Iran maintained that its nuclear programme is civilian, stating it is used for energy and medical purposes and is within its sovereign rights.

Uranium enrichment is not unique to Iran. Several countries have operated enrichment facilities, including Argentina, Brazil , China, France, Germany, India, Japan, the Netherlands, North Korea, Pakistan, Russia, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

The US position has often been based on concerns about security and stability, arguing that other countries with such capabilities are allies or partners. Iran, however, is located in a region with multiple neighbouring states.

Structurally, China is a unified multi-ethnic country. China officially recognizes 56 ethnic groups, with Han people constituting 91% of the population and the rest representing the minorities. This demographic composition has heavily influenced Beijing’s approach to governance, where unity is not merely ideological but administrative.

On March 12, 2026, China’s National People’s Congress (NPC) adopted the Law of the People’s Republic of China on Promoting Ethnic Unity and Progress (中华人民共和国民族团结进步促进法), to promote ethnic unity and progress. Adopted at the closing meeting of the fourth session of the 14th National People's Congress (NPC), it will come into effect from July 1, 2026.

The legislation aims at legally "fostering a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation" and advancing a law-based governance of ethnic affairs. It is viewed as a transition from earlier policies of limited autonomy towards a more assimilation-driven framework. The government projects this change as a key element for advancing common prosperity and development among all ethnic groups.

The official rhetoric of cohesion and modernization is not restricted to the legal and policy realm, but it extends to the classrooms and personal choices to strengthen the “Chinese” identity.  For example, the law on ethnic unity emphasizes studying Mandarin in pre-schools and directs all the national and local government authorities and private firms to prioritize the display of Chinese characters over minority languages in public settings. The law considers this an important instrument for forging a shared national identity. 

CPC’s understanding of minorities is widely shaped by its priority on national security and stability. From that perspective, the new law appears to be a pragmatic step for achieving standardization across language, administration, and ideology. A strong, shared identity acts as an anchor of society, mitigating friction, providing social cohesion, and strengthening state capacity. By invoking the sense of shared identity, the new law tries to align the ethnic groups with the centralized national narrative and resist separatism in any form.

But instead of social cohesion, this engineered standardization of identity intensifies the hierarchies, conferring privileges to some over the others. This hierarchy is iterated in President Xi Jinping’s new model of governance—a “unified multiethnic state." The new system imagined the Han culture as the trunk of the tree, and the remaining 56 ethnic groups as the branches and leaves.

This metaphor of the trunk and the branches, seemingly benign, is laden with the power asymmetries and a sense of subordination of minorities in the name of nation-building rather than co-existence. Under President Xi, minorities are encouraged to bring colors to the geography of China through their culture, festivals, costumes, songs, etc., but any other identity forged through language or ideas is systematically sinicized. The new law seamlessly merges this Han-centric party ideology into the legal framework. 

In the context of this centralization project, regions like Xinjiang and Tibet lie at the intersection of minority identity and geopolitical priorities of China. While the whole world is saturated with the documented reports on “re-education” centers for the Uyghur Muslims and the associated human rights violations, laws like this raise suspicions about the Party’s intentions. The extensive surveillance and cultural and religious restrictions corroborate the sense of suspicion on the minorities and, hence, Beijing’s drive towards "de-ethnicization" and enforced assimilation.

Similarly, in Inner Mongolia, the centralized implementation of Mandarin in the education system is symbolic of minority identity being re-scripted. Starting from the classrooms, laws like the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law aggressively articulate the state-sponsored singular civilizational narrative of Zhonghua, or Chinese civilization, that is predominantly Han.

Compared to democratic countries like the USA and India, China’s approach stands apart. While both the USA and India have historically embraced plurality and multiculturalism, China is experimenting differently with its minorities. Through instruments like the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law, China is redesigning unity that does not exactly emerge from diversity. This law might redefine the nationhood for Xi’s China in the 21st century, but it has not evolved organically.

Where social cohesion is perceived as synonymous with national security,   ethnic identity becomes increasingly ornamental and performative. Unified national identity is not simply a byproduct of national policies; it is bigger than that. National identity is composed of various ethnic, religious, and language groups that live, negotiate, and thrive together. Whether the Ethnic Unity and Progress Promotion Law can manufacture this national identity and cohesion, however, remains an open question.

The article solely represents the views of Dr. Ila Joshi, an Assistant Professor of International Studies in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences at Jaypee Institute of Information Technology, Noida, India.

With 98.89% of the vote counted, TISZA won 138 seats, Fidesz-KDNP secured 55 seats, and Mi Hazánk obtained 6 seats.

The outcome marks a major political shift in Hungary, where Orbán had been one of Europe’s most controversial leaders. He was widely seen as the European Union’s most autocratic leader and maintained close ties with U.S. President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. His removal is expected to ease tensions within the EU, where officials have long accused him of undermining democratic systems and taking advantage of institutional weaknesses.

Orbán also faced criticism over his stance on Ukraine. He was accused of supporting actions that helped block €90 billion in European support to Ukraine, raising concerns among European leaders about Hungary’s role in the bloc.

Despite endorsements from Trump and campaign support that included visits from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Vice President JD Vance, the vote appeared to be driven mainly by domestic issues.

Voters were reported to be concerned about Hungary’s economic challenges, as well as allegations of corruption and cronyism linked to Orbán’s administration. The scale of the defeat indicated widespread dissatisfaction, as TISZA was projected to dominate both the national party-list vote and many individual constituencies.

In his speech to supporters, Magyar promised to return Hungary to the main fold of European politics , pledging a pro-European Union and pro-NATO direction for the country.

“My fellow citizens, Hungary will once again be a strong ally in the European Union and NATO. Hungary will once again be a strong ally representing Hungarian interests, because our country's place for a thousand years in Europe was, is, and will be. We will rebuild and strengthen, we will place it on new foundations and expand the cooperation of the Visegrad Four wherever possible,” he said.

The result sparked celebrations in Budapest, where tens of thousands of people took to the streets.

With a projected majority above the threshold required to govern alone, Magyar is expected to form the next government , ending Orbán’s long hold on power and signalling a shift in Hungary’s position within Europe.

“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.

Before the negotiations were underway, US President Donald Trump declared that the US had 'won' the war regardless of diplomatic efforts, adding, "Whether we make a deal or not makes no difference to me."

Iran’s demands include maintaining its right to enrich uranium, the withdrawal of all US combat forces from the Middle East, the introduction of charges for shipments passing through the Strait of Hormuz, and the removal of all sanctions .

In contrast, the United States has called for Iran to completely abandon its enriched uranium programme, stating there should be no enrichment. This position has been described as a firm condition. The US also maintains that the Strait of Hormuz should remain open for free passage, although a toll proposal has been mentioned.

Disagreements have also emerged over a reported ceasefire. Iran has stated that the ceasefire includes Lebanon, while the United States has said it does not. During the same period, Israel reportedly launched a large wave of strikes on Lebanon, resulting in over 300 deaths in one day.

Iran has stated that “the U.S. must choose between ceasefire, or continued war through Israel. It cannot have both.”

Uncertainty remains over the scheduled talks in Islamabad, Pakistan. Details regarding the meeting, including participation and agenda, are still being confirmed. Reports indicate that the Strait of Hormuz has been reclosed, adding to tensions.

If the talks proceed, they are expected to be the highest-level meeting between the United States and Iran in 47 years.

She added that a brief email exchange with Maxwell should not be interpreted as evidence of a deeper connection.

“My polite reply to her email doesn't amount to anything more than a trivial note. I am not Epstein's victim. Epstein did not introduce me to Donald Trump ,” she said.

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 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 .

"I bring you my letter of credence as well as my letter of recall from my predecessor. Mr. President, before I arrived here, I cannot tell you how many people told me that, in short order, I'd fall in love with the country. It's only taken two months, and I can confirm that that has happened," he said.

Bozell said the United States and South Africa shared important values and interests, and pledged to build on mutual respect and cooperation. He also praised South Africa’s Constitution, telling Ramaphosa he hoped to take bilateral relations “to places they’ve never been before.”

"We are two nations with great shared values and interests. Perhaps not enough people understand this, but you, Excellency, were the primary author of your Constitution. You do understand that," he added.

South Africa has in the past month called in the new US ambassador, Leo Brent Bozell III, less than a month after he arrived in the country, after comments he made about the struggle song “Kill the Boer” sparked a diplomatic backlash.

That challenger is Péter Magyar, a former Fidesz insider who now leads the Tisza (Respect and Freedom) Party. What looks like a domestic political contest is also being watched closely far beyond Hungary, with implications for the EU, the US, Russia, and Ukraine.

Orbán’s campaign has focused heavily on the idea of “war or peace.” He has positioned himself as Hungary’s protector, warning that “progressive forces” in the West and Ukraine are trying to pull the country into conflict.

Across Budapest, that message is hard to miss. Posters show Volodymyr Zelensky and Ursula von der Leyen as threatening figures, often described as part of a “pro-war lobby.” Orbán has also claimed—without evidence—that Ukraine could attack Hungary. His allies have gone further, branding Magyar as an “agent of Brussels.”

Magyar, 45, is not a typical opposition figure . He comes from Orbán’s inner circle and broke away after a corruption and pardon scandal. Since then, his Tisza Party has gained momentum.

His focus is different. He talks about the economy, corruption, and the rule of law, what he calls everyday issues. He has also promised to unlock between €18 billion and €22.5 billion in frozen EU funds by restoring Hungary’s alignment with European standards.

Unlike past challengers, Magyar connects with voters in rural areas through retail politics, and his right-leaning background makes him harder to dismiss.

The outcome matters on several levels. At home, Hungary is ranked as the most corrupt country in the EU, with most of its media and judiciary under state control. A Magyar win would aim to reverse that and dismantle what critics call a “soft autocracy.”

In Europe, Orbán has built a reputation as the EU’s “disruptor-in-chief,” often blocking aid to Ukraine and sanctions on Russia. Some EU leaders are now even considering suspending Hungary’s voting rights.

There are also wider geopolitical stakes. Hungary has been accused of acting as Moscow’s “mole” inside the EU, with leaked calls suggesting coordination with Russian diplomats. If Orbán loses, Russia could lose a key ally, and Ukraine could find stronger support.

In the US, Orbán has backing from Donald Trump and has hosted Vice President JD Vance, but some US Senators are pushing sanctions over Hungary’s ties to Russian energy.

Even with polls putting Tisza ahead by 10 to 12 points, victory is not certain. Orbán has reshaped the system, rewriting the constitution and gerrymandering districts to favour Fidesz.

Experts say Magyar may need at least a six-point lead just to win a majority. The campaign has also been hit by claims of Russian-backed disinformation, known as “Gamechanger,” aimed at damaging the opposition and even suggesting staged assassination plots.

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.

"Therefore, the possibility that this was a deception operation to steal the enriched uranium should not be dismissed, but as I said, what is clear is that the result of this operation was nothing more than Second Tabas,” he added. The reference to "Second Tabas" relates to the failed 1980 US mission to rescue hostages in Tehran.

US President Donald Trump stated on Sunday that two US airmen had been rescued after their F-15 aircraft was shot down over Iranian territory. He described the mission as "one of the most daring search-and-rescue operations in US history.”

The journalist then asked: “What is your response to critics who say that it is your mental health that should perhaps be examined as this war continues?”

Trump responded: “I haven't heard that. But if that's the case, you're going to have to have more people like me, because our country was being ripped off on trade, on everything, for many years until I came along.”

The exchange followed a post Trump made on Sunday, April 5, in which he set a deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He wrote: “Tuesday will be Power Plant Day, and Bridge Day, all wrapped up in one, in Iran. There will be nothing like it!!! Open the F***in’ Strait, you crazy bastards, or you’ll be living in Hell.”

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.

“We are in touch with Iran and other countries there to see how best we can get unimpeded transit and safe transit for our ships, which are carrying products including LPG, LNG and other products. Through this conversation that we have had over the last several days, we have had six Indian ships which have been able to safely cross Hormuz and we continue to be in touch with relevant parties on this matter,” Viory quotes.

He said New Delhi would continue engaging with relevant parties to safeguard the movement of Indian vessels through the strategic waterway.

The comments came hours after reports that the bridge, a major artery linking Tehran and Karaj, was hit in two waves of US airstrikes. Iranian state media said the second strike occurred while emergency teams were already responding to the first, Viory reports.

Iranian officials said the strikes killed eight people and wounded 95, while US officials cited in international media described the bridge as a key route they claimed was being used to move military supplies.

Earlier, Trump said the US would leave Iran “whether we have a deal or not” and stated that it could “finish the job” within “two or three weeks.”

"They were the bully of the Middle East, but they're the bully no longer. This is a true investment in your children and your grandchildren's future. The whole world is watching, and they can't believe the power, strength, and brilliance," he said.

Iran—by this very name, character, and identity—is one of the oldest continuous civilizations in human history . Despite its historical and geographical advantages at various times, Iran has never, in its modern history, chosen the path of aggression, expansion, colonialism, or domination. Even after enduring occupation, invasion, and sustained pressure from global powers—and despite possessing military superiority over many of its neighbors—Iran has never initiated a war. Yet it has resolutely and bravely repelled those who have attacked it.

The Iranian people harbor no enmity toward other nations, including the people of America, Europe, or neighboring countries. Even in the face of repeated foreign interventions and pressures throughout their proud history, Iranians have consistently drawn a clear distinction between governments and the peoples they govern. This is a deeply rooted principle in Iranian culture and collective consciousness—not a temporary political stance.

For this reason, portraying Iran as a threat is neither consistent with historical reality nor with present-day observable facts. Such a perception is the product of political and economic whims of the powerful—the need to manufacture an enemy in order to justify pressure, maintain military dominance, sustain the arms industry, and control strategic markets. In such an environment, if a threat does not exist, it is invented.

Within this same framework, the United States has concentrated the largest number of its forces, bases, and military capabilities around Iran—a country that, at least since the founding of the United States, has never initiated a war. Recent American aggressions launched from these very bases have demonstrated how threatening such a military presence truly is. Naturally, no country confronted with such conditions would forgo strengthening its defensive capabilities. What Iran has done—and continues to do—is a measured response grounded in legitimate self-defense, and by no means an initiation of war or aggression.

Relations between Iran and the United States were not originally hostile, and early interactions between the Iranian and American people were not marred with hostility or tension. The turning point, however, was the 1953 coup d’état—an illegal American intervention aimed at preventing the nationalization of Iran’s own resources. That coup disrupted Iran’s democratic process, reinstated dictatorship, and sowed deep distrust among Iranians toward U.S. policies.

This distrust deepened further with America’s support for the Shah’s regime, its backing of Saddam Hussein during the imposed war of the 1980s, the imposition of the longest and most comprehensive sanctions in modern history, and ultimately, unprovoked military aggression—twice, in the midst of negotiations—against Iran.

Yet all these pressures have failed to weaken Iran. On the contrary, the country has grown stronger in many areas: literacy rates have tripled—from roughly 30% before the Islamic Revolution to over 90% today; higher education has expanded dramatically; significant advances have been achieved in modern technology; healthcare services have improved; and infrastructure has developed at a pace and scale incomparable to the past. These are measurable, observable realities that stand independent of fabricated narratives.

At the same time, the destructive and inhumane impact of sanctions, war, and aggression on the lives of the resilient Iranian people must not be underestimated. The continuation of military aggression and recent bombings profoundly affect people’s lives, attitudes, and perspectives. This reflects a fundamental human truth: when war inflicts irreparable harm on lives, homes, cities, and futures, people will not remain indifferent toward those responsible.

This raises a fundamental question: Exactly which of the American people’s interests are truly being served by this war? Was there any objective threat from Iran to justify such behavior? Does the massacre of innocent children , the destruction of cancer-treatment pharmaceutical facilities, or boasting about bombing a country “back to the stone ages” serve any purpose other than further damaging the United States’ global standing?

Iran pursued negotiations, reached an agreement, and fulfilled all its commitments. The decision to withdraw from that agreement, escalate toward confrontation, and launch two acts of aggression in the midst of negotiations were destructive choices made by the U.S. government—choices that served the delusions of a foreign aggressor.

Attacking Iran’s vital infrastructure—including energy and industrial facilities—directly targets the Iranian people. Beyond constituting a war crime, such actions carry consequences that extend far beyond Iran’s borders. They generate instability, increase human and economic costs, and perpetuate cycles of tension, planting seeds of resentment that will endure for years. This is not a demonstration of strength; it is a sign of strategic bewilderment and an inability to achieve a sustainable solution.

Is it not also the case that America has entered this aggression as a proxy for Israel , influenced and manipulated by that regime? Is it not true that Israel, by manufacturing an Iranian threat, seeks to divert global attention away from its crimes toward the Palestinians? Is it not evident that Israel now aims to fight Iran to the last American soldier and the last American taxpayer dollar—shifting the burden of its delusions onto Iran, the region, and the United States itself in pursuit of illegitimate interests?

Is “America First” truly among the priorities of the U.S. government today?

I invite you to look beyond the machinery of misinformation—an integral part of this aggression—and instead speak with those who have visited Iran. Observe the many accomplished Iranian immigrants—educated in Iran—who now teach and conduct research at the world ’s most prestigious universities, or contribute to the most advanced technology firms in the West. Do these realities align with the distortions you are being told about Iran and its people?

Today, the world stands at a crossroads. Continuing along the path of confrontation is more costly and futile than ever before. The choice between confrontation and engagement is both real and consequential; its outcome will shape the future for generations to come. Throughout its millennia of proud history, Iran has outlasted many aggressors. All that remains of them are tarnished names in history, while Iran endures—resilient, dignified, and proud.

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 installation was put in place by a protest group known as the “Secret Handshake.” The group has created a series of satirical statues targeting President Trump and his allies since he took office.

Afghan Taliban officials said renewed clashes on Wednesday came after a temporary Eid ceasefire expired, killing at least two civilians in eastern Afghanistan, while each side accused the other of starting the exchange.

That has not stopped Islamabad from making a conspicuously public play for a role in the Middle East crisis.

Since the US-Israel war on Iran began on Feb. 28, Pakistan’s civilian and military leadership have been engaging what one of the source reports described as “regional and friendly countries” while repeatedly calling for de-escalation. 

Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi said earlier this week that Pakistan remained committed to resolving the conflict “through diplomatic means and engagements,” even as he urged the media to avoid speculation.

In a post on X, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif formally offered Islamabad as a venue for talks between Iranian and US officials, saying Pakistan stood “ready and honoured” to host “meaningful and conclusive talks” if both sides agreed. 

Sharif tagged President Donald Trump, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and US special envoy Steve Witkoff. The idea of Islamabad hosting talks had in fact come from Washington, reporters revealed. Trump later shared Sharif’s post on Truth Social.

A messenger to Tehran

Pakistan’s role has not been limited to offering conference rooms.

Washington had sent a peace proposal to Tehran through Pakistan, with Reuters and the New York Times naming Islamabad as the messenger. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that either Turkey or Pakistan was being considered as a possible venue if talks advanced. 

Rafael Grossi, head of the International Atomic Energy Agency, added to the speculation when he said he thought talks could take place in Islamabad over the weekend, though he stressed nothing had been settled.

Pakistani officials then moved from hint to confirmation, though not all the way to clarity. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said on X on Thursday that “indirect US-Iran talks” were taking place through messages relayed by Pakistan. He added that the United States had shared 15 points that Iran was considering. 

But he stopped short of saying Pakistan would definitely host any face-to-face meeting. Andrabi did the same in his weekly briefing, insisting this was a “process,” not an “event,” and saying any concrete developments would be announced later. He also rejected suggestions that security concerns were holding up Islamabad as a venue, saying Pakistan was “very safe and secure.”

Walking a tightrope

Islamabad has also sought to show that it has access to both sides. Pakistan’s army chief, Field Marshal Asim Munir, spoke with Trump on March 23, while Sharif spoke the next day with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. 

In the Senate, Dar said he had conveyed Tehran’s position to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and backed Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy, while also making clear that Pakistan “would not allow itself to be dragged into a broader regional conflict.”

About 35,000 Pakistanis were in Iran and that 792 had already been evacuated by land through the Taftan-Zahedan crossing.

Still, Pakistan’s emergence as a mediator remains real but provisional. The White House has warned against treating reported talks as official, and Araghchi has said exchanges through mediators do not amount to negotiations with Washington. 

For now, Pakistan is trying to end one war — even as it fights another at home.

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. 

Reports earlier on Thursday quoted presidential spokesperson Vincent Magwenya as saying France acted after “sustained pressure” from the United States, including an alleged threat by Washington to boycott if South Africa attended.

Speaking to journalists later the same day, Ramaphosa contradicted that account. He said he had no information indicating any country, “the United States or any other country”, had leaned on France to rescind the invitation.

The president also sought to downplay the diplomatic significance of not being invited, noting that South Africa is not a member of the G7 and does not attend every year. Many countries are not invited to the forum, he said, and South Africa participates only when asked to present a message or engage on specific issues.

The conflicting statements have raised questions about what prompted the change in plans and whether the decision reflects shifting politics among G7 members.

However, Ramaphosa’s office has not provided a detailed explanation for why the invitation was withdrawn, beyond the president’s insistence that it was not the result of US pressure.

“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 US said it does not accept the resolution’s suggestion that historical slavery from the 15th to 19th centuries amounted to violations of jus cogens, the highest norms of international law, “as that term is understood in contemporary international law.” It also rejected the idea that there is a legal right to reparations for historical acts “that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred.”

Washington also challenged the resolution’s practical implications. It said the text was unclear about who would qualify as recipients of “reparatory justice,” arguing that supporters appeared to be using past wrongs as leverage to “reallocate modern resources” to people and states “distantly related to the historical victims.”

The US further criticised what it called an attempt to create a hierarchy of crimes against humanity, saying any ranking “diminishes the suffering” of victims of other atrocities and is “simply incorrect as a matter of law .”

Beyond the substance, the US argued that the process and scope were misplaced. It said the UN’s purpose is maintaining international peace and security, not “advancing narrow, specific interests,” creating new international days, or adding “costly meeting and reporting mandates.” It also complained that its proposed changes and those of other delegations were ignored during drafting.

In the same statement, Washington rejected claims circulating online that sponsors of the resolution questioned President Donald Trump ’s support for Black Americans, saying such suggestions were “fake news” and asserting that Trump had “enjoyed historic support” from Black voters in the 2024 election.

"Thank you, First Lady Melania Trump, for inviting me to the White House," said the gray-and-black robot, gesturing with its hands during its brief remarks.

The robot then exited the stage the same way it entered. Guests in the East Room, including French First Lady Brigitte Macron, responded with applause.

"It's fair to state you're my first American-made humanoid guest in the White House," Melania said while reading from a prepared statement.

Melania, who has prioritised issues related to artificial intelligence and digital spaces, used the event to discuss the potential role of humanoid AI in education.

"Imagine a humanoid educator named Plato. Access to the classical studies is now instantaneous," she said.

The resolution urges Member States to consider formal apologies and to contribute to a reparations fund, although it does not specify a monetary value. It also calls for the return of cultural artefacts taken during the colonial period to their countries of origin.

Speaking on behalf of the African Group, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama said, “Today, we come together in solemn solidarity to affirm truth and pursue a route to healing and reparative justice.” He described the resolution as a “safeguard against forgetting” and a response to what he called the “erasure of Black history ” by some modern political administrations.

The resolution states that for more than 400 years, millions of Africans were “stolen, shackled, and shipped” under harsh conditions. It describes the trade as a “definitive break in world history” with long-term effects on global labour and economic systems. Estimates indicate that between 12 and 15 million people were captured between 1500 and 1800, with over two million dying during the transatlantic journey.

President of the General Assembly Annalena Baerbock said the trade was a form of “mass resource extraction” that weakened African societies. She added, “The slave trade and slavery stand among the gravest violations of human rights in human history – an affront to the very principles enshrined in the Charter of our United Nations.”

The resolution faced opposition from the United States. Ambassador Dan Negrea described the text as “highly problematic in countless respects” and said the UN should focus on international security rather than “niche” issues. He stated that the U.S. “does not recognise a legal right to reparations for historical wrongs that were not illegal under international law at the time they occurred”.

Several countries, including the United Kingdom and some European Union members, abstained from the vote. The UK has maintained that present-day institutions should not be held responsible for actions taken in the past.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said reparations efforts are not limited to financial payments. He explained that African leaders are seeking support for education and skills development, stating, “Many generations continue to suffer the exclusion, the racism because of the transatlantic slave trade, which has left millions separated from the continent and impoverished.”

Esther Philips, First Poet Laureate of Barbados, addressed delegates during the session. She said, “There are spirits of the victims of slavery present in this room at this moment, and they are listening for one word only: justice .” She added, “For them and for the world, there can be no peace without justice – reparatory justice – and that call is answered only when words are turned into action”.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres called on countries to take stronger steps to address the long-term effects of slavery. He urged “far bolder actions”, including recognising African ownership of natural resources and ensuring equal representation in global financial and security institutions.

“I think it's certainly going to happen… It's happening now,” he said, pointing to what he described as a “very, very serious restructuring” of global systems.

Marcos indicated that changes in international relations — shaped by rising geopolitical tensions — would likely force countries to “withdraw, redraw” even their legal frameworks, resulting in a “new normal.”

Despite persistent maritime disputes in the South China Sea , Manila has continued to separate security tensions from economic cooperation with Beijing. 

Marcos said the Philippines has “always tried to differentiate the territorial disputes from our trade arrangements,” noting that Chinese investments still support major government programmes.

“And they have not used this as somehow, they haven't leveraged this in any way… they’ve been very, very helpful in terms of, for example, fertilizer,” he added.

The Philippines and China remain locked in a long-running dispute in the South China Sea, where Beijing continues to reject a 2016 international arbitration ruling that invalidated its sweeping claims.

Marcos also said Manila is open to reviving stalled discussions with China on joint oil and gas development in disputed waters, suggesting that ongoing global tensions — particularly in the Middle East — could provide impetus for progress.

“That’s something we’ve been talking about for a great deal, but territorial disputes are getting in the way of that,” he said. “Maybe this provides impetus for both sides to come to an agreement.”

At the same time, the Philippines is seeking to diversify energy sources amid supply concerns linked to the Middle East crisis, including exploring potential fuel imports from Russia , a non-traditional supplier.

Marcos stressed that Manila’s foreign policy remains anchored on stability.

“We never want war… It’s peace and the national interest,” he said.

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 embassy said the aid came from the People ’s Republic of China and framed it as a sign that Cuba was not alone as it faced mounting external and domestic pressures.

The shipment comes as Cuba has been plunged into crisis following a collapse of its national power grid, which left the country of about 10 million people without electricity.

Cuba’s state power utility, Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba, said the country suffered a “ complete shutdown of the national grid ,” while the Ministry of Energy and Mines reported a “complete disconnection” of the national electrical system and said it was investigating the cause.

State media later said power had been restored to about 5% of Havana’s residents, or roughly 42,000 customers, as well as several hospitals, although officials warned that the small circuits restored so far could fail again. It was Cuba’s third major blackout in the past four months.

The blackout unfolded against the backdrop of what Chinese and Cuban officials have described as continued U.S. pressure on the island.

Trump, speaking at the White House on Monday, said he believed he would have “the honour of taking Cuba.”

“Whether I free it, take it — think I could do anything I want with it. You want to know the truth. They’re a very weakened nation right now,” he said.

China has repeatedly said it will continue its “ support and assistance ” to Cuba and has condemned Washington’s pressure, saying it undermines regional peace and stability.

The Chinese ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, recently denounced the impact of the U.S. blockade on the Cuban people and said Beijing would continue backing Cuba’s sovereignty and national security while deepening cooperation in areas such as energy and food.

Chinese-backed projects cited by the ambassador included solar parks donated by China, solar energy systems for isolated homes and community centres, and food assistance, including shipments of rice.

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.

“The Philippines is in crisis along with the rest of the world because President Trump’s brinkmanship did not work. In fact, it has boomeranged,” Lacson said in a post on X. “He should be held to account by the whole world, including his own country, the USA.”

Asked what alternative there had been to Iran, Lacson said the diplomatic option had been lost when Washington did not consult close allies before carrying out its strike.

“The alternative was lost when the US close allies were not consulted before the strike. Past leaders used to do that with your coalition partners,” he said.

At a hearing attended by Cabinet secretaries, Senate Deputy Majority Leader Risa Hontiveros also called for broader accountability, saying the United States and Israel should be held responsible alongside Iran.

“The US and Israel should also be called into account for what has happened,” Hontiveros said. “I am one with the call of the United Nations that for all of them — all of them — to cease fire and return to diplomacy.”

Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro said Manila had supported resolutions condemning Iran over the Middle East conflict, although it was not co-sponsoring them. 

She added that information from Washington indicated there were ongoing discussions between U.S. and Iranian authorities, even as Iran denied this.

Late on Tuesday, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a state of national energy emergency , warning that the conflict had created uncertainty in global energy markets, disrupted supply chains and placed upward pressure on oil prices.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin said the Philippines had around 45 days of fuel supply based on current consumption and that the government was working to procure 1 million barrels of oil from countries within and outside Southeast Asia to build buffer stocks.

The Philippines is a key ally of the United States, with nine American troop bases scattered around the archipelago.

In an online survey published in a report titled “Tracking Iran-Israel-USA Conflict Firm-Level Impact in Zimbabwe,” CZI said the impact is widespread across the economy. Only 1% of firms surveyed said the conflict has had no effect on their operations.

Overall, CZI said 99% of firms reported that the conflict is affecting their businesses to varying degrees, with about 60% reporting a significant impact, 31% a moderate impact and 8% a slight impact.

CZI said the latest disruptions highlight how quickly geopolitical shocks can filter into Zimbabwe’s economy through higher energy prices and slower movement of goods, especially when global shipping routes come under strain.

He said the United States was not seeking anything that would run against Zambia’s laws or national interests.

The clarification follows claims circulating a proposed US$1 billion health-related arrangement, as Zambia’s copper and other minerals draw growing international attention amid global demand linked to industrial expansion and the energy transition.

Zambian officials have repeatedly said foreign partnerships, whether in mining, health or infrastructure, must support national development priorities and avoid deals that appear opaque or extractive, a point that has become more politically sensitive as the country heads deeper into an election season.

The US response, while focused on a specific claim, underscores how quickly narratives around resources and foreign assistance can trigger public concern in mineral-rich countries, particularly when strategic commodities are involved.

The scramble comes as Iran’s actions around the Strait of Hormuz, a major global oil and fuel shipping corridor, have rattled energy markets and forced buyers to diversify supply routes and suppliers. 

Dangote refinery officials said trading firms that buy its products have been shipping fuel across the continent, including to Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Tanzania and Togo this month, with Tanzania receiving its first arrival from the refinery, according to a company representative cited in the report. 

While demand for Dangote’s output is rising abroad, the refinery has also adjusted prices at home in response to swings in crude markets. Nigerian media and market reports have described multiple price moves this month as global oil prices surged and then shifted again amid war-related uncertainty. 

Dangote, Africa’s largest refinery, plans to expand capacity further in the coming years, and the latest round of inquiries highlights how the plant is increasingly being viewed as a regional backstop when traditional import routes are disrupted. 

What they said

Petro said the accusations would be dismantled in U.S. legal proceedings and denied any ties to traffickers. Colombia’s embassy stated, “The reported insinuations have no legal or factual basis.” Ecopetrol President Ricardo Roa said the allegations involving the state oil company “lacked all reality or logic.”

Tehran added that regional countries had made proposals to reduce tensions, but said responsibility lay with Washington because “we are not the party that started this war.”

Hourse before, Trump said on Truth Social that the US. and Iran had held “very good and productive conversations” over the previous two days on a “complete and total resolution” of hostilities in the Middle East. 

He said he had instructed the Department of War to postpone “any and all military strikes” on Iranian power plants and energy infrastructure for five days, subject to the success of further talks.

Despite Iran’s sceptical response, markets appeared to treat Trump’s statement as a signal that immediate escalation might be avoided.

Oil prices fell sharply. Brent crude, the global benchmark, dropped to just above $100 a barrel after settling at $112.19 on Friday. 

The move reflected investor hopes that a pause in U.S. military action could reduce the risk of a deeper supply shock, even as the Strait of Hormuz remained a central concern for traders. 

The waterway normally carries as much as one-fifth of the world’s oil supply, but shipping traffic out of the Gulf has been effectively halted because of the danger of attacks on vessels.

Equity markets also recovered after Trump’s post. The S&P 500 opened nearly 1.5% higher on Monday, reversing a 1.5% fall on Friday. In Europe, the Stoxx 600 rose more than 1% in afternoon trading, while Germany’s DAX jumped nearly 2%. Britain’s FTSE 100 edged higher.

This market rebound came despite continued warnings about the economic risks of the conflict. Fatih Birol, executive director of the International Energy Agency , said on Monday the global economy faced a “major, major threat” from the war, adding that no country would be immune if the crisis worsened.