“We worked shoulder to shoulder alongside the IDF, [...] exerting influence based on relative advantages and a true partnership in striking targets in the heart of Tehran, thwarting senior officials [and] achieving air superiority,” he said.

Barnea said the agency’s activities this year in Lebanon and Iran “broke boundaries” and extended its operational reach.

“We obtained strategic and tactical intelligence at the core of the enemy's secrets. We demonstrated new and groundbreaking operational capabilities in the target countries,” he asserted.

He added that the operations have “strengthened” Israel’s position and emphasised continued readiness and intelligence efforts.

“We are committed to operational intelligence audacity and we are committed to the principle of action. We will not rest on our laurels when facing a threat. We will act with full force,” he said.

"I am happy to announce to you that tonight, together with my friend Yair Lapid, I am doing the most Zionist and most patriotic act we have ever done for our country," Bennett said.

Bennett stated that if he returns to office, he will establish a state commission to investigate the Hamas-led October 7, 2023, attack, a step he said the current government has not taken.

“On the first day of a new government led by me, we will establish a state commission of inquiry into the October massacre to bring truth to the families and answers to all the people of Israel." He also said his administration would introduce a limit of eight years for a prime minister’s tenure.

Lapid, who currently leads the opposition, said Bennett would head the new party and described him as capable of leading the country.

He added that a unified opposition could defeat the current government, referencing Peter Magyar's landslide win against Viktor Orban in the recent elections in Hungary.

"After 16 years in power, Orban lost. It happened because people believed change was possible. They united behind a single candidate, fought for their country, and won. That's why Bennett and I are here."

Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, has faced criticism over his handling of regional conflicts and allegations that he has avoided accountability for failures during his time in office.

Bennett and Lapid previously formed a coalition that removed Netanyahu from power in 2021, ending his 12-year rule. The coalition lasted 18 months before Netanyahu returned to office in November 2022.

Somalia’s ambassador to Ethiopia and the African Union, Abdullah Warfa, delivered the announcement. He warned that any violation of Somalia’s territorial sovereignty would not be tolerated.

He further stated that external interference could result in countermeasures, including restricting access to the Bab al-Mandab Strait.

The ban comes after Israel implemented an agreement to exchange ambassadors with Somaliland.

Netanyahu also warned that Israel would continue operations against threats from Lebanon. “We maintain full freedom of action against any threat. Even emerging threats,” he said, adding that Israel was determined to restore security for residents in the north.

His remarks come as a fragile U.S.-Iran ceasefire remains under strain, following weeks of fighting and disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz. Talks held in Islamabad earlier this month failed to produce a breakthrough.

In Lebanon, cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah has continued despite calls for de-escalation. Lebanese officials have accused Israel of violating sovereignty through air strikes and incursions, while Israel says its operations are aimed at pushing Hezbollah away from the border.

What they said

UNDP administrator Alexander De Croo said, “Even if the war would stop tomorrow, those effects, you already have them, and they will be pushing back more than 30 million people into poverty.” He warned, “Food insecurity will be at its peak level in a few months – and there is not much that you can do about it,” and added, “Things that take decades to build up, it takes eight weeks of war to destroy them.” On humanitarian impacts, he said, “We will have to say to certain people, really sorry, but we can’t help you… People who would be surviving on help will not have this, and will be pushed into even greater vulnerability.”

“I am pleased to say that Argentina and Israel are not merely partners, they are friendly nations. I feel deeply grateful to be able to light one of the 12 torches that represent the tribes of the people of Israel,” Milei said.

This visit is Milei’s third official trip to Israel since he assumed office. His participation in the ceremony marked the first time a foreign head of state had taken part in the country’s official Independence Day event.

Milei has maintained a close relationship with Israel. He has described himself as “spiritually Jewish” and has expressed a desire to convert to Judaism , despite his Catholic upbringing.

“We remain in Lebanon,” he said. “This is a security belt that stretches from the sea, continues to Mount Dov and the approaches to Mount Hermon, all the way to the Syrian border.”

Netanyahu said the zone differs from Israel’s more limited presence before the military campaign known as Operation Lion's Roar.

The Israeli leader also said he had rejected two ceasefire conditions proposed by Hezbollah: a full Israeli withdrawal to the international border and a “quiet for quiet” arrangement.

Defrin said the military needs parliament to pass legislation dealing with compulsory service and to revise reserve duty rules, arguing that the current legal framework no longer matches the scale of Israel’s present security demands. He said the existing reserve service law was designed for an earlier period and now needs to be reworked to better support reservists and active-duty soldiers.

According to Defrin, the manpower gap has practical consequences on the battlefield, including thinner staffing in combat units. He said the shortage effectively means fewer troops available at the battalion level, at a time when the army says its missions are continuing to expand.

The comments come amid a broader debate in Israel over military conscription and the growing strain on reserve forces. Recent reporting has shown senior military officials warning of mounting pressure on troop numbers as the army tries to sustain operations across multiple theatres.

Organisers said the mission is supported by a coalition of more than 70 vessels and around 1,000 participants from over 70 countries. According to a statement from the Global Sumud Flotilla, the initiative has entered its final departure phase from Barcelona.

Ghada said the twins were born 17 years after her older children . The family had already been displaced once during the conflict in November 2023 but returned home in March 2025, hoping the situation had stabilised.

Their hopes were short-lived when violence resumed about a year later, forcing them to evacuate again.

“Our forces are continuing to strike Hezbollah. The fighting is focused on Bint Jbeil,” Netanyahu said. “We are about to overcome Bint Jbeil. We are, in effect, about to eliminate this great stronghold of Hezbollah.”

Bint Jbeil has long been regarded as a key flashpoint along the Israel-Lebanon border and was a major battleground during the 2006 Lebanon War.

China is shown as the largest single destination, taking roughly 23% of flows, followed by India at 13%, with Japan, South Korea and Southeast Asia also accounting for significant shares.

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration , around 84% of crude oil and condensate shipped through the Strait of Hormuz in 2024 was destined for Asian countries.

China, India, Japan and South Korea alone accounted for roughly 69% of total flows, making them the most exposed to any disruption.

The International Energy Agency estimates that nearly a third of globally traded crude oil passes through the strait, with China and India together receiving about 44% of these exports.

The Strait of Hormuz handles around 20 million barrels of oil per day, roughly a fifth of global petroleum consumption, making it the most important oil transit chokepoint in the world.

It also carries a significant share of global liquefied natural gas, particularly exports from Qatar, one of the world’s largest LNG suppliers.

Despite its importance, alternatives remain limited. Pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates can bypass part of the route, but cannot fully replace their capacity in the event of a disruption.

By contrast to Asia, Western economies account for a much smaller share of direct imports.

The United States and Europe together receive less than 10% of oil flows through the strait, reflecting increased domestic production in the U.S. and diversified supply chains in Europe.

In 2024, the U.S. imported only about 7% of its crude oil from Persian Gulf countries via the strait, highlighting its reduced dependence compared with previous decades.

The Strait’s strategic importance has made it a recurring focal point of geopolitical tension.

Recent conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the USA have once again highlighted the vulnerability of global energy supply chains, with shipping disruptions triggering price volatility and raising fears of broader economic fallout.

His remarks, which also referenced civilian casualties in the Middle East , triggered immediate outrage in the chamber. Poland’s parliamentary speaker condemned the display as “unjustified” and said penalties would be proposed for using a banned symbol.

The Embassy of Israel in Warsaw denounced the incident as an “antisemitic horror,” urging Polish authorities to respond.

The controversy comes as Poland marked the annual March of the Living at the former Nazi death camp Auschwitz, amplifying sensitivities around Holocaust imagery.

Berkowicz’s intervention also unfolded against a backdrop of escalating regional tensions. Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon have continued despite a ceasefire agreed in October 2025, with reported casualties in the thousands and widespread displacement.

The Israeli leader accused European nations of losing control over their identity and values, adding that Israel’s actions were helping protect the continent.

Lebanese officials have signalled openness to a pause in military activity—if not a full ceasefire—ahead of planned talks with Israel. The initiative reflects growing pressure to contain escalating violence along the border, as diplomatic efforts intensify. Authorities stressed that halting hostilities could create conditions for meaningful negotiations, although divisions remain internally over how to approach Israel. The talks are seen as a rare opportunity to de-escalate a conflict that has rapidly worsened in recent weeks. However, the absence of consensus within Lebanon complicates the government’s position. The outcome will likely depend on both regional dynamics and international mediation efforts.

Marco Rubio to join historic Lebanon–Israel talks

Senior US officials, including Marco Rubio, are set to participate in high-level talks between Lebanon and Israel in Washington. The meeting marks the first direct engagement between the two sides in decades, underscoring the urgency of the crisis. According to reports, discussions will focus on securing a ceasefire and addressing broader security concerns, particularly the role of armed groups. Washington’s involvement highlights the international dimension of the conflict and efforts to broker stability. However, expectations remain cautious given entrenched positions on both sides. The talks come amid ongoing violence and humanitarian concerns.

Government bans non-state weapons in Beirut

The Lebanese government has moved to ban the presence of non-state weapons in Beirut, reinforcing its authority over security matters. The decision forms part of broader efforts to assert state control and limit the influence of armed groups such as Hezbollah. Officials emphasised that all military activity must fall under state institutions, signalling a significant policy shift. The measure follows escalating tensions and internal criticism over the role of militias in dragging Lebanon into conflict. Analysts warn that enforcing the ban could prove challenging given Hezbollah’s entrenched position. Nonetheless, the move reflects increasing pressure for centralised control

Civilian toll mounts as Israeli airstrikes continue

The number of casualties in Lebanon has surpassed 1,900 as Israeli airstrikes continue across the country, according to media reports. The bombardment has caused widespread destruction in urban and rural areas, displacing large numbers of civilians. Hospitals and emergency services are under severe strain as they respond to the growing humanitarian crisis. The escalation follows renewed hostilities linked to the broader regional conflict involving Iran and allied groups. International actors have raised concerns over the scale of the violence and its impact on civilians. Despite diplomatic efforts, there are few signs of an immediate de-escalation.

Hezbollah tensions rise amid protests and army warnings

Tensions within Lebanon are intensifying as Hezbollah faces growing opposition and protests. Demonstrations have erupted against the group’s actions, which many blame for drawing the country deeper into conflict. In response, the Lebanese army has warned it may intervene firmly to maintain order and uphold state authority. The standoff highlights deep divisions within Lebanese society over Hezbollah’s role and influence. Political leaders are increasingly under pressure to balance internal stability with external threats. The situation remains volatile as both political and security tensions continue to escalate.

He added: “There is more to do, and we are doing it… we have effectively changed the face of the Middle East . Our enemies, Iran and the axis of evil, came to destroy us, and now they are simply fighting for their survival.”

Netanyahu was accompanied by Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israel Defence Forces Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, and Northern Command head Major General Rafi Milo, according to reports.

The remarks come as the Lebanese presidency confirmed direct talks with Israel will begin on Tuesday at the US State Department in Washington, even as Israeli airstrikes continue despite a ceasefire agreed last week between the United States , Israel and Iran’s allies.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun is pressing for an immediate and stable ceasefire amid a worsening humanitarian situation, while Israel is expected to demand the full disarmament of Hezbollah and tighter border security.

Separately, US Vice President JD Vance held 21 hours of talks with Iran ian officials in Islamabad, which ended on Sunday without agreement. Vance said the outcome was “bad news for Iran, much more than it's bad news for the United States."

“We’ve made very clear what our red lines are,” he said, adding that the US wants a long-term commitment from Iran not to pursue a nuclear weapon. “We haven’t seen that yet.”

He said the US left the talks with a “final and best offer” still on the table and insisted the delegation had negotiated in good faith.

“I think that we were quite flexible. We were quite accommodating,” Vance said.

He added that President Donald Trump was kept informed throughout the talks and praised Pakistan for trying to help both sides reach an agreement.

The negotiations followed a conditional two-week ceasefire announced on Wednesday, tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.

Miadfar said the heaviest casualties were recorded in Tehran, Khuzestan, Lorestan, Isfahan, Kermanshah and Ilam provinces. He described one of the worst incidents as taking place at a school in Minab, saying the number of victims there included large numbers of women and minors. He also said Iran’s emergency response system had been hit hard, with “118 people ” injured among responders, “26” killed, and dozens of bases and ambulances damaged, Viory reports.

His remarks came as diplomacy between Tehran and Washington remained deadlocked. U.S. and Iranian delegations ended talks in Islamabad without an agreement after marathon negotiations, casting fresh doubt over a fragile two-week ceasefire reached earlier this week.

That ceasefire, brokered with Pakistani mediation, was tied to the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Although the truce initially eased fears of a wider regional war, the breakdown in talks has renewed uncertainty over both the ceasefire and shipping through the strait.

According to Netanyahu, the talks would focus on the disarmament of Hezbollah and the possibility of reaching what he described as a “sustainable, historic” peace agreement between the two countries.

Khamenei’s statement came despite a fragile two-week ceasefire agreed this week between Washington and Tehran, with further talks expected in Islamabad under Pakistani mediation. The truce has been presented by both sides as a temporary opening for diplomacy , but its durability remains in doubt amid continued regional tensions.

Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Saeed Khatibzadeh said the Strait of Hormuz remained open, but added that traffic was still subject to technical restrictions because of the recent war and measures imposed during the conflict. He said vessels seeking passage would need to coordinate with Iran’s military , underlining that navigation through the chokepoint remains tightly controlled.

The status of Hormuz remains central to the ceasefire, with U.S. President Donald Trump insisting that the waterway must be fully reopened. Shipping data and industry reports suggest traffic is still heavily restricted, with many vessels waiting to transit the route.

"The ceasefire between the US and Iran offers an opportunity to prevent further loss of lives between Lebanon and Israel. We urge all concerned to abide by the ceasefire. Now is the time to pursue talks to resolve outstanding differences and work towards a permanent ceasefire and a long-term solution to the conflict," Haq said.

He also added that UN peacekeepers in southern Lebanon continued to be affected by the violence . It said six UNIFIL personnel were injured on Thursday after rocket and artillery fire near Atteri in Sector West, with one suffering a shrapnel wound and five others affected by acoustic trauma. UN vehicles were also damaged.

Separately, the UN said Israeli forces briefly detained a UNIFIL peacekeeper after blocking a logistics convoy, before releasing the person less than an hour later following direct intervention by mission officials. The organisation said the detention violated international law and called for an immediate end to any intimidation or interference with its peacekeeping operations.

The pope also invited Catholics to join him for a prayer vigil for peace at St Peter’s Basilica on Saturday, April 11, saying the current moment required prayer as delicate diplomatic efforts continued. He has repeatedly urged world leaders to choose negotiation over war in recent weeks.

His remarks came after Washington and Tehran announced a provisional two-week ceasefire, brokered by Pakistan, under which Iran agreed to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and both sides were expected to continue talks in Islamabad. President Donald Trump said he had suspended threatened attacks on Iran as part of the deal.

The truce has been welcomed internationally as a chance to step back from a wider regional war, though its durability remains uncertain amid fresh tensions involving Lebanon and shipping through Hormuz. Global markets initially rallied on the news , while diplomats cautioned that only sustained negotiations could turn the pause into a lasting settlement.

The comments came after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had agreed to suspend attacks on Iran for two weeks, on the condition that Tehran immediately reopen the Strait of Hormuz. India has also said it has been in close contact with regional stakeholders to ensure safe maritime transit, with several Indian vessels crossing the waterway safely in recent days.

Jaiswal added that India remained focused on the safety of its citizens in the region, with evacuation efforts continuing through neighbouring countries as airspace restrictions complicate travel .

But can’t they really?

About the ICC

The ICC was created by the Rome Statute as a court of last resort. It prosecutes individuals, not states, and covers four core crimes: genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and aggression. 

It is meant to step in only when national authorities are unwilling or unable genuinely to investigate and prosecute. Its jurisdiction is also limited. In general, the court can act when the alleged crimes were committed on the territory of a state party, by a national of a state party, or when the UN Security Council refers a situation to it. 

As of now, 125 countries are parties to the Rome Statute : 33 African States, 19 Asia-Pacific States, 20 countries from Eastern Europe, 28 Latin American and Caribbean States, and 25 Western European and other States.

Important to note: the United States and Israel are not parties to the statute. 

Most of ICC’s defendants are from the Global South

That legal architecture helps explain why the ICC’s public defendants list remains heavily weighted towards weaker or more internationally exposed states. 

ICC’s website currently lists 74 defendants. The roster is dominated by African situations, including the Democratic Republic of the Congo (6), Uganda (5), Sudan (7), the Central African Republic (12), Kenya (9), Libya (14), Côte d’Ivoire (3) and Mali (3). The remainder stretches across places such as Afghanistan (2), Georgia (3), Ukraine (6), the State of Palestine (3) and the Philippines (1). 

An overwhelming majority — 51 defendants — face war crimes allegations. These include Sudan’s Abd-Al-Rahman, who is suspected of 31 counts of war crimes and is in ICC custody, and Libya’s Khaled Mohamed Ali El Hishri, better known as “El Hishri.”

Warrants for Netanyahu, Putin

That is not to say the court has never tried to go after bigger fish.

Russian President Vladimir Putin is the subject of an ICC arrest warrant for the alleged war crimes of unlawfully deporting and transferring Ukrainian children. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant are also the subjects of ICC warrants after judges said there were reasonable grounds to believe they bore criminal responsibility for, among other acts, starvation as a method of warfare, murder, persecution and intentionally directing attacks against civilians in Gaza. 

Those cases show that the court can, at least on paper, move against leaders backed by strong states. But a warrant is not an arrest, and the court has no police force of its own. It depends on state cooperation.

Can they get Trump?

The Iran war illustrates the next barrier. There are already credible traces of conduct that international humanitarian law treats as potentially criminal. 

For instance, attacks on civilian installations can constitute war crimes if they fail the tests of military necessity, distinction and proportionality. Trump’s threats against bridges and power plants therefore fall squarely within such conduct.

In a joint letter published on April 2, more than 100 US-based international law experts expressed “serious concerns about violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, including potential war crimes.”

They cited Trump’s threats to Iran’s energy infrastructure, as well as the February 28 strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, which resulted in the deaths of at least 175 people, many of them children.

“The strike likely violates international humanitarian law, and if evidence is found that those responsible were reckless, it could also be a war crime. The strike is among the deadliest single attacks by the U.S. military on civilians in recent decades,” the lawyers noted.

So can the ICC get Trump or Netanyahu? Netanyahu is already within the court’s reach because the judges have said the court has jurisdiction in the State of Palestine and have rejected Israel’s challenge. 

Trump is a different case. 

Washington has gone beyond non-membership and moved to punish the court itself. In a February 2025 order, the White House called the ICC’s actions against the US and Israel “illegitimate and baseless,” said neither country had accepted the court’s jurisdiction, and authorised sanctions, asset blocking and visa restrictions against ICC officials and those assisting them. 

In practice, that leaves the ICC confronting the same problem critics have long identified: it can name the powerful, but it is far better equipped to jail the weak.

Sadrist Movement official Sabah al-Saadi said the demonstrations reflected Iraqis’ desire for peace, freedom and dignity, while rejecting aggression, colonialism and foreign domination in the region. Another protester, Sheikh Muhammad al-Atwani, denounced attacks on what he described as safe areas, including schools sheltering families and children, and reaffirmed opposition to occupation.

The protests followed a statement issued by al-Sadr earlier in the week urging Iraqis to take to the streets to condemn what he called “Zionist-American aggression” and to call for peace . Demonstrators said Iraq and the wider region wanted stability, but rejected what they described as U.S.-Israeli hegemony against Arab and Muslim peoples.

Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters later praised Iraq’s position, thanking in particular the Popular Mobilisation forces, resistance factions and the Shiite community for their support. It also said Iraq would be exempt from any Iranian transit restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz.

Regional tensions have soared since the United States and Israel launched a joint military operation against Iran on February 28, amid diplomatic efforts over Tehran’s nuclear and missile programmes.

The rescue came after a U.S. F-15E was shot down over Iran, triggering a nearly two-day search for its second crew member. U.S. forces eventually extracted the wounded officer in a high-risk operation that U.S. media said involved special operations troops and a CIA deception effort to mislead Iranian forces.

The episode has unfolded against the backdrop of the widening U.S.-Iran war, which began after U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28.

Reuters, citing an Israeli security official, reported that Israeli intelligence helped the rescue mission and that Israel paused operations in the area to support it, underlining the close coordination between Washington and Tel Aviv as the conflict deepens.

Another protester described the law as “barbarism in the 21st century” and accused Israel and the United States of justifying abuses under the banner of religion.

The protest is the latest in Spain to denounce Israeli policies toward Palestinians amid continued anger over the conflict.

Figures drawn from multiple media and defence sources indicate that more than 1,300 ballistic missiles and nearly 3,900 drones were deployed by Iran in roughly the first five weeks of the conflict, underscoring the scale of its initial offensive.

The bulk of Iran’s launches occurred in the opening phase of the conflict . In the first week alone, hundreds of missiles and over a thousand drones were reportedly fired, reflecting what analysts describe as a “shock-and-saturation” strategy aimed at overwhelming air defence systems.

Data compiled by Al Jazeera shows that in the first 24 hours, Iran fired 167 missiles and over 500 drones at targets in the region, including the United Arab Emirates.

This intensity was consistent with broader patterns observed in the early days of the conflict, when large salvos were used to expand the battlefield and test defensive systems across multiple countries.

However, the pace of launches dropped significantly in subsequent weeks.

Sustained U.S. and Israeli airstrikes targeting missile infrastructure and launch sites led to a dramatic reduction in Iran’s firing rate , in some cases by up to 90% compared with the early days of the war.

By mid-conflict, Iran was launching roughly 20 to 30 missiles per day on average, alongside continued drone attacks, according to defence analysts tracking the war.

Despite the reduction, attacks continued across the region, with Gulf states reporting interceptions of missiles and drones targeting energy infrastructure and military bases.

One of the most notable trends has been the scale of drone warfare. Drones accounted for the majority of Iran’s launches during the first five weeks, reflecting their lower cost and ability to evade defences when used in large numbers.

Even as launch rates declined, Western intelligence assessments suggest Iran retained a significant portion of its arsenal and operational capacity.

Recent reporting indicates that only part of Iran’s missile and drone inventory has been destroyed, with mobile launch systems and underground storage allowing continued attacks despite heavy bombardment.

What they said

Limor Son Har-Melech, Knesset member for Otzma Yehudit, announced, "The Death Penalty for Terrorists Law, 5786–2026, has been approved in the second and third readings and will enter the law books of the State of Israel. Blessed are we who have lived, endured, and reached this moment. The people of Israel live." National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also said, “Today we are restoring sanity to the State of Israel… A law of the death penalty for terrorists… is a historic law that changes the current reality.”

Trump’s claim has not been confirmed by Iranian officials.

His remarks come as the conflict — now in its second month — intensifies pressure on one of the world ’s most critical oil transit routes. The Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway linking the Persian Gulf to global markets, handles a significant share of global oil shipments.

Washington has accused Tehran of effectively blockading the strait, disrupting energy flows and driving volatility in oil prices.

The US president also struck a combative tone, warning that military action would continue in the absence of concessions. “Until then, we are blasting Iran into oblivion,” he said.

Earlier, Trump suggested that successive waves of US-Israeli strikes had already reshaped Iran’s leadership, claiming without evidence that a “new regime” had emerged following the deaths of senior officials.

Tehran has not acknowledged any ceasefire request or direct negotiations with Washington.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway located between Iran, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Oman. It is one of the most important global energy transit routes, with about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas passing through it. The strait has been effectively closed by Iran since the United States and Israel launched attacks on 28 February. This has disrupted one of the world’s busiest oil shipping channels.

"Russia can offer the world such solutions and play an important role in shaping the new architecture of global logistics and international trade as a whole. For our partners, Russian logistic routes can be economically beneficial due to reduced transportation times as well as in terms of diversifying global transport flows," he added.

According to estimates from the US Energy Information Administration (EIA), about 20 million barrels of oil passed through the strait per day in 2025. This represents nearly $600 billion (£447 billion) in annual energy trade .

Trump also suggested allies should secure their own energy supplies, while Iranian authorities warned access through the Strait of Hormuz could be restricted depending on countries’ positions in the conflict .

The resolution, UNGA A/80/L.48, sponsored by Ghana on behalf of the African Group, was adopted on March 25 with 123 votes in favour, three against (Israel, the United States and Argentina) and 52 abstentions. It urges states to pursue “reparatory justice,” including steps such as apologies, restitution and the return of looted cultural artefacts.  

Israel’s position is similar to concerns raised by other Western delegations that did not back the text. The United Kingdom, for example, abstained and warned against language that could be read as ranking crimes against humanity.  

“The UK continues to disagree with fundamental propositions of the text and, therefore, regrettably, cannot vote in favour of it. Firstly, the UK is firmly of the view that we must not create a hierarchy of historical atrocities.  Doing so simplifies the complexity and vast scale of suffering endured in different contexts. It risks diminishing the experiences of communities whose trauma and suffering was felt just as strongly. No single set of atrocities should be regarded as more or less significant than another,” the UK noted in an explanatory statement.

Israel said its “no” vote was not a denial of slavery’s historical harm, but a protest over the final wording, and it expressed regret that negotiations did not produce changes that might have allowed broader support.  

Will you be done within a week, asked a reporter?

"No", Trump said. But "soon".

The press conference Donald Trump gave in the White House didn't exactly clear things up on when the conflict in the Middle East might wind down, from an American perspective at least. But it did give a lot of clues as to Trump's thinking.

A necessary condition, he said, would be a situation: "Where they're not going to be starting the following day to develop a nuclear weapon." But last year, he had already "obliterated" Iran's nuclear capabilities. That was the successful outcome of 2025's operation Midnight Hammer.

He was asked about his promise to help the Iranian people .

"I'd like to," he replied. "If they can behave. But they've been very menacing. You know, they're great people. They have an amazing population . It's amazing. Smart, brilliant, energetic. They have a great population. I'd love to help them, but they have to be in a system that allows them to be helped. And right now, they're in a system that only allows failure."

The early calls for regime change seem to have been dropped as the Iranian government shows no sign of loosening its grip on power. Trump indicated that he wanted an arrangement like the one he enjoys with Venezuela, whose new leader is cooperating closely with the US. But he also held back from pledging to replace Iran’s new Supreme Leader, who represents complete continuity from his predecessor and father Ali Khamenei.

Israel's views on the matter seem to differ. They have promised to kill Iran's new leader and overthrow the government , and Benjamin Netanyahu has said his country is not done.

The most uncomfortable moment in the Miami press conference came when the US president was pressed on his claim that Iran had been responsible for hitting a primary school and killing more than 170 of its own citizens, many of them children. Video analysis shows a missile identified as a US-made Tomahawk striking an adjacent military base.

Trump claimed, unfeasibly, that Iran might have obtained one of the US's most prized missiles, together with the skills and systems required to fire it, but finished up promising to accept the results of a US report into the incident.

Overall, the message to the world is that Trump is feeling the impact from surging oil prices and is ready to end the conflict if it starts seriously hurting popularity at home. His message to Tehran, which had been "unconditional surrender or death", now appears to be: hold tight, calm things down and we can get back to business as usual.

World Reframed episode 33 

World Reframed is produced in London by Global South World, part of the Impactum Group. Its editors are Duncan Hooper and Ismail Akwei.

Damage to emergency response services has also mounted. Iran’s Red Crescent has reported that 17 of its centres have been hit and nearly 100 ambulances damaged or destroyed, limiting the ability of medics to reach casualties and transport patients, China Daily r eports.

Beyond ambulances, the Red Crescent said hundreds of facilities essential to public health have been affected, including medical, pharmaceutical and sanitation sites, alongside widespread damage to schools and education facilities, raising concern about longer-term disruptions for families and children.  

Martinez said conditions vary across the country while basic services continue in parts of Tehran, some southern cities have faced water and electricity outages, and the broader economic squeeze is making it harder for households to cover daily needs.

The IFRC has already launched an emergency appeal to support the Iranian Red Crescent response covering shelter, medical services, water and sanitation, and psychosocial support warning that needs are rising as hostilities continue. 

“We want the war in the Middle East to end now. The world is tired of it,” Kainerugaba wrote. “But any talk of destroying or defeating Israel will bring us into the war. On the side of Israel.”

Kainerugaba, the son of President Yoweri Museveni and a key political figure as chairman of the Patriotic League of Uganda, framed his stance in religious terms, citing Christian solidarity with Israel.

“We stand with Israel because we are Christians… Jesus Christ [is] the only One who can forgive sins,” he said, quoting a biblical passage to underscore his position.

The remarks come amid heightened global concern that the Middle East conflict could widen, with alliances and ideological ties potentially drawing in actors beyond the region. 

Kainerugaba’s statements signal that parts of Africa could be pulled into the crisis if hostilities escalate further, particularly if Israel faces direct threats.

In another post, he warned of broader geopolitical consequences, saying an attack on Cuba by “colonialists and imperialists” would mark “the beginning of World War 3,” amid U.S. President Donald Trump’s threats to “take” the Latin American country. 

Kainerugaba also pointed to historical ties between Uganda and Israel, saying Kampala would be prepared to offer assistance if requested.

“Israel stood with us when we were nobodys in the 1980s and 1990s,” he said. “Why wouldn’t we defend her now that our GDP is $100 billion? One of the largest in Africa.”

While the Ugandan government has not issued a formal policy statement echoing his remarks, Kainerugaba’s position is closely watched given his senior military role and political influence.

The credibility of the rules-based order, he stressed, “depends on consistency.”

His remarks come as tensions involving Iran, Israel and the United States continue to reverberate across the Middle East , raising concerns among Asian governments over potential spillover effects on trade, energy security and regional stability.

Anwar reaffirmed Iran’s right to defend its sovereignty under international law, particularly in the context of continued Israeli strikes on Iranian territory and in Lebanon. At the same time, he called on all parties to exercise “maximum restraint” to avoid widening the conflict .

Moreover, the Malaysian premier warned of the risk that neighbouring Gulf states could be drawn further into the crisis, stressing that civilian populations and critical infrastructure in the region must be protected.

“The Gulf states, the region and the world have much at stake — economically, socially and in terms of long-term stability — and their peoples must not bear the consequences of decisions taken elsewhere,” he said.

Heaps praise for Pakistan’s mediation efforts

Alongside his criticism, Anwar signalled support for renewed diplomatic efforts. He welcomed Pakistan’s offer to host dialogue between Washington and Tehran, describing it as a “timely and constructive” initiative, and praised similar earlier efforts by Oman and other countries.

Malaysia supports such initiatives, he said, but cautioned that any negotiations must be anchored on a “clear commitment to ending the conflict”, rather than serving as temporary pauses.

“The international community has seen too many ceasefires that function as pauses rather than conclusions. The region deserves something more durable,” he said.

Anwar added that he had held discussions with leaders from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Türkiye, Egypt, Indonesia, Japan and Pakistan to advocate de-escalation, saying Malaysia would continue to support efforts towards a “just and lasting peace.”

The move comes as the conflict has disrupted energy flows through the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping lane for global oil and gas, contributing to sharp market swings and renewed inflation fears worldwide.  

China is particularly exposed to disruptions in the Gulf because it is a major oil importer, and the NDRC has warned it will work with oil producers and distributors to ensure adequate fuel supply and smooth deliveries across the country.  

The agency also said it would strengthen market supervision and punish price violations, as Beijing tries to prevent shortages and price gouging while global energy markets remain volatile.  

China has also taken other steps in recent weeks to protect domestic supply, including tightening controls on refined fuel exports.

Ali Larijani, head of the Supreme National Security Council and Gholamreza Soleimani, chief of the feared Basij militia were both killed, Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz says.

Larijani was widely viewed as setting Tehran’s strategy following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei at the beginning of the conflict. Unlike Khamenei’s son, the new supreme leader, Larinjani had a significant public profile and was seen as someone who could lead international talks.

His removal makes a negotiated end to the conflict less likely.

After a career in the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, Soleimani took over the Basij in 2019. With 450,000 personnel, it was seen as a key element in maintaining internal discipline, helping to repress dissents and curb protests .

There has been no confirmation of the deaths from Iran

For years, Larijani was seen as a steady and pragmatic figure within Iran’s political system. He helped shape major decisions at home and abroad, including backing the 2015 nuclear deal with world powers. With a background in mathematics and philosophy, and experience across government, parliament and security roles, he built a reputation for balancing ideology with practical decision-making.

That image shifted as the conflict escalated. After the strikes on Iran’s leadership, Larijani quickly stepped forward as one of the most senior remaining officials, helping steer the country through a moment of crisis. His tone became more forceful, mirroring Iran’s broader shift.

He ruled out talks with Washington, saying Iran would “not negotiate” with the United States, and warned of retaliation. In some of his strongest remarks, he said the attacks had “set the heart of the Iranian nation ablaze” and vowed that Iran would make its enemies “regret their actions”. He also warned that any bases used by US forces could become targets.

Larijani came from a powerful political family and held senior roles for decades, including as speaker of parliament. While he was not a candidate to become supreme leader, he was widely seen as a trusted figure capable of helping hold the system together during uncertainty.

In one of his remarks after the war broke out, Larijani said: “Americans should know that we will not leave them. You have left a pain in our hearts. We won't leave you. You must accept that you no longer have the right to violate Iran. Accept that you have been insolent.”

Larijani was last seen in public on March 13 during Quds Day rallies attended by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian.

While Iran has yet to confirm his death, Israel has said it will “continue hunting down” Iran’s leadership, signalling no let-up in the conflict as the war enters its third week.

The data estimates 3,693 missile and drone launches attributed to Iran targeting countries across the Gulf and Israel. The figures highlight the growing reach of Iran’s regional military posture and the uneven distribution of attacks among neighbouring states.

The United Arab Emirates recorded the highest number of launches, with 1,797 missiles and drones, accounting for 48.7% of the total. Analysts say this reflects the UAE’s strategic role in regional security dynamics and its involvement in conflicts where Iranian-backed forces have been active.

“The UAE was the country most affected by Iran's retaliatory attacks,” the data indicates.

Regional breakdown of launches

According to the dataset:

Iran’s growing reliance on drone warfare and missile technology is believed to have reshaped the strategic landscape in the Middle East . The use of relatively low-cost drones alongside ballistic and cruise missiles allows Tehran and allied groups to project power across long distances while maintaining a degree of deniability.

Many of the attacks counted in the data are believed to involve Iran-backed militias or proxy groups operating in conflict zones such as Yemen, Iraq and Syria.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE have previously reported repeated drone and missile interceptions, particularly linked to Houthi forces in Yemen, who Western governments say receive support and technology from Iran.

Major General Samir Farag told Global South Voices’ Kadria Kassem that the current fighting cannot end regional tensions and that a coordinated approach would be necessary.

“We hope the Arab states will heed the advice of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi and form an Arab Army with real military capabilities,” he said in an interview.

Wealthy Arab nations could fund a regional defence industry with the ability to bind their militaries together temporarily in times of war, Farag said.

He pointed out that Washington’s military involvement in the region would fluctuate, but the underlying problems would remain, especially after Tehran’s policy of retaliating against its neighbours.

“The war might end, but the conflict will persist,” he warns.

Egypt’s three demands

Farag, who has held a range of positions in the military at home and abroad and is a former governor of Luxor, set out Egypt's position on the conflict:

That Iran should not have nuclear weapons

That Iran should not attack the Gulf states

That Iran’s government should not fall.

The latter, according to Farag, would create a vacuum and disrupt the regional balance between Turkey, Egypt, Iran and Israel. “Iran’s exit would be harmful to the strategic balance in the Middle East,” he said

Strategic regional balance

Historically, Egypt’s policy has swung from close links with the Soviets under President Abdel Nasser to tight ties with America. Today, according to Farag, President Sisi is seeking a strategic balance, building relationships with Russia, China, the European Union and the USA as well as regional partnerships.

A key part of this careful navigation is a desire to avoid conflict.

It would have been easy, Farag notes, for his country to have been drawn into the conflict in Gaza.

“We in the military know the cost of war, its problems, the various dimensions and dangers. We know what problems can occur. That is why we are careful,” he says.

Nevertheless, despite avoiding conflict itself, Egypt is profoundly impacted by wars elsewhere. As the largest importer of wheat from Russia and Ukraine, it has been hard hit by price rises and disruptions from the fighting there. And the turmoil in the Gulf has had a profound impact on shipping, hammering important revenues from the Suez Canal.

Farag points out that Egypt has taken in 10 million refugees – he calls them guests – far more than any of its neighbours. And those displaced peoples have found a home in the country that means they are not trying to move on towards Europe, he observes: “Egypt always offers help to every country.”

The filing was made under Article 63 of the ICJ’s statute, which allows states that are parties to a treaty, in this case the 1948 Genocide Convention, to intervene when the court is interpreting that treaty, even if they are not a direct party to the dispute.

The ICJ’s case docket shows that Namibia, Hungary and Fiji also filed declarations of intervention on March 12, while the Netherlands and Iceland filed on March 11, widening international involvement in the long-running case.

South Africa launched the case in December 2023, accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza in breach of the Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied the allegation.

The case is still at the written-arguments stage. South Africa filed its main memorial in October 2024, and Israel has received extensions for its counter-memorial, with the latest deadline set for March 12. Any final ruling is expected to take years.

Oil prices have surged above $100 per barrel as military strikes, tanker attacks and the disruption of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz rattle global markets.

Global energy watchdog, the International Energy Agency (IEA), said on Thursday, March 12, the conflict has created the "largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market", removing millions of barrels a day from the market.

The Strait of Hormuz alone normally carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply. With shipping traffic collapsing after Iranian retaliation and US-Israeli strikes, global energy markets have entered a period of extreme volatility.

For Africa, the consequences could be severe.

According to a Ghanaian financial analyst, Nelson Cudjoe Kuagbedzi, the biggest risk for African economies lies in the disruption of international supply chains.

“Okay, so I think the biggest risk has to do basically with the disruption in the international supply chains,” he told Global South  World. “Most of the goods and products that we use in Africa are imported, most especially petroleum products.”

That vulnerability is rooted in the structure of Africa’s energy sector. Despite producing crude oil, the continent lacks sufficient refining capacity and therefore imports much of the fuel it consumes.

In fact, Africa imports more than 70% of its refined petroleum products, leaving economies highly exposed to fluctuations in global oil markets.

Nelson says the continent’s limited production also makes it impossible to cushion the impact of a prolonged conflict.

“It is also important to know that the total crude output in Africa represents less than 10% of global crude output,” he explained.

The crisis also exposes another longstanding economic challenge of how Africa exports raw materials but imports many finished products.

“We haven't also developed our economies enough to the extent that we will use homegrown solutions to solve homegrown policies,” Kuagbedzi said.

“I mean, raw cocoa, raw gold, raw coffee, raw timber.”

For him, the war should serve as a wake-up call.

However, the Middle East remains the backbone of global oil supply. Many members of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) are located in the region, producing a significant share of the petroleum used worldwide.

According to Nelson, that concentration makes Africa particularly vulnerable.

“Most of the OPEC members that produce the chunk of the petroleum products, whether crude or refined, that we use in Africa, most of those OPEC members are in the Middle East,” he said.

With tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz disrupted and oil shipments stalled, markets are already reacting. Brent crude surged past $100 per barrel for the first time since the Ukraine war's energy shock.

If the crisis deepens, some analysts warn prices could climb much higher, intensifying inflation worldwide.

The episode represents what could be described as a Latin American turn in a distant war. For decades, most countries in the region tried to maintain diplomatic balance in Middle Eastern conflicts, avoiding explicit alignment while preserving relations with multiple actors. Milei’s rhetoric breaks with that tradition. By openly identifying himself with Zionism and the strategic position of Israel and the United States, the Argentine leader has moved his country closer to the political logic of global blocs.

The shift is not only diplomatic but also ideological. Milei often frames international politics as a struggle between what he calls the “free world” and authoritarian regimes. In that worldview, support for Israel becomes part of a broader narrative that links Argentina to Western political and economic models. Foreign policy , therefore, is presented not simply as pragmatic diplomacy but as an extension of a larger ideological project.

This posture also reflects Milei’s effort to redefine Argentina’s international identity. Historically, Latin American diplomacy leaned toward multilateralism, neutrality, or regional consensus when confronting distant conflicts. By contrast, Milei’s discourse suggests a more assertive positioning within global disputes. In doing so, Argentina becomes one of the few countries in the region to openly take sides in a conflict unfolding thousands of kilometres away.

The implications go beyond Buenos Aires. If Argentina adopts a consistently aligned stance with Israel and the United States on Middle Eastern affairs, it could alter long-standing diplomatic patterns across Latin America . Some governments in the region have traditionally supported Palestinian causes, while others prefer cautious neutrality. Milei’s position introduces a new variable into that delicate balance.

Ultimately, the significance of the statement lies less in the phrase itself than in what it reveals about the changing geopolitical posture of the region. A Latin American turn in a distant war may still be largely rhetorical, but it reflects a broader question about the region’s place in an increasingly polarised world: whether Latin America will continue observing global conflicts from the sidelines, or whether some of its leaders will choose to take clearer positions in the battles shaping the international order.

In a televised interview, Gharibabadi said Iran considers its current actions to be self-defence rather than aggression.