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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy voiced strong opposition Friday to America’s decision to temporarily suspend Russian oil sanctions, calling the move misguided and counterproductive to ending Moscow’s ongoing invasion of his country.

Speaking during a joint news conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris, Zelenskyy warned that the temporary relief could generate substantial revenue for Russia’s military operations.

“This easing alone by the United States could provide Russia with about $10 billion for the war,” Zelenskyy said. “This certainly does not help peace.”

The Ukrainian leader expressed concern that Moscow would channel profits from energy exports directly into weapons procurement, creating a dangerous cycle that ultimately harms Ukrainian civilians.

“I believe that lifting sanctions will, in any case, lead to a strengthening of Russia’s position. It spends the money from energy sales on weapons, and all of this is then used against us,” Zelenskyy explained during his Paris visit.

“Therefore, ultimately lifting sanctions only so that more drones will later be flying at you is, in my opinion, not the right decision,” he said.

The Treasury Department revealed Thursday its plan to implement a month-long suspension of Russian oil penalties, designed to release stranded petroleum shipments and address supply shortfalls stemming from Middle Eastern conflicts.

Market experts indicate that rising crude prices resulting from Persian Gulf production disruptions are providing unexpected economic benefits to Russia. Moscow depends significantly on petroleum revenues to fund its military campaign, making sanctions increasingly burdensome for the Kremlin.

Diplomatic negotiations between Washington, Moscow and Kyiv aimed at resolving Europe’s largest military conflict since the 1940s have been suspended due to Iran-related tensions, though discussions may restart within days, according to Zelenskyy.

French President Macron emphasized that comprehensive penalties against Russia remain in place despite America’s temporary adjustment.

Recent American exemptions are “limited” and “taken on an exceptional basis,” Macron explained. “It does not broadly or permanently roll back the sanctions that they themselves decided to apply,” he added.

German Chancellor Friedrich Merz expressed sharper criticism of the American decision. During a Norwegian visit Friday, Merz revealed that G7 leaders had previously discussed Russian energy supplies with President Donald Trump.

“Six members of the G7 expressed a very clear view that this (waiving of Russia sanctions) is not the right signal to send,” Merz stated. “We learned this morning that the U.S. government has apparently decided otherwise. Once again, we believe this is the wrong decision.”

“There is currently a price problem, but not a supply problem. And in that regard, I would like to know what additional motives led the U.S. government to make this decision,” Merz added.

Meanwhile, Ukraine has emerged as a major manufacturer of drone defense systems, with Kyiv proposing to share its technological expertise with America and Middle Eastern allies in exchange for advanced military equipment it cannot produce domestically.

However, Trump rejected Ukraine’s assistance offer in Friday radio comments. “No, we don’t need their help on drone defense,” Trump told the “Brian Kilmeade Show” on Fox News Radio.

Just one day earlier, Zelenskyy had announced Ukraine was seeking White House authorization for a drone production partnership agreement.

In Paris, the Ukrainian president claimed his government had received American requests for drone combat support. The reason for the conflicting statements between the two leaders remained unclear.

Zelenskyy disclosed that six nations have requested Ukrainian drone assistance, with expert teams already deployed to three unnamed countries.

The Ukrainian leader stressed that simply providing interceptor equipment is insufficient for effective drone defense operations. His military possesses specialized knowledge in system deployment and integration.

“There must be proper, systematic work with radars and with the entire air defense system,” Zelenskyy said. “Ukraine is ready to share this experience for the sake of the security of those partners who are helping us.”

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is currently fighting pneumonia in an intensive care unit at a Brasilia medical facility, according to hospital officials who released a statement Friday.

The 70-year-old’s transfer from prison to DF Star Hospital occurred after he developed symptoms including chills and vomiting upon waking, his son Flávio Bolsonaro reported on social media platform X.

“I ask for prayers that it not be anything serious,” Flávio posted online. The younger Bolsonaro has announced his intention to seek the presidency this year, with recent polling data showing him nearly even with current President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

Bolsonaro is currently incarcerated while serving a 27-year prison term for coup-related charges, following his conviction last year by Brazil’s Supreme Court justices.

Medical staff at the hospital documented his arrival with elevated body temperature, reduced oxygen levels, excessive sweating, and severe chills. Diagnostic testing revealed bronchopneumonia, a specific form of the lung infection that doctors believe resulted from aspiration.

“He is currently hospitalized in the intensive care unit, receiving IV antibiotics and non-invasive clinical support,” hospital representatives stated.

This marks another in a series of medical emergencies for Bolsonaro, who has required hospital care repeatedly since surviving a stabbing attack during a 2018 campaign rally.

Just last month, law enforcement officers accompanied him to the identical medical center for neurological examinations after he suffered a fall from his bed.

In September, Bolsonaro and multiple associates received convictions for conspiring to dismantle Brazil’s democratic institutions after his 2022 electoral loss. The conspiracy involved assassination plots targeting Lula, Vice President Geraldo Alckmin, and Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, along with plans to incite civil unrest in early 2023.

Additional charges against Bolsonaro include orchestrating an armed criminal enterprise and attempting to violently destroy democratic governance. He continues to maintain his innocence on all counts.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva announced Friday that his administration has canceled the visa of a United States State Department official in what he described as a retaliatory action following last year’s U.S. visa restrictions on Brazilian government officials.

The visa cancellation targets Darren Beattie and stems from actions taken in August by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who revoked and limited visas for certain Brazilian officials that Washington accused of connections to a Cuban medical program that deploys doctors internationally.

Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes blocked Beattie’s access Thursday to the Brasilia detention facility where former President Jair Bolsonaro is being held.

“That American fellow who said he had come here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was forbidden to do so,” Lula stated, explaining that Beattie will remain banned from Brazil until visa privileges are restored for Brazil’s health minister and his family members.

Justice Moraes, who handed down a 27-year prison sentence to Bolsonaro for orchestrating a coup attempt in 2023, noted in his decision that Beattie had applied for a visa claiming he would participate in the Brazil–US Critical Minerals Forum held Wednesday in São Paulo.

The court document references the Brazilian foreign ministry’s concern that Beattie’s planned meeting with Bolsonaro might constitute “undue interference.” The 80-year-old Lula is seeking reelection this year, with Senator Flávio Bolsonaro, son of the imprisoned far-right former leader, anticipated to be his primary challenger in his campaign for a fourth presidential term.

A Brazilian government representative informed The Associated Press Friday that officials revoked Beattie’s visa due to “the omission of information and lies about the purpose of the visit upon his visa request.”

The official requested anonymity because they lacked authorization to publicly address the issue.

The White House has not responded to Lula’s action or the Brazilian Supreme Court’s decision.

Lula has consistently expressed interest in meeting with Trump in Washington this month to address tariff issues, security partnerships and additional matters, though no meeting date has been confirmed.

According to his State Department biography, Beattie joined the agency “from the private sector, where he worked as a media entrepreneur and political strategist.” His government experience includes roles as a White House speechwriter and policy advisor.

MOSCOW – Russian authorities have arrested the second-in-command at Star City, the secretive space training complex outside Moscow, along with six other individuals in connection with a major bribery investigation, according to Russian state media reports released Friday.

The corruption probe expanded from an earlier case involving Star City’s mayor, Yevgeny Barishevsky, who was placed under house arrest in January after being accused of taking a $4,557 bribe.

Russian investigators announced Friday that their expanded investigation revealed that between 2023 and 2025, both the mayor and his deputy accepted multiple payments from business owners, sometimes through third parties, to ensure favorable decisions when awarding city contracts.

The investigation found that the total value of bribes exceeded 9.9 million roubles, equivalent to approximately $123,602.

Star City is located roughly an hour’s drive northeast of Moscow’s Kremlin. The facility remained so classified during the Soviet era that it was completely absent from public maps, with its existence only becoming known after the USSR’s collapse.

The space training center serves as Russia’s primary facility for preparing cosmonauts and has been a cornerstone of the country’s space program for decades.

Brazil’s government plans to cancel the visa of Darren Beattie, a recently appointed advisor to President Donald Trump who was selected to oversee U.S. policy regarding Brazil, according to a government source who spoke to Reuters on Friday.

The decision follows comments from Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who indicated earlier Friday that Beattie would not be permitted to enter Brazil unless the United States first restores the visa of his Health Minister Alexandre Padilha, which American officials canceled last year.

Trump named Beattie, who has been critical of Brazil’s current administration, to the senior advisory position focused on shaping American policy toward Brazil just last month. The appointment highlights ongoing tensions between the two countries despite recent efforts to improve diplomatic ties.

Legal representatives for former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, who is currently imprisoned, had petitioned the nation’s Supreme Court to permit Beattie to meet with their client during a planned visit to Brazil next week. However, Justice Alexandre de Moraes rejected the request on Thursday.

In his ruling, Justice de Moraes referenced correspondence from Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira indicating that the American official had only agreed to participate in a critical minerals conference and government meetings during his Brazilian visit.

Bolsonaro, who led Brazil from 2019 to 2022, maintained close ties with Trump during their overlapping presidencies. He is currently imprisoned and serving a 27-year sentence for his role in attempting to orchestrate a coup against Lula, who succeeded him in office.

Speaking at a public event Friday, Lula addressed the situation directly: “That American guy who said he was coming here to visit Jair Bolsonaro was prohibited from visiting, and I forbade him from coming to Brazil until they release the visa for my health minister.”

Federal investigators will deploy to Cuba to examine a deadly February confrontation involving Cuban exiles who attempted an armed infiltration by speedboat, Cuban officials announced Friday.

The collaborative investigation comes as both nations work to ease mounting tensions, particularly as Washington’s oil embargo continues to deepen Cuba’s economic struggles.

According to Havana authorities, ten Cuban nationals attempted to enter the country illegally on February 25th, carrying an extensive arsenal including nearly 13,000 rounds of ammunition, 13 rifles, and 11 pistols along with additional equipment. Half of the infiltrators died in the resulting conflict, while the surviving five remain in Cuban detention receiving medical care.

Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel confirmed the cooperative effort during Friday’s press briefing, stating: “There is cooperation with our American counterparts, and we are awaiting a group of FBI experts to continue advancing this investigation.” He noted that coordination between the FBI and Cuba’s Interior Ministry occurred through established diplomatic and consular pathways.

The FBI has not yet provided comment on the arrangement.

U.S. officials have shown interest in obtaining consular access to the survivors, as at least two held dual American-Cuban citizenship while others maintained legal U.S. residency status.

This incident occurred during a particularly strained period in U.S.-Cuban relations, following President Donald Trump’s intensified pressure campaign against the Communist government. The tensions escalated after Trump implemented a comprehensive oil embargo following the January 3rd capture and removal of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who had been a key Cuban ally.

Cuban authorities characterized the infiltrators as exiles operating from the United States, with some previously linked to terrorist activities. Officials said their mission involved creating disorder and targeting military installations.

The confrontation began when a five-member Cuban border patrol aboard a nine-meter vessel detected the approaching speedboat approximately one nautical mile from a channel along the island’s northern coastline, roughly 100 miles from Marathon, Florida.

Cuban forces report the infiltrators opened fire from 185 meters away, striking the patrol captain in the abdomen. Despite severe bleeding, the wounded captain maintained control of his vessel and directed it toward the attackers, resulting in close-range combat at approximately 20 meters.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio clarified that this was not a U.S. government operation and confirmed no American government personnel participated in the incident.

SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — Kim Yo Jong, the influential sister of North Korea’s dictator Kim Jong Un, issued harsh condemnation of ongoing US-South Korea military exercises on Tuesday, warning of severe retaliation for any threats to North Korea’s security.

Her statement followed the launch of the allies’ 11-day Freedom Shield training exercise involving thousands of military personnel, occurring as Washington faces mounting conflicts in the Middle East.

While avoiding direct mention of Middle East warfare, Kim characterized the US-South Korea exercises as destabilizing regional peace during a period when global security frameworks are “collapsing rapidly and wars break out in different parts of the world due to the reckless acts of outrageous international rogues.”

The Freedom Shield operation represents one of two yearly command-post training exercises between American and South Korean forces. These predominantly computer-based simulations evaluate combined operational readiness while addressing emerging warfare scenarios and security threats. The exercise runs alongside field training known as Warrior Shield.

Referencing her nation’s growing nuclear capabilities, Kim Yo Jong declared North Korea would continue strengthening its “destructive power” against perceived external dangers and “constantly and repeatedly convince the enemies of our war deterrence and its fatality.”

Pyongyang has consistently characterized these allied training exercises as preparation for invasion and frequently uses them to justify escalating its own military activities or weapons testing. US and South Korean officials maintain these drills serve defensive purposes.

Last week, North Korea’s Foreign Ministry condemned American and Israeli strikes against Iran as an “illegal act of aggression” conducted under false pretenses of “fake peace.”

During an extended diplomatic standoff with Washington and Seoul, Kim Jong Un has increasingly positioned his international strategy around Cold War-style confrontation, strengthening relationships with Moscow and Beijing while presenting Pyongyang as part of an anti-American coalition.

Both North Korea and Iran joined the limited group of nations backing Russian President Vladimir Putin’s Ukrainian invasion, with both countries facing accusations of providing military supplies to Russia.

CARACAS, Venezuela — Legislative discussions commenced Monday on new mining legislation introduced by Venezuela’s acting President Delcy Rodríguez, designed to restructure the nation’s mineral extraction sector and encourage international investment.

The proposed legislation seeks to rebuild trust with overseas investors, particularly those who previously suffered asset seizures through government takeovers years ago, while bringing essential funding to revitalize the industry. The measure follows a similar pattern to recent oil sector reforms that permitted privatization, marking a departure from socialist policies that have governed Venezuela for over twenty years.

This represents the most recent policy initiative Rodríguez has introduced following increased pressure from the Trump administration since January, when U.S. military forces removed former President Nicolás Maduro from power. The proposal was announced during U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum’s recent trip to Caracas.

Burgum’s diplomatic mission aligns with the Trump administration’s strategy to counter Chinese dominance in critical mineral markets — resources that Venezuela possesses in abundance — while implementing a gradual stabilization plan for the South American nation that experienced ongoing turmoil throughout Maduro’s nearly 13-year presidency.

Beyond petroleum reserves, Venezuela contains substantial deposits of gold, copper, coltan, bauxite, diamonds and additional valuable minerals, though the poorly supervised industry suffers from dangerous working environments. Coltan yields niobium and tantalum, both classified as strategic minerals essential for smartphone production and electric vehicle batteries, while bauxite becomes aluminum, another mineral the United States considers critical.

“The restoration of relations between Venezuela and the United States has led the world’s leading mining corporations to evaluate the possibility of investing significant capital to reactivate sectors capable of guaranteeing the supply of critical minerals essential for the development of the technology industry, the generation of new energy sources, and the manufacture of electric vehicles,” stated legislator Félix Freites, who pledged dedicated efforts to ensure the bill creates employment opportunities for Venezuelan citizens.

The draft legislation addresses mineral ownership rights, creates classifications for small, medium and large-scale operations, and permits independent dispute resolution — a provision foreign investors consider crucial protection against future government seizures. Similar arbitration language was incorporated into the oil industry restructuring that Rodríguez enacted earlier this year.

Additionally, the bill prohibits the president, vice president, cabinet members, governors and other officials from obtaining mining permits.

Criminal organizations, guerrilla fighters, gangs and other unlawful groups have historically dominated Venezuela’s mineral-abundant regions, conducting extraction activities with official approval and military protection.

Numerous international companies with Venezuelan investments, including mining and petroleum operations, experienced government confiscation approximately twenty years ago. Subsequently, in 2016, Maduro’s administration created an extensive mining development area across the country’s central region to compensate for declining oil revenues, which dropped due to poor management, corruption and later U.S. economic sanctions.

Mining activities for gold, diamonds, copper and other materials have expanded significantly since that time. Many operate as unauthorized facilities under harsh conditions with criminal gang involvement, yet ordinary Venezuelans continue seeking these opportunities hoping for quick wealth and poverty escape. Government officials and military personnel receive portions of illegal mining profits in exchange for permitting operations, providing fuel access, equipment and mineral transportation.

The United States recently granted a sanctions exemption authorizing business dealings with Minerven, Venezuela’s government-owned gold mining enterprise.

When announcing the legislation Wednesday, Rodríguez informed reporters it would represent “a win for the social well-being” of Venezuelan people.

“May the Venezuelan people also see the good aspects of having good relations with the world and with the United States of America,” she said.

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) — A sacred wooden drum seized by French colonial forces over a century ago has been returned to Ivory Coast in what officials are calling a historic moment of cultural restoration.

The ceremonial return on Friday marked the first time France has given back a cultural artifact to the West African nation, representing part of ongoing international efforts to restore treasured items taken during colonial rule.

Known as the Djidji Ayôkwé, the enormous hand-carved drum was originally used by the Atchan community near Abidjan for inter-village communication before French authorities confiscated it in 1916. The artifact is one of at least 140 cultural items that Ivory Coast has requested France return.

“This is a historic day and a moment of justice and remembrance,” declared Ivory Coast Culture Minister Françoise Remarck during the reception ceremony at Félix Houphouët-Boigny International Airport.

The impressive drum, whose name translates to “panther-lion,” stretches approximately 11.5 feet in length and tips the scales at nearly 950 pounds. Historical records indicate the drum served as an early warning system, alerting communities about colonial forced labor recruitment drives.

The repatriation initiative stems from French President Emmanuel Macron’s 2018 commitment to return African cultural artifacts, following recommendations from commissioned academic research. French lawmakers passed specialized legislation last year specifically allowing this Ivory Coast artifact to leave French museum collections.

The return process involved extensive coordination with Atchan traditional authorities, who made the journey to Paris to conduct ceremonial rituals that temporarily lifted the drum’s sacred designation, enabling restoration work and safe transport.

Village leaders who witnessed Friday’s homecoming described the moment as deeply meaningful for their community.

“After a long stay far from its land, our sacred drum is finally returning to its people,” expressed Aboussou Guy Mobio, chief of Adjamé-Bingerville village. “It is like the missing piece of our history coming back.”

The centuries-old artifact will spend the next month in a controlled environment, allowing the wood to slowly adapt from Paris’s arid conditions to Abidjan’s tropical humidity and prevent potential damage to the ancient material.

Public viewing is scheduled to begin in April when the drum goes on display at Abidjan’s newly refurbished Museum of Civilizations.

COLOGNE, Germany (AP) — Visitors to a prestigious German museum can now walk through a mirrored chamber filled with colorful polka dots, explore towering flower sculptures positioned near Cologne’s historic cathedral, and navigate through massive tentacle-like installations that create a captivating journey through art and space.

The distinguished Museum Ludwig in western Germany is marking its golden anniversary by launching an extensive exhibition featuring the work of celebrated Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, opening Saturday for a nearly five-month run showcasing more than 300 pieces.

This comprehensive journey through the artistic evolution of the 97-year-old creator spans from her earliest sketch in the mid-1930s to a specially created “Infinity Mirror Room” designed exclusively for this exhibition.

Kusama, who celebrates her 97th birthday this month, has gained widespread popularity on social media through her vibrant color palettes and flowing forms that express her wonder about existence. Her personal journey took her from traditional post-war Japan to New York City, where she became involved with the Flower Power movement and Vietnam War protests during the 1960s, before returning to Japan in 1973.

Exhibition curator Stephan Diederich describes the show, running until August 2nd, as “very diverse, wide-ranging, and depicts an immensely rich, creative life spanning more than eight decades, still looking ahead.”

The display includes pieces from her “My Eternal Soul, 2009-2021” collection, featuring a mosaic of paintings, alongside “The Universe as Seen from the Stairway to Heaven” — constructed from mirror, glass and acrylic materials. At the museum’s entrance stands her internationally recognized 2009 “Pumpkin” sculpture, crafted from fiber-reinforced plastic and polyurethane paint, on loan from Museum Voorlinden in the Netherlands.

The rooftop installation showcases painted-bronze works titled “Flowers That Speak All about My Heart Given to the Sky” from 2018, while “I’m Here, but Nothing,” originally conceived in 2000, transforms everyday household items using fluorescent stickers and ultraviolet lighting.

“Kusama is undoubtedly one of the most significant artists of our time,” Diederich stated. “Her mirror rooms, balloon installations and polka dots have achieved cult status and are now iconic.”

Her diverse artistic creations frequently draw inspiration from the natural world. She spent her childhood surrounded by the greenhouses and farmland of her family’s extensive seed business in Matsumoto, Japan. During her youth, Kusama experienced intense hallucinations, many featuring spreading polka dots or flowers, and has battled ongoing psychological challenges.

“In my more than 70 years as an artist, I have always been in awe of the wonder of life,” she said in a statement. “More than anything, this strong sense of the life force in artistic expression is what has supported me and gave me power to overcome feelings of depression, hopelessness and sadness.

“I have been guided by my belief in this power,” Kusama said.

According to Diederich, Kusama has spent recent years living quietly in a Tokyo medical facility and worked with the exhibition team through intermediaries. Despite health limitations, she continues creating art daily and has maintained active involvement in planning this show.

A majority of justices on Brazil’s Supreme Court ruled Friday to continue holding Daniel Vorcaro, the former owner of the shuttered financial institution Banco Master, behind bars.

Vorcaro was arrested earlier this month following a judicial determination that there was “strong indication” he tried to influence a former central bank official through bribery, offering gifts in exchange for favorable regulatory treatment.

The high court panel’s decision maintains Vorcaro’s detention as the case proceeds through Brazil’s legal system.

Military officials have confirmed that six American service members died when their KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq while conducting operations against Iran.

U.S. Central Command, responsible for Middle East operations, reported the tragedy occurred during an incident involving two military planes in “friendly airspace.” The second aircraft involved managed to land without incident.

This marks the fourth confirmed U.S. aircraft loss during the ongoing conflict with Iran, highlighting the dangerous nature of current military operations in the region.

The KC-135 Stratotanker serves as a vital Air Force asset for mid-air refueling missions, enabling other aircraft to extend their range and operational time without returning to base. Military specialists note these planes also handle medical evacuations and surveillance operations when needed.

The aircraft design stems from the Boeing 707 commercial airliner and has served American forces for over six decades, supporting Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and allied operations worldwide. However, the military plans to gradually retire these aging planes as newer KC-46A Pegasus tankers become available.

The advanced age of the KC-135 fleet has raised questions about mechanical reliability and operational safety among defense experts.

“The last of these planes were produced in the 1960s,” said Yang Uk, a security expert at South Korea’s Asan Institute for Policy Studies. He added that the transition to the KC-46A has progressed more slowly than expected.

Congressional Research Service data shows the Air Force operated 376 KC-135s last year, with 151 serving on active duty, 163 assigned to Air National Guard units, and 62 supporting Air Force Reserve operations.

Standard crew configuration includes three personnel: pilot, co-pilot, and boom operator. Medical missions require additional nurses and technicians aboard.

Refueling operations occur at the aircraft’s rear section, where boom operators deploy fuel lines to connect with fighters, bombers, and other military planes. Many boom operators perform their duties lying prone while monitoring operations through windows beneath the aircraft.

Certain KC-135 models can also refuel aircraft using wing-mounted pods, and the planes have capacity for cargo or passenger transport when required.

Yang suggested refueling tankers may become increasingly critical if the Iran conflict continues, as American aircraft might need extended missions to target Iranian forces moving deeper into their territory.

Central Command initially reported four confirmed deaths among the six crew members, with rescue operations ongoing. Officials later confirmed all six perished in the crash. Investigators are examining the circumstances but have ruled out hostile or friendly fire as causes.

A military source, speaking anonymously about the developing investigation, revealed the second aircraft was also a KC-135. Israeli Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter confirmed via social media that the other plane landed safely in Israel.

Yang noted that enemy fire rarely targets refueling tankers since these operations typically occur away from active combat zones.

The incident follows last week’s friendly fire tragedy when Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down three American F-15E fighter jets.

Previous KC-135 accidents have resulted in multiple fatalities over the years. The most recent fatal crash occurred on May 3, 2013, when a KC-135R went down after takeoff near Chaldovar, Kyrgyzstan, during Afghanistan war support operations.

Air Force investigators determined the 2013 crew faced rudder control problems. As they attempted to stabilize their aircraft, the tail section separated and the plane exploded in flight, killing all three crew members.

The most catastrophic mid-air collision involving a KC-135 happened in 1966 near Palomares, Spain, when a nuclear-armed B-52 bomber collided with the tanker.

That accident destroyed the tanker and killed four crew members. The disaster triggered a massive decontamination operation after conventional explosives in the hydrogen bombs detonated upon ground impact, spreading nuclear material across the area.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A couple whose daughter suffered life-threatening injuries during a devastating school attack in Canada has filed a civil lawsuit claiming artificial intelligence company OpenAI was aware the gunman was using their technology to orchestrate the violence.

According to the legal filing, OpenAI acknowledged they had concerns about the individual’s activities but chose not to contact law enforcement before Jesse Van Roostselaar carried out the deadly assault in Tumbler Ridge, British Columbia on February 10.

The tech company only reached out to authorities following the tragic incident that claimed eight lives before Van Roostselaar took her own life. OpenAI revealed they had previously shut down the attacker’s ChatGPT access, but she circumvented the restriction by creating an additional account.

Court documents submitted to the British Columbia Supreme Court contend that OpenAI possessed “specific knowledge of the shooter utilizing ChatGPT to plan a mass casualty event like the Tumbler Ridge mass shooting.”

The legal action claims the AI chatbot served as a “trusted confidante, collaborator and ally” for the shooter, and alleges the system “behaves willingly to assist users such as the shooter to plan a mass casualty event.”

OpenAI representatives have not yet provided a response regarding the litigation.

The filing details how Maya Gebala sustained three gunshot wounds at point-blank range during the attack — one striking her head, another her neck, and a third grazing her face. According to the lawsuit, she now faces a devastating brain injury resulting in lifelong cognitive and physical impairments.

STOCKHOLM — Maritime authorities in Sweden have launched an investigation into a tanker vessel suspected of illegally displaying false flag documentation while navigating Baltic Sea waters.

Swedish Coast Guard officials boarded the vessel “Sea Owl I” on Thursday near Trelleborg’s coastline. The ship was displaying the flag of the Comoros islands, located off the East African coast, but maritime investigators suspect this flag registration is fraudulent.

According to a coast guard statement, the tanker appears on European Union sanctions lists and had been making a voyage from Brazil toward Russia. While the vessel has previously been used for oil transportation between these nations, it appeared to be traveling without cargo during Thursday’s inspection.

Coast guard personnel plan to conduct a thorough vessel search and interview crew members to assess the ship’s operational safety and compliance.

This marks the second suspected false flag investigation launched by Swedish maritime authorities within the past week. Officials are also examining the cargo vessel “Caffa,” which operates with a predominantly Russian crew and faces accusations of transporting stolen grain while appearing on Ukraine’s sanctions registry.

Swedish officials announced last year they would intensify insurance verification procedures for foreign vessels as part of efforts to restrict operations of Russia’s “shadow fleet.” This fleet consists of older ships used for transporting oil and gas or carrying stolen Ukrainian agricultural products.

These vessels typically average 18 years in age, placing them near the end of their operational lifespan and making them more susceptible to maritime accidents, particularly when maintenance standards are poor.

Stockholm’s government directed the Coast Guard and Swedish Maritime Administration last year to expand insurance documentation collection beyond ships docking at Swedish ports to include all vessels passing through the nation’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zones.

IRBIL, Iraq (AP) — Iraq finds itself in a precarious position as the sole nation experiencing military strikes from both Iranian-backed forces and U.S. troops, threatening to pull the country into a comprehensive crisis after managing to stay clear of two years of regional instability.

With the conflict approaching its second full week, Iraq’s circumstances are becoming increasingly dire. Maritime shipping disruptions and attacks on petroleum facilities and infrastructure have virtually stopped all exports, putting at risk a nation that depends on oil trade for most of its government income.

Should the export stoppage persist, Baghdad may find itself unable to cover its massive public employee wages within a month, creating the potential for widespread civil disorder, according to two Iraqi Kurdish officials.

The central government has reached out to Kurdish leadership in the north to restart oil shipments through a pipeline to Turkey, but negotiations have stalled over long-standing internal disputes. The officials provided information to The Associated Press under anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the political discussions.

Meanwhile, a secondary battle related to the broader conflict has intensified between Iranian-supported Iraqi militia organizations and American forces. Daily drone attacks have focused on U.S. assets throughout Iraq, prompting American military responses against militia installations to protect personnel.

Beginning February 28 after a significant American and Israeli operation in Iran, the war has brought continuous drone and rocket attacks against U.S. interests in Iraq, including military installations at Baghdad and Irbil airports, plus American diplomatic compounds. Iranian forces and their Iraqi militia partners have also targeted petroleum facilities and energy systems to increase economic damage.

Iraq stands apart from other Middle Eastern nations affected by the conflict because it houses both established pro-Iranian groups and substantial American interests. The nation’s economy relies almost entirely on oil revenue, making any disruption to production or exports through the Strait of Hormuz potentially devastating to government finances during an already challenging political transition in Baghdad.

Extended conflict raises the likelihood that economic disruption, political deadlock, and tensions with Iran-aligned militias could combine to destroy Iraq’s carefully maintained relative peace.

Officials in Baghdad and Irbil continue advocating for restraint and maintaining that combat operations should not occur within their borders, yet the conflict’s direction is increasingly moving beyond their influence. American officials have provided reassurances to Iraqi leadership that the nation will not be pulled into the regional war, the two Kurdish officials told AP.

During the conflict’s initial phase, drone and rocket attacks by Iran and affiliated organizations began focusing on American military bases, diplomatic facilities, and oil installations. In Irbil, the seat of Iraq’s autonomous Kurdish territory, daily drone strikes have targeted not just U.S. military and allied facilities but also business locations and hotels.

Pro-Iranian groups have also attacked Kurdish organizations operating in northern Iraq following reports that Washington intended to provide weapons to some groups for operations against Tehran. Several Iranian Kurdish leaders have indicated readiness to conduct cross-border missions into Iran with American backing.

Iraq currently operates under interim government leadership after the U.S. rejected the nomination of former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki. Caretaker leader Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, working with even more restricted authority, cannot effectively control powerful militia organizations.

American forces have responded by attacking militia locations throughout Iraq, including strikes in Jurf al-Sakhr south of Baghdad, northern Iraq, and al-Qaim near the Iraq-Syria border.

Following patterns from previous crises, Iraqi citizens have adapted to daily violence that affects routine activities.

At an Irbil restaurant, customers heard approaching drones followed by a distant explosion before smoke appeared on the horizon where it was intercepted. A server encouraged calm, explaining the attacks targeted the U.S. Consulate or airport and presented no immediate danger to patrons.

The most serious risk to Iraq’s stability comes from interrupted oil production, which could devastate government income. Kurdish officials reported Baghdad’s warning that public employee payments could face disruption within a month.

To reduce pressure, Baghdad has requested exports of at least 250,000 barrels daily of crude from Kirkuk fields through the pipeline to Ceyhan in Turkey crossing Kurdish territory. Negotiations have stopped after Kurdish representatives demanded lifting an existing U.S. dollar restriction and restoring economic benefits from trade.

Iraq’s government reduced production from southern oil fields, which generate most of the nation’s 4.8 million barrels daily, after the war virtually halted Strait of Hormuz shipping and militias attacked facilities. Oil sales provide over 90% of government revenue.

Iraq maintains one of the world’s largest government workforces and pension systems, and previous payment delays have triggered mass demonstrations.

Production has stopped at oil fields affected by strikes. In the Kurdish region, Canada’s ShaMaran Petroleum and U.S. private company HKN have halted operations at the Sarsang and Atrush sites.

“If oil exports are disrupted, the immediate impact would likely be a decline in the value of the Iraqi dinar. This would quickly trigger inflation, and within a short time the prices of basic goods could rise sharply,” said Farhad Soleimanpour, an Iraqi Kurdish political analyst.

“For the Kurdistan region, the situation could be even more difficult because it does not have its own central bank or significant financial reserves. Iraq may be able to withstand the shock for several months, but the Kurdistan Region would likely face immediate financial pressure,” he added.

The conflict has also damaged electrical systems.

The Khor Mor gas facility in the autonomous Kurdish region is shut down, reducing electricity production by almost two-thirds. Previously providing continuous power, households now receive only four to six hours daily, according to Omed Ahmad, spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region’s Ministry of Electricity.

Following the November 2025 election, Iraq has lacked a government after American opposition to al-Maliki’s return as prime minister. The war complicates the difficult transition, forcing an interim administration with severely restricted powers to handle the consequences.

However, the caretaker status also allows Iraqi leaders to avoid responsibility by claiming insufficient authority to act, according to Iraq analyst Tamer Badawi. “No one wants to take this big responsibility at the moment,” he said.

This would require taking control and managing multiple armed organizations, from Iran-backed militias attacking U.S. interests to Kurdish-Iranian opposition groups, whose activities deepen divisions that could trigger civil unrest.

Even with some oil exported through the pipeline, officials have warned there is no guarantee the infrastructure will remain safe from militia attacks.

Iraq has succeeded against expectations in largely avoiding regional turmoil from the Gaza war that started in 2023. Political and religious leaders have maintained commitment to keeping the country out of broader conflict and preserving stability.

“Iraq faces pressure to maintain neutrality while different political groups inside the country have opposing positions regarding the conflict,” Soleimanpour said. “Some factions support closer relations with Iran, while others prefer stronger cooperation with the United States and Western countries. This internal division increases political tension.”

A high-ranking diplomat from the United Arab Emirates stated Friday that Iran must stop launching attacks against regional neighbors before any meaningful peace negotiations can take place.

Lana Nusseibeh, who previously served as the UAE’s ambassador to the United Nations and currently holds a minister of state position in the country’s foreign ministry, believes the ongoing conflict will eventually reach a diplomatic resolution through President Trump’s leadership.

“Ultimately, it will be a diplomatic solution, but there needs to be that tipping point moment, and I think that president Trump will lead us all to that moment in his time,” Nusseibeh stated during the interview.

When questioned about potential mediation efforts, she emphasized that Iranian aggression must cease first. “It is difficult to talk about mediation when under attack… Mediation can only happen when the guns go silent,” she explained.

Nusseibeh revealed that during diplomatic talks in Tehran just two weeks before hostilities began, Iranian officials provided no warning that the UAE would become a target. This lack of advance notice made Iran’s subsequent attacks “so shocking and so egregious,” according to the diplomat.

Iranian leadership has justified their strikes as targeting American military presence throughout the region. The UAE joins several other nations including Gulf states, Iraq, Jordan and Turkey in hosting U.S. military installations.

The conflict has seen drone and missile strikes against UAE civilian targets, including Dubai’s airport, prominent hotels, and the nation’s financial center.

REBUILDING TRUST WILL PROVE CHALLENGING

The UAE diplomat indicated her country maintains regular communication with the Trump administration, describing the relationship as a robust strategic partnership.

Nusseibeh refrained from criticizing American or Israeli military actions against Iran, suggesting these operations should be considered separately from what she termed Iran’s “egregious illegal and unlawful attacks on the Gulf countries and Jordan.”

She warned that returning to pre-conflict diplomatic relations with Iran would prove difficult “as you look around at the destruction and the chaos that Iran has caused in the region.”

According to Nusseibeh, Iran appears to be targeting the UAE’s economic foundation, which has attracted approximately 700,000 Iranian residents. However, she argued that the Iranian strikes have demonstrated “our economy is strong and robust and resilient.”

“People are back at work, our airports are open, flights are taking off. It’s the Iranian economy that was already strangled by sanctions and economic pressure that is going into freefall. It’s their currency that’s going into freefall,” she concluded.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced Tuesday that American officials have not contacted his government regarding potential weapons transfers to support Middle East operations, even as similar conversations are reportedly underway with South Korea.

Last Friday, South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun revealed that American and South Korean military officials are discussing the potential relocation of US Patriot missile defense systems currently stationed in South Korea for use in the conflict with Iran.

During a press briefing at Taiwan’s parliament, Koo explained that any redeployment of American-manufactured weapons from Taiwan would only occur following a formal US request. He noted that if such a request were made, the United States would handle all transportation logistics.

“But so far, because of the U.S.–Iran war, they have not approached us about making use of any of our related equipment,” Koo stated.

Taiwan maintains Patriot missiles as part of its defense arsenal, with the United States serving as the island’s primary weapons supplier. The democratically-run nation continues to face mounting military threats from China, which considers Taiwan part of its territory. Taiwan’s leadership firmly disputes Beijing’s territorial claims.

According to South Korean media reports citing government sources, Patriot systems are being prepared for Middle East deployment, with large American military cargo aircraft arriving at Osan Air Base to facilitate the transfer.

Five members of Iran’s women’s national soccer team have received asylum protection in Australia after authorities helped them escape from their hotel where Iranian government officials were monitoring their activities.

Australian Interior Minister Tony Burke announced Tuesday that federal police successfully removed the players from their accommodation on Monday evening, relocating them to a secure facility under law enforcement protection.

The group includes team captain Zahra Ghanbari along with Zahra Sarbali Alishah, Mona Hamoudi, Atefeh Ramezanizadeh, and Fatemeh Pasandideh. The Iranian government had labeled these athletes as “wartime traitors” following their refusal to perform their country’s national anthem prior to an Asian Cup competition.

According to Burke, discussions regarding asylum requests had been taking place over multiple days before the Monday night operation. Immigration authorities finalized the women’s humanitarian visa paperwork around 1:30 a.m. Tuesday morning.

“Once everything had been signed off last night, there were lots of photos, lots of celebrating, and then a spontaneous outcry of ‘Aussie, Aussie, Aussie, oi, oi, oi’,” Burke reported during his press briefing.

“These women are great athletes, great people, and they’re going to feel very much at home in Australia,” the minister added.

The team’s tournament participation occurred amid military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iran. Australian media had documented that Iranian government representatives were accompanying the soccer squad and restricting their freedom of movement.

Burke revealed that Australian security personnel had been safeguarding the women even before their asylum request. “There’s been a good police presence at different points and we just made sure that opportunity was there,” he explained.

Four of the asylum recipients play for Bam Khatoon, a dominant club that has captured Iran’s women’s soccer championship eleven times. Captain Ghanbari previously competed for this team before transferring to Persepolis this season.

The 33-year-old striker, who holds Iran’s women’s international scoring record, faced suspension in 2024 when her mandatory hijab fell off during a goal celebration in Asian Champions League play. She was permitted to return only after both she and her club issued public apologies.

During Iran’s tournament-ending loss to the Philippines on Sunday, Ghanbari’s head covering again slipped off multiple times throughout the match.

Burke indicated that Australia’s asylum offer extends to the remaining 21 squad members still staying at their Gold Coast hotel, though he expects some will choose to return to Iran.

“These women have been weighing up an incredibly difficult decision,” the minister acknowledged.

Travelers can expect to pay more for flights as airlines worldwide respond to skyrocketing fuel costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict.

Air New Zealand announced Tuesday that it has increased ticket prices and warned of potential additional fare hikes as jet fuel expenses have surged dramatically. The airline reported that fuel costs, previously ranging from $85 to $90 per barrel before the conflict began, have now climbed to between $150 and $200 per barrel in recent days.

The carrier has implemented fare increases of NZ$10 ($5.92) for domestic one-way economy tickets, NZ$20 for short-distance international flights, and NZ$90 for long-distance routes. Due to ongoing uncertainty surrounding the conflict, the airline has also suspended its 2026 financial projections.

“If the conflict leads to continued elevated jet fuel costs, we may need to take further pricing action and adjust our network and schedule as required,” Air New Zealand stated.

The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has caused oil prices to spike dramatically, creating widespread disruption in global travel markets and raising concerns about potential flight cancellations and reduced service.

Other airlines are also feeling the pressure. Vietnam Airlines has petitioned local officials to eliminate environmental taxes on jet fuel to help maintain operations. The Vietnamese government reported that domestic carriers are facing operating cost increases of 60% to 70% due to rising fuel prices, with suppliers struggling to meet airline demand.

Air New Zealand indicated that while New Zealand currently has adequate jet fuel supplies, the company is maintaining close communication with suppliers and government officials to track global developments.

Following Monday’s market turbulence, airline stocks began showing signs of recovery after President Donald Trump suggested the conflict might end soon. This announcement helped oil prices retreat to approximately $90 per barrel on Tuesday from Monday’s peak of $119.

Asian airline stocks demonstrated stabilization, with Air New Zealand climbing 2% after Monday’s nearly 8% decline. Korean Air Lines increased 6% following the previous day’s 8.6% drop, while Qantas Airways gained over 1% after falling 4.5% on Monday. Japan Airlines also rose more than 2%.

Fuel represents airlines’ second-largest operational expense after labor costs, typically comprising 20% to 25% of total operating expenses. While some major Asian and European carriers have oil price hedging strategies in place, most U.S. airlines discontinued this practice over the past twenty years.

Elevated oil prices and airspace restrictions due to the conflict are limiting airline capacity, driving ticket prices significantly higher on certain routes and causing travelers to reconsider their plans as the busy summer travel season approaches.

The conflict is having broader impacts on the travel industry. Major Middle Eastern carriers Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad typically transport about one-third of passengers traveling from Europe to Asia and more than half of all travelers from Europe to Australia, New Zealand, and surrounding Pacific Islands, according to aviation data firm Cirium.

South Korean travel company HanaTour Service has begun canceling group tours involving Middle East destinations, including Dubai trips and European itineraries with Dubai connections. The company is waiving cancellation fees for affected customers and has suspended all Middle East-related tours for March.

Thailand’s Ministry of Tourism projects that if the conflict continues beyond eight weeks, the country will lose nearly 596,000 tourists and approximately 40.9 billion baht ($1.29 billion) in tourism revenue.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated Friday that Iran’s recently appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei has sustained injuries and may be disfigured following weeks of military strikes by the United States and Israel against Iranian targets.

Khamenei, who was chosen by Iran’s clerical assembly this past Sunday, has remained out of public view since assuming power. His initial public communication came Thursday through a written statement delivered by a television announcer, in which he threatened to maintain closure of the Strait of Hormuz and demanded neighboring nations shut down American military installations on their soil or face Iranian retaliation.

A source within the Iranian government confirmed to Reuters Wednesday that the country’s new leader sustained minor injuries but continues to fulfill his duties, following state media reports describing him as battle-wounded.

During a press briefing, Hegseth questioned the leader’s condition and capability. “We know the new so-called not so supreme leader is wounded and likely disfigured. He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement,” Hegseth said.

The Defense Secretary continued his assessment, saying: “Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father – dead. He’s scared, he’s injured, he’s on the run and he lacks legitimacy.”

Two European nations are reportedly engaging in diplomatic discussions with Iranian officials to establish protections for their commercial vessels navigating through a crucial Middle Eastern waterway, according to a Friday report from the Financial Times.

The negotiations between France, Italy, and Iran center on creating an agreement that would ensure their ships can safely traverse the Strait of Hormuz, sources familiar with the diplomatic efforts told the publication on March 13.

The Reuters news agency noted they were unable to independently confirm the Financial Times’ reporting at the time of publication.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth dismissed claims Friday that Iran has deployed explosive mines in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, stating American intelligence has found no concrete proof of such activity.

During a Pentagon briefing on March 13, Hegseth’s statement contradicted earlier media coverage this week that suggested Iran had positioned roughly a dozen mines throughout the narrow waterway, which serves as a passage for approximately 20% of global oil shipments.

When questioned about potential mining operations in the strait, Hegseth responded: “We’ve heard them talk about it just like you’ve reported recklessly and wildly about it. But … we have no clear evidence of that.”

The Defense Secretary’s remarks came amid rising fuel costs affecting the United States and allied nations, as the conflict between the U.S. and Israel reached its 14th day. Oil markets reflected the tension Friday, with prices climbing close to $100 per barrel.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned a deadly drone strike that targeted French military personnel in northern Iraq, calling the attack both “unacceptable” and unjustified during a Friday press conference in Paris.

The assault resulted in one French soldier’s death and left six others injured, prompting Macron to defend his country’s military involvement in the Middle East region.

Speaking alongside Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Macron emphasized that France maintains a “defensive” stance in the region and has ordered military officials to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the incident.

The attack marks another escalation in regional tensions affecting international forces operating in Iraq, where various nations maintain military presence as part of ongoing security operations.

SEOUL, South Korea — The expanding Middle East conflict is prompting nations across Asia to brace for potential economic disruptions and long-term security implications, as both American partners and adversaries reassess their positions.

The following examines how the Middle Eastern hostilities are affecting North Korea, South Korea, Japan, and China.

During a significant political gathering last month, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un declared that his nation’s multi-decade nuclear weapons development program was the “correct” path forward, even amid severe international isolation and limited resources.

The joint U.S.-Israeli military actions against Iran are expected to strengthen that conviction.

North Korean officials likely observed with concern as the strikes resulted in the death of Iran’s supreme leader. This followed a January U.S. operation that led to the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

The Foreign Ministry in Pyongyang has denounced the Iranian strikes as unlawful and a “most despicable” breach of national sovereignty. Notably, officials did not reference the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Comparable military strikes targeting North Korea’s leadership would pose significantly greater risks and face lower odds of success, according to Hong Min, a researcher at South Korea’s Institute for National Unification.

In contrast to Iran, North Korea has successfully developed its nuclear capabilities. The country possesses an extensive weapons stockpile with numerous warheads and various delivery methods that pose threats to U.S. partners in Asia, plus intercontinental ballistic missiles that could potentially strike the American mainland. Eliminating North Korea’s military assets through a single preemptive assault would prove challenging and might leave remaining systems available for attacks on South Korea, Japan, or the United States.

Making his first public appearance since the conflict started, Kim recently oversaw maritime trials of his newest warship and testing of what official media described as nuclear-capable cruise missiles. Some experts suggest this demonstration might have been designed to highlight his military strength following Khamenei’s death and the U.S. destruction of Iranian naval forces — indicating that, unlike Iran, his vessels could transport nuclear weapons.

Military action against North Korea would also be complicated by its close geographic location to China and Russia — America’s primary competitors — with both nations developing stronger relationships with Kim as he pursues greater regional influence.

The U.S. military operations against Iran and Venezuela occurred even during active diplomatic talks. Experts hold varying opinions about how this might influence North Korea’s interest in diplomatic engagement with America, which stalled in 2019 after summit talks between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump failed.

During February’s ruling party meeting, Kim kept diplomatic options with the United States open, repeating Pyongyang’s previous demands that Washington abandon its requirements for North Korean denuclearization as a condition for resuming discussions.

Hong noted that while Kim will probably maintain this stance, the Iranian attack may have increased his suspicion of Washington and could lead him to set higher expectations for future negotiations.

However, Park Won Gon, a professor at Seoul’s Ewha Womans University, suggested Kim might feel more pressure to pursue an agreement with Trump, considering their incomplete diplomacy a potential liability.

South Korean officials have indicated that Trump’s anticipated visit to China in late March or April might create opportunities for engagement with Pyongyang.

South Korea, which relies heavily on international trade and imported energy, is concerned about Iran’s strikes on energy facilities and efforts to block the Strait of Hormuz, a waterway that handles approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil commerce.

The conflict is also increasing anxiety in Seoul regarding its partnership with the United States. The Trump administration has demonstrated readiness to take military action without extensive consultation with partners.

For decades, the United States has promised complete military support — including nuclear protection — for its allies and maintains roughly 28,000 military personnel in South Korea to discourage North Korean aggression. While a substantial reduction in this commitment seems unlikely, Seoul must now evaluate the risk of involvement in potential conflicts initiated by independent U.S. actions, including those beyond the Korean Peninsula, Hong explained.

“Whether it’s Taiwan, North Korea or the U.S.-China competition, there have long been concerns in South Korea that the Trump administration could make overly aggressive decisions without fully considering the potentially serious consequences for its allies,” Hong stated. “Those concerns are now significant.”

South Korea must “clearly define the actions it could take” under different scenarios, he added.

Japan, another crucial U.S. partner in Asia, is similarly cautious about Trump’s aggressive military approach and concerned about any disruption to the Strait of Hormuz.

Although Tokyo has supported American efforts to limit Iran’s nuclear progress, the war has created questions about its legitimacy and generated doubt about Washington’s reliability as a partner, said Mitsuru Fukuda, a professor at Nihon University.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and other top officials have expressed strong support for U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks but have not fully endorsed the U.S.-Israeli military strikes. Tokyo has shown no desire for military participation, though some analysts believe the conflict might strengthen Takaichi’s campaign for enhanced military capabilities and increased weapons exports.

American nuclear deterrence remains essential to Japan’s security given concerns about an increasingly aggressive China and North Korea. Despite global instability, including Russia’s conflict in Ukraine, reviving discussions about Japan developing nuclear weapons, public support remains minimal due to legal and political limitations.

China might view the Iran conflict as a chance to establish a more dominant position in the Middle East by presenting itself as a more dependable mediator than the United States, according to Seo Chang-bae, a professor at Busan’s Pukyung National University.

Beijing may interpret the U.S. military actions in Venezuela and Iran — both significant oil providers to China — as partially designed to challenge China, analysts suggest.

While continuously expanding commercial and technological relationships with Gulf nations, China has worked to establish itself as a regional balance, most prominently by facilitating a 2023 agreement between Iran and Saudi Arabia to restore diplomatic ties. This represents part of a wider effort to enhance its global influence and challenge dollar-based financial systems.

Although Beijing might seek geopolitical “spillover gains,” an extended conflict would damage China’s trade interests, Seo explained. China could also examine U.S. military capabilities and speed up the incorporation of artificial intelligence into its armed forces, he noted.