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Over a month into the US-Israel war against Iran, the conflict shows no signs of concluding within President Trump's projected four to six-week timeframe. Despite assassinations of Iran's key political and military leaders, the regime remains intact. While US and Israeli airstrikes have degraded Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities, these weapons systems continue to pose significant regional threats, raising concerns about prolonged instability.
US President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff stated Friday that he believes Iran will engage in talks with Washington this week. The military conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes across Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. One month into the conflict, there are no signs of resolution, with US-Israeli forces continuing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
An Iranian missile attack on Friday struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, wounding at least 10 US service members, including two with serious injuries. The attack damaged several US refuelling aircraft at the facility. Two US officials confirmed the incident, with satellite imagery documenting damage to base infrastructure and equipment.
Facing Middle East instability and disruptions to oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, China is accelerating its Zhuri project to construct solar power stations in space. Chinese Academy of Engineering academician and senior rocket scientist Long Lehao compared the space-based solar power program to placing the Three Gorges Dam into geostationary orbit, highlighting its extraordinary scale and ambition.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian denied Friday that intensified inspections of Panama-flagged ships constitute retaliation for Panama's decision to revoke port concessions held by a Hong Kong-based conglomerate at both ends of the Panama Canal. China accused the US of making repeated wrongful allegations about the inspections, alleging Washington seeks to seize control of the strategic waterway.
🏛 Politics
Singapore authorities discovered over 830kg of Asian pangolin scales on December 29, marking the largest seizure in the city-state's history. The scales, estimated from more than 2,200 pangolins, were falsely declared as dried fish skin and packed in 30 bags destined for Cambodia. Officials intercepted the shipment during a routine inspection of an inbound cargo truck.
Over a month into the US-Israel war against Iran, the conflict shows no signs of concluding within President Trump's projected four to six-week timeframe. Despite assassinations of Iran's key political and military leaders, the regime remains intact. While US and Israeli airstrikes have degraded Iran's ballistic missile and drone capabilities, these weapons systems continue to pose significant regional threats, raising concerns about prolonged instability.
South African President Cyril Ramaphosa was disinvited from this year's Group of Seven summit in France following US threats to boycott the event. China responded by pledging to continue supporting South Africa. Ramaphosa's invitation, originally extended by French President Emmanuel Macron at last year's G20 summit in Johannesburg, was withdrawn due to organizers' concerns about a potential no-show.
Nepal's former prime minister K.P. Sharma Oli and ex-home minister Ramesh Lekhak were arrested Saturday morning for their alleged involvement in a deadly crackdown on protesters in September. The arrests came one day after Prime Minister Balendra Shah and his cabinet were sworn in following the first election since the 2025 uprising that toppled the 74-year-old Oli's government. Police stated the detentions will proceed according to law.
US President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff stated Friday that he believes Iran will engage in talks with Washington this week. The military conflict began on February 28 when the United States and Israel launched airstrikes across Iran, resulting in the death of Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. One month into the conflict, there are no signs of resolution, with US-Israeli forces continuing to strike Iranian nuclear facilities.
Lee Geun-an, a notorious South Korean police officer known for his torture interrogation methods, died Thursday from multiple organ failure at age 88. He never expressed remorse for his actions and referred to himself as a patriot, comparing his interrogation techniques to art. His death has revived painful memories of human rights abuses during South Korea's military-backed authoritarian era.
Guo Yonghang, a former senior official in Guangdong province and close associate of ex-provincial governor Ma Xingrui, is under investigation for corruption. Guo served as Communist Party secretary of Guangzhou from June 2023 to December. The investigation deepens uncertainty about Ma's fate, who was abruptly removed as Xinjiang's party secretary in July and has since withdrawn from public view.
An Iranian missile attack on Friday struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, wounding at least 10 US service members, including two with serious injuries. The attack damaged several US refuelling aircraft at the facility. Two US officials confirmed the incident, with satellite imagery documenting damage to base infrastructure and equipment.
As US President Donald Trump prepares for a high-stakes mid-May summit with President Xi Jinping in Beijing, he is promoting past trade negotiations as a win for American farmers. Trump stated on Friday that US soybean exports to China now exceed $40 billion, claiming personal credit for the deal. Farmers represent a crucial electoral bloc affected by tariffs and ongoing geopolitical tensions, making Trump's messaging strategically timed before the midterm elections.
China's Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian denied Friday that intensified inspections of Panama-flagged ships constitute retaliation for Panama's decision to revoke port concessions held by a Hong Kong-based conglomerate at both ends of the Panama Canal. China accused the US of making repeated wrongful allegations about the inspections, alleging Washington seeks to seize control of the strategic waterway.
💻 Technology
A groundbreaking ceremony was held for a major data centre facility in Hong Kong's Northern Metropolis. The Range (Hong Kong) Sandy Ridge Data Facility Cluster spans over 110,000 square metres. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong stated the project represents a significant advancement in the city's computing capacity and will support national AI initiatives. The facility is expected to serve as critical infrastructure for Hong Kong's technological innovation.
Researchers from Shanghai and Tianjin have created a hydrofluorocarbon-based electrolyte that more than doubles the energy density of lithium batteries at room temperature compared to traditional electrolytes. The batteries can also operate efficiently at minus 70 degrees Celsius, potentially improving electric vehicle range and performance in extreme cold conditions.
China's electric vehicle market is transitioning from destructive price wars to technology-driven competition. BYD unveiled advanced battery technology in March that charges from 10 to 70 percent in five minutes and reaches 97 percent in nine minutes. The company plans to deploy this technology in vehicles priced at 155,000 yuan (US$22,500) while constructing 20,000 charging stations, demonstrating a strategic shift toward innovation rather than price reduction.
Facing Middle East instability and disruptions to oil shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, China is accelerating its Zhuri project to construct solar power stations in space. Chinese Academy of Engineering academician and senior rocket scientist Long Lehao compared the space-based solar power program to placing the Three Gorges Dam into geostationary orbit, highlighting its extraordinary scale and ambition.
US astronaut Mike Fincke fell suddenly ill on January 7 at the International Space Station while eating dinner before a scheduled spacewalk, prompting NASA's first medical evacuation of the year. Fincke reported that doctors still cannot determine the cause of his illness. He experienced sudden loss of speech but no pain, and his concerned crewmates immediately alerted flight surgeons on the ground. Fincke is a four-time space flier.
🌏 International
International oil prices surged Friday amid escalating Iran tensions. Brent crude futures rose 4.2% to $112.57 per barrel, while US WTI crude climbed 5.5% to $99.64. Since February 27, Brent has surged 53% and WTI 45%. Markets remain skeptical of ceasefire prospects, with traders cautious about related negotiations.
Former Taipei Mayor and Democratic Progressive Party Chairman Ko Wen-je has been sentenced to 17 years in prison in the first trial of the Jinghua City case. The DPP announced it will hold a rally on the 29th at Ketagalan Boulevard, mobilizing supporters nationwide. The verdict is expected to impact the year-end nine-in-one elections, including the race in Taipei's District 5 (Zhongzheng and Wanhua) where KMT candidate Wu Yi-hsuan is running.
The United States and Israel conducted airstrikes on Iranian nuclear and steel facilities on Friday, prompting Iran to launch retaliatory operations in the Persian Gulf region. The incident escalates tensions over Iran's nuclear program and military confrontation in the Middle East, drawing international attention.
European security officials report that China has been using fake accounts on the professional networking platform LinkedIn to target NATO and EU officials in an attempt to steal sensitive information. The operation represents a new tactic in state-sponsored cyber espionage, leveraging social media platforms for intelligence gathering purposes.
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that Iran will retaliate following Israeli airstrikes on Iranian steel plants and nuclear facilities. The Iranian government has pledged to make Israel pay for its actions, escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
According to Wall Street Journal reporting on the 27th, Iran launched a missile attack on Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia, injuring 10 US military personnel, with 2 sustaining serious injuries. Multiple US and Arab officials confirmed the incident.
Israel's military confirmed on the 27th that it conducted airstrikes against multiple strategic targets in Iran, including nuclear facilities, steel plants, and power plants. Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi strongly condemned the action, accusing Israel of collusion with the United States and vowing to retaliate against Israel for what he called a 'crime,' escalating Middle East tensions.
Hackers affiliated with Iran's Handala Hack Team infiltrated FBI Director Kash Patel's private email account and publicly released personal photographs and documents. The FBI confirmed the breach on Friday the 27th, with a spokesperson stating that necessary measures have been taken to mitigate potential risks. The hacking group posted multiple personal photos of Patel on their website.
Israel reported a missile attack from Yemen today, with the Iran-backed Houthi movement confirming responsibility for the strike. This marks the first direct missile attack by the group against Israel, reflecting escalating tensions in the Middle East region.
Yemen's Houthi rebel group launched a missile attack on southern Israel on the 28th morning, triggering air raid sirens in Beersheba and surrounding areas. This marks the Iran-aligned Houthi movement's first offensive operation since the outbreak of the Iran-Israel conflict, signaling direct involvement in regional tensions.
Multiple sources told CBS News that the aircraft carrier USS Bush will be deployed to the Middle East region under U.S. Central Command. President Trump subsequently stated that the U.S. is prepared to strike 3,554 Iranian targets if Iran takes action. The deployment reflects heightened U.S. military readiness and concern over Middle East tensions.
U.S. President Trump stated on the 27th during a speech at the Future Investment Initiative Priority summit in Miami that military operations against Iran are not yet complete. The remarks have drawn international attention, with reports indicating the U.S. Third Carrier Strike Group is heading to the Middle East region. Trump did not provide detailed information about subsequent operations, but the move signals a continued hardline stance toward Iran.
US Secretary of State Rubio told G7 foreign ministers that the conflict with Iran is expected to last another 2-4 weeks. The ministers discussed the impact of the conflict on energy prices, with oil closing at its highest level since 2022.
Over one month since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran, Tehran residents have shared accounts of their devastated lives with the BBC. The civilian toll continues to rise as families mourn lost loved ones and destroyed homes. Residents describe the physical destruction and psychological trauma caused by the military strikes, highlighting the profound impact of the conflict on ordinary civilians.
US Secretary of State Rubio's warning about a potential Iran conflict lasting weeks triggered global market volatility. Oil prices surged to $114 per barrel, while Wall Street stocks declined in response. The comments heightened investor concerns about Middle East geopolitical risks and prompted cautious market positioning amid uncertainty over potential economic impacts.