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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Qalibaf did not completely dismiss this comparison.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“There’s more to come,” he said.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Recent developments include:

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

The ministry reported five additional injuries from the strike.

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

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

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

No immediate casualty reports were available from these strikes.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Independent damage assessments from outside organizations remain unavailable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS

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

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

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

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

EUROPEAN PRODUCT PROTECTIONS

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

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

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

AUTOMOTIVE SECTOR

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

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

STRATEGIC MINERALS

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

SERVICE INDUSTRIES

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

INVESTMENT PROVISIONS

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