Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Middle East war: global economic fallout

    Middle East war: global economic fallout

    The ongoing military conflict in the Middle East has triggered significant economic disruptions worldwide, with oil prices surging past $106 per barrel and Asian markets experiencing widespread declines as hostilities enter their third week. The economic ramifications are being felt across continents, from fuel queues in Sri Lanka to emergency meetings in European capitals.

    Energy markets remain particularly volatile following President Trump’s weekend announcement that U.S. forces struck military targets on Kharg Island, Iran’s primary oil export facility. The President further warned that additional energy infrastructure could be targeted if Iran interferes with transit through the Strait of Hormuz, which has remained effectively closed since U.S.-Israel operations commenced on February 28.

    In response to the escalating energy crisis, Japan has initiated the release of its strategic oil reserves following coordination through the International Energy Agency. The IEA’s March 11 agreement to tap emergency stockpiles represents the largest coordinated response of its kind, with releases in Europe and North America scheduled before month’s end.

    European Union energy ministers convened emergency talks in Brussels to address the continent’s worsening energy affordability crisis. The emergency session prepares for Thursday’s summit where leaders will debate measures to support households and businesses facing unprecedented energy costs. Member states are considering various approaches including price caps, fuel tax reductions, and potential modifications to the EU’s carbon emissions trading framework.

    Meanwhile, EU foreign ministers are discussing expanding the bloc’s Red Sea naval mission to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical transit point for approximately 20% of global crude supplies and substantial gas shipments. The potential mandate expansion of Operation Aspides would address threats to shipping from Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen.

    Diplomatic channels between Washington and Beijing remain active despite tensions, with China confirming ongoing communications regarding President Trump’s anticipated visit this month. The confirmation comes despite the President’s suggestion that he might delay planned meetings with Chinese leader Xi Jinping if China doesn’t assist in reopening the critical waterway.

    The conflict’s impact extended to regional infrastructure with Dubai International Airport temporarily suspending operations following a drone-related incident that ignited a fuel tank fire. Authorities reported no injuries and contained the blaze relatively quickly. Separately, a drone attack targeted oil infrastructure in the UAE’s Fujairah Oil Industries Zone on the Gulf of Oman coast, sparking another significant fire that emergency crews worked to contain.

  • Israel says to partially reopen Rafah Crossing on Wednesday

    Israel says to partially reopen Rafah Crossing on Wednesday

    Israeli authorities have confirmed the partial reopening of the Rafah border crossing, a critical transit point for Gaza’s population, following an extensive security evaluation. The Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) declared Sunday that the crossing would resume limited operations this Wednesday.

    The reactivated crossing will facilitate bidirectional movement exclusively for individuals, with stringent security protocols remaining in effect. COGAT emphasized that the decision followed comprehensive threat assessment and examination of operational conditions, noting that necessary security restrictions would persist due to ongoing regional threats.

    Crossing operations will be conducted through trilateral coordination involving Egyptian authorities, Israeli security approval mechanisms, and supervision by European Union monitoring personnel. This arrangement aims to balance humanitarian access with security imperatives.

    The Rafah crossing had been shuttered since February 28th following joint US-Israeli military actions against Iranian targets. Israeli forces initially assumed control of the strategic border point in May 2024, severing Gaza’s primary connection to the outside world and intensifying humanitarian challenges. A brief resumption of operations occurred February 2nd under the ceasefire agreement that took effect October 10, 2025, before the recent closure.

    Situated at Gaza’s southern extremity, Rafah represents the territory’s sole non-Israeli controlled border crossing, making its operational status particularly significant for civilian movement and aid delivery.

  • Gulf bases targeted as US hits Iran’s oil hub

    Gulf bases targeted as US hits Iran’s oil hub

    The strategic Persian Gulf region has become the epicenter of intensifying military confrontations as US forces launched targeted strikes on Iran’s critical oil infrastructure. The attacks focused on Kharg Island, a vital petroleum export terminal handling approximately 90% of Iran’s crude oil shipments, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

    According to military reports, American forces conducted precision strikes against more than 90 Iranian military targets on the small coral island located 30 kilometers off Iran’s southwestern coast. The assault represents a dangerous new phase in the three-week conflict that shows no signs of de-escalation despite international concerns.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi confirmed the attacks originated from two locations within the United Arab Emirates, characterizing the situation as “extremely dangerous.” Iranian authorities have subsequently designated three major UAE ports as “legitimate targets” and urged civilian evacuations from these areas.

    Gulf Arab states find themselves increasingly embroiled in a conflict they neither initiated nor endorsed, with Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE all activating defense systems to intercept incoming projectiles. Debris from an intercepted Iranian drone struck an oil facility at Fujairah Port, producing plumes of thick black smoke visible in television footage.

    Behind the diplomatic scenes, resentment is mounting among Gulf Cooperation Council members who are bearing unexpected economic and security costs. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, emphasized his nation’s commitment to “reason and de-escalation” while maintaining the right to self-defense.

    The conflict has expanded to include allegations of false-flag operations, with Iran’s joint military command accusing the US and Israel of using replica Iranian drones to attack neighboring countries and shift blame to Tehran. The Revolutionary Guards separately vowed to hunt down Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, promising to “track down and eliminate him with all our strength.”

    As the strategic Strait of Hormuz remains virtually blocked by the threat of Iranian attacks, Washington has called for international naval assistance to protect global oil supplies. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue, with Iran’s Araghchi urging other nations to “refrain from any action that could lead to escalation and expansion of the conflict” during discussions with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot.

    Despite the extensive attacks, Iranian officials maintain that oil exports from Kharg Island continue normally, though independent verification remains challenging amid the ongoing hostilities.

  • War in the Middle East: latest developments

    War in the Middle East: latest developments

    The Middle East conflict escalated dramatically on Monday with a series of significant military and geopolitical developments. Explosions rocked central Tehran as Iranian air defense systems activated, though the specific targets remained unclear. This occurred shortly after Israel confirmed conducting large-scale overnight strikes.

    In southern Lebanon, the Israeli Defense Forces initiated what they described as “limited ground operations” against Hezbollah strongholds, aiming to enhance their forward defense perimeter.

    The United Arab Emirates faced multiple security incidents. Dubai International Airport gradually resumed operations following a suspension caused by a drone-related fuel tank fire nearby. Simultaneously, the Emirati defense ministry reported intercepting waves of Iranian drones and missiles. Separate attacks targeted the Fujairah oil industry zone and the outskirts of Abu Dhabi, where a Palestinian civilian was killed by a missile strike.

    Global energy markets reacted strongly, with Brent Crude oil prices surging 3% to $106.50 per barrel amid the heightened tensions.

    Diplomatic efforts intensified as EU foreign ministers considered extending their Red Sea naval mission to the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. U.S. President Donald Trump pressured NATO allies and China to contribute to securing the oil transport conduit, warning of a “very bad” future for the alliance if they failed to assist. However, both Japan and Australia subsequently ruled out naval deployments to the region.

    Despite the escalating conflict, the Iranian men’s football team maintained plans to participate in the upcoming World Cup in North America, according to Asian Football Confederation officials.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots as “ecocide,” citing long-term health risks to residents. While Trump claimed the U.S. was in discussions with Iran, Tehran denied any ongoing talks between the nations.

  • India hopeful Iran talks will ease Hormuz route for its ships

    India hopeful Iran talks will ease Hormuz route for its ships

    Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar has confirmed that diplomatic engagement with Tehran has yielded partial success in securing passage for Indian vessels through the critically important Strait of Hormuz. This development follows Iran’s near-total blockade of the strategic waterway amid escalating Middle East tensions.

    In an exclusive interview with the Financial Times, Jaishankar revealed that two Indian-flagged gas tankers successfully navigated the strait on Saturday following intensive diplomatic discussions. However, he emphasized that no “blanket arrangement” exists for all Indian shipping, with twenty-two vessels still awaiting clearance to transit the channel.

    The current crisis emerged after U.S. and Israeli forces launched comprehensive strikes against Iranian targets on February 28th, triggering retaliatory actions from Tehran that extended to non-military targets in Gulf states allied with America. The conflict has severely disrupted global energy shipping through the narrow passage between Iran and Oman, which facilitates approximately one-fifth of worldwide oil and gas transportation.

    For India, the Strait of Hormuz represents an essential economic artery, with 40-50% of crude imports, half of liquefied natural gas supplies, and most liquefied petroleum gas shipments transiting through this corridor. The disruptions have already precipitated domestic cooking-gas shortages, sparking panic buying and temporarily shuttering some restaurants.

    Jaishankar characterized India’s diplomatic approach as pragmatic and relationship-based, noting that each country’s engagement with Iran “stands on its own merits.” He explicitly denied any quid pro quo arrangements with Tehran, instead emphasizing the nations’ longstanding bilateral relationship.

    While acknowledging the preliminary nature of these developments, the foreign minister expressed commitment to continued dialogue, stating: “If it is yielding results for me, I would naturally continue to look at it.” He advocated for reasoned coordination over escalation, suggesting this approach might benefit other nations seeking resolution.

    The situation remains fluid as multiple international players, including European governments and Turkey, pursue diplomatic solutions. Meanwhile, former U.S. President Donald Trump has called for allied nations to deploy naval assets to the region to secure the vital shipping lane.

    Energy markets have already responded to the tensions, with Brent crude prices approaching $106 per barrel on Monday. Analysts note India’s delicate balancing act, maintaining relationships with both Iran and Western allies while prioritizing energy security and regional stability.

  • 2 dead after 2 boats carrying students capsize off US base construction site in southern Japan

    2 dead after 2 boats carrying students capsize off US base construction site in southern Japan

    A maritime tragedy unfolded Monday near Henoko, Okinawa, as two vessels carrying 21 individuals capsized in waters adjacent to a contentious U.S. military base relocation site. According to Japanese authorities, all passengers were thrown into the ocean, resulting in two fatalities despite rescue efforts.

    The Japan Coast Guard confirmed that 18 of those aboard were high school students from Kyoto participating in an educational peace program. The group was divided between two boats: ten students aboard the Heiwa Maru and eight on the smaller Fukutsu vessel, accompanied by three adult crew members.

    Coast guard rescue teams successfully extracted all 21 individuals from the water. Tragically, a 17-year-old female student and the captain of the Fukutsu were later pronounced dead. Two additional individuals sustained non-life-threatening injuries and received medical treatment.

    The incident occurred approximately one kilometer east of Henoko while a wave advisory was active. Preliminary reports indicate relatively calm water conditions with no evidence of vessel collision. Maritime authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the precise cause of the capsizing.

    Henoko has become a focal point for activists opposing the protracted relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, though officials clarified the students were engaged in observational activities rather than protest. This relocation project has been stalled for nearly three decades due to persistent legal challenges and demonstrations between Okinawan residents and the Tokyo government.

    The tragedy highlights ongoing tensions surrounding American military presence in Okinawa, which hosts approximately half of the 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan under bilateral security agreements. Local communities have consistently raised concerns regarding accidents, environmental pollution, noise pollution, and crime associated with the military installations.

  • Israel announces Lebanon ground assault against Hezbollah

    Israel announces Lebanon ground assault against Hezbollah

    The Israeli military has confirmed the initiation of ground operations against Hezbollah forces in southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle Eastern conflict. This development occurs alongside intensified international efforts to address the critical shipping blockade in the Strait of Hormuz following Iranian attacks.

    Military spokesperson Brigadier General Effie Defrin characterized the Lebanese incursion as ‘limited ground operations’ intended to establish a strengthened defensive posture along Israel’s northern frontier. The announcement follows sustained aerial bombardments on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs, areas previously subjected to comprehensive evacuation orders that triggered substantial population displacement throughout Lebanon.

    The broader regional confrontation has witnessed Iran executing retaliatory measures against approximately ten nations hosting American military installations. Revolutionary Guards officials disclosed the deployment of nearly 700 missiles and 3,600 drones targeting Israeli and US interests since hostilities commenced.

    Concurrently, global energy markets face unprecedented strain following Iran’s obstruction of the Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime channel through which approximately one-third of the world’s seaborne oil passes. The subsequent 40-50% surge in crude prices prompted President Donald Trump to urgently solicit naval support from multiple nations including China, France, Japan, South Korea, and Britain to safeguard commercial tanker transit.

    The International Energy Agency has coordinated the release of 400 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves to mitigate supply disruptions. Asian and Oceania nations are initiating immediate stockpile distributions, with European and American releases scheduled for subsequent weeks.

    Civilian infrastructure continues to suffer collateral damage, with Dubai International Airport temporarily suspending operations following drone-induced fires near its facilities. Iraqi authorities reported rocket attacks wounding five personnel at Baghdad Airport, which houses sensitive US diplomatic installations.

    Despite suffering leadership losses—including the reported demise of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei—Iran’s interim leadership maintains defiance. Current estimates indicate over 1,200 casualties from US and Israeli strikes, while UN agencies report up to 3.2 million internally displaced persons within Iran amidst prolonged internet restrictions entering their seventeenth day.

  • Israel steps up campaign in Lebanon, as Iran keeps stranglehold on shipping

    Israel steps up campaign in Lebanon, as Iran keeps stranglehold on shipping

    The Middle East conflict intensified across multiple theaters on Monday, with escalating military actions creating ripple effects across global markets and diplomatic channels. United States and Israeli forces conducted coordinated strikes against military installations in Tehran, while Israel simultaneously escalated its campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

    Iran retaliated with precision drone strikes that temporarily shut down Dubai International Airport, a critical global aviation hub, and targeted energy infrastructure across the Gulf region. These developments have dramatically heightened concerns about a potential global energy crisis, particularly regarding the strategic Strait of Hormuz—a vital maritime passageway typically handling 20% of global oil shipments.

    The Iranian offensive against commercial vessels transiting the strait has reduced shipping to a mere trickle, creating severe disruptions to global energy supplies. Brent crude prices surged past $100 per barrel, maintaining elevated levels that threaten broader economic stability. President Donald Trump confirmed he has solicited naval support from approximately seven nations to secure the strategic waterway, though no commitments have materialized thus far.

    Despite the heightened tensions, limited maritime traffic continued with two Indian-flagged vessels and one Pakistani-flagged ship successfully navigating the strait over the weekend according to maritime authorities.

    Israeli operations expanded significantly with pre-dawn strikes on Beirut targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, accompanied by mass evacuation orders affecting over 800,000 Lebanese civilians. Lebanese authorities reported seven fatalities in southern Lebanon, including two paramedics responding to earlier strikes. The conflict has claimed approximately 850 lives in Lebanon to date according to official reports.

    Simultaneously, Israel conducted fresh strikes on Tehran, with explosions reported throughout the Iranian capital and surrounding areas. Iranian Red Crescent officials placed the death toll in Iran at over 1,300, while Israeli military spokesperson Lt. Col. Nadav Shoshani claimed destruction of 85% of Iran’s air defenses and 70% of its missile launchers through approximately 7,600 strikes.

    The economic consequences continue to mount with rising energy and fertilizer prices threatening food security in vulnerable nations and complicating central banks’ efforts to control inflation. President Trump warned that allied nations refusing participation in strait security operations would be remembered, while suggesting a potential postponement of his planned China visit to pressure Beijing into supporting navigation freedom efforts.

    International response remains fragmented with the European Union considering expansion of naval missions to include Hormuz security, though Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani expressed reservations about mandate changes. Japan and Australia both confirmed they haven’t received formal requests for assistance and have no current plans to intervene. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicated potential deployment of mine-hunting drones while explicitly stating Britain “will not be drawn into the wider war.”

  • Blackened, wrecked Russian tanker nears Malta

    Blackened, wrecked Russian tanker nears Malta

    A sanctioned Russian liquefied natural gas carrier, the Arctic Metagaz, continues to drift unmanned in the Mediterranean Sea while displaying severe structural damage. Recent aerial footage reveals the 277-meter vessel listing heavily to one side, with extensive fire damage blackening its exterior and two substantial breaches visible amidships.

    The vessel has been adrift since March 3rd following multiple explosions that occurred off the Libyan coast. Current positioning places the damaged carrier approximately 50 nautical miles southwest of Malta, raising significant environmental concerns among regional authorities.

    Russian officials have attributed the incident to Ukrainian drone operations, though Ukraine has maintained official silence regarding these allegations. The Arctic Metagaz forms part of Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” – aging tankers specifically employed to circumvent Western sanctions imposed following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

    Environmental organizations including WWF Italy have issued grave warnings regarding the vessel’s cargo, which includes approximately 62,000 metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas originally destined for Egypt, alongside 900 tonnes of diesel fuel. Experts caution that potential leakage could trigger catastrophic environmental consequences including cryogenic clouds lethal to marine organisms and extensive, persistent pollution throughout the Mediterranean ecosystem.

    Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has convened emergency meetings with key ministers to coordinate response efforts, while Maltese authorities confirm that salvage specialists have already arrived in preparation for the vessel’s anticipated entry into Maltese waters. A specialized recovery vessel is currently en route to assist with containment and mitigation operations.

  • ‘We will go wherever they hide’: Rooting out IS in Somalia

    ‘We will go wherever they hide’: Rooting out IS in Somalia

    In the rugged terrain of Somalia’s al-Miskad mountains, a critical counterterrorism operation unfolds as Puntland Defence Forces utilize drone surveillance to track Islamic State militants hiding in remote cave networks. This barren landscape, once home only to nomadic communities, has transformed into a strategic foothold for ISIS since its fighters were displaced from Middle Eastern strongholds.

    The emergence of IS-Somalia represents a significant evolution in global terrorist networks. Established by British-Somali national Abdulqadir Mumin, the group has forced al-Shabab militants out of Puntland’s mountainous regions, creating a sophisticated training and financial hub that supports ISIS affiliates across Africa and beyond. Despite being pushed out of the port city of Bosaso in early 2025, the group maintained control over villages like Dardar, where they imposed a brutal regime characterized by strict social controls and violent enforcement.

    The human cost of this conflict is profound. Local residents describe living under constant fear, with strict dress codes, gender segregation, and bans on music enforced through intimidation and violence. The story of Mahad Jama’s niece Shukri, who was kidnapped and killed while pregnant, exemplifies the trauma inflicted upon communities. Her deaf seven-year-old son was also murdered during the same attack.

    International support, particularly from the United States, has been crucial to counterterrorism efforts. The Pentagon conducted approximately 60 airstrikes against IS-Somalia in 2025 alone, with ongoing drone surveillance providing critical intelligence for ground operations. Despite these efforts, the UN estimates ISIS maintains up to 800 fighters in Somalia, more than half foreign recruits from countries including Ethiopia, Morocco, and Syria.

    The Puntland Forces have demonstrated remarkable resilience, claiming hundreds of ISIS casualties and capturing numerous foreign fighters over 16 months of intense combat. Among them is 32-year-old officer Muna Ali Dahir, one of the few women serving on the front lines, who draws motivation from her eight children back home.

    While experts like American University’s Tricia Bacon acknowledge that ISIS’s local attack capabilities have been degraded, the organization remains a dangerous node in global terrorist networks, providing resources and support to affiliates worldwide. The determination of soldiers like Abdikhair Jama—who vows to continue fighting ‘until the last fighter is captured’—reflects the ongoing nature of this complex conflict that shows no signs of imminent resolution.