Global Pulse

标签： Asia

亚洲

  • US and Israeli attack on Iran: At least 51 girls reported killed in strike on school

    US and Israeli attack on Iran: At least 51 girls reported killed in strike on school

    A devastating airstrike targeted an elementary school in southern Iran on Saturday morning, resulting in the deaths of at least 51 female students and injuring 60 others, according to local authorities. The assault struck Shajareh Tayyebeh school in Minab city, located within Hormozgan province, where victims ranged between seven and twelve years of age.

    The attack trapped numerous individuals beneath collapsed structures, with emergency responders and local civilians conducting frantic rescue operations through the debris. Visual evidence from Telegram channels associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corp depicted scenes of chaos—smoke billowing from adjacent buildings, a destroyed vehicle on the street, and distraught residents reacting in anguish and disbelief.

    This incident occurred amidst a significant escalation of military operations by the United States and Israel against multiple Iranian cities, including the capital Tehran, the holy city of Qom, Karaj, Isfahan, and Kermanshah. Explosions reverberated across Tehran during morning commute hours, signaling the broadening scope of the offensive.

    While Iranian media has not released a comprehensive casualty count, Reuters reported that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei had been relocated to a secure location as a precautionary measure.

    U.S. President Donald Trump characterized the joint military campaign as a defensive measure aimed at ‘eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime.’ In an official statement, Trump asserted that the operation sought to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, neutralize its naval capabilities, and counter regional proxy groups allegedly supported by Tehran. The administration did not immediately provide substantiating evidence for these claims.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.