Japan is considering relaxing its regulations on military equipment exports, planning to eliminate current restrictions that limit exports to five defensive purposes: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping. Chinese analysts warn the move could enable Japan to export weapons to conflict zones and potentially Taiwan. A draft government document has been obtained by Kyodo News Agency.
The Israeli military announced Saturday it has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut after destroying a bridge in eastern Lebanon to prevent the Iran-backed group's reinforcements. Two loud explosions were heard in the capital within half an hour early Saturday, with smoke billowing from one location. Local media reported the strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, an area that has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli military operations in recent days.
Cambodian authorities discovered a suspected telecom scam center in Kampot province near the Vietnam border. The modern facility includes medical clinics, massage parlors, and multiple restaurants, but residents fled hastily, leaving behind clothing and rotting food. The discovery highlights the transnational nature of telecom fraud and reflects increased cooperation between China and the US in combating such criminal operations.
US President Donald Trump has submitted a budget proposal to Congress requesting $1.5 trillion in defence spending for fiscal year 2027, representing a 44 percent increase from current levels. The proposal, released by the White House on Friday, reflects the administration's emphasis on military investment amid ongoing Middle East operations. The plan implements a controversial proposal Trump first announced via social media in January.
A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran with one crew member rescued by US forces while another remains missing. Iran claimed responsibility for downing an F-15E aircraft and released photos of apparent wreckage. A second US aircraft was also hit near the Strait of Hormuz, with its pilot safely rescued. US forces continue search and rescue operations.
Japan is considering relaxing its regulations on military equipment exports, planning to eliminate current restrictions that limit exports to five defensive purposes: rescue, transport, warning, surveillance, and minesweeping. Chinese analysts warn the move could enable Japan to export weapons to conflict zones and potentially Taiwan. A draft government document has been obtained by Kyodo News Agency.
The Israeli military announced Saturday it has begun striking Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut after destroying a bridge in eastern Lebanon to prevent the Iran-backed group's reinforcements. Two loud explosions were heard in the capital within half an hour early Saturday, with smoke billowing from one location. Local media reported the strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, an area that has been repeatedly targeted by Israeli military operations in recent days.
Armed police officers protecting London Mayor Sadiq Khan left a bag of weapons outside his south London residence on Tuesday evening. A member of the public discovered the bag containing an MP5 semi-automatic carbine, Glock pistol, taser, and ammunition. The officers have been relieved of duties pending investigation into the security breach.
South Korea and Indonesia's jointly-developed KF-21 Boramae fighter jet had its first mass-produced model unveiled by Korea Aerospace Industries on March 25 in Sacheon. After a decade of development and billions of dollars in investment, the aircraft is nearing completion. Analysts suggest it could help South Korea, already among the world's top 10 arms exporters, expand its global military market share, though commercial viability remains uncertain.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and French President Emmanuel Macron have agreed to cooperate on ensuring safe passage for vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts note both nations prefer diplomatic approaches and multilateral defensive arrangements over military intervention, seeking to avoid escalating Middle East tensions and antagonizing Iran. The strait is a critical global oil supply route.
Cambodian authorities discovered a suspected telecom scam center in Kampot province near the Vietnam border. The modern facility includes medical clinics, massage parlors, and multiple restaurants, but residents fled hastily, leaving behind clothing and rotting food. The discovery highlights the transnational nature of telecom fraud and reflects increased cooperation between China and the US in combating such criminal operations.
US President Donald Trump has submitted a budget proposal to Congress requesting $1.5 trillion in defence spending for fiscal year 2027, representing a 44 percent increase from current levels. The proposal, released by the White House on Friday, reflects the administration's emphasis on military investment amid ongoing Middle East operations. The plan implements a controversial proposal Trump first announced via social media in January.
A US fighter jet was shot down over Iran with one crew member rescued by US forces while another remains missing. Iran claimed responsibility for downing an F-15E aircraft and released photos of apparent wreckage. A second US aircraft was also hit near the Strait of Hormuz, with its pilot safely rescued. US forces continue search and rescue operations.
A French container ship CMA CGM Kribi and a Japanese-owned tanker have successfully transited the Strait of Hormuz for the first time since the Iran war began over a month ago. According to Bloomberg ship tracking data, the French vessel exited the strait on Friday, marking the first known western European-linked ship to pass through the critical waterway since the conflict started. The Japanese tanker operated by Mitsui OSK Lines also completed the crossing, signaling gradual resumption of international maritime traffic in the region.
Hong Kong police arrested a domestic helper on suspicion of child neglect after a six-month-old girl was found unconscious at her home in Yuen Long on Friday morning. The infant was rushed to Pok Oi Hospital and later transferred to Tuen Mun Hospital, where she was pronounced dead. The case is under police investigation.
Finance ministers from Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, and Austria have jointly urged the EU Commission to impose a windfall profit tax on energy companies. The measure responds to rising fuel prices stemming from the Iran conflict. In their letter, the ministers stated that such action would demonstrate EU unity and capability to respond decisively, while signaling that companies profiting from the crisis should contribute to society.
Researchers at Northwestern Polytechnical University's School of Civil Aviation have unveiled an open-source flight control system specifically designed for bamboo-frame drones. The system addresses a key challenge in sustainable UAV design by integrating non-traditional materials like bamboo with high-performance flight control technology, advancing the development of low-cost, eco-friendly unmanned aerial vehicles.
Yang Zhilin, founder of Beijing-based Moonshot AI, delivered a keynote address at Nvidia's GPU Technology Conference in San Jose, California. His participation highlights a paradox in the intensifying US-China AI competition, where despite heated rhetoric about an 'arms race', collaborative interactions between the two nations' technology sectors continue to occur.
NASA released the first images from the Artemis II crew on Friday, 1.5 days into the mission—the first crewed moon shot in over 50 years. Commander Reid Wiseman photographed Earth's curved horizon through the capsule window and captured the entire globe surrounded by swirling white clouds over the oceans. The astronauts continue their journey toward the moon.
Hong Kong's Hospital Authority confirmed a large-scale data breach involving over 56,000 patients. Compromised information includes names, identity card numbers, genders, dates of birth, hospital visit dates, and surgical procedure details. The authority apologised to affected patients, and Hong Kong's privacy watchdog and police are investigating the unauthorised data retrieval.
At least one person died and 60 others were injured in a crush of fans at Alejandro Villanueva Stadium in Lima, Peru on Friday night. The incident occurred in the south stands as Alianza Lima supporters gathered ahead of their team's match against rival Universitario. Police rescued people trapped in the crush, while the Ministry of Health reported a wall collapse inside the stadium.
U.S. officials confirmed that an American F-15E fighter jet was shot down over central Iran, marking the first time a U.S. military aircraft has been downed by Iran since the conflict began. The U.S. military has launched an emergency search and rescue operation for the two crew members. Iranian state media released photos of aircraft wreckage and claimed responsibility using a new air defense system.
According to the New York Times citing US officials, a US Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf region today with the pilot rescued. Additionally, US and Iranian officials dispute claims regarding an F-15 fighter jet being shot down, with one pilot rescued and another reported missing. The incident occurs amid heightened Middle East tensions.
Israel launched airstrikes on Beirut, Lebanon's capital today, with the Israeli military stating that targets included infrastructure belonging to local armed groups. Simultaneously, the United States issued a warning regarding potential Iranian attacks on Lebanese educational institutions, including universities. The developments reflect escalating tensions in the Middle East region amid heightened confrontations between multiple parties.
The White House reported that President Trump has been briefed on a US military aircraft shot down over Iran. The US military launched search and rescue operations, successfully recovering one crew member, with ongoing efforts to locate other missing personnel.
According to Israeli and American media reports, Iran shot down a U.S. Air Force F-15E fighter jet today, with one crew member successfully rescued. The incident occurs as U.S. President Trump threatens further military strikes against Iranian civilian infrastructure, escalating regional tensions.
Global oil supply tensions intensified following US President Trump's threats of continued attacks on Iran. Brent crude spot prices surged past $141 on the 2nd, marking the highest level since 2008. US West Texas Intermediate crude futures also broke through $111, exceeding Brent futures for the first time in four years, with record backwardation spreads reflecting tight global physical oil supplies.
The US bombed three Iranian bridges on February 2, with President Trump threatening continued strikes on bridges and power plants to pressure Iran into negotiations. Iran refuses to capitulate and has expanded attacks on Gulf Arab energy facilities, strengthened defensive measures, and recruited young volunteers for potential ground combat. Bloomberg analysis suggests the conflict may escalate short-term before transitioning into prolonged attrition warfare.
Iranian state media reported on the 3rd that it shot down a US military aircraft, with the pilot ejecting. US officials confirmed a military aircraft crashed over Iranian airspace, with the US launching rescue operations. The Pentagon and White House have not officially confirmed the incident, and the truth remains unclear.
A US Air Force F-15 fighter jet was shot down over Iranian territory today, with one pilot missing. The US military launched search and rescue operations overnight. Simultaneously, another US attack aircraft crashed in the Persian Gulf. Iran claimed responsibility for the incidents, escalating regional tensions.
According to France 24, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has launched a large-scale recruitment campaign targeting children as young as 12 years old to participate in military operations. Human rights organizations have condemned the practice, stating that conscripting children under 15 violates international law and constitutes a war crime. Reports indicate that Iranian children have already been assigned to ground combat missions.
More than 40 countries' foreign diplomats convened an emergency video conference on Thursday to address the Hormuz Strait blockade crisis triggered by Iran-US-Israel tensions. UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper criticized Iran for seizing the international waterway and threatening global energy security. The meeting aimed to pressure Iran to reopen this strategically vital maritime passage and ease Middle East tensions.
An American F-15E fighter-bomber aircraft was shot down over Iranian airspace. The aircraft carried two crew members, with one successfully rescued. The status of the second crew member remains unclear at this time. The incident has drawn international attention.
Russia launched hundreds of drones and missiles during Easter, killing six civilians and injuring 40 others. Ukrainian President Zelensky accused Russia of choosing military escalation over pursuing a ceasefire agreement.
According to unnamed US officials, a US fighter jet has been shot down over southern Iran, prompting an immediate search and rescue operation. US military has deployed search and rescue helicopters to the area. The circumstances surrounding the incident are still under investigation.
US and Iranian military forces are conducting a joint search operation for a missing American crew member following the downing of a US warplane. The incident occurred when the aircraft was shot down in Iranian airspace. Search and rescue efforts are currently underway as both nations work to locate the missing airman.