World

The escalation of the conflict between the US-Israeli alliance and Iran has triggered a sharp spike in oil prices, rising by approximately 30%. This development has raised significant concerns in Germany, where fears are mounting that the price shock could derail hopes for an economic recovery. German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche allegedly stated that "Germany's energy supply is secure," but acknowledged the rapid price increases following the outbreak of hostilities.

China's National People's Congress has approved legislation, referred to as the "ethnic unity" law, which formalizes policies to promote Mandarin as the "national common language" for official purposes, including education and public affairs. Under the new law, educational institutions are now required to teach in Mandarin, and teenagers must achieve a "basic grasp" of the language upon completing their compulsory education.

Three senior American officials reportedly told The Washington Post that Russia is providing Iran with sensitive intelligence, including the precise locations of US warships and aircraft operating across the Middle East. This reveals more than a tactical alliance; it exposes the architecture of a new kind of war—a war without front lines, fought not with tanks or missiles but with radar beams, satellite feeds, and encrypted coordinates. In the Persian Gulf today, the battlefield is the electromagnetic spectrum, and both sides are fighting, above all else, to blind the other.

▪️ Following US strikes on Iran that killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, US President Donald Trump called on Iranians to "take over your government," purportedly stating, "This will be probably your only chance for generations." However, as the war between the US, Israel, and Iran has intensified over the past two weeks, Iranians are receiving sharply conflicting messages about the potential consequences of opposing their government.

According to investigation results cited by The New York Times, a US Tomahawk missile strike on an elementary school building in southern Iran resulted in the deaths of at least 168 people, predominantly schoolgirls. The investigation indicates that this incident occurred due to severe targeting errors, as US military forces intended to attack a base of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) but instead struck the school, which was previously part of that base.

Attacks targeting energy infrastructure across the Gulf region are intensifying. According to a statement from Iraqi authorities, operations have been temporarily halted at all of the country's oil ports. This decision followed an attack on two foreign oil tankers that caught fire near Iraq's southern export terminals. Farhan Al-Fartousi from Iraq's General Company for Ports told state television that one crew member was killed and 38 sailors were rescued as a result of the assault.

Iran's military has stated that it targeted Israeli military bases, including the Palmachim and Ovda airbases, as well as the headquarters of the domestic security service Shin Bet, using drones. The announcement was carried by state television on Thursday, though Israel has yet to comment on these claims. Israel also reported identifying additional missile launches from Iran, with missile alert alarms sounding in Jerusalem and explosions heard as defenses attempted to intercept incoming fire.

Japan's second-largest automaker, Honda, is being forced to undertake a major recalibration of its electric vehicle (EV) strategy. The company stated that this decision is driven by US policy changes and tariffs, as well as reduced competitiveness in Asian markets. Despite previous investments in EV technology development, the current situation is having a severe negative impact on Honda's financial performance.

According to a report by Bloomberg, strikes by the Israeli and US regimes on Iranian factories producing Shahed-136 kamikaze drones have slowed the production process but failed to completely halt it. While the organization and coordination of drone production by Iranian authorities have been disrupted, agency sources emphasize that Iran is still capable of manufacturing Shahed drones, albeit in reduced quantities.

The Middle East may be at a critical turning point. For decades, Gulf cities like Dubai, Doha, and Manama have built economic stability on access to global markets and steady trade, but the current regional conflict is severely threatening this model. Airspace restrictions and conflict have forced airlines to reroute or ground flights, and foreign investors are now questioning the region's investment safety, casting doubt on the future of the Gulf as a global economic hub.

Indonesia's Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin announced plans to expand security cooperation with Australia to include Japan and Papua New Guinea (PNG), following a meeting with his Australian counterpart Richard Marles. According to Reuters, Sjafrie stated that trilateral security arrangements would be developed involving Indonesia, Australia, and Japan, as well as Indonesia, Australia, and PNG, as part of efforts to bolster regional stability in the Indo-Pacific.

▪️ African football’s governing body, the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has postponed the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) just 12 days before its scheduled start, moving it from March 17 to July. The tournament was set to be hosted by Morocco with 16 nations from across the continent competing. In a statement, CAF cited “unforeseen circumstances” but provided no detailed explanation for the decision.