标签： Asia

Amidst a rapidly escalating regional conflict, US air defense systems in northern Iraq are actively intercepting Iranian missiles and drones targeting bases of Iranian Kurdish opposition groups. The Kurdish Freedom Party (PAK) confirmed the ongoing defensive operations, though noting their limitations. A recent Iranian strike on a PAK base in Erbil province resulted in four casualties, including one fatality.

The PAK is a key member of a coalition of five major Iranian Kurdish opposition parties, formally established in late February. This alliance explicitly states its objective as working toward ‘the overthrow of the Islamic Republic of Iran.’ In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has vowed a ‘decisive and rapid confrontation,’ utilizing dozens of drones and ballistic missiles against these groups.

Analysts and officials indicate a significant shift in US strategy. Previously, US air defenses, such as the Patriot system, were primarily deployed to protect Erbil airport and American assets. However, since the commencement of the broader US-Israeli campaign against Iran, these defenses have been expanded to offer ‘as much protection as can be given’ to the Kurdish opposition parties. This change marks a stark contrast to previous incidents, such as the January 2024 Iranian strikes on Erbil that resulted in multiple civilian deaths, which were met with a lack of US intervention and subsequent local criticism.

The bolstered US protection has proven effective; despite dozens of Iranian attacks launched since late February, only one casualty has been reported, demonstrating the improved interception capabilities. Behind the scenes, communications are reportedly underway between US and Kurdish officials, exploring options for potential cross-border operations into Iran. While Kurdish groups like the PDKI state they have ‘not taken a decision to intervene in this war,’ former US President Donald Trump has publicly endorsed the idea of Kurdish forces entering Iran as ‘wonderful.’

This development signifies a deepening US-Kurdish regional partnership, viewed by some experts as a critical component of a broader mission objective for the US and Israel, with regime change in Iran now considered non-negotiable. For the Kurdish groups in exile, the established US air defense umbrella provides unprecedented security and represents a potential turning point in their long-standing conflict with Tehran.

A devastating humanitarian crisis is unfolding across Iran as civilian infrastructure bears the brunt of ongoing military operations initiated by the United States and Israel. Despite official assertions that strikes exclusively target military and leadership installations, extensive evidence reveals a pattern of attacks on protected civilian sites including educational institutions, medical facilities, and residential areas.

The offensive, which commenced on Saturday, has resulted in staggering civilian casualties according to Tasnim news agency, reporting over 1,230 fatalities to date. Among the most tragic incidents was the destruction of Shajareh Tayyebeh primary school in Minab, where 165 children aged 7-12 perished in what witnesses describe as a ‘double-tap’ strike pattern—a tactic involving consecutive attacks on the same location.

Medical infrastructure has suffered systematic damage with the World Health Organization verifying attacks on at least 13 healthcare facilities. The Gandhi Hospital fertility clinic in Tehran sustained severe damage, potentially destroying years of IVF treatment for numerous couples. Healthcare workers reported scrambling to evacuate newborns amid collapsing structures and spreading fires.

Cultural and sports venues have not been spared either. Tehran’s 400-year-old Golestan Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, sustained significant damage from nearby explosions. The Azadi sports complex’s 12,000-seat stadium was reduced to rubble, prompting Iran’s Sports Minister to condemn the attack as a violation of international law and the Olympic Charter.

Iranian officials and international observers have raised concerns about potential use of artificial intelligence in target selection without adequate human oversight. Commentator Trita Parsi highlighted the bombing of a public park mistakenly identified as a government target through apparent algorithmic error.

The growing similarities between targeting methodologies in Iran and previous operations in Gaza have drawn criticism from humanitarian organizations, with the International Red Cross emphasizing that the destruction of educational, medical, and sports facilities constitutes explicit violations of wartime protections.

BEIJING – Amid extensive international media coverage of China’s annual Two Sessions, Iraqi journalist Al-Obaidi Ameen from China-Arab TV has commended China’s persistent dedication to fostering global peace and development. The seasoned correspondent, who previously covered significant events including the Victory Day parade and appeared at the 2026 CMG Spring Festival Gala, shared his perspectives during the ongoing session of China’s top legislature.

In an interview with China Daily reporter Yan An, Ameen emphasized China’s unwavering commitment to peace advocacy worldwide. “China has been working tirelessly to champion peace across the world,” stated the Iraqi journalist, who further expressed his hope that more international journalists would help communicate China’s authentic narrative to global audiences.

Ameen noted that despite current global instability, China demonstrates remarkable confidence and stability in determining its future trajectory through the Two Sessions framework. The journalist added that this steadfast approach has generated admiration internationally, remarking that “people in many countries envy you” in reference to China’s political process and development model.

The Two Sessions, referring to the annual meetings of China’s National People’s Congress and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference National Committee, have attracted widespread attention from both domestic and foreign media outlets covering China’s policy directions and development priorities.

Multiple investigative reports are converging on the conclusion that U.S. military forces were responsible for a devastating attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh school in the Iranian city of Minab, which resulted in 165 fatalities. The incident, which occurred last Saturday, is being characterized as a ‘double-tap’ strike—a tactic where an initial explosion is followed by a second strike targeting first responders and survivors.

According to two U.S. officials speaking to Reuters, while the investigation remains ongoing and no final conclusion has been reached, initial findings point toward U.S. responsibility. This assessment aligns with separate investigations conducted by The New York Times and Middle East Eye (MEE), which utilized satellite imagery, open-source evidence, and verified video footage. Their analysis confirms the school was severely damaged by a precision strike that coincided with attacks on a nearby Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval base.

The MEE investigation specifically revealed that the school was hit by two separate strikes, with the second missile killing civilians, including children, who had sought shelter or arrived to aid victims. The BBC later corroborated these findings, reporting based on satellite data that the area suffered ‘multiple simultaneous or near-simultaneous strikes.’

Earlier misleading claims on social media, which attempted to attribute the bombing to the IRGC, have been thoroughly debunked. In response to the allegations, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that ‘the Iranian regime targets civilians and children, not the United States of America,’ noting that the Department of War is investigating the matter. Israel, another actor in the regional conflict, has also announced it is looking into the incident.

The severity of the attack has prompted international concern. The UN human rights office has called for a transparent investigation into the strike. ‘The onus is on the forces that carried out the attack to investigate it,’ stated spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani during a press briefing in Geneva, without explicitly assigning blame.