World News
Latest world news and updates
Total: 2243
How Iran’s Guardianship System Keeps It Standing: The Political Glue Behind Tehran’s Resilience
Iran’s velayat‑e faqih — the guardianship of the jurist — has been institutionalized into a network of political, economic and military bodies that give the regime resilience against US and Israeli pressure. That architecture allows Tehran to absorb shocks, mobilize resources and pursue asymmetric deterrence, even as economic malaise and generational change pose long‑term risks.
Washington to Lead Strait of Hormuz Escort Coalition as Iran Vows Continued Self‑Defence
The United States plans to form a multinational escort coalition to protect vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz as Iran vows continued self‑defence and shows limited interest in immediate negotiations. Tehran insists decisions on safe passage will be made by its military, while rising violence in Lebanon highlights wider regional spillovers that could affect shipping, energy markets and diplomatic options.
Japan Takes Delivery of Tomahawks and JSMs, Signalling a New Phase in Its Strike Capability
Japan has taken delivery of US Tomahawk cruise missiles and Norway’s JSM for its F-35As, a notable expansion of its long-range strike options. The move drew criticism from PLA-affiliated Chinese media and highlights Tokyo’s ongoing shift toward counterstrike capabilities amid rising regional tensions.
Iran Deploys Two‑Stage 'Mudstone' Ballistic Missile Against Israel, Signalling a New Phase of Escalation
Iran's IRGC says it used a two‑stage solid‑fuel medium‑range ballistic missile nicknamed "Mudstone" against Israeli military targets, calling the attack part of a broader operation. The use of an MRBM represents a tactical and symbolic escalation, complicating missile‑defence efforts and heightening risks of wider regional confrontation.
US Bombers at RAF Fairford Load JDAMs, Signalling Readiness to Strike Hardened Targets in Iran
Video from RAF Fairford shows US B‑1B bombers being prepared with Launcher Load Frames removed and staged JASSMs and GBU‑31(V)3/B JDAMs, indicating readiness to use bomber‑dropped penetrator munitions against hardened Iranian targets. The concentration of up to 15 US bombers in Britain and authorisation for US use of Diego Garcia broaden strike options, but air‑defence risks and political constraints limit where and how forces may operate.
Aging Arsenal, Persistent Strikes: IRGC Says Decade‑Old Missiles Still Powering Attacks on US and Israel
The IRGC says most missiles used in recent strikes against the US and Israel were made about a decade ago and that many newer missiles remain unused. It also claimed roughly 700 missiles and 3,600 drones have been launched so far, a tally that, if true, signals a sustained Iranian capability that continues to challenge regional defenses and raise escalation risks.
Iran Says It Will Target USS Ford Support Facilities After Claiming Hundreds of Missile and Drone Strikes
The IRGC announced it has fired about 700 missiles and 3,600 drones, claimed hits on 18 US- and Israeli-linked vessels, and said it destroyed four THAAD systems. It has also declared logistics facilities supporting the USS Ford carrier strike group in the Red Sea to be legitimate targets, a move that elevates the risk to naval operations and maritime trade.
A 95‑Year‑Old Korean War Veteran Cuts a New Recruit’s Hair — A Viral Moment of Generational Duty
A viral video shows a 95‑year‑old Korean War veteran cutting the hair of a young woman about to enter military service, a gesture lauded online as a passing of duty. The moment underscores how personal stories of veterans are used to humanize the armed forces and shape public attitudes toward military service, especially for women.
China Steps into Afghanistan–Pakistan Border Clash, Urges Restraint and Talks
China says it has been mediating recent military clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan through phone diplomacy, a shuttle envoy and embassy contacts, urging restraint and a return to negotiations. Beijing frames its role as pragmatic and stabilizing, seeking to prevent escalation that could affect regional security and its own interests.
Israel Strikes Tehran Space Facility, Signalling New Front in Military Space Rivalry
Israel said it struck a Tehran facility used for anti-satellite work and for Iran’s Chamran-1 military space project, a rare strike inside the Iranian capital that escalates the contest over military uses of space. The attack highlights the growing risks of ASAT development and the potential for asymmetric retaliation that could draw the region toward broader confrontation.
Germany Rejects NATO Role After U.S. Demand for Escorts in the Strait of Hormuz
Germany has publicly rejected a NATO role in escorting shipping through the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S. urged allies to assist, citing concerns about mandates and the risk of being drawn into conflict with Iran. The dispute highlights fractures in transatlantic policy coordination at a time when the strait’s security matters for global energy markets.
China and North Korea Restart Passenger Flights — A Modest but Meaningful Rapprochement
China announced the resumption of passenger flights with North Korea on March 16, 2026, framing the move as a way to promote friendly exchanges. While operational details remain scarce, the restart is a symbolic step toward normalization with modest immediate economic impact but wider diplomatic and strategic implications for the region.