Category: World News

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dubai Police advised motorists to utilize alternate routes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

French military personnel are also stationed in Jordan and Iraq.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

JAPAN

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

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

AUSTRALIA

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

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

SOUTH KOREA

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

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

BRITAIN

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer engaged in discussions with Trump about the importance of restoring access to the strait to address the global shipping crisis, according to a Downing Street representative who spoke Sunday.

The spokesperson also noted that Starmer held talks with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, with both leaders agreeing to continue their Middle East discussions during a scheduled Monday meeting.

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi announced Monday that her nation has no immediate plans to send naval vessels to protect ships traveling through Middle Eastern waters, following President Donald Trump’s request for allied assistance in safeguarding the Strait of Hormuz.

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

The American president’s social media appeal for help from allies, including Japan, to safeguard oil and gas transport through the crucial shipping route creates a challenging situation for Tokyo. Japan’s pacifist constitution significantly restricts the types of military operations the country can undertake abroad.

According to Takaichi, the United States has not yet submitted an official request for military assistance in the region.

Senior economic representatives from the United States and China finished their negotiations in Paris on Monday, working toward potential agreements on farming products, essential minerals, and trade oversight that could be presented during an anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping in Beijing, according to individuals with knowledge of the discussions.

These sources informed Reuters that the discussions, described as “remarkably stable,” were headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng. The negotiations would establish possible outcomes for Trump’s planned visit to China at the end of March for discussions with Xi.

However, the sources noted that final decisions on any proposals would rest with the two leaders.

In a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, Trump indicated he might postpone his meeting with Xi this month while pushing Beijing to assist in reopening the vital Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has blocked.

“We may delay,” Trump stated regarding the planned trip.

The American and Chinese teams conducted more than six hours of discussions on Sunday at the Paris headquarters of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, an organization of primarily wealthy democratic nations that does not include China as a member.

Throughout these negotiations, Chinese representatives demonstrated willingness to consider additional purchases of American farm products such as poultry, beef, and various row crops beyond soybeans, according to one source. The same source noted that China remains committed to purchasing 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually for the next three years under the Trump-Xi trade agreement from October 2025.

Representatives from the Treasury Department and the U.S. Trade Representative’s office refused to discuss the nature of the talks, while Chinese officials departed the negotiations on Sunday without addressing reporters.

China’s state-controlled Xinhua news agency commented on Sunday that “meaningful” advancement in U.S.-China economic collaboration could rebuild trust in an increasingly unstable global economy.

These Paris discussions follow multiple meetings throughout the previous year aimed at reducing tensions between Bessent, He, Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, and China’s primary trade negotiator Li Chenggang.

The two nations explored creating new official systems to oversee trade and investment between the world’s largest economies, which Trump and Xi may review in Beijing, sources revealed. Technical discussions regarding the proposed U.S.-China “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” were scheduled for Monday.

One source explained that the Board of Trade concept was more advanced and would focus on identifying products and industries where both countries could expand trade in a balanced manner without threatening national security or critical supply networks.

The Board of Investment would not establish broad investment strategies but would handle specific investment disputes that might emerge between the nations, the source added.

Sources also reported that American officials addressed the supply of Chinese-manufactured critical minerals to U.S. businesses and expressed concerns about limited access to yttrium from China, which is essential for jet engine turbines and other uses in the aerospace sector.

One source mentioned that both sides “found some ways to loosen up” more difficult aspects of critical minerals access, though specific details were not provided.

Prior to the talks, Greer told CNBC on Friday that the United States sought “to make sure that we continue to get the rare earths we need for our manufacturing base, that they keep buying the kinds of things they should be buying from us, and that the leaders have a chance to get together and make sure that the relationship is going the way we want it to go.”

Greer and Bessent also stressed during negotiations the American interest in having China increase purchases of Boeing aircraft and U.S. coal, oil, and natural gas, topics that could receive further attention on Monday, sources indicated.

However, with limited preparation time and Washington’s focus on the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, trade experts suggested that significant trade advances were unlikely, either in Paris or during the Beijing summit.

“Given that the leaders may meet up to four times this year, these deliverables maybe can be spread out, rolled out over the year,” explained Wendy Cutler, a former U.S. trade negotiator who currently leads the Asia Society’s Washington policy center.

Potential future meetings include a possible Washington visit by Xi, a China-hosted APEC summit in November, and a U.S.-hosted G20 summit in December.

Ongoing Middle East conflicts have sparked concerns in diplomatic and business communities about whether warfare might disrupt the growing economic connections between India, Israel, and Gulf nations. However, industry insiders suggest the opposite is occurring—the current crisis is demonstrating just how deeply rooted these partnerships have become and how challenging they would be to dissolve.

Ayush Singh, who founded the New Delhi-based cyber intelligence company ARPSyndicate, believes these relationships have evolved beyond dependence on any single administration or political climate.

“This partnership is not dependent on political leadership,” Singh explained to The Media Line. “It’s going to continue, and honestly, we can’t even predict how deep it will go.”

Some aspects of this framework are clearly visible. Trade agreements between the UAE and India, the Israel-UAE deal that emerged from the Abraham Accords—the 2020 diplomatic normalization between Israel and multiple Arab nations—and the EU-India agreement signed in January have created fresh commercial pathways throughout the region. Singh notes that beneath the surface lies a more complex network: military partnerships, acquisition processes, government approvals, and trust relationships developed over many years.

According to Singh, these connections existed before the Abraham Accords. Indian security personnel collaborated with Israeli colleagues in joint missions, built operational confidence, and subsequently brought those relationships into private industry after leaving government service.

Israeli companies recruited some of these former officials, leading to technology sharing arrangements. Singh emphasized these weren’t merely symbolic gestures or experimental startups. They emerged from established professional connections and received authorization from Israel’s Ministry of Defense, which must approve exports of offensive cyber technologies.

This development has created a specialized market in India. Singh reports that approximately 15 to 20 lawful interception suppliers—companies that provide surveillance and communications monitoring technology to governments—are now competing in that space. He says Israeli firms maintain preferred vendor status partly because they have invested years addressing specific operational challenges for Indian agencies.

“Every ministry, every agency has a gap in what they can do,” he noted. “Not everyone knows about these gaps. Only people at the leadership level know. But when you share one of those gaps with an Israeli vendor, they will pour money and resources into solving it, because they take the challenges Indians face seriously in a way that domestic vendors or American companies simply don’t match.”

While Singh describes the current foundation, Israeli investor and entrepreneur Erel Margalit is working to construct something more ambitious on that base.

“War cannot be won just on the battlefield,” Margalit stated in a phone conversation with The Media Line. “You need a diplomatic move at the end.”

Margalit envisions expanding bilateral relationships into a comprehensive India-Israel-UAE economic alliance connecting technology, investment capital, and infrastructure. He contends that India, Israel, and the UAE could serve as the foundation for a broader regional network combining Israeli innovation, Indian engineering capabilities, and Gulf financing.

“India, Israel, and the UAE hold the key to the next phase of the region,” he declared.

Two months before the current war started, Margalit assembled 450 entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders from Israel, Europe, the United States, and the UAE in Dubai to explore this concept. The group included founders and executive teams from Israeli artificial intelligence and cybersecurity companies, such as ControlUp, ThetaRay, Chain Reaction, and Quali. He said the most notable aspect was how Indian participants were already envisioning their role.

“The one thing that really stuck out was that in a lot of these conversations, we had Indian partners who said, ‘Yes, and we need to tie this to an ecosystem here. It’s a three-and-a-half-hour flight to India,’” Margalit recalled. “I found the conversations very engaging and eye-opening about what can be done.”

For Margalit, this represented part of an ongoing effort, not a single event. He remembered that shortly after the Abraham Accords, before regular commercial flights between Israel and the UAE had begun, he chartered an aircraft and traveled there with his companies.

“We didn’t come for symbolism,” he said. “We came to bring real value through technology and business.”

His current priority involves what he terms micro-vertical AI: specialized systems designed for specific sectors including banking, insurance, cybersecurity, and critical infrastructure. In simpler terms, he’s discussing customized AI systems integrated into the essential operations of major industries, rather than consumer-oriented applications. India’s engineering capacity, he argues, makes it a logical partner, while Abu Dhabi provides a practical pathway for expanding business relationships even without complete political normalization between India and Israel.

Some of this expansion is already evident. Jonathan Zanger, chief technology officer at Israeli cybersecurity company Check Point Software Technologies, told The Media Line that India has become a significant center in the company’s worldwide engineering operations, with Israeli and Indian engineers working together on fundamental products.

“India is a central engineering and capability-building hub for us,” Zanger confirmed.

The partnership is also extending beyond cybersecurity. Earlier this year, more than 550 representatives from international infrastructure firms met in Tel Aviv to discuss contracts for the $50 billion Tel Aviv Metro project. Multiple Indian companies participated, including the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, indicating a broader transition from technology collaboration to physical infrastructure development.

This same reasoning drives interest in the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, or IMEC, a proposed network of ports, railways, energy connections, and digital infrastructure designed to link India to Europe through the Gulf and Israel. Given current warfare and threats to major shipping routes, the project has gained additional strategic importance as governments seek secure alternative pathways.

Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue, the annual geopolitical conference hosted by India’s Observer Research Foundation, former Indian Ambassador to the UAE Sanjay Sudhir said momentum behind the corridor remains strong. An intergovernmental framework agreement has been signed, a digital trade platform to simplify customs is functioning, and feasibility studies are proceeding for projects including undersea power connections between India and the Gulf.

Harsh Pant, vice president for studies and foreign policy at the Observer Research Foundation, said the war has delayed implementation but hasn’t altered the overall direction.

“We have not seen a declining commitment,” Pant observed. “It’s just that things have happened in the region.”

The war, however, is testing more than physical trade routes. Corridors like IMEC depend as heavily on digital systems as on ports, rail, and power connections. This is where the conflict is revealing another layer of vulnerability. Zanger cautioned that geopolitical tensions are increasingly affecting the cyber realm, where attacks can disable the systems modern economies rely upon.

“I don’t think the world is very protected,” he warned. “This mega cybersecurity incident based on AI has not happened yet. But my concern is that it is going to happen.”

Singh provided a more specific example. He said Iran has invested years studying vulnerabilities in surveillance cameras, most of which are manufactured in China. If those weaknesses are being shared, he explained, Tehran can purchase access rather than develop reconnaissance capabilities independently.

“They can buy a single exploit and gain visibility into a location,” Singh said. “We’ve seen this in practice.”

In his assessment, this type of attack matters both militarily and economically. Inexpensive cyber tools and low-cost reconnaissance methods can compel governments to respond with far more costly defenses.

“They’re using very cheap methods. They fail a lot. But when they succeed, they succeed cheaply, and you’re countering those cheap weapons with expensive ones. Economically, you’re the one taking the hit.”

He argued that India cannot approach this conflict the way it handled the Russia-Ukraine war—as a significant international crisis with limited direct impact. India’s connections to the Middle East run deeper, affecting workers, services, trade routes, and supply chains.

“In wars, that kind of damage rarely gets counted,” he said. “But it’s real.”

Singh said only the United States and Israel currently provide the modeling capabilities India requires to understand that exposure in real time.

“They’re the ones who can model actual collateral—if we do X and it goes wrong, what’s the damage? That’s not a calculation a person makes anymore. It requires algorithms, advanced systems. India can’t go anywhere else for that.”

When asked whether the war will ultimately accelerate or complicate the regional integration he has promoted for years, Margalit said the outcome will depend on whether political and business leaders view this moment as an opportunity rather than merely a crisis.

“Military victory is only the first step,” Margalit said. “Wars are ultimately won through diplomatic clarity, agreements, and alliances that can move the region forward.”

He said the next phase must be built on new alliances, economic cooperation, and a shared strategic vision connecting the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Egypt with Israel and the United States.

This perspective is finding support in Europe as well. Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, speaking after a Monday call with India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar about the partial Hormuz blockade, said the crisis demonstrated why secure infrastructure and alternative routes are important. He referenced IMEC as the framework and is scheduled to open an IMEC forum in Trieste on Tuesday.

For Margalit, the strategic reasoning is already advancing faster than the diplomacy. Since Iran began attacking Gulf infrastructure, Israel has engaged in active security cooperation with nations with which it maintains no formal diplomatic relations.

“The next step is to take it to more of a formal alliance,” Margalit said. “I think it is already being discussed.”

In this context, the war may not be dismantling the India-Israel-Gulf network at all. It may be increasing pressure to formalize relationships that, in business, technology, and security, already function in practice.

The expanding conflict between Iran, Israel, and the United States is creating significant challenges for Arab nations across the Middle East, forcing them to deal with military threats and economic disruption even as they try to stay out of the wider war.

Countries like Jordan and Saudi Arabia are facing direct security challenges with missile interceptions and civilian injuries, while Egypt is experiencing financial strain through currency instability, reduced tourism, and disrupted trade routes.

These nations are working to manage the crisis fallout while attempting to prevent being drawn deeper into the regional confrontation.

Jordan Works to Limit Military Spillover

Jordan finds itself among the nations most directly affected by the conflict’s expansion. Tehran’s retaliatory strikes throughout the region have repeatedly violated the kingdom’s airspace, activating its air defense systems and requiring urgent coordination with international allies.

Government officials report that over 100 missiles and drones entered or threatened Jordanian airspace during the conflict’s opening week, with most being destroyed by defense systems. Falling debris from these interceptions has caused injuries and minor property damage in multiple locations.

Despite the heightened security situation, everyday life within the country has remained relatively normal, with officials working to maintain stability while security forces stay on high alert.

“The most immediate impact has been on aviation and tourism due to temporary airspace restrictions and reduced regional flights. Business activity inside Jordan continues largely as normal,” Mai Anati, the managing editor of The Jordan Times, told The Media Line.

However, regional tensions are creating economic ripple effects. In a nation that imports most of its energy, global market fluctuations are quickly felt by consumers.

“However, regional tensions tend to push oil prices higher, which can affect fuel costs and energy imports in a country like Jordan that relies heavily on imported energy,” she said.

Jordan has also become a key transit route as the conflict disrupts regional travel patterns. Foreign citizens looking to exit Israel and surrounding areas are increasingly using Amman as their departure point.

“So far, there are no indications of large-scale population movements into Jordan. Some foreign nationals have used Jordan as a transit point to leave the region through Amman,” Anati said. She noted that Jordan’s Foreign Ministry has also been assisting Jordanians in the Gulf with overland returns through embassy coordination.

“Daily life in major cities such as Amman, Irbid, and Zarqa continues largely as usual, with normal activity in schools, workplaces, and markets,” Anati said, explaining that authorities have implemented precautionary coordination and security measures while working to maintain normal daily routines.

Behind the scenes, Jordan’s security forces have elevated their readiness level to handle potential spillover incidents.

“Jordan has activated early warning systems and precautionary civil protection measures,” she explained. “Security institutions and civil defense remain on high alert, and authorities have issued public guidance on safety procedures to ensure rapid response in case of emergencies.”

To date, the direct impact within Jordan has remained contained.

“The impact inside Jordan has so far been limited,” Anati said, citing minor injuries from falling debris and minor property damage in several locations.

Nevertheless, the volume of intercepted threats demonstrates the kingdom’s vulnerability to the regional escalation.

“According to a statement by the Jordanian Armed Forces, since the beginning of the regional conflict, Iran has targeted Jordanian territory with 119 missiles and drones that were heading toward vital sites in the kingdom. Air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 108 of those missiles and drones,” she noted.

Despite these incidents, Jordan’s strategic approach has remained unchanged: protect national sovereignty while avoiding deeper participation in the conflict.

“Jordan is primarily focused on defending its sovereignty and protecting its airspace while continuing to call for regional de-escalation and diplomatic solutions,” Anati said.

“The kingdom’s position is clear: Jordan will not become a battlefield for any regional conflict,” she concluded.

Saudi Arabia Balances Defense and Caution

To the south, Saudi Arabia has also been forced to navigate the regional confrontation’s consequences. Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting strategic facilities across the Gulf have elevated the kingdom’s security stance and activated its air defense networks.

Multiple projectiles from Iran were intercepted above Saudi territory, including threats directed at crucial locations such as the Ras Tanura energy facility, the US Embassy in Riyadh, Prince Sultan Air Base, and Riyadh airport. While interceptions prevented major damage in most instances, falling debris in civilian areas resulted in two casualties, demonstrating the vulnerability of even well-protected infrastructure.

Riyadh’s official stance has stressed deterrence while maintaining a clear desire to avoid a broader regional war.

“Saudi Arabia’s official position has consistently emphasized the importance of protecting its sovereignty while avoiding escalation that could further destabilize the region,” Abdulaziz Alshaabani, a Saudi political analyst, told The Media Line. He said the kingdom has denounced attacks threatening its territory or security as violations of international law that undermine regional stability.

The implications for Saudi Arabia extend well beyond the immediate military aspects of the conflict. Gulf instability carries economic consequences far beyond the region, given Saudi Arabia’s position as one of the world’s largest energy producers and a central hub in global trade networks.

“From Riyadh’s perspective, the broader concern is not only the immediate security dimension but also the wider regional risks. Any escalation in the Gulf could disrupt critical supply chains, including food imports and energy production, both of which are essential not only for Gulf countries but also for global markets,” Alshaabani said.

Safeguarding shipping lanes and energy facilities remains a strategic priority as the kingdom attempts to maintain market confidence and prevent the conflict from expanding.

“The stability of shipping routes, energy infrastructure, and regional trade flows remains a top priority for the kingdom,” he noted.

Saudi Arabia has responded by strengthening air defenses while maintaining diplomatic channels.

“As for a direct response, Saudi policy has generally focused on strengthening defensive capabilities, coordinating with regional and international partners, and pursuing diplomatic channels to prevent further escalation,” Alshaabani said.

“The kingdom has repeatedly indicated that its goal is to safeguard its security and economic stability while avoiding steps that could expand the conflict or endanger the broader region,” he concluded.

Egypt Bears the Economic Impact

Unlike Jordan and Saudi Arabia, which have faced direct security threats, Egypt has experienced the conflict primarily through economic and strategic consequences. Cairo has not been directly attacked by missiles or drones, yet regional instability is already putting pressure on crucial sectors of its economy.

“Egypt’s economic exposure to this conflict is almost entirely indirect—but no less damaging for that,” Samir Ragheb, a retired Egyptian army brigadier general and president of the Arab Foundation for Development and Strategic Studies, told The Media Line.

“The country is being hit through what might be called the ‘anxiety premium’: investor sentiment, shipping insurance rates, flight rerouting decisions, and tourist cancellation patterns all respond to regional instability as a whole, not just to whether Egyptian soil has been struck,” he noted.

Financial markets were among the first sectors to respond.

“The Egyptian pound has come under renewed pressure almost immediately. The currency had only recently stabilized following the IMF-backed reform program and the painful 2024 devaluation. The war reversed that trajectory within days,” Ragheb said. He added that “hot money,” or short-term portfolio inflows, had flowed out just as sharply, with some Egyptian analysts estimating capital flight at more than $2 billion in the opening week alone.

In response, the central bank has used reserves to support the pound. Meanwhile, rising global energy prices are adding strain to an economy already stressed by International Monetary Fund-linked reforms and subsidy reductions.

“The central bank has been spending reserves to defend the pound’s trading band, but that is a finite buffer,” he noted.

For average Egyptians, the effects are likely to appear gradually through rising prices.

“The downstream effect on ordinary Egyptians is real: higher transport costs, higher logistics costs for goods, and a secondary inflation wave that hasn’t yet shown up in official CPI figures but will,” he said.

Trade routes and regional supply networks have also started to adjust as the conflict disrupts established pathways.

“Regional land crossings have also been disrupted. The Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, already politically complicated, has seen further constraints,” Ragheb said. He said the Taba crossing has been used mainly for outbound traffic and that trade flows through the Aqaba-Nuweiba ferry route have also slowed.

However, the most significant economic vulnerability remains the Suez Canal.

“The Suez Canal wound is the deepest,” Ragheb said, noting that revenues had already dropped from more than $10 billion annually to about $4 billion by the end of 2025 because of the Houthi campaign in the Red Sea. Hopes that the Gaza ceasefire would restore normal shipping routes in 2026, he said, have now been indefinitely postponed.

Tourism, one of Egypt’s most critical sources of foreign currency, is extremely sensitive to regional instability and has already started to feel the effects.

Ragheb said tourism is not just a revenue source for Egypt but also a political stabilizer. The sector, he said, employs millions, supports key regional economies, and had reached roughly 19 million visitors in 2025.

“The cancellations since the escalation began have been real and measurable. Travel agencies across Europe—Egypt’s main tourism markets are Germany, Russia, Italy, and the UK—reported cancellation spikes within the first 72 hours of the conflict,” he noted.

According to Ragheb, the perception of risk can be almost as important as actual security conditions.

“Many travelers and travel insurers do not distinguish between Egypt being targeted and Egypt being adjacent to a region that is,” he said.

How persistent those economic shocks become will depend largely on the conflict’s duration.

“The critical threshold is duration,” Ragheb said.

“A conflict that ends or de-escalates within four to six weeks likely produces a manageable tourism downturn—perhaps a 15 to 20 percent dip for the season, with recovery possible before peak summer arrivals. A conflict that drags into April and May, or escalates further, would devastate the spring-summer booking cycle,” he noted.

At the security level, Egyptian planners are less worried about direct missile attacks than about indirect destabilizing effects.

“The concern within Egyptian security circles is real but calibrated,” Ragheb said, adding that officials are more worried about secondary effects, including the possibility that Islamic State’s Sinai Province could regain strength.

“That scenario—not Iranian missiles—is what Egyptian security planners lose sleep over,” he said.

Diplomatically, Cairo has attempted to position itself as a mediator while avoiding direct involvement in the conflict.

Ragheb said, “President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi has adopted the most activist diplomatic posture he has taken on any regional crisis in years—and that itself is significant.”

“President el-Sisi personally stated that Egypt had spent months attempting to prevent the war by bridging US and Iranian positions. That is not a routine diplomatic formulation—it is a political claim of effort and legitimacy that positions Egypt as a good-faith broker with channels to both sides,” he concluded.

Throughout the region, Jordan is protecting its airspace, Saudi Arabia is securing critical infrastructure, and Egypt is preparing for deeper economic pressure as neighboring governments attempt to contain an expanding conflict.

Military leaders from Israel’s Defense Forces report that coordinated operations with American forces against Iranian targets could extend for a minimum of three additional weeks, with planning potentially reaching beyond that timeframe.

Brigadier General Effie Defrin, speaking as the IDF’s official spokesperson, told CNN that Israeli forces are organizing for an extended campaign working alongside United States military personnel. His comments came two weeks following the start of current hostilities.

“We have thousands of targets ahead. We are ready, in coordination with our US allies, with plans through at least the Jewish holiday of Passover, about three weeks from now. And we have deeper plans for even three weeks beyond that,” Defrin stated.

Defrin emphasized that the military campaign follows strategic goals rather than predetermined timelines. He explained that the IDF “is not working according to a stopwatch, or a timetable, but rather to achieve our goals,” with the primary objective being to “weaken the Iranian regime severely.”

President Donald Trump has indicated that American military strikes may escalate further. U.S. forces conducted attacks on Saturday against military installations on Kharg Island, a crucial Persian Gulf location that handles approximately 90% of Iran’s oil exports.

During an interview with NBC News, Trump hinted at potential future strikes on the same location. The president remarked that the U.S. might consider bombing the island “once more, just for fun.”

“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” Trump said.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi rejected claims that Tehran was seeking negotiations with Washington during his television appearance.

“We don’t see any reason why we should talk with Americans, because we were talking with them when they decided to attack us,” he told CBS News’ Face the Nation program.

“This is a war of choice by President Trump and the United States, and we are going to continue our self-defense.”

Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei issued a written declaration threatening to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime passage that facilitates the transport of approximately 20% of global oil supplies.

French President Emmanuel Macron delivered a stern message to Iranian leadership on Sunday, demanding an immediate halt to military operations targeting Middle Eastern nations both directly and through allied forces, particularly in Lebanon and Iraq.

In a social media statement, Macron revealed he had personally conveyed these demands to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian during recent discussions.

“I reminded him that France is acting within a strictly defensive framework aimed at protecting its interests, its regional partners, and freedom of navigation, and that it is unacceptable for our country to be targeted,” Macron wrote on X.

The French leader also emphasized the urgent need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global shipping that has faced disruptions.

“Freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz must be restored as soon as possible,” he stated.

Looking toward long-term solutions, Macron outlined his vision for regional stability, calling for comprehensive diplomatic measures that would address Iran’s nuclear program, missile development, and military activities throughout the region.

“Only a new political and security framework can ensure peace and security for all,” Macron declared, emphasizing that any agreement must include guarantees preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.

European Union foreign ministers are set to convene Monday in Brussels to consider strengthening their naval operations in Middle Eastern waters, though expansion into the critical Strait of Hormuz remains unlikely, according to diplomatic sources.

The EU launched its Aspides naval mission in 2024 to safeguard commercial vessels from attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen targeting ships in the Red Sea. The operation currently operates with Italian and Greek vessels under direct command, plus French and additional Italian ships available for backup support.

Since late February, when American and Israeli forces began military operations against Iran on February 28, the Strait of Hormuz has become largely impassable. This development has prompted some European leaders to consider whether their naval mission might help restore safe passage through the Gulf waterway.

The strait serves as a crucial pathway for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making Iran’s ability to block this route a significant concern for global economic stability.

However, diplomatic sources indicate Monday’s ministerial discussions will center on EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas’s proposal to increase the number of ships participating in the current mission.

“The conversation on Monday will be about trying to have more member states contribute further capacities,” said a senior EU official, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss internal deliberations.

German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul expressed doubt about expanding the mission’s scope during a Sunday interview. He argued that Aspides – which takes its name from the Greek term meaning “shields” – hasn’t proven successful in its existing responsibilities.

“That is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” he told Germany’s ARD television.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump issued a Saturday appeal for international cooperation, urging China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations affected by the oil supply disruptions to join efforts reopening the shipping routes.

French officials have been working to build a coalition focused on securing the strait once conditions stabilize, while British representatives are exploring various options with allied nations to ensure maritime shipping safety, according to official sources.

Diplomatic sources say it’s premature to determine whether the European Union might participate as a unified entity in such initiatives. Any modification to the Aspides mission’s mandate would require unanimous agreement from all 27 EU member nations.

“Protecting ships in the Strait of Hormuz in the current situation is a decision that won’t be taken lightly by ministers,” said an EU diplomat.

North Korea conducted elections Sunday for its Supreme People’s Assembly, the nation’s legislative body responsible for formally endorsing government policies and selecting top officials, according to state media reports from KCNA.

State media announced that approximately 99.99% of qualified voters had participated in the election by 6 p.m. local time on Sunday.

The country’s leader Kim Jong Un participated in the voting process at a coal mining facility operated by young workers, where he emphasized that the coal sector plays a crucial role in advancing the nation’s economy and supporting his five-year economic development strategy, KCNA reported.

Citizens of North Korea residing in China and other socialist nations also participated in the voting process, according to the state media outlet.

While the assembly has the authority to create legislation and oversee policies across all government sectors, its endorsement serves merely as a procedural step for decisions already made by the dominant Workers’ Party, which maintains absolute authority. Kim Jong Un governs the nation through multiple leadership roles: general secretary of the Workers’ Party, president of the State Affairs Commission, and supreme commander of the Armed Forces.

SYDNEY – Another member of Iran’s women’s soccer team has rejected Australia’s offer of asylum and will head back to Iran, according to Australian media reports released Monday.

Last week, Australia provided humanitarian visas to six players and one staff member from Iran’s national team after they requested protection due to concerns about potential persecution back home. Their worries stemmed from their refusal to sing Iran’s national anthem during a Women’s Asian Cup game.

On Sunday, three delegation members decided to reject the asylum opportunity. Combined with another team member who changed her mind the previous week, this leaves just two individuals remaining in Australia.

“This is a very complex situation,” Australian Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs Matt Thistlethwaite said during a Sky News interview Monday.

Thistlethwaite explained that the government honors the choices of those returning to Iran while maintaining assistance for the two team members who have stayed in Australia.

According to Iran’s Football Association, the individuals declining Australia’s asylum protection plan to meet up with their teammates in Malaysia before departing for Tehran, where they will “to once again be embraced by their families and homeland.”

Iran’s Asian Cup participation began during the same period when U.S. and Israeli forces conducted airstrikes against Iran, resulting in the death of the Islamic Republic’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The team was knocked out of the competition one week ago.

U.S. President Donald Trump commended Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese for permitting the women to remain, posting on social media that America stood ready to accept the players if Australia declined to do so.

Senior economic officials from the United States and China conducted what sources described as exceptionally productive discussions in Paris on Sunday, laying groundwork for potential agreements that Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping could finalize during their upcoming Beijing meeting.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent led the American delegation in talks with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters. Two sources with knowledge of the negotiations characterized the discussions as both frank and constructive.

“All these meetings were to create stability, and today was remarkably stable,” one source told reporters following the conclusion of the talks.

The negotiations covered several key areas, including expanded agricultural trade opportunities. Chinese representatives indicated willingness to consider increased purchases of American poultry, beef, and various row crops beyond soybeans, according to one source. China also reaffirmed its commitment to purchasing 25 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans annually for the next three years.

Both delegations explored establishing formal mechanisms to better manage trade and investment relations between the world’s two largest economies. Technical discussions regarding proposed “Board of Trade” and “Board of Investment” frameworks were scheduled to continue Monday.

The Board of Trade concept appeared more fully developed, designed to identify products and sectors where both nations could expand balanced trade without compromising national security or critical supply chains, sources explained. The investment board would focus on addressing specific investment disputes rather than setting broad policy.

Critical mineral supply chains dominated another portion of the discussions. American officials expressed concerns about limited access to yttrium from China, an essential component in jet engine turbines. Sources indicated both sides identified potential solutions to ease restrictions in challenging mineral sectors, though specific details were not disclosed.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer and Secretary Bessent also emphasized American interest in expanded Chinese purchases of Boeing aircraft and U.S. energy products including coal, oil, and natural gas. These topics were expected to receive further attention in Monday’s continued discussions.

The Paris meeting follows several previous sessions throughout the past year aimed at reducing tensions between Bessent, He, Greer, and Chinese chief trade negotiator Li Chenggang. Chinese officials departed without making public statements to waiting reporters.

Treasury and Trade Representative office spokespersons declined to provide characterizations of Sunday’s discussions when contacted. Sources emphasized that final decisions on any proposed agreements would rest with the two presidents during their anticipated late-March summit in Beijing.

PARIS, March 15 – Exit polling data released Sunday revealed a razor-thin contest between the current leftist mayor Benoit Payan and National Rally representative Franck Allisio in the opening round of Marseille’s mayoral race, with both candidates running nearly even in France’s second-most populous city.

The National Rally, a far-right political party, has positioned this Marseille contest as a crucial gauge of their political momentum leading up to France’s 2027 presidential campaign.

JERUSALEM – Two Israeli officials announced Sunday that diplomatic negotiations between Israel and Lebanon may commence within days, with the goal of establishing a lasting ceasefire that would include the disarmament of Hezbollah.

While Beirut is assembling a negotiating team, no specific date has been scheduled for the discussions. According to three Lebanese officials who spoke Saturday, Lebanon requires assurance that Israel will honor President Joseph Aoun’s primary condition – implementing a complete ceasefire to enable negotiations to proceed.

The potential diplomatic talks were initially disclosed by Israel’s Haaretz newspaper on Saturday.

A Lebanese official stated Sunday that Lebanon has not yet received formal notice from Israel regarding the proposed discussions.

The Israeli officials indicated that Ron Dermer, a close advisor to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will spearhead Israel’s negotiating efforts, with France participating in the diplomatic initiative.

Israel’s Army Radio reported Sunday that Dermer, who formerly held the position of strategic affairs minister, traveled to Saudi Arabia last week to discuss the negotiations that would commence after the current military operations against the Iran-supported Hezbollah organization conclude.

Netanyahu’s office has not responded to requests for comment. Foreign Minister Gideon Saar denied earlier Sunday that any discussions with Lebanon were currently underway.

Lebanon became involved in the Middle Eastern conflict on March 2 when Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel, claiming the action was retaliation for the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader. Israel’s military response has resulted in over 800 Lebanese deaths and displaced more than 800,000 residents from their homes.

Aoun has indicated the Lebanese government’s willingness to engage in direct negotiations with Israel to achieve an end to the hostilities.

Lebanon’s openness to talks with Israel coincides with increasing internal tensions regarding Hezbollah’s armed status. The Beirut government prohibited Hezbollah’s military operations this month, but the organization dismissed the directive and continued fighting, launching hundreds of rockets toward Israel.

A Reuters report from Friday quoted an Israeli official stating that military operations against Hezbollah would likely intensify and persist even after attacks on Iran subside.

Citizens of Kazakhstan have endorsed a revised constitution through Sunday’s referendum, with early polling data suggesting the changes could potentially enable President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev to extend his tenure beyond the scheduled 2029 conclusion of his term in the energy-rich Central Asian nation.

Exit polling indicated approximately 87% of participants supported the constitutional revisions, while election officials reported voter participation reached 73%.

The updated constitution reorganizes the nation’s legislative body and reestablishes the vice presidential position, which had been eliminated in 1996. Under the new framework, the president gains authority to select the vice president along with numerous other senior government positions.

The rapid development of these constitutional changes led some political observers within Kazakhstan to speculate that Tokayev might be positioning to either designate a successor as vice president before stepping down early, or potentially use the new constitution to reset his term limitations and remain in office.

The previous constitution and the newly adopted version both restrict presidents to a single seven-year term, a constraint that Tokayev implemented in 2022.

Following his vote in the capital city of Astana, when questioned by media about whether the constitutional changes would enable a power transition, Tokayev stated that the upcoming presidential contest would occur in 2029 at the conclusion of his current term.

“Some experts suggest that competition for power in Kazakhstan is reportedly intensifying, and that various trends giving rise to concern are on the rise,” Tokayev said. “However, there are absolutely no grounds for worry that this will have a negative impact on society.”

Resistance to the constitutional revision remained minimal, with government-sanctioned polling organizations reporting substantial majorities supporting the new document. Since gaining independence from Soviet rule in 1991, Kazakhstan’s leadership has exercised strict oversight of political activities in the nation of 20 million residents.

In an uncommon public declaration, Nursultan Nazarbayev, who served as Kazakhstan’s president from 1991 through 2019, announced his support for the new constitution.

Through a statement posted on his official website, the 85-year-old Nazarbayev wrote: “Some time ago, I made the choice to entrust (the presidency) to Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, and I stand by that choice forever. It is my hope that this Constitution will serve the well-being of our Kazakhstan and the welfare of our people.”

Nazarbayev, who previously served as Tokayev’s political mentor, lost his remaining official roles and authority following violent unrest in January 2022 that resulted in hundreds of deaths.

Tokayev has characterized the January 2022 violence as an attempted overthrow orchestrated by security service members who remained loyal to his predecessor. Multiple long-serving associates of Nazarbayev have faced imprisonment since the 2022 disturbances.

HAJI OMERAN, Iraq (AP) — When the border between Iraq and Iran reopened on Sunday for the first time since warfare began affecting the region, dozens of Iranian citizens immediately made the journey into northern Iraq seeking basic necessities, internet connections, communication with family members, and employment opportunities.

Those making the crossing described increasingly dire conditions within Iran, where continuous aerial bombardments and dramatically rising food costs have created desperate circumstances for residents.

Long lines of commercial vehicles carrying merchandise moved through the Haji Omeran border crossing from Iraq’s Kurdish territory, providing much-needed relief from the elevated prices Iranian citizens face at home.

The connection between these regions predates the current conflict, as Iranian Kurds have historically maintained regular contact with Iraqi Kurdistan due to shared family connections, cultural bonds, and economic relationships facilitated by borders that allow consistent commerce and family visits. The Iraqi Kurdish region now serves as an essential connection point for Iranians seeking contact with the broader world during wartime.

“When this border was closed, it affected everyone. Poor people, rich people, workers,” said Khider Chomani, a truck driver on his way to Iran carrying goods.

Border authorities had suspended operations due to escalating military tensions in the region. Iraqi Kurdish officials had been awaiting Iranian approval to resume crossing operations.

Nearly every Iranian Kurd who spoke with The Associated Press requested anonymity, expressing concerns about personal safety and potential retaliation from Iranian intelligence services, which they claim monitor individuals who communicate with news organizations.

According to these sources, numerous Iranian military installations, intelligence facilities, and security locations have suffered destruction. The bombing campaigns have limited security personnel movements, with officers avoiding government buildings and instead taking shelter in civilian locations like educational institutions and medical facilities, or remaining mobile in vehicles rather than reporting to traditional posts.

One Kurdish woman from Piranshahr made the 15-kilometer journey across the border on Sunday to reach family members and purchase necessary supplies.

“I came here to make a phone call. In most of Iran there is no internet,” she said. “For more than 16 days my relatives haven’t heard from me, and they are worried about me.”

She explained that many Iranians purchase Iraqi mobile phone cards and travel to border areas to establish connections and contact relatives overseas due to widespread internet disruptions throughout the country. Her trip allowed her to obtain communication services and update her family on her situation.

She proceeded to the marketplace in the border town to purchase food items at significantly reduced prices compared to her hometown of Piranshahr. She focused on essential items including rice and cooking oil, which have become unaffordable in Iran due to wartime price increases.

“The situation In Iran is terrible. People don’t feel safe, things are expensive, people don’t want to leave their homes,” she said.

Approximately thirty minutes later, she returned across the border carrying two shopping bags filled with groceries, explaining that her children were waiting for her return.

An elderly woman wearing a black head covering and light clothing despite heavy rainfall walked alone across the border checkpoint. She had traveled from Sardasht in Iran’s West Azerbaijan province and planned to continue to Choman in Iraq’s Kurdish region, approximately 40 kilometers from the border, to locate distant family members and request assistance.

Her son, who had earned income through cross-border smuggling of cigarettes and other merchandise, was fatally shot by Iranian military personnel 14 months earlier. Such smuggling activities are common in this porous border region. As the family’s only income source, his death left them without resources while caring for three children, the oldest being five years old.

With food costs climbing, she struggles to provide meals and has fallen two months behind on rent, owing approximately $200. “I don’t have anyone there to help me survive,” she said through tears. “The war made things worse — everything is more expensive.”

Unable to contact her relatives in advance, she hoped they would provide assistance. “I am powerless, but the kids are hungry and I must do my best for them,” she said. She was later seen standing in the rain seeking transportation from passing vehicles.

A group of Iranian workers from three different cities shared a taxi as they returned from visiting home, heading back to their employment in the Iraqi Kurdish region. The men work for the same construction company and planned to remain for one month to earn sufficient income to address increasing costs in their home communities.

“The situation will only become worse and civilians will be the only ones affected,” one worker said. “We left our kids and wives just to come and work here and make some money, otherwise we would not have left them alone.”

Iranian Kurds residing near locations used by Iranian government forces reported being forced to evacuate to safer areas to avoid bombardment.

A house painter who lives in the Iranian city of Urmia but works in Irbil, northern Iraq, described constant bombardment as a regular occurrence. He had briefly returned home after his mother expressed fear about the explosions, and he assured her that the family had no connections to Iranian authorities and faced no direct threat.

Conditions had become so severe that another Iranian Kurdish factory worker specializing in metalwork and living in the Iraqi Kurdish region urged his family in Urmia to relocate and join him. His family, including his wife and three children, arrived on Sunday and rested at a roadside restaurant.

He reported that security forces no longer use their bases following repeated attacks. Many military, intelligence and police facilities have been destroyed, and personnel avoid stationary positions.

“They don’t stay in their offices,” he said. “They stay in their cars, under bridges, in schools and hospitals. They drive around. Their bases are destroyed.”

PARIS – French counterterrorism officials have formally charged two brothers with orchestrating what prosecutors describe as a “lethal anti-Jewish” terrorist plot, according to a statement released Sunday by the national counterterrorism prosecutor’s office.

The siblings – a 22-year-old engineering student and his 20-year-old unemployed brother – were taken into custody last Tuesday following a routine traffic stop near a correctional facility in northern France. During the stop, law enforcement officers discovered a semi-automatic weapon, a container of acid, and an ISIS banner inside their vehicle, prosecutors revealed. Officials have not disclosed specific details about the intended target or the nature of the planned assault.

Both men now face formal charges including terrorist conspiracy and weapons possession related to terrorist activities. They remain in custody pending trial, with authorities withholding their complete names from public release.

The arrests come amid heightened global concerns about potential violence against Jewish communities following recent military actions involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, along with Tehran’s retaliatory response.

Recent incidents have underscored these security fears. A gunman drove his vehicle into a synagogue in the Detroit metropolitan area last Thursday. In Europe, an explosion caused minimal damage to a Jewish educational facility in Amsterdam on Saturday, while another blast ignited a fire at a Belgian synagogue earlier this week.

French interior officials responded by increasing protective measures around Jewish religious sites throughout early March.

Investigators report finding extremist jihadist materials on the suspects’ electronic devices, with one brother having recorded a video declaring loyalty to the Islamic State terrorist organization.

International officials and civil rights organizations have documented increasing incidents of antisemitism, anti-Islamic sentiment, and anti-Arab prejudice worldwide since Hamas launched its attack in 2023 and Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza began.

France’s national human rights monitoring body, the CNCDH, has observed that antisemitic incidents within France typically spike following Israeli military operations in Palestinian areas. While such incidents reached unprecedented levels after the 2023 Hamas assault, they decreased by 16% in 2025 compared to the previous year.

FRANKFURT – Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul voiced concerns Sunday about proposals to extend the European Union’s naval protection mission beyond its current scope.

The minister criticized the existing Aspides operation, which aims to safeguard commercial vessels traveling through Red Sea shipping lanes, calling it “not effective.”

Speaking during a television interview on Germany’s ARD network, Wadephul expressed his reservations about broadening the mission’s reach to include the Strait of Hormuz waterway.

“And that is why I am very sceptical that extending Aspides to the Strait of Hormuz would provide greater security,” the minister stated during the broadcast.

ANTANANARIVO, March 15 – President Michael Randrianirina of Madagascar revealed his selection of Mamitiana Rajaonarison for the position of prime minister during a state television broadcast on Sunday. The announcement follows the president’s decision to remove his previous prime minister along with all cabinet members on Monday.

Iran’s top diplomat in Saudi Arabia is calling for a comprehensive reassessment of Middle Eastern relationships as regional tensions continue to escalate, according to a Reuters interview published Sunday.

Ambassador Alireza Enayati told the news agency that neighboring countries in the Gulf region must conduct a thorough examination of their diplomatic ties in response to what he described as ongoing U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran.

When questioned about potential damage to regional relationships, Enayati responded: “It’s a valid question, and the answer may be simple. We are neighbors and we cannot do without each other; we will need a serious review.”

The Iranian representative criticized what he called decades of divisive policies and over-dependence on foreign powers in the region. In his written responses to questions, he advocated for stronger connections between the Gulf Cooperation Council’s six nations, plus Iraq and Iran.

“What the region has witnessed over the past five decades is the result of an exclusionary approach [within the region] and an excessive reliance on external powers,” Enayati stated.

Gulf Arab nations have endured more than 2,000 missile and drone strikes since hostilities began on February 28, according to the report. These attacks have targeted American diplomatic facilities and military installations, as well as vital oil infrastructure, ports, airports, hotels, and civilian buildings throughout the region.

The United Arab Emirates, which established diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, has experienced the most severe attacks. However, all Gulf Arab states have been affected and have publicly criticized Iran’s actions.

Regional analysts and sources indicate growing private frustration with the United States, traditionally viewed as the area’s security protector, for involving Gulf states in a conflict they didn’t support but are suffering consequences from.

In Saudi Arabia specifically, strikes have focused on the eastern provinces where the kingdom produces most of its oil, the Prince Sultan Airbase housing U.S. personnel east of Riyadh, and the Diplomatic Quarter in the capital’s western section, according to Saudi defense ministry reports.

Saudi Arabia and Iran restored complete diplomatic relations in 2023, ending years of hostility during which both countries supported opposing political and military groups across the region.

Regarding attacks on Saudi oil infrastructure, including the Ras Tanura refinery on the eastern coast and numerous drone attempts on the Shaybah oil field near the UAE border, Enayati firmly denied Iranian responsibility.

“Iran is not the party responsible for these attacks, and if Iran had carried them out, it would have announced it,” the ambassador declared, though he didn’t identify who he believes conducted the strikes.

Saudi Defense Ministry statements have not attributed responsibility for specific incidents. Enayati maintained that Iran only targets U.S. and Israeli assets and interests.

The ambassador reported maintaining regular communication with Saudi officials, describing relations as “progressing naturally” in multiple areas. He praised Saudi cooperation in helping Iranian religious pilgrims leave the kingdom and providing medical assistance to others.

Enayati confirmed Tehran has been in contact with Riyadh regarding Saudi Arabia’s public commitment not to allow its territory, waters, or airspace to be used for attacks against Iran, though he didn’t elaborate on those discussions.

His message to Gulf nations emphasized that the current conflict “has been imposed on us and the region.”

To end the hostilities, Enayati said the United States and Israel must stop their attacks, regional countries should remain uninvolved, and international guarantees must be established to prevent future conflicts.

“Only then can we focus on building a prosperous region,” he concluded.

JERUSALEM, March 15 – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu filmed himself enjoying coffee at a Jerusalem area cafe on Sunday to counter false death rumors that originated from Iranian state television and circulated across Iranian social media platforms.

The video, which Netanyahu shared on his Telegram social media account, shows him at a cafe on Jerusalem’s outskirts where his assistant brings up the circulating rumors about his supposed death.

Using a play on words in Hebrew where “dead” can also mean being enthusiastic about something, Netanyahu made light of the false reports while reaching for his coffee cup.

“I’m crazy about coffee. You know what? I’m crazy about my people,” Netanyahu said to his aide in the recording.

Reuters confirmed the video’s authenticity by matching the cafe’s interior with archived images of the location. The timing was also verified through multiple posts and photographs the cafe shared on Sunday documenting Netanyahu’s visit.

Following the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran on February 28, Netanyahu has made public appearances at Iranian missile impact sites in two communities, along with visits to a medical facility, shipping port, and military installations. However, media coverage of these visits has been limited, with video content distributed exclusively through his official office.

The Israeli leader, who seldom grants interviews to domestic journalists or conducts press briefings, held his first media conference since the conflict began on Thursday via video connection. This mirrored the remote format he employed during Israel’s 12-day conflict with Iran last June.

Wartime emergency protocols currently in effect throughout Israel prohibit large public gatherings and have resulted in most citizens remaining near their homes, shelters, or designated safe areas. Educational institutions remain closed across the majority of the nation.

The World Health Organization announced Sunday that it has distributed $2 million in emergency funding to three Middle Eastern nations experiencing severe health crises due to ongoing regional conflicts.

Lebanon will receive $1 million of the emergency allocation to enhance WHO’s crisis coordination through its Public Health Emergency Operations Centre, expand trauma treatment capabilities, bolster disease monitoring systems, and acquire critical medical equipment and pharmaceuticals, according to the organization’s announcement.

Both Iraq and Syria will each receive $500,000 to bolster emergency response coordination and mass-casualty treatment protocols, obtain vital medical supplies and medications, deliver healthcare to displaced communities, and enhance disease tracking and public outreach efforts.

The funding comes as the region faces massive population displacement, with WHO estimates showing over 100,000 people have been forced to relocate in Iran, while as many as 700,000 individuals have been internally displaced within Lebanon due to the escalating conflict.

“At a time when health services are already facing significant challenges, support is essential to sustain frontline health workers and maintain critical care services,” stated Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean.

The emergency funds were drawn from WHO’s Contingency Fund for Emergencies, which is designed to provide rapid financial assistance during humanitarian crises.

Families displaced by warfare in Lebanon are struggling to stay dry during severe weather, with many forced to create improvised shelters after official facilities reached capacity.

In the coastal city of Sidon, Hussain Murtada and his seven family members have taken refuge in the bed of a pickup truck, using rope to secure a plastic tarp against Sunday’s downpour. A baby could be seen among the blankets and belongings packed into their temporary home along the waterfront.

“We are putting tarp over it because we’re soaked,” Murtada explained while adjusting the makeshift covering. The father had evacuated his family from Hanawiya, located just eight miles from Israel’s border.

“I asked here at the schools and they are full, they’re all full,” he said. “What should I ask for? I just want a shelter for me and the children.”

The current crisis has forced more than 800,000 Lebanese residents—roughly 15 percent of the nation’s total population—to abandon their homes. The exodus began after Hezbollah launched attacks against Israel on March 2 in solidarity with Iran, prompting Israeli military responses that have pulled Lebanon into the broader Middle Eastern conflict just over a year after the previous Israel-Hezbollah confrontation ended.

Government officials report that only about 132,000 displaced individuals have found spaces in organized evacuation centers. The remaining hundreds of thousands have scattered across the country, staying with family members, occupying unfinished construction sites, or living outdoors.

Mohammad Marie, who evacuated from Nabatieh in Lebanon’s south, has been camping beneath a tree along Beirut’s famous Corniche waterfront promenade. His plastic covering was torn away by wind, leaving him completely exposed to the elements.

“It might keep raining for a week, so where will I go? I will stay here, what else can I do? I have no shelter except here, under this tree,” Marie said, his clothing thoroughly soaked. “I don’t have a tent, I don’t have anything, and my financial situation is very difficult. I have no money to rent a house.”

International aid organizations responded Friday when the United Nations announced a $308 million emergency funding request to assist Lebanon with the humanitarian crisis.

Lebanese health officials reported Sunday that Israeli military operations have resulted in 850 deaths and over 2,100 injuries since March 2, including 107 children and 66 women among the casualties. The ministry’s statistics do not distinguish between civilian and military deaths.

Israeli forces have lost two soldiers during operations in southern Lebanon, while no Israeli civilian deaths have been recorded from Hezbollah rocket and drone strikes since the conflict began March 2.

Israeli defense forces announced Sunday that a Hezbollah commander eliminated in a recent airstrike was the sibling of the individual who carried out last week’s assault on a Detroit-area synagogue.

According to Israeli military statements, Ibrahim Ghazali died in Lebanon alongside three additional family members of the synagogue attacker on March 5 — seven days before officials say Ayman Mohamad Ghazali rammed his vehicle into a prominent synagogue near Detroit and took his own life following gunfire from security personnel.

Federal investigators from the FBI’s Detroit division, who are handling the synagogue incident, refused to address the Israeli military’s assertions regarding Ibrahim Ghazali.

“Out of respect for the ongoing investigation, we will continue to refrain from commenting on its substance,” FBI spokesman Jordan Hall said in an email Sunday.

The Associated Press could not independently confirm the allegation that Ibrahim Ghazali held militant positions.

Israeli defense officials contend that Ibrahim Ghazali served as a Hezbollah commander responsible for overseeing weaponry for a division that launched rocket attacks against Israel.

A Lebanese government source, speaking on condition of anonymity due to restrictions on publicly discussing airstrike details, verified Ibrahim Ghazali’s death to the AP, stating that Ghazali’s offspring, Ali and Fatima, along with his sibling Kassim, also perished when the strike targeted their residence shortly after dusk.

Law enforcement officials indicate that Ayman Ghazali, age 41, executed the synagogue assault after discovering that four family members had been eliminated in the Israeli bombardment.

Israel has intensified operations against the Iranian-supported militant organization Hezbollah in Lebanon as conflict with Iran has expanded hostilities throughout the Middle East region.

Last Thursday, Ayman Ghazali remained in his vehicle outside Temple Israel, located near Detroit, for approximately two hours carrying a rifle, industrial-grade fireworks and containers of liquid suspected to be gasoline, before driving into the facility filled with numerous children, according to law enforcement.

He began shooting his weapon through the front window, engaging in a firefight with an armed security officer. Ghazali ended his own life after becoming trapped in his vehicle when the engine ignited, stated Jennifer Runyan, the special agent overseeing the FBI’s Detroit regional office. No staff members or children within the synagogue sustained injuries, presumably due to enhanced security measures implemented in recent months.

Federal investigators leading the probe characterized the assault on one of America’s largest Reform Jewish congregations as violence directed at the Jewish community, though they stated insufficient evidence exists currently to classify it as terrorism.

Ghazali arrived in the United States in 2011 through an immediate family visa as a U.S. citizen’s spouse and obtained American citizenship in 2016, based on Department of Homeland Security records.

He resided in a one-level brick residence in Dearborn Heights, a Detroit suburb located roughly 38 miles south of the targeted synagogue.

The Michigan synagogue incident occurred on the same date as a former Army National Guard member, who previously served prison time for attempting to assist the Islamic State, opened fire in a classroom at Old Dominion University in Virginia, resulting in one death and two injuries.

Kenya’s top diplomat is heading to Russia this week facing domestic pressure to persuade Moscow to halt the recruitment of Kenyan nationals for military service, though Nairobi and other African governments are expected to maintain a non-confrontational stance.

Recent investigations have exposed the extensive recruitment of African citizens into Russia’s military ranks, frequently through intermediaries promising well-paying civilian employment opportunities, sparking outrage across nations including Kenya, Ghana and South Africa.

While families demand stronger action to secure the return of recruits, African leaders remain cautious about openly choosing sides in Russia’s conflict with Ukraine, particularly since the recruitment controversy has yet to generate significant public demonstrations or political pressure.

“We want Kenyans stopped – they should not be enlisted at all,” Musalia Mudavadi, Kenya’s minister for foreign affairs, told Reuters ahead of his trip. “We are getting a lot of pressure from some of the affected families who are now gathering more courage to come forward and speak to the issue.”

Nevertheless, Mudavadi emphasized his “pragmatic and realistic” approach to the matter, noting Russia’s status as a global superpower with longstanding ties to Nairobi.

“It’s not a confrontation,” he said. “This is about speaking to issues as they are and the distress that they’re causing to the Kenyan people, and we need a joint effort to be able to resolve it.”

The Russian defense ministry did not respond to requests for comment outside normal business hours.

Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova announced March 12 that Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov would discuss with Mudavadi the “state and prospects for the development of traditionally friendly Russian-Kenyan relations,” including economic and trade partnerships.

Ukrainian officials estimate more than 1,700 African fighters are serving alongside Russian forces, though experts believe the actual number could be significantly higher.

Kenya’s intelligence services report that over 1,000 Kenyan nationals have been recruited, according to an agency assessment. Mudavadi declined to provide specific numbers regarding Kenyans involved in the fighting.

Ghana announced in February that more than 50 of its citizens had died in the Ukraine conflict after being “lured into battle.” Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, told Reuters the actual casualty count might be even greater.

Russian officials have rejected allegations of illegal recruitment of African nationals for combat in Ukraine.

Ablakwa confirmed Ghana’s commitment to maintaining diplomatic ties with Russia while taking a firm stance on citizen protection. “But let me be clear: where Ghanaian citizens are being harmed, deceived, or drawn into a war they did not understand, we will speak plainly and we will act,” he said.

Most African nations are expected to follow South Africa’s measured approach, despite dozens of its citizens being deceived into participating in the Ukrainian conflict.

“We’re … investigating the conditions under which people left,” Zane Dangor, director general of South Africa’s foreign affairs department, told Reuters.

“That investigation will also determine if Wagner has been involved,” he said, referencing the Russian mercenary organization previously active in Africa before being replaced by the Kremlin-controlled Africa Corps. Dangor indicated current evidence does not suggest direct Russian state involvement.

Inpact, a Geneva-based research organization studying Russian recruitment operations, has confirmed multiple recruitment lists it obtained, including one documenting 1,417 continental citizens.

The organization’s February report identified Cameroon, Egypt and Ghana among the countries with the highest recruitment numbers.

According to Inpact, African recruitment represents a strategic component of Russia’s efforts to reinforce assault waves designed to overwhelm Ukrainian defense positions.

“We think we are just scratching the surface with these numbers,” said Lou Osborn, a member of Inpact. Osborn noted that over 40 families have contacted the organization since the report’s publication, corroborating recruitment methods.

Ablakwa revealed his collaboration with other African nations to address this as a continental challenge.

“This is bigger than Ghana,” he said. “If Africans are being lured into a foreign war through deception and exploitation, then Africa should respond collectively.”

Pier Pigou, senior consultant at the International Crisis Group, expressed doubt that this issue would significantly impact Russia-Africa relations without substantial political backlash.

“For the vast majority of people it’s a case of ‘these dudes are just trying to earn a living. And because their countries don’t provide that for them, they’re going to … take opportunities that arise,’” he said.

Britain’s Prince William paid tribute to his deceased mother Princess Diana with an emotional social media message as the United Kingdom observed Mother’s Day on Sunday.

The 43-year-old prince posted a touching message on Instagram alongside a vintage photograph, writing: “Remembering my mother, today and every day. Thinking of all those who are remembering someone they love today. Happy Mother’s Day.” He concluded the post with his signature initial “W.”

The accompanying image captures a tender moment between Diana and a young William, then just 2 years old, as they stand together in a flower-filled field at the royal family’s Highgrove estate in Gloucestershire. The photograph dates back to 1984.

Princess Diana lost her life in a tragic automobile accident in Paris during August 1997. At the time of her death at age 36, William was 15 years old while his younger brother Prince Harry was 12.

Other members of the royal family also commemorated Mothering Sunday, which falls on the fourth Sunday during Lent in Britain, with their own social media tributes.

Among these was a vintage black-and-white photograph from 1953 featuring the late Queen Elizabeth II seated on a garden bench at Balmoral Castle in Scotland, accompanied by a young King Charles III and his sister Anne, the Princess Royal, when they were still children.

Medical officials at a Brasilia hospital reported Sunday that imprisoned former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro’s kidney condition has shown improvement, though the 70-year-old politician continues to receive intensive care treatment for pneumonia.

Hospital staff have administered additional antibiotic treatments to the former leader since Saturday, medical personnel confirmed in their latest update.

Bolsonaro, who held Brazil’s presidency from 2019 through 2022, was transported to DF Star Hospital on Friday from his detention facility, where he is currently serving a 27-year prison term for orchestrating a coup attempt in 2023.

The former president was moved from local federal police facilities to an expanded detention cell in January. Legal representatives and family members have continuously petitioned Brazil’s Supreme Court to permit him to complete his sentence through home confinement.

The conservative politician has required multiple hospitalizations following a stabbing incident that occurred during a campaign rally prior to the 2018 presidential race.

Medical staff at the facility reported that Bolsonaro arrived with elevated body temperature, perspiration, and trembling symptoms, while also noting elevated inflammation indicators in his system.

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

The courts found Jair Bolsonaro guilty on multiple charges, including orchestrating an armed criminal conspiracy and attempting to forcibly dismantle democratic governance through violence. The former president has maintained his innocence regarding all accusations.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (AP) — Pakistani forces conducted overnight military operations against militant facilities in Afghanistan’s Kandahar region on Sunday, as border hostilities between the neighboring nations continue without signs of de-escalation.

The cross-border violence, which has featured Pakistani air operations in Afghanistan’s capital city of Kabul, represents the most lethal conflict to date between these South Asian countries. Pakistani officials have characterized the situation as an “open war,” raising alarm about regional security while Middle Eastern conflicts involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran continue to spread.

Pakistani Information Minister Attaullah Tarar announced via social media that military forces had attacked equipment storage locations and “technical support infrastructure” during nighttime operations in Kandahar.

Afghan administration spokesperson Zabiullah Mujahid reported that Pakistani forces struck two sites: a daytime security guard facility that was unoccupied during nighttime hours, and a drug treatment facility that sustained minor damage. While he confirmed no deaths occurred, Mujahid stated the attacks demonstrated Pakistan was “continuing to invade and fuel the fire of war.”

Afghanistan’s Defense Ministry announced it launched a retaliatory strike against a Pakistani military installation in Pakistan’s South Waziristan region on Sunday following the Kandahar attacks. Officials claimed the operation devastated much of the facility’s command headquarters and additional structures, causing significant Pakistani military losses.

Pakistan’s Information Ministry dismissed the assertion as “propaganda,” stating that a small unmanned aircraft was shot down and “no military installation or infrastructure was hit.”

Afghan forces also reported conducting operations within Pakistani territory near the borders of Kunar and Nangarhar provinces, alleging they seized a Pakistani military position and killed multiple soldiers. Pakistani officials also denied these allegations.

Pakistani authorities accuse Afghanistan’s Taliban leadership of providing sanctuary to militant organizations, especially the Pakistani Taliban, known as Tehrik-e-Taliban, which conducts attacks within Pakistan. Afghan officials reject these accusations, maintaining they prohibit their territory from being used for attacks against neighboring nations.

The current violence began in late February when Afghanistan launched cross-border operations into Pakistan following Pakistani airstrikes within Afghanistan several days prior, which Afghanistan claimed killed only civilians. The hostilities destroyed a ceasefire negotiated by Qatar last October after earlier fighting that resulted in dozens of deaths among soldiers, civilians, and suspected militants.

On Sunday, mortar fire from Afghanistan destroyed a residence in Bajaur, a northwestern Pakistani district, killing at least four family members and injuring two others, according to local government official Adnan Khan.

Both nations have blamed each other for civilian targeting, with dozens of deaths reported.

Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari stated Saturday that Afghanistan’s government had “crossed a red line” by conducting drone attacks on Pakistani civilian areas, and hours afterward the country reportedly launched strikes against an Afghan drone storage facility.

STOCKHOLM — Swedish authorities detained the Russian captain of an oil tanker on Sunday after a court approved prosecutors’ request to hold him on charges related to fraudulent documentation.

The Sea Owl 1’s commanding officer, whose identity remains undisclosed, was taken into custody Friday following a coast guard boarding operation near Trelleborg on Sweden’s southern coastline the previous day.

Legal officials believe the captain used falsified papers, and the Ystad district court granted their petition to keep him detained, according to reports from Swedish news agency TT.

The vessel was operating under the flag of Comoros, a small island nation located off the eastern coast of Africa. However, Swedish coast guard officials believe the ship lacks proper registration in that country’s maritime records, meaning no legitimate flag state can verify the vessel’s safety standards.

According to coast guard reports, the tanker appears on European Union sanctions lists and had been traveling from Brazil toward Russia. While the ship previously carried oil between these nations, it appeared to be empty during Thursday’s inspection.

This marks the second suspicious vessel intercepted by Swedish authorities within a week’s time, both suspected of operating under fraudulent flags. The cargo vessel “Caffa,” crewed primarily by Russians, faces allegations of transporting stolen grain while appearing on Ukraine’s sanctions registry. That ship’s captain has also been detained on similar document fraud charges.

Swedish officials announced last year they would intensify insurance verification procedures for foreign vessels as part of efforts to crack down on Russia’s “shadow fleet” — a collection of older ships used to move oil, gas, and allegedly stolen Ukrainian agricultural products.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have delivered a scathing response to writer Tom Bower following the release of excerpts from his latest book about Britain’s royal family, calling his work nothing more than wild theories and dramatic storytelling.

The couple released a harsh statement Saturday, asserting that Bower “has long crossed the line from criticism into fixation.”

Excerpts from Bower’s new publication appeared in the Times of London Friday, where he made several explosive allegations. Among them, the writer claimed Queen Camilla reportedly told an acquaintance that Meghan had “brainwashed” Prince Harry. Bower also suggested that Prince William and Catherine viewed Meghan “as a threat rather than an ally” during rising tensions before Harry and Meghan’s departure from Britain to establish their life in America.

“This is someone who has publicly stated, ‘the monarchy in fact depends on actually obliterating the Sussexes from our state of life,’ language that speaks for itself,” the couple’s statement declared.

“He has made a career out of constructing ever more elaborate theories about people he does not know and has never met,” their response added. “Those interested in facts will look elsewhere; those seeking deranged conspiracy and melodrama know exactly where to find him.”

The published excerpts also contained harsh commentary regarding the couple’s finances, their charitable endeavors, and Harry’s Invictus Games, the yearly athletic event he established for military veterans who have been wounded, injured, or fallen ill during service.

This marks Bower’s second major publication focusing on the Sussexes, following his 2022 release “Revenge: Meghan, Harry, And the War Between the Windsors.”

Pakistani military forces launched nighttime operations against Taliban facilities and suspected militant locations in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, according to Pakistan’s Information Minister who announced the strikes on social media Sunday.

The overnight military action specifically focused on Taliban installations and what Pakistani officials described as locations used by terrorist organizations within Afghan territory.

Afghan government representative Zabihullah Mujahid acknowledged that the military operations took place but reported that no individuals were killed or injured during the strikes.

The cross-border military action represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between Pakistan and the Taliban-controlled Afghan government regarding security concerns along their shared border.

VATICAN CITY, March 15 – During his Sunday address at St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo delivered a passionate call for an immediate halt to the Iran conflict, condemning what he described as “horrific violence” that has claimed thousands of civilian lives and displaced countless others throughout the region.

The pontiff’s appeal came as the U.S.-Israeli military action against Iran reached its third week. Pope Leo, who holds the distinction of being the first American to hold the papal office, emphasized that military action cannot deliver the justice, stability, and peace that Middle Eastern populations desperately need.

Speaking to gathered faithful during his traditional weekly Angelus prayer, the pope declared: “For two weeks, the peoples of the Middle East have been suffering the atrocious violence of war.”

“In the name of Christians in the Middle East and of all women and men of good will, I appeal to those responsible for this conflict: Cease fire!” Pope Leo proclaimed.

The Holy Father went on to acknowledge the human toll of the fighting, stating: “Thousands of innocent people have been killed, and many more have been forced to leave their homes. I renew my closeness to all those who have lost their loved ones in the attacks.”

Pope Leo also addressed the deteriorating conditions in Lebanon, where Israeli forces are engaged with Hezbollah, the Iranian-supported militant organization. He described the Lebanese situation as a source of “great concern.”

“I hope for paths of dialogue that can support the country’s authorities in implementing lasting solutions to the serious crisis currently underway, for the common good of all the Lebanese people,” the pope concluded.

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — When a aircraft carrying approximately 150 Palestinians from Gaza touched down in South Africa last November, it caught everyone off guard.

This wasn’t an isolated incident. Beginning in May, no fewer than three aircraft loaded with Gaza inhabitants who had registered to depart the conflict-ravaged territory have arrived in Indonesia and South Africa.

An Associated Press investigation has revealed that an Israeli organization, whose leader strongly endorsed former President Donald Trump’s plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, is responsible for these flights. This discovery raises additional concerns about the true intentions behind evacuating hundreds of individuals from the territory.

At that time, South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola described the flights as having a “clear agenda to cleanse out the Palestinians out of Gaza and the West Bank.”

According to contracts, passenger manifests, text communications, financial records, and conversations with over two dozen Israelis, Palestinians and others connected to the journeys, Ad Kan — an Israeli entity established by military personnel and former intelligence operatives — operated through another organization to obscure its Israeli ties while coordinating the flights.

Multiple passengers who escaped after more than two years of catastrophic warfare that has devastated Gaza stated they were unaware of who orchestrated their departure. However, they expressed little concern about this detail, they explained, as long as they could escape.

“There was famine, and we had no options. My children were almost killed,” explained a 37-year-old Palestinian who reached South Africa in November. Like other passengers, he requested anonymity due to fears of potential retaliation. “Death and destruction was everywhere, all day, for two years, and nobody came to the rescue.”

Ad Kan maintained separation from the flights. The evacuations were coordinated by a firm called Al-Majd, which presents itself on its website as a humanitarian entity “supporting Palestinian lives” and delivering assistance to Muslim communities experiencing conflict.

Nevertheless, examining Ad Kan’s background and its founder, Gilad Ach, indicates the Israeli organization may have been motivated, at least partially, by alternative objectives.

“Ad Kan,” which translates to “enough is enough” in Hebrew, has spent years operating secretly to penetrate organizations and reveal what they claim are antisemitic or anti-Israel activities.

Ach, an Israeli combat reservist, is a West Bank settlement advocate who strongly backed Trump’s proposal last year to relocate 2 million Palestinians from Gaza.

Following Trump’s announcement of his proposal, Ach released a document outlining his implementation strategy for the “voluntary exit.” The report suggested Israel should complete Palestinian emigration from Gaza within six to eight months and work with the U.S. to secure receiving nations. It claimed the migration of all Palestinians was “entirely feasible,” that they desired to leave, and that clearing the territory of its Palestinian population served Israeli interests.

Trump subsequently withdrew his plan — which faced widespread international criticism and allegations from Palestinians, rights organizations and even the U.N. secretary-general that such a proposal could constitute “ethnic cleansing” — and stated Palestinians could stay in Gaza.

However, far-right Israeli organizations, including members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s governing coalition, continue advocating for Gaza’s Palestinian removal in hopes Israel could eventually resettle the region. With U.S. knowledge, Israel’s government has contacted several nations — Somaliland, South Sudan and Sudan — hoping to facilitate Gaza emigration.

Israel established the Voluntary Emigration Bureau early last year, operated by Israel’s Defense Ministry.

After the war commenced in 2023, Ach created an organization called The Israeli Reservists Generation of Victory. In a November 2024 conversation with Arutz Sheva, a religious nationalist news outlet supporting the West Bank settlement movement, Ach said the group’s message included the “emigration of our enemies.”

His organization also distributed advertisements on Israeli buses showing Trump’s portrait alongside Hebrew text reading: “Victory = Voluntary migration … This bus could be full of Gazans. Listen to Trump, let them out!”

In a conversation with right-wing publication the Jewish News Syndicate shortly after the war started, Ach said Gaza victory meant claiming part of the territory and opening borders for departures. “They lost their territory, they lost population, this is a clear victory,” he stated.

Ach refused an interview for this report and texted AP that he was proud leading organizations supporting the rights of Gaza Palestinians wanting to relocate to safer global locations, away from Hamas. He rejected South Africa’s claim that the flights aimed to cleanse Gaza and the West Bank of Palestinians. He described them as humanitarian flights and said those who departed requested assistance, with some covering partial costs.

He highlighted “profound hypocrisy,” with nations refusing to accept Palestinian refugees.

“Their continued presence in Gaza, under dire conditions, serves as a tool to pressure Israel internationally and allows Hamas to maintain its rule over this suffering population,” he stated.

Ach did not address questions about using Al-Majd to hide Israeli connections.

Critics argue such Gaza emigration isn’t voluntary after the war rendered much of the territory uninhabitable. Rights organizations also stress people must be permitted to return, and Israel has a decades-long history of complicating Palestinian returns to Gaza.

AP interviewed six Palestinians who departed Gaza via the flights.

Some reported first hearing about a company transferring people from Gaza in early 2025. Some discovered advertisements online or on social media or were directed to Al-Majd’s website by friends.

With combat ongoing and much of Gaza in ruins, some said they were uncertain of their destination. They simply wanted to escape.

Months before the aircraft arrived in Johannesburg last November, an earlier May flight transported nearly 60 Palestinians from Israel through Hungary to Indonesia and several other destinations. A second October flight carried approximately 170 people from Israel to South Africa via Kenya, according to flight organizers, tracking data and Palestinians who used the service.

The six Palestinians who spoke with AP said they paid up to $2,000 per person through bank and cryptocurrency transfers.

They said the website indicated transportation to South Africa, Indonesia, or Malaysia but provided no choice option. When flights were ready, Palestinians received messages directing them to meeting locations where buses transported them from Gaza to Israel, where they were searched and permitted to bring limited belongings aboard.

American-Israeli businessman Moti Kahana signed an August contract, shared with AP, to coordinate a flight for Ad Kan.

Kahana, who has experience evacuating people from conflict areas including Afghanistan, Ukraine and Syria, said he was contacted to help arrange transportation for over 300 Palestinians to Indonesia from Ramon airport in southern Israel. The Ad Kan contract specified his company would provide “flight rescue service” for a minimum $750,000 payment.

However, during planning, the destination changed to South Africa, he said, and his flight involvement ended.

After the second South Africa-bound flight arrived in November, the government canceled its 90-day visa exemptions for Palestinian passport holders, citing “deliberate and ongoing abuse” by Israelis connected to emigration efforts.

Kahana said Ach informed him about Ad Kan’s Al-Majd connection, describing it as operated by both Arabs and Israelis in Israel but avoiding promotion of its Israeli ties.

“It’s the same people, the same company, different names,” Kahana explained. “They have a group of Arab-speaking people that answer the phone, and they don’t want to show Israel involvement; they have like an Arab face to it.”

Kahana said Ach’s team provided him a spreadsheet listing flight passengers. The document — reviewed by AP — includes names of at least 13 people whose families confirmed they registered and paid through Al-Majd and flew to South Africa.

Al-Majd’s website claims it was established in 2010 in Germany with an east Jerusalem office, without providing an address. The company doesn’t appear in online databases for registered German charities or businesses.

It remains unclear whether Ad Kan was collaborating directly with Israel’s government, but Palestinians require Israeli permission to leave Gaza. Muayad Saidam, a Palestinian listed on the group’s website as its Gaza humanitarian project manager, told AP in a phone call to Al-Majd’s listed number that he didn’t know Ad Kan or Ach but acknowledged that Palestinian travel arrangements must be made with Israeli authorities. He refused to provide additional details.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office and COGAT, the defense agency that facilitates Palestinian departures from Gaza, declined to comment on the flights. COGAT has previously stated it permits Palestinian departures from Gaza through Israel if they possess destination country visas.

Netanyahu’s office, COGAT and Ach also refused to answer AP’s questions about whether departed Palestinians would be permitted to return.

Families who traveled to South Africa told AP they weren’t aware Israelis organized the flights but that ultimately, it didn’t matter.

“I agreed to the flight, and I didn’t know the destination,” said a Palestinian who used Al-Majd to send his wife and son to South Africa.

“All I cared about was getting my family out of Gaza and saving them.”

TAMMUN, West Bank (AP) — Four members of a Palestinian family, including two young children, were fatally shot by Israeli military forces in the northern West Bank, according to the Palestinian Authority’s Health Ministry.

Palestinian officials report the Odeh family was out purchasing new clothing for Eid al-Fitr celebrations, which mark the conclusion of Ramadan, when the deadly shooting took place Saturday evening. Israeli authorities have announced they are conducting an investigation into the incident.

According to the Palestinian Red Crescent rescue service, Ali and Waed Odeh along with two of their four children sustained fatal head wounds from gunfire. The couple’s two remaining children suffered shrapnel injuries and received medical attention from emergency responders after they were eventually allowed access to the scene. The Red Crescent has criticized Israeli forces for preventing ambulances from reaching the location promptly.

In a joint statement released Sunday, Israeli military and police officials said their forces discharged weapons when a vehicle sped toward them in Tammun. The forces were reportedly tracking individuals suspected of involvement in “terrorist activity,” and the incident remains under official review.

The Odeh family represents the most recent victims in the occupied West Bank, where at least eight Palestinians have been killed by Israeli settlers and military personnel since the Iran conflict began.

Following the February 28 attacks on Iran by Israel and the United States, Israeli officials have imposed movement restrictions throughout the West Bank, periodically shutting down hundreds of checkpoints and gates along roads used by local residents, emergency vehicles, and commercial transport. These barriers have severely limited mobility and complicated emergency response efforts, the Red Crescent informed The Associated Press recently.

Israeli human rights organization Yesh Din reported Wednesday that they have documented 109 cases of settler violence across dozens of Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank since the war’s beginning.

Current casualty figures remain below 2025 levels — which marked a record year for violence that started with Israel’s invasion of northern West Bank cities identified by the military as militant bases. Israeli forces continue to maintain operations in those areas.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has documented 18 Palestinian deaths in the occupied West Bank since early 2026, with eight killed by Israeli settlers.

Six world leaders gathered in Oslo on Sunday to forge a new partnership aimed at strengthening military cooperation and reducing dependence on traditional alliances, with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney spearheading the initiative.

The summit brought together the heads of government from Canada, Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland to establish enhanced collaboration on defense manufacturing and procurement strategies. This meeting represents part of Carney’s broader strategy to diversify Canada’s international relationships beyond its traditional reliance on the United States.

Carney has been actively pursuing partnerships with nations across Asia, the Middle East, and Europe as he works to establish what he terms a coalition of ‘middle power’ countries that could reshape global trade relationships.

Speaking to media following the six-nation summit, Carney emphasized the economic benefits of coordinated spending. “We all agree that if we individually spend that money or we spend it in an uncoordinated way, it’s not going to be value for taxpayers. It also will not protect our people as much as we should,” he explained.

The Canadian leader clarified that this new partnership wouldn’t eliminate existing relationships with the United States. “We will still do a lot of procurement with the United States… but in all cases looking to procure much more in partnership. And it’s a much broader range of countries with whom we can partner,” Carney stated.

The leaders also committed to maintaining their support for Ukraine through various forms of aid, including economic, civilian, military, and humanitarian assistance.

Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen offered a stark assessment of current global dynamics during the press conference. “The old world order is gone and will probably not come back,” she declared.

“So we have to build something new and it has to be a world order that is built on the values that we represent,” Frederiksen added.

Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Stoere, who served as host for the gathering, highlighted the dual benefits of the enhanced cooperation, noting it would strengthen security measures while simultaneously opening doors for economic expansion.

Israeli news sources reported Sunday that debris from an Iranian missile impacted a building that serves as housing for the United States consul in Israel.

The initial reports did not include additional specifics about the incident or any potential damage assessment.

Iranian officials have taken into custody dozens of individuals suspected of providing intelligence to Israel across multiple regions of the country, state media outlets reported Sunday, while military strikes by Israeli and American forces persist against Iranian targets.

According to the semi-official Tasnim news agency, authorities in Iran’s northwestern region detained 20 individuals Sunday following accusations from provincial prosecutors that they transmitted location data about Iranian military and security facilities to Israeli forces.

Additionally, officials in northeastern Iran, an area that has seen fewer airstrikes, apprehended 10 suspects on Sunday. Some of those detained are alleged to have gathered intelligence on critical locations and economic infrastructure, Tasnim reported.

A regional division of the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence unit stated: “As the Zionist enemy (Israel) and the U.S. are attempting to invade Iran, they simultaneously activate mercenaries and spies to carry out riots as the next step,” according to Tasnim’s reporting.

The Student News Network also reported Sunday that authorities in Lorestan province, located in western Iran, had detained three individuals for “seeking to disturb public opinion (…) and burn mourning symbols.”

A source familiar with Israeli military operations told Reuters this week that Israel has shifted tactics to target security checkpoints using intelligence provided by local informants, marking a new development in its campaign against Iran.

Prior to the current military action by the U.S. and Israel against Iran, widespread demonstrations against the government occurred in January. These protests were suppressed in what became the most violent government crackdown since the Islamic Republic was established.

Iranian leadership attributed responsibility for what they characterized as “violent riots” designed to topple the clerical government to Israel and the United States.

Competing political factions in Hungary organized major demonstrations on Sunday as the nation’s contentious election campaign intensified before voters head to the polls on April 12.

Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who has held power for over a decade, confronts what analysts consider his most difficult reelection battle following three years of economic stagnation, rising living costs, and the emergence of a formidable pro-European Union opponent in Peter Magyar.

Both Orban’s Fidesz party and Magyar’s Tisza movement organized massive demonstrations through Budapest to commemorate Hungary’s March 15 national holiday while mobilizing their base, with polling data indicating Tisza maintains a substantial lead.

The incumbent has framed the upcoming election as a decision between conflict and stability, claiming opposition forces want to involve Hungary in the ongoing war in Ukraine that began with Russia’s invasion in February 2022. Opposition leaders have rejected these allegations.

However, Orban’s messaging continues to connect with his base, as supporters assembled in Budapest’s streets before marching to parliament for the longtime nationalist leader’s address.

“Hungarians, young or old should not be sent to the front lines, because this is a senseless war,” said Maria Erdelyi, who attended the rally. “This is only about money and nothing else.”

The prime minister has consistently clashed with European Union leadership regarding Ukraine policy and numerous other matters. Going against Brussels’ position, he has preserved friendly relations with Moscow, declined to provide weapons to Ukraine, and maintains that Kyiv should not become an EU member.

Supporter Jozsef Lados praised Orban as “Europe’s best politician,” arguing Hungary should continue with the current leader rather than taking a chance on Magyar, whom he characterized as an “adventurer.”

Magyar has rejected Orban’s campaign messaging as ridiculous “propaganda,” though Tisza has taken a measured approach regarding Ukraine, stating opposition to expedited EU membership for Kyiv and promising a binding public vote on the matter if victorious.

KYIV, Ukraine — Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy announced Sunday that his country stands prepared for upcoming three-way peace negotiations aimed at ending Russia’s invasion that has lasted over four years, though the ball remains in the court of Washington and Moscow to determine meeting logistics.

According to Zelenskyy, the United States offered to host discussions involving American, Ukrainian and Russian diplomatic teams, featuring US representatives Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, however Russia declined to participate with their own delegation.

“We are waiting for a response from the Americans. Either they will change the country where we meet, or the Russians must confirm the U.S,” Zelenskyy stated during Saturday’s media briefing. “We are not blocking any of these initiatives. We want a trilateral meeting to take place.”

Washington has delayed its planned talks between the warring nations due to Middle East conflicts. The Iran conflict, which began February 28 after US-Israeli military action against Iran and expanded throughout the region, has shifted global attention away from Ukraine’s struggle against Russia’s superior military forces.

During his press conference, Zelenskyy also cautioned about a “very high” possibility that the Iran conflict could deplete air defense supplies that Ukraine relies on to defend against Russian missile attacks.

The Ukrainian president acknowledged he doesn’t have complete information about current stockpile levels and revealed Friday discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris regarding whether SAMP/T defense systems could replace US-manufactured Patriot missiles for stopping ballistic threats. He indicated Ukraine would be “first in line” to evaluate any workable substitute.

Zelenskyy also seemed to counter recent statements by US President Donald Trump dismissing the value of Ukrainian drone technology.

“No, we don’t need their help on drone defense,” Trump commented during a Fox News Radio interview broadcast Friday.

The Ukrainian leader disclosed that Washington had contacted Ukraine “several times” seeking help for an unnamed nation or support for American personnel, though he provided no additional details. He noted these requests came from multiple US military organizations to Ukraine’s Defense Ministry and other military commanders.

“All our institutions received these requests, and we responded to them,” Zelenskyy explained.

He revealed proposing a defense partnership agreement to Washington last year valued between $35 billion and $50 billion, which would have provided US officials access to technology from approximately 200 Ukrainian companies specializing in drones, artificial intelligence and electronic warfare, with half the production designated for partners, mainly the United States.

The Ukrainian president said American military leadership showed significant enthusiasm for the arrangement, and Trump himself appeared open to the idea.

“We received a message from them, and directly from the president as well, that they are interested,” Zelenskyy informed reporters. “We did not sign the document with President Trump. I do not have an answer as to why. Perhaps it will happen later, but I am not sure.”

BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) — Hungary’s capital witnessed a dramatic political showdown Sunday as Prime Minister Viktor Orbán and his chief rival Péter Magyar organized massive competing demonstrations just four weeks before crucial national elections.

The dueling rallies in Budapest drew hundreds of thousands of supporters for both Orbán’s nationalist Fidesz party and Magyar’s center-right Tisza movement, serving as a critical test of political strength as the campaign reaches its final stretch.

Orbán, 62, who has governed since 2010 and seeks his fifth straight electoral win, confronts his most serious challenge in twenty years as Magyar has rapidly emerged to threaten what appeared to be an unbreakable hold on power by the pro-Russian leader.

During the pro-government demonstration that concluded with remarks from the prime minister, supporter Anikó Menyhárt explained Orbán’s appeal while crowds assembled on a Danube River bridge. “God, homeland, family,” she stated. “Only this government is able to secure these three things for the future,” she said.

Both political leaders had urged their followers to participate in Sunday’s events, which coincided with Hungary’s March 15 national holiday honoring the country’s 1848 uprising against Habsburg rule. Political analysts closely monitored turnout numbers as a potential indicator of performance in the April 12 elections.

Magyar’s supporters organized their own procession through downtown Budapest later Sunday. Tisza leadership proclaimed it would become Hungary’s “biggest ever political event.”

Economic stagnation, declining public services, and rising living costs — combined with mounting corruption accusations against the government — have contributed to increasing public dissatisfaction with Orbán’s authoritarian leadership approach.

The longtime leader has built his campaign around warnings about threats he claims the European Union and Ukraine pose to Hungary, while Magyar, a 44-year-old attorney and former Fidesz member who departed the party in 2024, has concentrated on improving everyday life for Hungarian citizens.

Through intensive campaigning in Hungary’s rural regions, traditionally Orbán’s political base, Magyar has promoted his plan to rebuild Hungary’s weakened democratic institutions and redirect the nation toward Western allies while distancing it from Moscow.

In a social media video released early Sunday, Magyar declared his party “would like to give back to every Hungarian what the outgoing government has taken away: our belief in our freedom, and the feeling that our homeland truly belongs to every Hungarian.”

Independent polls show Tisza leading Fidesz, with a February Medián survey published by HVG news site indicating Magyar’s party held a 20-point lead among committed voters.

However, the election outcome remains uncertain as Fidesz works to mobilize its substantial rural support base and utilizes its influence over state broadcasters and extensive network of allied media organizations to spread its messaging.

Magyar has cautioned supporters about potential disinformation efforts, responding to media reports suggesting Russian intelligence agencies may attempt to influence the election in Orbán’s favor through manipulated recordings designed to damage his credibility.

Orbán has intensified his anti-Ukraine messaging, claiming Kyiv, the EU, and Tisza are conspiring to remove his administration and install a government more sympathetic to Ukrainian interests.

His campaign’s core argument warns that a new government would financially ruin Hungary by supporting Ukraine against Russia’s invasion — which he has refused to do — and would sacrifice Hungarian youth in combat. The campaign has featured extensive misinformation and heavily relied on artificial intelligence-generated images and videos.

Adding to political tensions, Hungary’s government announced this week it would release a classified national security document that Orbán claims will demonstrate Tisza received improper funding from Ukraine — an allegation Magyar has firmly rejected.

BEIJING (AP) — Economic negotiations between the United States and China commenced in Paris on Sunday, according to China’s state news service Xinhua.

The discussions, headed by Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, are designed to lay groundwork for President Donald Trump’s planned state visit to Beijing for a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in approximately two weeks. The White House announced Trump’s China trip is scheduled for March 31 through April 2, though Chinese officials have yet to provide official confirmation.

Speaking Thursday, Bessent stated his team would continue producing outcomes that prioritize America’s agricultural sector, workforce, and business community. China’s commerce ministry announced Friday that both nations plan to address “trade and economic issues of mutual concern.”

This upcoming China visit would mark Trump’s first presidential trip there since his 2017 visit during his initial term. The meeting comes five months following the leaders’ encounter in Busan, South Korea, where they established a one-year pause in their trade conflict that had previously escalated tariffs to triple-digit levels before both countries stepped back.

However, commercial disputes continue creating friction. On Friday, China’s commerce ministry criticized the Trump administration’s latest trade probe targeting 16 nations, including China. This investigation follows a Supreme Court decision that overturned Trump’s broad international tariffs from last year and could lead to additional tariffs.

The Iran conflict represents another potential discussion topic, particularly as global concerns mount regarding oil pricing and supply chains. Trump stated Saturday he expects China, France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, and other nations to deploy naval vessels to maintain the Strait of Hormuz as “open and safe.”

Prior to Sunday’s negotiations, Gary Ng, a senior economist with French bank Natixis and research fellow at the Central European Institute of Asian Studies, described the Paris gathering as likely the most significant bilateral meeting before the Xi-Trump summit.

The central question involves “whether China and the U.S. can agree on what is agreed and manage disagreement. Iran is a new factor, but Beijing is more concerned about the flip-flopping of U.S. policies,” he said.

Last week, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi characterized the coming period as a “big year” for China-U.S. relations. Though Wang didn’t confirm the state visit, he noted that “the agenda of high-level exchange is already on the table.”

Bessent and He have spearheaded trade discussions between the nations since last year, conducting meetings across Geneva, London, Stockholm, Madrid, and Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar rejected weekend media reports on Sunday, denying that his country plans immediate direct negotiations with Lebanon or has warned the United States about depleted missile defense supplies.

Speaking from Zazir in northern Israel on March 15, Saar addressed two separate news reports that emerged over the weekend. Israel’s Haaretz newspaper had reported Saturday that direct negotiations between Israel and Lebanon were anticipated in the near future. Additionally, Semafor reported that Israeli officials had notified Washington about critically depleted ballistic missile interceptor stockpiles.

When questioned about both media reports, Saar provided a clear response: “For the two questions, the answers is no.”

The foreign minister’s statements contradict the weekend reporting that suggested diplomatic progress and potential military supply concerns for the Israeli government.

CAIRO (AP) — While the Middle East conflict expands and other Iran-supported groups jump into the fighting, Yemen’s Houthi militants continue watching from the sidelines, sparking questions about their strategy and when the experienced fighters might enter the war.

Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes against American and Israeli targets using missiles and drones, hitting U.S. military installations and sites across Gulf nations, disrupting commercial shipping lanes, restricting fuel deliveries and putting regional aviation at risk.

In his inaugural written message since taking over after his father’s death in the war’s initial strikes, Iran’s new supreme leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei indicated Thursday that Tehran might expand the conflict to additional battlegrounds — suggesting to experts that Houthi participation could be imminent.

The Houthis have stayed out of the fighting due to concerns about targeted killings of their commanders, internal Yemeni political splits, and questions about weapons resupply, according to regional specialists.

However, this stance could shift as Iran looks to apply greater pressure on international oil transportation routes through possible Houthi operations, given the group’s demonstrated ability to successfully strike petroleum infrastructure across the region, experts noted.

Tehran has extended its regional reach through allied forces operating in Gaza, Syria, Lebanon, Iraq and with Yemen’s Houthis.

Several key Iranian partners have already entered the current fighting, including Hezbollah which renewed attacks against Israel just two days after Iran was struck — only 15 months following the end of the previous Israel-Hezbollah conflict that concluded with a November 2024 ceasefire. Iraqi militias associated with the Islamic Resistance have taken responsibility for drone attacks on American facilities in Irbil.

In contrast, the Houthis have limited their response to public demonstrations and statements criticizing the Iran conflict, a marked difference from their extensive missile and drone campaigns against Israel and Red Sea shipping following Hamas’s Oct. 7, 2023 assault on Israel that triggered the Gaza war.

Here’s an examination of Houthi military strength and their position in the current crisis.

Equipped with Iranian weapons, the Houthis captured much of northern Yemen including the capital Sanaa in 2014, forcing the country’s internationally recognized leadership into exile. A Saudi-led military alliance supporting Yemen’s government joined the fighting in 2015, leading to an ongoing but largely deadlocked civil war.

Though the Houthis maintain some political and religious connections with Iran, they practice a different branch of Shiite Islam and operate independently from Iran’s supreme leader, unlike Lebanon’s Hezbollah militants and various Iran-supported Iraqi armed groups.

Nevertheless, they remain crucial to Iran’s regional strategy and the current conflict is unlikely to diminish that role, according to Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen specialist at the International Crisis Group think tank.

“From Tehran’s perspective, the Houthis have proven themselves to be a capable and effective front, able to generate real pressure,” Nagi said.

He explained that Houthi leadership’s choice to stay away from the conflict represents a strategic decision made in full coordination with Iranian officials.

Two Houthi representatives from the organization’s media and political departments told The Associated Press that the rebels’ ammunition reserves are depleted following their operations during the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Iran war has additionally disrupted weapons shipments, according to these sources, who requested anonymity as they lacked authorization to speak with journalists.

However, the group maintains substantial drone stockpiles, according to another official who spoke anonymously to address the sensitive weapons topic.

Nagi reported that the Houthis appear to be strengthening their forces through expanded recruitment, domestic weapons manufacturing, and deploying additional troops to Yemen’s Red Sea coastal areas, indicating preparation for potential escalation.

“The decision is not about unwillingness to intervene, but about timing,” Nagi said. “Iran’s broader strategy seems to be to avoid throwing all its cards on the table at once, instead using its partners and capabilities gradually as the confrontation evolves.”

The Houthis would likely participate if the conflict expands further, Nagi added, or if they see an existential danger to Iran, such as major losses in military strength.

Houthi commander Abdulmalik al-Houthi has consistently stated the group stands ready to act, declaring their “hands are on the trigger,” though the specific nature of such involvement remains unclear.

“Houthis, of course, are always ready for any war,” said Farea al-Muslimi, a research fellow at the Chatham House think tank in London. “Some weaponry moved in different areas inside Yemen recently … but it’s still not clear whether it’s for a military escalation.”

Should the Houthis join the war, they would most likely restart attacks on Red Sea and Gulf of Aden shipping while simultaneously targeting Israel, Nagi explained. They might also participate in Iran’s strikes against Gulf nations, focusing on American military facilities and interests.

Ship attacks during the Israel-Hamas war devastated Red Sea commerce, disrupting the flow of approximately $1 trillion in annual trade that previously passed through the waterway. The rebels additionally launched drone strikes at Israel.

If the Houthis enter the Iran conflict, oil tankers would probably be their main targets, analysts predicted, since maritime attacks offer immediate leverage and would demonstrate escalation while affecting energy distribution networks.

Strikes on petroleum facilities could also be considered. The Houthis have previously attacked Saudi Arabian oil infrastructure during their extended fight against the Saudi-led coalition.

American military installations in the region could also become targets, Nagi suggested.

Abdel-Bari Taher, a political expert and former Yemen press syndicate leader, explained that any war participation decision is influenced by Yemen’s internal conditions, including recent fatal fighting in southern Yemen, public resistance in Sanaa to joining the conflict, and increased caution among Houthi leaders following prominent assassinations.

The two Houthi officials from the group’s media and political wings reported that the U.S. has issued warnings through Omani intermediaries against war participation. They stated that Houthi political and security commanders have been informed that their mobile phones are being monitored by American and Israeli intelligence. Due to assassination fears, Houthi leaders have been ordered to avoid public appearances, the officials revealed.

“Despite these constraints and the complex domestic and regional dynamics, Houthi involvement in the conflict remains a possibility,” Taher said.

Al-Muslimi, the Chatham House expert, argued that the Houthis lack sufficient military resources or internal Yemeni motivations that would compel them to enter the war, and the group appears dedicated to maintaining a U.S.-brokered ceasefire negotiated through Oman last year.

“They hope to fight, especially with Israel, but they can’t be the ones to fire the first shot,” al-Muslimi said.

He suggested the Houthis would probably require a domestic Yemeni justification to join the fighting — a rationale that would boost support among their local supporters.

Al-Muslimi observed: The Houthis “are a local group that Iran uses and supports, but didn’t create.”

Taiwan’s defense ministry reported a dramatic increase in Chinese military activity near the island over the weekend, ending a period of relative calm that had puzzled regional security experts.

Officials detected 26 Chinese military aircraft operating around Taiwan on Saturday, with 16 of those planes crossing into the island’s northern, central and southwestern Air Defense Identification Zone. Additionally, seven Chinese naval vessels were observed in surrounding waters.

The weekend’s heightened activity marks a stark contrast to recent weeks, when Chinese military flights had dropped to unusually low levels, leaving defense analysts wondering about Beijing’s intentions.

From February 27 through March 5, Taiwan recorded no Chinese military aircraft crossing the median line into its defense zone. While two planes were spotted on March 6, the following four days saw zero incursions. Small numbers of flights only resumed between Wednesday and Friday.

The reduction in military activity occurred during China’s annual legislative session. Though such flights have historically decreased during major political events and holidays, this year’s decline was notably more pronounced than previous instances.

Security experts believe the legislative meeting alone cannot explain the recent decrease. Some analysts point to possible efforts by Beijing to ease tensions with Washington ahead of a planned visit by U.S. President Donald Trump. The White House announced Trump would visit China from March 31 to April 2, though Beijing has yet to officially confirm the trip.

Other observers suggest the lull may reflect changes in China’s military training programs, with forces potentially transitioning to new joint training exercises between different branches.

Beijing has repeatedly threatened to take control of Taiwan through military force if deemed necessary. In recent years, Chinese warplanes and naval ships have conducted near-daily operations in the area surrounding the island.

Taiwan’s military leadership has indicated it will not alter its defensive preparations despite the temporary reduction in Chinese aircraft activity.

Defense Minister Wellington Koo previously observed that while aerial operations decreased, Chinese naval forces continued regular patrols in regional waters.

The two governments have operated independently since 1949, when Communist forces gained control of mainland China after a civil war. Nationalist forces retreated to Taiwan, which eventually developed into a democratic society after decades under martial law.

KAMPALA, March 15 — Robert Kyagulanyi, the Ugandan opposition figure known by his stage name Bobi Wine, announced he has temporarily departed his homeland following two months of concealment after January’s contested presidential election that extended Yoweri Museveni’s grip on power.

The former musician turned political activist challenged the election results, claiming fraudulent practices occurred, and had been concealing himself since escaping his residence in Uganda’s capital city of Kampala.

Through a five-minute video statement shared on X this Saturday, Wine revealed he had departed Uganda for “critical engagements outside Uganda,” though he did not reveal his current location or specify the nature of these meetings.

“At the right time I will come back and continue with the cause,” he stated in the message.

The entertainment industry veteran who transitioned into politics has claimed that government security personnel hampered his campaign efforts by preventing his political gatherings and detaining his followers.

In Saturday’s recorded statement, Wine described how security personnel had established checkpoints and launched search operations in attempts to locate him.

Government officials and military representatives in Uganda have not yet provided responses to requests for commentary regarding Wine’s announcement.

General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, Uganda’s military commander and Museveni’s son, has posted on social media platforms indicating the armed forces are searching for Wine, though the reasons and potential criminal charges remain unclear.

Wine declared on Saturday that Museveni had “usurped the will of the people.” He explained that during his time abroad, he would meet with international partners before returning to advance what he described as efforts toward freedom and democratic governance.

The 81-year-old Museveni has maintained control over Uganda since 1986 and has consistently secured electoral victories that opposition movements and human rights organizations claim have been tainted by threats and brutality, charges that government officials reject.

Gasoline prices at Delaware pumps could face additional pressure as crude oil costs are expected to climb further when markets open Monday, driven by an escalating three-week conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran that has put critical oil infrastructure in jeopardy.

The ongoing warfare has resulted in Iran shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, creating what experts describe as the world’s most significant supply disruption currently affecting global oil markets.

President Donald Trump has issued warnings of additional military action targeting Iran’s Kharg Island oil export facility, prompting Tehran to promise continued retaliation against U.S. and Israeli forces.

Both Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude oil contracts have experienced dramatic price increases, causing volatility across international financial markets. The two benchmark oils have jumped over 40% during March alone, reaching their peak values since 2022 following the U.S.-Israeli military campaign that led Iran to block shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for approximately 20% of worldwide oil supplies.

The President has called upon China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations to send naval vessels to help protect the strategic waterway.

Saturday saw American forces target military installations on Kharg Island, which Iran quickly answered with drone strikes against a major oil terminal in the United Arab Emirates.

“This marks an escalation in the conflict,” stated JP Morgan analysts led by Natasha Kaneva.

“Until now, the region’s oil infrastructure has largely been spared.”

The analysts identified several other vulnerable energy facilities in the Gulf region, including the UAE’s Fujairah terminal, along with Saudi Arabia’s Ras Tanura export facility and Abqaiq processing plants, all considered critical and highly exposed targets.

Despite the attacks, oil loading activities at Fujairah have restarted, according to a local industry source who spoke with Reuters Sunday.

The Fujairah facility, located outside the Strait of Hormuz, handles approximately one million barrels daily of the UAE’s primary Murban crude oil, representing roughly 1% of global demand.

The International Energy Agency projects worldwide oil supply will drop by 8 million barrels per day in March due to shipping disruptions, while Middle Eastern producers have reduced output by at least 10 million barrels per day.

In response to the price surge, the IEA last week approved releasing a historic 400 million barrels from member nations’ strategic reserves. Japan is scheduled to begin its oil release Monday.

Diplomatic efforts remain stalled as the Trump administration has rejected attempts by Middle Eastern allies to initiate peace talks, according to three sources with knowledge of the situation. Iran has also dismissed any ceasefire possibilities until American and Israeli attacks cease, reducing prospects for a swift resolution to the conflict.

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

Speaking to reporters in Kyiv on March 15, Zelenskyy revealed that Ukraine has deployed specialist teams to four regional nations to share knowledge gained from nightly battles against Russian drone strikes. Each deployment consists of several dozen experts who will evaluate current defenses and demonstrate effective countermeasures.

Middle Eastern nations, particularly Gulf states, have been burning through costly air defense missiles to stop Iranian attack drones and are now turning to Ukraine for more efficient solutions. Ukrainian forces have developed expertise using less expensive methods, including smaller interceptor drones and electronic jamming systems to neutralize threats.

The Ukrainian president disclosed that specialist teams have been sent to Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia, with another group working at a U.S. military installation in Jordan. Nearly a dozen countries worldwide have requested similar assistance from Ukraine.

Zelenskyy emphasized the limited scope of Ukraine’s involvement, stating: “This is not about being involved in operations. We are not at war with Iran. This is about protection and a thorough, complete assessment on our part of how to counter the Shaheds,” referring to Iran’s signature attack drones.

The Ukrainian leader acknowledged that compensation terms remain under negotiation but made clear his country’s expectations. “Honestly, for us today, both the technology and the funding are important,” Zelenskyy said.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy expressed uncertainty about finalizing a separate drone cooperation agreement with the United States, which Ukraine has been pursuing for several months.

President Donald Trump has intensified his stance against Iran, issuing threats of additional military strikes against the nation’s crucial Kharg Island oil facility while calling on international partners to send naval forces to protect vital shipping routes through the Strait of Hormuz.

During a Saturday interview with NBC News, Trump made provocative comments about the ongoing military campaign, stating “We may hit it a few more times just for fun” when discussing potential future attacks on Iran’s primary oil export terminal. The president claimed American forces had “totally demolished” significant portions of the facility.

These statements represent a notable shift in Trump’s rhetoric, as he had previously indicated that U.S. operations would focus exclusively on military installations rather than energy infrastructure. The comments have undermined ongoing diplomatic initiatives, with administration officials reportedly rejecting mediation attempts from Middle Eastern partners, according to three sources familiar with the situation.

The military confrontation, which began on February 28 when Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu launched joint operations, has entered its third week with no clear resolution in sight. Iran’s ability to block passage through the Strait of Hormuz – a waterway that handles approximately 20% of global oil shipments – has created an international emergency that threatens worldwide economic stability.

Global energy markets have experienced unprecedented disruption as the conflict has effectively shut down this critical maritime corridor. The crisis has caused dramatic price increases and widespread concern among governments and financial institutions worldwide.

Trump took to social media Saturday to demand international action, posting: “The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT! The U.S. will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well.”

Iran’s leadership has promised strong retaliation for any attacks on its energy sector. Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi warned that his country would respond forcefully to strikes against oil facilities.

Iranian Revolutionary Guards announced Sunday that they had launched coordinated missile and drone attacks against Israeli targets and three American military installations in the region. Officials described these strikes as initial payback for workers killed during attacks on Iranian industrial sites. Israeli defense forces reported they were actively intercepting incoming projectiles.

Regional tensions expanded further when Saudi Arabia’s military intercepted and destroyed ten drones targeting Riyadh and eastern provinces. However, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards denied involvement in these particular attacks, according to the Fars news agency.

Operations at Fujairah’s major ship refueling facility in the United Arab Emirates have restarted following Saturday’s drone strike and resulting fire, industry sources confirmed.

The escalating situation prompted Washington to issue evacuation advisories for American citizens currently in Iraq.

Casualty reports indicate the three-week conflict has claimed over 2,000 lives, with the majority of deaths occurring in Iran, based on official government statements and state media coverage. A Saturday airstrike on a refrigeration and heating equipment factory in Isfahan killed at least 15 people, according to Fars news agency reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy informed CNN that Russia has been providing Iran with Shahed drone technology for use against American and Israeli forces. These unmanned aircraft have been connected to various regional attacks, though their exact origins are often unclear.

Trump specifically called on China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to deploy naval vessels to secure the Strait of Hormuz through his Truth Social platform. None of these nations immediately agreed to the request.

Japanese ruling party policy leader Takayuki Kobayashi told NHK public television that while he wouldn’t completely dismiss the possibility, “the (legal) threshold is very high.” Japan’s post-war constitution limits military deployment to situations where national survival is at stake, requiring activation of unused 2015 security legislation.

South Korea’s presidential administration stated it would make a decision following a “careful review” of Trump’s request.

French officials are working to build a coalition for securing the strait once conditions stabilize, while British representatives are exploring various options with allies to protect commercial shipping, according to government sources.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, who assumed power after his father’s death, has declared that the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed to international traffic.

Trump indicated that Iran appears willing to negotiate an end to hostilities but added that “the terms aren’t good enough yet,” suggesting continued military action until more favorable conditions emerge.

Medical authorities in Gaza confirmed Sunday that four Palestinians lost their lives in an Israeli airstrike, including a young boy and his pregnant mother.

The bombing targeted a residence in Nuseirat, a densely populated refugee camp located in central Gaza, according to staff at the nearby Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital. Hospital officials reported that a family of three – a husband, wife, and their young son – perished in the attack. Medical personnel at Awda hospital in Nuseirat confirmed the fourth victim was brought to their facility.

Israeli military officials have not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the incident.

These casualties add to the growing death toll of Palestinians in the coastal territory following an October ceasefire agreement that aimed to end more than two years of warfare between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in Gaza.

Although major combat operations have decreased, the truce period has witnessed nearly continuous Israeli military action. Israeli forces have conducted numerous aerial bombardments and regularly opened fire on Palestinians approaching military-controlled areas, resulting in over 650 Palestinian deaths, Gaza health authorities report.

Israeli officials maintain their actions target ceasefire violations or sought-after militants. However, Gaza Health Ministry data indicates approximately half of those killed have been women and children.

The recent victims join more than 72,200 Palestinians who have died in the conflict that began after Hamas-led fighters launched an assault on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. That initial attack resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the capture of more than 250 hostages.

The health ministry, operating under Hamas leadership, keeps comprehensive casualty documentation that United Nations agencies and independent analysts consider generally credible. However, their records do not distinguish between civilian and militant casualties.

Armed groups have conducted attacks against Israeli troops, and Israel cites these incidents and other truce violations as justification for its military responses. Four Israeli soldiers have died since the ceasefire took effect.

Citizens across France participated in Sunday’s opening round of municipal elections, selecting local government leaders in communities ranging from small towns to major metropolitan areas. The outcome serves as an important gauge for political organizations preparing for the 2027 presidential contest to replace Emmanuel Macron.

While these elections center on local issues, political observers will examine the results for early signals about party strength heading into the presidential campaign. Macron will complete his final term as president in 2027, and a runoff election is scheduled for March 22.

Several high-profile mayoral contests are drawing particular interest, especially in Paris. Current Socialist Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who won office in 2014 and secured reelection in 2020, chose not to pursue a third term after leading the capital through challenging times including the 2015 terrorist attacks and the successful 2024 Paris Olympics.

The race in Marseille, the nation’s second-largest city, appears competitive according to polling data. Current left-leaning Mayor Benoît Payan faces a strong challenge from Franck Allisio, representing the far-right National Rally party along with his municipal slate.

Political analysts will pay close attention to National Rally’s municipal performance as a potential indicator of Marine Le Pen’s party gaining strength before 2027. However, Le Pen herself may face obstacles to another presidential bid.

A French court found Le Pen guilty of embezzlement charges last year and imposed a five-year ban on holding public office. Le Pen, whose father Jean-Marie Le Pen founded the far-right National Front and faced multiple convictions for antisemitism, discrimination and inciting racial violence, awaits a crucial appeals court decision.

Le Pen’s hopes rest on a favorable appeals court ruling scheduled for July 7. An unfavorable decision could end her presidential aspirations entirely.

Sunday’s ballots feature more than 904,000 candidates competing for municipal positions across approximately 35,000 communities throughout France. Communities where no clear winner emerges will proceed to the second voting round to determine final outcomes.

Citizens across the Republic of Congo headed to polling stations Sunday to choose their next president, with longtime leader Dennis Sassou N’Guesso seeking to extend his grip on power for another term.

Approximately three million registered voters have the opportunity to participate in the election, though the atmosphere has been characterized by widespread disinterest among younger citizens who anticipate another victory for Sassou N’Guesso. Opposition groups have urged voters to stay away from the polls. Voting is scheduled to conclude at 7 p.m.

While six other contenders are competing against Sassou N’Guesso for leadership of this oil-wealthy Central African nation – which holds some of sub-Saharan Africa’s most substantial petroleum reserves – political experts believe none pose a serious threat to the leader who has governed for four decades.

The election campaign revealed stark disparities between Sassou N’Guesso and his rivals, as the sitting president was the sole candidate who conducted nationwide tours to seek voter support. Throughout Brazzaville, the nation’s capital, streets are lined with images of Sassou N’Guesso.

Two prominent political parties have refused to participate in the voting process, citing concerns about electoral irregularities and unfair practices.

Representing the Congolese Party of Labor, Sassou N’Guesso initially assumed leadership in 1979 before stepping aside in 1992 when he facilitated the nation’s inaugural multi-party democratic elections. He regained control as a military commander after a four-month armed conflict in 1997.

Following a 2015 constitutional vote, restrictions on presidential age limits and term lengths were eliminated, clearing the path for his continued candidacy.

The nation faces significant economic challenges, including substantial foreign debt that represents 94.5% of its gross domestic product based on World Bank data, along with rising joblessness among youth. Over half of the country’s 5.7 million residents live below the poverty line, and 47% of citizens are younger than 18.

This election continues a pattern of elderly African leaders maintaining their positions well into advanced age. Among African presidents, Sassou N’Guesso ranks third in length of service, trailing only Paul Biya of Cameroon and Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo of Equatorial Guinea.

Citizens of Kazakhstan cast ballots Sunday on constitutional amendments that could consolidate President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s authority in the largest nation in Central Asia.

The proposed changes would combine Kazakhstan’s bicameral parliament into a single legislative body and grant the president authority to name all government officials, while also bringing back the position of vice-president.

Tokayev has championed this second round of constitutional modifications in four years, defending the changes as necessary for rapid decision-making in today’s fast-paced global environment. However, political observers suggest the amendments may create an avenue for extending his presidency beyond its scheduled conclusion.

The 72-year-old leader, who previously worked as a Soviet administrator and Kazakh foreign representative with United Nations experience, faces current restrictions limiting him to a single seven-year presidency ending in 2029. Political experts suspect Tokayev may leverage the referendum to restart presidential term calculations.

“If the transition of power doesn’t go as Tokayev would like … then he will be able to say that with the adoption of the new Constitution, we have reset presidential term limits,” analyst Temur Umarov, a fellow at the Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center, told The Associated Press. “The new constitution could provide Tokayev with a loophole for reelection to another term.”

Japan will begin drawing from its strategic petroleum reserves Monday in response to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, marking the first time since the Ukraine crisis that Tokyo has accessed these emergency stockpiles.

The island nation plans to release a historic 80 million barrels of crude oil – equivalent to approximately 45 days of domestic consumption – as fuel costs climb nationwide due to interrupted shipments through the critical Strait of Hormuz waterway.

This drawdown will decrease Japan’s national petroleum reserves by 17 percent, with officials directing domestic refineries to utilize the released crude to maintain adequate fuel supplies across the country. The action is part of a broader 400-million-barrel global release coordinated through the International Energy Agency aimed at stabilizing markets amid wartime volatility.

According to Yuriy Humber, who heads the Tokyo-based Yuri Group consulting firm, Japan’s decision reflects the severity of current supply concerns.

“The reserves can help stabilise supplies and prices in the short term but they mainly buy time. They can’t fully offset a prolonged disruption in the Strait of Hormuz,” Humber explained.

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry indicated that an additional 12 million barrels held jointly by Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Kuwait within Japan could also be released beyond the announced 80 million barrels.

Japan established its emergency oil stockpiling program in 1978 following the Arab oil embargo crisis of the mid-1970s. The G7 member nation, which depends on Middle Eastern sources for roughly 90 percent of its petroleum needs, currently maintains reserves sufficient for 254 days of consumption.

Beginning Monday, Japan will tap private sector reserves equivalent to 15 days of usage, followed by state stockpiles representing one month’s supply starting later this month, METI officials confirmed.

As companies prepare to access these emergency supplies, METI Minister Ryosei Akazawa noted efforts to secure alternative sources from the United States, Central Asian nations, South American producers, and Gulf states with shipping routes that avoid the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint.

Currently, the U.S. provides approximately 4 percent of Japan’s oil imports, with purchases increasing after Tokyo largely ceased Russian energy imports following Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine – the previous occasion when Japan accessed its strategic reserves.

U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin emphasized America’s role as an alternative supplier during the current crisis.

“When you look at the conflict in the Middle East … you’re reminded of all that crude oil that has gone from Alaska to Japan was never targeted with a successful terrorist attack,” Zeldin told Reuters.

“This conflict … is a reminder that along the Indo-Pacific, a lot of other nations can look to the United States, where we have the resources,” he added.

Russian officials reported Sunday that an oil facility in the Krasnodar region caught fire when wreckage from a destroyed drone crashed onto the property.

Initial reports indicate no one was hurt in the incident.

The affected oil facility sits near Tikhoretsk, the same area where Ukrainian drones hit an oil pumping station last Thursday. Emergency crews put out that earlier fire by Friday.

Officials have not confirmed whether Sunday’s incident involved the same facility that was targeted earlier in the week.

The Tikhoretsk location serves as one of southern Russia’s most significant oil distribution centers and represents the sole supply pathway for petroleum products reaching Novorossiysk, a crucial Black Sea port.

This incident continues a pattern of drone attacks targeting energy infrastructure and port facilities throughout the region.

Hazardous precipitation contaminated with toxic chemicals has fallen near Tehran after military strikes targeted Iranian petroleum facilities, creating serious public health concerns according to international health authorities.

Citizens in Iran’s capital reported eye irritation and respiratory difficulties when the contaminated, dark-colored rainfall occurred following attacks on multiple fuel storage sites and a petroleum refinery last week.

Dark smoke columns have been observed throughout the region during two weeks of ongoing conflict, as Iran responds to military strikes by launching drone and missile attacks against oil and gas infrastructure belonging to neighboring Persian Gulf nations.

According to experts, rainfall can remove dangerous chemicals from the air relatively quickly, though individuals who come into contact with contaminated precipitation should take safety measures to prevent immediate and future health complications.

This phenomenon happens when particles of soot, ash and harmful chemicals mix with atmospheric moisture before returning to the ground during rainfall. Such events typically follow fires at petroleum refineries or oil fields, and may also result from forest fires, volcanic activity and industrial contamination.

Experts explained that tiny soot particles developed when petroleum hydrocarbons underwent incomplete combustion in Iran. Oil fires also create substances known as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, or PAHs, along with harmful gases including sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides that produce acid rain, according to Peter Adams, who teaches civil and environmental engineering at Carnegie Mellon University.

These microscopic soot particles, measuring roughly 40 times thinner than human hair width, can penetrate deeply into lung tissue and enter blood circulation, potentially causing respiratory and cardiac issues that may result in early death, experts warned. Contact with PAHs may elevate cancer risks.

The World Health Organization and Iranian health and environmental agencies recommended that people remain inside and use protective masks. Officials cautioned that the precipitation contained high acid levels that could cause skin burns and respiratory damage.

“We can definitely expect acute health effects from an event like this,” said V. Faye McNeill, a chemical engineering professor at Columbia University who specializes in atmospheric chemistry.

Standard air quality problems can already trigger health complications and increase hospital admissions, particularly affecting seniors, young people and those with existing medical conditions, she explained. “But this is a higher level, so there likely are health problems going on right now because of it.”

Some Iranian residents worry that the contaminated rainfall, which also includes heavy metals, might pollute water supply reservoirs and local waterways.

Fuel storage tanks typically burn out within hours. However, oil fields can continue burning for months, similar to what occurred in Kuwait during the Gulf War 25 years ago, Adams noted.

For fires that extinguish more rapidly, most particles and chemicals will scatter in the wind and clear from the atmosphere within approximately three to seven days, Adams explained.

“So if we don’t create more problems, at least what’s in the atmosphere is going to go away,” even though long-term health dangers remain, Adams stated.

“But we don’t know what’s going to happen with future strikes and whether other tanks will be struck or whether oil fields will be struck,” he continued. “I’m less concerned about longer-term or regional stuff, but it’s a real mess for the people in the immediate vicinity.”

JERUSALEM – Palestinian health officials reported Sunday that Israeli forces fatally shot four members of a Palestinian family, including two young children, as they traveled by vehicle through the occupied West Bank.

The victims were identified as parents aged 35 and 37, along with their children, ages 5 and 7. All four suffered fatal gunshot wounds to the head in the village of Tammun, according to Palestinian health authorities. Two additional children from the same family were wounded in the incident.

Israeli military officials stated they are investigating the reported deaths.

Separately, Palestinian health officials confirmed that another Palestinian was fatally attacked by settlers during overnight violence.

According to rights organizations and medical personnel, Israeli settlers in the West Bank are exploiting movement restrictions put in place during the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran to launch attacks against Palestinians. These groups report that military checkpoints are preventing emergency medical vehicles from quickly reaching those who have been injured.

Palestinian health ministry data shows that settlers have been responsible for the deaths of at least five Palestinians in the West Bank since the Iran conflict started on February 28.

SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica (AP) — Carlon Augustus, who grew up in Trinidad and Tobago, recalls his grandparents purchasing newspapers every day. The 32-year-old now relies on social media platforms to stay informed about current events.

For Augustus, accessing information immediately drives his news consumption habits.

“Everything is on social media now. Whatever happens today, you don’t have to wait to get the papers tomorrow,” he explained.

Publishers cite changing reader preferences similar to Augustus’s as the main factor behind the closure of two established Caribbean publications this year: Guyana’s Stabroek News and Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday.

Stabroek News published its last print edition on Sunday and ceased online operations. The publication launched in November 1986, one year after its founder received permission from Guyana’s president to establish an independent news organization. Guyana would not hold its first democratic elections in nearly three decades for another six years.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday ceased both print and digital operations in January.

“That is definitely a loss to the country, to our democracy, where particularly in this age of social media, credible professional media houses are needed more than ever,” stated Judy Raymond, who previously served as Newsday’s editor-in-chief.

Caribbean publications, which have documented government corruption, political turmoil, devastating hurricanes and unique human interest stories, have faced difficulties maintaining readership — mirroring challenges affecting print journalism globally — and cannot compete with social media personalities and digital platforms.

The shuttering of these publications particularly impacts the media landscape because both operated independently, providing diverse perspectives while remaining less vulnerable to pressure from advertisers or influential figures, according to Kiran Maharaj, president and cofounder of the Media Institute of the Caribbean.

“You have now a narrowing of that,” she observed.

Stabroek News earned recognition for reliable, unbiased reporting and established editorial standards copied throughout the Caribbean. The publication attracted renowned writers for opinion pieces, including Guyanese poets Martin Carter and Ian McDonald, and provided extensive coverage of the historic October 1992 elections that restored democratic governance.

The newspaper also emerged as a venue for public discourse following years under authoritarian leadership.

“Its letters page provided perhaps the most open and democratic public forum in Guyana,” attorney Christopher Ram wrote in a recent commentary published by the paper.

“Over time that column became something of an informal national meeting place where academics, trade unionists, political figures, public servants, businesspeople and ordinary citizens debated, as equals, matters of public importance.”

Stabroek News held the position as Guyana’s leading newspaper. Three other publications remain in the country: one operates under government control, another maintains close ties to the current administration, and the third recently surveyed website users about their willingness to pay for digital content.

Early Ward, a 76-year-old retired beverage industry manager from Guyana, expressed sadness about Stabroek News ending publication.

“I have been reading newspapers since the 50s and prefer to have one in my hand to hold and to move around with and read anytime,” he shared.

Ward now depends on television and social media for news updates.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Newsday launched in 1993, pledging to serve the most isolated areas of the dual-island nation where two established competitors continue operating: the Trinidad and Tobago Guardian and the Trinidad Express.

The publication attracted working-class readers and quickly gained recognition as reporters broke major stories ahead of competitors and legislators cited its articles during parliamentary sessions.

Newsday distinguished itself through coverage of Tobago, the smaller and less economically developed island, and by highlighting voices of disadvantaged residents, Raymond noted. She led the publication as editor-in-chief from 2017 to 2022.

She described one of her most rewarding responsibilities as assisting people because “they are desperate and officialdom has not helped them and they don’t have anybody else to turn to.”

Caribbean newspapers enjoyed strong financial support and represented social status from the 1970s through the mid-1990s, said journalist Wesley Gibbings, vice president of the Jamaica-based Media Institute of the Caribbean.

“People would be seen walking with a physical copy of newspapers,” he remembered. “It was almost a prestigious thing to be the one with the newspaper.”

Technology companies like Google then began capturing advertising dollars and revenue while using content from traditional news organizations, Gibbings explained.

“The danger signs have been up for a very long time,” he pointed out. “We are in a watershed period right now, and the crashes will continue.”

Daily News Limited, Newsday’s publisher, closed due to multiple simultaneous challenges, according to managing director Grant Taylor, who noted print advertising revenue dropped 75% during the past ten years.

Raymond, who established Newsday’s digital operations in early 2018, suggested the publication “could have worked harder at broadening the revenue stream from online publications.”

Looking back, she questioned whether converting Newsday to an online-only format might have sustained operations. However, citing Loop News, a regional digital news platform that closed last July, she acknowledged that digital-only publishing would not have ensured Newsday’s continuation.

Regarding Stabroek News, ownership reported the government contributed only $7.5 million toward approximately $90 million in outstanding advertising bills from the previous year.

However, the publication clarified that unpaid invoices and reduced government advertising were not primary causes of closure: “Readership patterns have changed dramatically, and fewer readers are willing to purchase printed editions — or even pay for electronic versions.”

In a recent letter to Stabroek News, Lurlene Nestor lamented its closure, “especially during this period of Guyana’s history, where allegations of massive public corruption are rife, coupled with a situation where the nation’s important resources, such as gold and oil, appear to be either corruptly exploited or used as personal political bargaining chips.”

Anand Persaud, Stabroek News’ editor-in-chief, shared similar concerns while expressing pride in the publication’s work.

“We leave at this stage,” he stated, “because we want to make sure our independence is not on the line.”

HANOI, Vietnam (AP) — Vietnamese citizens participated in legislative elections Sunday to choose representatives for a new National Assembly, occurring two months following the Communist Party’s decision to keep To Lam in the nation’s highest political position.

Approximately 79 million eligible citizens nationwide had the opportunity to select 500 lawmakers from a pool of 864 candidates for the National Assembly, which serves as a legislative body that typically endorses party decisions. The Communist Party screens and approves all candidates beforehand, guaranteeing the legislature stays in line with party objectives.

Political activities remain under strict Communist Party oversight, with officials maintaining that unified leadership enables the nation to focus on long-range development objectives without political interference.

The newly elected National Assembly will likely focus on carrying out policy initiatives established during the recent congress, emphasizing continued economic expansion and maintaining political order.

These elections occurred after the Communist Party’s national congress in January, a significant political gathering conducted every five years to determine leadership positions and establish policy directions. During this congress, Lam secured reelection as general secretary, which represents the highest authority within the political framework.

“We have the people’s support in this election,” Lam stated following his vote in Hanoi, characterizing the election as a national celebration where citizens select representatives to oversee development and protect the nation’s sovereignty and stability.

The Vietnamese economy has experienced significant expansion during the previous decade, fueled by export manufacturing, international investment, and its increasing importance in worldwide supply networks. The nation has established itself as an alternative manufacturing destination as businesses seek options beyond China, drawing major electronics and clothing producers.

Officials have established an aggressive goal of achieving 10% or greater yearly economic expansion during the upcoming five years, positioning private enterprise as central to its development approach in a significant change for the communist nation. Government planners are now adjusting the economy to advance toward more valuable industries, updated manufacturing processes, and expanded implementation of science, technology, and digital innovations.

Vietnamese officials also confront difficulties as the country’s export-focused economy deals with uncertainty from increasing trade conflicts, including tariffs implemented by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Participation rates in Vietnamese elections typically remain elevated, frequently surpassing 90%, with voting locations established in urban areas, countryside communities, and isolated regions to promote citizen involvement.

“As a voter in this election, I believe I will be able to choose candidates with morals, dedication and competence to serve the country, bringing development and prosperity to our country and our people,” stated retired official Doan Thi Bich.

The newly elected National Assembly will likely hold its initial session in April to officially confirm important government positions and start executing the policy framework established during the party congress.

CAIRO (AP) — President Donald Trump has called upon international partners to deploy naval vessels to protect the strategically important Strait of Hormuz, as Iran issued unprecedented evacuation orders for three ports in the United Arab Emirates amid continuing hostilities with the United States and Israel.

This marks the first instance where Iran has directly threatened civilian infrastructure belonging to a neighboring nation during the current conflict.

Iranian officials accused the United States of utilizing “ports, docks and hideouts” within the UAE to launch attacks against Kharg Island, which houses Iran’s primary oil export terminal, though no evidence was provided to support these claims. Tehran called for civilians to evacuate areas where it claims American forces are positioned.

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon continues to deteriorate, with casualties exceeding 800 deaths and approximately 850,000 people forced from their homes as Israeli forces conduct extensive operations targeting Iran-supported Hezbollah fighters.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that American forces struck both Kharg Island and Abu Musa Island from UAE locations in Ras Al-Khaimah and near Dubai, describing the situation as perilous. He added that Iran “will try to be careful not to attack any populated area” in those regions.

U.S. Central Command declined to comment on Iran’s allegations. UAE presidential diplomatic advisor Anwar Gargash responded on social media, stating his nation maintains the right to self-defense while “still prioritizes reason and logic, and continues exercising restraint.”

Throughout the conflict, Iran has launched numerous missiles and drones toward Gulf Arab nations, claiming to target American assets despite reported impacts on civilian facilities including airports and oil installations.

Regarding maritime access, Araghchi declared the Strait of Hormuz remains closed only to “those who are attacking us and their allies.”

With worldwide concerns mounting over petroleum costs and availability, Trump announced Saturday his expectation that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations would contribute warships to maintain the strait “open and safe.” The United Kingdom responded by indicating discussions with partners about various “options” for protecting maritime commerce.

In a social media statement, Araghchi called on regional neighbors to “expel foreign aggressors” while characterizing Trump’s appeal as “begging.”

Iran’s unified military leadership repeated Saturday its warning to target American-connected “oil, economic and energy infrastructures” throughout the region should the Islamic Republic’s petroleum facilities face attack.

According to Iran’s semi-official Fars news agency, the Kharg Island strikes did not harm oil infrastructure, instead hitting an air defense installation, naval facility, airport control tower and an offshore petroleum company’s helicopter storage building.

The Pentagon announced Saturday the identities of six military personnel killed when their refueling aircraft crashed Thursday during Iran-related operations.

The fallen service members were identified as Major John A. Klinner, 33; Captain Ariana G. Savino, 31; Technical Sergeant Ashley B. Pruitt, 34; Captain Seth R. Koval, 38; Captain Curtis J. Angst, 30; and Technical Sergeant Tyler H. Simmons, 28.

The crash occurred in western Iraq following an undisclosed incident involving two aircraft in “friendly airspace,” according to U.S. Central Command. The second aircraft landed without incident.

A missile attack struck a helicopter landing area within the U.S. Embassy grounds in Baghdad Saturday. No group immediately took responsibility for the strike. The embassy facility, among the world’s largest American diplomatic installations, has faced repeated attacks from rockets and drones launched by Iran-affiliated militant groups.

The State Department has again advised American citizens in Iraq to depart “now” by land transportation, as commercial aviation remains unavailable. Officials noted that Iran and Iran-aligned armed groups “may continue to target” U.S. nationals, interests and infrastructure.

President Donald Trump has called upon allied nations to deploy naval vessels to protect the strategically crucial Strait of Hormuz, as tensions escalate with Iran issuing evacuation orders for three major ports in the United Arab Emirates amid ongoing regional conflicts.

This represents the first instance where Iran has directly threatened civilian infrastructure belonging to a neighboring nation, targeting the Middle East’s most active commercial port along with two additional UAE facilities.

Iranian officials accused the United States of utilizing UAE “ports, docks and hideouts” to conduct military strikes against Kharg Island, which houses Iran’s primary oil export terminal, though no supporting evidence was presented with these claims.

The conflict has also intensified Lebanon’s humanitarian emergency through Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah, resulting in approximately 800 fatalities and forcing over 850,000 people from their homes.

Recent developments include the Pentagon’s Saturday announcement identifying six military personnel who perished when their refueling aircraft went down Thursday during operations targeting Iran.

The fallen service members have been named as Maj. John A. Klinner, 33; Capt. Ariana G. Savino, 31; Tech. Sgt. Ashley B. Pruitt, 34; Capt. Seth R. Koval, 38; Capt. Curtis J. Angst, 30; and Tech. Sgt. Tyler H. Simmons, 28, according to military officials.

The fatal incident occurred in western Iraq following what U.S. Central Command described as an unspecified event involving two military aircraft in “friendly airspace,” with the second plane successfully completing its landing.

Early Sunday morning brought reports from Israeli defense forces of another Iranian missile barrage directed at Israel, with warning sirens activating across Tel Aviv and residents reporting explosive sounds overhead.

A high-speed pursuit through towering glass buildings in Shenzhen culminated when a drone struck down a fleeing operative, creating one of the most memorable sequences in China’s latest blockbuster thriller. This dramatic scene from “Scare Out” has captivated audiences worldwide, including American viewers, but represents something unprecedented in Chinese cinema.

The film marks a historic first as the initial movie to receive official endorsement from China’s Ministry of State Security, the nation’s powerful and traditionally secretive intelligence organization. This represents a significant departure for a country where security agencies typically maintain tight control over information sharing.

Oscar-nominated filmmaker Zhang Yimou helmed the production, which the MSS describes as being “led and created” by the intelligence service. The agency hopes the film will enhance citizens’ ability to protect the nation from security threats. The movie debuted in Chinese theaters on February 17, coinciding with Chinese New Year celebrations.

In promotional materials shared across social media platforms, the MSS stated the production seeks to “strengthen the people’s defense line” and “echo the needs of the times of national security education.”

While this marks the agency’s first foray into film production, the MSS has increasingly opened its operations to public view in recent years. The organization began its social media presence approximately two years ago on WeChat, China’s dominant messaging platform, declaring that “Counterespionage requires the mobilization of the entire society.”

The ministry now maintains an almost daily posting schedule, frequently highlighting real-world cases. Recent examples include a travel influencer who allegedly recruited a university student to photograph military installations, and a military enthusiast who purchased classified defense documents for under one dollar at a local recycling center.

The agency has also produced comic books, brief video clips, and short films as part of its public outreach efforts.

“Scare Out” features prominent actors Jackson Yee and Zhu Yilong in a storyline centered on hunting down a double agent within China’s intelligence apparatus who has been compromising classified information about an advanced fighter aircraft.

“Spies are just there around you,” Zhang remarked in an MSS-produced promotional trailer.

Security analysts suggest the MSS is working to increase visibility while encouraging citizens to report potentially suspicious behavior they observe.

“It wants to build public and popular support to encourage people to share information,” explained Sheena Greitens, an associate professor at the University of Texas at Austin.

“(It’s) a very sophisticated effort to mobilize Chinese citizens and make national security entertaining and fun to support,” she continued.

Writing in the People’s Daily, the Chinese Communist Party’s primary publication and the nation’s largest newspaper, Zhang revealed: “State security officers accompanied us throughout the whole filming process to make sure the film is close to reality.”

The director has previously earned Oscar recognition for acclaimed works including “Ju Dou,” “Raise The Red Lantern,” and “Hero.”

Social media speculation suggests the storyline draws from an actual incident involving a researcher who allegedly transmitted information about China’s J-35 fighter aircraft to foreign entities.

The Associated Press received no response to requests for comment from the MSS.

Since its theatrical release, the production has screened in the United States, Canada, and Australia. Box office receipts have reached 1.1 billion yuan (approximately $160 million) within its first two weeks.

Alice Jin, a 28-year-old e-commerce professional in Washington, attended the screening hoping she wouldn’t “fall asleep.” She found it “better than I expected,” noting: “I had no idea what it (MSS) was before.”

Wang Lehang, a 25-year-old student, commented: “I love watching movies, so a movie on patriotism education definitely works better on me.” He added it was “better than a lecture.”

International audiences have enjoyed espionage entertainment for generations, with the inaugural James Bond film premiering more than sixty years ago.

The CIA, frequently depicted in Hollywood productions including the Jason Bourne series, is recognized for collaborating with entertainment industry professionals to influence how the agency appears in popular media.

Western productions typically focus on “here’s where the trouble is coming from,” while China is simultaneously “highlighting to people internally that they don’t side with the West,” observed Liam McLoughlin, senior lecturer in politics at Edge Hill University in northwest England.

The film’s debut coincides with CIA recruitment campaigns on social media platforms specifically targeting Chinese officials for potential intelligence cooperation with the United States.

“Do you have information about China’s top leaders? Are you a military officer, or do you work with the military?” asks a recent recruitment video in Mandarin. “Please contact us. We want to understand the truth.”

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned these recruitment efforts, pledging to implement all necessary countermeasures to prevent infiltration attempts.

Taiwan’s defense officials announced Sunday that Chinese military aircraft have resumed large-scale operations around the island following a puzzling two-week break that left analysts questioning Beijing’s strategy.

According to Taiwan’s defense ministry, 26 Chinese military planes were spotted in the Taiwan Strait during a 24-hour monitoring period. This marks the most significant aerial activity since February 25, when Taiwanese forces tracked 30 aircraft during what Beijing described as a “joint combat readiness patrol.”

The island nation typically observes daily Chinese military aircraft movements, including fighter jets, drones, and other warplanes circling its territory, as Beijing considers the democratically-run island part of its sovereign territory. Weather conditions usually account for any brief interruptions in these flights.

However, from February 27 through March 7, Taiwan documented a complete halt in Chinese aircraft activity. When flights resumed on March 7, only two planes were detected in Taiwan’s southwestern airspace, followed by minimal sporadic incidents.

Chinese officials have remained silent about the reasoning behind the temporary suspension and declined to provide comment when contacted Sunday.

Tensions escalated over the weekend when China’s Taiwan Affairs Office issued a sharp rebuke to Taiwan President Lai Ching-te following his Saturday speech advocating for increased defense expenditures and democratic protection.

“People like Lai Ching-te should not miscalculate; if they dare to take reckless risks, they will dig their own grave,” a spokesperson for the office declared.

Taipei-based officials and regional experts have proposed various theories for the aircraft withdrawal, ranging from Beijing’s potential strategy adjustment before U.S. President Donald Trump’s scheduled China visit from March 31, to President Xi Jinping’s ongoing removal of high-ranking Chinese military commanders.

Taiwan Defense Minister Wellington Koo emphasized that despite the temporary aircraft absence, Chinese naval vessels continued patrolling around the island, maintaining the overall security threat.

Taiwan’s leadership continues to dispute Beijing’s territorial claims over the island.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has accused Russia of providing Iran with Shahed drones for attacks targeting the United States and Israel, according to a CNN interview segment broadcast Saturday.

Speaking with CNN’s Fareed Zakaria, Zelenskyy declared it is “100% facts” that Iran has deployed Russian-manufactured Shahed drones against American military installations.

While Shahed drones have been connected to additional strikes throughout the Middle East region, the origin of their production has not always been definitively established.

Iran originally developed the Shahed drone technology as a cost-effective substitute for costly missile systems. These unmanned aircraft gained widespread attention during Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine, where Ukrainian officials report that Russian forces have deployed thousands of these drones since autumn 2022.

While Iran initially supplied these drones to Russia, Moscow has since established its own Shahed production capabilities. Various military forces worldwide have now incorporated Shahed-style drone technology, including American armed forces, which have indicated these weapons are being utilized in current operations targeting Iran.

While most Israelis rushed to protective shelters during air raid warnings, emergency medical volunteers with Magen David Adom made the opposite choice – heading directly into harm’s way to rescue others.

“People in Israel go to shelters when the sirens sound. But Magen David Adom volunteers go out of the shelters and save others,” explained Uri Shacham, who serves as chief of staff for the organization.

This stark difference in response highlighted the crucial wartime mission of MDA, Israel’s national emergency medical and blood service organization, during the June 2025 conflict when Iranian rockets and unmanned aircraft targeted Israeli urban areas. The service was forced to execute emergency protocols it had spent years developing – deploying medical personnel into active strike zones while maintaining continuous emergency healthcare operations amid ongoing attacks.

Operating from its central command center in Ramla to damaged residential buildings in Bat Yam, MDA’s response system depended on swift emergency dispatch procedures, extensive preparedness training, reinforced operational facilities, and a nationwide network of volunteer emergency responders.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un supervised a weapons demonstration with his teenage daughter by his side over the weekend, according to state-controlled media reports from Sunday. The missile firing exercise seems to be North Korea’s answer to current joint military exercises between the United States and South Korea, which Pyongyang considers preparation for an attack.

State media outlet Korean Central News Agency announced that Kim witnessed a combat exercise featuring a dozen 600mm-caliber, high-precision rocket launchers along North Korea’s eastern coastline on Saturday.

Military officials in South Korea confirmed they tracked approximately 10 ballistic missiles launched from the Pyongyang area toward eastern waters on Saturday. South Korea’s national security council condemned the missile launches as aggressive actions that break United Nations Security Council rules prohibiting North Korean ballistic missile activities.

According to KCNA, Kim stated the exercise would subject adversaries within the 420-kilometer (260-mile) attack zone to anxiety and provide them with a clear picture of tactical nuclear weapons’ devastating capabilities. His comments appeared directed at South Korea and American forces based there.

“Should this weapon system be deployed, enemy military facilities within range would face complete destruction,” Kim declared, as reported by KCNA.

State media photographs depicted Kim and his daughter, identified as Kim Ju Ae and approximately 13 years old, standing beside massive olive-colored launcher vehicles while observing weapons being fired. The young girl has been present at various prominent occasions including missile demonstrations and military ceremonies since late 2022, leading analysts to believe she may be positioned as Kim’s successor.

Military analysts note that North Korea’s oversized rocket systems create ambiguity between traditional artillery and ballistic missiles since they generate independent propulsion and receive guidance during flight. Pyongyang has claimed certain versions of these weapons can carry nuclear payloads.

The annual U.S.-South Korean Freedom Shield exercise, conducted through computer simulation at command centers, continues until March 19. North Korea typically responds to these training operations with weapon testing and aggressive statements.

Citizens across France are casting ballots today in municipal elections that political observers view as a critical measure of far-right influence before the nation’s upcoming presidential campaign.

The voting, which began at 8 a.m. local time and concludes at 8 p.m., will determine leadership for nearly 35,000 communities ranging from major metropolitan areas to small villages. French mayors hold the distinction of being the country’s most trusted elected representatives.

These local contests carry significant weight since they occur just ahead of the 2027 presidential election, where polling suggests the far-right National Rally could emerge victorious.

The National Rally, known for its anti-immigration stance and skepticism toward European Union policies, has historically faced challenges in winning municipal races. While the party has fielded candidates in hundreds of communities, it doesn’t anticipate sweeping victories but aims to demonstrate rising support through strategic wins in key locations.

“If the people of Marseille make a brave choice … it will embolden and enlighten the French on the choice they will make next year,” stated Franck Allisio, the National Rally’s candidate in France’s second-largest city.

Allisio finds himself in a statistical tie with current Socialist Mayor Benoit Payan in first-round polling, giving the National Rally an unprecedented opportunity to control a major French urban center.

While municipal elections typically center on neighborhood concerns, polling data indicates security ranks as voters’ primary concern this cycle, aligning closely with the National Rally’s emphasis on law and order.

The party is also competing seriously in Toulon, a southern city with 180,000 residents, and could potentially win in Menton, a Mediterranean coastal community where Louis Sarkozy, son of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, is running with centrist party support.

A crucial factor will be the coalition agreements the National Rally negotiates with other parties between voting rounds. This election may mark the end of France’s long-standing tradition of isolating far-right parties, as some mainstream conservative politicians show willingness to cooperate.

Left-wing parties performed strongly in the previous 2020 municipal elections but now face national weakness. Political watchers will closely monitor whether they can retain control of Paris and other cities they previously captured, including Nantes for the Socialists and Lyon and Strasbourg for the Green Party.

The potential for mainstream left-wing parties to form alliances with the radical-left France Unbowed movement between voting rounds also remains a significant question.

Communities where no candidate list receives more than 50% of votes will hold a second round on March 22. While the second round may provide clearer insights than initial voting, both phases carry high stakes given the approaching April 2027 presidential election.

“People want to turn the page and they want to turn it with us,” said Louis Aliot, the National Rally mayor of Perpignan.

Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced Sunday that military personnel will be sent to assist communities devastated by severe flooding in the nation’s northern region.

The Prime Minister confirmed that his center-left administration has authorized the deployment of Australian Defence Force members to support areas surrounding Katherine, a Northern Territory community located approximately 164 miles south of Darwin, the territory’s capital.

“To everyone doing it tough right now, know we are with you through the response and through the recovery,” Albanese posted on social media platform X.

Emergency Services Minister Kristy McBain confirmed during television interviews that military support will continue for as long as two weeks.

Officials dealing with flooding caused by torrential rainfall across the Northern Territory and adjacent Queensland state announced earlier this week that they had found two bodies during their search for missing Chinese backpackers who disappeared in Queensland’s Gympie area floods.

According to Australia’s national science agency, climate change is making severe short-duration rainfall events increasingly powerful across the continent.

Citizens of Congo Republic headed to polling stations Sunday for a presidential election that political observers believe will grant 82-year-old Denis Sassou Nguesso another five-year term, continuing his grip on power that has lasted more than 40 years.

Key opposition leaders remain behind bars, while others have fled the country. Multiple opposition political parties are refusing to participate in the election, claiming the electoral process cannot be trusted.

Voting began at 7 a.m. local time and concluded at 6 p.m. Officials registered over 3.2 million Congolese citizens to cast ballots, though political analysts and civic organizations predict participation will drop below the nearly 68% turnout from 2021, when Sassou captured 88.4% of votes.

The longtime leader first took control of the oil-rich Central African country in 1979 and has maintained power almost without interruption, except for a brief five-year period during the 1990s.

Six relatively unknown candidates are challenging Sassou, but none are considered viable threats, as election oversight committees are filled with individuals supporting the ruling Congolese Labour Party.

“The opposition is fragmented and lacks a strong, emblematic figure,” said Remadji Hoinathy of the Pretoria-based Institute for Security Studies. “There may be fatigue among voters, but that will not affect Sassou’s chances.”

Human rights organizations report that political freedoms have decreased in recent years, pointing to activist detentions and party suspensions.

Prime Minister Anatole Collinet Makosso has rejected claims of bias favoring Sassou, maintaining that Congo’s regulatory agencies will guarantee a fair and transparent electoral process.

Many Congolese citizens express skepticism about potential political change.

“It’s an election whose outcome is known in advance,” said Frédéric Nkou, an unemployed resident of Brazzaville. “I don’t expect things to improve.”

During his campaign, Sassou emphasized maintaining current policies while promising to speed up infrastructure initiatives and broaden educational and vocational training opportunities.

While the oil-dependent economy has found stability following years of decline, World Bank data shows that 52% of Congo’s 6.1 million residents remain in poverty.

Election officials expect to announce preliminary results within 48 to 72 hours after polls close.

Senior economic representatives from the United States and China began discussions in Paris on Sunday, working to resolve trade disagreements and prepare the groundwork for President Donald Trump’s planned visit to Beijing later this month to meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The negotiations, headed by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, are anticipated to address modifications to American tariffs, Chinese rare earth mineral and magnet exports to the United States, American technology export restrictions, and China’s purchases of U.S. farm products.

The delegations are convening at the Paris offices of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, according to a source with knowledge of the arrangements. China does not belong to this organization of 38 predominantly wealthy democratic nations and identifies as a developing nation.

U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer is also participating in the discussions, which represent a continuation of diplomatic meetings held in various European locations last year designed to reduce tensions that nearly caused a complete breakdown in commerce between the world’s two biggest economies.

Experts analyzing U.S.-China trade relations indicated that given limited preparation time and Washington’s focus on the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, the likelihood of significant trade breakthroughs remains slim, whether in Paris or during the Beijing summit.

“Both sides, I think have a minimum goal of having a meeting, which sort of keeps things together and avoids a rupture and re-escalation of tensions,” said Scott Kennedy, a China economics expert at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.

Trump may seek substantial Chinese commitments to purchase new Boeing aircraft and increase imports of U.S. liquefied natural gas and soybeans, but achieving this might require offering concessions on U.S. export restrictions, Kennedy noted.

Kennedy suggested the summit would likely “superficially suggests progress but that really just leaves things about where they’ve been for the last four months.”

Trump and Xi may potentially have three additional meetings this year, including a China-hosted APEC summit in November and a U.S.-hosted G20 summit in December that could produce more concrete results.

The ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran will likely be discussed during the Paris meetings, particularly regarding rising oil prices and the potential closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which China receives 45% of its oil supply. Bessent announced a 30-day sanctions waiver Thursday evening to permit the sale of Russian oil currently held in tankers at sea, aimed at increasing available supplies.

On Saturday, Trump called on other countries to assist in protecting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, following Washington’s bombing of military facilities on Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal and Iran’s threats of retaliation.

China’s government-controlled China Daily newspaper published an editorial advocating for continued U.S.-China dialogue as a “stabilizing anchor” during the uncertainty of the “ongoing crisis in the Middle East” and as the most effective approach to addressing specific disagreements on strategic materials, technology, market access and agriculture.

“In a moment like this, the last thing the world needs is a trade war between its two largest economies,” China Daily said.

Both nations are expected to assess their advancement in fulfilling obligations under the October 2025 trade agreement announced by Trump and Xi in Busan, South Korea. This arrangement prevented a major escalation in tensions, reduced U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, and suspended China’s strict rare earth export controls for one year. It also halted the expansion of a U.S. blacklist preventing Chinese companies from purchasing advanced American technology such as semiconductor manufacturing equipment.

China also committed to purchasing 12 million metric tons of U.S. soybeans during the 2025 marketing year and 25 million tons in the 2026 season, beginning with the fall harvest.

American officials, including Bessent, have stated that China has fulfilled its obligations under the Busan agreement so far, pointing to soybean purchases that achieved initial targets.

However, while some industries are receiving rare earth exports from China, which controls global production, U.S. aerospace and semiconductor companies are not and are experiencing worsening shortages of essential materials, including yttrium, used in heat-resistant jet engine coatings.

“U.S. priorities will likely be about agricultural purchases by China and greater access to Chinese rare earths in the short term” at the Paris talks, said William Chou, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, a Washington think tank.

Greer and Bessent also introduce a new source of tension to the Paris discussions: a new “Section 301” investigation into unfair trade practices targeting China and 15 other major trading partners regarding alleged excess industrial capacity that could result in additional tariffs within months. Greer also initiated a similar investigation into alleged forced labor practices in 60 countries, including China, that could prohibit certain imports into the United States.

These investigations aim to restore Trump’s tariff pressure on trading partners after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Trump’s global tariffs under emergency law as illegal. This decision effectively lowered Trump’s tariffs on Chinese products by 20 percentage points, but he immediately implemented a 10% global tariff under different trade legislation.

China condemned the investigations on Friday and stated it reserves the right to implement countermeasures. The China Daily editorial added that the investigations were “representative of unilateral actions that complicate negotiations.”

More than 73 million Vietnamese citizens cast ballots Sunday in parliamentary elections where the ruling Communist Party dominated candidate selections, fielding almost 93% of those running for the 500-seat National Assembly.

The elections, held every five years, serve as one of the limited democratic exercises in Vietnam’s strictly governed single-party system. Voters also selected local council representatives during the process.

According to the national election council, Communist Party members comprised 864 candidates seeking national parliament seats, with independent candidates making up just 7.5% of the field – a decrease from 8.5% in the previous 2021 election. This composition ensures the party will continue its overwhelming legislative control.

Currently, Communist Party members occupy 97% of parliament seats, having governed Vietnam without opposition for multiple decades.

While the National Assembly lacks authority to overturn major party decisions, particularly regarding personnel appointments, legislators have occasionally modified proposed legislation.

The new parliament’s inaugural session is set for early April, when members will formally approve state leadership positions previously selected by the party, including the president and prime minister roles.

During January’s five-year party congress, officials confirmed To Lam as general secretary – Vietnam’s highest-ranking position – and chose 19 politburo members who form the primary decision-making council.

Party leadership is anticipated to officially announce their state position nominees before parliament convenes, with Lam’s expected presidential appointment considered routine.

This transition would enable the former public security chief to simultaneously hold both influential roles for a five-year term, bringing Vietnam’s governmental structure closer to neighboring China’s model, where Xi Jinping also maintains dual positions.

Notable business executives among the candidates include party members Nguyen Thanh Tung, who leads Vietcombank – Vietnam’s largest bank by market value – and Le Hong Minh, chairman of technology company VNG that operates the nation’s leading messaging platform Zalo.

Male candidates represent approximately 55% of those running, matching proportions from the last election cycle. Following the 2021 voting, women secured roughly 30% of available seats.

Parliament chairman Tran Thanh Man informed local news outlets that election outcomes would be revealed March 23.

State news agencies report that voter participation has surpassed 99% in each of the previous seven parliamentary elections.

President Donald Trump is requesting that allied countries deploy naval vessels to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping lane, while Iran promises to intensify its military response following recent U.S. airstrikes on Iranian energy infrastructure.

The strategic waterway serves as a critical route for global oil and gas transportation, and Iran’s capability to halt maritime traffic through the passage creates substantial challenges for America and its partners as they confront rising energy costs amid unprecedented disruptions to oil supplies.

“The Countries of the World that receive Oil through the Hormuz Strait must take care of that passage, and we will help — A LOT!” Trump posted on social media Saturday. “The U.S. will also coordinate with those Countries so that everything goes quickly, smoothly, and well.”

As hostilities enter their third week, both nations seem prepared for prolonged warfare. Three individuals with knowledge of diplomatic efforts informed Reuters that Trump’s team has rejected attempts by Middle Eastern partners to initiate peace talks to resolve the conflict.

Iran has maintained its defiant stance, dismissing any possibility of a ceasefire while American and Israeli aerial bombardments continue.

Iranian military forces have maintained their offensive operations. A drone assault disrupted a significant United Arab Emirates energy facility Saturday, and American officials advised U.S. nationals Saturday to depart Iraq following a missile strike on the Baghdad embassy Friday night.

The conflict began when Israel and America launched air campaigns against Iran on February 28, resulting in over 2,000 deaths, predominantly Iranian casualties, based on official government reports and state media accounts. At least 15 people died when an airstrike struck a refrigeration and heating equipment factory in Isfahan, central Iran, according to the semi-official Fars news agency Saturday.

Iran instructed civilians in the UAE to evacuate ports, docks and “American hideouts,” claiming U.S. forces had launched attacks on Iran from those locations. The UAE rejected allegations that Friday night’s strikes on Iran’s Kharg island originated from UAE territory.

Designating any facility connected to America as a “legitimate target,” Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps demanded all U.S. businesses withdraw from the region.

Energy market disruptions appear likely to continue. Several oil-loading activities were halted in the UAE’s Fujairah emirate, an important global ship-refueling center, following a drone attack, according to industry and trade sources Saturday.

The emirate’s media office confirmed a drone was intercepted, though civil defense teams were still working late Saturday to extinguish fires caused by falling wreckage.

Trump remained at his Mar-a-Lago Florida resort over the weekend, maintaining a low public presence Saturday while posting updates on his Truth Social platform.

In one message, the Republican president expressed hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, Britain and other nations would dispatch warships to the Strait of Hormuz. None of these countries provided immediate confirmation of such plans.

French officials stated Friday their government continues efforts to build a coalition for securing the Strait of Hormuz once regional security conditions improve.

A British Ministry of Defence representative said Saturday: “As we’ve said previously, we are currently discussing with our allies and partners a range of options to ensure the security of shipping in the region.”

Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who succeeded his deceased father, has declared the Strait of Hormuz should remain closed.

Additionally, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi rejected claims from U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth suggesting Khamenei was injured and possibly disfigured. “There is no problem with the new supreme leader. He sent his message yesterday, and he will perform his duties,” Araqchi told MS Now.

Khamenei has not made public appearances, instead releasing a Thursday statement read by a television presenter.

Iran minimized damage reports from Kharg Island. America stated it targeted military rather than energy industry facilities on the island, located approximately 15 miles off Iran’s Gulf coastline.

U.S. Central Command reported striking over 90 locations on Kharg, including naval mine storage areas, missile storage bunkers and additional military installations.

Araqchi stated Iran would retaliate against any assault on its energy infrastructure. Iran’s Ministry of Defense announced Saturday that nine ballistic missiles and 33 drones were fired from Iran toward the UAE.

Iran warned residents to evacuate areas near Dubai’s Jebel Ali port, Abu Dhabi’s Khalifa port and the UAE’s Fujairah port, stating it was targeting U.S. bank branches throughout the Gulf.

Fujairah, positioned outside the Strait of Hormuz, serves as the export point for approximately 1 million barrels daily of the UAE’s Murban crude oil — representing roughly 1% of global demand.

Animal enthusiasts in Romania’s capital city came together to celebrate their beloved companions at the 15th edition of the country’s premier pet industry exposition. The annual event in Bucharest featured a festive costume parade where pet owners showcased their creativity by outfitting their furry friends in elaborate and vibrant attire.

The celebration brought together animal lovers from across the region for the colorful spectacle that has become a beloved tradition in Romania’s pet community.

Fear has gripped Iranian security forces as drone strikes targeting military checkpoints throughout Tehran have escalated, according to a leaked audio recording from a Basij militia commander obtained by The Media Line.

The recording, shared on the Telegram channel Mamlekateh, captures a commander addressing his troops through a messaging platform used by forces in one Tehran district. The commander can be heard instructing his personnel to remain calm during drone attacks and not to desert their positions.

A Tehran resident reports that growing numbers of Basij members have stopped showing up for duty in recent days due to fears of becoming targets.

The commander in the audio identifies the aircraft used in one checkpoint attack as a Heron TP drone, explaining it can fly continuously over Tehran for 16 hours and deploy eight cluster-operating missiles. He explains that with fewer traditional military targets available for fighter jets, drones are now being used to target military personnel in the capital.

According to the recording, aircraft are also being utilized to locate gathering spots for military personnel, with large concentrations of mobile phones helping to reveal their positions.

The commander instructs forces stationed in schools, mosques, and other civilian buildings to immediately turn off their phones when they hear drone sounds, evacuate their posts, and relocate to nearby positions where they can engage any “armed individuals” while avoiding potential missile strikes.

“They are clearing the way so that by creating fear and terror they can move operational teams across the city to the intended areas,” the commander states in the recording, urging his forces to manage their anxiety and “not be scared for no reason.” He notes that Basij personnel are constantly scanning the skies in anticipation of air strikes, despite no ground-based attacks occurring.

Recent days have seen the Israeli military release multiple videos showing strikes against Revolutionary Guards and Basij personnel at security checkpoints, with additional footage appearing on various Telegram channels. These attacks have created significant anxiety among Basij members.

A southern Tehran resident told The Media Line that a family member who had been stationed at a neighborhood checkpoint – which locals refer to as a “trap” – shut off his phone yesterday and fled to northern Iran. When Basij officials called asking about his absence, the family claimed they had no knowledge of his whereabouts.

These developments coincide with Friday’s Quds Day demonstration, where several high-ranking officials participated, including President Masoud Pezeshkian, who appeared to move through the crowd with minimal visible security protection.

State television labeled Pezeshkian as “brave” in on-screen text, while his security detail maintained distance, many positioning themselves behind television cameras with weapons at the ready.

During Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni-Ejei’s rally appearance, an explosion occurred in the vicinity, prompting both uniformed and plainclothes security personnel to quickly escort him from the area while the event was being televised. State media also confirmed that explosive debris killed a woman near Enghelab Square in central Tehran during the Quds Day gathering.

Combined Israeli and US operations targeting Tehran locations have significantly intensified over recent nights, with massive explosions reported throughout most areas of the Iranian capital, particularly in eastern and western districts, as well as in Karaj, continuing around the clock.

As bombing continued and electrical power was disrupted in sections of the city, an eastern Tehran resident informed The Media Line on Friday evening that all VPN access had been blocked since morning, and satellite television channels – residents’ primary source for war updates – had been jammed, leaving people unaware for hours of US and Israeli warnings about targeted areas.

On Thursday evening, Vice President Mohammad Reza Aref made visits to multiple checkpoints to encourage military personnel and took photographs with the forces.

Following the announcement of Ali Khamenei’s death, the former Islamic Republic leader, civilians took to the streets in celebration, prompting Basij and IRGC forces to open fire in several incidents, resulting in multiple civilian deaths.

In recent days, Iranian authorities have positioned military units throughout city streets in vehicles mounted with machine guns, openly threatening demonstrators and warning that any public protests will face suppression more severe than the violent crackdown in January.

Social media users reported additional checkpoint attacks in Tehran and other cities, including Karaj, on Friday evening.

North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un personally supervised his military’s testing of powerful rocket launchers on Saturday, according to the country’s state-controlled media.

The weapons test involved 600mm-caliber multiple rocket launchers that successfully struck targets on an island in the East Sea, North Korea’s official KCNA news agency reported.

“The launched rockets battered the island target in the East Sea of Korea about 364.4 km away with the accuracy of 100 percent,” KCNA said.

South Korean military officials confirmed that North Korea fired more than 10 ballistic missiles into the ocean on Saturday. The launch occurred while American and South Korean forces were conducting joint military exercises, and as former President Donald Trump has made new attempts to restart diplomatic talks with the North Korean regime.

According to South Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff, the missiles were fired from a location near North Korea’s capital city of Pyongyang at approximately 1:20 p.m. local time. The projectiles were aimed toward waters off the nation’s eastern coastline.

Multiple Middle Eastern nations have unsuccessfully attempted to broker peace talks between the United States and Iran, with both President Donald Trump and Iranian officials refusing to engage in ceasefire discussions, according to sources who spoke with Reuters.

The Trump administration has turned away diplomatic overtures aimed at halting the conflict that started two weeks ago following a major U.S.-Israeli aerial campaign against Iranian targets.

A high-ranking White House official verified that the administration has dismissed attempts to initiate peace negotiations and plans to maintain its military campaign against Iran.

“He’s not interested in that right now, and we’re going to continue with the mission unabated. Maybe there’s a day, but not right now,” the official said.

The nation of Oman, which had previously served as a mediator before hostilities erupted, has made multiple attempts to restore dialogue between the parties, but two sources indicated the White House showed no willingness to engage in talks.

Similarly, Egypt has made efforts to restart diplomatic channels, according to three security and diplomatic sources, though these attempts have failed to yield any progress.

Iranian officials have indicated they will refuse any ceasefire discussions until American and Israeli bombing campaigns end and Iran’s demands are met, which include a lasting halt to all attacks and monetary reparations as components of any potential deal, two senior Iranian sources informed Reuters.

According to one source, Iran’s leading security official Ali Larijani and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi tried to utilize Oman as a go-between for possible ceasefire negotiations that might have included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, but these discussions never materialized.

The administration’s stance continues as American military actions against Iran persist, including Friday night’s strikes targeting Kharg Island, Iran’s main oil export facility.

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has pledged to maintain the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and has issued warnings of further attacks against regional nations. A senior Iranian source noted that the Revolutionary Guards believe ‘if they lose control of the Strait of Hormuz, they will lose the war.’

The ongoing hostilities have resulted in over 2,000 deaths, with the majority occurring in Iran, and have brought shipping through the Strait of Hormuz to a standstill. This critical passage handles approximately 20 percent of global oil transportation.

Saturday brought a surge of violence across the Middle East as Iran unleashed six separate waves of missiles targeting Israel while coordinated attacks struck key facilities in Iraq.

According to Israeli emergency officials, the missile barrages triggered warning sirens across the entire country. The attacks caused casualties in Eilat, a southern Israeli city, where a 12-year-old child was among those wounded.

Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services initially classified the young victim’s injuries as serious but later upgraded the condition to moderate. Two other individuals sustained minor wounds, while six additional people required hospital treatment for anxiety-related symptoms.

Rescue teams documented two strike zones in Israel’s central region following the missile launches. Authorities confirmed no casualties occurred at these locations and no individuals were trapped beneath rubble.

Officials noted that defensive missile fragments damaged one building, while debris from interceptor missiles scattered across a nearby roadway.

Meanwhile, in northern Iraq, a drone attack forced the complete shutdown of the Lanaz oil refinery located in Irbil after the strike ignited a blaze on Saturday. Kurdistan Region Ministry of Natural Resources representatives told Reuters that refinery operations would stay suspended until firefighters control the flames and officials evaluate the full scope of damage.

The United Arab Emirates reported that attackers targeted its diplomatic facility in Iraqi Kurdistan for the second occasion within seven days.

“The attack resulted in injuries to two security personnel and damage to the consulate building,” the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement carried by WAM.

The ministry said targeting diplomatic missions “constitutes a flagrant violation of international norms and laws,” adding that “such acts represent a dangerous escalation and a threat to regional security and stability.”

ROME — Large crowds gathered across Italy and Spain on Saturday to voice opposition to Middle East military actions and Italy’s proposed changes to its court system, creating a dual protest movement that highlights both international and domestic political tensions.

Italy’s upcoming March 22-23 national vote on judicial system modifications has transformed into a critical political challenge for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s administration, which must face voters again next year. What began as a policy discussion about legal system changes has expanded into a wider political clash between Meloni and opposition forces.

Demonstrators in Rome’s city center carried red labor union flags alongside Palestinian and Cuban banners, shouting “Meloni government, resign” during the peaceful gathering.

Protester Sandra Paganini expressed her concerns about international conflicts, stating: “The United States and Israel are destroying any form of coexistence dictated by international law.”

“They are dragging us towards a world war in which they are targeting completely innocent people who have done nothing wrong, intervening and destroying nations,” Paganini added.

Prime Minister Meloni maintains that judicial modifications are essential to address Italy’s long-standing court backlogs and rebuild citizen trust in the legal framework. Critics counter that these proposals might compromise judicial autonomy and expose judges to political pressure.

The upcoming vote has evolved into a significant political evaluation of Meloni’s leadership, prompting her to actively participate in campaigning this week.

During a Thursday campaign event in Milan, Meloni declared: “If justice doesn’t work, if it’s slow, if it’s inefficient, if it’s unfair, then the whole machine gets stuck and everyone pays the consequences.”

Anti-conflict demonstrations have intensified following February 28th’s extensive U.S. and Israeli military operations against Iran, which targeted defense installations and key officials, prompting counter-attacks that have disrupted international financial markets.

Similar rallies occurred throughout Spain on Saturday, with civic organization coalitions coordinating events in numerous cities demanding Middle East conflict resolution. Madrid saw thousands of participants chanting anti-war messages while showing support for affected civilian populations.

Earlier this week, comparable demonstrations took place in Athens and other Greek cities.

Moscow’s mayor reported that Russian air defense systems intercepted 65 Ukrainian drones targeting the capital city during an extended assault on Saturday, according to officials.

Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced on the Telegram messaging platform that the drone interceptions occurred during an 11-hour span starting at approximately noon local time. Emergency teams were deployed to examine debris at locations where the unmanned aircraft came down.

In the Bryansk region along Ukraine’s border, Governor Alexander Bogomaz reported via Telegram that defense forces in his area successfully intercepted 128 drones, though he did not specify the timeframe for these downings.

Earlier this week, Ukrainian military forces claimed responsibility for striking a critical facility that manufactures missile parts located in the Bryansk region. Bogomaz confirmed that seven fatalities resulted from that earlier assault, but did not identify the specific target that was hit.

Russia’s Defense Ministry released its latest assessment stating that air defense forces successfully intercepted 280 Ukrainian drones across multiple regions of central and western Russia during a 10-hour window that concluded at 9 p.m. Saturday.

The ministry’s report indicated that 47 of the intercepted drones had been aimed at Moscow.

The World Health Organization confirmed Saturday that a dozen medical professionals lost their lives when a primary healthcare facility in Lebanon’s Bourj Qalaouiyeh area came under attack late Friday evening.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus announced the organization had verified the deaths of 12 doctors, nurses, and paramedics at the medical center. “The killings in the last 24 hours of 14 health workers in southern Lebanon mark a tragic development in the escalating Middle East crisis,” Ghebreyesus wrote on the social media platform X.

The WHO chief also reported that two additional emergency medical technicians were killed earlier that day during an assault on a healthcare facility located in Al Sowana.

The attacks occurred amid ongoing military operations between Israel and Hezbollah, the influential Lebanese militant organization. Israeli forces have conducted widespread airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions, resulting in more than 770 casualties and forcing hundreds of thousands of residents from their homes. In response, Hezbollah has launched numerous rocket attacks into Israeli territory.

Switzerland’s government announced Saturday that it had reviewed multiple requests from American military and official aircraft seeking permission to traverse the country’s airspace, ultimately denying two while approving three others under its strict neutrality laws.

According to a government statement, the decisions were made in accordance with Switzerland’s neutrality requirements. “The law on neutrality prohibits overflights by parties to the conflict that serve a military purpose related to the conflict. Permitted are humanitarian and medical transits, including the transport of wounded persons, as well as overflights that are unrelated to the conflict,” officials explained.

The requests were connected to ongoing tensions and military operations involving Iran, though specific details about the nature of the flights were not disclosed by Swiss authorities.

Law enforcement officials in the Netherlands launched a manhunt Saturday for two individuals believed responsible for detonating an explosive device outside a Jewish educational facility in Amsterdam overnight.

According to Amsterdam City Hall, the blast occurred in the Buitenveldert neighborhood and struck the exterior wall of the school, resulting in minimal structural damage to the building.

Police investigators determined that the pair traveled to the scene using a motor scooter. Surveillance evidence shows one individual positioning an explosive device against the building’s wall before retreating to the waiting scooter, with the blast occurring as the duo fled the area.

Amsterdam Mayor Femke Halsema expressed concern about the growing climate of antisemitism affecting the city’s Jewish population, stating they experience “fear and anger” due to increasing targeting.

“That is unacceptable. A school must be a place where children can learn safely. Amsterdam must be a place where Jews can live safely,” she said.

The incident prompted enhanced security measures at Jewish educational institutions and religious sites following similar attacks in the region. On Friday, explosions occurred near a synagogue in Liege, Belgium, and at a Rotterdam synagogue entrance, which sparked a small fire.

Dutch Justice and Security Minister David van Weel addressed the escalating situation on social media platform X, writing: “Two nights in a row, a cowardly attack with an explosive at a Jewish building. First in Rotterdam, now in Amsterdam.”

“The safety of Jewish institutions has our full attention. An investigation into the perpetrators is underway,” van Weel added.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The bustling metropolis of Dubai is experiencing an unprecedented downturn in visitor activity during what should be its peak tourism period, as regional warfare continues to impact the travel industry.

Ongoing conflicts involving Iran have created significant disruptions to airline operations throughout the Middle East region. Additionally, drone and missile strikes launched by Iranian forces against locations within the United Arab Emirates have severely damaged the nation’s reputation as a secure travel destination in the region.

Popular visitor destinations throughout Dubai are experiencing dramatically reduced foot traffic, including the renowned Al Seef marketplace situated along Dubai Creek and coastal areas adjacent to high-end accommodations like the iconic Burj Al Arab hotel.

Recent imagery captures the stark reality of Dubai’s tourism struggles, revealing deserted shopping areas, vacant restaurant patios, and largely abandoned beach areas as the hospitality industry grapples with the broader consequences of Middle Eastern tensions.

The visual documentation was compiled by Associated Press photography staff.

Turkey’s top diplomat revealed Saturday that while no formal diplomatic efforts are underway between Washington and Tehran, Iran appears willing to participate in unofficial negotiations despite the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan shared these insights during an exclusive interview with The Associated Press, as Turkey works to maintain neutrality amid the expanding regional warfare.

Turkey, which maintains strong relationships with both the United States and Iran, had previously tried to broker peace between the two nations before American and Israeli forces struck Iran two weeks ago, escalating the current conflict.

“The conditions are not very much conducive” to diplomacy now, Fidan explained. He noted that Iranian officials “feel betrayed” after being attacked for the second time while actively participating in nuclear negotiations with America, though he added, “I think they are open to any sensible back-channel diplomacy.”

The 57-year-old Fidan previously led Turkey’s intelligence operations for over ten years before taking his current position in 2023.

During his intelligence tenure, he significantly influenced Turkey’s Middle Eastern policies, especially regarding Syria, Iraq and Iran. He remains among President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s most trusted advisors and is viewed as a possible successor.

Turkey has adopted a neutral stance throughout the war, condemning both American and Israeli attacks on Iran as well as Tehran’s counter-strikes against Gulf nations hosting U.S. military installations. Fidan revealed he has been working to convince Iranian leadership to cease those retaliatory operations.

According to Fidan, Turkey’s main goal is avoiding involvement in the conflict, even after NATO defense systems intercepted three missiles over Turkish territory that appeared to originate from Iran. Turkey belongs to NATO, and a southern Turkish air base houses NATO forces, including American personnel.

Iranian leadership has denied targeting Turkey, though available intelligence indicates the missiles came from Iran, the Turkish foreign minister stated.

He dismissed the possibility of military retaliation at present, noting that NATO’s defensive systems proved effective and that Ankara’s “primary objective” remains staying out of the fighting.

“I know that we are being provoked and we will be provoked, but this is our objective,” he stated. “We want to stay out of this war.”

Fidan, who regularly communicates with Iranian officials, said he lacks detailed information about the extent of injuries sustained by Iran’s current Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei during an earlier strike, but confirmed “what we know is that he is alive and functioning.”

Khamenei assumed leadership following his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s death on February 28 during the war’s initial phase.

Fidan explained that “the process of electing a new leader and the medical conditions of the new leader, it created a gap” in Iran’s power structure, adding “I think that gap has been filled by the high command of the Revolutionary Guards,” referencing the paramilitary organization that answers to the Supreme Leader.

Prior to the outbreak of hostilities, Turkey attempted to prevent war by proposing Istanbul-hosted negotiations involving the United States, Iran and other regional powers. Iran subsequently chose Oman-mediated discussions without regional participation, focusing exclusively on nuclear issues — talks that eventually collapsed.

Fidan noted that Iran had declined to address its missile capabilities and the proxy armed organizations it supports throughout the region, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah and various Iraqi militias — both groups now actively participating in the regional conflict.

Turkey had suggested that “the Americans and the Iranians can discuss fully the nuclear issue and we as regional countries can come together to discuss the other two with Iran” as part of a regional trust-building effort.

Relations between Turkey and Israel remain strained, with Erdogan emerging as one of Israel’s harshest critics regarding Gaza operations. Turkey has severed commercial relationships with Israel and regularly accuses the nation of genocide. Israel responds by claiming Turkey supports Hamas, the Palestinian organization responsible for the devastating October 7, 2023 attack in southern Israel.

Following Israel’s strikes on Iran, some observers have suggested Turkey might become the next target. Fidan rejected this possibility while acknowledging that the Iranian conflict has motivated Turkey to accelerate domestic weapons and air defense production.

“As long as Netanyahu is there, (Israel) will always identify somebody as an enemy,” he observed. “Because they need it to advance their own agenda. If not Turkey, they would name some other country in the region.”

He criticized Israel’s activities elsewhere in the region, particularly in Syria, where both nations have strategic concerns.

Turkey has strongly supported Damascus’s current administration under interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa, formerly an Islamist rebel leader.

Israel views al-Sharaa’s government with skepticism and has seized control of southern Syrian territory since the government took power in December 2024, while conducting airstrikes against Syrian military installations and destroying much of the country’s weapons stockpile. Israel claims its Syrian presence aims to protect its borders from another October 7-style assault.

“They are after not security, they are after more land,” Fidan argued. “So as long as they don’t give up this idea, there will always be a war in the Middle East.”

Turkey has also pursued an active role in post-conflict Gaza planning. It has joined U.S. President Donald Trump’s Board of Peace — boycotted by numerous other nations that view it as an attempt to replace United Nations authority and criticize the absence of Palestinian representation — and has volunteered to provide troops for an international stabilization force in the devastated territory.

Fidan described Turkey’s Board of Peace participation as important, calling it an “opportunity” to end the war, though “we are not under the illusion that the Board of Peace will address all the existing issues.”

Fidan said Turkey has not yet received a troop contribution request for the stabilization force, which he attributed to Israeli opposition, but added, “I think the Americans are quietly trying to settle the issue with the Israelis to allow Turkey to participate.”

However, Fidan emphasized that Turkey’s priority involves establishing a Gaza administration committee composed of 15 politically independent Palestinian administrators.

“We expect them to go into Gaza and start their work,” he said. “This has not started yet, so we need to start from somewhere.”

PORT-OF-SPAIN, Trinidad — Parliamentary lawmakers in Trinidad and Tobago voted Friday night to continue emergency powers for an additional three months as the Caribbean nation grapples with escalating violence and criminal activity.

Members of the House of Representatives approved two separate motions in a 26-12 decision, with no lawmakers abstaining from the vote. The emergency powers grant authorities expanded capabilities, including the ability to arrest individuals and conduct searches without obtaining warrants first.

The Caribbean nation has operated under emergency conditions for approximately 10 months out of the past 14 months, highlighting the persistent security challenges facing the twin-island country.

While emergency declarations initially last up to 15 days, lawmakers can vote to extend them when deemed necessary by the administration. The repeated use of these extraordinary powers has created negative impacts on the nation’s vital tourism sector.

Opposition party leaders have strongly criticized the continued renewal of emergency measures, claiming the ruling government has been unsuccessful in developing effective strategies to combat the crime crisis.

Violence statistics show the country has already witnessed more than 60 homicides during the current year.