A doomsday-like scene unfolded in Tehran after Israeli airstrikes ignited massive fires at fuel depots across the Iranian capital, sending towering flames and thick black smoke into the sky. The March 7 strikes targeted several strategic oil storage sites, and within hours residents began reporting an unusual phenomenon — dark, oily drizzle falling from smoke-filled clouds. Authorities…
Iran has entered a new and uncertain chapter after the country’s powerful Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei as the new Supreme Leader, succeeding his father Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was reportedly killed in U.S.–Israeli airstrikes on February 28 during the intensifying West Asia conflict. The announcement, confirmed by Iranian state media on March 8, marks the…
A Region on Edge: War Enters Day Four The Iran–US–Israel war, now in its fourth day since February 28, 2026, has rapidly transformed into one of the most volatile Middle East confrontations in decades. The conflict began when the United States and Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian military infrastructure, nuclear facilities, and senior leadership under “Operation…
In the aftermath of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei’s killing, India’s response has been marked by notable restraint. New Delhi has neither condemned nor condoned the US–Israel action, choosing instead to focus on calls for de-escalation. This calibrated silence reflects a calculated, interest-driven neutrality—one designed to preserve India’s complex web of regional partnerships while aligning subtly with the…
Iran has sharply rejected escalating pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump ahead of critical nuclear talks scheduled in Geneva on February 26, 2026. Tehran dismissed Washington’s claims about its nuclear ambitions as “outrageous falsehoods” and accused the United States of coercive diplomacy. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei insisted that unilateral demands would not force concessions, while Foreign Minister Abbas…
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s proposal for a sweeping “hexagon of alliances” has sent ripples across the Muslim world, with Pakistan reacting most forcefully. Announced on February 23, 2026—just ahead of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Tel Aviv—the plan envisions a coalition linking Israel with India, Greece, Cyprus, and select Arab, African, and Asian nations. Netanyahu framed…
Started barely five years ago as an AI safety-focused research startup, Anthropic has now surged to a staggering $380 billion valuation following a $30 billion Series G funding round in February 2026. The round, led by Singapore’s sovereign wealth fund GIC and Coatue Management, with participation from Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia, catapults the firm beyond the combined…
On February 24, 2026, President Donald Trump delivered the longest State of the Union address in American history, speaking for 1 hour and 48 minutes—surpassing his own previous record and even Bill Clinton’s lengthy 2000 speech. True to form, the address blended campaign-style bravado with sweeping claims of domestic revival and global dominance. Republicans rose repeatedly in…
A Somber Anniversary in a Divided West On February 24, 2026—four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion—Volodymyr Zelenskyy stood in Kyiv and acknowledged a hard truth: Ukrainians are exhausted. Yet his message was resolute—there would be no betrayal of sacrifice for a hollow peace. The ceremony was markedly subdued compared to previous anniversaries. While Ursula von der Leyen attended…
A Strategic Recalibration Before a Landmark Visit Canada–India ties are poised for a significant reset as Prime Minister Mark Carney embarks on his Indo-Pacific tour beginning February 26, 2026, with India as the first and most consequential stop. The choice of New Delhi as the premier destination signals Ottawa’s intent to repair and elevate relations strained…
