Global Pulse

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  • Saif al-Islam, son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed: Sources

    Saif al-Islam, son of late Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi, has been killed: Sources

    Multiple sources including family associates, legal representatives, and Libyan media outlets have confirmed the death of Saif al-Islam Gaddafi, the most prominent son of former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi. The reports emerged on Tuesday, though specific details regarding the circumstances and location of his demise remain unclear at this time.

    Once a central figure in shaping Libya’s political direction prior to the 2011 uprising, Gaddafi’s public visibility had diminished significantly in recent years. His legacy remains deeply controversial, marked by both his political influence during his father’s regime and serious legal challenges that followed.

    In 2015, a Libyan court delivered a death sentence in absentia against Gaddafi for his role in violently suppressing peaceful demonstrations during the revolution that ultimately overthrew his father’s government. Additionally, the International Criminal Court had provisionally charged him with crimes against humanity, with his legal team’s efforts to dismiss the case proving unsuccessful.

    In a brief political resurgence in 2021, Gaddafi registered as a presidential candidate for elections scheduled that December. However, the electoral process collapsed amid ongoing political instability and factional disputes that have continued to plague the North African nation since the revolution.

  • Epstein said Qatar had to ‘sing and dance’ for Israel like Modi, to escape blockade

    Epstein said Qatar had to ‘sing and dance’ for Israel like Modi, to escape blockade

    Newly released U.S. Justice Department documents reveal convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein’s attempts to mediate the 2017 Gulf diplomatic crisis through unofficial channels. The emails, made public over the weekend, show Epstein advising Qatari royalty on how to improve relations with the Trump administration by normalizing ties with Israel.

    During the June 2017 blockade of Qatar by Saudi Arabia and the UAE—which received backing from President Trump—Epstein corresponded with Jabor Yousef Jassim Al Thani, a Qatari businessman and royal family member. In a July 9, 2017 email, Epstein suggested Qatar could end its isolation by either recognizing Israel or establishing a $1 billion fund for terrorism victims, with a matching contribution request to other Gulf Cooperation Council members.

    Epstein pointed to India’s approach as a model, writing: ‘The Indian Prime Minister Modi took advice and danced and sang in Israel for the benefit of the US president. They had met a few weeks ago. IT WORKED!’ He advised that Qatar needed to ‘sing and dance’ for Israel rather than ‘kicking and arguing’ to gain Trump’s favor.

    The correspondence reveals Epstein’s significant connections to Middle Eastern intelligence networks and political figures, particularly former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Despite his 2019 jail cell death—ruled a suicide—Epstein maintained active diplomatic engagement until the end.

    Epstein correctly assessed that Turkey’s military deployment to Qatar in summer 2017 made a military invasion ‘no longer viable.’ He subsequently positioned himself as a mediator, attempting to arrange meetings between Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) and former Qatari Prime Minister Hamad bin Jassim bin Jaber Al Thani (HBJ).

    The emails confirm Epstein successfully brokered a December 2018 meeting in London’s exclusive One Hyde Park between Barak and the former Qatari official, facilitated by Jabor Al Thani. Follow-up correspondence indicated discussions about a ‘security company’ and mutual satisfaction with the encounter, offering rare insight into track II diplomacy orchestrated by a controversial figure.

  • Middle East needs long-term solution, UAE says ahead of US-Iran crisis talks

    Middle East needs long-term solution, UAE says ahead of US-Iran crisis talks

    The United Arab Emirates has issued a compelling call for sustained diplomatic engagement between Iran and the United States as the two nations prepare for crucial nuclear negotiations in Turkey this Friday. Dr. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, emphasized the critical need for lasting solutions during his address at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, stating the Middle East has endured enough catastrophic confrontations without requiring additional conflict.

    The upcoming dialogue marks a significant development in the prolonged nuclear standoff, with both nations dispatching high-level delegations. The American contingent will reportedly include Presidential son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, while Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will lead Tehran’s representation. Several regional powers, including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt, Oman, and the UAE, have received invitations to participate in what observers describe as a multilateral effort to prevent military escalation.

    This diplomatic initiative follows heightened tensions triggered by recent U.S. naval movements toward Iranian waters and mutual threats of aerial strikes. President Trump previously cautioned that ‘bad things’ might occur should negotiations fail, while Iranian officials maintain their defensive capabilities remain non-negotiable. Satellite imagery analysis of previously targeted nuclear facilities at Isfahan and Natanz reveals preliminary reconstruction efforts but no evidence of resumed uranium enrichment activities.

    The UAE, maintaining its strategic position as both a key U.S. ally and regional mediator, advocates for a comprehensive geo-strategic agreement that would address nuclear concerns while enabling Iran to rebuild its sanction-damaged economy. Gulf Arab states particularly fear becoming collateral damage should Iran follow through on threats to target U.S. bases within their territories in retaliation for American attacks.

    Internal assessments within Iran’s leadership indicate growing concerns that additional U.S. military action could potentially destabilize their governance by reigniting recent public unrest. Meanwhile, diplomatic channels explore potential compromises, including possible limitations on uranium enrichment and ballistic missile programs, though Tehran continues to reject preconditions that violate its sovereignty claims.

  • US military shoots down Iranian drone in Arabian Sea: Official

    US military shoots down Iranian drone in Arabian Sea: Official

    A U.S. F-35 fighter jet engaged and destroyed an Iranian unmanned aerial vehicle over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday after the drone advanced toward the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, according to an official statement from the U.S. military.

    The incident, which occurred on February 3, 2026, involved a Shahed-139 surveillance and attack drone manufactured by Iran. Military authorities confirmed the drone was operating in close proximity to the carrier strike group before being intercepted and neutralized by advanced aerial defenses.

    This confrontation represents the latest escalation in ongoing regional tensions between the United States and Iran. The Arabian Sea, a critical waterway connecting the Persian Gulf with international shipping routes, has frequently served as a stage for such military encounters. The USS Abraham Lincoln’s presence in the region comes as part of ongoing U.S. naval operations aimed at maintaining maritime security and stability.

    The engagement highlights continuing friction between Washington and Tehran, particularly regarding military movements in strategic Middle Eastern waters. Pentagon officials have repeatedly expressed concerns about Iranian surveillance attempts targeting U.S. naval assets, while Iranian authorities have consistently criticized the American military presence in the region.

    This incident follows previous reports of increased U.S. naval deployments to the Middle East, with approximately ten American warships currently operating in regional waters according to recent intelligence assessments. Military analysts suggest such encounters, while potentially dangerous, reflect established protocols for dealing with perceived threats to naval operations in international waters.

  • Iran looking to change nuclear talks venue to Oman, regional diplomat says

    Iran looking to change nuclear talks venue to Oman, regional diplomat says

    Iran is actively pursuing a relocation of its upcoming nuclear negotiations with the United States from Istanbul to Oman, according to a regional diplomat’s disclosure on Tuesday. The talks, initially scheduled for Friday in Turkey, now face potential restructuring in both location and diplomatic focus. Iranian authorities are reportedly advocating for a narrowed agenda that would concentrate exclusively on nuclear matters, while simultaneously seeking to exclude direct participation from other regional nations. This development follows Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s confirmation that he had authorized the initiation of dialogue with Washington. In a social media statement, Pezeshkian emphasized his instruction to the Foreign Minister to pursue “fair and equitable negotiations” within a framework protecting Iran’s national interests, provided such discussions occur in an environment “free from threats and unreasonable expectations.” The diplomatic maneuvering occurs against a backdrop of heightened military posturing, including the recent deployment of a US aircraft carrier group to the Middle East following Iran’s lethal crackdown on anti-government protests. While US President Donald Trump expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, he concurrently issued a stark warning that “bad things would happen” should diplomacy fail. Tehran maintains its commitment to diplomatic solutions while reserving the right to deliver an uncompromising response to any perceived aggression.

  • Two Indian flights suffer wing collision on runway with passengers onboard

    Two Indian flights suffer wing collision on runway with passengers onboard

    A ground collision involving two commercial aircraft occurred at Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport on Tuesday evening, resulting in significant wingtip damage to both planes. The incident unfolded when an Air India flight AI2732, preparing for departure to Coimbatore, was taxiing from position C1 toward M4 while an IndiGo flight was simultaneously arriving and joining at position B1.

    According to India’s Directorate General of Civil Aviation, the simultaneous movements caused the right wingtips of both aircraft to make physical contact during taxi operations. Both aircraft immediately returned to their respective bays for comprehensive safety inspections following the collision.

    Air India confirmed substantial damage to their aircraft’s wingtip structure and subsequently grounded the plane for detailed technical evaluation. All passengers were safely disembarked without injury, with airline representatives arranging alternative travel arrangements to minimize disruption to their journeys.

    The incident has been formally reported to aviation regulators, marking another significant event in India’s aviation sector that will likely prompt review of ground movement procedures at major airports. This occurrence follows previous aviation incidents in the country, including a recent event where an Air India plane engine sustained damage from cargo container ingestion.

  • 6.0-magnitude earthquake hits Myanmar, tremors felt in parts of India

    6.0-magnitude earthquake hits Myanmar, tremors felt in parts of India

    A substantial seismic event measuring 6.0 on the Richter scale struck Myanmar on Tuesday, according to data released by the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ). The earthquake originated at a relatively shallow depth of 10 kilometers (approximately 6.21 miles) beneath the Earth’s surface, potentially amplifying its impact across the region.

    The tremors extended beyond Myanmar’s borders, with multiple Indian media outlets reporting strongly perceptible shaking throughout eastern India. The metropolitan area of Kolkata experienced particularly noticeable tremors, though initial reports indicate no immediate structural damage or casualties within Indian territory.

    This seismic activity occurs within the broader context of the seismically active Southeast Asian region, which frequently experiences tectonic movements due to the complex interaction of the Indian and Eurasian plates. The relatively shallow depth of this earthquake contributed to its widespread perceptibility across national boundaries.

    Seismologists continue to monitor aftershock potential while emergency response teams in both Myanmar and India remain on alert. The event follows recent seismic activity in neighboring Indonesia, where a 6.3 magnitude earthquake was recorded, highlighting the region’s ongoing geological volatility.

  • US tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

    US tanker approached by Iranian gunboats in Strait of Hormuz

    In a tense maritime encounter on Tuesday, February 3rd, 2026, a U.S.-flagged commercial tanker successfully resisted an interception attempt by Iranian Revolutionary Guard gunboats while navigating the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. According to a detailed report from British maritime security firm Vanguard Tech, the vessel Stena Imperative was transiting approximately 16 nautical miles north of Omani waters when it was approached by three pairs of small, armed Iranian patrol boats.

    The Iranian forces initiated radio contact, issuing a direct command for the tanker’s captain to halt engines and prepare for a boarding operation. Defying these orders, the captain instead increased speed and held the ship’s original course, a move that ultimately prevented the boarding. Vanguard Tech emphasized that the Stena Imperative at no point entered Iranian territorial waters during the incident, operating solely in international shipping lanes.

    The situation was subsequently de-escalated with the arrival of a U.S. warship, which commenced escort duties for the commercial tanker. This event echoes previous tensions in the chokepoint, a critical artery for global oil and liquefied natural gas (LNG) transport. The confrontation occurs against a backdrop of heightened rhetoric; just last week, a senior Iranian naval official from the Revolutionary Guards publicly threatened to block the strait in retaliation for any potential U.S. military action. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency also acknowledged an incident in the area but did not disclose the identities of the vessels involved.

  • Rs3 million gold jewellery stolen during Indian politician Ajit Pawar’s funeral

    Rs3 million gold jewellery stolen during Indian politician Ajit Pawar’s funeral

    In a brazen display of criminal activity, thieves made off with gold jewelry valued at approximately ₹3 million (approximately $36,000 USD) from mourners attending the funeral of Maharashtra’s late Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar in Baramati on January 29.

    The incident occurred despite the presence of approximately 8,000 police personnel deployed to maintain order at the massive gathering. A criminal gang consisting of more than half a dozen chain snatchers systematically targeted grieving attendees, stealing gold chains, various jewelry items, and cash throughout the solemn proceedings.

    According to Pune rural police reports, some of the suspected thieves were apprehended by vigilant crowd members who subsequently administered physical retribution before turning them over to authorities. Law enforcement officials have confirmed the detention of approximately six suspects in connection with the thefts.

    The funeral drew hundreds of thousands of mourners from across Maharashtra who had gathered to pay their final respects to Pawar, who tragically perished alongside his security detail and crew members when his Learjet 45 aircraft crash-landed at Baramati airport during a flight from Mumbai.

    Ajit Pawar, nephew of political stalwart Sharad Pawar, had recently been reconciling with his uncle after a period of political separation that saw him form his own party and establish an alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The timing of the thefts added further distress to what was already a profoundly tragic occasion for the community and political establishment.

  • Epstein files: Bannon accused UAE’s MBZ of ‘coughing up’ paedophile George Nader

    Epstein files: Bannon accused UAE’s MBZ of ‘coughing up’ paedophile George Nader

    Newly unsealed Department of Justice documents from the Jeffrey Epstein case reveal a startling exchange between former Trump advisor Steve Bannon and the convicted financier regarding the arrest of Middle Eastern businessman George Nader.

    On June 4, 2019, Epstein shared a CNN report with Bannon detailing Nader’s arrest at New York’s JFK airport on child pornography charges. Bannon responded with apparent surprise, stating “Not cool,” while Epstein noted the mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years. In a significant allegation, Bannon suggested that Mohammed bin Zayed (MBZ), the ruler of the United Arab Emirates, had deliberately surrendered Nader to American authorities, commenting “MBZ must have coughed him up.”

    Epstein contradicted this theory, explaining that Nader hadn’t been formally extradited but rather “duped” into returning to the United States. The messages show Epstein criticizing Nader’s possession of extreme child abuse material involving animals and minors.

    The documents illuminate Nader’s complex role as a liaison between Trump’s inner circle and Middle Eastern leadership. According to the Mueller investigation into Russian election interference, Nader facilitated communications between Trump transition team members and Russian businessman Kirill Dmitriev, a known ally of Vladimir Putin. He additionally arranged a meeting between Dmitriev and Erik Prince, founder of the controversial private military company Blackwater.

    Nader’s 2020 conviction and 10-year sentence primarily stemmed from a 2000 incident where he transported a 14-year-old boy from the Czech Republic to the United States for sexual exploitation. This marked the culmination of a decades-long pattern of sexual offenses against minors dating back to 1984, including previous convictions in both the United States and Czech Republic for child pornography and abuse crimes.