Global Pulse

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  • How the world has reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran

    How the world has reacted to US and Israeli strikes on Iran

    A coordinated military offensive by United States and Israeli forces struck targets across multiple Iranian cities on Saturday, triggering a severe escalation in Middle Eastern tensions and drawing widespread international condemnation. US President Donald Trump characterized the operations as “major combat actions” aimed at neutralizing threats from Tehran’s regime.

    The assault prompted an immediate response from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which announced Operation “Truthful Promise 4” targeting American military installations and assets throughout the Middle East. This exchange of hostilities follows weeks of heightened diplomatic friction concerning Iran’s nuclear advancement programs.

    Global reactions reflected deepening concern over regional stability. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a stark warning, stating that these military actions “undermine international peace and security” and risk triggering broader regional conflict with catastrophic humanitarian consequences. He urgently called for cessation of hostilities and immediate de-escalation.

    European leaders including French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer released a joint communiqué emphasizing their non-participation in the strikes while urging Tehran to pursue diplomatic resolutions. Their statement highlighted consistent appeals for Iran to terminate its nuclear and missile development initiatives and cease internal repression.

    Oman’s Foreign Minister Badr Albusaidi, who had been mediating nuclear negotiations between Washington and Tehran, expressed dismay that serious diplomatic efforts had been undermined. He explicitly warned the US against deeper military engagement, stating this conflict “is not your war.”

    Russian officials condemned the strikes as “reckless” actions disguised under negotiation pretenses, while Saudi Arabia denounced Iranian retaliatory measures against neighboring Gulf states and affirmed solidarity with affected nations.

    Despite claiming non-involvement in offensive operations, British authorities confirmed RAF aircraft were conducting “coordinated regional defensive operations” to protect national interests and allies. Australian leadership endorsed US efforts to prevent Iranian nuclear weapon acquisition, framing it as necessary for international security.

    Human rights considerations emerged prominently, with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk emphasizing civilian protection obligations under international law. He noted that civilians invariably bear the ultimate cost in armed conflicts and urged all parties to return to negotiation frameworks.

    The political dimension intensified as both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed Iranian citizens directly, encouraging uprising against their government and promising support for regime change. This unprecedented call for domestic rebellion adds complex geopolitical dimensions to the military confrontation.

  • Madonna steals the spotlight at Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan Fashion Week runway show

    Madonna steals the spotlight at Dolce & Gabbana’s Milan Fashion Week runway show

    MILAN — The iconic Queen of Pop, Madonna, transformed into the undisputed queen of the front row at the Dolce & Gabbana Fall-Winter 2026-27 showcase during Milan Fashion Week. Her arrival, synchronized perfectly with her empowering anthem “You’ll See,” created an electric atmosphere as she took her seat beside Vogue’s formidable editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour.

    The 67-year-old music legend, accompanied by boyfriend Akeem Morris, immediately became the center of attention. Fellow attendees eagerly captured the moment she warmly embraced actor Alberto Guerra, her recent co-star in a Dolce & Gabbana advertising campaign. This appearance reinforces Madonna’s enduring relationship with the Italian fashion house, a collaboration spanning over three decades since she first wore their jewel-encrusted bodice during the 1991 New York premiere of “Truth or Dare.”

    Designers Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana presented a collection that served as both homage and dialogue with Madonna’s distinctive style legacy. Transparent lace dresses and skirts evoked her early aesthetic, while powerful pinstriped suits with exaggerated shoulders directly referenced her iconic “Vogue” music video era. The show further incorporated lavish faux furs and bold animal prints, creating a visual narrative of Madonna’s evolving fashion journey.

    Madonna’s own ensemble demonstrated her lasting influence: a sophisticated black blazer layered over a dark minidress, punctuated by striking turquoise leather gloves. Unlike her previous appearance wearing a lace veil, she opted for loose blonde locks this time, maintaining her status as a perpetual style innovator.

    Following the spectacular presentation, the designers personally escorted Madonna backstage, while hundreds of devoted fans gathered outside hoping to glimpse the pop icon and other international celebrities including Japanese singer Hikaru Iwamoto, South Korea’s Choi San, and Italy’s Achille Lauro.

  • Israel, US launch daylight attack on Iran

    Israel, US launch daylight attack on Iran

    In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Israeli forces conducted a daylight military operation against targets in Iran’s capital Tehran on Saturday, with confirmed participation from United States military assets. The coordinated strike, which occurred on February 28, 2026, sent plumes of smoke rising from the downtown area near Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s offices, though Iranian authorities had previously relocated the leader to a secured location.

    According to verified reports from Fars News Agency, multiple missiles struck University Street and the Jomhouri district, prompting Iran to immediately close its national airspace. The operation followed the substantial buildup of US fighter jets and warships in the region, previously characterized as diplomatic pressure regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the action as “a preemptive strike against Iran to remove threats to the State of Israel,” while emergency sirens activated across Israel and civilians received instructions to seek shelter. The Pentagon confirmed US involvement through anonymous officials speaking to Associated Press, with Reuters obtaining additional confirmation from Israeli defense sources regarding the coordinated nature of the operation.

    Regional security immediately heightened as the US Embassy in Qatar implemented shelter-in-place protocols for personnel and citizens, reflecting concerns about potential retaliation. Iranian officials had previously warned that US military personnel and bases throughout the region would become primary targets in any retaliatory action, though Tehran’s immediate response remained unclear at the time of reporting.

  • US military began major combat operation in Iran: Trump

    US military began major combat operation in Iran: Trump

    In a dramatic escalation of Middle East tensions, former US President Donald Trump has declared the commencement of a major combat operation against Iran. The announcement, made today, outlines a comprehensive military campaign with the explicit objective of permanently dismantling Iran’s nuclear weapons program and missile infrastructure.

    Trump stated unequivocally that Iran would never be permitted to possess nuclear weapons under his administration’s watch. The operation’s strategic focus appears to center on the systematic destruction of Iran’s missile production facilities and launch capabilities, with the President vowing to ‘raze its missile industry to the ground.’

    This military action represents the most significant direct confrontation between the United States and Iran in recent history, fundamentally altering the security landscape of the region. The announcement comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts concerning Iran’s nuclear program, creating a stark contrast between military and negotiated approaches to addressing security concerns.

    The operation’s commencement signals a decisive shift in US foreign policy toward Iran, moving from economic sanctions and diplomatic pressure to active military engagement. The development has immediate implications for global oil markets, regional stability, and international relations, particularly with nations that have maintained diplomatic ties with Tehran.

  • Tug of war: how US presidents battle Congress for military powers

    Tug of war: how US presidents battle Congress for military powers

    The recent military engagement dubbed “Epic Fury” against Iran has reignited the constitutional debate surrounding presidential war powers in the United States. President Donald Trump’s announcement of this operation, delivered without explicit congressional consultation, exemplifies the ongoing tension between executive authority and legislative oversight in matters of military intervention.

    This confrontation stems from the fundamental ambiguity within the U.S. Constitution. While Article I grants Congress the exclusive power to declare war, Article II establishes the President as Commander-in-Chief of the armed forces. This constitutional duality has enabled successive administrations to expand executive military prerogatives, particularly since World War II—the last occasion Congress formally declared war.

    The legislative response to presidential overreach emerged during the Vietnam War era. In 1973, Congress enacted the War Powers Resolution over President Nixon’s veto, establishing the primary legal constraint on unilateral executive action. This legislation mandates presidential notification of Congress within 48 hours of military deployment and requires congressional authorization for operations extending beyond 60 days.

    Historical precedent reveals that President Trump is hardly exceptional in bypassing congressional approval. President Clinton authorized NATO airstrikes in Kosovo without legislative consent in 1999, while President Obama employed similar executive discretion during the 2011 Libya campaign. Trump himself previously ordered airstrikes in Syria alongside British and French allies in 2018 without seeking congressional approval.

    However, the current administration has demonstrated particularly assertive interpretations of executive power. Recent operations include strikes against alleged drug trafficking vessels in Latin America, the June 2025 targeting of Iranian nuclear facilities, and the controversial January 3rd military raid targeting Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. These actions have prompted Democratic legislators to propose war powers resolutions aimed at curtailing presidential authority, though Republican opposition has thus far prevented their passage.

    The administration has simultaneously expanded domestic military deployments, utilizing National Guard troops in multiple cities under the justification of combating crime and immigration—a move criticized by Democrats as unprecedented domestic militarization.

    This enduring institutional struggle reflects deeper constitutional tensions that continue to define the balance of power in American governance, with significant implications for both international relations and democratic accountability.

  • Thousands of cherry blossoms bloom in Chongqing, drawing visitors

    Thousands of cherry blossoms bloom in Chongqing, drawing visitors

    The arrival of spring has transformed Chongqing’s Zhongxian county into a breathtaking floral paradise as its massive 66-hectare cherry blossom garden erupts in vibrant bloom. Located in the Yinshan community of Baigong subdistrict, this botanical wonderland has become a major attraction for visitors seeking to witness one of nature’s most spectacular seasonal displays.

    The expansive garden boasts an impressive collection of over 100,000 cherry trees representing nearly 50 distinct varieties. Among the botanical treasures are the graceful weeping cherry, the renowned Japanese Kawazu-zakura variety, and the distinctive bell-flower cherry. This diverse collection creates a multi-layered tapestry of pink and white blossoms that paint the landscape with extraordinary beauty.

    Recent warming temperatures have triggered the simultaneous blooming of thousands of trees, creating an immersive sensory experience for visitors. The air carries the delicate fragrance of cherry blossoms while the visual spectacle of countless flowers creates an almost surreal atmosphere. Photographers and nature enthusiasts have flocked to the site, capturing the ephemeral beauty of the blooms at their peak magnificence.

    The cherry blossom garden represents both natural splendor and careful cultivation, demonstrating successful horticultural management in Southwest China. The massive scale of the garden and its diverse collection position it as a significant botanical attraction in the region, offering visitors an exceptional opportunity to experience cherry blossom viewing without traveling abroad.

    Local authorities have noted the growing popularity of the site as a spring destination, with visitor numbers increasing annually. The phenomenon highlights how carefully managed natural attractions can become significant tourism draws while providing communities with opportunities to showcase regional horticultural achievements and natural beauty.

  • Guangdong Provincial Archives exhibits evidence of Japanese war crimes in China

    Guangdong Provincial Archives exhibits evidence of Japanese war crimes in China

    The Guangdong Provincial Archives has unveiled a compelling exhibition featuring irrefutable evidence of Japanese war crimes committed during World War II, drawing from historical materials preserved by Japanese sources themselves. The Saturday event served both as a donation ceremony and historical exposition, highlighting aggressive acts perpetrated by Japanese militarism against China.

    Local residents contributed significantly to the archival collection by donating materials documenting invasive crimes committed by Japanese forces in South China. These newly acquired holdings include previously unseen evidence that directly challenges persistent denials by Japanese right-wing factions regarding wartime atrocities.

    According to the Archives’ official statement, contemporary Japanese authorities have engaged in provocative actions that interfere with China’s internal affairs while simultaneously undermining the post-WWII international order. These developments have generated widespread condemnation among Chinese citizens and peace advocates worldwide.

    Among the most significant donations were materials provided by researcher Sha Dongxun from the Guangdong Academy of Social Sciences. These included original Japanese manuscript testimony from Unit 8604 veteran Inoue Mutsuo, recorded in July 1995, which details germ warfare atrocities committed by Japanese forces. Additionally, the collection features printed testimony from veteran Maruyama Shigeru who publicly exposed biological warfare crimes in 1993.

    The Archives emphasized that these materials represent self-incriminating evidence from perpetrators who could no longer bear the weight of their conscience in their later years. The exhibition also showcases original photographs captured by military photographers serving in Japan’s 21st Army that invaded South China, alongside Japanese publications and invasion photo albums published by contemporary news media.

    These Japanese-language historical materials provide incontrovertible proof of Japan’s invasive history and hold immense historical value for understanding the full scope of wartime atrocities committed during the occupation period.

  • US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack

    US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack

    In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, the United States and Israel conducted coordinated military strikes against multiple targets in Iran on Saturday. The attacks, targeting sites in Tehran and several other cities including Qom, Karaj, and Kermanshah, mark a dangerous new phase in regional instability.

    According to US security officials, the joint operation represents a dramatic intensification of military engagement with Iran. Israeli Defense officials confirmed their forces struck multiple locations within the Iranian capital, where explosions were reported throughout the morning. Iranian officials disclosed to Reuters that several government ministries in southern Tehran were among the targets hit.

    This offensive follows President Donald Trump’s previous military action against Iran in June 2025, when US forces joined Israel in a 12-day conflict that culminated in bombing three Iranian nuclear facilities. While Trump previously characterized those strikes as ‘limited and decisive,’ targeting Tehran directly establishes conditions for potentially extended US military involvement in the region.

    The administration had been preparing for this escalation since January, deploying additional warplanes, air defense systems, and an aircraft carrier to the Middle East. In an interview with Axios, Trump notably referenced dispatching ‘a big armada next to Iran. Bigger than Venezuela’ – drawing parallels to his military campaign against the Latin American nation earlier in the month.

    Despite the military action, Trump has maintained diplomatic channels with Tehran, leaving the path to negotiations open. The administration had considered military action against Iran for nearly a month, initially citing the government’s brutal crackdown on demonstrators that resulted in thousands of casualties. After initially encouraging protestors to ‘take over’ state institutions, Trump later claimed the ‘killing has stopped.’

    Regional experts caution that this latest attack could provoke severe retaliation from Iran. Unlike previous responses – such as the June attack on al-Udeid air base in Qatar, which was conducted with advance warning and limited damage – current circumstances might compel Iran to respond more aggressively. With Tehran already confronting massive domestic protests, US military action could be perceived as an existential threat, potentially triggering attacks on US bases across the region or attempts to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a critical passage for 20% of global oil shipments.

    The operation follows a pattern similar to Trump’s approach toward Venezuela, where escalating tensions ultimately resulted in the abduction and detention of President Nicolas Maduro. Regional powers including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Oman had lobbied against military action, while several Gulf states explicitly refused to allow US use of their territory or airspace for attacks on Iran.

  • US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack, Khamenei moved to ‘safe place’

    US-Israel strike Iran in joint attack, Khamenei moved to ‘safe place’

    In a significant escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, Israeli forces executed coordinated military strikes against multiple targets in Tehran on Saturday. The operation, confirmed by US security officials to be a joint initiative with Washington, represents a dramatic turning point in regional geopolitics.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz publicly acknowledged the offensive, characterizing it as a ‘preventive strike’ against Iranian assets. Concurrently, air raid sirens activated across Israel, with military authorities issuing urgent directives for civilians to seek immediate shelter in protected spaces. The nation transitioned to ‘Essential Activity’ status, suspending educational institutions, public gatherings, and non-critical commercial operations.

    Reuters agency reported that Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei relocated to a secured facility during the assault. Eyewitnesses described substantial explosions throughout Tehran’s metropolitan area, with visible smoke plumes rising from impact sites.

    US President Donald Trump concurrently advocated for regime transformation in Iran, declaring that ‘Iranian people’s freedom is at hand today.’ He extended offers of immunity to members of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps, military, and police forces conditional on their disarmament.

    Israeli media outlet Channel 13, citing confidential security sources, revealed the operation underwent months of strategic preparation. The timing appears particularly significant given recent diplomatic engagements – an Iranian informant disclosed to Middle East Eye that negotiations served as camouflage for military planning, evidenced by the USS Gerald Ford aircraft carrier’s positioning near Haifa preceding the attacks.

    This development follows Israeli Minister Yoav Gallant’s Friday declaration that ‘the coming weeks will shape the coming decades in the Middle East,’ suggesting advanced awareness of impending military actions. The Omani foreign minister had simultaneously claimed breakthrough diplomatic achievements, which now appear overshadowed by armed conflict.

  • Israel says launched ‘preemptive’ strike against Iran

    Israel says launched ‘preemptive’ strike against Iran

    The Israeli Defense Ministry confirmed the execution of a preemptive military strike against Iranian targets early Saturday, characterizing the operation as a necessary defensive measure to neutralize imminent threats to national security.

    In an official statement released following the operation, Israeli authorities justified their actions as a calculated response to credible intelligence indicating preparations for missile attacks against Israeli territory. The precise locations and specific nature of the targets struck within Iran remain undisclosed for operational security reasons.

    Concurrently with the offensive maneuver, Israel’s civil defense network activated emergency sirens nationwide, alerting citizens to prepare for potential retaliatory missile strikes from Iran. The dual development of offensive action and defensive preparedness underscores the heightened state of military tension between the two Middle Eastern powers.

    The escalation occurs against a complex geopolitical backdrop where regional tensions have been steadily intensifying. This military action represents a significant development in the long-standing adversarial relationship between Israel and Iran, which has historically involved proxy conflicts but now appears to be entering a more direct phase of confrontation.

    International observers and diplomatic channels are closely monitoring the situation for potential ripple effects across the region, particularly regarding how Iran’s leadership might respond to what Israel describes as a preemptive defensive action. The operation marks one of the most direct military engagements between the two nations in recent years.