterparts amid growing international skepticism about the conflict.

The diplomatic mission faces significant challenges as Rubio attempts to convince other G7 foreign ministers to back America’s Iran strategy, which has drawn objections from nearly all partner nations. Trump’s harsh remarks about NATO during Thursday’s Cabinet meeting have complicated Rubio’s diplomatic efforts even further. Among G7 members beyond the United States, five nations — Britain, Canada, France, Germany and Italy — belong to the transatlantic defense alliance, with only Japan remaining outside the organization.

Rubio departed Washington for the G7 gathering near Paris shortly after Trump expressed strong frustration with NATO countries for failing to support the United States and Israel in the Iran conflict.

“We are very disappointed with NATO because NATO has done absolutely nothing,” Trump said.

The Secretary of State faces the challenge of repairing relationships with European allies who have endured criticism and direct threats from Trump’s administration. European leaders continue to feel stung by Trump’s previous demands for Denmark to surrender Greenland, while also harboring concerns about continued American support for Ukraine against Russia. The Middle Eastern conflict has created an additional source of diplomatic friction.

“Frankly, I think countries around the world, even those that are out there complaining about this a little bit, should actually be grateful that the United States has a president that’s willing to confront a threat like this,” Rubio said at the Cabinet meeting.

When questioned by journalists about the expected response from allies, Rubio expressed optimism before departing for France, stating he anticipated productive discussions with his G7 colleagues and predicted “we’re going to have great meetings.”

He subsequently shared on X that he would engage with “world leaders about the security concerns we share around the world and opportunities to address the situation in the Middle East and the Russia-Ukraine war.”

Trump has expressed frustration over his inability to build coalition support for his chosen military campaign against Iran, with NATO and most other allies declining his requests to help maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian interference has disrupted petroleum transport and elevated energy costs worldwide.

“We’re there to protect NATO, to protect them from Russia. But they’re not there to protect us,” Trump said Thursday. He later added: “I never thought we needed them. I was more doing a test.”

Prior to the American president’s statements, NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte highlighted increased defense expenditures by alliance members — something Trump has consistently demanded — acknowledging that Europe and Canada had previously relied too heavily on American military strength, though a “shift in mindset” has emerged.

Rutte emphasized NATO’s position that Iran must not acquire nuclear weapons and noted the alliance has “long recognized the threat Iran’s missile program posed to allies and their interests. And what the United States is currently doing is degrading those capabilities, both the nuclear and the missile.”

France, which is hosting the G7 discussions at a historic abbey near Versailles, has expressed considerable doubt about the military campaign. French defense chief Gen. Fabien Mandon criticized American officials this week for failing to notify allies before beginning combat operations.

“They have just decided to intervene in the Near and Middle East without notifying us,” Mandon said. “We acted immediately, surprised by an American ally, who remains an ally, but who is less and less predictable and doesn’t even bother to inform us when it decides to engage in military operations. This affects our security. This affects our interests.”

Nevertheless, 35 nations participated in military discussions led by Mandon regarding plans to restore access to the Strait of Hormuz “once the intensity of hostilities has sufficiently decreased,” according to France’s Defense Ministry.

Rubio argued that with Iran threatening international maritime commerce, nations committed to international law “should step up and deal with it.”

Other allies have voiced concerns similar to Mandon’s while also questioning America’s dedication to Ukraine as the Iran conflict approaches its fourth week.

“We must avoid further destabilization, secure our economic freedom and develop perspectives for an end of and the time after the hostilities,” German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul said Thursday. “Our joint support for Ukraine … must not crumble now. That would be a strategic mistake with a view to Euro-Atlantic security.”

Wadephul indicated his expectation “that we can define a joint position” regarding the Middle Eastern situation.

“Of course, this is about ending this conflict as quickly as possible, but also ending it sustainably, and that means bringing about security in the Strait of Hormuz and ensuring overall that the Iranian regime, which in the past has behaved negatively enough, is also curtailed in the future,” Wadephul said.

Early Friday morning, Israeli military forces carried out attacks in central Tehran, according to military officials, as smoke clouds were visible over Beirut following President Donald Trump’s decision to postpone his ultimatum regarding Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Israeli forces have deployed thousands of soldiers into Lebanese territory, with government officials stating their intention to secure control over all territory south of the Litani River, located approximately 20 miles north of the Lebanese border.

With stock markets in turmoil, Trump announced Thursday that he was pushing back his deadline for the strait’s reopening to April 6, claiming Iran had requested additional time and describing negotiations as progressing positively. However, Iranian officials continue to deny any diplomatic engagement with Washington regarding a 15-point peace proposal.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in devastating casualties, with over 1,900 fatalities reported in Iran and nearly 1,100 deaths in Lebanon. Israeli losses include 18 civilians and three military personnel killed during operations in Lebanon. Additionally, 13 American service members have lost their lives, along with numerous civilians throughout the Gulf area. The violence has forced millions to flee their homes across Lebanon and Iran.

In related developments, New Zealand Finance Minister Nicola Willis announced Friday a comprehensive four-stage framework to address potential fuel shortages. The most restrictive phases would impose purchasing limits on gasoline and prioritize distribution for essential services.

Willis explained that specific benchmarks, including export limitations and national fuel reserve levels, would determine transitions between the four stages.

The minister emphasized that New Zealand currently operates under the first phase, representing minimal restrictions, but stressed the importance of public awareness regarding potential future limitations.

No fuel purchasing or usage restrictions are currently in effect within New Zealand.

MANILA – Despite ongoing turmoil in the Middle East, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations will move forward with its scheduled May leadership summit, Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced Friday.

The summit will be streamlined to concentrate on critical regional concerns including energy supply chains, rising food costs, and the welfare of migrant workers throughout the region, Marcos explained.

After discussions with fellow leaders from the 10-member Southeast Asian bloc, Marcos said he had inquired whether they would prefer delaying the gathering due to the Middle Eastern crisis.

“The consensus that we came to is that it is precisely now that we must coordinate our efforts,” Marcos told reporters.

The decision reflects the regional group’s commitment to addressing pressing economic and humanitarian challenges affecting Southeast Asia, even as global attention remains focused on conflicts elsewhere.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio conducted a telephone conversation with Kurdistan Regional Government Prime Minister Masrour Barzani on Thursday, according to a State Department announcement.

During the discussion, Rubio thanked Kurdish leadership for their role in facilitating the flow of Iraqi oil, including petroleum from the Kurdistan region, to international markets. The State Department noted that “The secretary also expressed his gratitude to the Kurdistan Regional Government for enabling oil from Iraq, including from the Iraq Kurdistan Region, to reach global markets.”

Oil market volatility has increased due to the ongoing conflict with Iran, affecting global energy prices.

Rubio also conveyed sympathy regarding recent casualties, as the State Department reported he “offered his condolences to the families of the Peshmerga killed in an Iranian missile attack on March 24 and wished a speedy recovery to those injured.”

The deadly incident occurred when Iranian forces launched a missile assault on a Kurdish military installation located north of Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan. According to Peshmerga officials, the Tuesday morning attack resulted in at least six Kurdish fighters losing their lives and left 30 others wounded.

Kurdish military leadership described Iran’s actions as a “treacherous attack,” stating that six Iranian ballistic missiles targeted the Peshmerga military headquarters facility north of Erbil during the early morning hours.

The broader conflict with Iran commenced on February 28 when American and Israeli forces initiated strikes against Iranian targets. Iran retaliated with its own military operations against Israeli territory and Gulf nations hosting American military installations. The escalating violence, including continued joint American-Israeli operations in Iran and Israeli military action in Lebanon, has resulted in thousands of casualties.

President Donald Trump has provided varying objectives and timeframes for the military campaign, from regime change in Iran to dismantling the country’s military and missile infrastructure. During Thursday’s remarks, Trump again claimed victory in the ongoing conflict.

HONG KONG – Chinese education officials unveiled new guidelines on Friday designed to safeguard student wellbeing by implementing restrictions on excessive homework assignments and protecting student break periods.

The Education Ministry’s new framework prohibits educational institutions from overwhelming students with too many tests or adding to their “academic burden,” according to an official statement released through the ministry’s WeChat platform.

This policy shift reflects government efforts to address mounting academic stress and support student mental health, marking a significant change from China’s long-standing educational philosophy that emphasized rigorous study habits and high academic achievement.

Educational experts note that overwhelming homework assignments have become standard practice in Chinese schools, resulting in sleep deficits and rising rates of anxiety and depression among students.

Previous regulations announced by China last November required schools to “strictly control” homework volumes while ensuring primary and secondary students receive “at least” two hours of daily physical activity during school hours.

The new guidelines also mandate that kindergartens cannot implement elementary school teaching approaches or advance elementary curriculum content.

Additionally, primary and secondary educational institutions are forbidden from conducting entrance examinations for student selection purposes, and schools cannot reward or penalize educators for “hyping up” students who achieve top scores on college entrance examinations.

The ministry emphasized that schools must not “encroach on students break time in anyway, or prohibit students from leaving the classroom during breaks.”

These measures follow China’s recent announcement introducing spring and autumn school holidays to supplement existing summer and winter vacation periods.

The Sichuan Southwest Vocational College of Aviation recently announced through its official WeChat that their six-day spring break from April 1-6 will focus on helping students “see the flowers and enjoy romance,” as government officials explore innovative approaches to encourage future marriages and stimulate domestic spending.

Federal maritime officials are keeping close watch on an extraordinary increase in ship detentions by Chinese authorities, which appears linked to an ongoing dispute over control of key Panama Canal ports.

The U.S. Federal Maritime Commission announced Thursday it’s monitoring the situation after Panama’s highest court struck down the legal basis for a 1997 agreement that allowed Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison’s Panama Ports Company to run the Balboa and Cristobal terminals. These facilities sit on opposite sides of the Panama Canal.

After the court decision in late January, Panama’s government named American subsidiaries Maersk APM Terminals and Mediterranean Shipping Company’s Terminal Investment Limited as temporary operators through 18-month contracts.

The port takeover came after growing pressure from Washington to reduce Chinese control around the vital waterway, which handles roughly 5% of worldwide shipping traffic.

FMC Chair Laura DiBella noted that China’s detention of Panama-registered vessels has far surpassed typical levels, with Lloyd’s List Intelligence reporting almost 70 ships held since March 8.

“These intensified inspections were carried out under informal directives and appear intended to punish Panama after the transfer of Hutchison’s port assets,” DiBella said in a statement.

She warned that since Panama-flagged vessels transport a substantial portion of U.S. containerized cargo, the detentions “could result in significant commercial and strategic consequences to U.S. shipping.” DiBella added that the FMC has authority to examine whether foreign government actions might damage American trade interests.

Chinese transport officials have also called Maersk and MSC representatives to Beijing for senior-level meetings, according to DiBella.

CK Hutchison, which ran the ports for almost three decades, has firmly disputed Panama’s court decision and accused the country’s officials of illegally confiscating assets. The company has initiated international arbitration proceedings against Panama, seeking more than $2 billion in compensation.

The conflict has also created complications for CK Hutchison’s proposed $23 billion deal to sell a controlling interest in its worldwide port operations to a group headed by BlackRock and MSC.

China’s Ministry of Transport has not yet provided a response to requests for comment on the situation.

Taiwan’s foreign ministry announced Thursday that the island nation will skip an upcoming World Trade Organization conference in Cameroon due to severely flawed travel documentation provided by the African host country.

The controversy began when Cameroon initially listed Taiwan as “Taiwan, province of China” in pre-conference paperwork, prompting formal complaints from Taiwan’s government to both the WTO and Cameroon officials.

When Cameroon attempted to resolve the issue by offering visa exemptions for Taiwan’s delegation, the replacement documents contained numerous mistakes, including misspelled names and incorrectly identifying nearly all delegation members as female.

“This shows that the Cameroonian side handled the matter carelessly and without sincerity,” Taiwan’s foreign ministry stated.

“If our personnel were to enter Cameroon carrying documents full of errors, there would be an even greater risk of being obstructed or humiliated upon arrival. After a comprehensive assessment, we have therefore decided not to attend.”

Cameroon’s foreign ministry has not responded to requests for comment on the matter.

A WTO representative confirmed that corrected visas were issued on March 20 following intervention by the organization’s director general, though they declined to provide additional details.

This absence represents a historic first for Taiwan, which has participated in every WTO ministerial conference since becoming a member in 2002 under the designation “Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu.”

The WTO remains one of the limited international organizations where Taiwan, a major semiconductor producer, maintains membership despite China’s claims over the island.

Beijing has intensified efforts to limit Taiwan’s global participation, particularly in Africa where China maintains strong economic and political relationships. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian accused Taiwan of “engaging in political manipulation despicably under the pretext of participation in the WTO conference to create disruption and serve their ‘Taiwan independence’ agenda.”

Taiwan has expressed particular frustration over Chinese pressure preventing its participation in World Health Organization activities, even in observer roles, despite not holding United Nations membership.

Taiwan’s democratically elected leadership maintains that Beijing lacks authority to represent or speak for the island.

MANILA – A new military cooperation agreement between the Philippines and France will enable both countries to conduct joint training exercises on each other’s soil, as the Philippines seeks to strengthen defense partnerships while facing increased tensions with China over South China Sea territorial claims.

The visiting forces pact was formalized on March 26 when Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro met with French Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Catherine Vautrin in Paris. During their discussions, both officials addressed regional security concerns and emphasized their commitment to maintaining international law and order.

Both nations stressed the importance of “the peaceful resolution of disputes” and highlighted the necessity of building stronger supply chain networks during times of crisis.

According to a statement from the Philippine defense department, “The agreement will greatly bolster bilateral cooperation and offer an adequate level of legal protection to the joint activities between the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the French Armed Forces.”

France now joins the Philippines’ network of military partnership agreements, which already includes similar arrangements with the United States, Australia, Japan, and New Zealand.

The timing of this military agreement is significant, occurring just one day after Philippine military officials reported that a Chinese missile frigate “executed an unsafe and unprofessional manoeuvre” against a Philippine Navy ship operating near Thitu Island, a crucial Philippine military position in the contested waters.

China maintains territorial claims over nearly all of the South China Sea, a vital shipping corridor that handles over $3 trillion in annual trade.

The regional powerhouse continues to reject a significant 2016 international court decision that declared its expansive territorial claims in the waterway invalid.

Iran’s struggling economy faces complete breakdown as weeks of ongoing conflict drive food costs skyward, with some essential items climbing 50% beyond pre-war prices and others doubling entirely.

The economic devastation extends far beyond rising grocery bills. Internet disruptions have crippled online services, manufacturing plants cannot secure necessary raw materials, and government operations have been severely hampered. One resident of Tehran expressed their desperation to The Media Line, stating: “It has become impossible to endure this situation any longer.”

Statistics from government-linked organizations and economic experts reveal that over 40% of Iran’s population currently exists below the absolute poverty threshold, with the capital city seeing rates exceed 50%. Economic analysts caution that actual poverty levels may have surged past 60% across the entire nation.

The disappearing middle class has created a stark divide between those making under 50 million tomans monthly (approximately $320) and higher earners bringing in over 200 million tomans per month (roughly $1,280).

Most workers and skilled laborers in Tehran earn no more than 25 million tomans monthly (about $160), placing them well below what economists consider necessary for basic living standards – at least double that amount.

The timing compounds these difficulties, as the Persian New Year traditionally brings increased household spending on food, clothing, and celebrations. This year’s seasonal price increases have been dramatically amplified by wartime conditions.

In the previous year, 180 Iranian economists published a warning about impending economic collapse caused by uncontrolled inflation and currency policies that provided special advantages to government-connected organizations, including the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Official attempts to stabilize currency exchange rates have proven unsuccessful. The US dollar’s value nearly doubled within seven months, causing Iran’s national currency to plummet.

Last summer’s initial war impact destabilized Iran’s oil-reliant economy, leading to mounting tensions that exploded into countrywide protests in January. These demonstrations quickly became political in nature, with millions participating in cities and rural communities alike in unprecedented shows of dissent that authorities eventually crushed through violent suppression.

Currently, despite Central Bank efforts to strengthen the currency, the introduction of one-million-toman banknotes signals further economic deterioration in a system largely dominated by the IRGC and other leadership-connected institutions.

The International Monetary Fund has identified Iran among nations experiencing severe economic decline in 2025, estimating that real household income values have dropped 31% from the previous year amid extremely high inflation.

Economic journalist Arezoo Karimi explained to The Media Line: “One month before the war began, official statistics showed inflation in Iran had reached its highest level since World War II.” She noted that internet shutdowns have directly harmed online businesses while indirectly impacting the broader economy.

Karimi warned that continuing these conditions will further destabilize the war-torn economy and increase unemployment. She characterized Iran’s economy as a fragile combination of high inflation, stagnant financial markets and economic activity, and increasing instability – all worsened by warfare.

She observed that escalating food costs have forced lower and middle-income families to eliminate certain foods from their meals, with the economic crisis hitting these groups hardest.

Even if Iran’s government and the United States reached an agreement, Karimi suggested the immediate economic benefits would likely be minimal, as underlying issues like poor growth, excessive liquidity, and ongoing inflation would persist without sanctions relief and new fiscal policies.

Before January’s protests, Iranian website Rouydad 24 reported food inflation exceeding 66% and presented a grim forecast. The site wrote: “What we see today in economic charts and data is the erosion of the middle class, widespread despair, depression, rising suicide rates, and the collapse of a nation’s hopes,” adding that most economists believe “this is only the beginning, and a harsh winter lies ahead for Iran.”

This prediction came true weeks later when the national currency’s collapse against the US dollar effectively destroyed private businesses competing in a market controlled by state-connected entities, including IRGC-linked networks. Small protests grew into nationwide demonstrations. The situation has continued, with the war’s start effectively extending that “harsh winter” into economic chaos this spring.

Mahtab, a senior office employee in central Tehran, shared with The Media Line: “Prices are rising every day, and some food items have increased by 70 to 80% since the war began.” Earning approximately 40 million tomans monthly, she struggles to afford basic food and household necessities. Traditional Nowruz holiday gatherings with extended family were reduced to immediate relatives only due to soaring expenses. Living in constant fear of missile, bomb, or drone attacks on her home, she believes the deteriorating economic situation has pushed citizens to their limit and could spark new protests.

Government officials have promised worker wage increases up to 60%. While authorities claim oil production and exports continue, further war escalation could worsen budget deficits during wartime when the government already faces pressure to expand subsidies to prevent renewed unrest that could seriously threaten its survival in coming weeks.

Describing wartime price increases before Nowruz, Mahtab noted food costs rising 70% to 80% compared to pre-conflict levels. “Some items like cooking oil have actually doubled in price,” she explained, adding: “Every time we go to the store, we’re shocked.” Many families initially relied on stored supplies like pasta and canned tuna, but these reserves are now exhausted and unsustainable for daily needs.

“Yesterday, I bought three loaves of bread, a few oranges, a tray of eggs, and one bottle of milk—it cost 700,000 tomans ($4.6). If I want to buy meat, chicken, rice, and oil tomorrow, I’d have to spend half my monthly salary,” Mahtab explained as air defense sounds could be heard nearby.

She mentioned that Persian New Year visits were reduced due to war and warned that prices might not decrease even after fighting ends. “Even if the war ends tomorrow, there’s no guarantee prices will go back down.” Government efforts to inject dollars to maintain exchange rates below 150,000 tomans have not reduced food costs.

Daily existence has been severely disrupted with internet outages, mostly inactive markets and industries, and widespread fear. “Every night we lie awake in fear, wondering when it will be our turn to be hit by a missile. People have reached their breaking point.”

WASHINGTON – Military experts are raising serious concerns about a potential ground operation against Iran’s most critical oil export facility, warning that American forces could face significant dangers despite the strategic value of the target.

President Trump is currently considering whether to deploy ground troops to capture Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil shipping hub located 16 miles off the Iranian coastline in the northern Persian Gulf. The island sits approximately 300 miles northwest of the Strait of Hormuz in waters deep enough to accommodate large oil tankers that cannot reach Iran’s shallow coastal ports.

The facility processes 90% of Iran’s petroleum exports, making its capture potentially devastating to Tehran’s economy. Iran ranks as the third-largest oil producer within OPEC, giving the island enormous strategic importance.

Earlier this month, American forces conducted airstrikes against military installations on Kharg Island. Trump stated they “totally obliterated” all military targets and indicated oil infrastructure could be the next objective.

According to Reuters sources, administration officials are evaluating options for a ground invasion. Two Marine units may deploy to the region by month’s end, while the Pentagon reportedly plans to send thousands of airborne soldiers to provide Trump with additional military choices.

However, defense analysts warn that capturing the island could create more problems than it solves. Ryan Brobst and Cameron McMillan from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies cautioned that occupying Kharg Island would more likely escalate and prolong the conflict rather than achieve decisive results.

“A seizure and occupation of Kharg Island is more likely to expand and extend the war than it is to deliver any sort of decisive victory,” the analysts wrote.

American troops stationed on the island would face constant threats from missile strikes and unmanned aircraft attacks, including sophisticated camera-equipped drones similar to those extensively used in Ukraine. These small but deadly “first-person view drones” pose particular risks to ground forces.

“Upon any successful strikes, the Iranian regime would be expected to release videos of those attacks online, using the graphic deaths of American service members as propaganda,” the experts warned.

While Trump hopes that controlling Kharg Island would pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and create negotiating leverage, Tehran could respond by deploying additional naval mines throughout the waterway. Such defensive measures would make the already disrupted shipping lanes even more hazardous for commercial vessels.

Joseph Votel, former commander of US Central Command, told TWZ.com that approximately 800 to 1,000 troops would be required to hold Kharg Island, but they would need extensive logistical support that would also require protection.

Votel emphasized the extreme vulnerability of forces stationed on the island and questioned whether capturing it would provide meaningful tactical benefits.

“It would be kind of an odd thing to do… But we could certainly do it if we had to,” Votel stated.

China’s Commerce Minister Wang Wentao has expressed his country’s interest in enhancing economic partnerships with the United States during discussions with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, according to an official statement from China’s Commerce Ministry.

The conversation took place Thursday at a World Trade Organization conference in Cameroon, ministry officials reported.

During the meeting, Wang emphasized that economic and commercial relationships should serve as the foundation of US-China relations, stating that both nations must “properly handle the relationship between competition and cooperation.”

The Chinese minister advocated for enhanced mutually beneficial partnerships while urging both countries to “avoid vicious competition” and work together to “look forward” toward establishing healthy and stable bilateral trade relationships.

Wang also voiced “serious concern” about America’s Section 301 trade investigations targeting multiple countries, including China.

Earlier this month, the US Trade Representative’s office announced it had launched a new round of Section 301 investigations examining unfair trade practices across 60 nations, focusing on what officials described as inadequate responses to forced labor issues.

A cargo vessel flying under Thailand’s flag has become stranded near Iran’s Qeshm Island after being struck by unidentified projectiles in the Strait of Hormuz earlier this month, according to Iran’s Tasnim news agency reporting Friday.

The vessel, named Mayuree Naree, suffered an explosion in its rear section that sparked a fire in the engine compartment. Omani naval forces successfully rescued 20 crew members from the damaged ship, though Thai officials report three crew members remain unaccounted for.

The incident highlights ongoing tensions in the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for global oil transport.

President Donald Trump has declared a temporary halt to strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days following Tehran’s request, while asserting that diplomatic negotiations are proceeding “very well.” However, an Iranian official has rejected the American peace proposal as “one-sided and unfair.”

The ongoing conflict has claimed thousands of lives, expanded into neighboring countries, and severely impacted the global economy through skyrocketing energy costs since the United States and Israel began military operations on February 28, following unsuccessful negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program.

During a White House cabinet meeting Thursday, Trump warned of escalating pressure on Iran without a deal, then later announced on social media his decision to suspend strikes on Iranian energy facilities for 10 days, lasting until April 6, 2026 at 8:00 PM EDT.

“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

Speaking later on Fox News’ “The Five,” Trump revealed that Iranian officials had requested a seven-day suspension. Tehran has not immediately responded to these claims.

According to peace negotiation mediators cited by the Wall Street Journal, Iran has not actually requested a 10-day suspension of energy facility strikes.

The conflict has severely disrupted global shipping routes, driving crude oil prices up approximately 40% and causing liquefied natural gas shipments to Asia to surge by roughly two-thirds. Nitrogen-based fertilizer prices, essential for food production, have increased by about 50%.

Despite Trump’s optimistic outlook, Iran has continued retaliatory strikes against U.S. and Israeli targets, hitting Israel and American military bases while also attacking Gulf nations and effectively shutting down Middle Eastern fuel exports through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pentagon confirmed to Reuters that the United States has deployed unmanned drone speedboats for patrol operations against Iran, marking the first time Washington has acknowledged using such technology in active combat.

Trump warned that America would become Iran’s “worst nightmare” if Tehran fails to meet U.S. demands, which include reopening the strait and dismantling the nuclear program. He mentioned seizing control of Iranian oil as a possibility but provided no specifics.

An Iranian official informed Reuters that senior Iranian leaders and a representative of Iran’s supreme leader thoroughly examined a 15-point American proposal on Wednesday, which Pakistan had delivered to Tehran. While they viewed it as serving only U.S. and Israeli interests, diplomatic efforts continue, the official noted.

Combat operations have persisted despite diplomatic efforts. Thursday saw Iran launch multiple missile attacks against Israel, targeting Tel Aviv, Haifa, and other locations, including a Palestinian community in central Israel.

Israeli military sources confirmed at least one ballistic missile struck Tel Aviv, while others deployed cluster munitions that scattered smaller explosives, causing damage to residential properties and vehicles. Israel’s emergency services reported one fatality in Nahariya following a Hezbollah rocket attack on the northern city.

Within Iran, strikes targeted the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and a village near Shiraz. Reports indicate a university facility in Isfahan was also hit.

Trump proposed Thursday that Iran allow 10 oil tankers, including some flying Pakistani flags, to pass through the Strait of Hormuz as a diplomatic gesture during negotiations.

The president has deployed thousands of military personnel to the Middle East region, with some already arriving, fueling speculation about a potential ground invasion, though specific details remain limited.

Steve Witkoff, Trump’s special envoy, confirmed that the U.S. has presented a “15-point action list” as the foundation for war-ending negotiations. Sources and reports indicate the demands range from dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities to restricting its missile program and essentially surrendering control of the strait.

Pakistan’s foreign minister described “indirect talks” between Washington and Tehran occurring through messages relayed by Islamabad, with Turkey and Egypt also supporting mediation initiatives.

Any diplomatic resolution appears extremely challenging. Iranian sources indicate the country has taken a harder position since hostilities began, demanding assurances against future military action, financial compensation for damages, and official control over the strait.

Regional sources report that Iran has also informed intermediaries that Lebanon must be included in any ceasefire agreement.

Trump has not disclosed which Iranian officials the U.S. is negotiating with, as many high-ranking leaders are among the thousands killed in the widespread Middle Eastern conflict.

Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar confirmed Thursday that his country continues facilitating secret communications between the United States and Iran, even after Tehran publicly dismissed a 15-point American ceasefire proposal on Wednesday.

Writing on X, Dar stated that Pakistan is actively serving as a conduit for messages between Washington and Tehran, with the U.S. having presented a 15-point framework that Iran is now reviewing. He criticized what he called “unnecessary speculation” in media reports about the peace negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict.

Dar emphasized that other nations including Turkey and Egypt are also backing the diplomatic initiative. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s dedication to fostering peace through all available means, stating that conversation and diplomatic solutions represent the only viable path forward.

The foreign minister’s social media post tagged key officials including U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, and Steve Witkoff, the U.S. special envoy for the Middle East.

Speculation about U.S.-Iran negotiations first surfaced Monday when Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that discussions were ongoing between the two nations and that plans for potential strikes against Iranian power facilities had been postponed.

Shortly afterward, reports emerged indicating that indirect communications were occurring through Pakistani mediation.

On Tuesday evening, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif posted on X: “Subject to concurrence by the US and Iran, Pakistan stands ready and honored to host and facilitate meaningful and conclusive talks for a comprehensive settlement of the ongoing conflict.”

President Trump subsequently shared Sharif’s statement on Truth Social, sparking speculation that Washington might be receptive to Pakistani-facilitated negotiations.

According to sources, Pakistani officials have conducted phone conversations with both Iranian and American presidents within the last 72 hours.

The White House acknowledged to the BBC that Trump spoke with Pakistan’s Asim Munir, though no additional information was released.

Prime Minister Sharif also held a telephone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, stressing the importance of lowering tensions “through dialogue and diplomacy.”

The Iranian news agency Tasnim reported that Iran has officially responded to the American 15-article proposal, with Tehran’s answer delivered through intermediaries Wednesday night. Iran now awaits Washington’s reaction.

According to Tasnim, Iran’s response outlined several demands: an end to assassination operations, concrete measures to prevent future warfare, guaranteed compensation and war reparations, and cessation of hostilities across all fronts involving regional resistance groups.

Iran also insisted that its sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz represents a natural and legal right that must be acknowledged, Tasnim reported.

Experts suggest Pakistan’s strong relationships with both Washington and Tehran make it an effective and reliable mediator for resolving the dispute.

Diplomatic sources in Islamabad characterize Iran’s rejection of the U.S. 15-point ceasefire plan as merely a diplomatic strategy. Within hours, an Iranian Foreign Ministry statement acknowledged receiving the American proposal, followed by reports that Iran had transmitted its own requirements to Washington through intermediaries.

This has positioned Islamabad as the center of diplomatic efforts seeking an immediate ceasefire and lasting global peace. Following Pakistan’s formal offer to host negotiations, regional experts shared their perspectives on Islamabad’s role and the rapidly changing regional dynamics.

Political analyst Sajjad Azhar from Rawalpindi explained to The Media Line: “The Iranian regime now seeks both a seat at the negotiating table and face-saving, because at stake is not only its authority within Iran but also its influence over the global Shia population, including in the Middle East and Pakistan, which idealizes it.”

Azhar suggested that President Trump isn’t being completely transparent, conscious of his weakening domestic credibility, while Netanyahu aims to keep Israeli citizens uninformed.

“This creates an extremely delicate situation, with slim prospects for peace and a higher likelihood that, should negotiations fail, all three parties could drag the entire region into a survival struggle. There is also the danger—albeit uncertain—of prohibited weapons being used against Iran,” Azhar emphasized.

He observed that while Pakistan maintains neutrality, the United States seeks to involve it in the conflict.

“Even a minor misstep by Iran could make Pakistan a party to the dispute. With a defense agreement in place with Saudi Arabia, Islamabad faces a highly sensitive and precarious situation.”

Colorado-based security analyst Steven Radil told The Media Line that “Pakistan is well-positioned for the current moment for several reasons.”

“Despite its defense ties with Saudi Arabia, it is still viewed as relatively neutral among the warring parties, while its large Shia population creates a cultural linkage with Iran that few other potential mediators—such as Turkey, Egypt, or Gulf states—can match,” Radil explained.

“Pakistan also has its own economic incentives to press for an end to the war, which has disrupted its oil and natural gas supply chains,” Radil added.

Regarding regional signaling, Radil noted: “Pakistan’s reported strikes on the former US Bagram air base in Afghanistan could indicate [more] strategic alignment with Washington.”

He concluded: “More importantly, Islamabad may see mediation in the Iran conflict as a way to strengthen its position with the US, potentially gaining leverage in any future confrontation with India.”

Retired Colonel Asad Mehmood, an Islamabad-based security and geopolitical analyst, told The Media Line that “America of February 28 is not the same as the Washington of today and that the attack on Iran was a clear violation of international laws and principles, even during the negotiations that preceded the current war.”

Mehmood added that “the situation has changed dramatically, even within the US, opposition is growing among Trump and his closest allies. Unlike in Afghanistan, NATO is not backing the United States this time.”

He noted that observers suggest President Trump, apparently coordinating with Israel, may have taken this extreme step to divert attention from the Epstein Files scandal. Consequently, he said, the U.S. now stands largely isolated globally, with Israel appearing as its sole ally.

Mehmood further observed that “the Iranian people have never wanted to remain in a constant state of war, and for the first time, their nationalism is visible worldwide. Few expected such resilience, which has surprised the international community.”

Meanwhile, American citizens are questioning President Trump about the cost of his policies. While Iran hasn’t “won,” he noted, it has sustained significant losses and will need billions for reconstruction.

He stressed that “the key question now is what comes next. Pakistan holds a pivotal role as a mediator between Tehran and Washington.” According to Colonel Mehmood, the coming days will clarify the situation, and the U.S.-brokered ceasefire “is expected to be extended.”

He emphasized that Pakistan’s role is essential in ending the conflict and ensuring regional stability.

Reuters reported, citing a Pakistani official, that Israel had removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf from its target list.

The report indicated Pakistan had urged Washington not to target these individuals.

The official told Reuters that “Israel had their coordinates and intended to eliminate them. We conveyed to the United States that if they were also taken out, there would be no one left to negotiate with. Subsequently, the US asked Israel to step back.”

When asked whether Araghchi and Ghalibaf had been removed from an Israeli target list following Pakistani requests, Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani said the military “has a rigorous process before every operation and every strike,” but added: “I’m not going to go into specific potential targets.”

Israeli military officials confirmed Thursday that a young tank officer died during combat operations in southern Lebanon when Hezbollah militants targeted his unit with anti-tank missiles.

Military authorities identified the fallen soldier as Lt. Aviaad Elchanan Volansky, a 21-year-old Jerusalem resident who served as a tank crew member with the 77th Battalion of the Armored Corps. At the time of the deadly strike, Volansky was deployed alongside a Golani Brigade combat team.

Israeli Defense Forces reported that militants launched two anti-tank missiles at the military unit. While defensive systems successfully intercepted the first projectile, the second missile struck Volansky’s tank directly. Four additional service members, including two officers, received minor wounds during the engagement. Israeli troops responded by directing gunfire and artillery strikes toward the location where the missiles originated.

The deceased officer came from a distinguished military family – his father, Brig. Gen. (res.) Yair Volansky, currently holds the position of defense establishment comptroller and previously led the same battalion where his son served. Volansky was also the grandson of Rabbi Oded Volansky, a well-known leader within the religious Zionist movement.

Defense Minister Israel Katz honored the fallen soldier, stating that Volansky “fell in heroic combat in southern Lebanon defending the State of Israel and its citizens.” Katz noted that the young officer’s father works closely with him and praised the elder Volansky as “a man of mission, dedication and integrity.”

This deadly incident occurred in the same operational area where another soldier, Staff Sgt. Ori Greenberg, 21, a Golani reconnaissance specialist from Petah Tikva, lost his life during overnight close-range fighting with Hezbollah operatives. In related incidents, one officer received moderate wounds from Israeli military fire, while 14 soldiers required hospital treatment for suspected cold-weather exposure.

The Israeli Defense Forces announced Thursday they successfully eliminated Alireza Tangsiri, the naval commander of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, during a targeted military operation in Bandar Abbas. Israeli officials characterized the strike as part of their continued campaign against Iranian military leadership involved in regional aggression and maritime interference.

According to Israeli military statements, Tangsiri had overseen naval operations for eight years and was directly responsible for orchestrating attacks against commercial vessels, damaging shipping containers, and interfering with maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The IDF also accused him of playing a key role in missile launches throughout the Middle East amid ongoing conflicts with Israel and the United States.

The same military operation also resulted in the death of Behnam Rezaei, who led the IRGC Navy Intelligence Directorate, according to an announcement from the Israeli military spokesperson posted on social media platform X.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz stated that Tangsiri bore direct responsibility for the Strait of Hormuz blockade, which has caused significant disruptions to international shipping and threatens to spark wider economic instability.

During a security briefing with officials, Katz noted, “This is also an important development for our American partners, as it reflects the IDF’s role in helping to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.”

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu characterized Tangsiri as an individual who had “a great deal of blood on his hands” and stated he had “led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”

Netanyahu further declared, “We continue to strike the targets of the Iranian terror regime with force.”

A 21-year-old Israeli military member died Thursday during what officials describe as the first direct ground combat encounter between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, according to Israeli military authorities.

Military officials identified the fallen serviceman as Sergeant Ori Greenberg of the Golani Brigade, a resident of Petah Tikvah. The Israeli Defense Forces reported that Greenberg sustained injuries during the battle and was transported from the combat zone for emergency medical care, but medical personnel declared him deceased while en route to a medical facility.

The engagement occurred when a Golani Brigade unit conducting operations in the Galilee Panhandle region, operating under Division 36 command, encountered a group of no fewer than five Hezbollah operatives at short range. Military officials said the confrontation evolved into an extended gun battle spanning multiple hours. Israeli forces reported neutralizing multiple Hezbollah combatants during the encounter.

This deadly confrontation occurs amid Israel’s expanding ground military activities in Lebanon, part of a comprehensive strategy to establish a wider security buffer zone designed to halt cross-border attacks launched by Hezbollah forces.

The previous day, Wednesday, military reports indicated one soldier suffered wounds from mortar shell impacts, while additional personnel sustained injuries in unrelated incidents. Military sources also confirmed an officer received injuries in an accidental friendly fire event.

Hezbollah became involved in the ongoing conflict between the United States and Israel against Iran after the March assassination of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Following that event, the organization has consistently fired rockets toward Israeli territory, causing both civilian casualties and damage to critical infrastructure.

Thursday’s deadly encounter represents a notable change in combat dynamics, as Israeli ground units advance further into regions where Hezbollah militants maintain an active presence.

Warning sirens wailed across Israel Thursday morning as waves of Iranian missiles and Hezbollah rockets struck multiple locations, leaving at least seven people injured and causing significant damage in several cities.

The most serious casualty was an 11-year-old girl in Safed who went into cardiac arrest when rocket warning sirens began sounding. Medical responders found her without vital signs and administered emergency treatment, including defibrillation, successfully restoring her heartbeat. She remains in critical condition.

Magen David Adom emergency services reported treating several other victims throughout the morning. A woman in her 60s sustained moderate injuries after falling while rushing to a shelter and was transported to Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer. In Petah Tikva, two people received minor injuries when a car collided with parked vehicles during an alert, requiring evacuation to Beilinson Hospital.

The city of Kafr Qasim bore the brunt of direct missile impact, with video footage revealing a large crater in a roadway and overturned cars. A man and woman, both approximately 55 years old, suffered minor injuries from the explosion’s shock wave and received treatment at the scene. Magen David Adom later confirmed that five people in Kafr Qasim and one person in Sha’ar Shomron sustained light wounds from debris.

During mid-morning attacks, a bus operator in Krayot received minor injuries from a blast wave after a fragmented missile targeted the northern region. Debris from intercepted missiles damaged a shopping center, affecting multiple retail stores.

The coordinated assault triggered emergency alerts throughout Gush Dan, the Sharon region, the Lowlands, and Samaria as Iranian launches targeted these areas. Additional projectiles were detected heading toward central Israel and Jerusalem, while Hezbollah forces simultaneously fired missiles that set off sirens in Safed.

The barrage continued in rapid succession throughout the morning hours, with Iran launching multiple rounds targeting central regions and Jerusalem, while Lebanon contributed a separate wave of attacks.

The Pentagon has acknowledged for the first time that American forces are utilizing unmanned speedboat drones in military operations targeting Iran, marking a significant milestone in modern naval warfare.

Pentagon officials confirmed the deployment of autonomous watercraft for patrol duties, representing the initial instance where Washington has publicly acknowledged employing such technology in active military engagement.

These robotic vessels – capable of conducting surveillance missions or executing kamikaze-style attacks – have gained international attention following Ukraine’s successful use of explosive-equipped speedboats against Russian naval forces in the Black Sea.

Tim Hawkins, speaking for Pentagon Central Command, revealed that autonomous boats manufactured by Maryland-based BlackSea, designated as Global Autonomous Reconnaissance Craft (GARC), have been conducting patrols during the U.S. military campaign against Iran, known as “Operation Epic Fury.”

“U.S. forces continue to employ unmanned systems in the Middle East region, including surface drone assets like the GARC. This platform, in particular, has successfully logged over 450 underway hours and more than 2,200 nautical miles during maritime patrols in support of Operation Epic Fury,” Hawkins stated.

Iranian forces have employed similar drone technology to target oil tankers in Gulf waters on at least two occasions since American and Israeli military strikes commenced nearly a month ago. Pentagon officials provided no evidence suggesting U.S. forces had utilized their unmanned boats for offensive operations.

The American military has spent years attempting to develop a fleet of autonomous surface and underwater craft as a more economical and rapid alternative to traditional manned vessels, particularly to address China’s expanding naval presence in the Pacific region. However, this initiative has experienced delays and encountered numerous obstacles including technical malfunctions, budget concerns, and testing failures.

Previous reporting revealed that the GARC – an angular speedboat measuring approximately five meters in length – has experienced multiple operational and safety complications, including a high-speed collision with another vessel during military testing.

Sources familiar with recent operations indicated that another GARC unit became non-functional during a failed test in the Middle East within recent weeks.

When asked about these setbacks, Hawkins declined to provide details but emphasized the technology’s evolving nature.

“The GARC is an emerging capability and part of a fleet of surface drones operated by U.S. 5th Fleet to enhance awareness of what’s happening in regional waters,” he explained.

BlackSea, the Maryland-based manufacturer, declined to provide comments regarding their involvement in the operations.

Tehran is positioning itself as the controller of the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s most critical oil shipping passage, establishing what experts describe as a payment system for vessel transit through the strategic waterway.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps now requires ships to enter Iranian territorial waters for inspection and approval, with evidence suggesting at least two vessels have made payments for safe passage, according to maritime intelligence sources.

Since March 1st, vessel movement through the strait has plummeted by 90% due to ongoing regional conflicts, causing oil prices to surge worldwide and creating severe supply shortages for Asian countries dependent on Persian Gulf petroleum.

Lloyd’s List Intelligence reports only approximately 150 ships, including both tankers and cargo vessels, have successfully navigated the passage since early March – representing just over one day’s typical pre-conflict traffic volume.

Despite the dramatic reduction in overall shipping, Iran’s Kharg Island facility maintained its oil loading capacity at 1.6 million barrels during March, matching pre-war monthly totals. The primary buyers remain small Chinese refineries that disregard U.S. sanctions.

While most successful transits initially involved various international vessels, Iranian-affiliated ships now comprise roughly 90% of recent passages, compared to 60% during earlier stages of the conflict.

Approximately half of all vessels disable their tracking systems before entering the strait, reactivating them only after reaching the Gulf of Oman. This cautious behavior stems from legitimate safety concerns, as the International Maritime Organization reports at least 18 ship attacks and seven crew member deaths, though the attacking nation remains unspecified.

“Iran’s IRGC has imposed a de facto ‘toll booth’ regime in the Strait of Hormuz,” Lloyd’s List Intelligence stated.

Rather than using the traditional central shipping lanes, vessels increasingly navigate northward around Larak Island, placing them within Iranian territorial boundaries and closer to the Iranian shoreline.

Ship operators seeking safe passage must provide detailed information to Revolutionary Guard-approved intermediaries, including cargo manifests, ownership details, destinations, and complete crew rosters. Approved vessels receive identification codes and Revolutionary Guard escorts, with oil shipments receiving priority treatment through “geopolitical vetting.”

“While not all ships are paying a direct toll, at least two vessels have and the payment is settled in yuan,” Lloyd’s List reported, referencing Chinese currency.

Some vessels have gained passage through diplomatic intervention, including two Indian ships carrying liquid petroleum gas.

Iranian officials sent correspondence to the International Maritime Organization on Tuesday, stating they had “implemented a set of precautionary measures aimed at preserving maritime safety and security,” claiming compliance with international legal principles.

Iranian parliamentary members are reportedly developing legislation to officially establish fees for strait passage. Lawmaker Mohammadreza Rezaei Kouchi told Fars and Tasnim news agencies that “parliament is pursuing a plan to formally codify Iran’s sovereignty, control and oversight over the Strait of Hormuz, while also creating a source of revenue through the collection of fees.”

The International Maritime Organization has denounced vessel attacks and advocated for coordinated international efforts to maintain navigation freedom while ensuring safe passage.

United Arab Emirates official Sultan al-Jaber, who heads Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, delivered sharp criticism during a Middle East Institute event in Washington.

“Weaponizing the Strait of Hormuz is not an act of aggression against one nation,” al-Jaber declared. “It is economic terrorism against every consumer, every family that depends on affordable energy and food. When Iran holds Hormuz hostage, every nation pays the ransom, at the gas pump, at the grocery store and at the pharmacy. No country can be allowed to destabilize the global economy in this way.”

The United Nations Law of the Sea Treaty’s Article 19 mandates countries permit “innocent passage” for peaceful, law-abiding vessels through their territorial waters.

“There’s no provision in international law anywhere to set up a toll booth and shake down shipping. … This is Iran using the element that they have right now, which is control of the Strait of Hormuz,” explained Sal Mercogliano, a maritime historian at Campbell University in North Carolina.

Gulf Cooperation Council Secretary General Jasem Mohamed al-Budaiwi characterized Iran’s fee collection as “an aggression and a violation of the United Nations agreement on the law of the sea.”

These payment arrangements likely violate American and European sanctions targeting the Revolutionary Guard, a powerful Iranian institution controlling ballistic missiles and involved in suppressing recent domestic protests.

MADRID — A 25-year-old Spanish woman who became the center of a highly publicized legal dispute over her right to die received life-ending medication Thursday in Barcelona, concluding an 18-month battle with her family over her decision to pursue euthanasia.

EDITOR’S NOTE — This story discusses suicide. Those needing support can find international resources at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts.

Noelia Castillo spent a year and a half fighting for her right to end her life after her father launched an extensive court challenge when Catalonia’s medical review board granted her euthanasia request in 2024.

The family dispute captivated Spain, which enacted legislation in 2021 establishing the right to euthanasia and physician-assisted suicide for qualifying patients. Castillo’s youth, her family’s public campaign against her choice, and the events leading to her euthanasia request sparked widespread debate as courts consistently upheld her right to die.

“At last, I’ve managed it, so let’s see if I can finally rest now,” Castillo said during a television interview with Spanish network Antena 3 that broadcast Wednesday, one day before her death. “I just cannot go on anymore.”

Her parents remained opposed to her choice until the end, working with Abogados Cristianos, a conservative Catholic legal organization, in their efforts to prevent their daughter’s euthanasia. The Catholic group confirmed her death Thursday.

Legal representative Polonia Castellanos said Castillo’s family felt devastated by the result and believed Spain’s government had failed their daughter by permitting her death.

“Death is the last option, especially when you’re very young,” Castellanos stated.

Before her euthanasia Thursday, Castillo had attempted suicide twice, she revealed, with the second attempt occurring after she experienced sexual assault. The injuries from her October 2022 suicide attempt left her paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair.

In April 2024, Castillo petitioned for euthanasia through Catalonia’s independent review panel, composed of physicians, legal experts, and bioethics specialists who evaluate applications under Spain’s euthanasia statute.

The panel granted Castillo’s petition after determining her condition was severe and untreatable, and that the young woman endured intense, ongoing, and debilitating pain.

Spain authorized physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia in 2021 for patients suffering from terminal illnesses and individuals experiencing unbearable permanent conditions. The approval process requires patients to submit two written requests followed by evaluations from medical professionals not previously treating the patient.

Castillo’s father challenged the Catalan panel’s ruling, which temporarily halted the euthanasia approval in August 2024 during deliberation. Through Abogados Cristianos, her family contended she had mental health issues that prevented her from competently deciding to end her life.

After Barcelona’s court sided with Castillo’s euthanasia rights, her father’s attorneys filed another appeal with Spain’s Supreme Court, which confirmed Castillo’s rights in January. Abogados Cristianos attempted one final intervention by petitioning the European Court of Human Rights, which rejected their request for a stay earlier this month.

Thursday, Castellanos reiterated her client’s position that Castillo suffered from a personality disorder and cited her case as evidence of legal shortcomings.

“It is a person whose will (was) altered by that disorder,” Castellanos explained. “I think this is proof of the failure of the law and that it has to be urgently repealed.”

During her Wednesday television appearance, Castillo expressed her wish for family members not to be present at her death, saying she felt misunderstood. She recognized the intense media attention her situation had generated.

“None of my family is in favor of euthanasia, obviously, because I’m another pillar of the family,” she explained, adding, “but what about the pain that I’ve suffered all of these years?”

Spain joins eight other European Union nations with laws permitting assisted dying for those experiencing unbearable suffering, according to Dignity in Dying, a United Kingdom advocacy organization supporting euthanasia and medically assisted death. Assisted dying allows patients to consume lethal medication prescribed by doctors for qualifying individuals. Requirements differ between countries.

Euthanasia differs by having medical professionals actively administer lethal injections to qualifying patients who request it, under stringent guidelines.

Since implementing its euthanasia law, Spain has provided life-ending medication to 1,123 individuals through the end of 2024, Spain’s Health Ministry reports.

Castillo maintained she never doubted her choice despite having to reconfirm her desire to die throughout the past year and a half. Her reasoning remained straightforward.

“The happiness of a father or a mother should not take precedence over the happiness or the life of a daughter.”

LJUBLJANA, Slovenia — Slovenian officials announced Thursday that their national intelligence service has definitively verified outside interference in the parliamentary elections held over the weekend.

Following a National Security Council session, the government released a statement indicating that the Slovenian Intelligence and Security Agency (SOVA) “presented concrete activities of a foreign para-intelligence agency as well as contacts with Slovenian entities.”

“The evidence collected, both domestically and abroad, has in the meantime already been handed over to the competent law enforcement authorities, the prosecutor’s office, and the police,” the statement said.

Officials did not identify which foreign intelligence operation was involved in Thursday’s announcement.

Sunday’s election results showed no decisive victor. After tallying over 99% of ballots, Prime Minister Robert Golob’s liberal Freedom Movement secured 29 seats in the 90-seat parliament, barely ahead of the opposition right-wing Slovenian Democratic Party (SDS) with 28 seats.

Campaign season was marked by online videos that appeared to capture covert recordings of government-connected individuals discussing their political influence. Activist groups and media professionals claimed these recordings were deliberately released to manipulate voter behavior, prompting an official investigation.

Intelligence reports allegedly connected the SDS party and an international private intelligence firm to these recordings. SDS head Janez Jansa has admitted to interactions with a consultant from the Black Cube private intelligence company while denying any misconduct.

National and international security secretary Vojko Volk revealed last week that Black Cube representatives made four visits to Slovenia over recent months, including to a street in Ljubljana where Jansa’s party maintains its offices.

Prime Minister Golob has called on the European Union to launch its own probe into the matter.

In an email response to the Associated Press, Black Cube stated that “Black Cube is an intelligence firm which provides services exclusively to clients engaged in business activities worldwide, supporting litigations, arbitrations and white-collar crime cases. Black Cube obtains legal advice in every jurisdiction in which it operates to ensure legality of its activities.”

“Corruption is a phenomenon that harms economies and impedes legitimate business activity. Black Cube will continue uncovering fraud, corruption and asset dissipation in all its cases globally as it has consistently done in the past 15 years,” the agency said.

In a March 20 statement, Slovenia’s government detailed how SOVA director Josko Kadivik provided “a full account of events that took place between 10 and 11 December 2025, along with material evidence of connections of three representatives of the private intelligence corporation Black Cube (Giora Eiland, Liron Tzur and Dan Zorella) to the visit at Trstenjakova ulica 8 in Ljubljana, where the SDS party has its headquarters.”

Kadivik also “presented findings regarding Black Cube’s activities in the territory of Slovenia and abroad, which likewise demonstrate counterintelligence operations against the Republic of Slovenia and foreign interference in Slovenian elections,” according to the statement.

Italy’s Culture Ministry displayed a newly acquired Renaissance devotional work by Antonello da Messina at the Senate on Thursday, with the nation’s culture chief announcing plans to accelerate similar art purchases.

The ministry spent $14.9 million at Sotheby’s auction house in New York to acquire the piece called “Ecce Homo,” following closely after spending 30 million euros (approximately $35 million) on a Caravaggio portrait from a private collector that was featured in a major exhibition in the capital last year.

“It is true that there is a policy to step up these acquisitions,” Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli told The Associated Press from his office following the artwork’s unveiling. “We want people to understand how important it is for us to bring works of great artistic and public significance back to Italy and make them available to the world as well as to Italians.”

Minister Giuli traveled to New York this week to finalize the transaction with Sotheby’s for the double-sided devotional piece painted on wood, measuring 20.3 cm (7.9 inches) by 14.9 (5.8 inches).

The front displays the “Ecce Homo” image showing Jesus wearing a crown of thorns with a rope around his neck, capturing the biblical moment when Pontius Pilate presents Jesus to the crowd before crucifixion. The reverse side depicts Saint Jerome the Penitent.

Created around 1470, the religious artwork was transported in a leather pouch by its previous owner for many years and regularly used during prayer sessions. The repeated devotional kissing by the owner has worn away Saint Jerome’s facial features.

According to Giuli, Italian officials learned about the piece just as it was heading to auction and decided to intervene.

“Our pockets are not deep, as the Culture Ministry budget is not even 0.3 percent of the national budget, but it is large enough to purchase works of art,” Giuli explained, noting that these acquisitions don’t affect funding for other government programs, which operate on separate budget lines.

The Renaissance masterpiece will first be exhibited at the National Museum of Abruzzo in L’Aquila before traveling to additional Italian venues, ensuring maximum public access for citizens across the country.

This purchase follows Italy’s acquisition two weeks earlier of a rare Caravaggio portrait, representing one of the government’s largest single artwork investments. That baroque painting shows Maffeo Barberini, a nobleman who eventually became Pope Urban VIII.

NEW YORK — Venezuela’s former leader Nicolás Maduro made a Thursday appearance at a federal courthouse in New York, where his legal team pushed for the dismissal of narcotics trafficking charges stemming from his January apprehension during a U.S. military operation. Outside the Manhattan federal building, both supporters and critics of Maduro assembled as legal proceedings unfolded inside.

Meanwhile in Venezuela’s capital, backers of the former presidential couple congregated in a central plaza, hoping to view the court session on large screens. However, those gathered were unaware that federal court proceedings in the United States prohibit camera coverage.

The Associated Press photo desk compiled visual documentation from both locations during Thursday’s court appearance.

MEXICO CITY – Naval Secretary Raymundo Morales announced Thursday that investigators have identified the cause of an oil spill affecting Mexico’s Gulf coastline as a combination of vessel activity and naturally occurring oil seepage from the ocean floor.

During a Thursday press briefing, Morales explained that both a ship and natural oil emissions rising from the seabed were responsible for the environmental incident along the Gulf of Mexico shoreline.

Meanwhile, Mexico’s national oil corporation Pemex has launched underwater inspections of offshore drilling infrastructure to ensure that no equipment malfunctions contributed to the spill, according to Morales’ statement to reporters.

TYRE, Lebanon — The historic coastal city of Tyre in southern Lebanon, renowned for its ancient Roman archaeological sites and pristine beaches, has transformed into a near-deserted landscape.

Stray dogs wander through empty streets lined with residential buildings damaged by recent Israeli bombing campaigns. The millennia-old city saw mass departures last week when Israel intensified military operations targeting the Iranian-supported militant organization Hezbollah and issued broad evacuation directives for all areas south of Lebanon’s Litani River.

Israeli forces have recently bombed most bridge crossings over the Litani River, effectively cutting off large portions of the nation — including Tyre — from connection to the remainder of Lebanon.

The escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, occurring within the broader regional confrontation involving Israel, the United States and Iran, has displaced more than 1 million Lebanese citizens. Many have sought shelter with family members in northern regions or established makeshift encampments throughout Beirut’s rain-soaked thoroughfares.

However, thousands of residents continue to remain in Tyre, determined not to be driven from their ancestral territory.

Local fishermen, claiming they cannot financially survive abandoning their livelihood, dropped their nets into Mediterranean waters Thursday, lamenting that strict nighttime restrictions and lack of buyers mean their daily haul brings minimal income.

“To avoid being displaced and suffering on the streets, we prefer to stay in our homes,” said 52-year-old fisherman Joseph Najm.

Displaced families from surrounding communities have packed into Tyre’s Christian neighborhood, hoping Israeli forces will choose not to target that area. Hezbollah draws its primary support from Lebanon’s Shiite population, while southern Lebanon’s Christian residents have generally attempted to stay neutral in the fighting.

Throughout other sections of Tyre, especially neighborhoods where deep religious conviction intersects with Hezbollah’s armed resistance movement, the thunder of Israeli bombing runs has created an atmosphere filled with dread, terror — and stubborn resistance.

Local inhabitants report their resolve to remain has only strengthened as Israeli officials suggest potential long-term military control similar to their destructive takeover of much of Gaza following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault.

“This is our land — where would we go? We won’t abandon our homes, even when they’re destroyed,” said Jihan Salama, 55, examining what was left of her family’s residence: an enormous mound of debris with twisted metal rods protruding from concrete fragments. An Israeli bombing attack on southern Lebanon demolished Salama’s multi-floor building Tuesday.

The current warfare between Israel and Hezbollah commenced March 2, when the Lebanese militant organization fired multiple rockets across the international boundary, occurring two days after Israeli and U.S. strikes against Iran triggered the continuing Middle Eastern conflict.

“We saw our belongings flying in the air, hundreds of meters in the air,” said Salama’s neighbor, Nader al-Ashqar, 60, who awakened to the deafening blast of airstrikes that Tuesday and rushed from the structure with his spouse and two daughters as Israeli warplanes flew overhead.

“Everything is gone,” he said. “But God told me to stay here.”

Since Israel and Hezbollah started exchanging attacks, at least three Israeli military personnel have perished in ground fighting and two Israeli civilians from rocket fire, including one man killed Thursday in the northern city of Nahariya.

Lebanese casualties have reached at least 1,116 deaths, including 42 healthcare professionals according to Lebanese officials, among them paramedic Ahmed Ibrahim Deeb, who died in an Israeli airstrike while riding his motorcycle Tuesday en route to assist patients near Tyre.

Salman Harb, Hezbollah’s primary spokesman in southern Lebanon, led journalists through Tyre’s destruction Thursday, highlighting multiple ambulances struck by Israeli fire. Israeli authorities have claimed Hezbollah uses medical vehicles to conceal military operations, though they have not provided supporting evidence.

Searching through the leveled wasteland of concrete blocks Thursday, Salama considered her future plans.

“Tomorrow,” she said, “we will set up tents and remain here.”

ABUJA, Nigeria — A groundbreaking United Nations General Assembly decision on Wednesday has sparked celebration across Africa after lawmakers labeled the enslavement of Africans as “the gravest crime against humanity” while demanding reparations for descendants.

The historic resolution has generated widespread support from African leaders and justice advocates, though many are questioning what concrete actions will follow and how reparations might actually work.

European powers forcibly removed approximately 12 million Africans between the 16th and 19th centuries, enslaving them on plantations that generated enormous wealth through human suffering.

Ghana spearheaded the legislative effort, which also demands “the prompt and unhindered restitution” of cultural artifacts — including artwork, monuments, museum collections, documents and national archives — returned to their home countries at no cost.

Ghana’s foreign affairs minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa commented following the vote: “It recognizes that even within (its) complexity, there are moments in history that stand apart … To acknowledge this is not to diminish any other history; it is to deepen our collective moral awareness.”

While General Assembly decisions carry no legal enforcement power, they represent significant global sentiment and frequently serve as foundational frameworks for various causes.

The African Union described the outcome as “marks an important step toward truth, justice and healing” in an official statement.

The measure passed with 123 nations supporting it, while Argentina, Israel and the United States cast opposing votes. Britain and all 27 European Union countries joined 52 other nations in abstaining.

Before the voting began, U.S. deputy ambassador Dan Negrea explained that while America condemns the trans-Atlantic slave trade and all slavery forms, it “does not recognize a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred.”

France’s UN mission legal adviser Sylvain Fournel contended the resolution “seems to establish a hierarchy among crimes against humanity,” creating “serious legal difficulties and runs the risk of creating a competition against historic tragedies.”

Erieka Bennett, who founded the Ghana-based Diaspora African Forum connecting people of African heritage with their continental roots, called the UN resolution “an answer to the prayers of our kidnapped, oppressed and murdered ancestors.”

“This vote will energize our collective resolve to continue the fight for the dignity of African people and the liberation of our Motherland from the stranglehold of Western domination,” Bennett continued.

Nadege Anelka, a travel agent from Martinique who relocated to Benin and gained citizenship through a 2024 law allowing those with slave trade ancestry to become citizens, called Wednesday’s decision “fantastic news” despite limited immediate impact on her personally. “Having returned to Benin, I already feel like I have undergone my ‘journey of reparations’,” the 58-year-old explained.

Gilles Olakounle Yabi, who established WATHI, the West Africa Citizen Think Tank, characterized the resolution as “symbolic” during a period when few want to acknowledge slavery’s true cost.

Yet Yabi noted that opposing votes and abstentions show “it’s still not so clear that people recognize the immensity of the crimes that were committed.”

During a 2023 reparations conference in Ghana, international participants attempted to address these questions by creating a Global Reparation Fund seeking financial compensation as reparations, though without defined implementation methods.

Recent American polling suggests limited support for reparations. A 2021 Pew Research Center study found only approximately 30% of U.S. adults believed descendants of enslaved Americans should receive some form of compensation, whether money or land.

Some advocates argue reparations should extend beyond direct monetary payments to include development assistance for affected countries, returning colonized resources and systematically correcting oppressive policies and legislation.

Elkory Sneiba from SOS Esclaves, a Mauritanian anti-slavery organization, emphasized that reparation efforts must deliver “justice for those communities who have suffered from this abject, inhuman and serious practice.”

Beverly Ochieng, a Senegal-based Control Risks Group analyst, expressed skepticism that Western governments will actually allocate funds for slavery payments.

“Some will argue that they have tried to develop former colonies and countries they exploited,” Ochieng observed.

Olivette Otele, Distinguished Research Professor of the Legacies and Memory of Slavery at SOAS, University of London, previously noted that reparations advocates “hardly ever” seek only financial compensation. She explained “their work is grounded in an understanding that the social, the political and the economic are bound together and must be addressed together, creating the possibility of a better world.”

WASHINGTON – During a Thursday Cabinet meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump delivered a stark ultimatum to Iran, demanding the nation either reach an agreement to halt U.S. and Israeli military strikes or prepare for continued attacks.

Speaking to reporters, Trump outlined what he sees as Iran’s options. “They now have the chance, that is Iran, to permanently abandon their nuclear ambitions and to join a new path forward,” the president stated. “We’ll see if they want to do it. If they don’t, we’re their worst nightmare. In the meantime, we’ll just keep blowing them away.”

The president’s remarks came on the same day that a high-ranking Iranian official criticized Washington’s peace proposal to Reuters, calling it “one-sided and unfair” while confirming that diplomatic efforts remain ongoing after nearly four weeks of conflict.

According to Trump, Iranian representatives are currently in discussions with the United States and are eager to reach an agreement – claims that Tehran has previously rejected.

The president praised Iranian leaders as skilled in negotiations while outlining his goals for any potential agreement: reopening the Strait of Hormuz and ending Tehran’s military activities.

However, Trump expressed uncertainty about whether negotiations would succeed. “I don’t know if we’ll be able to do that,” he admitted when discussing the possibility of reaching a deal. “I don’t know if we’re willing to do that.”

GENEVA, March 26 – The ongoing conflict involving Iran has forced the World Health Organization to drastically alter how it delivers critical medical supplies worldwide, with officials warning that escalating fuel prices could create serious shortages in developing nations.

Medical aid shipments from the WHO’s distribution center in Dubai were initially completely halted when the Iran conflict erupted on February 28 following U.S.-Israeli airstrikes. The disruption affected air, maritime, and ground transportation corridors throughout the region.

The conflict expanded when Iran launched drone and missile attacks targeting energy facilities and infrastructure throughout the Gulf region. Lebanon was drawn into the broader regional conflict after Hezbollah began launching attacks against Israel in solidarity with Iran.

To address the transportation crisis, the United Arab Emirates has funded alternative delivery methods, including trucking essential supplies such as insulin and emergency medical kits to Lebanon through Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Syria. The UAE has also financed charter flights to deliver aid to crisis zones including Kabul, Afghanistan, according to WHO officials.

Lebanon has been particularly affected, with more than 3,000 people requiring medical treatment due to the ongoing violence.

Paul Molinaro, WHO’s head of Operations, Support and Logistics, explained the challenges during a Thursday interview with Reuters. “What you’re getting is cost increases and lead time increases as we do the workarounds,” Molinaro stated. UAE officials have confirmed their support for partner organizations during this crisis.

Despite progress in finding alternative routes, Molinaro noted that some medical shipments remain stuck in Dubai, though two shipping companies have agreed to waive additional insurance fees.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies reported plans to transport ambulances destined for Lebanon overland from Dubai, but noted that ground transportation costs have increased by approximately 30 percent, with additional delays at border crossings.

When asked about potential medication shortages, Molinaro expressed greater concern about rising oil prices leading to fuel shortages in economically disadvantaged countries, which could strand aid supplies.

“You could be seeing serious issues 6 to 8 weeks down the line,” Molinaro warned. “I think we’re going to feel that quicker than shortages of drugs and of plastics and of equipment.”

European Union legislators took a significant step Thursday toward implementing their portion of a trade agreement with the United States, despite ongoing concerns about tariff policies and import duties.

The European Parliament approved the trade legislation by a margin of 417 to 154, with 71 members abstaining. However, lawmakers incorporated additional protective measures, citing worries that Washington might not uphold the agreement negotiated in Turnberry, Scotland last July.

These protective provisions include a possible suspension mechanism and other safeguards. European legislators are demanding that the United States eliminate the 50% tariffs that were imposed one month following the Turnberry agreement on steel and aluminum components in products like wind turbines and motorcycles.

European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic described the vote as a “crucial step” that provides certainty for businesses across the EU. The U.S. Mission to the European Union expressed its support for the parliamentary decision.

The European Parliament has been considering proposals to eliminate EU import taxes on American industrial products and expand market access for U.S. agricultural goods, which represents a central component of the agreement. The legislation also continues duty-free treatment for American lobsters, a provision originally negotiated with Trump in 2020.

Thursday’s parliamentary vote does not conclude the legislative process. Negotiations between parliament representatives and EU member governments will begin April 13 to finalize the text, with a final approval vote by EU lawmakers not anticipated until June. EU governments had already endorsed the legislation in November with fewer protective measures.

The United States serves as the European Union’s primary trading partner, with EU exports to America reaching a record 555 billion euros ($641 billion) in 2025.

During pre-vote discussions, numerous parliamentarians criticized the trade agreement as unbalanced, noting that the EU must reduce most import duties while the U.S. maintains a general 15% rate.

Bernd Lange, who chairs the parliament’s trade committee, questioned whether this constitutes a genuine agreement. Belgian Social Democrat Kathleen Van Brempt characterized it as an unfavorable deal.

“It does not bring stability. It does not protect us from tariffs, threats and coercion,” she said.

The EU assembly had originally planned to vote on this legislation at the beginning of the year but suspended proceedings after Trump threatened new tariffs on European allies that refused to support his proposed Greenland acquisition and subsequently implemented an import surcharge.

The additional safeguards include a sunrise provision making EU import duty reductions dependent on Washington fulfilling its obligations, a sunset clause that expires the tariff concessions on March 31, 2028, and a suspension mechanism if Washington violates the agreement terms or if there’s a harmful increase in U.S. imports.

KERICHO, Kenya — Criminal investigators in western Kenya announced Thursday they have recovered the remains of at least 33 individuals from a mass burial site, with officials believing the bodies originated from a hospital morgue facility.

The investigation team uncovered remains of eight adults and 25 children, along with dismembered body parts contained in burlap sacks, at a cemetery owned by a church in Kericho, law enforcement officials reported.

“We were able to establish that these were bodies transferred from Nyamira District Hospital to a private cemetery in Kericho,” Mohamed Amin, the head of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, told reporters.

Amin explained that investigators are working to determine if proper legal protocols were followed when the bodies were removed from the morgue and disposed of.

Kenyan regulations mandate that medical facilities and morgues must dispose of unclaimed remains after a 14-day period, but this process must be authorized through a court order.

State pathologists performed examinations Thursday to establish how the individuals died. Officials have not disclosed the identities of the deceased.

Two individuals have been taken into custody in connection with the case.

Media outlets in the area reported that unknown individuals transported the bodies using a government vehicle and hastily interred them. Some cemetery workers reportedly contacted police about the suspicious activity.

“We need authorities to conduct a thorough investigation,” said resident Brian Kibunja.

Another community member, Samuel Moso, said officials should “reveal if the government was involved or if a different group of people was behind the mass burial.”

This marks Kenya’s third significant mass grave discovery within the past three years.

During 2023, law enforcement found hundreds of bodies in a forest burial ground in the coastal Kilifi area. Those remains were connected to a religious leader who caused his followers’ deaths through starvation.

The following year in 2024, officials retrieved nine bodies from a waste disposal site in the capital city of Nairobi.

This recent find comes amid increasing worries among Kenyan citizens regarding alleged police misconduct and human rights violations.

Human rights organization Missing Voices has recorded 125 extrajudicial killings and six forced disappearances in Kenya during the past year. The organization documented 104 extrajudicial killings in the year prior.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy traveled to Saudi Arabia on Thursday for diplomatic discussions as his country seeks to strengthen partnerships with Middle Eastern nations during its ongoing conflict with Russia.

Ukraine is providing air defense knowledge and drone technology to regional nations that have experienced Iranian attacks, hoping to receive backing in its fight against Russian forces in return.

“Arrived in Saudi Arabia. Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support and support those who are ready to work with us to ensure security,” Zelenskyy posted on social media platform X.

Rustem Umerov, who leads Ukraine’s National Security and Defence Council, traveled with Zelenskyy for these diplomatic discussions.

According to recent statements from Zelenskyy, Ukraine has deployed specialist teams to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, seeking financial backing and technology in exchange for their military expertise.

As the conflict with Russia enters its fifth year, Ukrainian military forces are preparing for another spring campaign from Moscow while U.S.-supported peace negotiations remain at a standstill.

SEOUL/BEIJING – Asian manufacturers are confronting an unprecedented supply crisis as the conflict in Iran disrupts global energy markets, affecting everything from instant noodles and snack foods to beauty products and toys.

The impact is already devastating businesses across the region. Choi Gun-soo, who manages a South Korean facility that has produced plastic films for 57 years, reports that suppliers are hiking raw material costs by up to 50%, while others have completely exhausted their inventory.

“Since we’re out of raw materials for some products, we’ll have to gradually shut down the machines, and the next one to two weeks is likely to be very critical,” Choi explained.

Despite surviving previous oil crises and the COVID-19 pandemic, this situation is different, according to Choi. His facility has slashed production to just 20% to 30% of normal capacity.

“This is the first time we’ve been hit this hard. We’re really shaken,” he stated.

The crisis stems from disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway along Iran’s southern border that typically handles approximately 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

Asian nations face the greatest risk because they depend more heavily on Middle Eastern crude oil, natural gas, fuel, and fertilizer compared to other regions worldwide.

The most severe shortages involve oil-based products like naphtha, primarily obtained from Gulf nations and essential for Asian refineries producing plastics and petrochemicals found in nearly all manufactured goods.

Costs for essential materials including plastic and rubber have reached record highs.

Samyang Foods, the South Korean company behind the widely popular spicy Buldak instant ramen, warns that an extended conflict could create packaging material shortages and drive up expenses.

Instant ramen products depend heavily on polyethylene terephthalate (PET), one of the most commonly used plastics globally, which is also crucial for packaging various items from food to personal care products.

Competing South Korean ramen manufacturer Nongshim maintains a two to three-month supply of packaging materials and is preparing for the possibility that the war, which started with U.S.-Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28, may continue.

Yonwoo, which produces containers for L’Oreal and Korean beauty companies including Amorepacific, informed Reuters that it is working urgently to obtain plastic resin supplies needed for manufacturing skincare and cosmetic containers. The company has limited material visibility beyond June.

“The issue isn’t the price – if supply itself isn’t available, then without containers, you simply can’t sell the product,” an unnamed company representative told Reuters, noting they lacked authorization to speak publicly.

“We are stockpiling supplies, but beyond that, we don’t really have any substantial measures in place; we’re simply hoping that the situation would be resolved by May.”

The conflict has created fuel shortages globally, with businesses ranging from airlines to grocery stores and used car dealerships facing challenges including increased costs, declining demand, and broken supply chains.

In Japan, department store chain Takashimaya indicated that if the crisis continues, price increases and supply problems could extend to clothing and home appliances.

Demonstrating the widespread effects, Japanese consumers of Wasabeef potato chips became alarmed this month when producer Yamayoshi Seika stopped manufacturing, citing a lack of heavy oil needed for boilers that heat frying oil.

China manufactures nearly half of the world’s synthetic rubber, and naphtha shortages required for production are creating downstream effects, pushing tire and glove manufacturers to consider price increases or switching to natural rubber alternatives.

Chinese production is expected to drop by approximately one-third in April due to the war, according to SCI analyst Xinhua Jing.

Tire manufacturer Michelin told Reuters that its supply chain teams are “fully mobilised” and the company is managing and modifying deliveries to fulfill contracts “as much as possible.”

In India, the conflict has already increased bottled water costs due to rising prices for plastic bottles and caps, while international brewing companies operating there have cautioned about price increases and supply interruptions caused by gas shortages.

High oil prices and supply chain disruptions are also affecting China’s southern manufacturing center of Dongguan.

Liu Chaonan, whose toy manufacturing business supplies major U.S. retailer Walmart, said escalating raw material expenses are creating significant challenges.

“The situation in Iran is having a very significant impact on our toy industry,” Liu, who has more than 150 employees, told Reuters. “We will likely make price adjustments when quoting new products.”

Rising crude oil prices directly influence retail fuel costs, increasing expenses for gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel, cooking gas, and business and manufacturing operations globally.

Dominic Desmarais, chief solutions officer at Liya Solutions, which connects companies with Chinese suppliers producing everything from furniture to titanium products, noted that petroleum-based product prices are climbing.

“We buy a lot of expandable polystyrene from Taiwan, and the prices went up 35%, but our client still bought about 500 tonnes, and they didn’t argue on the price, they just want supply,” he explained.

Consumer panic has already emerged, leading to stockpiling of items like garbage bags, with South Korean supermarkets experiencing shortages and implementing purchase limits.

South Korean student Ryu June-ho, 24, recently purchased trash bags along with ramen noodles.

“I was worried that garbage bags would get more expensive, so I bought ten 20-litre ones. I also bought lots of ramen … because the cost of plastic packaging probably accounts for a big part of the product’s price.”

TOKYO (AP) — Two people died Thursday following a violent incident at a Pokemon retail location in central Tokyo, where an armed assailant fatally wounded a store employee before ending his own life, according to Japanese authorities.

Emergency responders arrived at the busy commercial complex after receiving reports of an armed individual attacking people with a blade.

Authorities confirmed the victim was a female employee in her twenties who worked at the Pokemon retail outlet located on the building’s second level within the Sunshine City complex, a multi-use facility containing various businesses and offices. She sustained fatal neck wounds during the assault.

The perpetrator subsequently inflicted a similar wound upon himself, Tokyo law enforcement officials reported. Medical personnel transported both individuals to a hospital in critical condition, but doctors later declared both deceased.

Investigators are treating the incident as a homicide case, police stated.

The Pokemon Company released a statement via social media platform X announcing the indefinite closure of Pokemon Center Mega Tokyo while they assist with the ongoing investigation and provide support to their staff members.

“We deeply apologize to our customers for the tremendous worry and inconveniences,” the company said.

A customer present during the attack described the chaotic scene to the Asahi newspaper, explaining how he evacuated after hearing screams for assistance and the sound of merchandise displays falling. Upon looking back, he witnessed a staff member with bloodstained clothing and observed the black-clad attacker pushing toward the checkout area.

Japan’s NHK public broadcaster reported that customers evacuated the vicinity while workers at surrounding businesses lowered security barriers as a precautionary measure.

While Japan maintains stringent firearm regulations and experiences relatively low violent crime rates, the nation has witnessed several notable blade-related attacks in recent years.

WASHINGTON – Pentagon officials verified Thursday that a high-ranking Iranian military leader was killed during an Israeli military operation, according to an announcement from U.S. Central Command posted on social media.

The deceased officer has been identified as Admiral Alireza Tangsiri, who served as the naval commander for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. U.S. Central Command confirmed his death resulted from an Israeli airstrike, marking a significant development in regional military tensions.

The verification came through an official post on the social media platform X, representing the first American confirmation of the Iranian commander’s death.

Former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro will face a federal judge in New York on Thursday as his legal team fights to dismiss drug trafficking charges against him amid complications over attorney payment arrangements.

This marks the second court appearance for Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores since their January hearing where he proclaimed his innocence following their capture by American military personnel, stating: “I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.” Flores has similarly entered a not guilty plea.

Both defendants continue to be held at a Brooklyn detention facility without requesting bail. Judge Alvin Hellerstein may announce a trial schedule during Thursday’s proceedings.

In Caracas, several hundred supporters including government party members, public workers, and militia participants assembled at a central plaza Thursday morning to offer prayers for the couple and attempt to view the court session, not realizing federal courtrooms prohibit recording devices.

A massive display screen showed images of Maduro alongside Venezuela’s national flag and highlights from the nation’s recent World Baseball Classic victory.

“We are going to see him today,” party official Carmen Melendez addressed the gathering. “We may see him skinnier. … But that’s our president.”

Protesters waved Venezuelan banners and held placards reading “Free President Maduro” while chanting “No boots on the ground, no bombs in the air. U.S. out of everywhere,” criticizing American military involvement worldwide.

Several demonstrators carried an inflatable figure dressed like Maduro in orange prison-style clothing.

Signage revealed connections to the Workers World Party, an organization that identifies as a revolutionary socialist movement.

During Maduro’s previous courthouse visit, authorities transported him in dramatic style via helicopter from Brooklyn to a Manhattan landing pad, followed by a high-speed law enforcement convoy to the federal building.

New York’s various police and federal agencies have perfected the process of moving high-profile individuals through typically congested city streets.

Similar security measures were employed in 2024 when Trump faced trial at a nearby Lower Manhattan courthouse, with police ensuring his Secret Service detail had clear passage.

The presiding judge, Alvin K. Hellerstein, is 92 years old and received his appointment from President Bill Clinton in 1998. The New York native, while senior, is not the oldest federal judge in the district – that distinction belongs to 98-year-old Judge Louis L. Stanton.

Hellerstein brings extensive experience with major cases, including nearly 25 years overseeing civil lawsuits stemming from the September 11 terrorist attacks.

While the drug trafficking prosecution against Maduro involves complex legal questions, Thursday’s hearing will likely focus primarily on attorney fee arrangements rather than substantive case issues.

The central problem involves compensating Maduro’s defense team. U.S. sanctions prevent his lawyers from accepting direct payment from Venezuela’s government without special authorization from American officials, who argue Maduro should fund his own defense.

This financial dispute requires judicial resolution.

Limited courtroom seating prompted people to begin queuing a full day before the hearing, with professional line-holders setting up small tents outside the building by Wednesday afternoon.

Media organizations paid hundreds of dollars to secure spots for their reporters who would arrive when the courthouse opened Thursday morning.

Federal prosecutors allege Maduro orchestrated an extensive drug trafficking operation spanning over 25 years, facilitating the movement of thousands of tons of cocaine into American markets by collaborating with Venezuelan law enforcement to assist major drug dealers.

Maduro maintains his innocence, while his supporters claim U.S. military forces captured him as part of President Trump’s efforts to force governmental change in Venezuela.

TOKYO – A tragic stabbing incident claimed two lives at a popular Pokemon retail location in Tokyo’s bustling shopping district Thursday evening, authorities confirmed.

According to the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, a woman in her twenties working at the store suffered fatal neck wounds when attacked by a male assailant, also in his twenties, at approximately 7:16 p.m. local time. The attacker subsequently turned the weapon on himself.

Medical personnel declared both individuals deceased at a local hospital less than an hour after the violence occurred, police officials stated.

TV Asahi reported that the victim worked as staff at the Pokemon Center retail outlet housed within the commercial building, while witnesses described the perpetrator as carrying blades in each hand during the assault.

Authorities have not yet determined what drove the attacker to commit the violent act, according to local news outlets.

Social media footage captured panicked customers evacuating the area as emergency vehicles rushed to the scene, located mere blocks from Ikebukuro terminal – among Tokyo’s most heavily trafficked railway hubs.

The timing proved particularly disturbing as the attack unfolded during Japan’s spring school holiday period, when families with children typically crowd shopping centers.

Representatives from Pokemon Co, which manages roughly two dozen retail locations across Japan featuring merchandise from the beloved entertainment franchise, had not responded to media inquiries by press time.

Japan’s stringent firearm restrictions mean blade-related violence represents the predominant form of public attacks, with several stabbing incidents occurring at transit facilities and aboard trains in recent years.

Burning fuel facilities releasing toxic smoke. Wreckage contaminating the Persian Gulf. Military installations under bombardment.

Environmental scientists warn that the ongoing conflict in Iran has created a dangerous cocktail of pollutants, toxic metals, and harmful chemicals that pose serious threats to farming, water supplies, and public health — with environmental consequences that may last for generations.

“All the burning of oil and gas fields in the coastal areas, all the ships that are there, the oil tankers that are being burned or (sunk) — all of these mean pollution,” stated Kaveh Madani, an Iranian scientist serving as director of the United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment and Health. “For someone like me who has fought for sustainability and protection of the environment in that region, this is like going many years backward.”

Recording the full extent of environmental harm has proven challenging, with complete assessment currently impossible, according to Doug Weir, who leads the Conflict and Environment Observatory, a United Kingdom-based organization tracking environmental impacts from military conflicts.

The organization employs satellite monitoring and open-source intelligence gathering to identify environmental damage and assess risks to communities, natural habitats, and farmland. Their research has documented over 400 environmentally harmful incidents connected to the conflict, though significant gaps remain due to delayed satellite data and Iran’s internet shutdown, Weir explained.

Strikes targeting petroleum and natural gas infrastructure pose the greatest environmental dangers through air quality degradation and contamination of soil and groundwater, along with direct health hazards. More difficult to measure are the risks from bombed military installations, some located deep underground and others near residential areas, creating “huge uncertainties” about potential consequences, Weir noted.

The conflict’s most memorable visuals may be the blackened skies from burning oil infrastructure hit by air attacks, including an incident two weeks ago when contaminated rainfall occurred near Tehran, Iran’s capital city.

Particles, ash, and poisonous compounds from attacks on fuel storage areas and a refinery mixed with atmospheric moisture and returned to ground level as greasy, acidic precipitation that led authorities to advise residents to remain inside. Tiny soot particles increase risks for respiratory and cardiovascular disease, while dangerous chemicals create long-term cancer threats and toxic metals from the contamination could poison soil and water sources, scientists explained.

Wreckage and pollution from missile strikes, along with possible attacks on manufacturing plants and other critical infrastructure, could also spread dangerous contamination across the region, researchers warned.

“If you hit an ammonia-producing plant for fertilizer or for food production … those release chemicals that are absolutely toxic and harmful if they spread,” explained Mohammed Mahmoud, who heads Middle East Climate and Water Policy at the United Nations University Institute of Water, Environment and Health and established the Climate and Water Initiative.

Heavy fossil fuel burning is also dramatically increasing greenhouse gas levels that drive climate change, scientists noted. Carbon tracking firm Greenly calculated that U.S. military operations alone produced nearly 2 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases during just the conflict’s first six days, indicating the total emissions from all fighting are substantially higher when including Israeli and Iranian activities plus infrastructure damage.

This represents a substantial amount for such a brief period, considering approximately 50 billion metric tons of greenhouse gases are released globally each year, based on National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data.

Worldwide petroleum shortages are also forcing some nations to restart or expand coal usage, generating additional air pollution that harms human health and increases greenhouse gas output.

Nations throughout the dry Persian Gulf area depend on hundreds of water treatment facilities for drinking supplies, creating health and security concerns if plants suffer damage or water becomes contaminated, experts warn.

Iran has claimed a U.S. airstrike harmed one of its water treatment plants, while nearby Bahrain has blamed Iran for damaging one of its facilities. Scientists worry additional plants could become targets as the conflict continues.

Regional residents “struggle with having access to clean drinking water, even at peace times,” noted Madani, the Iranian scientist and U.N. official. “Any damage to water infrastructure can have long-lasting impacts.”

Weir expresses concern that contamination, including petroleum from sunken vessels and other sources, might block water treatment plants or that facilities could be shut down by attacks on electrical generation sites.

Scientists say pollution could also harm fishing industries and critical ecosystems. While some contaminants will spread and become diluted by water circulation through the gulf, heavy metals and toxic substances may still accumulate in bottom sediments.

“It’s an enclosed basin, quite shallow,” Weir observed. “There are sensitive habitats there, coral reefs, seagrass meadows, sensitive species which could be impacted.”

The U.N. nuclear monitoring agency has been denied access to Iranian nuclear installations, including sites attacked in June by the United States and Israel, leaving their condition largely undetermined.

Potential strikes on major and minor nuclear facilities throughout the area represent “another thing to worry about,” due to immediate and lasting health and environmental effects, Madani said. Radiation exposure can cause skin injuries and acute radiation syndrome, while long-term dangers include cancer, cardiovascular disease, and genetic harm.

American and Israeli leaders have stated that destroying Iran’s nuclear weapons capability is among the conflict’s objectives.

Following joint Israeli and U.S. bombing of an Iranian uranium processing facility this month, Iran responded by launching missiles at two Israeli communities, including one housing a nuclear research facility. Israel reported the installation sustained no damage.

“We are hearing that there is no major radiation or change in the level of pollutants so that makes us hopeful that nothing has gone wrong,” Madani said. “But the risk is always there.”

Following the conflict’s end, as Iran and neighboring countries begin reconstruction, environmental restoration may receive limited attention, experts predicted.

Priority will go to power and water systems, industrial facilities, and food production sites, Mahmoud said. Some contamination, particularly affecting the gulf or other waterways, “I doubt will be addressed soon, and in some cases, not at all.”

Weir said environmental restoration receives inadequate attention following most conflicts due to high costs and because “humanitarian needs come first,” despite potentially severe environmental risks.

In heavily populated Tehran, for instance, numerous strikes have targeted not only petroleum infrastructure but also buildings and neighborhoods, creating harmful contamination from crushed construction materials. Residents face exposure to dust and chemicals that may persist long after the conflict ends and reconstruction efforts begin.

Financial police in Italy have confiscated property, artwork and financial holdings valued at 20 million euros (approximately $23 million) in the Florence area, claiming these assets were bought using funds fraudulently taken from Bond actress Ursula Andress, according to a Thursday announcement from Italian authorities.

The asset seizures followed an investigation that began when Andress filed a complaint with Swiss law enforcement, alleging she had been defrauded by her financial advisers.

In January, the 90-year-old actress spoke to Swiss publication Blick about losing 18 million Swiss francs (roughly 20 million euros) to her longtime financial adviser across an eight-year span. The publication reported that the adviser has since passed away.

“I am still in shock,” Andress stated. “I was deliberately chosen as a victim. For eight years, I was courted and wooed. They lied to me shamelessly and exploited my goodwill in a perfidious, indeed criminal, way in order to take everything from me. They took advantage of my age.”

According to Italian investigators, the fraudulent funds were placed into overseas companies, utilized for asset purchases, and moved through various transactions intended to hide their origins.

Authorities tracked the money to the acquisition of 11 properties, 14 parcels of land used for vineyards and olive cultivation, plus artwork and financial holdings throughout Florence and surrounding Tuscan regions.

Officials have not disclosed whether any individuals have been taken into custody.

Born in Switzerland, Andress gained fame as the original Bond girl Honey Ryder in 1962’s “Dr. No,” particularly remembered for her iconic scene walking out of the ocean wearing a white bikini. Her career continued with roles alongside Elvis Presley in “Fun in Acapulco” and with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin in “Four for Texas.” She later focused on European film and television projects before stepping away from acting in the early 2000s.

Northern European nations announced Thursday their commitment to intensify efforts against Russia’s fleet of oil vessels used to circumvent sanctions, coinciding with reports from Turkish authorities that a naval drone struck one such tanker near the entrance to the Bosphorus Strait in the Black Sea.

This fleet consists of older vessels purchased secondhand, frequently by obscure organizations registered in nations that haven’t imposed sanctions on Russia. Moscow relies on these ships to bypass Western restrictions and continue selling oil and petroleum products that primarily fund its ongoing invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth year.

During a gathering with allies in Finland, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer declared that “we should go after the shadow fleet even harder.”

Meeting with fellow members of the Joint Expeditionary Force—a coalition of 10 nations monitoring these vessels—Starmer announced that British forces would now have authority to board these tankers when they pass through United Kingdom territorial waters, following the lead of other partner nations.

“Together, we must close off critical sea routes to this vital trade, to keep up the pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and to help change the narrative of this war” in Ukraine, Starmer stated.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized in a video statement that Russia’s energy exports are powering Moscow’s campaign to conquer Ukraine.

“So please keep the pressure on Russia — its tankers and shadow fleet must not feel safe in European waters,” he declared.

Turkish officials reported that all 27 Turkish crew members aboard the Altura tanker escaped injury during Thursday’s early morning assault, which damaged the vessel’s bridge and engine compartment.

The Altura, reportedly transporting 140,000 tonnes of crude oil at the time of the incident approximately 14 nautical miles north of the Bosphorus, has been under Turkey-based Pergamon Maritime’s ownership since November.

According to the Open Sanctions database, the European Union has sanctioned the vessel since October for its involvement in transporting Russian oil exports that violate sanctions.

Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu confirmed the tanker suffered an “attack by an unmanned sea vessel.” He declined to speculate whether Ukraine was responsible for the assault.

Ukrainian forces have previously acknowledged using maritime drones to destroy Russian ships in the Black Sea. Earlier this month, Russia attributed the sinking of a Russian-flagged tanker carrying liquefied natural gas in the Mediterranean Sea near Libya to a Ukrainian naval drone.

TORONTO (AP) — Air Canada’s chief executive issued a public apology Thursday for delivering condolences entirely in English following Sunday’s fatal aircraft accident at LaGuardia Airport, as political leaders demanded his resignation over the language controversy.

Michael Rousseau, who heads the Canadian airline, faced harsh criticism after posting a four-minute online condolence message that contained just two French phrases — “bonjour” and “merci.”

“I am deeply saddened that my inability to speak French has diverted attention from the profound grief of the families and the great resilience of Air Canada’s employees, who have demonstrated outstanding professionalism despite the events of the past few days,” Rousseau stated.

“Despite many lessons over several years, unfortunately, I am still unable to express myself adequately in French. I sincerely apologize for this, but I am continuing my efforts to improve.”

Quebec’s top official demanded the airline leader step down Wednesday. Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney criticized the response as lacking compassion and proper judgment, saying he anticipated further action from Air Canada’s governing board.

The fatal accident claimed the lives of pilots Antoine Forest and Mackenzie Gunther when their Air Canada Jazz aircraft struck a fire vehicle during landing Sunday night. Forest was a French-speaking resident of Quebec.

The nation’s biggest airline operates from its Montreal headquarters in Quebec, where French serves as the dominant language. Rousseau has faced previous criticism for his English-only communications. His condolence message was delivered in English with French translations displayed on screen.

Carney emphasized that Canada maintains two official languages as a bilingual nation.

The language debate in Quebec dates back to the 1760s British conquest of New France. Today, approximately 80 percent of Quebec residents speak French.

Quebec Premier François Legault pointed out that Rousseau committed to learning French when he took the airline’s top position in February 2021.

The federal language commissioner’s office has logged hundreds of complaints regarding Rousseau’s video message.

“Back in November 2021, less than a year after he was appointed CEO of Air Canada, one of his first major speeches in his role triggered a strong controversy among Francophones, as the speech was almost exclusively in English,” said Daniel Béland, a political science professor at McGill University in Montreal.

“At the time, in response to that controversy, Rousseau apologized and pledged to learn French. He did later take French lessons but, as the new controversy suggests, it was probably not very successful to say the least.”

Jason Kenney, a former Conservative Cabinet minister, said he would rather the CEO of Canada’s flagship carrier focus his scarce time on safety and reliability than language training.

KABUL, Afghanistan — A second mass burial ceremony took place Thursday in a Kabul cemetery for dozens more victims of a devastating airstrike that destroyed a drug rehabilitation facility in Afghanistan’s capital earlier this month.

Heavy machinery carved out a massive grave site where individual burial plots were prepared for 60 coffins. According to Afghan authorities, hundreds lost their lives when Pakistani forces targeted the Omid Addiction Treatment Hospital, a 2,000-bed facility, on March 16.

United Nations humanitarian officials continue working to confirm the exact number of casualties. Pakistani leadership maintains they did not intentionally strike civilian targets, claiming their forces hit a weapons storage facility instead.

The attack occurred during a period of intensifying hostilities between the neighboring countries that started in February, marked by repeated border skirmishes and aerial bombardments within Afghan territory, including multiple strikes in the capital city.

Pakistani officials claim Afghanistan shelters extremist groups responsible for terrorist activities on Pakistani soil, particularly the Pakistani Taliban movement. This organization operates independently from but maintains close ties with the Afghan Taliban, which took control of Afghanistan in 2021 as U.S.-led coalition forces withdrew. Afghan leadership rejects these allegations.

Last month, Pakistan officially announced it considers itself in “open war” with Afghanistan. This escalating conflict has drawn international concern, especially given the region’s continued presence of other terrorist organizations like al-Qaida and ISIS, which have been attempting to reestablish themselves.

Both nations agreed to a temporary ceasefire last week before the Muslim celebration of Eid al-Fitr, brokered through diplomatic efforts by Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Qatar. However, the truce ended this week, and combat resumed Wednesday, with Afghan officials reporting at least two civilian deaths and multiple injuries in eastern provinces.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani Taliban — officially called Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP — announced they have restarted operations within Pakistan following their own three-day Eid ceasefire.

This Thursday ceremony marked the second large-scale funeral for the treatment center victims, following an earlier service for more than 50 people on March 18.

Health Ministry spokesman Sharafat Zaman announced Thursday that fatalities from the hospital strike have reached 411 people, after two injured patients died in medical care and rescue teams recovered another body from the debris in recent days. An additional 263 people sustained injuries, he reported.

The Omid facility had been expanded from an existing treatment center as part of the Taliban government’s campaign to address Afghanistan’s severe drug addiction crisis. The nation’s extensive poppy cultivation has supplied much of the global heroin trade, which combined with decades of warfare and widespread economic hardship has created a significant addiction problem that current leaders have pledged to eliminate.

Located near Kabul’s international airport, the hospital sits next to the former NATO military installation Camp Phoenix, where American forces previously trained Afghan National Army personnel.

The airstrike triggered a massive fire throughout the medical facility, and authorities report many victims’ remains were too severely damaged for identification.

Canada’s Foreign Minister Anita Anand announced Thursday that her country will seek support from G7 nations for establishing a new defense financing institution designed to help smaller military contractors access much-needed capital.

Speaking to Reuters during the G7 foreign ministers’ gathering in Vaux-de-Cernay, France, Anand outlined plans for the Defense and Resilience Bank (DSRB) as Western leaders meet March 26-27 amid ongoing conflicts in Iran and Ukraine, global economic instability, and concerns about shifting U.S. foreign policy directions.

The Canadian-led initiative has gained momentum in recent months as part of Prime Minister Mark Carney’s broader strategy to strengthen cooperation among NATO allies and partner nations. Montreal has been hosting discussions to develop the framework for this international financial institution.

“The capital available is going to depend on the number of countries that participate, and Canada is certainly advocating for more and more countries to come on board, and I will be presenting such an argument here at the G7 foreign ministers’ (meeting),” Anand stated during the conference.

While Montreal is competing to host the bank’s headquarters, the proposal faces competition from other financing initiatives aimed at increasing private investment in national defense capabilities.

Several major European powers have not yet endorsed the Canadian proposal. Germany rejected the concept of a new multinational defense bank in December, while Britain announced earlier this week its intention to collaborate with the Netherlands and Finland on an alternative private defense financing program.

According to Anand, many defense contractors are smaller businesses lacking sufficient capital to meet the increased demand for weapons and military equipment – a gap not necessarily addressed by other programs like the European Union’s 150 billion euro ($173 billion) SAFE lending initiative.

“This bank is going to be a pooling mechanism for capital for these small and medium-sized enterprises in particular,” she explained.

Anand indicated that once the bank’s charter is finalized, officials will determine funding levels and distribution methods. She noted that negotiations will continue throughout the spring, providing opportunities for additional nations to participate, though she declined to name interested countries.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that the defense sector has gained valuable insights since Ukraine’s war began in 2022.

“We saw that there was a need for interoperability and there was a need for rapid scale-up in procurement and supply of military equipment. That’s what the Defence Bank is going to address,” she said.

Canada has committed C$25.5 billion ($18.5 billion) in assistance to Ukraine and plans to provide additional private and public sector support, including sourcing power generators before the next winter season.

Anand stressed the importance of G7 nations maintaining their commitment to Russian sanctions while continuing military and economic assistance to Ukraine.

Regarding potential pressure on Ukraine to accept unfavorable agreements, she was definitive: “The geographical boundaries of Ukraine and the decisions relating to its territory are Ukraine’s alone to make, full stop.”

A Finnish parliament member has been convicted and fined by the country’s highest court for describing homosexuality as a “developmental disorder” in social media posts, marking the end of a years-long legal battle that has become a flashpoint in debates over free speech boundaries.

The Supreme Court of Finland ruled Tuesday that Paivi Rasanen, a physician who has served in parliament representing the Christian Democratic party since 1995, was guilty of inciting against a group. The conviction stems from statements she made on social media in 2019 and published on her personal website in 2020, where she claimed scientific evidence supported her characterization of homosexuality as a developmental disorder.

The court imposed a financial penalty of 1,800 euros, equivalent to approximately $2,080, on Rasanen.

In its decision, which passed by a narrow 3-2 vote, the court stated that Rasanen “must have understood that, for example, claiming that homosexuality is a disorder of psychosexual development is, in light of the prevailing medical understanding, an incorrect assertion.” This verdict reversed earlier decisions by lower courts, which had cleared Rasanen of all accusations.

The U.S.-based Alliance Defending Freedom, a conservative legal organization focused on free speech advocacy, had backed Rasanen throughout the proceedings. The group has pointed to her case as evidence of what it describes as European censorship efforts.

Speaking to media after the ruling, Rasanen expressed surprise at the outcome, calling it “a shock.” She indicated she may take her case to the European Court of Human Rights for further review.

The decision immediately prompted calls for legislative reform from government officials within Rasanen’s party and the nationalist Finns Party. Ville Tavio, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development from the Finns Party and a practicing Christian, told reporters that “The law on incitement against a group should be amended.”

The court did clear Rasanen on a related charge involving a biblical quote condemning same-sex relationships that she shared on social media in 2019.

The case has attracted international attention, with U.S. House Republicans inviting Rasanen to testify before the Judiciary Committee in Washington this past February. The hearing, titled “Europe’s Threat to American Speech and Innovation,” featured her discussing the legal proceedings.

MEXICO CITY — Throughout her battle with terminal illness, Samara Martínez has penned numerous heartfelt letters addressing her disease directly.

“Dear cursed one,” the Mexican advocate once penned. “I hate you because you have taken things away from me, but I love you because you have been my greatest teacher.”

The 31-year-old has emerged as one of Mexico’s leading advocates for legalizing euthanasia. While the subject has been discussed for years among advocacy organizations, political figures and scholars, her personal story has brought the issue into mainstream public discourse as legislators consider potential reforms.

Martínez first showed symptoms of chronic kidney disease when she was just 17 years old. Even after enduring chemotherapy treatments, receiving two kidney transplants, undergoing dialysis sessions and experiencing numerous hospital stays, medical experts believe she has approximately five years remaining.

The devastating physical impact and personal sacrifices brought on by her condition haven’t crushed her determination. Through her social media presence reaching over half a million people, Martínez shares how her health journey has strengthened her resolve and given her direction. She regularly engages with government officials, organizes speaking events and continues working in academia from her home base of Chihuahua in Mexico’s northern region.

“I would not have taken up this fight unless I had to endure what I’ve had to, so I’ve found in it my purpose,” she said.

While Mexico’s Constitution doesn’t specifically mention the practice, the country’s General Health Law categorizes euthanasia as “mercy killing” and prohibits both it and assisted suicide.

According to national legislation, helping or encouraging someone to end their life carries a sentence of one to five years behind bars. When someone directly causes another person’s death, penalties can reach up to 12 years imprisonment.

Throughout Latin America, Colombia stands alone as the only nation with comprehensive legal euthanasia regulations. Ecuador removed criminal penalties in 2024, while Uruguay passed enabling legislation in 2025 that awaits implementation.

Martínez champions what’s called the Transcendence Law.

Legislators from multiple political parties, including Morena – the party of President Claudia Sheinbaum – introduced the measure in 2025.

The bill seeks to eliminate current prohibitions and reclassify euthanasia as a lawful, voluntary medical intervention. It positions the practice as a fundamental right connected to human dignity and personal choice, contending that life shouldn’t be viewed as a mandate to endure pain.

Should it pass, the measure would permit adults to seek the procedure. While healthcare professionals could refuse participation based on personal beliefs, public medical facilities would be required to provide willing personnel.

Patricia Mercado, a legislator who has long championed women’s reproductive and workplace rights, backs Martínez’s efforts.

“Samara’s emergence — her struggle, her authenticity — brings the possibility of passing legislation closer,” Mercado said. “A testimony speaks louder than a thousand data points.”

Martínez frequently returns to her written correspondence with her illness. She describes writing as therapeutic and finds that reviewing her past thoughts helps her appreciate inner strength she didn’t realize she possessed.

“Today I read things I wrote four years ago and think: I was so wrong,” Martínez said. “But it’s nice to see how there’s more wisdom.”

She remembers correspondence from 2021 when her physician explained that her kidneys had stopped working independently, leaving her with two choices: receive a transplant or depend on treatments that assume her kidneys’ function of filtering toxins and excess fluids.

At that time, Martínez considered the second option impossible. “I thought I could never live connected to a machine,” she said. Today, she performs peritoneal dialysis nightly, spending hours attached to medical equipment roughly the size of a printer that accompanies her everywhere.

“An illness like this isn’t for everyone and it’s hard to embrace the pain,” Martínez said. “You can stop living and just exist, but I don’t want that.”

Martínez once enjoyed an active lifestyle, playing soccer and maintaining careful nutrition habits while believing she was building a foundation for lifelong wellness.

She encountered her future husband in 2013 during university studies where she pursued journalism. They wed five years afterward, even though Martínez had warned him about her medical situation.

“Are you sure you want to do this?” she questioned him after receiving a broader diagnosis that included lupus, an autoimmune condition. He replied that no hardship would ever drive him away.

When their marriage ended in 2024, Martínez had experienced losses beyond romantic love. Following over ten years of serious illness, she also lost her ideal position at a publishing company after informing her supervisor about an upcoming transplant and potential week-long recovery period. Financial obligations mounted, forcing her to sell her house and compelling her parents to secure loans. Longtime friendships disappeared.

Nausea, weight increases from treatment steroids and hospital stays became regular occurrences. While Martínez deliberately avoids portraying herself as a victim and firmly rejects sympathy, she acknowledges that certain periods brought inevitable frustration and uncertainty.

“I consider myself agnostic, but there are moments when you look up at the sky and question God — why me?” she said. “Now I practice stoicism and live each day with gratitude.”

People opposing her position frequently send Martínez hostile online messages. “I’ve been told that if God wants me to suffer, then I should suffer,” she said.

Resistance to euthanasia continues strongly among traditional and faith-based communities in Mexico. After Martínez’s proposal was presented, the Catholic Church reinforced Pope Leo’s message supporting life’s sacred nature.

Rodrigo Iván Cortés, who leads a traditional advocacy organization, explained their belief that life requires protection from conception through natural death. “For us, the value of life spans every stage,” he said.

Rev. Héctor Reyes stands among the few religious leaders backing Martínez’s mission, working alongside the organization “For the Right to Die with Dignity.” This group has promoted euthanasia for nearly twenty years.

“Transcendence has everything to do with the God I believe in,” said Reyes, emphasizing that people shouldn’t remain confined by concepts of a harsh and punitive God. “For me, transcendence lies in the hope that life doesn’t end with physical death.”

Martínez states she has no plans to surrender her cause. However, when her body fails, she envisions bidding farewell beside the ocean.

She maintains this isn’t driven by fear, but rather by her conviction that selecting one’s manner of death represents life’s most brave choice.

Her parents found it difficult when she announced she would dedicate her remaining time to advocating for euthanasia. “That meant beginning to grieve while I was still alive,” she said. “When my father asked me why I had to fight for this, I told him that if I didn’t do it, no one else would.”

Martínez recognizes she may not survive to witness her campaign’s results. Nevertheless, she believes working toward change has already proven worthwhile.

When her final moments approach, she hopes for a sunset away from medical facilities – a celebration of her life with family and friends present.

“That’s what my life deserves,” she said. “A proper time to say goodbye, to laugh and cry, and leave in peace.”

European Union officials announced Thursday they are launching a formal probe into Snapchat amid allegations that the social media platform inadequately safeguards young users from dangerous situations including potential predators and criminal recruitment.

The European Commission initiated the investigation under the Digital Services Act, comprehensive legislation designed to shield internet users across the 27-member bloc.

According to EU regulators, while Snapchat mandates users be at least 13 years old, the company’s age verification methods appear inadequate for preventing younger children from accessing the platform. Officials also expressed concern that the system fails to properly identify users under 17, which is necessary to provide them with appropriate content experiences.

The commission believes Snapchat’s current safeguards are insufficient to shield minors from contact with dangerous individuals who may seek to exploit them sexually or recruit them for illegal activities. Additionally, the platform allegedly allows underage users to encounter information about prohibited substances including drugs, vaping products, and alcohol.

“Snapchat appears to have overlooked” the DSA’s “high safety standards for all users,” stated Henna Virkkunen, the commission’s executive vice president for tech sovereignty, security and democracy. She added that the investigation will examine Snapchat’s adherence to EU regulations.

In response, Snapchat issued a statement saying the company has “fully cooperated” with the Commission by “engaging proactively, transparently and working in good faith to meet the DSA’s high safety standards – and we will continue to do so throughout this investigation.” The platform emphasized that user safety represents a “top priority” and noted its design includes “privacy and safety built in from the start, including additional protection for teens.”

This investigation intensifies mounting pressure on social media companies regarding youth welfare on both sides of the Atlantic. Just Wednesday, a California jury awarded millions in damages to a 20-year-old woman after determining that Meta and YouTube created their platforms to addict young users without considering their wellbeing.

One day prior, a New Mexico jury imposed a $375 million penalty on Meta for knowingly damaging children’s mental health while hiding information about child sexual exploitation occurring on its platforms.

The EU previously accused TikTok of violating the DSA through “addictive design” elements that promote compulsive usage among children, and has been examining Facebook and Instagram since 2024 for child protection deficiencies.

On the same day, Brussels also charged four major adult websites – Pornhub, Stripchat, XNXX and XVideos – with failing to prevent children from accessing explicit content, following an investigation that began last year.

The Digital Services Act mandates that internet companies and online platforms strengthen protections for European users against harmful content and suspicious products, with potential penalties reaching 6% of annual revenue.

The adult websites did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

In initial findings, regulators determined the site operators failed to “diligently identify and assess” risks to children and did not implement effective barriers to prevent minors from using their services.

“Children are accessing adult content at increasingly younger ages and these platforms must put in place robust, privacy-preserving and effective measures to keep minors off their services,” Virkkunen explained.

The adult websites now have an opportunity to address the allegations before the commission renders its final ruling.

KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) — A former structural engineer who gained recognition as a rapper and later served as Kathmandu’s mayor is now set to lead Nepal as prime minister following his party’s commanding victory in recent parliamentary elections.

Balendra Shah, commonly called Balen, heads the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), which secured approximately two-thirds of the 275 seats in parliament’s influential lower chamber, the House of Representatives.

This marks the first occasion in numerous years that any single political party in Nepal has achieved such a dominant majority.

Party members elected Shah as their leader Thursday, and the president is expected to formally name him prime minister and conduct his swearing-in ceremony Friday.

The electoral triumph places the 35-year-old political newcomer in position to address widespread public dissatisfaction with Nepal’s traditional political parties, which citizens widely criticized for corrupt practices and ongoing governmental instability.

Shah’s political emergence represents a significant transformation in Nepal’s political landscape following youth-driven demonstrations that brought down the former administration last year.

Political experts suggest his strong electoral mandate may provide opportunities to implement meaningful changes, though his lack of national leadership experience and the challenge of meeting supporter expectations could prove difficult in coming months.

“Balen Shah does not have the experience of government operation and lacks the complex knowledge of running the state,” said Hari Bahadur Thapa, a Kathmandu-based author who has written extensively on corruption and governance.

However, Thapa noted that Shah might advantage from a diminished opposition. With nearly two-thirds of legislators supporting his party, he may find it simpler to advance bills through parliament and implement reforms, Thapa explained.

Shah gained national attention as Kathmandu’s mayor after securing the position as an independent candidate in 2022. He subsequently joined the RSP and rapidly became its prime ministerial nominee, presenting himself as an option distinct from two other leading figures from competing parties.

Shah mounted a direct challenge against former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Oli in a southeastern district and prevailed decisively, an outcome many interpreted as evidence of voter dissatisfaction with the nation’s established political hierarchy.

During his tenure as Kathmandu’s mayor, Shah earned recognition for addressing the capital city’s waste management problems, removing unauthorized street merchants, and promoting road construction projects, although detractors criticized him for tearing down residences and commercial properties without sufficient planning or advance warning.

Prior to his political career, Shah studied structural engineering and achieved moderate recognition as a rap performer, frequently incorporating criticism of corruption and social inequality into his musical work.

His song “Nepal Smiling” gained widespread circulation on Instagram and TikTok platforms. The track begins with children’s voices singing: “I want to see Nepal laugh.” Shah then contributes verses envisioning a more equitable nation. “May the country be a beautiful garden,” he sings.

In a different song titled “Sacrifice,” his message becomes more confrontational. “All the people who defend the country are idiots. All leaders are thieves … plundering the country,” he raps.

Shah also became a notable figure during the violent youth-driven uprising in September that removed the government in this nation of 30 million residents, a period of civil unrest that resulted in dozens of fatalities.

While he didn’t participate directly in the demonstrations, he publicly supported the primarily Generation Z activists who spearheaded the movement.

As tensions escalated, he advocated for peaceful approaches and moderation, requesting order to avoid additional bloodshed. Subsequently, he endorsed discussions that contributed to establishing an interim administration.

Frequently appearing in black clothing and dark sunglasses, Shah seldom delivered traditional campaign speeches and communicated with supporters primarily via social media platforms. His campaign focused on economic restructuring, including commitments to improve educational and healthcare access for Nepal’s less affluent citizens.

Whether Shah can transform his popularity into successful governance remains questionable, as critics point out his governmental experience extends only to managing Kathmandu.

For numerous supporters, though, his political advancement already symbolizes a departure from Nepal’s traditional political system.

“Finally we have a young, good and clean leader,” said Susil Singh, an office worker.

Singh expressed hope that Shah would control corruption and provide justice for those killed during the previous year’s demonstrations.

“He asked us for our support and we gave him our votes. Now he is going to bring the country back on track,” Singh said.

France has announced plans to welcome the leaders of India, South Korea, Brazil and Kenya to the upcoming G7 summit scheduled for June in Evian-les-Bains, according to officials from the Elysee Palace.

The decision represents France’s strategy to expand international backing for its mission to address worldwide economic disparities. Paris hopes to prevent what it calls a “massive financial crisis” by encouraging China to increase domestic consumption while reducing exports that create market instability. France also wants the United States to lower its deficits and Europe to increase production while reducing savings.

However, these broader economic objectives may take a backseat to more pressing concerns, as the summit will occur during ongoing tensions from the U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran, which has created energy market disruptions. Questions also persist about the G7’s continued relevance on the world stage.

“We don’t know where the Iran crisis will be by June,” an adviser to President Emmanuel Macron said. “However it evolves, we will have to address its energy and economic consequences.”

Beijing will be absent from the June 15-17 gathering and maintains its criticism of the G7 as a “club of rich countries,” French officials confirmed. Despite diplomatic sources indicating France attempted to extend an invitation to China, officials say they will pursue engagement with Beijing through alternative diplomatic channels.

“The risk for China is to see global markets, and European markets, closing off to it,” the official said.

French officials emphasized that the invited nations represent democracies and market-based economies that follow international cooperation standards.

Uncertainty also surrounds whether U.S. President Donald Trump will participate in the summit, given his recent use of tariff threats that have concerned both allies and competitors while creating market volatility.

“I won’t make any predictions, but if Trump doesn’t come, it also makes sense — it’s a new international reality and we need to organise ourselves accordingly,” the official said.

The leader of the World Trade Organization announced Thursday that the international trading framework has undergone permanent transformation, urging nations to focus on future reforms rather than attempting to restore previous systems.

Speaking at the launch of the 14th WTO ministerial gathering in Yaounde, Cameroon, Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala addressed delegates with a stark assessment of current conditions.

“The world order and multilateral system we used to know has irrevocably changed. We will not get it back…We must look to the future,” Okonjo-Iweala stated during her opening remarks.

Despite noting that approximately three-quarters of international commerce continues operating under WTO guidelines, with artificial intelligence-related trade showing promising expansion, the director-general highlighted major obstacles confronting the global trading environment. She specifically pointed to ongoing Middle Eastern hostilities and the widespread effects of American tariff policies as sources of considerable instability.

The WTO chief outlined several critical issues plaguing the organization, particularly the complete breakdown of its dispute resolution mechanism and insufficient transparency regarding subsidy reporting requirements.

According to Okonjo-Iweala’s data, only 64 member nations submitted their required subsidy disclosures for 2025, leaving 102 countries in non-compliance.

“Lack of transparency leads to lack of trust, and that breeds suspicions of unfairness and anti-competitive behaviours,” she explained to the assembled representatives. She further described how this creates a destructive pattern of distrust that prevents member countries from reaching consensus on new regulations and necessary organizational changes.

BUDAPEST, Hungary — Hungarian authorities have filed criminal espionage charges against investigative reporter Szabolcs Panyi, with officials claiming he conducted intelligence activities in collaboration with a foreign nation, according to a government minister’s announcement Thursday.

Panyi specializes in national security and intelligence coverage and has written numerous pieces exposing Russian influence campaigns within Hungary, including detailed reporting on connections between Moscow and Hungary’s foreign minister.

The journalist has rejected these accusations, while media organizations he contributes to have criticized Hungary’s administration for employing “authoritarian tactics” to undermine the reporter and discredit his investigative work.

Government-affiliated Hungarian media this week broadcast portions of a covertly recorded conversation featuring Panyi discussing verification of a phone number belonging to Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. The recording was made without the journalist’s consent as part of his investigation into Szijjártó’s communications with Russian officials.

The Washington Post recently published a report, based on information from multiple current and former European security officials, revealing that Szijjártó routinely briefed Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov during European Union council meeting intermissions, providing him with “direct reports on what was discussed” along with potential solutions.

While Szijjártó has rejected this reporting, he has confirmed that he does communicate with Lavrov before and after EU foreign minister gatherings regarding meeting agendas and outcomes.

During Thursday’s press briefing, Gergely Gulyás, Prime Minister Viktor Orbán’s chief of staff, announced that Hungary’s justice minister had brought espionage charges against Panyi. Gulyás claimed the journalist had “spied against his own country in cooperation with a foreign state,” describing his journalism work as a “cover activity.”

Gulyás further stated it remained “legally debatable” whether the journalist’s actions constituted treason.

Through social media statements and interviews with Hungarian news outlet Telex, Panyi has maintained his innocence and disputed the government’s claims that he provided Szijjártó’s phone number to any foreign government. He did not immediately respond to requests for additional comment.

Panyi contributes to Hungarian investigative publication Direkt36 and the Warsaw-based Central European investigative platform VSquare. In a Wednesday statement issued before the charges were filed, VSquare declared that Orbán’s administration was “once again resorting to authoritarian tactics to target a journalist whose reporting exposes truths inconvenient to the regime.”

The publication accused Hungary’s government of launching a “smear campaign” against Panyi “to undermine his findings, distract the public, and discredit a reporter who reveals compromising information.”

A 2021 investigation conducted by an international consortium revealed that Panyi had been surveilled using Pegasus, military-grade surveillance software developed by Israeli company NSO Group. This spyware can infiltrate mobile devices to gather personal information and location data while secretly accessing microphones and cameras.

A high-ranking official within Orbán’s party subsequently confirmed that the Hungarian government had acquired and utilized this software, targeting at least 10 attorneys, one opposition political figure, and multiple journalists critical of the administration.

Prime Minister Orbán and his Fidesz party are confronting their most significant electoral challenge in his 16-year tenure. With polling data showing him trailing a center-right challenger by double-digit margins, Orbán has characterized the April 12 election as crucial for Hungary’s survival, claiming that his defeat would result in the country being pulled into Russia’s conflict with neighboring Ukraine.

Orbán’s campaign strategy has centered on strong anti-Ukraine rhetoric, with the government recently alleging that Kyiv has deployed intelligence operatives to manipulate the election results.

In a Thursday social media video, Orbán demanded that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “immediately call home his agents,” though he offered no supporting evidence for these accusations.

Hungary’s administration has rejected reports suggesting that Russian intelligence services are working to influence the election in Orbán’s favor.