标签： Asia

Iranian leadership has launched a sophisticated propaganda offensive against the United States and Israel, weaponizing the Jeffrey Epstein scandal to undermine Western moral authority during ongoing military conflicts. The strategy represents a calculated effort to reframe geopolitical tensions through the lens of moral corruption.

Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has emerged as the campaign’s primary architect. Through coordinated social media messaging on platform X, Larijani advanced explosive allegations that remnants of Epstein’s network are orchestrating a false-flag operation reminiscent of 9/11 to implicate Tehran. “Iran fundamentally opposes such terrorist schemes,” he declared, positioning his nation as defending against joint American-Israeli aggression.

The rhetorical assault intensified with Larijani’s direct rebuttal to US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who had characterized Iranian leadership as hiding “like rats.” Larijani’s retort—”Our leaders have been, and still are, among the people. But your leaders? On Epstein’s island!”—demonstrates Tehran’s deliberate conflation of geopolitical criticism with moral condemnation.

This narrative has gained institutional traction, with Iran’s Foreign Ministry formally adopting the “Epstein gang” terminology to describe American and Israeli military operations. The messaging leverages ongoing global circulation of documents detailing Epstein’s connections to powerful Western figures, effectively exploiting existing controversies to challenge Washington’s moral standing.

The campaign has expanded beyond government channels, with Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf joining the condemnation following controversial remarks from former US President Donald Trump regarding Iran’s leadership succession. Ghalibaf asserted that Iran’s destiny “will be determined solely by the proud Iranian nation, not by Epstein’s gang.”

Notably, the propaganda has permeated digital ecosystems, where some social media users have rebranded the US military campaign “Operation Epic Fury” as “Operation Epstein Fury.” The discourse received amplification from right-wing commentator Candace Owens, who shared AI-generated imagery suggesting covert motivations behind Washington’s military actions.

This comprehensive psychological operation represents Tehran’s innovative approach to asymmetric warfare, attempting to gain diplomatic advantage by questioning the moral legitimacy of its adversaries through association with history’s most notorious sex crime scandal.

PARIS – High-stakes economic discussions between Chinese and American delegations commenced in Paris on Saturday, marking a critical juncture for preserving the delicate stability achieved between the world’s two largest economies. Vice-Premier He Lifeng is leading the Chinese contingent in these negotiations, which are scheduled to continue through Tuesday at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development headquarters.

This sixth round of bilateral trade consultations follows five previous sessions conducted between May and October last year that successfully de-escalated tensions and averted a full-scale trade conflict. According to analysts monitoring the negotiations, both nations must demonstrate good faith and mutual compromise to build upon existing consensus rather than introducing new barriers to progress.

The talks occur against a complex backdrop of recent legal and political developments. Last month’s US Supreme Court decision striking down broad presidential tariff authorities has prompted the Trump administration to seek alternative leverage mechanisms, evidenced by the initiation of Section 301 trade investigations against China and other trading partners just days before the Paris meeting.

Zhou Mi, a senior researcher at the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, noted that while previous negotiations achieved significant consensus, many understandings have yet to be formalized into concrete outcomes—a situation requiring joint resolution efforts. Current discussions are expected to address proper handling of unilateral US measures and strengthening of mutual trust.

Economic research from the Federal Reserve Bank of New York indicates that approximately 90% of the financial burden from previous Trump administration tariffs fell on American consumers and businesses rather than foreign exporters. This data underscores the mutual benefits of cooperation, according to He Weiwen, senior fellow at the Center for China and Globalization, who emphasized that Sino-US common interests “far exceed the tariff game.”

The negotiations also follow China’s recent approval of its 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30), which reaffirms commitments to global business engagement including American companies seeking to participate in China’s development. International financial technical analyst Daryl Guppy highlighted China’s stable investment environment but noted that genuine US commitment is essential for extending cooperation into manufacturing, technology, and service sectors.

NAYPYITAW, Myanmar — Myanmar’s political landscape witnessed a significant development on Monday as the nation’s parliamentary chambers reconvened for the first time in over five years. This legislative resurrection follows controversial elections conducted during December and January that excluded major opposition factions, effectively cementing military dominance within the government structure.

The military establishment, which orchestrated a forceful takeover from Aung San Suu Kyi’s democratically elected government in February 2021, has governed without legislative oversight until now. The recently concluded electoral process was promoted by authorities as a transitional step toward democratic normalization, though international observers have questioned its legitimacy.

Statistical analysis reveals the military and its political allies command nearly 90% of seats across both parliamentary chambers. This overwhelming majority was achieved through the systematic exclusion of Myanmar’s primary opposition parties, including Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy, which either faced disqualification or voluntarily abstained from participating due to perceived unfair electoral conditions.

The ceremonial commencement of the 373-seat lower house proceeded under stringent security measures in the capital city. Roads surrounding the parliamentary complex, recently renovated following earthquake damage, were sealed by security personnel who conducted thorough vehicle inspections for potential explosives. Delegates adorned in traditional attire participated in the opening session amid this heightened security environment.

The 213-seat upper house is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, with regional parliamentary sessions following within 48 hours. Constitutional provisions drafted by the military reserve 166 of the 586 combined parliamentary seats for military appointment, while the Union Solidarity Development Party secured 339 additional seats. The remaining positions were distributed among 21 minor parties, each obtaining between one and twenty seats.

This parliamentary reconstitution occurs against the backdrop of escalating civil conflict triggered by the 2021 coup. United Nations Special Rapporteur Tom Andrews has explicitly urged the global community to reject both the electoral outcomes and subsequent power distribution arrangements. Meanwhile, an opposition shadow parliament comprising lawmakers barred from assuming their positions in 2021 conducted parallel proceedings online, asserting its legitimacy as Myanmar’s true legislative body.

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump has indicated a potential postponement of his scheduled state visit to China, leveraging diplomatic pressure on Beijing to contribute naval assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz amidst escalating tensions with Iran. In a Sunday interview with the Financial Times, Trump emphasized China’s strategic dependence on Middle Eastern oil exports as justification for participating in a multinational coalition to safeguard critical oil shipping routes.

The geopolitical landscape has undergone significant transformation following recent U.S.-Israeli military operations against Iran, which triggered substantial disruptions in global oil flows and consequent price surges. Trump explicitly connected Chinese cooperation to the timing of his anticipated meeting with President Xi Jinping, stating authorities would ‘like to know’ Beijing’s position before proceeding with travel arrangements.

This diplomatic maneuvering occurs alongside ongoing trade negotiations between U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng, who convened Monday in Paris to discuss bilateral economic concerns. While both nations maintain a temporary tariff truce, the potential cancellation of presidential talks could reignite trade tensions that have previously threatened global economic stability.

The administration’s evolving stance on Hormuz security reflects practical challenges after initial assertions of unilateral U.S. naval escorts for oil tankers. With no nations yet formally committing military resources to the proposed coalition, Trump revealed discussions with approximately seven countries regarding potential participation while specifically highlighting China’s distinctive strategic position due to its substantial energy import requirements.

Economic implications extend beyond diplomacy as rising oil prices affect American consumers during the midterm election season. Concurrently, China faces domestic economic pressures having recently revised its 2026 growth projections downward to 4.5-5%, representing its slowest anticipated expansion in decades. prolonged Strait of Hormuz disruptions could further strain Beijing’s economic planning.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington offered measured response to coalition proposals, emphasizing the international community’s shared interest in regional stability without committing to military involvement. A spokesperson noted China’s continued communication with conflict participants while positioning the nation as a constructive partner for de-escalation efforts.

Central London witnessed a significantly diminished Al-Quds Day rally on Sunday after British authorities imposed unprecedented restrictions on the annual event. The Metropolitan Police, acting on government approval, prohibited the traditional procession through the capital, permitting only a stationary demonstration amid concerns about potential public disorder.

The Islamic Human Rights Commission (IHRC), which organizes the UK event typically held near Ramadan’s conclusion, strongly condemned the police decision. Instead of their customary march through London streets, participants were confined to a static gathering, a limitation that substantially reduced attendance compared to previous years.

Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan acknowledged the lower turnout, noting that ‘fewer people attended than we had anticipated,’ suggesting that the imposed conditions led many supporters to voluntarily abstain from participation.

This year’s rally focused primarily on protesting Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, which organizers termed a ‘genocide.’ Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags while speakers denounced Western support for Israel’s operations that have resulted in significant Palestinian casualties and widespread destruction in the besieged territory. Additional banners expressed opposition to potential conflict with Iran, bearing slogans such as ‘Hands Off Iran.’

Police reported twelve arrests during the event for various offenses including alleged support for proscribed organizations, public disorder offenses, and abusive behavior. Authorities also confirmed investigations into potentially inflammatory chants delivered by a speaker at the protest.

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood supported the police request to ban the march, citing legitimate concerns about ‘serious public disorder’ potentially arising from the demonstration. The government’s decision reflects ongoing tensions surrounding public expressions of support for Palestinian causes amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza.