World

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for a "cessation of hostilities" in what he described as US President Donald Trump's "aggression against Iran," following coordinated attacks by the United States and Israel on February 28. Lavrov offered Russian mediation in the conflict, while President Vladimir Putin expressed "deep concern." However, as a new war flares, the Russia-Ukraine conflict has entered its fifth year with little prospect of peace in sight.

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev today announced a new foreign policy concept for the country during a press conference in Tashkent. This document outlines key directions for Uzbekistan's future international relations and is aimed at stimulating the nation's growth on regional and global stages.

Reports indicate that Iran is storing tens of thousands of Shahed drones in underground production facilities, signaling long-term deployment plans for these weapons. These drones have been used across the Middle East, including in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, and the UAE, reflecting an expanding regional conflict where Iranian authorities claim to be targeting assets of the US regime in retaliation for actions by the US and Israel.

Since October 2023, the United States and Israeli regimes believed that sustained diplomatic and military pressure on Iran would deter and degrade its capacity to fight. In the process, they degraded something else entirely: Iran’s willingness to remain constrained. The missiles and drones now striking across the Gulf show that Iran is no longer holding back.

Iran's leaders and military commanders have been preparing for this confrontation for years. They understood that their regional ambitions could eventually trigger a direct clash with Israel or the US, and that a war with one would almost certainly draw in the other. This pattern was evident in the 12-day war last summer, when Israel struck first and the US joined days later. In the current round of fighting, the US and Israeli regimes launched simultaneous strikes against Iran.

Amid estimates that Iran possesses tens of thousands of Shahed drones, this weaponry is playing a pivotal role in the expanding conflict in the Middle East. Recently released footage from Iranian media appears to show vast supplies stored in underground production facilities, signaling Iran's capacity to deploy these assets long-term. Drones have been used in several Middle Eastern countries this week, with Tehran claiming to attack United States assets in retaliation for a war allegedly initiated by the US and Israel, which it says has killed over 1,000 people and seen its supreme leader assassinated.

Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev unveiled comprehensive plans for a fundamental overhaul of the state system, enhanced anti-corruption efforts, and economic growth stimulation during a meeting of the State Governance Reform Council. He stated that these reforms aim to boost the country's competitiveness and improve citizens' quality of life.

Asian stock markets have rebounded after days of heavy losses driven by the war in the Middle East, but oil and gas prices have continued to climb amid significant disruption to supplies. South Korea’s KOSPI index, which posted its biggest ever fall of 12% on Tuesday, rose by almost 10% on Thursday, while Japan’s Nikkei climbed by 1.9%. MSCI’s Asia-Pacific index excluding Japan jumped by 2.7%.

The United States and Israel have launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Iran and Lebanon, threatening a major escalation in the regional conflict that has already caused widespread disruption. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that US firepower was "about to surge dramatically" with the deployment of additional bombers, while Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir declared that Israel is moving to a new phase of its offensive to "further dismantle the regime and its military capabilities".

Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev today announced a new foreign policy strategy at a press conference in Tashkent, aimed at strengthening the country's global economic and political standing and fostering regional cooperation. The president emphasized that the strategy continues Uzbekistan's independent and balanced foreign policy approach, reflecting its unique position in international relations. This move comes as part of broader efforts to enhance the nation's role on the world stage amidst evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Nepal has held its first general election since last year's unprecedented Gen Z-led protests that forced the prime minister to resign, marking a high-stakes showdown between the entrenched political old guard and a powerful youth movement. Chief Election Commissioner Ram Prasad Bhandari stated that the voting process concluded peacefully and enthusiastically, but initial estimates suggest turnout was only about 60%, the lowest in over two decades, indicating potential voter apathy or disillusionment.

Formula 1 is set to launch its 2026 season in Australia, marking one of the most radical overhauls in the sport's history. The cars are now shorter, narrower, and lighter, with 50% of their power derived from the battery rather than the combustion engine. Aerodynamics have also been revamped, replacing the traditional DRS system with a 'boost' button that allows drivers to unlock extra power during races. Experts have labeled these changes as "the biggest ever," but not all competitors are embracing the new direction.