Global Pulse

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  • Republicans back Trump, Democrats attack ‘illegal’ Iran war

    Republicans back Trump, Democrats attack ‘illegal’ Iran war

    Washington witnessed a profound political schism as Republican and Democratic lawmakers delivered starkly contrasting responses to President Trump’s authorization of military strikes against Iran. The operation, conducted in coordination with Israeli forces, has ignited intense debate within the halls of Congress regarding its legality, strategic justification, and potential consequences.

    Republican leadership overwhelmingly endorsed the military action, framing it as a necessary response to decades of Iranian aggression. House Speaker Mike Johnson characterized the strikes as addressing Iran’s ‘evil actions,’ including terrorism, nuclear ambitions, and the murder of Americans. Senator Lindsey Graham, a longstanding advocate for intervention, heralded the operation as potentially catalyzing ‘the most historic change in the Middle East in a thousand years,’ predicting a violent but ultimately successful outcome.

    Democratic leadership mounted vigorous opposition, condemning the operation as an unconstitutional escalation. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer emphasized public reluctance toward another Middle Eastern conflict amid domestic challenges, while Senator Jack Reed criticized the administration for entering a major war without congressional authorization or a clear endgame. Progressive voices, including Senator Bernie Sanders, denounced the strikes as ‘illegal, premeditated and unconstitutional,’ warning of increased regional instability and human suffering.

    The administration maintained that key congressional leaders received pre-operation briefings through the Gang of Eight mechanism. However, the political divide revealed fractures within Republican ranks, with Congressman Thomas Massie breaking party ranks to oppose the conflict and pledging collaboration with Democrats to force a congressional war authorization vote.

  • Israel and the US attack Iran: What we know so far

    Israel and the US attack Iran: What we know so far

    A significant military escalation has erupted across the Middle East as combined forces from the United States and Israel initiated a large-scale offensive against multiple targets inside Iran. The attack, which commenced in the early hours of the morning, represents a dramatic intensification of long-standing geopolitical tensions.

    According to correspondents from Middle East Eye, powerful explosions reverberated through Tehran shortly after 6:00 AM local time, with impacts reported in key areas including University Street, Jomhouri, and Seyyed Khandan districts. The assault extended beyond the capital, with additional blasts documented in Qom, Karaj, Kermanshah, and the western Ilam province. Initial reports indicate structural collapses at several sites due to the intensity of the bombardments.

    In a coordinated response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared it had launched extensive missile and drone counterattacks against what it termed ‘the occupied territories’ of Israel. Air defense systems were activated in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Haifa as projectiles entered Israeli airspace.

    The conflict rapidly expanded beyond the initial bilateral engagement, with Iranian forces additionally striking targets in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Qatar. The U.S. Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain came under missile attack, while Qatari defense authorities reported successfully intercepting all missiles directed at their nation.

    U.S. President Donald Trump delivered an eight-minute address via Truth Social, announcing the commencement of ‘major combat operations in Iran.’ The President justified the military action by citing Iran’s nuclear program advancement and development of long-range missile capabilities, which he stated posed a direct threat to American troops, allied nations, and potentially the U.S. homeland. Trump issued a stark ultimatum to Iranian military forces to surrender or ‘face certain death,’ while simultaneously encouraging the Iranian public to overthrow their government.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed this sentiment, explicitly stating the operation’s objective as regime change and calling on Iranian citizens to ‘throw off the yoke of tyranny.’ Both leaders framed their military campaign as creating conditions for political revolution within Iran.

    Unconfirmed reports suggest Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been relocated to a secure location as the conflict continues to develop.

  • Beijing hospital blazes trail for treatment of rare diseases

    Beijing hospital blazes trail for treatment of rare diseases

    Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH), China’s flagship institution within the National Collaboration Network for Rare Diseases, has revolutionized diagnostic protocols and treatment methodologies for rare medical conditions through innovative systemic reforms.

    The hospital has implemented a comprehensive multidisciplinary framework that integrates all clinical units including outpatient services, inpatient care, and specialist consultations. This integrated approach has dramatically compressed the diagnostic timeline from an average of four years to approximately four weeks—creating what medical professionals describe as a ‘closed-loop’ diagnostic pathway.

    Central to this transformation is the establishment of the Joint Clinic for Rare Diseases, which provides coordinated ‘one-stop’ medical services. This innovative facility allows patients to receive simultaneous referrals to multiple specialist departments during a single visit, while genetic counselors provide real-time interpretation of complex medical reports. This streamlined approach significantly reduces the burden of repeated hospital visits for patients and families.

    The program’s impact is demonstrated by quantitative results: during the previous year, the clinic treated over 21,000 patients with rare diseases, representing a nearly 20% increase compared to the preceding year. Beyond clinical services, PUMCH has advanced scientific research initiatives, expanded international collaborative partnerships, and contributed substantially to developing China’s national framework for rare disease prevention and treatment security systems. These developments coincide with the hospital’s centennial celebrations, marking a century of medical leadership.

  • What we know so far: Supreme Leader’s compound hit and Iran’s retaliatory strikes

    What we know so far: Supreme Leader’s compound hit and Iran’s retaliatory strikes

    In a dramatic escalation of Middle Eastern tensions, combined United States and Israeli forces have executed a comprehensive military offensive against multiple targets across Iran. The coordinated operation, described by officials as “major combat operations,” represents the most significant direct confrontation between these nations in decades.

    Satellite imagery analysis confirms substantial structural damage to the compound of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Tehran, with visible evidence of blackened buildings, debris fields, and active smoke plumes. Explosions were reported within one kilometer of Leadership House, though the Supreme Leader’s current status remains unconfirmed despite Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s tentative assurance that Khamenei remains alive “as far as I know.”

    The initial assault commenced shortly after 09:30 local time (06:00 GMT), with detonations reported across Tehran’s Jomhouri Square and Hassan Abad Square, alongside strikes in Karaj, Isfahan, Qom, and Kermanshah. Verified footage depicts civilians fleeing explosion sites amid audible distress and panic throughout affected urban centers.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz characterized the operation as a “pre-emptive attack” to neutralize perceived threats, while President Donald Trump explicitly urged Iranian citizens to overthrow their clerical leadership once military operations conclude. Trump further outlined objectives to “obliterate” Iran’s missile infrastructure, neutralize naval capabilities, and prevent nuclear weapons acquisition.

    Iran responded with immediate ballistic missile launches targeting Israel and four Gulf nations hosting US military installations: Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Retaliatory strikes impacted near the US Navy 5th Fleet service center in Bahrain, while Qatari, Jordanian, and Kuwaiti defense systems successfully intercepted multiple projectiles. The UAE confirmed one fatality from falling intercept debris.

    Regional aviation has been severely disrupted, with Iran closing its airspace indefinitely and major carriers including British Airways, Emirates, and Lufthansa canceling or diverting Middle Eastern routes. Civilian advisories across multiple nations recommend sheltering and avoiding non-essential travel as the conflict continues to evolve.

  • Israel-US strikes on Iran: How has the world reacted?

    Israel-US strikes on Iran: How has the world reacted?

    A significant military operation conducted by the United States and Israel against Iran has triggered a dangerous escalation in the Middle East, with Tehran retaliating by targeting American assets across multiple Gulf nations. The long-anticipated offensive has plunged the region into a state of high alert, drawing varied international responses and raising concerns about broader regional instability.

    Several Gulf Cooperation Council countries, including Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia, reported incoming missile attacks on Saturday, prompting emergency alerts and shelter advisories for citizens. Qatar’s defense ministry confirmed successfully intercepting multiple projectiles aimed at its territory, while the UAE characterized the violations as sovereign infringements requiring appropriate response measures.

    International reactions reflect deepening concerns about regional security implications. The United Kingdom emphasized its preference for diplomatic resolutions while reinforcing defensive capabilities to protect national interests and ensure citizen safety. British officials explicitly stated their opposition to further escalation into expanded regional warfare.

    Lebanon faces particular vulnerability given Hezbollah’s significant presence and alliance with Iran. Prime Minister Nawaf Salam urgently appealed for national unity and caution, explicitly rejecting external pressures to involve Lebanon in military confrontations. The scheduled address by Hezbollah leadership Naim Qassem heightened anticipation about the group’s potential response strategy.

    Commercial aviation experienced immediate disruptions as Air France cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv and Beirut indefinitely, with Turkish Airlines suspending operations to ten Middle Eastern destinations through varying timelines. These precautionary measures reflect industry-wide security assessments following the outbreak of hostilities.

    The European Union, through Foreign Affairs Representative Kaja Kallas, acknowledged the perilous situation while reaffirming commitment to diplomatic channels and regional coordination with Arab partners. EU naval forces remain on high alert in the Red Sea to ensure maritime security, with consular services actively facilitating citizen evacuations and withdrawing non-essential personnel from affected areas.

    This developing situation continues to evolve with potential implications for global energy markets, regional alliances, and international security frameworks. Further updates are expected as military and diplomatic maneuvers progress.

  • Iran launches new wave of missile attacks on Israel: media

    Iran launches new wave of missile attacks on Israel: media

    Iran has initiated a significant escalation in regional hostilities by launching a new wave of missile attacks against Israeli territory, according to reports from Iranian state media on Saturday, February 28, 2026. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed earlier today that they had deployed their “first wave” of drone and missile assaults targeting Israeli positions.

    The attacks mark a dangerous intensification of ongoing tensions between the two Middle Eastern powers. Iranian media outlets provided confirmation of the offensive operations, though specific details regarding targets and impact assessment remain limited at this early stage.

    Visual documentation from the scene shows Jerusalem residents responding to emergency sirens, with photographs capturing civilians navigating streets during the alert period. The timing and scale of these coordinated strikes suggest a calculated military operation rather than isolated provocations.

    This development occurs amidst a complex regional landscape where neighboring nations have experienced their own security challenges, including recent border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan that resulted in numerous casualties. The Iranian offensive represents the latest in a series of regional security incidents that continue to destabilize the Middle Eastern geopolitical environment.

    International observers are closely monitoring the situation for potential escalation patterns and assessing the likelihood of broader regional involvement. The missile attacks constitute one of the most direct confrontations between Iran and Israel in recent years, raising concerns about prolonged military engagement and possible international response.

  • Scientists from Spain, China discover Jurassic lizard tracks in Europe

    Scientists from Spain, China discover Jurassic lizard tracks in Europe

    A groundbreaking paleontological discovery has emerged from the coastal cliffs of northern Spain, where an international team of scientists from China and Spain has identified exceptionally preserved Jurassic-era lizard trackways. This landmark find, documented in the journal Ichnos, represents the first recorded evidence of lizard tracks from the Jurassic period ever discovered in Europe.

    The research was spearheaded by Laura Piñuela of Spain’s Jurassic Museum of Asturias (MUJA) in collaboration with Dr. Xing Lida from China University of Geosciences (Beijing). Their investigation focused on two distinct trackways found in the Lastres Formation within the renowned ‘Dinosaur Coast’ of Villaviciosa, Asturias—an area celebrated for its abundance of prehistoric reptile footprints.

    One trackway consists of seven clearly defined footprints indicating a trackmaker measuring approximately 50 centimeters in body length, while the second trail features six impressions from a smaller individual around 30 centimeters long. These tracks now stand as the most recent global discovery of their kind, offering unprecedented insights into the diversity and behavior of small reptiles during the Late Jurassic epoch.

    The scientific approach combined field fossil examination with laboratory simulation techniques. Chinese researchers conducted comparative experiments in Wuxi, Jiangsu province, observing the movement patterns of modern lizards in controlled sand environments. By analyzing both contemporary and ancient traces, the team established that certain locomotor mechanisms and alert postures seen in present-day lizards existed as far back as 150 million years ago.

    Dr. Xing highlighted the significance of this evolutionary conservatism, noting that ‘the study provides valuable evidence for understanding behavioral evolution in ancient reptiles.’ European co-author Jose Carlos Garcia-Ramos added that modern technology has enabled researchers to reconstruct scenes where these prehistoric creatures crawled, turned, and potentially paused to survey their surroundings in delta wetland environments.

    The fossils are currently preserved and publicly displayed at MUJA, serving as both scientific resources and public educational artifacts. This collaborative project establishes a successful model for international paleontological research combining field discovery with laboratory simulation.

  • Oil prices set for swings next week as US-Israel strikes raise supply uncertainty

    Oil prices set for swings next week as US-Israel strikes raise supply uncertainty

    FRANKFURT, Germany — Global oil markets face significant volatility as trading resumes following weekend closures, with analysts warning of potential price fluctuations stemming from recent military actions in the Middle East. The strategic strikes conducted by U.S. and Israeli forces have created substantial uncertainty regarding regional oil supply chains, particularly affecting Iranian exports which average approximately 1.6 million barrels daily.

    Pre-conflict analytical models projected varying scenarios based on the severity of infrastructure damage. Limited engagements that avoid comprehensive regime change or full-scale warfare could trigger immediate price increases of $5-$10 per barrel, primarily driven by market apprehension rather than actual supply disruption, according to energy research firm Rystad Energy.

    The geopolitical tension has already influenced market behavior, with international benchmark Brent crude closing at a seven-month peak of $72.87 per barrel on Friday. Further escalation remains a critical concern, especially regarding the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime passage handling 20% of global oil shipments daily. Major Middle Eastern exporters including Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates depend heavily on this channel for their distribution networks.

    Energy strategist Clayton Seigle of the Center for Strategic & International Studies outlined a concerning wartime scenario where Iranian disruption of tanker traffic could propel crude prices beyond $90 per barrel, subsequently driving U.S. gasoline prices significantly above $3 per gallon. Current national averages stand at $2.98 per gallon according to AAA motor club data.

    Despite concerning possibilities, analysts note Iran’s limited incentives for closing the Strait of Hormuz, as such action would simultaneously cripple its own export capabilities and damage relations with China, its primary oil customer. Chinese privately-owned refineries have continued purchasing Iranian oil despite U.S. sanctions, creating a complex geopolitical dynamic that could see Chinese buyers seeking alternative sources if supplies are interrupted, potentially accelerating global price increases.

  • Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in full health: Mehr news agency

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in full health: Mehr news agency

    Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian remains in robust health according to official statements from the Mehr News Agency, dispelling any speculation about his physical condition. The announcement comes at a critical juncture as Iran navigates complex regional dynamics and international negotiations.

    The health status confirmation follows a period of heightened regional tensions and significant diplomatic developments. Notably, Omani Foreign Minister Badr al-Busaidi recently revealed a potential breakthrough in nuclear discussions, indicating Iran’s agreement to maintain zero enriched uranium stockpiling—a significant concession in ongoing negotiations.

    Meanwhile, the region continues to experience instability, with recent cross-border clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan resulting in significant casualties. These developments occur against the backdrop of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s comments expressing dissatisfaction with nuclear negotiation progress while clarifying that no final decision has been made regarding military action against Iran.

    President Pezeshkian’s confirmed good health assumes particular importance given Iran’s current strategic positioning. The nation appears to be pursuing diplomatic channels while maintaining readiness to address regional security challenges. The health assurance from official Iranian media sources serves to project stability within the country’s leadership during this volatile period.

    International observers continue to monitor Iran’s domestic and foreign policy directions, with President Pezeshkian’s administration facing multiple challenges including economic pressures, nuclear negotiations, and regional security concerns. The unequivocal health statement aims to reinforce confidence in Iran’s governance structures during these complex geopolitical circumstances.

  • 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.