Global Pulse

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  • Iran nears deal to buy supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from China: Report

    Iran nears deal to buy supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles from China: Report

    Iran is advancing toward a significant arms acquisition from China, with negotiations nearing completion for the purchase of advanced CM-302 supersonic anti-ship cruise missiles. This development occurs alongside substantial US military deployments to the region, creating a volatile geopolitical landscape.

    According to intelligence reports, these bilateral defense talks initiated two years ago have gained considerable momentum since June 2025. This acceleration follows coordinated US-Israeli strikes targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The CM-302 missiles under discussion represent a substantial capability upgrade with their 290-kilometer operational range and advanced countermeasure evasion technology.

    The United States has responded with pronounced military reinforcement, positioning the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea while the USS Gerald Ford maintains presence in the Eastern Mediterranean. This deployment coincides with ongoing nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran.

    This potential transaction builds upon existing defense cooperation between Tehran and Beijing. Middle East Eye previously reported Iran’s acquisition of Chinese surface-to-air missile systems in June 2025, reportedly compensated through oil shipments. China remains Iran’s predominant oil customer, importing approximately 90% of Iranian crude exports according to US Energy Information Administration data.

    The geopolitical implications are particularly significant given the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global seaborne oil transits. Iran has previously demonstrated capability to disrupt this critical waterway, temporarily closing the channel recently and conducting joint military exercises with China and Russia in adjacent waters.

    Historical context reveals deep-rooted Sino-Iranian defense cooperation dating to the 1980s, when China supplied HY-2 Silkworm missiles during the Iran-Iraq conflict. More recently, Iran acquired HQ9 anti-aircraft systems in 2010. The current missile transfer would represent a substantial escalation as offensive weaponry capable of threatening US naval assets.

    Despite growing cooperation, regional diplomats suggest China may exercise caution in over-committing to the partnership amid ongoing US-China rapprochement efforts. The upcoming April summit between Presidents Trump and Xi Jinping adds further complexity to these strategic calculations.

  • New US tariff starts at 10%, Trump administration working to hike it to 15%

    New US tariff starts at 10%, Trump administration working to hike it to 15%

    The United States commenced enforcement of a provisional 10% universal import tariff on Tuesday, creating significant uncertainty in global trade circles as the Trump administration simultaneously works toward implementing a more substantial 15% levy. This development follows President Donald Trump’s recent Supreme Court defeat regarding previous tariff mechanisms.

    President Trump initially executed an executive order on Friday mandating a 10% tariff with a 150-day duration, designed to replace comprehensive duties previously invalidated by the Supreme Court. However, in a surprising reversal on Saturday, the president declared his intention to elevate the rate to 15%. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency subsequently notified shipping entities Monday evening that collections would commence at the lower 10% rate, citing the absence of updated formal presidential documentation.

    A White House official confirmed to Reuters that Trump maintains unwavering commitment to implementing the 15% tariff under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, though no specific timeline was provided for this anticipated increase. The official emphasized that the president’s determination remains unchanged despite the current implementation at the reduced rate.

    The policy shift has generated considerable confusion within international trade markets, with no official explanation provided for the discrepancy between announced intentions and implemented rates. Financial analysts from Deutsche Bank suggested the situation might clarify following Trump’s scheduled State of the Union address, while maintaining that effective tariff rates would likely decrease overall compared to pre-Supreme Court ruling levels.

    Market reactions reflected this uncertainty, with global stocks opening lower Tuesday despite the less punitive than expected tariff rate. U.S. markets demonstrated resilience however, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average climbing 0.65%, the S&P 500 Index advancing 0.5%, and the technology-focused Nasdaq increasing 0.8% by midday trading.

    The new tariff structure presents particular complications for the European Union, which previously negotiated a trade agreement predicated on a 15% base tariff rate. European Commission Trade Minister Maros Sefcovic acknowledged a “transitional period” regarding the temporary tariff but received assurances from U.S. trade officials that Washington would honor existing agreements.

    Legal experts note that Section 122 authorization permits presidential imposition of duties for up to 150 days to address “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficits. Trump’s order cited a $1.2 trillion annual goods trade deficit, a current account deficit representing 4% of GDP, and reversal of the U.S. primary income surplus as justification. However, numerous economists and trade attorneys contest the characterization of an imminent balance-of-payments crisis, suggesting the new tariffs remain vulnerable to legal challenges.

    Concurrently, the Trump administration issued warnings to international partners against retreating from previously negotiated trade arrangements, threatening significantly higher duties under alternative statutory authorities should countries disengage from existing agreements. Japan, the European Union, Britain, and Taiwan all indicated preferences to maintain their current trade deals with the United States.

    ING’s Global Head of Macro Carsten Brzeski observed that despite the 150-day limitation on current measures, trade uncertainty will likely persist given the potential for consecutive extensions. Meanwhile, China’s commerce ministry expressed willingness to conduct additional trade discussions with the United States while simultaneously urging Washington to abandon its “unilateral tariffs.”

  • Gazans salvage ancient books in mosque library damaged by war

    Gazans salvage ancient books in mosque library damaged by war

    In the shattered remains of Gaza’s Great Omari Mosque, a dedicated team of volunteers undertakes a critical cultural rescue mission amidst the debris of war. The historic library, once among Palestine’s most significant repositories of knowledge, now lies partially destroyed with its precious collections buried under rubble and dust.

    The devastation follows more than two years of conflict that erupted in October 2023, leaving cultural and religious sites throughout Gaza severely damaged. Haneen Al-Amsi, director of the Eyes on Heritage Volunteer Foundation, described her shock upon discovering the extensive damage: “I was stunned when I saw the destruction in the library,” she told AFP, explaining how this prompted her restoration initiative.

    The library, previously housing approximately 20,000 volumes, now retains fewer than 4,000 salvageable works according to initial assessments. Volunteers meticulously sift through charred manuscript fragments and yellowed paper shards, wearing protective masks and gloves as they attempt to preserve what remains of Gaza’s intellectual heritage.

    “This library represents the third largest collection in Palestine after the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Ahmed Pasha al-Jazzar libraries,” Amsi emphasized. “It contains invaluable original manuscripts and diverse collections spanning jurisprudence, medicine, Islamic law, literature, and numerous other disciplines.”

    The damage extends beyond this single institution. UNESCO has verified destruction at 150 cultural sites since the conflict began, including 14 religious locations and 115 buildings of historical significance. A June 2025 UN commission report concluded that Israeli attacks on educational and cultural sites constituted war crimes, though Israel dismissed these findings as politically motivated.

    For the volunteers, each recovered volume represents a tangible connection to Gaza’s rich historical tapestry—a region that has hosted Canaanite, Egyptian, Persian, and Greek civilizations over millennia. Despite the overwhelming damage and what Amsi describes as “irreversible” losses to some materials, the preservation effort continues as an act of cultural defiance and historical stewardship.

  • Louvre president hands in resignation to Macron: Elysee

    Louvre president hands in resignation to Macron: Elysee

    In a significant development for France’s cultural landscape, the presidency of the Louvre Museum has undergone a dramatic leadership change. Laurence des Cars, the institution’s president, formally submitted her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, February 24, 2026. The Élysée Palace confirmed the resignation had been accepted, characterizing the decision as a responsible move during a period requiring institutional stability.

    The resignation follows an extended period of institutional challenges that have plagued the world’s most visited museum. These include a sophisticated jewel theft operation that exposed security vulnerabilities, alongside additional controversies that have strained the museum’s administration. The presidential statement emphasized the necessity for ‘appeasement and renewed momentum’ to advance critical security enhancement initiatives currently underway.

    This leadership transition occurs as the Louvre prepares to implement comprehensive security upgrades and address operational shortcomings. The museum administration now faces the dual challenge of maintaining daily operations while executing necessary reforms to safeguard its unparalleled collections, which include iconic works like the Mona Lisa.

    The French government’s acknowledgment of des Cars’ ‘act of responsibility’ suggests a coordinated transition rather than a sudden departure. Cultural ministry officials indicate that a successor will be appointed promptly to ensure continuity in overseeing both the museum’s artistic mission and its substantial security modernization projects.

  • SpiceJet Jaipur–Dubai flight cancelled after 11-hour delay; passengers left stranded

    SpiceJet Jaipur–Dubai flight cancelled after 11-hour delay; passengers left stranded

    A major operational disruption unfolded at Jaipur International Airport on Tuesday as SpiceJet Flight SG-57 to Dubai was abruptly cancelled following an extensive 11-hour delay, leaving hundreds of passengers stranded without adequate support. The incident has sparked serious concerns regarding airline communication protocols and passenger welfare management during service interruptions.

    The flight was originally scheduled for a 9:40 AM IST departure but underwent multiple rescheduling throughout the day before ultimately being canceled around 8:30 PM IST. This left travelers, including vulnerable groups such as elderly passengers, women, and children, in a state of uncertainty and discomfort. Numerous passengers reported spending the entire day within airport premises, with some forced to wait outside terminal buildings due to insufficient facilities.

    Affected traveler Ankur expressed his frustration: ‘I have been here since morning. Had they provided timely information about the cancellation, I would have returned home instead of enduring this prolonged wait.’ The lack of transparent communication from airline representatives emerged as a primary complaint among stranded passengers, who also reported insufficient assistance during the extended delay period.

    While unofficial sources cited operational and technical challenges as contributing factors, SpiceJet had not issued an official statement regarding the incident at the time of reporting. Flight tracking platforms including FlightRadar confirmed the eventual cancellation of the Dubai-bound service.

    The incident occurs amid ongoing analysis of the India-UAE air corridor’s capacity challenges, with recent studies indicating potential service gaps affecting significant portions of passengers by 2035. This event raises pertinent questions about airline accountability and emergency response mechanisms in the rapidly expanding aviation market between the two nations.

  • Poll: US tariffs on Chinese goods ‘too high’

    Poll: US tariffs on Chinese goods ‘too high’

    A comprehensive survey conducted by the Council on Foreign Relations in partnership with Morning Consult reveals significant American opposition to current tariff levels on Chinese imports. The study, conducted January 7-8 among 2,203 nationally representative adults, found that 49% of respondents consider existing tariffs “too high,” while only 6% believe they are too low.

    The research emerges amid escalating trade tensions, with a new 10% universal tariff implemented this Tuesday through Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. According to White House officials cited by the Financial Times, this temporary levy is scheduled to increase to 15% within 150 days.

    Political affiliation substantially influences tariff perceptions, with 67% of Democratic supporters viewing current Chinese tariffs as excessive compared to 46% of Republicans who consider them “about right.” The survey indicates three-fifths of Americans believe even a modest 10% tariff increase would adversely affect consumers, middle-class households, small businesses, and the broader economy.

    The report cites Yale Budget Lab data showing peak tariff rates reached 135% in April 2025 before moderating to 24% by January. Other analyses from the Center for Strategic and International Studies estimate combined sectoral and IEEPA tariffs currently average 47.5%.

    Despite divided opinions on trade volume with China—over one-quarter of respondents expressed no clear preference—the survey reveals strong bipartisan support for cooperation on specific issues. Sixty-five percent of Americans endorse collaborative efforts in technological innovation, educational exchanges, poverty reduction, manufacturing modernization, and global health research.

    The findings suggest generational differences in China perceptions, with 38% of adults aged 18-34 describing China as a friend or ally compared to just 11% of those aged 65 and above.

    China’s Ministry of Commerce responded to developments by calling for revocation of unilateral tariffs and expressing willingness to engage in candid consultations during upcoming sixth-round economic talks. This follows last week’s Supreme Court ruling that President Trump exceeded authority under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act when imposing sweeping tariffs.

  • Iran ready to take necessary measures for deal with US: deputy FM

    Iran ready to take necessary measures for deal with US: deputy FM

    Iran has formally communicated its preparedness to implement essential steps toward finalizing a nuclear agreement with the United States, according to statements from a senior Iranian diplomat. Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi, in a Tuesday interview with National Public Radio (NPR), articulated Tehran’s position that it stands ready to “reach an agreement as soon as possible” regarding the long-standing nuclear negotiations.

    The declaration comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal, which has faced significant challenges since the US withdrawal from the accord in 2018. Takht-Ravanchi, who previously served as Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, emphasized Iran’s willingness to take necessary measures to facilitate a mutual understanding.

    This development represents a notable shift in diplomatic positioning as both nations navigate complex negotiations surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and corresponding sanctions relief. The deputy foreign minister’s comments suggest a potential breakthrough in the stalled talks that have involved multiple international parties including European nations, Russia, and China.

    The timing of this announcement carries particular significance as it follows several rounds of indirect negotiations between US and Iranian officials in various European capitals. Diplomatic analysts suggest that Iran’s public statement through Western media indicates a strategic effort to communicate flexibility directly to American audiences and policymakers.

    Previous sticking points in negotiations have included the scope of sanctions relief, verification mechanisms for Iran’s nuclear activities, and guarantees against future US withdrawal from any agreement. Takht-Ravanchi’s statement does not specify what “necessary measures” might entail, leaving room for interpretation regarding potential compromises from Tehran.

  • Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi faces trial over alleged rape

    Moroccan footballer Achraf Hakimi faces trial over alleged rape

    Moroccan international footballer Achraf Hakimi will stand trial following a judicial order related to rape allegations dating back to February 2023. The Parisian court’s decision comes after a prolonged investigation into accusations made by a woman who reported being assaulted at the athlete’s residence.

    According to initial reports from AFP, the complainant approached authorities in Val-de-Marne, east of Paris, alleging non-consensual sexual contact after meeting the PSG defender through Instagram. The woman detailed how Hakimi had arranged chauffeur transportation to bring her to his home, where she claims he initiated unwanted physical contact that escalated to sexual assault. She reported managing to escape the situation with assistance from a friend who came to retrieve her.

    Hakimi, who maintains his innocence, responded to the development via social media platform X, stating: “Today, a rape accusation is enough to justify a trial, even though I contest it and everything proves that it is false.” The athlete added that he awaits the judicial process calmly, believing it will reveal the truth while acknowledging the complexity such cases present for both accused individuals and genuine victims.

    The defense team, led by attorney Fanny Colin, has announced plans to appeal the committal order, characterizing the case as relying solely on the accuser’s testimony without supporting forensic evidence. Colin emphasized that the complainant allegedly obstructed investigations by refusing medical examinations, DNA testing, and analysis of her mobile device.

    Conversely, Rachel-Flore Pardo, representing the civil party, expressed relief at the indictment decision after three years of legal proceedings. Pardo noted the alignment of the court’s decision with prosecution requests and highlighted persistent challenges in addressing sexual violence allegations within certain social circles, specifically mentioning men’s professional football.

    The 25-year-old athlete, captain of Morocco’s national team and key contributor to their historic 2022 World Cup semi-final appearance, continues his professional duties with Paris Saint-Germain. The club has declined commentary, with coach Luis Enrique stating the matter remains “in the hands of the justice system” as Hakimi prepares for upcoming Champions League fixtures.

  • Prices go up to Rs60,000 as tickets on sale for ICC T20 World Cup final, semi-finals

    Prices go up to Rs60,000 as tickets on sale for ICC T20 World Cup final, semi-finals

    Cricket enthusiasts worldwide are engaged in a digital scramble as tickets for the ICC T20 Men’s World Cup 2026 semi-finals and final officially launched. High demand has already resulted in certain seating categories being completely sold out, with fans queuing online from 7:00 PM IST to secure their passes. The highly anticipated semi-finals are scheduled for March 4th and 5th, culminating in the grand final on March 8th, as the tournament’s Super Eight stage determines the final four contenders.

    Ticket pricing reflects the premium nature of the events, with final match tickets at Ahmedabad’s colossal Narendra Modi Stadium ranging from ₹2,000 to a staggering ₹60,000, contingent on seating category, and are reportedly ‘filling fast.’ A unique ‘floating venue’ system, as outlined by the ICC, adds a layer of strategic intrigue to ticket sales. The location of the first semi-final on March 4th hinges directly on team qualifications, particularly concerning Pakistan. Should Pakistan qualify, the match will be held at Colombo’s R. Premadasa Stadium in Sri Lanka, where tickets start at LKR 1,500. If not, the fixture shifts to Kolkata’s Eden Gardens, with prices between ₹900 and ₹3,000. Tickets for the second semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium on March 5th are listed as ‘coming soon,’ starting at ₹3,000.

    This dynamic venue policy extends to the final. In a significant stipulation, if Pakistan advances to the championship match, it will be hosted in Colombo; otherwise, the final will remain in Ahmedabad. The ICC has assured full refunds for any tickets purchased for a venue that ultimately does not host its designated match due to these conditional changes.

    The tournament’s competitive landscape is intensifying. In Group 1, West Indies and South Africa are leading the Super Eight points table following substantial victories over Zimbabwe and India, respectively. Group 2 sees England at the top after their win against Sri Lanka, while New Zealand and Pakistan shared points after their fixture was interrupted by rain.

  • EU expects US to lower steel, aluminum tariffs within weeks, Bloomberg News says

    EU expects US to lower steel, aluminum tariffs within weeks, Bloomberg News says

    European Union authorities anticipate the United States will substantially reduce tariffs on manufactured goods containing steel and aluminum within coming weeks, according to a Bloomberg News report citing informed sources. This potential policy shift would mark a significant de-escalation in transatlantic trade tensions that have persisted since the previous administration’s imposition of protective metal tariffs.

    The reported arrangement, however, maintains existing levies on commodity-grade forms of both metals, indicating a targeted approach rather than comprehensive tariff elimination. This development emerges amid heightened uncertainty in broader trade negotiations following a recent US Supreme Court decision that constrained presidential authority to implement sweeping emergency tariffs.

    The judicial ruling, which limited the administration’s capacity to invoke national emergency powers for imposing reciprocal tariffs, has complicated prospects for a comprehensive US-EU trade agreement. While EU officials express optimism about the potential tariff modifications, Reuters has noted its inability to independently verify the Bloomberg report’s claims.

    This anticipated policy adjustment represents a potential breakthrough in one of the most persistent trade disputes between the transatlantic partners. The partial nature of the expected tariff relief suggests a compromise solution that addresses specific industry concerns while maintaining protective measures for raw metal production.