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WASHINGTON — During Tuesday remarks at the White House, President Donald Trump indicated that an Iranian official already within the current government structure could be the most suitable candidate to assume leadership after U.S.-Israel military operations conclude, though he acknowledged that “most of the people we had in mind are dead.”

The president’s statements represent a shift from his previous position just four days earlier, when he strongly urged Iranian citizens to “take over your government” following the U.S.-Israel bombing campaign. His latest comments suggest movement away from the notion that ongoing military action could provide an opening to dismantle Iran’s religious leadership system established during the 1979 Islamic revolution.

According to Trump, numerous Iranian government figures his administration had considered as possible future leaders have been eliminated during the U.S.-Israeli operations that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with other senior officials.

The president has not revealed publicly any individuals he considers viable future Iranian leaders. Additionally, it remains unknown whether the White House has engaged in any communication with Iranian officials since military action began.

“Most of the people we had in mind are dead,” Trump told reporters during an Oval Office session. “Now we have another group, they may be dead also, based on reports. So you have a third wave coming. Pretty soon we’re not going to know anybody.”

When asked about Reza Pahlavi, the former shah’s exiled son who seeks to position himself for potential return should Iran’s Shiite religious government collapse, Trump said his administration has not seriously evaluated him for Iranian leadership.

“It would seem to me that somebody from within maybe would be more appropriate,” Trump stated, suggesting it might be logical for “somebody that’s there, that’s currently popular, if there is such a person” to fill the leadership void.

These remarks occurred while Trump welcomed German Chancellor Friedrich Merz for his initial face-to-face meeting with a foreign leader since the U.S. and Israel began their Iranian military campaign.

Trump expressed concern about a “worst case” outcome where “somebody takes over who’s as bad as the previous person.”

“That could happen. We don’t want that to happen,” Trump continued. “You go through this, and then in five years you realize you put somebody in who was no better.”

The White House has intensified efforts to address criticism regarding what some view as an unnecessarily rapid decision to initiate military action against Iran.

Trump’s strike authorization last week followed extended negotiations conducted by presidential envoy Steve Witkoff and son-in-law Jared Kushner with Iranian representatives — discussions the U.S. came to view as delaying tactics.

Following the latest negotiation round in Geneva, Switzerland last week, Witkoff and Kushner informed Trump that achieving a nuclear agreement resembling the 2015 deal negotiated under former President Barack Obama remained possible, according to a senior administration official.

The official, speaking anonymously to reporters, characterized it as a potential “Obama-plus deal” that Witkoff and Kushner believed would require months but was achievable.

However, while the negotiators expressed readiness to pursue diplomatic solutions and “fight for every point that we can” if Trump preferred that approach, they emphasized to the president that Iran remained unwilling to accept terms satisfactory to the United States.

Trump also delivered sharp criticism toward Britain and Spain regarding their hesitation to support U.S.-Israeli strikes against Iran.

“This is not Winston Churchill that we’re dealing with,” Trump said regarding British Prime Minister Keir Starmer.

Starmer initially prevented American aircraft from utilizing British military installations for Saturday’s Iranian attacks. He subsequently permitted U.S. use of English bases and Diego Garcia facilities in the Indian Ocean for strikes against Iran’s ballistic missiles and storage locations, but not for other targets.

Trump additionally announced plans to “cut off all trade with Spain” following Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares’ statement that Spain would not permit U.S. use of jointly operated southern Spanish bases for strikes not authorized under United Nations charter provisions.

The president also responded to criticism from close allies regarding the war decision — concerns that intensified after Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Monday that the U.S. chose to strike because “we knew that there was going to be an Israeli action.”

“And we knew that if we didn’t preemptively go after them before they launched those attacks, we would suffer higher casualties,” Rubio explained.

Trump disputed suggestions that Israel had pulled the White House into the conflict. “We were having negotiations with these lunatics, and it was my opinion that they were going to attack,” Trump said. “If anything, I might have forced Israel’s hand.”

During his Oval Office visit, Merz stated that Germany is “looking forward to the day after” the Iran conflict ends.

He indicated Berlin’s desire to collaborate with the U.S. on post-conflict strategy for when Iran’s current government no longer exists.

“We are having a high interest in common approach and common work and what we can do,” Merz said. “And this is important not just for the Americans. This is extremely important for Europe and extremely important for Israel and their security.”

Merz also highlighted rising oil costs as economic damage, presenting an argument for rapid conflict resolution.

Trump recognized that oil and gas prices would increase during continued U.S. strike involvement but argued the impact would be temporary.

“We have a little high oil prices for a little while, but as soon as this ends, those prices are going to drop, I believe, lower than even before,” Trump said.

According to AAA data, average U.S. gasoline prices jumped 11 cents overnight Tuesday to approximately $3.11 per gallon.

Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Oleksiy Kuleba reported that a railway employee sustained injuries when a Russian drone struck an unoccupied passenger train in the southern Mykolaiv region during the early morning hours of Wednesday.

Kuleba also disclosed that Russian forces attempted another drone assault on a train traveling between Dnipro in the east-central region and Kovel in the northwest late Tuesday evening. However, railway personnel successfully thwarted this attack, causing the drone to crash several meters from the locomotive.

Ukraine’s national railway company, Ukrzaliznytsia, stated that Russian forces have escalated their drone assaults on rail infrastructure, with train cars and locomotives serving as primary objectives.

The railway operator documented 18 separate attacks since the beginning of March, resulting in damage to 41 different facilities.

According to the company, Russian forces have also targeted locomotives, cargo cars, and specialized repair equipment, while railway maintenance yards and bridges have faced bombardment throughout the month.

Earlier this week, a Russian drone strike on a passenger train in the Dnipropetrovsk region resulted in one fatality and left seven others wounded on Monday.

MADRID – Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez reinforced his strong stance against U.S. and Israeli military strikes on Iran during a national television broadcast Wednesday, despite facing trade punishment threats from President Trump.

The Spanish leader used stark language to describe the potential consequences of the military action, stating: “This is how humanity’s great disasters start … You cannot play Russian roulette with destiny of millions.”

The diplomatic rift between the NATO partners deepened after Sanchez publicly condemned the American and Israeli bombardment of Iran as both dangerous and unlawful. Spain subsequently prohibited U.S. military planes from accessing Spanish naval and air installations in the country’s southern region for operations targeting Tehran.

During his address, Sanchez emphasized that military force cannot resolve global challenges. “The position of the Spanish government can be summarised in four words: ‘No to the war,’” he declared, describing his country’s position as principled rather than deceptive.

The Prime Minister appeared to directly address Trump’s economic threats, saying: “We’re not going to be complicit in something that’s bad for the world nor contrary to our values and interests simply to avoid reprisals from someone.”

Sanchez drew parallels to the Iraq conflict’s aftermath, citing increased terrorist activity and rising energy costs as examples of unintended consequences. He argued that the Iranian military operation would produce similarly unpredictable results without creating a more equitable global system.

A prominent figure in South Africa’s struggle against apartheid has passed away. Mosiuoa “Terror” Lekota, who served as the nation’s defense minister and spent years fighting white minority rule, died Wednesday at 77 following an extended battle with illness, according to his political party.

Lekota spent eight years behind bars on the notorious Robben Island prison from 1974 to 1982, sharing his confinement with Nelson Mandela and other leading figures in the anti-apartheid movement. Even after his release, authorities imprisoned him again for continuing his activism against the regime.

Known for his passionate involvement in youth political movements during apartheid, Lekota later held the position of defense minister from 1999 through 2008. He also chaired the African National Congress, the party that took control of the government following South Africa’s historic 1994 democratic elections.

Lekota’s ties with the ANC deteriorated when Thabo Mbeki was ousted as president in 2008, after losing the party leadership to Jacob Zuma the previous year. This prompted Lekota to establish the Congress of the People (COPE) as a rival organization.

His new party made a strong showing in the 2009 elections, capturing more than 7% of votes nationwide and securing 30 seats in the 400-member parliament, making it the third-largest opposition force. The split significantly weakened ANC support as numerous members and leaders defected to join Lekota’s movement.

The ANC’s influence continued to wane, ultimately losing its parliamentary majority for the first time in 2024 and now operates as the leading party in a coalition arrangement.

Beyond his activism credentials, Lekota earned respect as a dedicated legislator and political figure who amplified opposition voices in government. Internal conflicts within COPE, however, led to its steady deterioration and complete failure to secure any parliamentary representation in the 2024 elections, effectively ending Lekota’s legislative career.

Health concerns forced him to withdraw from political life in 2025, with his party naming an interim leader following his departure.

Political figures across South Africa have offered condolences following news of his death.

Bantu Holomisa, who serves as deputy defense minister and heads the opposition United Democratic Movement, praised Lekota’s impact. “He decided to leave the ANC and formed COPE with other South Africans, by doing so he literally strengthened the opposition parties,” Holomisa stated.

“His role was not doubted, because he and others from the ANC did understand the passage of the struggle. And they knew very well what was the original agenda, which seemed to have been hijacked,” Holomisa added.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Following the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in an Israeli airstrike last week, attention has turned to his son Mojtaba as a potential successor to lead the Islamic Republic during wartime.

The younger Khamenei has remained out of public view since Saturday’s deadly strike on his father’s Tehran offices, which claimed the life of the 86-year-old leader. The attack also killed Mojtaba’s spouse, Zahra Haddad Adel, whose family has deep ties to Iran’s religious government.

While Iranian state media hasn’t disclosed his location, officials believe Mojtaba Khamenei remains alive and has likely sought shelter as U.S. and Israeli military operations continue targeting Iran.

Despite never holding an elected or appointed government role, the secretive figure has long been viewed as a potential heir to Iran’s top position. His father’s death in combat, along with his wife’s martyrdom, may strengthen his appeal among the elderly religious scholars who comprise the 88-member Assembly of Experts responsible for choosing Iran’s next supreme leader.

The eventual successor will inherit command of Iran’s military forces during active conflict and oversight of the nation’s highly enriched uranium reserves, which could potentially be weaponized if ordered.

According to United Against Nuclear Iran, a U.S. advocacy organization, Mojtaba served his father in multiple capacities as “a combination of aide-de-camp, confidant, gatekeeper and power broker,” similar to how Ahmad Khomeini supported Iran’s first Supreme Leader Ruhollah Khomeini.

Born in Mashhad in 1969, roughly a decade before Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, Mojtaba witnessed his father’s opposition activities against Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi during his childhood.

An official account of Ali Khamenei’s life describes how the shah’s secret police force, SAVAK, once raided their family home and assaulted the future leader. When young Mojtaba and his siblings were told their father was taking a trip, the elder Khamenei recalled saying: “But I told them, ‘There is no need to lie.’ I told them the truth.”

Following the monarchy’s collapse, the family relocated to Tehran. Mojtaba later served in the Iran-Iraq conflict as part of the Habib ibn Mazahir Battalion, a Revolutionary Guard unit whose veterans went on to occupy senior intelligence roles, likely with Khamenei family support.

When his father assumed the supreme leadership in 1989, Mojtaba gained access to vast financial resources through Iran’s bonyads — state-funded foundations controlling assets previously owned by the shah.

His influence expanded as he worked from his father’s downtown Tehran headquarters. Classified U.S. diplomatic communications released by WikiLeaks in the late 2000s dubbed him “the power behind the robes.” One document alleged he monitored his father’s communications, controlled access to the leader, and was building his own network of supporters.

A 2008 diplomatic cable noted that Mojtaba “is widely viewed within the regime as a capable and forceful leader and manager who may someday succeed to at least a share of national leadership; his father may also see him in that light,” while acknowledging his limited religious credentials and relatively young age.

The document further stated: “Mojtaba is, however, due to his skills, wealth, and unmatched alliances, reportedly seen by a number of regime insiders as a plausible candidate for shared leadership of Iran upon his father’s demise, whether that demise is soon or years in the future.”

According to the U.S. Treasury Department, Mojtaba maintained close relationships with Revolutionary Guard leadership, including commanders from the elite Quds Force and the volunteer Basij militia that brutally crushed nationwide demonstrations in January.

The Trump administration imposed sanctions on him in 2019 for helping to “advance his father’s destabilizing regional ambitions and oppressive domestic objectives.”

Intelligence reports suggest Mojtaba secretly backed hardline President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s 2005 victory and his controversial 2009 reelection, which triggered the Green Movement uprising.

Former presidential contender Mahdi Karroubi, who ran in both elections, criticized Mojtaba as “a master’s son” and accused him of election interference. His father reportedly responded that Mojtaba was “a master himself, not a master’s son.”

Iran has experienced only one previous leadership transition since the 1979 revolution. Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini passed away at 86 after spearheading the revolution and guiding Iran through its devastating eight-year conflict with Iraq.

The incoming leader will assume power following a 12-day war with Israel, as U.S.-Israeli forces work to neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities and military strength while hoping to inspire domestic uprising against the theocratic system.

Iran’s supreme leader sits at the center of the nation’s intricate Shiite religious government structure, holding ultimate authority over all state decisions. The position includes serving as military commander-in-chief and head of the Revolutionary Guard, the paramilitary organization designated as terrorist by the United States in 2019 and empowered under his father’s rule.

The Guard leads Iran’s self-proclaimed “Axis of Resistance,” a network of militant organizations and regional partners designed to challenge U.S. and Israeli interests throughout the Middle East. The force also controls significant business interests within Iran and manages the country’s ballistic missile program.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney delivered sharp criticism Wednesday regarding the escalating Middle East crisis, describing the situation as evidence that the global diplomatic system has broken down.

Speaking at the Lowy Institute think tank during a visit to Sydney, Australia, Carney expressed frustration that Washington failed to coordinate with allied nations before launching military action against Iran over the weekend alongside Israeli forces. The strikes came after diplomatic talks concerning Tehran’s nuclear program reached an impasse.

The military action has triggered widespread regional violence, with Iranian forces retaliating against multiple Gulf nations including Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar. Iranian attacks have also targeted American diplomatic facilities in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, forcing the U.S. to shut down embassy operations throughout the region.

“The current conflict is another example of the failure of the international order, despite decades of UN Security Council resolutions, the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency in a succession of sanctions and diplomatic frameworks,” Carney stated during his Australian speech.

“Iran’s nuclear threat remains, and now the United States and Israel have acted without engaging the UN or consulting with allies, including Canada,” he added.

The Canadian leader emphasized the need for immediate peace efforts, telling reporters that “Canada calls for a rapid de-escalation of hostilities and is prepared to assist in achieving this goal.”

Carney indicated that all nations involved in the fighting, including America and Israel, must adhere to established international combat protocols.

When questioned about whether the military strikes violated international law, Carney suggested they appeared problematic but deferred to legal experts for a definitive assessment. “It appears that these actions are inconsistent with international law,” he said, adding “it’s for others more expert than me … to make that determination.”

The Prime Minister confirmed that Canada received no advance warning about the planned attacks and was not invited to participate. He suggested his country would have declined involvement anyway, stating “We would not have been in a position … to take a judgement that met our standards if we had been asked to participate.”

Despite his criticism of the military approach, Carney acknowledged after the strikes began that Canada backed American efforts “acting to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and to prevent its regime from further threatening international peace and security.”

Carney’s Australian visit is part of a broader Asia-Pacific tour that includes stops in Japan and India, designed to strengthen partnerships between what he termed “middle powers.”

“Canada is focused on building a dense web of connections, ad hoc coalitions that work issue by issue, with partners that share enough common ground on those issues to act together,” Carney explained Wednesday.

“In contrast, great powers can afford to go it alone. They have the market size, the military capacity to leverage, to dictate terms. Middle powers like Canada do not,” he noted.

Officials indicated that Canada and Australia plan to expand collaboration in defense, maritime security, critical mineral resources, trade relationships, and artificial intelligence development.

A dispute has erupted between a United States mining corporation with backing from billionaires Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates and Belgium’s AfricaMuseum regarding who should have the right to digitize historical maps from the colonial period of what is today the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The mining startup KoBold Metals stated it had proposed assisting the DRC with digitizing the colonial-period collection, which sits on museum shelves extending approximately 500 meters and holds millions of records documenting how Congo’s mineral resources were charted and extracted.

“We scan, we digitise the documents, and make them accessible to the public immediately,” Benjamin Katabuka, Director General for KoBold Metals in DRC, told Reuters.

“This country needs more investment in exploration, and we need the data to be available to the public to make that happen,” he added.

The Belgian institution, with support from Belgian officials, has declined the offer, stating it already maintains a separate initiative with the DRC to digitize the information, funded by the European Union.

“We cannot delegate the management of collections to private companies; it would go against all scientific and institutional ethics,” museum director Bart Ouvry told Reuters.

KoBold obtained authorization last year to explore for lithium and additional minerals in DRC and established agreements with Kinshasa to digitize information, including materials housed in Belgium, according to the company.

Katabuka explained that the DRC government made the request for archive access. “KoBold is coming to support the project, technically and financially,” he stated.

KoBold referenced a 2022 Belgian statute that established a system for returning colonial-period collections to African nations. Archives, however, are not included in this framework.

Ouvry explained the museum is collaborating with Congo’s National Geological Service to digitize and distribute the geological archives through a project anticipated to require up to five years. Information would be accessible in both nations “in accordance with Belgian and European law,” he noted.

Congo’s ministry of mines did not respond to requests for comment.

The museum’s comprehensive archive, situated just outside Brussels in Tervuren, contains materials that are handwritten, delicate and still not completely cataloged, according to the head of the museum’s earth sciences department.

Belgium’s King Leopold II claimed Congo in 1885 for his personal profit – the territory was ransacked and the population endured severe violence. The King controlled it as his personal domain until 1908, when it transitioned to a Belgian colony.

Ouvry stated the archives remain accessible, duplicates can be furnished upon request, and private corporations must provide a support letter from the DRC government to examine geological maps.

A Belgian government representative for foreign affairs described the geological archives as a public resource. “Belgium cannot, under any circumstances, grant exclusive access to a foreign company or private entity with which it does not have a contractual relationship,” spokesperson Florinda Baleci stated.

International rivalry for essential minerals is intensifying and DRC contains abundant deposits of lithium, copper, cobalt and coltan. The nation’s ministry of mines calculates that 90% of potential resources remain undeveloped.

KoBold represents one of multiple U.S. corporations expanding operations in Congo as Washington strengthens a strategic alliance with Kinshasa to secure supplies and decrease dependence on China for materials required for batteries, electronics and defense systems.

Nearly 900 people have lost their lives across the Middle East following the outbreak of hostilities between the United States, Israel, and Iran that began on February 28. The conflict has rapidly expanded beyond the initial combatants, pulling in Gulf nations that house American military installations and drawing Lebanon into the violence.

The following casualty figures represent reports from participating nations as of March 3, marking the fourth day of warfare. These death counts have not been independently confirmed by Reuters.

Iran has suffered the heaviest losses, with the Iranian Red Crescent Society documenting 787 fatalities. Among the most tragic incidents was a missile attack that struck a primary school in the southern city of Minab on the conflict’s opening day, killing 165 schoolgirls and staff members. Officials have not clarified whether military personnel from the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps are included in the overall death count.

Israeli casualties stand at 10 civilians, with nine of those deaths occurring when an Iranian missile hit Beit Shemesh near Jerusalem on March 1, as reported by Magen David Adom, Israel’s ambulance service. The Israel Defense Forces has not reported any military fatalities.

Lebanon’s health ministry confirms 50 people have died in Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory.

Several Gulf states have also reported casualties. Bahrain’s interior ministry confirmed one death after a fire erupted in Salman Industrial City following the interception of a missile. Kuwait has lost three people, including two soldiers, in Iranian attacks according to the country’s health and foreign ministries. The United Arab Emirates defense ministry reports three fatalities.

Maritime casualties include one person killed when a projectile struck the Marshall Islands-flagged product tanker MKD VYOM off Oman’s coast near Muscat.

American military losses total six service members who died in an attack on a facility in Kuwait, according to U.S. Central Command.

Sri Lanka’s naval forces successfully rescued no fewer than 30 individuals from a failing Iranian vessel in waters close to the island nation on Wednesday, according to the country’s foreign minister who addressed parliament about the incident.

The rescue operation was launched by Sri Lanka’s navy following an emergency distress signal received from the Iranian vessel, a defense ministry representative confirmed earlier Wednesday.

While Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath provided no additional specifics about the incident, he indicated that Sri Lanka would pursue proper measures in response to the situation.

Reports from regional news outlets indicated the vessel experienced difficulties off Galle’s coastline in the nation’s southern region, with those who sustained injuries being transported to a medical facility in Galle for treatment.

BEIJING – A pair of high-ranking Chinese Communist Party leaders were notably missing from Wednesday’s launch of China’s most significant annual political gatherings, as ongoing investigations continue to shake the party’s upper echelons.

General Zhang Youxia, who holds China’s top military position, was nowhere to be seen among the 23 members of the party’s politburo during the opening ceremony of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, according to eyewitness accounts. Also absent was Ma Xingrui, who previously served as the party’s leading official overseeing China’s western Xinjiang region.

Zhang, who also serves as vice chairman of the Central Military Commission, has been under official investigation since January. Meanwhile, Ma has remained out of public view since the end of October.

The absences highlight the continuing shake-up within China’s Communist Party leadership as officials face scrutiny in what observers describe as a significant purge of senior party members.

Iranian authorities have announced plans for a three-day farewell ceremony honoring Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died Saturday following joint airstrikes by the United States and Israel, according to state media reports.

Hojjatoleslam Mahmoudi, who leads Iran’s Islamic Propagation Council, revealed that the memorial service will commence Wednesday evening and extend through three days. Details regarding the funeral procession will be released at a later time.

Beginning at 10 p.m. local time (6:30 p.m. EST), members of the public will have the opportunity to view Khamenei’s remains at the Imam Khomeini Prayer Hall in Tehran, the official announced.

“The Mosalla (prayer hall) will be receiving visitors and the dear people can attend and take part in the farewell ceremony and mark a strong presence once again,” Mahmoudi stated to Iranian media outlets.

Khamenei, who was 86 years old at the time of his death, had maintained strict control over Iran for decades through policies centered on opposition to both the United States and Israel. Iranian state media confirmed his death resulted from the coordinated military strikes conducted over the weekend.

Legislators in the Philippines have directed Vice President Sara Duterte to address impeachment charges filed against her, after a committee determined there was merit to serious accusations on Wednesday.

The House of Representatives’ justice committee found sufficient grounds for allegations that include unexplained wealth accumulation, improper use of government funds, and making death threats against President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Sara Duterte, whose father Rodrigo Duterte previously served as the nation’s president, is widely considered a leading candidate for the 2028 presidential race and has publicly stated her intention to seek the presidency. Last year, she successfully weathered a previous impeachment attempt that the Supreme Court ultimately dismissed for constitutional violations.

Should the Senate find her guilty during a trial, Duterte would lose her current position and be permanently barred from any future government roles.

Her legal representatives have not yet provided a statement regarding the impeachment proceedings.

The committee’s decision on Wednesday highlights the dramatic deterioration of relations between two political powerhouses from influential families who initially won office together in 2022 before their alliance crumbled into rivalry.

Prior to any formal vote on proceeding with an impeachment trial, House members will review Duterte’s response to the accusations, should she choose to provide one, along with any additional statements from those who filed the complaints.

The accusations against the vice president encompass the inappropriate use of classified government funds, accepting bribes, possessing wealth without clear sources, and making public statements threatening the assassination of Marcos, his spouse, and a relative who served as House speaker.

Representative Leila de Lima, who supported one of the complaints against Duterte, told Reuters: “This is a very good development that the process of accountability is now moving.”

Originally, four separate impeachment complaints were submitted against Duterte, though the number was reduced after one was rejected due to regulations preventing such filings within one year of a previous submission. Another complaint was voluntarily withdrawn to expedite the process since it contained similar allegations to another filing.

Last month, Marcos himself successfully avoided a separate impeachment effort when his congressional supporters voted to reject it.

JERUSALEM – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accomplished a longtime goal of striking Iran’s leadership, but cracks are showing in his partnership with U.S. President Donald Trump as their combined military operation continues with potentially evolving objectives.

When the bombing operation began Saturday, both leaders initially stated that changing Iran’s government was their aim. However, during White House comments Monday – just two days after Israeli airstrikes eliminated Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and key leadership figures – Trump avoided mentioning government overthrow as his primary objective.

Instead, Trump outlined U.S. priorities as eliminating Iran’s missile arsenal and naval forces while preventing nuclear weapon development. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth reinforced this position during a press briefing, stating the mission was not a “so-called regime-change war.”

Netanyahu maintains a different stance, continuing to urge Iranian citizens to rise up against their government as recently as Monday evening. “We’re going to create the conditions, first, for the Iranian people to get control of their destiny,” he stated during a Fox News interview.

When asked about the differing approaches, a White House official speaking anonymously to Reuters confirmed the two nations have separate military objectives. “Regime change is one of theirs,” the official explained.

Leading up to the conflict, Netanyahu successfully persuaded Trump this represented a critical moment to stop Tehran’s nuclear ambitions and eliminate ballistic missile threats. Trump indicated the operation might last “four or five weeks” or “whatever it takes.”

“I don’t get bored, I never get bored,” Trump responded Monday when questioned about maintaining sustained attention on the operation.

Israeli officials privately recognize that Trump will ultimately determine when hostilities end. Dan Shapiro, who served as U.S. ambassador to Israel during the Obama years, suggested Trump might seek an “early off-ramp” from the conflict.

“If President Trump decides that he’s reached the end of this operation before Netanyahu wants it to end, he’s still going to end it,” stated Shapiro, now with the Atlantic Council think-tank in Washington.

Domestic pressures could influence Trump’s decision-making as the war extends and expands. American public opinion opposes the operation, with Reuters/Ipsos polling showing only 25% support for U.S. strikes against Iran. Primary elections began Tuesday in crucial swing states Texas and North Carolina that may determine congressional control following fall midterm contests.

The crisis has disrupted shipping and energy sectors, with gasoline prices climbing 11 cents per gallon this week in the U.S., while global market spikes suggest further increases ahead. These rising costs could serve as daily reminders of affordability challenges facing many Americans.

Domestically, Israel support has become increasingly partisan, with 59% of Americans now viewing Israel’s government unfavorably – up from 51% one year ago, according to October Pew Research Center data.

Neither the White House nor Netanyahu’s office provided responses to comment requests.

Throughout most of the past thirty years in power, Netanyahu has frequently disagreed with American presidents, particularly when he publicly criticized former Democratic President Barack Obama’s Iran nuclear negotiations. The Biden administration also clashed with Netanyahu and restricted certain weapons deliveries during Israel’s Gaza military operations.

Following Trump’s 2025 return to office, Netanyahu held seven presidential meetings and used numerous phone conversations to redirect attention from Gaza toward Iran’s missile and nuclear programs, presenting Tehran’s religious leadership as a mutual threat, according to a U.S. official with direct knowledge of their discussions.

While Trump sent representatives to nuclear negotiations with Iran in Geneva and Oman, both countries had spent months preparing their military strategy, with attack timing determined weeks earlier, an Israeli official revealed.

Netanyahu’s final Trump meeting occurred during a hastily scheduled February 11, 2026 visit featuring a three-hour White House session unusually closed to media coverage. The following day, the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier – the world’s largest warship – left the Caribbean, where it supported Venezuelan military operations, heading for the Mediterranean.

“I have tried to persuade successive American administrations to take firm action, and President Trump did,” Netanyahu told Fox News Monday.

Trump dismissed suggestions that Israel forced America into war, telling White House reporters Tuesday: “Based on the way the negotiation was going, I think they were going to attack first, and I didn’t want that to happen. So if anything I might have forced Israel’s hand.”

For 76-year-old Netanyahu, leading a war that most Israelis support offers an opportunity to cement his political legacy before October elections, where he confronts significant challenges. His far-right coalition shows internal divisions, he faces corruption charges he denies, and Israelis continue processing a multi-front conflict that started in 2023, which Netanyahu promised would reshape Middle Eastern dynamics.

Israel’s longest-serving prime minister has demonstrated exceptional political survival skills previously. Although consecutive polls predict his October defeat, Netanyahu retains realistic victory chances if Israeli casualties and economic war costs stay minimal, according to Tel Aviv University political scientist Udi Sommer.

“If it succeeds, relatively quickly (like) in June 2025, it will work very much in his favour as Israel’s protector and the one who had woven a particularly successful relationship with the administration in Washington,” Sommer explained.

Netanyahu’s security reputation suffered devastating damage on October 7, 2023, when Iran-supported Hamas militants executed a surprise assault on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and capturing 251 hostages.

This triggered a two-year Gaza military campaign against Hamas – Israel’s longest war – which has resulted in at least 72,000 Palestinian deaths according to health officials, destroyed much of the territory, and caused Israel’s highest military casualties in decades.

Netanyahu has refused responsibility for October 7 security failures while highlighting Israel’s subsequent success in weakening Iranian proxies Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Their Syrian ally Bashar al-Assad has also been removed from power.

Even achieving military success in Iran won’t eliminate anger among many Israeli voters, including within Netanyahu’s right-wing base, said political analyst Amotz Asa-el from Jerusalem’s Shalom Hartman research institute.

“The past three years’ events have been so traumatic and so dramatic and so revolting to that swing vote that I don’t think any kind of salvation in Iran will offset this,” he concluded.

Myanmar’s military government declared Wednesday it will implement strict fuel rationing measures for private cars, citing Middle East conflicts that have disrupted global oil supply chains.

The National Defence and Security Council announced the new restrictions will take effect March 7, 2026, as a direct result of what they termed “global political situations” and armed conflicts in the Middle East that have blocked oil transport routes.

The rationing system will operate on an “even-odd” basis, where vehicles with even-numbered license plates can only operate on even calendar dates, while odd-numbered plates are restricted to odd dates. Electric cars and motorcycles will not be subject to these limitations.

Officials warned against fuel hoarding and price gouging, stating that anyone caught stockpiling gasoline for resale at higher prices will face criminal charges.

International shipping expenses have skyrocketed due to the continuing U.S. and Israeli conflict with Iran and the practical shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which has severely impacted oil tankers heading to Asian destinations.

The Southeast Asian nation depends heavily on processed fuel imports from Singapore and Malaysia, both major refining centers for Middle Eastern oil.

While these supply chain problems have already created shortages, alternative fuel sources remain accessible through Russia and neighboring Thailand.

Citizens in Yangon, the nation’s economic center, worry the rationing measures will increase living expenses and add more complications to daily routines in a city already struggling with electrical blackouts.

“Operating vehicles on alternating even and odd days based on license plate numbers is an incredibly frustrating system for people in a city like Yangon, where we depend so heavily on cars,” said one Yangon resident.

Rising fuel costs have already made meeting demand challenging, which raises concerns about the nation’s emergency fuel stockpiles, the resident noted.

In the border community of Myawaddy, gas stations completely ran out of fuel by March 3 evening, forcing temporary closures and prompting locals to travel to gas stations across the border in Thailand’s Mae Sot.

“Since yesterday, many people have been crossing over to the Mae Sot side to fill up their tanks. I went to stand in line myself and saw a massive number of vehicles queuing up at Thai gas stations,” the resident said.

The country has remained unstable since 2021, when military forces removed the democratically elected administration of Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, triggering widespread resistance movements that have developed into a countrywide armed conflict.

NEW YORK (AP) — Military operations involving the United States and Israel in Iran have created major disruptions for air travel throughout the Middle East, leaving thousands of passengers stranded with an uncertain outlook ahead.

Aviation specialists warn that scheduled flights in upcoming days and weeks may face continued interruptions, creating worldwide ripple effects particularly as the conflict expands with counter-attacks in Gulf nations. Airlines serving Gulf airports rely on these facilities as essential connection points for passengers traveling between Europe, Africa and Asia.

With airspace restrictions implemented across the region, numerous airlines have been compelled to either scrub flights entirely or reroute through lengthier paths. This situation is putting pressure on operational expenses and fare costs, both potentially rising if carriers must spend more on fuel as the conflict persists. Aviation experts are advising travelers to delay non-essential trips when possible, review refund policies or insurance coverage, and above all, stay informed about safety warnings.

“This situation goes beyond typical delay issues. We’re dealing with restricted airspace in an active conflict area,” explained Hassan Shahidi, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, emphasizing that suspended operations and guidance from airlines, airports and government agencies could change daily or even hourly. “Passengers need to prepare for unpredictability.”

Following weekend attacks launched by the U.S. and Israel, retaliatory actions and other developments have progressed quickly. Iranian officials report that hundreds of casualties have occurred within their borders. Travel experts emphasize that passengers throughout the region must stay current with safety recommendations and official updates.

Several nations have released travel warnings and emergency departure instructions. On Monday, the U.S. State Department advised all American citizens to exit Iran and Israel immediately, along with Qatar, Bahrain, Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Oman, Palestinian territories, Saudi Arabia, Syria, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen through whatever commercial transport remains available. Secretary of State Marco Rubio urged media outlets to promote evacuation assistance for Americans. Simultaneously, nations including China, Italy, France and Germany began coordinating departure plans for their nationals.

Aviation experts like Shahidi recommend that travelers stay updated on these governmental and embassy advisories to ensure access to current information. Given the large number of people still stuck due to extensive cancellations and airspace restrictions, he suggests reconsidering or rebooking planned trips when feasible.

“When travel isn’t mandatory, think about delaying it,” Shahidi advised. “However, if the trip is essential, ensure you purchase refundable or flexible tickets.”

Passengers should also track announcements from airports and carriers. International airlines Etihad Airways and Emirates, operating from Abu Dhabi and Dubai respectively, plus Qatar Airways based in Doha have all paused specific routes, referencing airspace restrictions and safety protocols.

Numerous carriers are processing refund requests or providing complimentary rebooking options, though these alternatives often apply only to particular dates or destinations. Travelers need to examine individual airline websites for detailed information. For upcoming journeys, purchasing refundable fares now could offer greater flexibility.

Apart from airline-provided options, some passengers may consider travel insurance. However, careful review of policy details is crucial, especially exclusions listed in specific plans.

“Military actions and civil disorder are usually not covered since they cannot be predicted,” stated Suzanne Morrow, CEO of travel insurance company InsureMyTrip. Customers might still obtain coverage for delays, she noted, but travel insurance aims to “restore your situation,” and when airlines provide rebooking or refunds, additional claims may not apply.

Christina Tunnah from World Nomads Travel Insurance confirms that most of her company’s policies exclude coverage for war-related losses, though compensation might be available in specific situations, such as purchasing a “cancel for any reason” option. The traveler would still need to cancel within designated timeframes.

Tunnah notes that once an incident becomes public knowledge, coverage becomes unlikely. Therefore, consumers who haven’t already bought travel insurance may find that many insurers have implemented new restrictions for affected destinations.

In addition to cancellations, many airlines are now using extended routes to bypass restricted airspace. Shahidi observed this includes not only current conflict-related closures but also restrictions from other ongoing global conflicts.

Managing these various conflict areas has grown more challenging for airlines since longer routes increase costs. Industry practice requires carriers to pay “overflight fees” when crossing other nations’ airspace, which may now be more frequent. Extended flights also consume additional fuel.

“Passengers will bear these additional costs,” explained Bryan Terry, managing director at Alton Aviation Consultancy. Should the conflict persist, he predicted, travelers should “expect some airlines to implement fuel surcharges” or raise current fees.

Travelers have already noticed dramatically increased ticket prices. Experts believe these immediate spikes reflect supply and demand dynamics following thousands of recent flight cancellations. However, expenses from extended routing combined with oil prices that have already risen since U.S. and Israeli attacks began could affect consumers in the longer term.

Crude oil pricing directly impacts jet fuel costs, which represented approximately 30% of airline operating expenses in 2024, based on International Air Transport Association research.

Numerous routes scheduled within the coming week are either completely booked or feature extremely high prices for remaining seats. Current market conditions show these costs, though still elevated, are reduced for trips booked further ahead, Terry observes. But again, if the conflict extends or intensifies, “circumstances could shift instantly.”

BEIJING – A Chinese parliamentary spokesperson announced Wednesday that Beijing remains open to strengthening dialogue with Washington across multiple levels, though the nation will continue defending what it calls its fundamental principles and boundaries.

Lou Qinjian made these remarks during a press briefing ahead of Thursday’s opening of the National People’s Congress annual gathering, where Chinese leaders will announce their economic goals and policy direction for the coming year.

The timing of these comments is particularly significant as both nations work to improve relations before an anticipated meeting between Presidents Donald Trump and Xi Jinping scheduled for late March in Beijing.

According to Lou, mutual respect and peaceful coexistence should guide the relationship between the two superpowers.

“China has its own principles and red lines, and as always, will resolutely defend its sovereignty, security and development interests,” he stated during the news conference.

The spokesperson emphasized that direct communication between national leaders plays a crucial and “irreplaceable strategic role” in managing bilateral relations. He encouraged both countries to “expand the list of cooperation (areas) while reducing the list of problems.”

Lou also appealed to American lawmakers to approach China with an “objective” perspective and take actions that would strengthen ties between the nations.

While a White House representative has verified that Trump plans to visit China from March 31 through April 2, Chinese officials have yet to make their own formal confirmation of the trip.

According to Bloomberg News reports from Tuesday, senior trade officials from both countries are planning to convene in Paris next week to explore possible commercial agreements related to the upcoming presidential meeting.

Malaysian corruption investigators announced Wednesday they are examining potential fraud and misconduct related to a massive $279 million government contract with British semiconductor company Arm Holdings.

The Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission is scrutinizing the 1.1 billion ringgit agreement between the Southeast Asian nation and the chip design firm, according to commission chief Azam Baki during a Wednesday news conference in Kuala Lumpur.

Investigators have already called in a dozen individuals for questioning regarding the Arm Holdings contract, Baki revealed. Those summoned include a former government minister along with officials from Malaysia’s economy ministry and the country’s investment agency.

The corruption commission is examining potential violations including abuse of power, fraudulent activity, and governance failures connected to the semiconductor deal, Baki explained.

“We will investigate this matter in a fair and professional manner,” Baki stated, noting that additional witnesses will be brought in to assist with the ongoing investigation.

The controversial agreement, announced in March 2025, commits Malaysia’s government to paying Arm $250 million over a decade to obtain the company’s semiconductor design blueprints for domestic manufacturers.

Beyond the Arm Holdings probe, authorities are also examining a separate proposed acquisition of IJM Corp by Malaysian business conglomerate Sunway, Baki confirmed.

A commercial oil vessel completed a rare passage through the Strait of Hormuz this week, arriving at a United Arab Emirates facility to collect crude oil despite ongoing Middle Eastern conflicts that have severely impacted regional shipping, according to maritime industry sources and vessel tracking information.

The Suezmax-class tanker Pola disabled its automatic identification system on March 2nd while approaching the strategic waterway, then reactivated the tracking equipment on March 3rd when it appeared near Abu Dhabi, according to LSEG tracking records.

Two industry sources, requesting anonymity due to the delicate nature of the situation, confirmed the ship is bound for Jebel Dhanna port to collect Abu Dhabi Murban crude oil destined for Thailand.

TV Delmarva was unable to reach Dynacom Tankers, the company operating the vessel, for immediate response during after-hours periods.

The ongoing U.S.-Israeli military conflict with Iran has brought Middle Eastern energy shipments to a standstill, as Tehran has launched attacks against maritime vessels and energy infrastructure, effectively shutting down Gulf navigation and forcing oil production halts across nations including Qatar and Iraq.

Maritime data from Vortexa shows that crude oil tanker movements through the strait dropped dramatically to just four ships on March 1st – the day following the outbreak of hostilities – compared to the typical daily average of 24 vessels recorded since January.

The leading U.S. military official overseeing Middle East operations announced that the current conflict with Iran is moving faster than anticipated, as both American and Israeli forces continue striking targets throughout the country while Iran launches counterattacks across the Gulf region.

The ongoing five-day conflict has sent shockwaves through international markets, forcing airlines and travel companies to handle over 20,000 canceled flights while nations work urgently to evacuate citizens stranded across the Middle East.

Israeli defense forces reported Wednesday morning that they had launched a new round of attacks aimed at Iranian missile launch facilities, air defense networks, and critical infrastructure.

Throughout Israel, emergency sirens blared early Wednesday as Iranian rockets approached, with witnesses describing thunderous explosions from intercepted missiles that rattled buildings across the region.

Admiral Brad Cooper, who oversees U.S. Central Command forces in the Middle East, described the initial day of ‘Operation Epic Fury’ attacks against Iran as “nearly double the scale” compared to the opening day of the ‘Shock and Awe’ campaign that launched the 2003 Iraq War.

“We are seeing that Iran’s ability to hit us, and our partners, is declining, while our combat power, on the other hand, is building,” Cooper stated during a video briefing released Tuesday evening. “My overall operational assessment is that we are ahead of our game plan.”

According to Cooper, Iranian air defense capabilities have suffered severe damage, their naval forces have no functioning ships in critical waterways following the destruction of 17 vessels, and coalition forces have successfully targeted more than 2,000 Iranian locations.

Cooper confirmed that approximately 50,000 American service members are participating in the operations, with additional “more capabilities” being deployed to the region.

Military officials on Tuesday released the names of four American soldiers who became the first U.S. casualties in the conflict, as the Trump administration cautioned that the escalating situation would likely result in additional American losses. President Trump has not dismissed the possibility of deploying ground troops.

An individual with knowledge of Israel’s military strategy informed Reuters that the campaign was originally designed to span two weeks but is progressing through planned targets more rapidly than expected, particularly following early victories in eliminating Iranian leadership, including Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during Saturday’s initial strikes.

President Trump indicated Monday that initial American estimates projected the operation would continue for four to five weeks.

Iranian officials reported Tuesday that fatalities from the attacks have climbed to 787 people. This figure includes 165 schoolgirls who died on the conflict’s first day when their educational facility was bombed, representing the largest single loss of life among multiple civilian locations reportedly struck.

As Iranian citizens evacuate urban areas, the capital city of Tehran has transformed into what observers describe as a deserted metropolis.

“How long will this continue? Where are the shelters? Where is the government?” asked Bijan, a 32-year-old banking professional, speaking to Reuters by phone from Tehran. “Every night my wife and I hide in the basement. The whole city is empty. There is smoke and blood everywhere.”

Israeli forces maintained their campaign against the Iran-backed Hezbollah organization in nearby Lebanon Wednesday, following militant retaliation for the killing of Khamenei, the 86-year-old leader who had governed Iran for 37 years.

Israeli military commanders issued evacuation orders Wednesday for 16 southern Lebanese communities, instructing residents to abandon their homes and warning that anyone remaining near Hezbollah operatives, installations, or weapons would face mortal danger.

Multiple casualties resulted from an Israeli airstrike targeting a four-story apartment building in Baalbek, an eastern Lebanese city, according to the state news agency NNA’s early Wednesday report.

President Trump has defended the Iranian assault, stating he authorized the military campaign because he had “a feeling” Iran would launch an attack following the breakdown of nuclear program negotiations.

Iranian leadership has condemned the conflict as an unprovoked assault.

“We have told the enemy that if you try to harm our main centres, we will hit all economic centres in the region,” declared Revolutionary Guards adviser Ebrahim Jabari through Iranian media outlets.

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks against neighboring Arab nations hosting American military installations and has disrupted maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for one-fifth of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

WASHINGTON – Kurdish militia groups from Iran have been holding discussions with United States officials regarding possible military strikes against Iranian security forces operating in the country’s western regions, according to three knowledgeable sources.

The coalition of Iranian Kurdish organizations, operating from bases along the Iran-Iraq border within Iraq’s semiautonomous Kurdish region, has been preparing for such military action with the aim of diminishing Iran’s armed forces capabilities. This preparation coincides with ongoing US and Israeli bombardment of Iranian positions.

According to two sources, the objective behind such an operation would be to provide space for Iranian citizens opposing the Islamic government to stage an uprising, particularly following the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior officials since the US-Israeli offensive commenced Saturday.

Sources speaking anonymously about classified military discussions indicated that no final determination has been reached regarding the operation or when it might occur.

The Kurdish organizations have made requests for American military assistance, while leaders in both Erbil and Baghdad have maintained communication with the Trump administration recently, the sources revealed.

Two sources confirmed that the groups are negotiating with the United States for CIA assistance in obtaining weaponry.

CNN initially reported the CIA’s participation with these groups and the possible ground operation. Axios reported this week that President Trump conducted a phone conversation with two leading figures from Iraqi Kurdistan.

Reuters was unable to independently verify the scope of CIA participation in operational planning, whether weapons had been provided, or if any American personnel would accompany Kurdish forces into Iran.

The CIA refused to provide comment. Neither the White House nor the Pentagon responded immediately to requests for comment.

The Kurdish Regional Government also did not respond immediately to comment requests.

Any military operation launched from Iraq would likely need substantial American military and intelligence backing.

The Pentagon reports that two US installations in Erbil have provided support for the international coalition combating Islamic State fighters.

Kurdish organizations in Iraqi Kurdistan maintain extensive historical cooperation with the US, though their changing loyalties and political philosophies have occasionally created tension with Washington.

America collaborated with certain Kurdish groups in Iraq during both the Iraq War and the campaign against ISIS.

However, the potential effectiveness of Iranian Kurdish groups in combat within Iran remains uncertain. The organizations’ fighters possess different levels of battlefield experience.

A source referenced by CNN explained that the strategy would involve Kurdish armed forces engaging Iranian security personnel to facilitate civilian uprisings in Iranian urban areas.

Regional reactions to such a Kurdish operation in Iran remain unclear.

Armed resistance by Iranian Kurds could significantly impact Iran’s internal stability.

Such action might intensify an existing armed separatist movement among Iran’s ethnic Baluch population, which maintains connections with separatists in Pakistan’s unstable Baluchistan province.

Islamabad would be unlikely to accept any movement toward Baluch independence.

Turkey, which strongly supports Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, views the integration agreement between Damascus and Kurdish forces as essential for reestablishing government control throughout Syria.

Turkey had previously threatened its own military intervention against the Syrian Kurdish Democratic Forces in northern Syria if the group refused to accept central government authority.

Ankara has been advancing its ongoing peace efforts with the banned Kurdistan Workers Party and would likely oppose arming Kurdish groups near its borders.

BEIJING (AP) — China’s ceremonial parliament will convene Thursday in Beijing to reveal the nation’s policy roadmap and economic objectives for the upcoming years.

The annual gathering brings together the National People’s Congress along with its advisory counterpart in the Chinese capital. The National People’s Congress will approve new legislation previously determined by China’s Communist Party leaders. Though the body consists of nearly 3,000 members who cast votes, approval is virtually guaranteed to be unanimous.

Simultaneously convening is the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference, an advisory group made up of prominent figures from Chinese society, including business leaders and sports figures. The body also features delegates from China’s ethnic minorities, though it wields minimal influence over policy matters.

This dual assembly is known as the Two Sessions. These political gatherings have transformed during President Xi Jinping’s leadership, becoming more tightly controlled with reduced opportunities for discussion.

“A long, long time ago, it was a venue for policy deliberation,” and even controversial things, said Alfred Wu, a professor of public policy at the National University of Singapore. “Now it’s very much become a showcase, propaganda.”

During the National People’s Congress, China’s premier traditionally reveals the nation’s GDP objectives and additional economic benchmarks for the year ahead.

This year, analysts are anticipating specifics regarding the 15th five-year plan, which the government previewed in draft form last October. The plan is anticipated to emphasize technological advancement and economic independence.

China releases five-year economic plans as guidance for its economy, a practice stemming from its historical centrally-planned economic system.

The Chinese economy continues to struggle, facing elevated youth joblessness, declining property values and reduced consumer spending. The nation also confronts trade disputes with the United States, which has imposed tariffs on Chinese imports.

Analysts suggest China must navigate a challenging balance between advancing its technology manufacturing sectors, including robotics, clean energy and artificial intelligence, while stimulating domestic consumer spending as citizens face economic pressure. Technology supply chains remain limited and benefits don’t reach consumers as effectively.

China will likely reduce its headline growth projection to an unprecedented low, according to predictions from Neil Thomas and Lobsang Tsering, policy analysts at the Asia Society. This would represent a meaningful step in a “shift from high-speed to high-quality growth,” they noted.

China’s parliament expelled 19 members recently, following the widely reported dismissal of two top military leaders in January.

Currently, just one member remains on the influential Central Military Commission, which oversees the armed forces, though policy analysts don’t anticipate personnel announcements during the upcoming Two Sessions. Observers typically monitor attendance carefully for potential signs of political purges.

Xi Jinping has reportedly dismissed as many as 100 senior military officials from the People’s Liberation Army over the past four years, according to recent research from the Center for Strategic Studies, with General Zhang Youxia’s January removal being the most notable.

However, leadership appears in no hurry to name replacements.

“I don’t think they’re particularly worried about this,” said Wu of National University Singapore. He noted that Wang Yi resumed his role as foreign minister after initially stepping down, following the high-profile dismissal of his successor Qin Gang.

The Pentagon released Tuesday the names of four Army Reserve members who lost their lives during the ongoing conflict with Iran, describing them as logistics specialists from various states who ensured troops received essential supplies and equipment.

The service members perished Sunday after a drone struck their command facility at Port Shuaiba, Kuwait, occurring just one day following the joint U.S.-Israeli military offensive against Iran. Iran retaliated by firing missiles and drones at Israel and multiple Gulf nations where American forces are stationed.

The fallen soldiers have been identified as Capt. Cody Khork, 35, from Winter Haven, Florida; Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, from Bellevue, Nebraska; Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, from White Bear Lake, Minnesota; and Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, from West Des Moines, Iowa, who received a posthumous promotion from specialist. The Pentagon has not disclosed the identities of the remaining two casualties.

“These men and women all bravely volunteered to defend our country, and their sacrifice will never be forgotten,” Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll said.

Each soldier served with the 103rd Sustainment Command, a unit responsible for delivering food, fuel, water, ammunition, transportation equipment and other critical supplies to military personnel.

“Sadly, there will likely be more, before it ends. That’s the way it is,” President Donald Trump said of deaths.

Amor was scheduled to return home within days to reunite with her spouse and two children when the fatal attack occurred.

“You don’t go to Kuwait thinking something’s going to happen, and for her to be one of the first – it hurts,” Joey Amor, her husband, said Tuesday.

Known for her passion for gardening, Amor regularly prepared salsa using peppers and tomatoes from her backyard garden alongside her high school senior son. She also loved rollerblading and cycling with her fourth-grade daughter.

“If you needed anything she would just take care of it for you,” Joey Amor said. “She’s helped a lot of people through a lot of dark times, and brought a lot of light to this world.”

According to Coady’s LinkedIn profile, he attended Drake University while serving as an information technology specialist in the Army Reserve.

He noted that his military experience taught him how to “interact with countless different kinds of people from all different backgrounds” through his service.

Records show Coady earned his Eagle Scout designation in 2020, as announced by his West Des Moines troop on Facebook. A local Iowa charity focused on helping homeless youth reported that he constructed 12 Adirondack chairs for their organization.

Nebraska U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts expressed that he and his spouse are grieving Tietjens’ loss while keeping his family in their prayers.

“May we always remember and honor the sacrifices made by Noah Tietjens and the Tietjens family,” Ricketts said.

Social media profiles indicate Tietjens was married with one child. An online photograph depicts the family together with their son dressed in martial arts attire.

Multiple family photographs appear on Facebook accounts linked to Amor and her husband Joey, including several images featuring their teenage son.

In November, Joey shared a heartfelt message declaring his affection for Nicole.

“Even while you are on the other side of the world you found a way to make my birthday special,” he said. “I love you!”

Moscow has issued a stark warning about Afghanistan’s security situation, claiming the country serves as a base for up to 23,000 international terrorist operatives who pose significant threats to regional stability.

According to Russia’s Foreign Ministry assessment, reported by the South Asia Terrorism Portal and Russian news agency Interfax, Afghanistan’s military and political landscape remains volatile and unpredictable, with terrorist networks serving as the primary source of instability.

The ministry’s analysis indicates that foreign nationals comprise more than half of the estimated 20,000 to 23,000 militants operating within Afghan borders, highlighting ongoing dangers to neighboring nations’ security.

Moscow’s breakdown identifies several major militant organizations: Islamic State-Khorasan Province commands approximately 3,000 fighters, while Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan maintains between 5,000 and 7,000 members. Al-Qaida’s presence ranges from 400 to 1,500 operatives, and the East Turkestan Islamic Movement operates with 300 to 1,200 fighters. The Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan fields 150 to 500 militants, with Jamaat Ansarullah maintaining 150 to 250 members.

Russian officials note that the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan primarily operates from Afghanistan’s southeastern and eastern territories, using these areas as launching points for cross-border attacks into Pakistan, further deteriorating relations between the two nations.

The assessment highlights Islamic State-Khorasan Province’s extensive infrastructure, including training compounds and dormant cells throughout various regions. Although not considered an immediate threat to Taliban authority, the group’s activities reportedly undermine perceptions of the Taliban’s capacity to maintain national security.

Despite Taliban efforts to reduce poppy farming, Afghanistan continues as a major narcotics producer. While opium cultivation allegedly decreased by roughly 20% in 2025, methamphetamine manufacturing has increased dramatically.

Notably, Russia stands as the only nation to formally recognize Taliban governance.

Prior to the Foreign Ministry’s concerning assessment, Andrey Serdyukov, Joint Staff chief of the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO), stated on February 13, 2026, that multiple international extremist and terrorist organizations continue operating within Afghanistan.

Serdyukov cautioned that these groups’ activities threaten broader regional stability, especially for Central Asian nations sharing borders with Afghanistan.

His statements reflected increasing anxiety within the Russia-led security alliance that Afghanistan-based armed networks could destabilize surrounding countries and increase cross-border insecurity.

During a Moscow press briefing, Serdyukov emphasized that extremist and terrorist groups’ continued presence and operations in Afghanistan directly threaten regional security and risk spreading instability to adjacent nations.

Meanwhile, Sergei Shoigu, secretary of Russia’s Security Council, pinpointed the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border as a critical security concern for CSTO member nations, reflecting worries that cross-border militant activity could destabilize the broader region.

The Moscow-based CSTO represents a Russia-led military partnership including Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan, dedicated to addressing regional security challenges in Central Asia, including potential spillover from Afghanistan.

Taliban leadership has rejected Russia’s Foreign Ministry assertions regarding 20,000 to 23,000 international armed group members operating in Afghanistan.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid characterized the figures and their sources as inaccurate, maintaining that no such organizations exist within the country.

Mujahid, reinforcing the regime’s established stance, declared that Afghanistan operates under complete unified control and foreign groups cannot function within the nation.

Since the Taliban’s 2021 return to power, Islamabad has argued that terrorist incidents within Pakistan have increased substantially, primarily due to banned TTP leadership’s presence on Afghan territory.

Pakistan claims it has repeatedly presented Afghan Taliban leadership with solid evidence that Afghan soil is being utilized to conduct attacks inside Pakistan.

However, according to Islamabad, Kabul has not addressed these concerns seriously. Pakistani officials contend that this position has contributed to escalating tensions that have brought the two countries to near-confrontational status.

Recent assessments by credible Russian institutions appear to validate Islamabad’s position.

Some analysts suggest that Moscow may now reconsider its policy toward the Afghan regime.

Previously, UN entities such as the Security Council and its monitoring systems, along with US institutions including the State Department, US Central Command, and United States Institute of Peace, had repeatedly cautioned about this emerging threat, but Russia did not prioritize those evaluations. This time, however, following assessments issued by its own institutions, Moscow may seriously reconsider its approach.

Dr. Andrew Korybko, a Moscow-based scholar and geopolitical analyst, explained to The Media Line that “Russia became the first country to officially recognize the Taliban’s restored rule over Afghanistan in order to develop more meaningful mineral, connectivity, and security cooperation.”

He clarified that “minerals” references Afghanistan’s rare earth resources, while “connectivity” indicates Russian plans to establish Afghanistan as a transit state connecting Russia with South Asia through Central Asia and Afghanistan.

“Understandably, none of these ambitious plans could come to fruition unless the security situation improves, namely through the elimination of foreign terrorists and the de-radicalization and reintegration of domestic ones—if they’re not eliminated in battle first,” Korybko stated.

He contended that the “Russian Foreign Ministry’s latest report was not meant to discredit the Taliban. Its purpose was to highlight the challenges the Taliban faces in controlling such groups.”

Simultaneously, Korybko observed that reports indicated the Taliban might support the TTP and could maintain connections to the Balochistan Liberation Army, noting that both are terrorist organizations that have executed attacks against neighboring Pakistan.

He stressed that “this report does indeed lend credence to Pakistan’s claims even if that wasn’t the intent, and the recent Pakistan-Taliban clashes come just before Prime Minister Sharif’s visit to Russia, meaning his talks with Putin will likely touch on these security issues.”

Syed Khalid Muhammad, executive director of CommandEleven, a Pakistan-based intelligence, consulting, and research organization providing geopolitical and threat analysis and risk assessments, informed The Media Line that “There is a clear shift in relations between Russia and the Afghan Taliban, of which the first indications began to emerge soon after the Taliban was recognized by Moscow. It started with soft public statements, coupled with harsher behind-the-scenes conversations with the Taliban leadership.”

He maintained that “not only Russia but also China, another key ally of Kabul, is reconsidering its approach amid the worsening security situation,” and mentioned that ISIS was connected to the Moscow concert hall attack and the assault on a Chinese restaurant in Kabul, while Beijing also cautioned Kabul following attacks on Chinese workers at mining locations.

According to Muhammad, these incidents, combined with a UN Security Council monitoring report indicating that the Taliban were harboring more than 21 terrorist groups, proved decisive and prompted both countries to reconsider their overall strategies.

He additionally argued that Islamic State group branches maintain connections and training facilities throughout Afghanistan, from the north to the southeast.

Muhammad added that despite previous endorsements of the Taliban’s counter-terrorism efforts, Russia now questions their effectiveness against IS-KP.

Mohsin Durrani, an Islamabad-based expert on regional security affairs, informed The Media Line that “The recent assessment by the Russian Foreign Ministry highlights persistent threats despite Russia’s recognition of the Taliban regime in July 2025.”

He stated that Moscow’s findings corresponded with Pakistan’s longstanding assertions that Afghan territory served as a sanctuary for armed groups, adding that recognizing this shared threat could encourage regional actors to prioritize coordinated security efforts.

Durrani observed that the assessment emphasizes continuing regional security challenges and reflects a more pragmatic, less idealistic relationship between Moscow and Kabul, one characterized by engagement but moderated by concerns over security deficiencies.

He further maintained that for Pakistan, the report provides external validation of its appeals for concrete action against cross-border terrorism, which could help build multilateral pressure to eliminate safe havens and influence broader regional stability strategies.

According to Durrani, a genuine recalibration of Russia’s policy toward conditional support may encourage stronger regional cooperation.

He argued that prioritizing counterterrorism over unconditional accommodation would help establish trust, reduce spillover risks, and support Pakistan’s efforts to achieve lasting peace through verified enforcement measures.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced Tuesday that an unmanned aircraft attacked the United States consulate in Dubai, though he emphasized that all American staff members are safe and no one was harmed in the incident.

The Secretary of State’s announcement came after Dubai officials released their own statement about the drone-related event that ignited a fire close to the American diplomatic facility. The Dubai Media Office posted on X: “Dubai authorities have confirmed that a fire resulting from a drone-related incident near the US Consulate has been successfully contained.”

First responders arrived at the location and put out the fire, according to local officials.

People living in the surrounding neighborhood reported to AFP that they heard a powerful blast. One eyewitness described seeing fire near the consulate building moments later. Undercover police officers moved civilians away from nearby roads, which authorities blocked off while security personnel established a protective barrier around the area.

This attack occurs during a period when Dubai and other cities throughout the Gulf region have experienced multiple aerial assaults since Saturday, following intensified American-Israeli military operations against Iran that prompted Iran to launch retaliatory missiles and drones throughout the area.

Authorities have not yet provided additional information regarding who operated the drone or how much damage may have occurred to surrounding structures.

During earlier phases of the conflict, Iranian unmanned aircraft were spotted flying over multiple sites within the United Arab Emirates. Government announcements and news reports documented fires and building damage in sections of Dubai and Abu Dhabi during late Saturday and early Sunday.

Social media footage appeared to capture flames close to the Fairmont hotel on Palm Jumeirah, fire burning along the outside of the Burj Al Arab, and smoke billowing near the Burj Khalifa area.

The Dubai Media Office stated that falling wreckage at Jebel Ali Port started a fire. Officials also confirmed damage occurred at Dubai International Airport, where four workers sustained injuries. Reports indicate that a drone hit Terminal 3, leading to an evacuation, while another strike early Sunday created heavy smoke that rose above the city.

In Abu Dhabi, authorities reported that Zayed International Airport was struck. The attacks in that city resulted in one death and left four others with severe injuries.

Prosecutors in Taiwan announced Wednesday they have filed criminal charges against 62 individuals connected to an international fraud operation known as the Prince Group, which authorities say operated massive scam centers across multiple countries.

The organization’s founder, Chen Zhi, was taken into custody and sent back to China from Cambodia in January. U.S. officials claim his business empire served as a cover for online fraud and money laundering activities worth billions of dollars. Chinese media showed images of Chen being escorted from an aircraft at Beijing’s airport while wearing handcuffs and a hood.

According to Taiwan’s prosecution office, the island nation became one of several locations where Chen moved illegal money through fake companies, purchasing high-end merchandise, expensive automobiles, and property investments.

“This was done to conceal and disguise the source and flow of the criminal proceeds,” prosecutors stated in their announcement.

The prosecution office revealed that Prince Group members transferred approximately T$10.8 billion (equivalent to $339.12 million) into Taiwan from foreign accounts for suspected money laundering activities. With these funds, they acquired 24 real estate properties, 35 automobiles, and accumulated T$55.53 million worth of additional assets including cash, luxury handbags, and footwear.

Taiwan authorities have confiscated more than T$5.5 billion worth of assets during their investigation.

Chen’s current location remains unknown, and attempts to reach him for a response have been unsuccessful.

Last November, the Prince Group issued a denial of any criminal activity through a United States legal firm.

Earlier this week, Taiwan held an auction for 33 high-end vehicles, including Ferrari models, that were confiscated during the probe.

“To conceal and disguise criminal proceeds, they exploited Taiwanese nationals to carry out money-laundering activities in Taiwan through online gambling and underground remittances,” the prosecution office explained.

“This not only seriously disrupted Taiwan’s financial order and social stability, but also damaged Taiwan’s international image.”

Law enforcement agencies throughout Asia, including those in Singapore and Hong Kong, have similarly confiscated assets and arrested people with ties to the Prince Group.

This international scam network developed across Southeast Asia while the pandemic was occurring. Experts believe these operations generate billions annually for criminal organizations by using trafficked workers to target victims worldwide.

President Donald Trump announced Tuesday that American naval forces will safeguard commercial vessels traveling through Middle Eastern waters when needed, while his administration will provide government insurance coverage to protect ocean trade amid rising tensions with Iran that are shaking worldwide energy markets.

Trump took to social media to declare that Washington would supply “at a very reasonable price, political risk insurance and guarantees for ALL Maritime Trade, especially Energy, traveling through the Gulf.” The president emphasized that this initiative “will ensure the FREE FLOW of ENERGY to the WORLD.”

The president’s declaration follows a spike in petroleum and natural gas costs as worries mount over vessel traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway separating Oman from Iran that serves as a lifeline for global supplies. Energy intelligence company Kpler reports that approximately 13 million oil barrels pass through this route daily in 2025, accounting for roughly 31% of worldwide seaborne petroleum deliveries.

Brent crude, the international standard, jumped 2.6% to approximately $80 per barrel and has climbed nearly 10% since hostilities started. Market experts caution that extended disruptions could push costs beyond $100 per barrel.

Iranian officials have announced the waterway’s closure, calling it payback for combined American-Israeli military actions after nuclear talks fell apart. Ebrahim Jabbari, a top advisor to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps commander-in-chief, stated Monday: “The Strait [of Hormuz] is closed. If anyone tries to pass, the heroes of the Revolutionary Guards and the regular navy will set those ships ablaze.”

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced Saturday that they had blocked the passage. “The ATHE NOVA tanker, one of the American allies in the Strait of Hormuz, is still on fire after being hit by two drones,” the Guards declared in their statement.

The growing hostile language and military strikes have heightened worries about supply shortfalls and additional instability in international energy markets.

Fighter jets targeted the Assembly of Experts facility in Qom, Iran on Tuesday afternoon, just as the religious council was reportedly meeting to select a replacement for Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei following his recent death. Social media posts showed the building suffered extensive damage, with reports of casualties among those present.

Despite the attack, Iranian officials announced later that evening that the selection process for new leadership had been finalized. Fars News Agency, which maintains ties to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, stated that officials had evacuated the building beforehand due to security concerns and moved the selection process to virtual meetings.

According to Fars, the results of the leadership vote would be revealed “soon.” The IRGC-linked Tasnim News Agency confirmed that missiles hit the Qom facility. Israeli aircraft also targeted the Assembly’s regular meeting location the same night, suggesting the gathering may have been relocated to Qom as a precaution.

An Iranian journalist speaking to The Media Line explained that if Assembly members were indeed killed or injured in the strike, selecting new leadership would become nearly impossible. The source noted that organizing another meeting would prove extremely challenging given Israel’s intelligence capabilities, and the Assembly might lack the required number of members to make decisions and conduct votes.

The journalist further suggested that Israel’s intelligence penetration might be so comprehensive that the initial strike on the Assembly’s usual building was designed to force members to relocate, allowing for a precisely timed follow-up attack.

Telegram channels connected to Iran’s government indicated that the Assembly was reviewing a pre-compiled candidate list and moving toward a voting decision, though Fars firmly denied any in-person meetings took place.

Sources close to the regime have mentioned several potential candidates, including Mojtaba Khamenei (son of the former leader), Hassan Khomeini (grandson of Ruhollah Khomeini), and Alireza Arafi. None of these individuals possess extensive high-level executive experience, and their influence within the IRGC remains limited, with the exception of Khamenei’s son.

Mojtaba Khamenei, previously considered highly influential in Iran’s financial networks and security apparatus, has reportedly reduced his direct involvement in executive matters over the past year after suspending his religious instruction. His current status remains unclear following the strike on the Khamenei family compound during the joint Israeli-US operation, though reports confirm his wife, Zahra Haddad Adel, was killed in that attack.

The Assembly’s governing rules require at least 59 members present for leadership selection sessions. The new leader must secure two-thirds of votes cast by secret ballot. If conducted remotely, this would mark the first time in the Islamic Republic’s history that a supreme leader was chosen through virtual voting.

Additional candidates mentioned in recent years include Sadeq Larijani and Mohammad Mahdi-Mirbagheri, though both face significant opposition. Ali Larijani’s position has reportedly improved since Khamenei’s death.

Sadeq Larijani, who serves as Supreme National Security Council secretary and brother to Expediency Discernment Council head Sadeq Larijani, could emerge as a pragmatic choice if he can build better relationships with the IRGC and address critics who accuse the Larijani family of seeking power and financial impropriety. During wartime, he might be presented as a candidate focused on the Islamic Republic’s survival.

Fars also reported that Khamenei had not designated a preferred successor before his death. The agency indicated an official announcement could come “in the coming hours, or perhaps in the coming days.”

Three American F-15 fighter jets were accidentally brought down by a Kuwaiti F/A-18 aircraft this past Sunday, according to a Tuesday report from the Wall Street Journal.

The newspaper’s account relies on information from three sources who have knowledge of preliminary findings regarding the incident that occurred March 3rd.

The details surrounding the accidental downing have not been independently confirmed by other news organizations at this time.

Security officials in Qatar announced Wednesday they have successfully broken up two espionage networks tied to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, taking 10 suspected operatives into custody on charges of spying and planning sabotage operations.

According to a statement released through Qatar News Agency, the State Security Service declared: “As part of the ongoing efforts to protect the security of the State and safeguard its stability, the competent authorities have succeeded in arresting two cells operating on behalf of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard within the State of Qatar.”

Authorities revealed that seven of the captured individuals were tasked with collecting intelligence on vital infrastructure and military installations throughout Qatar. The other three suspects were allegedly planning destructive activities and had received training in drone operations. During the investigation, security forces confiscated communication devices along with sensitive data and location coordinates of strategic facilities.

“During investigations, the suspects admitted to their affiliation with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and to being assigned espionage and sabotage missions,” according to Qatar News Agency. The State Security Service has urged both citizens and residents to stay vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.

In a related incident, Qatar’s Defense Ministry reported that Iran launched two ballistic missiles targeting the country. Air defense systems successfully intercepted one missile, while the second struck Al Udeid Air Base. No injuries were reported from the attack.

These developments occur as Qatar and neighboring Gulf nations have endured multiple days of Iranian missile and drone strikes during the ongoing conflict involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. Qatari leadership stated that security forces are working continuously to address threats and maintain public safety.

This marks the first instance where Doha has openly blamed Iran’s Revolutionary Guard for conducting espionage activities on Qatari soil, signaling a significant change in diplomatic relations as regional tensions continue to rise.

CHITWAN, Nepal (AP) — The gathering started small, with people arriving in small groups, but soon transformed into massive waves of supporters. Students in school uniforms weaved through the packed crowd. Senior citizens leaning on walking aids joined others who carried pictures of Balendra Shah high above their heads, waiting for hours to see him in person.

When the former rapper turned political candidate finally appeared at the public venue in Nepal’s Chitwan district, the crowd’s response was thunderous. Shah’s music blared from speakers while thousands of supporters shouted his name in unison. His appearance lasted just thirty minutes, with only about five minutes of speaking, before he departed.

These dramatic gatherings have become standard events during Shah’s campaign stops, as Nepal’s approximately 19 million eligible voters get ready for Thursday’s election — the nation’s first since a youth-driven movement ousted the former government one year ago. Those backing Shah, age 35, claim he should be considered the leading candidate.

“I have seen him on television and on my mobile phone, but I wanted to see him in real life,” said Tulasi Devi Shrestha, 75, who was present at Shah’s rally.

Shah’s political ascent in Nepal has been remarkably quick.

He disrupted the nation’s traditional political structure in 2022 when he secured victory in Kathmandu’s mayoral election, beating opponents from more conventional parties. He became a leading voice of opposition in 2025 during a youth-driven movement that brought down the government in this Himalayan country of roughly 30 million people.

With Nepal approaching these critical elections, numerous supporters think he has the potential to serve as the country’s next prime minister.

Shah’s National Independent Party is directly confronting the deeply established Nepali Congress and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist–Leninist), parties that have traded control for many years. While these traditional parties work to overcome widespread public dissatisfaction, Shah has gained traction with younger demographics seeking political transformation.

Shah has developed a reputation as an outsider candidate, competing against former prime minister Khadga Prasad Oli, who lost power during the recent uprising.

Opponents label him a populist figure and doubt his ability to effectively govern if elected. However, many of his followers see him as a necessary departure from Nepal’s established political leadership.

“In my whole life I have seen so many politicians come and go, but I love his energy and I am hopeful that he will bring some change,” said Shrestha.

Multiple fatalities occurred when Israeli forces launched an air attack on a residential apartment complex in Baalbek, located in eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanon’s national news service NNA in a Wednesday morning report.

The targeted structure was a four-story building housing multiple families. Emergency rescue operations are currently underway as crews attempt to extract survivors trapped under the collapsed debris, NNA reported.

The Himalayan nation of Nepal went to the polls Thursday in a historic general election – the country’s first since deadly youth-driven demonstrations forced the government from power last September.

The protests, spearheaded by Generation Z activists demanding corruption reforms, job creation, and political accountability, claimed 77 lives before ultimately compelling government officials to resign.

Nepal, a small country positioned between China and India, has struggled with chronic political turmoil for years. Since 1990, the nation has experienced 32 different government changes, crippling its farm-based economy and driving millions of citizens to find employment in other countries.

Approximately 19 million citizens out of Nepal’s total population of 30 million were registered to cast ballots for the 275-seat parliament. The legislative body consists of 165 directly-elected positions and 110 seats filled through proportional representation.

Following last year’s demonstrations, roughly one million new voters – predominantly young people – joined the electoral rolls, intensifying demands for systematic political reform and economic restructuring to generate stable, well-paying employment opportunities.

Bibas Pariyar, a 22-year-old painter working in Kathmandu, planned to travel back to his native Gorkha district – renowned for producing soldiers who have served British and Indian armed forces – to participate in Thursday’s voting.

“We need new people who can give work to people, reform agriculture and pay adequate remuneration for workers,” Pariyar said.

“The old politicians only amassed money for themselves through corruption and did nothing for the people.”

The electoral competition featured established political parties, including the moderate Nepali Congress (NC) and the Communist Party of Nepal (Unified Marxist-Leninist or UML), both of which have controlled national governance for decades.

However, political observers suggest the moderate Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) has emerged as the leading contender. Balendra Shah, a 35-year-old former rapper turned politician, became the three-year-old party’s prime ministerial nominee in January.

Shah, who previously served as Kathmandu’s mayor and became a prominent figure during September’s protests, faced off against UML candidate K.P. Sharma Oli, the 74-year-old former prime minister who stepped down after the deadly crackdown on demonstrators.

This election marks the second in the region – after Bangladesh – to result from Generation Z-led activism, though the circumstances differ significantly, according to Jay Nishaant, who founded the Nepal Democracy Foundation think tank.

“For any election, three things decide the outcome: agenda, leadership and organisation,” Nishaant said.

“That’s where Nepal may diverge from Bangladesh. Bangladesh’s July 2024 student leaders had a clear agenda and recognisable faces, but not a time-tested grassroots machine.”

During Bangladesh’s February general election, the primary youth-oriented political party secured just six seats in the 300-member parliament, highlighting the difficulty of converting protest energy into electoral success.

Cuban authorities have formally filed terrorism charges against six individuals following a deadly maritime confrontation that occurred last week in Cuban territorial waters.

The charges were announced Tuesday by Cuban prosecutors, who ordered the suspects held without bail in connection with the incident that resulted in four fatalities and six injuries among Cuban nationals aboard a speedboat.

According to Cuba’s Interior Ministry, the deadly encounter took place last Wednesday when Cuban border patrol forces engaged the vessel. Cuban officials claim the occupants, described as Cuban exiles, initiated gunfire against the patrol boat after arriving from United States waters with intentions to create disorder and target military installations on the island nation.

Cuban military personnel responded with gunfire and apprehended the six surviving individuals, according to government statements.

Officials have not provided updates on the medical status of the injured detainees or disclosed their current location. The incident occurs during a period of increased strain between Washington and Havana, as the United States has essentially stopped oil deliveries to the island while pressing for political and economic reforms.

During a special television broadcast Friday, Cuban authorities displayed seized weapons they claim belonged to the group, including nearly 13,000 ammunition rounds, 13 rifles, and 11 pistols.

The program also featured photographs of the boats, showing extensive bullet damage from what officials described as close-range combat occurring at approximately 20 meters distance.

Cuban authorities revealed that at least two of the detained individuals had previously appeared on terrorist watch lists.

During Friday’s television program, Prosecutor Edward Robert Campbell outlined the potential legal consequences facing the accused, stating they could encounter various charges related to terrorist activities.

Campbell explained that convictions could result in prison sentences ranging from 10 to 15 years for minor violations, while more severe charges could bring 20 to 30 years in prison or potentially capital punishment.

American political leaders have questioned Cuba’s account of the events and called for independent investigations into the incident. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has clarified that this was not a United States government operation and confirmed no American officials participated in the activities.

Manufacturing activity in China surged to a five-year peak during February, according to new data from a private industry survey released Wednesday in Beijing.

The RatingDog China General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index, produced by S&P Global, jumped to 52.1 last month, up from January’s reading of 50.3. This figure significantly exceeded expert predictions of 50.2 and represents the strongest performance since December 2020. Readings above 50 indicate sector expansion, while those below signal decline.

These findings stand in sharp contrast to government data published earlier the same day, which indicated manufacturing continued shrinking for a second straight month in February.

Industry experts note that varying survey methodologies and different participant groups frequently lead to conflicting results between private and official measurements.

Strong consumer appetite for Chinese-made products drove February’s growth, with new order volumes climbing for nine consecutive months at the fastest rate since December 2020. This demand boost pushed production growth to its highest point since June 2024.

International demand showed particularly notable improvement, with export orders increasing at the sharpest rate recorded since September 2020.

One furniture manufacturer from eastern China, speaking anonymously, reported order increases of 30%-40% in January compared to the previous year, with February continuing the upward trend due to enhanced supply chains and improved overseas warehouse operations.

RatingDog founder Yao Yu expects manufacturing growth to continue moderately in coming months.

“Looking ahead, the sustainability of this momentum depends on persistent demand and whether confidence translates into more active hiring and investment,” Yao stated.

Economic analysts believe China stands to gain from recent U.S. Supreme Court decisions blocking President Donald Trump’s emergency trade tariffs from last year, potentially providing competitive advantages as tariff disparities with other nations narrow.

The U.S. Trade Representative announced Monday that America will work toward more balanced and equitable bilateral trade relations with China while monitoring Beijing’s adherence to last year’s trade agreement.

Chinese factory owners expressed increased optimism about future production in February, with overall business sentiment reaching an 11-month high, according to the S&P survey.

Despite rising order backlogs in February—when many plants typically send workers home for Chinese New Year celebrations—companies remained conservative about staffing decisions. Employment grew minimally for the second consecutive month, marking the first back-to-back increases since mid-2021.

Heightened demand prompted manufacturers to increase purchasing activities, creating greater cost pressures. Input price inflation accelerated to its fastest pace since June 2022, with metal costs particularly concerning survey respondents.

Consequently, manufacturers raised their selling prices for the second month running, with price increases reaching a 15-month high.

China plans to announce major economic objectives for 2026 during annual parliamentary sessions beginning Thursday. Market observers are closely monitoring the upcoming Five-Year Plan report, which will outline the nation’s economic development strategy, technology innovation priorities, and environmental transition goals.