Global Pulse

分类： world

  • Iranian warship sunk by the US was sailing home after taking part in an exhibition hosted by India

    Iranian warship sunk by the US was sailing home after taking part in an exhibition hosted by India

    A significant naval incident has unfolded in the Indian Ocean as Sri Lankan authorities confirmed the recovery of 87 bodies and the rescue of 32 sailors from the sunken Iranian frigate IRIS Dena. The vessel met its fate in international waters off Sri Lanka’s coast following a torpedo attack by a U.S. submarine—marking one of the rare instances of submarine warfare since World War II.

    The sunken warship had previously participated in naval exercises hosted by India, according to New Delhi’s statements. The IRIS Dena took part in both the International Fleet Review and the multilateral MILAN 2026 naval exercises organized by the Indian Navy in Visakhapatnam from February 15-25, which saw participation from 74 nations.

    U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth characterized the sunken Iranian vessel as a ‘prize ship,’ while President Donald Trump reiterated that eliminating Iran’s naval capabilities remains a key objective of ongoing military operations. The Pentagon released video footage showing the precise moment of the torpedo impact, depicting an underwater explosion that caused the vessel to break apart amid a massive plume of water.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned the attack as ‘an atrocity at sea’ and warned that the United States ‘will come to bitterly regret’ the action. The incident has ignited serious concerns in India about maritime security in the Indian Ocean region, where New Delhi maintains substantial naval presence.

    Indian opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi of the Indian National Congress party, criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government for its silence regarding the incident. Former Foreign Secretary Kanwal Sibal noted that while India wasn’t politically or militarily responsible for the attack, the country held moral responsibility since the Iranian vessel had been operating in regional waters under India’s invitation.

    The sinking has underscored how U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran are expanding beyond the Middle East, while simultaneously highlighting the complex diplomatic balancing act India must maintain between its relationships with the United States and Iran.

  • A Syrian man is convicted of stabbing a Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial

    A Syrian man is convicted of stabbing a Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial

    A German court has delivered a 13-year prison sentence to a Syrian national for the attempted murder of a Spanish tourist at Berlin’s Holocaust Memorial in February 2025. The Berlin District Court found Wassim Al M., identified under German privacy conventions, guilty of attempted murder and seeking membership in a foreign terrorist organization.

    The 20-year-old defendant, who arrived in Germany as an unaccompanied minor in 2023 and secured asylum status, traveled from his residence in Leipzig specifically to execute an attack in the name of the Islamic State. Presiding Judge Doris Husch revealed that the perpetrator selected the memorial site under the mistaken belief that he would encounter Jewish visitors there.

    On February 21, 2025, the assailant stabbed a 31-year-old Spanish tourist in the throat while shouting “Allahu akbar” (God is great). The victim survived the assault but continues to suffer significant physical and psychological consequences, remaining unable to work and undergoing ongoing treatment.

    The defendant was apprehended approximately three hours following the attack when he approached police officers with visible bloodstains on his clothing and hands. During trial proceedings, he expressed immediate regret for his actions, claiming he had been pressured by an online acquaintance he met while viewing Islamic State propaganda videos.

    The Memorial to the Murdered Jews of Europe, comprising 2,700 concrete slabs near Brandenburg Gate, stands as a solemn tribute to the six million Jewish victims of Nazi persecution. This security incident occurred just two days before national elections where immigration policy had emerged as a central issue following several deadly attacks involving immigrants in preceding months.

  • US, Israel launch fresh strikes on Iran

    US, Israel launch fresh strikes on Iran

    The Middle East faces a severe escalation of hostilities as combined United States and Israeli military forces executed renewed airstrikes against Iranian targets on Wednesday. Tehran responded with cross-Gulf retaliatory measures targeting American diplomatic installations, marking the sixth consecutive day of intensifying conflict that has critically disrupted regional energy infrastructure and international travel networks.

    US military authorities reported nearly 2,000 targets struck since initiating joint operations with Israel last Saturday—actions that resulted in the death of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. The ongoing confrontation has claimed at least 1,045 Iranian lives, with US officials indicating potential continuation for several weeks.

    Iran’s Assembly of Experts member Ahmad Khatami confirmed via state television that the process of identifying a new supreme leader is nearing conclusion, with candidates already shortlisted though not publicly named.

    Israeli defense forces targeted Iranian ballistic missile production and storage facilities, additionally claiming destruction of a covert underground nuclear command center. Iranian officials countered that uranium enrichment activities had been suspended since June, maintaining their nuclear program serves exclusively peaceful purposes.

    Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed the sinking of an Iranian warship by US submarine torpedo in the Indian Ocean, while drone attacks near the US Consulate in Dubai demonstrated Iran’s expanded retaliation strategy. Similar assaults targeted American embassies in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait, with Dubai authorities confirming no casualties despite visible explosions and temporary road closures.

    The United Arab Emirates, despite enduring over 1,000 attacks according to its Foreign Ministry, declared no intention of retaliating against Iran. Meanwhile, international governments including the United States and France are organizing emergency evacuations for citizens stranded amid widespread air travel disruptions.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards announced control over the Strait of Hormuz, warning vessels of potential attacks while the US Navy prepared escort operations for oil tankers. Regional experts warn of prolonged instability, citing risks of missile attacks, cyber warfare, and maritime security threats that could trigger global economic repercussions.

    Energy markets face immediate volatility as Saudi Arabia closed its largest domestic oil refinery and Qatar suspended liquefied natural gas production. Political analyst Rabi Mohamed projected sharp oil price surges and supply chain disruptions that would elevate global transportation and production costs, creating widespread economic uncertainty.

  • ‘It’s so good to be home’ – passengers on Dubai-Dublin flight

    ‘It’s so good to be home’ – passengers on Dubai-Dublin flight

    Dublin Airport witnessed emotional reunions on Wednesday evening as Emirates flight EK0162 from Dubai touched down, carrying nearly 400 passengers who had been stranded amid Middle East airspace closures. The flight marked the first direct arrival from Dubai in several days following the complete shutdown of regional airspace due to escalating military actions between the United States, Israel, and Iran.

    Among the relieved arrivals was Norita Geary, who described the overwhelming moment the aircraft landed: “Everyone clapped when the plane landed and we all cheered. It was unreal. I mean you see these things on television, you see them in movies but you just don’t think you’ll end up there yourself.”

    The atmosphere at Terminal 2 was charged with emotion as families embraced loved ones returning from what many described as a harrowing experience. Rushali Lakhani, another passenger, expressed her gratitude: “It was quite a stressful time but grateful and thanking our lucky stars really. A lot of sleepless nights, a lot of bangs. There were no airplanes flying so whenever we heard some noises we knew that it wasn’t good news.”

    Susan and Monica Miller recounted their traumatic experience being at Dubai Airport when the conflict erupted. “The local UAE fighter jets we could see them patrolling. We could hear some noises but because we were about 30 minutes west of the airport we weren’t in any immediate zones that were frightening,” Susan explained, adding that they are now planning “staycations for a little while.”

    International travelers also faced significant disruptions. Alex Anderson, a Frankfurt resident transiting through Dubai from Malaysia, described seeing missile trails during his approach: “We were shocked when we landed and found out. It was a bit of chaos.” He highlighted the “nerve-racking” experience of waiting in hotels amid canceled flights.

    Despite the tense situation, some long-term Dubai residents provided perspective. Mark O’Kane, who has lived in Dubai for 24 years, commented: “The defence systems in Dubai were fantastic. It would remind you a bit of the Troubles, you know, growing up you hear bombs. But life goes on.”

    A second relief flight carrying approximately 400 additional passengers is scheduled to arrive in Dublin on Thursday, offering hope to those still awaiting evacuation from the region.

  • Middle East war spirals as Iran hits Kurds in Iraq

    Middle East war spirals as Iran hits Kurds in Iraq

    The Middle East has plunged into a rapidly expanding regional conflict with devastating consequences across multiple nations. What began with US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday has now engulfed the entire region, creating global shockwaves through energy markets and international relations.

    Iran launched retaliatory strikes against Kurdish guerrilla groups in Iraq on Thursday, targeting what Tehran calls ‘separatist groups.’ According to Iranian officials, these operations serve as a clear warning that such organizations ‘will not be tolerated in any way.’ Simultaneously, Israel continued its bombardment of Tehran, with residents reporting fighter jets and explosions across the city.

    The conflict has drawn in numerous regional actors. In Lebanon, Israeli strikes targeted Hezbollah command centers in south Beirut, reducing buildings to rubble and creating plumes of black smoke over the capital. Hezbollah’s leader has vowed to intensify fighting against Israel, declaring readiness for ‘ultimate sacrifice’ rather than surrender. Lebanese authorities report at least 72 fatalities and 83,000 displaced persons since hostilities began.

    The war has extended beyond the immediate region with global implications. A US submarine sank an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka—marking Washington’s first torpedoing of a vessel since World War II—resulting in significant casualties. NATO member Turkey became involved after intercepting a missile apparently aimed at a British base in Cyprus, leading to diplomatic tensions with Iran.

    Economic consequences are already severe. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil transportation where tanker transits have dropped by 90%. This has triggered energy shortages worldwide, prompting South Korea to activate a $68 billion market stabilization fund and China to restrict fuel exports. The International Monetary Fund warns of a ‘prolonged period of flux’ for the global economy.

    Civilian casualties continue to mount across the region, with at least 1,045 military personnel and civilians reportedly killed according to Iranian media, though these figures remain unverified. The conflict has also devastated regional tourism during peak season, with mass cancellations creating what industry professionals describe as a ‘catastrophic’ situation.

  • War in the Middle East: latest developments

    War in the Middle East: latest developments

    The Middle East conflict has entered a dangerous new phase with direct Israeli military strikes on the Iranian capital. Israel’s military confirmed Thursday it had “initiated large-scale strikes against Iranian terror infrastructure across Tehran,” marking a significant escalation in the ongoing regional warfare. Iranian media reported multiple explosions throughout the city, prompting activation of Iranian defense systems.

    In simultaneous developments, Iran conducted missile strikes targeting Kurdish forces in Iraqi Kurdistan, resulting in casualties among exiled Iranian Kurdish groups. The cross-border attacks followed warnings from Iranian officials about pursuing opposition groups operating beyond Iran’s borders.

    Lebanese media reported the targeted killing of senior Hamas official Wassim Atallah al-Ali and his wife in a drone strike on a Palestinian refugee camp near Tripoli. This represents the first confirmed assassination of a Hamas member since the recent escalation of US-Israeli operations against Iran.

    Diplomatic tensions intensified as Iranian Foreign Minister Abas Araghchi warned the United States would “bitterly regret” sinking an Iranian naval vessel off Sri Lanka, characterizing the action as an atrocity that established dangerous precedents in international waters.

    Australia joined the military mobilization, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese confirming deployment of “military assets” to the region as contingency measures, reportedly including aircraft according to local media.

    Further escalating matters, Iran launched additional missile barrages toward Israel, triggering alerts across multiple regions including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. While explosions were reported, Israeli emergency services confirmed no casualties from the latest missile attacks.

    The conflict expanded geographically with an airstrike hitting Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut following Israeli warnings to residents. Separate Israeli strikes along Beirut’s airport highway killed three people according to Lebanon’s health ministry.

    Maritime security concerns grew as UKMTO reported a “large explosion” striking a tanker off Kuwait’s coast, causing an oil spill and involving a suspicious small craft. Meanwhile, Omani forces rescued 24 crew members from a container ship struck by missiles in the strategically critical Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian forces claimed “complete control.”

    Diplomatic efforts saw China announcing special envoy deployment to mediate the crisis, leveraging Beijing’s close partnership with Tehran. Conversely, Qatar expressed anger toward Iran, with its prime minister accusing Tehran of attempting to drag neighboring states into the conflict.

    NATO air defense systems intercepted a ballistic missile launched from Iran that veered toward Turkish airspace, prompting Turkey to summon Iran’s ambassador. A Turkish official suggested the missile had been aimed at a base in Greek Cyprus before going off course.

    The US Senate rejected a bipartisan resolution to curb presidential authority to continue military strikes against Iran, while Spain denied White House claims about cooperation regarding US base usage, maintaining its opposition to involvement in the conflict.

    Canada’s Prime Minister Mark Carney declined to rule out participation in the escalating conflict, affirming that Canada would “stand by our allies” as the situation develops.

  • Iran hits Kurdish groups in Iraq as conflict widens

    Iran hits Kurdish groups in Iraq as conflict widens

    The Middle East conflict escalated dramatically on Thursday as Iran launched targeted strikes against Kurdish opposition groups in northern Iraq, while fresh explosions rocked Tehran amid expanding regional hostilities. The retaliatory actions mark a significant broadening of the war initiated by US-Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader last Saturday.

    Iran’s Revolutionary Guards confirmed operations against what they described as ‘anti-revolutionary’ Kurdish factions based in Iraq, following explicit warnings from Iranian security officials. Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, issued a stern caution: ‘Separatist groups should not misinterpret current circumstances as opportunity for action. We will not tolerate any provocations.’

    The conflict has triggered substantial regional destabilization, with Iran simultaneously targeting US military installations across Gulf neighbors and Israel conducting operations in Lebanon. The strategic Strait of Hormuz, critical for global oil transit, has seen dramatic reduction in tanker traffic with reports indicating 90% decrease in operations according to market intelligence firm Kpler.

    Economic repercussions intensified as IMF chief Kristalina Georgieva warned the conflict would ‘test global economic resilience yet again.’ Energy markets experienced significant disruptions with tanker incidents near Kuwait and China implementing fuel export restrictions. South Korea activated a $68 billion market stabilization fund in response to growing energy shortages.

    Civilian casualties mounted across multiple fronts. Lebanese officials reported deaths in Palestinian refugee camps and drone strikes, while Iran’s IRNA news agency claimed over 1,045 military and civilian fatalities since conflict initiation—a figure that remains unverified independently. International diplomatic efforts intensified with China announcing special envoy deployment for mediation, though specific details remained undisclosed.

    The United States maintained its military engagement as the Senate rejected legislation aimed at constraining presidential authority to continue strikes, ensuring ongoing operational flexibility for US forces in the region.

  • Iranian strike kills 11-year-old Iranian in Kuwait

    Iranian strike kills 11-year-old Iranian in Kuwait

    An 11-year-old girl has become the first child casualty in Gulf nations amid escalating regional conflicts, after remnants of an Iranian rocket struck a residential building in Kuwait’s capital governorate of Al-Asimah. Alna Abdullah was pronounced dead in the early hours of Wednesday following nearly 30 minutes of unsuccessful resuscitation efforts by medical teams.

    While four other family members present in the home escaped serious injury, local media described them as non-Kuwaiti nationals. Funeral footage and interviews suggest the family may be of Iranian descent, reflecting Kuwait’s complex demographic landscape where approximately 40 percent of citizens are Shia Muslims of Iranian origin.

    The tragedy occurs against a backdrop of intensified regional violence, coming just hours after Kuwait buried two military personnel killed in Iranian attacks. This week also witnessed the deaths of six American soldiers in Kuwait, which hosts three major US military bases and several smaller US-operated facilities.

    Remarkably, these attacks have fostered unexpected national unity following years of political tension. Since the emir dissolved parliament—the only elected legislative body in the Gulf—and revoked citizenship from tens of thousands over fraud allegations, approximately 16 percent of Kuwaitis have lost their citizenship status as of last month.

    The health minister recently faced online criticism after stating that none of the patients transferred to hospital following Iranian attacks were Kuwaiti nationals. This comment sparked public discourse about Kuwait’s demographic composition, where citizens constitute only about 30 percent of the population, with nearly 45 percent being South Asian nationals.

    In response to growing tensions, former national assembly speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim struck a conciliatory tone at Abdullah’s funeral, declaring that “all who live on the land of Kuwait, according to Kuwaitis, is a Kuwaiti.”

    Kuwait has formally requested both the UN Secretary General and Security Council president to condemn Iran’s “heinous” attacks, which Kuwait asserts violate its sovereignty and airspace, according to Kuwait Times reports.

  • Much of Iran’s navy has been neutralized

    Much of Iran’s navy has been neutralized

    In a devastating blow to Iran’s naval capabilities, United States forces have systematically dismantled key assets of the Islamic Republic’s Navy and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps naval units during Operation Epic Fury. The multi-pronged offensive has resulted in the confirmed destruction or severe damage of at least 20 Iranian vessels, marking one of the most significant naval engagements in recent history.

    According to confirmed reports from the Pentagon and statements by War Secretary Pete Hegseth, the IRIS Dana, a Moudge-class corvette from Iran’s Southern Fleet, was sunk by a single Mark 48 ADCAP torpedo fired from a US submarine near Sri Lankan waters. The vessel, named after Mount Dena, carried approximately 140 crew members, with casualty numbers remaining uncertain as rescue operations were undertaken by the Sri Lankan navy.

    Simultaneously, satellite imagery and social media footage confirmed the Shahid Soleimani-class corvette Shahid Sayyad Shirazi engulfed in flames near Bandar Abbas port following precision US strikes. The lead ship Shahid Soleimani and its sister vessel Shahid Hassan Bagheri were also confirmed destroyed during the operation.

    The devastation extended across Iran’s naval hierarchy, with the drone carrier Shahid Bagheri severely damaged or sunk within the initial hours of combat. A Jamaran-class corvette was confirmed by US Central Command to be “sinking to the bottom of the Gulf of Oman” at Chahbahar pier on March 1, 2026. The IRINS Makran, a massive converted tanker serving as a mobile forward base, was documented ablaze at its berth in Bandar Abbas through satellite imagery from March 2.

    Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander, revealed that hundreds of small craft—the backbone of Iran’s asymmetric naval strategy—were targeted at their moorings in Bandar Abbas, Bushehr, and Assaluyeh. Iran’s submarine fleet suffered equally catastrophic losses, with a Fateh-class coastal submarine rendered inoperable after sustaining direct damage near Bandar Abbas. Multiple Ghadir-class midget submarines were among the 17 vessels confirmed destroyed during the initial 100 hours of operations.

    Heavy strikes involving B-2 stealth bombers and Tomahawk missiles targeted submarine pens at Bandar Abbas, potentially trapping or disabling Iran’s three Russian-built Kilo-class submarines (Taregh, Nooh, and Yunes) through infrastructure destruction despite ongoing damage assessment.

    The scale of destruction recalls historical naval defeats, though Iranian officials have yet to issue a comprehensive statement regarding the losses. Military analysts suggest this operation represents a fundamental reshaping of naval power dynamics in the Persian Gulf and surrounding waters.

  • Israel keeps up Lebanon strikes as ground forces advance

    Israel keeps up Lebanon strikes as ground forces advance

    Israeli military operations in Lebanon have escalated into their fourth consecutive day, with ground forces advancing deeper into border territories while conducting sustained aerial bombardments targeting Hezbollah strongholds. The Iran-backed militant group has vowed to intensify its resistance against what it characterizes as existential aggression.

    Recent developments indicate a significant expansion of hostilities beyond traditional conflict zones. AFPTV footage captured substantial smoke plumes rising from southern Beirut following early Thursday strikes, while Israeli tanks were observed operating within residential areas of Khiam, approximately six kilometers north of the Israeli border. The Israeli military had previously issued evacuation warnings for specific Beirut suburbs prior to these operations.

    Hezbollah’s leadership, through deputy secretary-general Naim Qassem, has declared an unwavering commitment to continued confrontation. “We are facing aggression… our choice is to confront it until the ultimate sacrifice, and we will not surrender,” Qassem stated in his first address since hostilities resumed. The group claims to have executed at least fifteen attacks targeting Israeli positions, including areas as distant as Tel Aviv.

    The human cost continues to mount dramatically. Lebanese authorities report at least 72 fatalities, 437 injuries, and approximately 83,000 displaced persons since Monday. Israel’s military has issued evacuation directives for residents south of Lebanon’s Litani River, encompassing a substantial territory extending roughly 30 kilometers north of the border, indicating potential further military action.

    Notably, the conflict has expanded beyond Hezbollah’s traditional spheres of influence. Strikes hit the predominantly Christian Hazmieh suburb near Beirut’s presidential palace and diplomatic missions, marking the first reported Israeli attack in this area. Additional bombardments affected Aramoun and Saadiyat regions south of Beirut, with the health ministry confirming at least six casualties.

    The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) has documented Israeli military movements within Lebanese territory, characterizing these actions as violations of national sovereignty and territorial integrity. This development occurs despite the established truce agreement that permits only UN peacekeepers and the Lebanese army to operate armed south of the Litani River.

    Israel’s military justification centers on creating a protective buffer zone inside Lebanon to safeguard Israeli civilians, deploying infantry, armored, and engineering units across southern Lebanese territories. Meanwhile, Hezbollah forces report engaging in direct clashes with Israeli troops, resulting in moderate injuries to two Israeli soldiers from anti-tank fire.