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Pakistani officials successfully persuaded the United States to convince Israel to remove two high-ranking Iranian leaders from its assassination target list, according to a knowledgeable Pakistani source who spoke with Reuters on Thursday.

The source disclosed that Israel had obtained location information for Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and Parliamentary Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and was planning their elimination. However, Pakistan intervened through diplomatic channels in Washington.

“The Israelis had their coordinates and wanted to take them out, we told the U.S. if they are also eliminated then there is no one else to talk to, hence the U.S. asked the Israelis to back off,” the source explained.

Neither Pakistan’s military nor its foreign ministry provided immediate responses when contacted for official comment.

The Wall Street Journal initially broke this story, reporting that these senior Iranian officials had been temporarily struck from Israel’s elimination list as potential peace discussions are being considered. According to the Journal’s sources within the U.S. government, the removal period spans four to five days, though their reporting did not reference Pakistan’s involvement.

Currently, Pakistan is serving as a key mediator alongside Egypt and Turkey, working to facilitate dialogue between Tehran and Washington to bring an end to the ongoing Iran conflict.

Pakistan has maintained open communication lines with both the United States and Iran during a period when most other nations have severed such diplomatic channels. The country is also being considered as a potential location for peace negotiations should they materialize.

Iranian leadership is currently examining a comprehensive 15-point peace proposal from U.S. President Donald Trump, which was delivered through Pakistani diplomatic channels. According to Israeli cabinet sources familiar with the plan, the proposal demands that Iran eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, cease uranium enrichment activities, restrict its ballistic missile development, and discontinue financial support to regional proxy groups.

While Trump has publicly stated that Iran is eager to negotiate an agreement, Foreign Minister Araqchi has indicated that Tehran is studying the American proposal but currently has no plans to engage in talks aimed at de-escalating the conflict.

BEIJING, China (AP) — A specially selected collection of photographs captures the standout moments from China Fashion Week, as chosen by Associated Press photo editors.

The image gallery presents the most notable fashion presentations and designs featured during the Beijing-based fashion event.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — Tensions between Tehran and Washington intensified Thursday as diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire appeared to crumble, with Iran solidifying its stranglehold on the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz while the United States readied ground combat forces for potential deployment to the Islamic Republic.

Shipping analysts report that Iran has effectively established what they call a “de facto ‘toll booth’ regime,” requiring certain vessels to pay fees in Chinese yuan to navigate through the waterway that typically handles 20% of global oil and natural gas shipments during peacetime.

As tensions mount, a naval strike force led by the amphibious assault vessel USS Tripoli is approaching the Middle East carrying approximately 2,500 Marines, while military officials have ordered at least 1,000 paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne to deploy to the area.

The military buildup doesn’t necessarily indicate that President Donald Trump intends to use military action to force Iran to reopen the strait and cease its attacks on Gulf Arab nations.

Trump had previously assembled substantial forces in the Caribbean before U.S. military operations led to the capture of former Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro in January. Current military analysts suggest American focus may center on potentially capturing Iran’s Kharg Island oil terminal or other strategic locations near the strait.

Admiral Brad Cooper, who oversees U.S. military operations in the region, reported that American forces have struck over 10,000 targets since the conflict began on February 28, when Israel and the United States initiated hostilities, eliminating 92% of Iran’s major naval vessels and more than two-thirds of the nation’s missile, drone and naval manufacturing capabilities.

“We’re not done yet,” Cooper stated in a video message from his position as head of U.S. Central Command. “We are on a path to completely eliminate Iran’s wider military apparatus.”

Through its control of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow passage connecting the Persian Gulf to international waters, Iran has been preventing ships supporting American and Israeli military efforts from passing while allowing limited traffic under what Lloyd’s List Intelligence characterizes as a “de facto ‘toll booth’ regime” in their latest assessment.

According to the maritime intelligence company, vessels must submit cargo manifests, crew information and destination details to Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard for sanctions review, cargo verification that currently favors oil shipments above other goods, and what officials term “geopolitical vetting.”

“While not all ships are paying a direct toll, at least two vessels have and the payment is settled in yuan,” Lloyd’s List reported, referencing China’s official currency.

Iranian officials have not publicly detailed their ship passage procedures, though a Foreign Ministry spokesperson seemed to confirm that Tehran was collecting payments from certain vessels during a recent interview.

Iran’s control of the strait combined with ongoing strikes against regional energy facilities has caused oil prices to surge dramatically, raising fears of a worldwide energy shortage. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was trading at $104 early Thursday, representing a more than 40% increase since hostilities began.

“To make it crystal clear, this war is a catastrophe for world’s economies,” German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius told reporters in Canberra following discussions with his Australian counterpart in the capital.

Through Pakistani intermediaries, Washington has presented Iran with a 15-point ceasefire proposal that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking at a Wednesday evening fundraising event in Washington, Trump maintained that Iran remains interested in reaching an agreement.

“They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they figure they’ll be killed by their own people,” Trump stated, adding: “They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”

However, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi contradicted Trump’s assessment during a state television interview, declaring that his government has not participated in peace discussions “and we do not plan on any negotiations.”

Araghchi acknowledged that the United States had attempted to communicate with Iran through third-party nations, “but that is not a conversation nor a negotiation.”

Press TV, Iran’s English-language state broadcaster, reported that Tehran has developed its own five-point peace plan, demanding an end to assassinations of Iranian officials, guarantees against future attacks on Iran, war reparations, cessation of all hostilities and international recognition of Iran’s “exercise of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.”

Iranian activists reported significant morning airstrikes near Isfahan, a city located approximately 330 kilometers (205 miles) south of Tehran. The pro-reform publication Ham Mihan published online reports about attacks in the region.

Isfahan houses a major Iranian air base and various military installations, including one of the nuclear facilities targeted by U.S. forces during the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict in June.

The semi-official Fars news agency, which maintains close ties to the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard, characterized the attacks as hitting “two residential areas” without providing additional details.

Israeli officials later confirmed they had conducted a series of strikes against Iranian infrastructure.

Early Thursday morning sirens blared across portions of Tel Aviv and central Israeli cities. The absence of advance warning, typically provided before Iranian missile attacks, suggested the incoming fire originated from Hezbollah forces in Lebanon.

Saudi Arabia’s Defense Ministry announced it had intercepted numerous drones over its oil-rich Eastern Province, while the United Arab Emirates activated air defenses against incoming attacks, and Bahrain reported extinguishing fires in a neighborhood near Bahrain International Airport.

Since the conflict’s start, Iran’s Health Ministry reports more than 1,500 deaths within its borders. Israeli casualties include 20 civilians and two soldiers killed in Lebanon. At least 13 U.S. military personnel have died, along with more than a dozen civilians in the occupied West Bank and Gulf Arab states.

Lebanese authorities report nearly 1,100 fatalities in their country. In Iraq, where Iranian-backed militant groups have joined the fighting, 80 security force members have been killed.

Australia’s resources minister revealed Thursday that France is among several nations expressing strong interest in backing the country’s critical minerals industry, as international partners rush to secure alternative supply sources beyond China’s dominance.

Speaking during the Minerals Week summit in Canberra, Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King told Reuters that multiple countries with advanced manufacturing capabilities are seeking investment opportunities following Australia’s landmark agreement with the United States last October.

“Since the framework agreement with the U.S., that work has taken on new urgency from some other partners as they make sure they also have access to critical minerals,” King explained during the interview.

“France is more and more keen,” she added.

Australia has spent four years developing its critical minerals sector, focusing on rare earth elements and other materials crucial for future technologies including electronics and defense systems. The nation aims to provide countries with alternatives to China, which currently dominates global production.

Beyond the $8.5 billion investment pipeline established with the United States, Australia has signed cooperation agreements covering the critical minerals sector with Japan, South Korea, India, France, Germany, and Britain.

While France has participated at policy and financing levels through organizations like export credit agency Bpifrance Assurance Export, it has not yet committed to the large-scale project funding seen from the U.S. and Japan. The French trade commission in Sydney did not respond to requests for comment.

Australia is actively pursuing additional billions in investment for 49 mining operations and 29 processing facilities. The expanding critical minerals sector is projected to generate A$18 billion ($12.52 billion) in export revenue during the financial year beginning July 1.

Earlier this month, Australia joined the G7 Critical Minerals Production Alliance to support its expansion goals. On Tuesday, the country finalized a free trade agreement with the European Union following eight years of negotiations, potentially streamlining EU access to Australian critical minerals.

“Many other countries just aren’t used to getting involved in mining and mining-style financing, but they’re going to have to, if they want to…have that secure supply,” King noted.

The minister emphasized that Australia’s commitment to the sector requires long-term thinking, having already provided A$28 billion in financial backing since the current government took office in May 2022.

“If you want to compare timelines, it took (China) 40 years,” she said. “We would like to do it quicker. But we do need to think of it as a long-term proposition.”

King pointed out that Australia previously supported its massive iron ore and liquefied natural gas industries during their early development, suggesting critical minerals may present even greater challenges.

Australia is establishing an A$1.2 billion strategic reserve concentrating on antimony, gallium, and rare earths for partner nations, expected to become operational later this year. The reserve will likely include price floor mechanisms while ensuring Australia benefits from potential price increases.

“When there is an upside, the government should be able to get some of that benefit, but also exit this part of the arrangement,” she explained.

The United States is simultaneously developing Project Vault, a $12 billion minerals stockpile program.

“And we see our reserve as being able to be the catalyst to feed into Project Vault,” King said, noting that specific details remain under discussion.

BEIJING – Chinese authorities have unveiled a comprehensive long-term care insurance program designed to support families struggling with the challenges of an aging population and strengthen the nation’s social support structure.

The initiative, announced by China’s state council on Wednesday, commits to delivering services and financial assistance for essential nursing and medical care to individuals experiencing long-term disabilities of six months or longer.

According to the official Xinhua news agency, this program represents a crucial element of China’s social security framework and is essential for “actively addressing population aging.”

The announcement follows approximately three weeks after China’s National People’s Congress, during which officials indicated they would enhance supportive measures for elderly citizens, encompassing pension funding, health services, and care provisions.

Projections indicate that by 2035, China’s population over age 60 will reach 400 million individuals – approximately equivalent to the combined populations of the United States and Italy – resulting in hundreds of millions departing the workforce while pension systems face existing financial pressures.

Demographic experts are issuing warnings about continued population decreases in China, which experienced its fourth straight year of decline in 2025 as birth rates hit historic lows.

The long-term insurance structure establishes a three-year goal to create “a unified system covering the entire population.”

This development builds upon pilot initiatives that commenced in 2016.

Officials emphasized that for individuals with disabilities, this program meets essential needs and significantly enhances quality of life.

“Bathing, haircuts, eating, dressing changes — these are no longer distant hopes for those confined to a sickbed, but rather bedside, accessible, attentive care,” stated Wang Wenjun, deputy head of the National Healthcare Security Administration during Thursday’s press conference.

Financial support will derive from employer contributions, individual payments, and government funding, totaling approximately 0.3% in contribution rates.

Wang explained that both rural and urban residents will access the same funding source and receive identical benefits.

China continues to confront significant disparities in care and services between rural and urban regions, with authorities promising to “markedly narrow” the healthcare gap between these areas by 2035.

DHAKA, Bangladesh — At least 18 people lost their lives when a passenger bus carrying approximately 50 individuals crashed into a major river in Bangladesh’s central region while attempting to board a ferry, officials reported Thursday.

The tragic incident took place Wednesday afternoon when the vehicle fell into the River Padma in Rajbari district, located roughly 52 miles from Bangladesh’s capital city of Dhaka, according to fire official Dewan Sohel Rana.

The vehicle was transporting passengers from Kushtia, a southwestern district, to the capital as people made their way back to work following the conclusion of Eid al-Fitr, the Islamic holiday celebration.

According to Rana, numerous passengers managed to escape by swimming to shore following the crash, while others became trapped inside the vehicle.

Emergency crews deployed a rescue boat late Wednesday evening to retrieve the submerged bus, and recovery teams continued working through the night to locate victims, discovering 18 bodies by Thursday morning, Rana reported.

Weather conditions including strong river currents and rainfall hampered rescue efforts during the overnight operation, he explained.

Officials have not confirmed whether additional passengers remain unaccounted for.

The Fire Service and Civil Defense Department confirmed that the casualties included ten women and two children among the 18 fatalities.

Global focus on Middle Eastern conflicts has shifted attention away from Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine, as the European war enters its fifth year and Moscow launches a renewed spring military campaign.

Recent days have witnessed intense escalation between the warring nations. On Tuesday, Russian forces unleashed nearly 1,000 drones and 34 missiles against Ukraine in one of the conflict’s most devastating bombardments. Ukraine responded the next day by deploying approximately 400 drones in its largest overnight strike against Russian territories and Crimea.

Ukraine remains Europe’s primary foreign policy concern, driven by worries that Moscow harbors broader territorial ambitions. However, the Trump administration has suspended discussions with Russian and Ukrainian representatives as the Iran conflict demands attention. Officials have cautioned they may abandon involvement in the Ukrainian conflict if diplomatic efforts fail to produce results.

Just weeks earlier, Russia’s economy showed signs of strain from international sanctions. Now Moscow benefits from billions in revenue thanks to a temporary U.S. oil sanctions waiver. This measure, implemented this month, aims to release stranded Russian oil shipments and address supply shortages created by Middle Eastern hostilities.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the American decision as “not the right decision” because it will further enable Russia’s military campaign.

Washington has relocated American Patriot air-defense systems from Europe to the Middle East as resources shift toward the Iranian conflict. Zelenskyy cautioned that Kyiv will “definitely” experience shortages of Patriot systems due to the Middle Eastern war.

According to Zelenskyy, the U.S. manufactures 60 to 65 missiles monthly, totaling approximately 700 to 800 annually. “And on the first day in the Middle East war, 803 missiles were used,” he noted.

Seeking strategic advantage, Ukraine has proposed sharing its combat-proven technology to help Gulf nations counter Iranian drones. In exchange, Ukraine seeks advanced air-defense missiles that Gulf countries possess and that Kyiv requires to intercept Russian strikes. Zelenskyy has also offered Ukrainian drone defense systems to the United States.

Financial support remains critically needed. A pledged 90-billion-euro ($104-billion) European Union loan to support Ukraine’s military and war-damaged economy over two years faces delays due to Hungarian opposition.

Following a relatively quiet winter along battle lines, Russia prepares for summer combat as terrain conditions improve.

Russian troops have entered early stages of a spring campaign, attacking Ukraine’s eastern defensive network of cities, according to Elina Beketova from the Center for European Policy Analysis, a Washington think tank.

“Over the past weeks, the Russians have intensified pressure on the battlefield and in the air,” she explained to The Associated Press. In Ukraine’s eastern Donbas region, the nation’s industrial center long desired by Russian President Vladimir Putin, conditions are “critical,” though Ukrainian forces report maintaining their positions.

“Russia is trying, on the tactical level, some new approaches” using mechanized infantry and armored units in its campaign, noted Robert Murrett, a retired U.S. Navy vice admiral serving as deputy director of Syracuse University’s Institute for Security Policy and Law.

Intense combat continues along the approximately 1,250-kilometer (750-mile) battle line extending through eastern and southern Ukraine, reported Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi, commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s military forces, this week.

Moscow’s troops have achieved only modest territorial advances in rural areas. Russia controls roughly 20% of Ukraine, including the Crimean Peninsula seized in 2014.

Russian military analysts anticipate renewed Moscow efforts to establish positions in southern Zaporizhzhia and Dnipropetrovsk regions. This would prepare for potential advances toward regional capitals serving as vital industrial centers.

Russia’s strategy involves encircling and isolating cities while reducing them to ruins through bombardment.

After devastating Ukraine’s electrical infrastructure during one of the harshest winters in recent years, Russian drone and missile attacks on civilian areas persist without interruption.

The U.N. Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine reports more than 15,000 Ukrainian civilian deaths from the war.

Ukraine has developed extended-range drones and missiles to strike rear-area targets supporting Moscow’s war effort. These attacks have targeted oil refineries, chemical facilities, ammunition storage sites, and military supply centers up to 1,500 kilometers (900 miles) from Ukraine.

Washington’s diplomatic initiatives remain suspended while the White House is “totally distracted by Iran,” Murrett observed.

Extended U.S.-facilitated negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv delegations have failed to resolve fundamental issues, including territorial control and preventing future Russian aggression.

Russia has declined Ukraine’s ceasefire proposal. European officials have accused Putin of delaying peace talks while his military attempts to capture additional Ukrainian territory.

The Kremlin maintains its “maximalist demands” for any agreement, and only “overwhelming” Western military and financial backing for Ukraine would compel Putin to retreat, Murrett stated.

NEW YORK — Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appeared in a New York federal court Thursday, attempting to dismiss his drug trafficking charges based on disputes over who will pay his attorney fees.

Maduro’s defense attorney argues that the United States is infringing on the former leader’s constitutional protections by preventing Venezuelan government money from covering his legal expenses.

This marks the first court appearance for Maduro and his spouse, Cilia Flores, since their January arraignment where he challenged their seizure by American military personnel and stated: “I am not guilty. I am a decent man, the constitutional president of my country.” Flores has entered a not guilty plea as well.

The couple continues to be held at a Brooklyn detention facility, with neither requesting bail. Judge Alvin Hellerstein has not yet scheduled a trial date, though one may be announced during the hearing.

The 63-year-old Maduro and 69-year-old Flores still maintain backing in Venezuela, where murals and signs throughout Caracas call for their release. However, while Maduro’s political party maintains control, acting president Delcy Rodríguez has gradually removed his influence from the government.

Rodríguez has dismissed key officials including Maduro’s loyal defense secretary and top prosecutor, restructured government departments, named new diplomatic representatives, and dismantled elements of the socialist ideology that has controlled Venezuela for over twenty years.

She has also transformed state broadcasting, which had featured Maduro’s lengthy nightly programs. Rodríguez prefers brief appearances without the musical performances her predecessor frequently enjoyed.

Venezuela has renewed diplomatic ties with the United States, which severed relations with Maduro’s administration in 2019 and backed the opposition-led National Assembly leader as the nation’s rightful president. Washington has relaxed economic penalties on Venezuela’s vital petroleum sector and sent a diplomatic representative to Caracas.

However, these developments may not help Maduro and Flores avoid paying their own legal costs.

According to a court document filed last month, Maduro’s attorney Barry Pollack stated that the Treasury Department’s sanctions office reversed its decision regarding Venezuela funding his legal representation.

The office initially granted approval on January 9, Pollack explained, but withdrew it without justification less than three hours afterward.

In a sworn statement submitted to the court, Maduro maintained that he is “entitled to have the government of Venezuela pay for my legal defense.”

Federal prosecutors countered that the government had permitted Maduro and Flores to use personal assets for legal fees but would not allow payments from a sanctioned government account.

Maduro stated in his filing that he cannot afford his legal representation. To receive a court-appointed attorney funded by taxpayers, he must demonstrate financial inability to pay.

Maduro and Flores were captured January 3 during a nighttime operation at their Caracas residence.

A 25-page criminal indictment alleges he and co-conspirators collaborated with drug trafficking organizations and military personnel to enable the transport of thousands of tons of cocaine into the United States.

The couple faces accusations of ordering abductions, assaults, and murders of individuals who owed drug proceeds or threatened their trafficking network. This included executing a drug kingpin in Caracas, according to the charges. A conviction could result in life imprisonment.

Following Maduro’s removal, daily conditions for most Venezuelans remain unchanged.

Numerous government workers earn approximately $160 monthly, while private sector employees average around $237. The previous year saw inflation reach 475%, based on Venezuela’s central bank data, making food and basic necessities unaffordable for many citizens.

BEIJING, March 26 – Zhao Leji, who serves as China’s highest-ranking legislative official and holds the third most powerful position in the Communist Party, delivered remarks Thursday at the Boao Forum, a major international conference often called Asia’s equivalent to the Davos meetings held in Switzerland.

The summit also featured Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong as a speaker, while South Korean Prime Minister Kim Min-seok delivered his remarks through video after canceling his in-person attendance due to ongoing conflict in Iran.

During his address, Zhao highlighted growing global tensions without singling out any specific nations. “Geopolitical conflicts and regional wars keep emerging. Unilateralism and power politics are posing greater threats,” he stated.

The Chinese official called on nations worldwide to work through their disagreements using “political settlement” and “peaceful means,” though he avoided referencing any particular disputes or conflicts.

Turning to economic matters, Zhao outlined China’s plans to boost domestic consumer spending while maintaining the country’s role in supporting worldwide economic growth. He emphasized that China remains committed to keeping its economy – the world’s second largest – accessible to international businesses.

Zhao also reinforced a commitment made earlier this week by Premier Li Qiang at the China Development Forum, promising that foreign companies operating in China will receive “national treatment” – meaning they’ll be treated the same as domestic firms.

President Donald Trump claims Iranian leadership is eager to negotiate an end to almost four weeks of warfare, while Tehran’s top diplomat maintains his nation is only examining a U.S. ceasefire proposal without engaging in actual negotiations.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi clarified during a Wednesday state television appearance that while various communications have passed through third-party nations, Iran has not entered into formal discussions with the United States.

“Messages being conveyed through our friendly countries and us responding by stating our positions or issuing the necessary warnings is not called negotiation or dialogue,” Araqchi explained. “It is simply an exchange of messages through our friends.”

Speaking at a Washington event later Wednesday, Trump countered that Iranian officials “are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they’re afraid to say it because they will be killed by their own people. They’re also afraid they’ll be killed by us.”

The president has not revealed which Iranian representatives the U.S. might be communicating with, as thousands of high-ranking officials have perished across the Middle East since the conflict began February 28 with joint U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, followed by Iranian retaliation against Israel, American bases, and Gulf nations.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died in an Israeli attack on the first day of hostilities and was succeeded by his son Mojtaba, who has been injured in subsequent strikes and has not appeared publicly since taking power.

The warfare’s consequences have created unprecedented global disruption, triggering what experts call the most severe energy crisis in recorded history.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas normally flows, has sparked fuel shortages worldwide. Industries from aviation to retail and automotive are facing mounting costs, declining demand, and broken supply chains, prompting some nations to consider emergency measures similar to those implemented during the COVID pandemic.

Agricultural producers cannot obtain adequate diesel fuel for equipment, and the World Food Programme projects tens of millions more people could experience severe hunger if hostilities extend into June.

According to three Israeli cabinet sources, a 15-point American ceasefire proposal delivered through Pakistan demands Iran eliminate its highly enriched uranium stockpiles, cease enrichment activities, restrict its ballistic missile programs, and end financial support for regional partners.

The White House refused to reveal details of its offer while warning of escalated military action.

“If they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily, and will continue to be, President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced to reporters.

Israeli defense officials expressed doubt Iran would accept the proposed conditions and worry U.S. negotiators might offer concessions. Israel seeks to maintain its ability to launch preemptive attacks under any future agreement, according to a second source.

Iran has communicated through intermediaries that any ceasefire arrangement must include Lebanon, six regional sources familiar with Tehran’s stance reported.

Market optimism about potential conflict resolution that had lifted global stocks earlier this week diminished Thursday, with oil prices climbing again.

“Optimism regarding a ceasefire has faded,” noted Tsuyoshi Ueno, senior economist at NLI Research Institute.

Military operations continued across the Gulf region as Israeli forces announced completion of extensive infrastructure strikes throughout Iran on Thursday, following additional attacks Wednesday.

Admiral Brad Cooper, Central Command chief overseeing U.S. Middle East operations, reported American forces have struck more than 10,000 Iranian targets and are successfully limiting Iran’s ability to project power beyond its borders.

Cooper stated in a Wednesday video briefing that 92% of Iran’s major naval vessels have been destroyed and drone and missile launch capabilities have dropped over 90%. Combined U.S.-Israeli operations have damaged or destroyed two-thirds of Iran’s missile, drone, and naval manufacturing facilities and shipyards, Cooper added.

Pentagon officials are preparing to deploy thousands of airborne troops to the Gulf region, providing Trump additional options for potential ground operations, sources told Reuters. This would supplement two Marine contingents already en route, with the first amphibious assault unit expected to arrive by month’s end.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Wednesday that the “world is staring down the barrel of a wider war” in the region.

“It is time to stop climbing the escalation ladder – and start climbing the diplomatic ladder,” he declared at U.N. headquarters in New York.

KATHMANDU – An investigative commission in Nepal has called for criminal prosecution of former Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, citing his failure to prevent deadly violence during anti-corruption demonstrations last September.

The commission found Oli negligent for allowing security forces to continue firing on demonstrators for hours, resulting in the deaths of at least 19 young protesters on the opening day of anti-government demonstrations that ultimately toppled the administration in the Himalayan nation.

According to the commission’s findings released Wednesday evening, the two-day period of civil unrest resulted in 76 fatalities and left 2,522 people injured. Government officials had previously reported a death toll of 77.

The 970-page investigation report, written in Nepali, stated: “As the executive head … Oli should be held responsible for anything good or bad.”

The commission also determined that Oli’s interior minister Ramesh Lekhak and the police commissioner at the time, Chandra Kuber Khapung, should face criminal charges for their roles in the deadly response to the protests.

JAKARTA – A top Indonesian military intelligence commander has resigned in connection with a brutal acid attack that left a prominent human rights advocate with severe burns across his face and body, military officials confirmed Thursday.

Andrie Yunus, who serves as deputy coordinator for KontraS, a human rights organization dedicated to missing persons and violence victims, sustained acid burns covering 20 percent of his face and body when attackers on motorcycles doused him with the corrosive substance on March 12.

The assault has generated widespread outrage both domestically and internationally. United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk condemned the incident as a “cowardly act of violence.”

Military spokesman Aulia Dwi Nasrullah told Reuters that Yudi Abrimantyo, who headed the military’s intelligence division, completed a “handing over of position” as he takes responsibility for the attack.

The Indonesian armed forces had previously detained four military personnel from the intelligence division in connection with the assault. According to Aulia, those found guilty could face consequences ranging from internal discipline to dishonorable dismissal from service.

Yudi, who was not among the four arrested officers, could not be reached by Reuters for his response.

The attack has heightened worries about Indonesia’s democratic institutions deteriorating. Under President Prabowo Subianto, a former military general, the armed forces have substantially expanded their involvement in civilian affairs and commercial enterprises in what ranks as the world’s third-largest democracy.

During a recent media roundtable, Prabowo characterized the assault on Andrie as “terrorism” and promised a comprehensive investigation with full accountability.

Hundreds of Indonesian civil rights organizations, including Amnesty International, have described the attack as attempted murder. The activist had recently completed recording a podcast discussing military expansion just before the incident occurred.

In response to the intelligence chief’s resignation, KontraS called on Prabowo to establish an independent investigative body for the case, demanding it be processed through civilian rather than military courts – a position also supported by Human Rights Watch earlier this week.

“What happened to Andrie Yunus is a serious crime that occurred in a civilian space, outside of the context of the military work as well as state defence operations,” KontraS and other civil society groups said in a joint statement.

Taiwan’s Defense Minister Wellington Koo announced Thursday that his government has received written assurance from Washington that a major weapons deal remains on schedule, despite rising tensions between the United States and China ahead of their leaders’ planned meeting.

The weapons package, valued at approximately $14 billion and featuring sophisticated interceptor missiles, awaits final approval from President Trump and could move forward following his scheduled visit to China, according to sources familiar with the discussions reported by Reuters earlier this month.

Trump’s Beijing trip, initially planned for early April, has been delayed until May 14-15 due to the ongoing Iran conflict.

The island nation, which Beijing considers part of its territory, will likely feature prominently in discussions between the two leaders. Last month, Chinese President Xi Jinping urged Trump during a phone conversation to handle weapons sales to the democratically-led island with caution.

When questioned by lawmakers about whether the upcoming Trump-Xi summit might affect American arms sales, Koo revealed that his government had already obtained written confirmation of Washington’s commitment to authorize the pending transaction.

“We have also been in close communication with the U.S. Department of War’s Defense Security Cooperation Agency regarding its willingness to provide this to us, including guidance concerning the items, the amount, and the transaction,” Koo stated, declining to provide additional specifics.

According to Koo, the weapons package continues to undergo standard internal review processes within the United States, and Taiwan has not been informed of any postponements.

The State Department, which typically addresses inquiries regarding Taiwan policy, has not yet responded to requests for comment.

Beijing has consistently urged Washington to halt military sales to Taipei. The most recent transaction in December totaled $11 billion, marking the largest arms deal in Taiwan’s history.

Despite the absence of official diplomatic relations, the United States serves as Taiwan’s primary international ally and defense supplier, with legal obligations to ensure the island can maintain its security.

In recent years, Taiwan has encountered increased military pressure from China, including large-scale military exercises near its borders.

VAUX-DE-CERNAY, France – Top diplomats from the world’s major Western nations are convening in France this week as global tensions mount over conflicts in Ukraine and Iran, coupled with growing anxiety about shifting American foreign policy directions.

The two-day diplomatic summit is taking place at a renovated 12th-century abbey located approximately 25 miles southwest of Paris, bringing together representatives from the G7 nations – the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and Japan – along with European Union officials.

This alliance, which originally formed as a group of six nations in the nearby town of Rambouillet five decades ago, has historically tackled major economic and international challenges through unified approaches.

However, that unity has become strained following Donald Trump’s return to the White House in 2025.

AMERICA’S ROLE QUESTIONED

International partners and rivals have spent recent months adapting to sudden changes in American policy positions, spanning from trade tariffs to Ukraine strategy, and extending to Middle East operations that European officials describe as lacking defined goals or clear exit plans.

On Wednesday, France’s top military leader expressed frustration with Washington’s inconsistent approach, stating it was affecting allied nations’ security and interests.

Thomas Gomart, who leads the Paris-based French Institute of International Relations, offered this assessment: “The U.S. attitude is an element of destabilisation of the international system for all players, not only for members of the G7, but also for China, (and) for many, many countries in the world.”

Highlighting the departure from traditional cooperation, organizers have scrapped plans for a comprehensive joint statement to prevent public disagreements.

SEEKING ANSWERS ON IRAN STRATEGY

Allied nations are particularly eager to hear from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who is scheduled to participate in Friday’s sessions.

Diplomatic sources indicate that partner countries want detailed explanations regarding American and Israeli military actions targeting Iran, and whether any viable diplomatic pathways remain to resolve the crisis.

Discussions will also address the Strait of Hormuz situation, where Iranian actions have effectively blocked shipping lanes that handle roughly 20 percent of worldwide oil transport.

Additional participants include ministers from Brazil, India, South Korea, and Saudi Arabia – all economically significant nations whose cooperation is crucial for addressing global security, energy, and diplomatic challenges.

UKRAINE CONCERNS PERSIST

Peace negotiations regarding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine have reached an impasse, with European leaders worried that the United States – currently spearheading diplomatic efforts while pursuing improved relations with Moscow – might pressure Ukraine into accepting unfavorable terms before America’s November midterm elections.

European representatives plan to emphasize to Rubio that such an outcome would be unacceptable, instead advocating for strengthened sanctions against Russia and immediate preparations to help Ukraine survive another wartime winter.

These preparations should encompass protecting Ukraine’s energy infrastructure, which has faced repeated Russian attacks, along with sustained military assistance for Kyiv, officials stated.

An Italian diplomatic source explained: “We will reiterate firm support for Kyiv and for U.S. mediation efforts, stressing the need to maintain strong pressure on Moscow through sanctions.”

Ukraine’s foreign minister will participate in the discussions.

The gathering also supports French objectives leading up to its hosting of the G7 leaders’ summit in the Alps next June, focusing on addressing global inequalities and challenges facing international cooperation. Paris has been working to involve China more directly in these conversations.

Officials identify one potential area of agreement during France’s leadership: establishing a G7 task force dedicated to combating international drug trafficking.

Two civilians lost their lives in Russian military strikes targeting Ukraine’s northeastern Kharkiv region, while attacks on a southwestern port city damaged critical infrastructure, Ukrainian officials reported Thursday.

Regional prosecutors announced via Telegram that a woman who had been wounded in an assault on Kharkiv city succumbed to her injuries while receiving hospital treatment.

The same attacks wounded nine additional civilians across two neighborhoods in the city, which sits just 30 kilometers (18 miles) from the Russian border and has repeatedly faced bombardment throughout the conflict.

In a separate incident closer to the frontier, prosecutors confirmed that a Russian drone strike killed a man while he was driving his vehicle.

Meanwhile, authorities in the Danube River port city of Izmail in southwestern Ukraine reported that their community had been targeted in strikes that caused significant damage to both port operations and power facilities.

Across the border in Russia’s Belgorod region, Governor Vyacheslav Gladkov stated that Ukrainian drone attacks had claimed two lives: an 18-year-old man riding a motorcycle in a border village and a woman traveling in her vehicle in Graivoron.

Belgorod has experienced regular attacks from Ukrainian forces throughout the four-year conflict between the two nations.

In the Russian capital, Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin announced that air defenses had successfully intercepted and destroyed 17 Ukrainian drones approaching the city during Wednesday’s operations.

Such drone interceptions targeting Moscow have become routine occurrences, though the numbers of attacking aircraft fluctuate significantly from incident to incident.

Reuters noted that these reports could not be independently confirmed.

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel confirmed Wednesday that former leader Raúl Castro is participating in preliminary negotiations between Cuba and the United States.

During a videotaped interview with Spanish leftist leader Pablo Iglesias, Díaz-Canel acknowledged the discussions are happening while tensions escalate between the two countries. Cuba currently faces widespread electrical blackouts due to its deteriorating power infrastructure and an oil embargo enforced by President Trump, who has warned of tariffs against nations supplying oil to the island and recently stated he would have “the honor of taking Cuba” in the near future.

The Cuban government is managing these negotiations as a collective effort, Díaz-Canel explained to Iglesias during the hour-long interview broadcast on state media. Iglesias visited Cuba with a 600-member delegation from 33 nations who delivered humanitarian assistance last week.

“A process of conversations that leads to an agreement is a long process,” Díaz-Canel explained to Iglesias, who conducted the interview for his crowdfunded television program Canal RED.

“First, we must build a channel for dialogue. Then, we must build common agendas of interests for the parties, and the parties must demonstrate their intention to move forward and truly commit to the program based on the discussion of those agendas,” the Cuban president elaborated.

Trump issued threats in late January regarding tariffs on nations selling or supplying oil to Cuba as part of his push to transform the island’s political system.

While these initial warnings were later moderated in formal terms, the embargo continues, and Cuba has received no fuel deliveries over the past three months.

Extended power failures and virtual standstill of economic and social activities represent the visible impact on the island, which recently endured two complete electrical grid collapses within a week, leaving millions in darkness as Cuba’s power system continues deteriorating.

American officials have confirmed Cuba’s participation in negotiations, while Trump has made threats about taking control of the island in the near future.

Díaz-Canel provided a more measured response, stating that his representatives and U.S. State Department officials “held recent talks.”

He also responded to rumors about the involvement of 94-year-old Castro in these diplomatic efforts.

“The other thing they’ve tried to speculate about is that there are divisions within the leadership of the revolution,” Díaz-Canel stated, without identifying his targets.

Castro “is one of those who, along with me and in collaboration with other branches of the (Communist) Party, the government, and the State, has guided how we should conduct this dialogue process, if this dialogue process takes place,” the president continued.

He emphasized that Castro remains “the historical leader of this revolution, even though he has relinquished his responsibilities,” and retains “prestige earned with the people” through “historical recognition that no one can deny.”

Raúl Castro, who took over from his brother Fidel as president, conducted groundbreaking negotiations with former President Barack Obama in 2014 that resulted in embassy reopenings and restored diplomatic ties.

Trump has rejected this approach, implementing stricter sanctions and worsening a severe economic crisis to the point of the current energy embargo.

Iran rejected a comprehensive American peace proposal on Wednesday and presented its own set of demands to end the ongoing Middle East conflict, while simultaneously launching additional strikes against Israel and Gulf nations.

Pakistani officials revealed details of the 15-point American proposal, which broadly covered sanctions relief, scaling back Iran’s nuclear activities, missile restrictions, and reopening the Strait of Hormuz – a critical waterway that typically handles one-fifth of global oil shipments.

Through state television, Iran presented its own five-point plan demanding an end to assassinations of Iranian officials, guarantees against future military actions, war reparations, cessation of all hostilities, and Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz.

“No negotiations have happened with the enemy until now, and we do not plan on any negotiations,” Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araghchi stated on state television.

The conflict’s death toll has climbed to over 1,500 Iranians, nearly 1,100 Lebanese, 16 Israelis, and 13 American military personnel, along with numerous civilians throughout the Gulf region. Millions have been forced from their homes in Lebanon and Iran.

Kuwait’s Interior Ministry announced the arrest of six individuals allegedly connected to Iran-backed Hezbollah for plotting assassinations of Gulf state leaders. Five of the detained are Kuwaiti nationals, while authorities identified 14 additional suspects who fled the country.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth led a Christian worship service at the Pentagon Wednesday, praying for military success. “Let every round find its mark against the enemies of righteousness and our great nation,” Hegseth said during the livestreamed service, calling for “overwhelming violence of action against those who deserve no mercy.”

Congressional concerns are growing about potential ground deployment in Iran. Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina stated she would “not support troops on the ground in Iran, even more so after this briefing.” Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed fears about troop deployment, saying “None of the president’s objectives can be accomplished without a physical presence there.”

Five Gulf nations and Jordan issued a joint statement condemning Iranian attacks “whether carried out directly or through their proxies and armed factions they support in the region.” The statement urged Iraq to prevent militia attacks from its territory and reaffirmed their self-defense rights.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appointed veteran French diplomat Jean Arnault as his personal envoy to lead peace efforts. “The war is out of control,” Guterres declared, emphasizing that “diplomacy must prevail.”

Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi confirmed Iran has launched dozens of missiles and drones toward his country during the conflict. Several regional nations have expelled Iranian diplomats following Tehran’s attacks.

President Trump has postponed his China trip to May 14-15, with the White House suggesting optimism about resolving the Iran conflict before then. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed “productive conversations” with Iran are ongoing but warned of escalated strikes if negotiations fail.

“If Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment, if they fail to understand that they have been defeated militarily… Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before,” Leavitt said.

The EPA announced temporary approval for higher-ethanol gasoline sales to help reduce fuel costs that have surged since the war began. However, experts question whether the move will significantly impact prices.

In Gaza, an Israeli airstrike near a displacement camp killed one Palestinian and wounded seven others from flying debris. Israel continues near-daily strikes in the territory, though Gaza’s militants have remained out of the current Iran conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced expansion of Israeli-controlled areas along Lebanon’s southern border as fighting with Hezbollah continues. Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported 22 deaths in the past 24 hours, including 121 children and 81 women among total casualties.

House Speaker Mike Johnson suggested the war is “wrapping up” and “objectives have been met,” while describing U.S. troop buildup as a warning to Iran rather than preparation for ground deployment.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty expressed hope that differences between Iran and America “are bridgeable” and called current negotiations potentially “the last opportunity to de-escalate and avoid a full-fledged escalation in the region.”

Iran’s state television quoted an anonymous official saying Iran would “end the war when it decides to do so and when its own conditions are met,” vowing to continue “heavy blows” across the Middle East.

WASHINGTON — A top U.S. diplomat working to secure the freedom of political prisoners in Belarus has disclosed his unconventional approach to building trust with the country’s authoritarian president, including using crude language and strategically handling alcohol during negotiations.

John Coale, President Trump’s special representative to Belarus, shared details of his diplomatic tactics during a recent speaking engagement at Arizona State University’s McCain Institute. His mission focuses on securing freedom for hundreds of imprisoned political dissidents in the Eastern European nation.

According to Coale, State Department officials briefed him before his initial encounter with President Alexander Lukashenko, telling him the leader enjoys casual banter and suggested he match that energy.

“About a half-hour, 45 minutes into it, I am trying to get the feel of who this guy is and how to communicate,” Coale explained during his university appearance. “He starts complaining about the Europeans — Europeans this, Europeans that. So — and this is kind of crude and I’m sorry for the language — but I said to him, ‘Yeah, they’re a bunch of p———.’ So, I had him in my hand from then on.”

The Maryland lawyer shared this story as an example of how he’s worked to establish rapport with Lukashenko, who maintains close ties with Russian President Vladimir Putin but has shown interest in improving Western relationships since Trump took office.

When questioned about his language choice on Wednesday, Coale stood by his methods. “If I have to use locker room language to get 500 political prisoners released, I will do it every time,” he stated to The Associated Press.

This type of crude language echoes a 2016 controversy involving Trump himself, when leaked recordings of similar vulgar comments created significant political fallout during his first presidential campaign, prompting a rare public apology from Trump who dismissed it as private “locker room talk.”

Coale isn’t the first American diplomat to use undiplomatic language regarding Europeans. Victoria Nuland, formerly the leading U.S. official for European affairs, issued an apology in 2014 after private conversations containing harsh language about European Ukraine policy became public. Similarly, in 2003, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher drew criticism for dismissively calling Iraq War opponents France, Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg “chocolate makers.”

Trump has frequently clashed with European allies over various issues including trade tariffs, NATO funding obligations, and his interest in acquiring Greenland.

The attorney, who is married to television journalist Greta Van Susteren, received his appointment from Trump in March 2025 as deputy special envoy to Ukraine. By June, he had successfully negotiated the freedom of 14 political detainees from Belarus. Trump later promoted him to lead envoy for Belarus.

Speaking at the McCain Institute conference focused on hostage situations and wrongful detentions, Coale argued that his straightforward diplomatic style is producing positive results with Lukashenko.

For over thirty years, Lukashenko has maintained authoritarian control over Belarus’s 9.5 million citizens, leading to repeated Western sanctions for both domestic oppression and permitting Russia to use Belarusian territory for its 2022 Ukraine invasion.

Since Trump’s return to office, Belarus has freed hundreds of political detainees in exchange for sanctions relief, as Lukashenko pursues improved U.S. relations under the Republican administration.

Coale described his initial meeting with Lukashenko extending into a two-hour meal where he discreetly poured vodka shots onto the floor to avoid intoxication while his host wasn’t watching. He joked about limiting himself to just two drinks while some accompanying State Department officials consumed much more.

“All these toasts started — I can’t get hammered,” Coale recalled. “Of course, there were a couple State Department guys who drank all eight toasts and they were hammered.”

Lukashenko faced his biggest challenge following the 2020 presidential election, when massive street protests erupted over what demonstrators considered fraudulent results. These became the largest public demonstrations since Belarus gained independence after the Soviet Union’s 1991 collapse.

The government’s harsh response included detaining tens of thousands of protesters, many suffering police beatings. Key opposition leaders either fled abroad or faced imprisonment.

Five years later, Lukashenko secured a seventh term in what opposition groups condemned as a sham election.

Recently, Belarus has released several high-profile political prisoners in efforts to curry Western favor, including Nobel Peace Prize winner Ales Bialiatski and prominent opposition figures Siarhei Tsikhanouski, Viktar Babaryka and Maria Kolesnikova.

Just last week, Lukashenko authorized the freedom of 250 political prisoners through an agreement with Washington that resulted in lifting certain U.S. sanctions, representing his latest move toward Western reconciliation. This marked the country’s largest single release of political detainees.

Following his meeting with Coale in Minsk, Lukashenko granted these pardons. Coale praised the releases as a “significant humanitarian milestone” demonstrating Trump’s “commitment to direct, hard-nosed diplomacy.”

The McCain Institute presentation occurred just before this major prisoner release. At that time, Coale predicted the Trump administration would achieve the freedom of all political prisoners before year’s end.

“I’d be willing to bet on that,” Coale declared, mentioning plans for additional Belarus visits he expects will result in freeing “a couple hundred” more political prisoners. “I think this type of diplomacy that Donald Trump has pushed forward does work.”

Israeli President Isaac Herzog is reportedly engaging in private discussions about a potential deal that could conclude Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ongoing criminal proceedings, according to a report from Israeli news outlet Walla.

Sources familiar with these discussions indicate that no formal proposal has been developed yet. The conversations reportedly focus on whether there’s political space for an agreement that would provide Netanyahu with some form of legal protection in exchange for his withdrawal from public service.

Similar proposals have been floated previously but have never materialized into concrete action. The Walla report emphasizes that Netanyahu has not approved any such arrangement, and there’s no indication of active negotiations taking place.

Neither Herzog’s office nor Netanyahu’s team provided immediate comment following the report’s publication. The President’s Residence refused to make a statement, while Netanyahu’s office remained silent on the matter.

Sources close to Herzog indicate he has repeatedly expressed worry about the growing friction between Israel’s political establishment and judicial system over recent years. Those who have discussed the matter with Herzog describe these talks as careful explorations rather than formal initiatives, aimed at determining if the current standoff might be resolved.

The timing of these discussions is particularly notable as Israel continues its military operations alongside the United States against Iran, with ongoing missile and drone strikes targeting civilian locations. Despite the external conflicts, internal debates about leadership and Netanyahu’s legal troubles persist behind closed doors.

Netanyahu’s legal case remains a polarizing issue within Israeli society. His allies claim the charges are politically motivated, while critics, including former high-ranking legal officials, caution that any interference with the judicial process would undermine the rule of law.

The Walla report details multiple potential arrangements being considered in recent discussions. These include possibilities for presidential pardons, either before the legal proceedings conclude or afterward, as well as options connecting any legal relief to Netanyahu’s political retirement. Conversations have also touched on establishing a state commission to investigate the October 7 attack failures, though this appears to be part of broader context rather than a specific requirement.

Within Israel’s political circles, where these concepts are beginning to circulate, reactions vary significantly. Some officials view it as a possible method to end a prolonged and destabilizing situation, while others believe such steps should be avoided under any circumstances.

Currently, these discussions remain confined to private conversations with no concrete developments. It remains uncertain whether these ideas will advance further, but their reemergence demonstrates that Israel’s internal political challenges remain unresolved despite the ongoing regional conflict.

An obscure militant organization has vowed to persist in targeting American and Israeli facilities worldwide following a series of arson incidents against Jewish institutions across Europe. The pledge was made directly to CBS News as law enforcement agencies in Britain and Belgium work to address multiple fire-bombing incidents that have alarmed Jewish communities and sparked concerns about Iran-connected operations expanding outside the Middle East region.

The warning followed incidents where emergency vehicles belonging to a Jewish medical service were destroyed by fire in London, and a vehicle was torched in Antwerp. A representative of Harakat Ashab al-Yamin al-Islamia told CBS News: “We’ll keep threatening US and Israeli interests worldwide until we’ve avenged every child in Gaza, Iran, Lebanon, and the resistance nations.” The spokesperson also cautioned people to stay away from “Zionist and American interests,” and the organization subsequently took credit for an additional incident in Antwerp.

CBS News reported that this group first appeared in early March, coinciding with escalated tensions between the US, Israel and Iran, and has utilized the messaging platform Telegram to announce their involvement in incidents across Belgium, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom.

London authorities have taken two suspects into custody, both middle-aged men of 45 and 47 years, on charges related to arson with intent to endanger lives. This followed the destruction of four emergency vehicles owned by Hatzola Northwest in the Golders Green area. Commander Helen Flanagan described the arrests as “an important breakthrough in the investigation,” though she noted that surveillance footage indicates at least three individuals participated in the attack. Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams announced that enhanced police presence, including armed officers, will remain deployed at sensitive locations throughout London.

Belgian officials have detained two juveniles following the car fire in Antwerp, while the government has positioned military personnel to guard Jewish educational institutions, houses of worship, and the Israeli diplomatic mission. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the London incident as a “deeply shocking antisemitic arson attack.” The US State Department has advised American citizens globally to “exercise increased caution,” citing potential threats from Iran-affiliated groups against US facilities abroad. Security experts speaking to CBS suggested the organization’s messaging and operational methods indicate either Iran-sympathetic recruits, imitators, or a loosely coordinated proxy network designed for intimidation, disruption, and maintaining plausible deniability.

Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, housing the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Dome of the Rock, faces growing danger as Iranian ballistic missiles and debris continue falling near Jerusalem’s Old City. The sacred compound, cherished by Muslims, Jews, and Christians alike, sits at the heart of religious disputes, political conflicts, and conspiracy theories that could transform a direct strike into a worldwide catastrophe.

The religious significance of this location spans three major faiths. Jewish tradition holds this as the location where the First and Second Temples once stood. Muslims consider it home to Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Christians view it as part of Jerusalem’s holy landscape, connected to Jesus’ ministry and teachings. Rarely does such a compact area hold such enormous religious, historical, and political importance.

Currently, the Islamic Waqf, a Muslim religious organization under Jordan’s oversight, manages the site’s daily operations. While increasing numbers of Jews have visited and sometimes prayed at the location recently, the established arrangement has largely continued since Israel gained control of eastern Jerusalem in 1967. This framework allows the Waqf to handle religious and administrative matters while Israel maintains security responsibilities.

Though Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock hold particular importance in Sunni Arab religious and political discussions, the location also holds meaning in Shiite Islam. Iran’s Shiite leaders have long viewed Jerusalem not merely as a religious symbol but as a central component of their revolutionary identity and anti-Israel stance, making any nearby strike particularly dangerous.

Multiple fragments and smaller explosive devices have fallen in and around the Old City recently. Last Friday, an impact created a crater in a roadway and parking area within the Jewish Quarter, merely hundreds of meters from the Western Wall and Temple Mount.

During earlier phases of the conflict, debris also hit Sultan’s Pool, an ancient water reservoir beneath the Old City walls that historically supplied Jerusalem’s water system and now serves as an outdoor concert location, along with other nearby strikes.

As the conflict with Iran progresses, experts debate whether Tehran deliberately aims at the Temple Mount or if the threat to this area results from long-distance missile inaccuracy, widespread debris from interceptions, or a combination of factors. Last week, Iran reportedly stated it directed drones toward Israel’s National Security Ministry in Jerusalem as retaliation for recent killings of senior officials. Tuesday night, footage showed Israeli Defense Forces intercepting missiles aimed at the Holy City.

Some experts have informed The Media Line that many of these missiles function essentially as suicide attacks and that Iran no longer possesses accurate guidance capabilities due to extensive Israeli damage to its launchers and airspace. Others maintain that Iran retains targeting abilities and continues using them.

The question of what would occur if a missile struck the Temple Mount has moved beyond theoretical consideration.

Hillel Fuld, an experienced high-tech marketing influencer and prominent pro-Israel social media personality, shared with The Media Line that “everyone would blame the Jews and conspiracy theories would fly.”

“I go back and forth about whether the Iranian missiles are super targeted or firing in all directions,” Fuld explained. “I really don’t know. Any normal, rational person would say there is no way Iran is targeting the Temple Mount. But Iran is so unhinged that I would not put it past them, especially if they were targeting it so the world would turn on Israel.”

Based on responses from over 100 people who answered a similar question Fuld posted on X this week, many believe the world would likely blame Israel and Jewish people.

“The world blames Israel,” one respondent commented. “Riots in the streets worldwide, Jews slaughtered. The truth comes out the next day, and no one cares that it was Iran that caused the destruction because it no longer fits their narrative.”

Another X user wrote, “Iran and bot farms scream Israel did it, false flag, and try to stir up [a] march on Jerusalem.”

Rabbi Tuly Weisz, founder of Israel365, who collaborates closely with Christian and religious Zionists on matters concerning Jewish sovereignty in Judea and Samaria and the Temple Mount, suggested that Iran might even claim responsibility if it struck Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“In some twisted way, they would probably try to prove it as being good for their version of Islam,” Weisz shared with The Media Line.

Simultaneously, Weisz proposed that worldwide reaction might not persist as long as anticipated. Several weeks ago, when debris struck near the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, major Christian organizations provided limited condemnation of Iran. One of the few statements came from the International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, an evangelical organization, rather than Orthodox Christian institutions that utilize the site. Instead, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate criticized Israel for restricting church access for security purposes, noting the absence of bomb shelters in the Old City.

“I feel like everyone would just continue to use it to support their narrative,” Weisz stated.

He suggested that a nation like Saudi Arabia might even “rejoice” at eliminating Islam’s third-holiest site, as this could strengthen its position as the primary guardian of Islamic holy locations.

A direct impact on the compound could initiate a chain reaction extending far beyond Jerusalem, fueling existing suspicions, intensifying religious emotions, and increasing diplomatic pressure on Israel regardless of who fired the missile.

These concerns stem from more than the current conflict. The mount’s sensitivity has historically generated conspiracy theories. Since at least the 1920s, during Jerusalem Grand Mufti Hajj Amin al-Husseini’s era, allegations have spread claiming Jews sought to harm or destroy the Muslim holy sites to make room for a Third Temple.

Similar stories continue today. Repeated rumors claim Israel excavates what it calls the Kotel Tunnels beneath the compound in ways that might weaken the structure, so if a missile struck, the mosque would collapse and clear space for reconstruction. This rumor has never been verified.

Allegations about Jewish intentions toward the site have also appeared in Western media recently. American commentator Tucker Carlson has accused Israel, during interviews on his program, of seeking to rebuild the Temple and advance a “Greater Israel” vision.

While such claims spread widely online, they lack foundation in official Israeli policy or mainstream religious practice.

Carlson, in one recent episode, accused Chabad Hasidim of “pushing in a pretty subtle way … for the reconstruction of the Third Temple.”

In another episode, featuring an interview with Beijing-based educator and international analyst Jiang Xueqin, Carlson permitted discussion of a “worst-case scenario,” which “would include a nuclear strike by one or more actors and the destruction of the Aqsa Mosque complex in Jerusalem, which would spark a religious war.”

Xueqin went further, accusing various Jewish and Christian sects of working for centuries to build the Third Temple and bring the messianic age. He claimed the basic elements of that vision include “the creation of the state, the nation-state of Israel, which happened in 1948. And then you need to have the building of the Third Temple, which requires the destruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque … which could happen during this war, given what we’ve seen so far.”

He continued, “There’s actually talk among Israelis of using this plan to ignite a war between the Arabs and the Persians. … They also talk about the war of Gog and Magog between Israel and the entire world. Then, the coming of the Jewish Messiah, the creation of the Greater Israel project, the return of all Jews from the Diaspora. … If you just observe geopolitical events, we’re seeing these events converge together today.”

Jews have prayed for Temple reconstruction for nearly 2,000 years, since Roman destruction in 70 CE. However, this is not Israel’s official policy, nor do many contemporary rabbis support it, with some still prohibiting Jewish prayer on the Temple Mount.

Weisz and Fuld acknowledged that Jewish community members have prepared for the Third Temple’s return and are creating instruments for use on the mount. They emphasized, however, that these represent fringe groups and that the government would unlikely make dramatic policy changes even if Temple Mount damage occurred.

Recent political responses support this position. Even in August 2024, on the Jewish fast day of Tisha B’Av, which commemorates Temple destruction, when National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Temple Mount and suggested the status quo had changed, the Prime Minister’s Office quickly responded.

“It is the government and the prime minister who determine policy on the Temple Mount,” the Prime Minister’s Office stated. “Israel’s policy on the Temple Mount has not changed; this is how it has been, and this is how it will be.”

Regardless of the motivation behind Jerusalem-area strikes, the danger is evident: A Temple Mount hit would not remain a localized military incident. It would almost certainly become a religious, political, and diplomatic crisis extending far beyond the battlefield.

Weisz, however, expressed a different vision for the mount, one that could emerge if such an attack reshaped ground realities.

“My dream is for a synagogue, church, and mosque to be built on the Temple Mount like the Abrahamic Family House in the United Arab Emirates,” Weisz told The Media Line, referencing the biblical verse in Isaiah 56:7, which states, “for my house shall be called a house of prayer for all people.”

He added, “If the territory became available, that would be a beautiful way to end this for Israel and the region.”

Pakistani officials revealed Wednesday that they have transmitted a comprehensive American peace proposal to Iran, featuring 15 key provisions designed to halt ongoing Middle East hostilities, according to the Associated Press.

Sources speaking anonymously detailed that the American proposal encompasses multiple critical areas: easing economic sanctions, cooperation on civilian nuclear programs, constraints on Iran’s atomic activities, monitoring by the International Atomic Energy Agency, curbing missile development, and ensuring safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has reportedly responded with its own set of conditions, according to the Wall Street Journal. Tehran’s demands include compensation for damages from US-Israeli bombing operations, shutting down American military installations in the Persian Gulf, and ending Israeli actions against Hezbollah.

While President Trump announced Monday he would delay strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure and expressed openness to negotiations, the US military continues expanding its regional presence. Approximately 1,000 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are scheduled for Middle East deployment in the coming days. The Pentagon is also dispatching two Marine units, bringing roughly 5,000 Marines and additional naval personnel to the area.

Despite diplomatic overtures, Iran has maintained its aggressive stance, launching fresh missile attacks Wednesday against Israeli targets and Persian Gulf locations. One strike sparked a significant blaze at Kuwait International Airport, sending thick black smoke billowing skyward.

Tehran also maintains its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, the vital shipping channel that handles approximately 20 percent of global oil transport, driving up energy costs and creating market instability worldwide.

Officials in Israel confirmed Wednesday the identity of a young woman who died during a Hezbollah missile attack in the country’s northern region, as ongoing rocket barrages continue to injure civilians nationwide.

Twenty-seven-year-old Nuriel Dubin lost her life when a missile struck Mahanayim Junction on Tuesday. Emergency responders from Magen David Adom discovered her body upon reaching the attack site. Medical personnel transported two additional victims to hospitals, including one man who suffered head wounds from flying debris.

Local officials from Margaliot in the Upper Galilee region reported that Dubin leaves behind her parents Yoram and Shoshana, siblings Aviram and Sapir, and her fiancé Yadid. According to municipal statements, she dedicated her career to working with young people as both a youth counselor and preschool caregiver while also fulfilling duties as a reserve combat soldier. The couple had recently become engaged in September 2025 and were making preparations for their September 2026 wedding ceremony.

Warning sirens continued blaring throughout northern Israel following the deadly attack, alerting residents to additional incoming projectiles. Two civilians in Safed suffered minor cuts from flying glass fragments when rockets impacted their area.

Southern Israel also experienced violence when debris from an intercepted Iranian missile wounded Dr. Asra Abu Rafa, a physician in his thirties who works at Soroka Medical Center. The incident occurred near his residence in the Bedouin community of Alsira, close to Nevatim, where the missile was shot down. Medical officials reported his wife and baby daughter remained in stable condition.

Hospital staff at Soroka Medical Center provided care for 17 individuals experiencing acute anxiety reactions related to the attacks.

First responders maintained their efforts addressing rocket and missile damage throughout various locations, delivering medical assistance to injured persons in both the northern and southern territories.

JERUSALEM (AP) — A recently unsealed court document reveals that an Israeli judge has terminated an investigation into a Palestinian teenager’s death in custody, ruling that while the 17-year-old clearly suffered from starvation, investigators cannot definitively establish what killed him.

The decision offers new details about Israel’s approach to the controversial case involving Walid Ahmad, who Palestinian authorities say became the youngest Palestinian to die while in Israeli custody.

Ahmad’s family described him as being in good health before his arrest. He spent half a year at Israel’s Megiddo detention facility before collapsing this past March. While his autopsy failed to pinpoint one specific cause of death, an Israeli physician who witnessed the examination reported that starvation appeared to be the primary factor.

The unsealed decision, initially reported by Israeli newspaper Haaretz and later shared with The Associated Press, shows that Judge Ehud Kaplan ordered the investigation’s closure in December despite the autopsy results. Kaplan determined that proof of Ahmad’s starvation was insufficient to establish the cause of death.

“The fact that he was apparently starved cannot be hidden and should not be hidden,” Judge Kaplan stated in the ruling. “But I cannot determine based on the findings of the expert report that there is a causal connection between his poor physical condition and his death, and therefore I cannot determine that the death was caused by a crime.”

The judge continued: “Given this state of affairs, the investigation into his death is exhausted.”

Under Israeli law, judges may oversee investigations when detainees die in custody. These judicial officials can examine evidence to determine death causes and investigate potential wrongdoing. When evidence of misconduct emerges, judges can pursue criminal charges or, as happened with Ahmad’s case, halt the investigation entirely.

Haaretz obtained access to the ruling after successfully petitioning to have a gag order removed from the case. Most details of the decision remain confidential beyond the judge’s conclusion.

This situation has drawn attention to how Israel handles Palestinian prisoners, especially minors, within its correctional system.

According to his family, Ahmad was taken from his residence in the occupied West Bank community of Silwad during an early morning operation in September 2024, accused of hurling rocks at military personnel. His attorney, Firas al-Jabrini, reported that Israeli officials rejected multiple requests to meet with Ahmad before his death. Ahmad’s father, Khalid Ahmad, said his son was awaiting another court appearance when he died.

Dr. Daniel Solomon, the Israeli physician who observed the autopsy, documented that Ahmad suffered from severe malnutrition and displayed symptoms of colon inflammation and scabies. Solomon indicated that Ahmad likely had colitis, a medical condition causing frequent diarrhea that can sometimes be fatal.

Solomon’s findings also referenced prison medical records showing Ahmad had complained about insufficient food portions for several months.

Human rights organizations have documented extensive mistreatment, including inadequate nutrition and water supplies, at Israeli detention facilities since the October 7, 2023 start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Former prisoners have described to the AP deplorable conditions including physical violence, extreme overcrowding, limited healthcare, scabies outbreaks, and unsanitary environments.

Israeli rights organization B’Tselem reported that as of late September, Israel’s Prison Service held 350 Palestinian minors on what officials termed “security” charges, based on government statistics. An additional 110 Palestinian youth were detained for unauthorized presence in Israel.

Neither Israel’s prison service nor police responded to requests for comment.

The prison service maintains it follows legal requirements and provides all inmates with fundamental rights.

Ahmad’s father informed the AP that Israeli authorities continue to hold his son’s remains. The family has filed court papers seeking the body’s return.

“What is happening in Israeli prisons is a real tragedy, as there is no value for life,” he told the AP in April 2025.

ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — Eleven people died when armed militants launched an ambush against Nigerian security personnel who were responding to an emergency call in the country’s northwest Kebbi state, government officials reported Wednesday.

The deadly assault took place late Tuesday in Kebbi’s Shanga council area, where security forces were being sent to address intelligence warnings of an imminent attack, state government spokesperson Yahaya Sarki confirmed. Nine soldiers, one police officer, and one civilian were killed in the violence.

Additional soldiers sustained injuries during the confrontation in Giron Masa village, Sarki reported, while sharing images showing destroyed vehicles on a dirt road cutting through forested terrain.

State Governor Nasir Idris made a hospital visit to see the wounded troops and acknowledged the significant casualties from the incident. “Those that lost their lives, the government of Kebbi state will do everything to assist the families,” he stated.

This deadly encounter represents another episode in the ongoing violence plaguing Nigeria’s conflict-torn northwestern territories, where militant organizations regularly assault government security personnel and isolated rural settlements in regions where official authority remains weak.

While no organization has taken credit for Tuesday’s violence, local residents believe the Islamic State Sahel Province (ISSP), locally called Lakurawa, may be responsible. This group has intensified its deadly operations recently in border states including Kebbi and Sokoto, which share a porous frontier with Niger Republic.

U.S. forces conducted a strike against Lakurawa inside Nigeria during December, working alongside Nigerian military units. The American intervention followed President Donald Trump’s accusations that Christians were being systematically killed in Nigeria.

Nigerian defense officials have previously stated that Lakurawa originated in neighboring Niger and expanded its Nigerian border operations after a 2023 military takeover in Niger damaged diplomatic ties between the two nations.