Analysts warn that water, rather than oil, may be the most vulnerable resource in the energy-rich but arid Persian Gulf region as missiles and drones disrupt energy production. Hundreds of desalination plants along the Persian Gulf coast supply water to millions of people. In Kuwait, approximately 90 percent of drinking water comes from desalination facilities, making these systems critical infrastructure for major cities.
Energy experts, including Zhang Shishu, chief technical expert at China's state-owned PowerChina, have called for building an underground network across western China to protect key energy and defence facilities. The proposal aims to embed critical infrastructure deep beneath the Earth's surface for enhanced security and reduced detectability, while securing long-term energy reserves and strengthening national crisis resilience.
Hong Kong's Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po said the city will seize opportunities from China's 15th five-year development plan for 2026-2030, describing it as a "golden strategic period." Chan pledged to adopt "Artificial Intelligence+" and "Finance+" approaches to support mainland China's development amid escalating geopolitical tensions, highlighting significant potential for Hong Kong's growth.
Vietnam's new artificial intelligence law took effect on Sunday, introducing a risk-tiered classification model for AI systems. The legislation requires both local and foreign AI providers operating in the country to comply with binding regulations. Analysts view this as Southeast Asia's first major test of whether governments can transition from voluntary guidelines to enforceable regulatory frameworks, potentially reshaping regional AI deployment practices.
Lebanon's health ministry reported Sunday that an Israeli strike on a central Beirut hotel killed at least four people. Israel stated it targeted Iranian Revolutionary Guards commanders. Lebanon became involved in the Middle East conflict when Iran-backed Hezbollah attacked Israel in response to the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Despite a 2024 ceasefire agreement, Israel has continued launching strikes against Hezbollah.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held a press conference during China's annual "two sessions" to outline Beijing's foreign policy direction. The high-profile briefing addressed multiple international issues including Trump's visit, Iran, great power relations, and Taiwan. The press conference represents one of the most-watched events during the annual parliamentary meetings, reflecting China's policy positions amid current global circumstances.
Gulf nations including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait reported missile and drone attacks on Sunday as regional conflict entered its second week. Iran pledged to continue strikes against neighboring countries. Qatar's defense ministry reported 10 ballistic missiles targeted the country on Saturday. Kuwait's national oil company announced precautionary production cuts. Explosions were also heard in Dubai and Manama, Bahrain.
Israel conducted airstrikes on an oil storage facility in Tehran late Saturday, confirmed by Iranian state media. Israeli military confirmed new strikes targeting eastern and southern neighborhoods of Tehran. Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged 'many surprises' in the coming phase of the week-long conflict. Video footage showed flames rising above the facility as the horizon glowed against the night sky.
Iran launched new missile and drone attacks on Gulf countries Saturday. Explosions were reported in Dubai, Doha, and Bahrain, with subsequent attacks in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait. Kuwait's national oil company announced precautionary production cuts. The attacks occurred despite Iran's president apologizing to Gulf nations earlier, stating strikes would cease, contradicting Iran's subsequent vow to continue regional strikes.
US President Donald Trump on Saturday urged Latin American nations to use military force against drug trafficking organizations and offered US missile strikes targeting narco leaders. Trump characterized communist-led Cuba as being in its final days and advocated tough action by allied nations against organized crime affecting the region, reflecting Washington's muscular approach to advancing its interests in the Western Hemisphere.