The US Defense Secretary approved a Central Command request to deploy 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, homeported in Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East region. The deployment responds to increased Iranian military activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported the information on the 13th, citing US officials.
US President Trump announced on the 13th that the US military bombed Kharg Island, Iran's oil hub in the Persian Gulf, destroying over 90 military targets on the island. Trump warned that if Tehran continues targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will strike Iran's oil infrastructure. The operation represents a significant military action against Iran.
Israel's military stated on the 13th that an airstrike in Tehran killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials. According to Agence France-Presse, the two were Abdol Jalali-Nasab and Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who assumed their positions after the previous intelligence chief was assassinated on February 28th. The military operation represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
US President Trump stated on the 13th that American military forces have bombed military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub. The island handles approximately 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports. Trump warned that if Iran continues to obstruct shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will not rule out striking oil facilities on the island. The incident has raised concerns in global energy markets regarding potential crude oil price increases.
The United States is deploying approximately 2,500 Marines and the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship from Japan to the Middle East region. This deployment is intended to reinforce existing US military presence in the area. Currently, over 50,000 US military personnel are engaged in operations that began on February 28. The deployment reflects US commitment to the region and adjustments to military positioning.
Israel and the United States are conducting joint military operations against Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards publicly stated their intention to pursue Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel subsequently announced airstrikes targeting western regions of Iran. This incident occurs amid ongoing joint military action by Israel and the United States, reflecting continued tensions in the Middle East region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a CNN interview that Russia is providing Shahed drones to Iran. While Zelenskyy did not cite specific numbers, he indicated this could affect security for the United States and Israel. The remarks reflect Ukraine's concerns about Russian-Iranian military cooperation and regional security implications.
Security sources reported that an airstrike targeting an Iran-backed armed organization resulted in 3 deaths shortly before the US Embassy in Baghdad came under attack. The strike hit a militant position in the Iraqi capital, occurring in close temporal proximity to the embassy incident.
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an advisory on the 14th urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately. According to the New York Times, the warning reflects the expanding impact of the Iran-Israel conflict into neighboring regions including Iraq. The advisory indicates escalating security concerns in the Middle East, with regional tensions spreading across borders.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported on June 15 that it detected 16 Chinese military aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait median line within a 24-hour period, with incursions into northern, central, and southwestern airspace. The ROC military responded by deploying task aircraft, naval vessels, and shore-based missile systems for monitoring and response operations.
The US Defense Secretary approved a Central Command request to deploy 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, homeported in Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East region. The deployment responds to increased Iranian military activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported the information on the 13th, citing US officials.
US President Trump announced on the 13th that the US military bombed Kharg Island, Iran's oil hub in the Persian Gulf, destroying over 90 military targets on the island. Trump warned that if Tehran continues targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will strike Iran's oil infrastructure. The operation represents a significant military action against Iran.
Israel's military stated on the 13th that an airstrike in Tehran killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials. According to Agence France-Presse, the two were Abdol Jalali-Nasab and Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who assumed their positions after the previous intelligence chief was assassinated on February 28th. The military operation represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
US President Trump stated on the 13th that American military forces have bombed military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub. The island handles approximately 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports. Trump warned that if Iran continues to obstruct shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will not rule out striking oil facilities on the island. The incident has raised concerns in global energy markets regarding potential crude oil price increases.
The United States is deploying approximately 2,500 Marines and the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship from Japan to the Middle East region. This deployment is intended to reinforce existing US military presence in the area. Currently, over 50,000 US military personnel are engaged in operations that began on February 28. The deployment reflects US commitment to the region and adjustments to military positioning.
As geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continue to affect market sentiment and recent economic data shows signs of weakness, markets anticipate the U.S. Federal Reserve will maintain its current interest rate policy at next week's policy meeting. This cautious approach reflects the Fed's response to global economic uncertainty and its assessment of the current economic outlook.
Middle East regional developments have disrupted crude oil supply and transportation, keeping international oil prices above 100 dollars per barrel. On the 13th, US stocks declined and Taiwan futures fell 489 points in after-hours trading. Analysts suggest Taiwan's stock market may experience continued volatility in the short term due to oil price fluctuations. Investors should monitor developments in the Middle East and energy market trends closely.
Escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict has intensified Middle East instability, pushing oil prices near 120 dollars per barrel. However, gold, traditionally viewed as a safe-haven asset, has underperformed significantly. Gold prices fell 4.46% on March 3rd, followed by consecutive two-day declines of 200 dollars, currently hovering around 5,000 dollars per ounce. Silver performed worse, declining nearly 15% over one week with a single-day drop exceeding 5%, breaking below 80 dollars. Analysts attribute gold's weakened safe-haven function primarily to surging oil prices.
China's government is positioning technological innovation as a new economic growth engine to replace the real estate sector. The strategy emphasizes development of artificial intelligence and future industries through comprehensive chain-wide deployment. This approach aims to drive industrial upgrading and address both domestic and external economic challenges while sustaining growth momentum amid structural pressures.
Amid rising international oil prices due to Middle East tensions, Taiwan's CPC announced no adjustment to gasoline and diesel prices effective Monday midnight, with Taiwan Petrochemical following suit. Taiwan Power Company's proposal to freeze electricity rates in April and hold a special review meeting in June was rejected by the Ministry of Economic Affairs. Taiwan Power will absorb fuel cost increases while awaiting second-half electricity rate review.
Geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and the Ukraine-Russia conflict are straining Taiwan's electricity pricing policy. Scholars urge the government to address electricity pricing and subsidy challenges to prevent further deterioration of state-owned enterprises' finances. Industry stakeholders worry that amid global resource constraints and rising shipping costs, any adjustment to electricity and energy costs will ultimately be borne by the general public. The Ministry of Economic Affairs has attempted multiple budget allocations but faced opposition from opposition parties.
The US stock market has declined for three consecutive weeks amid escalating Middle East tensions. As military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran enter their third week, oil prices face upward pressure, potentially further impacting market confidence and economic stability. With investors concerned about systemic risks, NVIDIA's GTC conference has become a focal point of market attention.
The Federal Reserve will hold its interest rate decision meeting on June 17-18 (US Eastern Time). Markets widely expect policymakers to maintain rates unchanged. The focus of this meeting will be on how officials assess the impact of rising oil prices caused by geopolitical tensions on inflation, and their outlook for future rate paths. Barclays Bank expects the Fed may delay rate adjustments until September.
JPMorgan Chase's foreign exchange strategists have upgraded their outlook on the US dollar for the first time in a year. The bank cites rising energy costs stemming from Middle East tensions as a key factor threatening global economic growth. In this context, the US dollar's appeal as a safe-haven asset has increased, prompting the firm to revise its currency assessment upward.
Major central banks including the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, and Bank of Japan are holding interest rate decision meetings this week. Rising oil prices driven by Middle East tensions have introduced new variables to inflation outlook. Most central banks are expected to maintain current interest rates while monitoring developments in the situation.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced on the 14th via social media that the company will launch the "Terafab" project to construct a massive AI chip foundry within seven days. The initiative aims to address semiconductor supply constraints and establish Tesla's independent chip manufacturing capability for its AI computing requirements.
According to South Korean Business Weekly, Samsung is evaluating the adoption of 2-nanometer process technology for the base chip in seventh-generation HBM4E high-bandwidth memory. Samsung has completed mass production of its first commercial HBM4 and is redesigning the HBM4E power delivery architecture to handle increased power bumps from 13,682 to 14,457. Unlike HBM3 where base chips primarily provided power and signal transmission, HBM4 architecture enables base chips to perform computational functions.
Facing semiconductor supply constraints amid AI-driven chip demand growth, Tesla encounters bottlenecks in chip procurement for autonomous driving technology. Musk plans to establish a large-scale semiconductor foundry called the Terafab project, expected to launch within 7 days. This initiative aims to reduce dependence on external chip suppliers and ensure stable chip supply for Tesla's autonomous driving systems.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk announced that the company's Terafab project for AI chip production will launch in seven days. Tesla is currently designing fifth-generation AI chips to support its autonomous driving objectives. Musk previously indicated the company may need to establish a mega chip factory to meet growing AI chip demands and mentioned potential collaboration possibilities with Intel.
The U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) confirmed on the 12th that the Artemis II launch mission is ready, with a target launch date of April 1. This mission represents the second phase of the Artemis program, designed to test systems for subsequent crewed lunar missions. NASA has completed necessary preparations to ensure the launch proceeds as scheduled.
Nvidia's annual GTC conference will take place on March 16 in the United States, opening with a keynote address by CEO Jensen Huang. Amid intensifying market competition, Nvidia is expected to announce new products integrating Groq technology, focusing on inference applications that run trained models rather than training models. This strategic move reflects the company's commitment to advancing artificial intelligence inference capabilities.
According to Reuters citing sources, Meta is planning significant workforce reductions affecting over 20% of employees to offset substantial AI infrastructure spending. The company is preparing for increased employee productivity through AI-assisted work modes. Additionally, ServiceNow CEO Mark Hurd noted that as enterprises adopt AI technology, entry-level job seekers face intensified employment challenges, with college graduate unemployment potentially exceeding 30%.
Amazon plans to adopt chips supplied by startup Cerebras Systems to support artificial intelligence inference capabilities. The company will combine Cerebras chips with its proprietary Trainium processors to enhance performance when running AI software. This move demonstrates Amazon's continued investment in AI infrastructure development and optimization.
Chinese e-commerce platforms continue to sell substandard power banks with fraudulent 3C certification labels, according to media investigations. Following last year's incidents of power bank fires and explosions that caused multiple aviation safety incidents, authorities blacklisted manufacturers and banned uncertified products. However, despite official crackdowns, fake-certified power banks remain widely available on e-commerce platforms, posing short-circuit and fire hazards to consumers.
Yuan Ze University held its 37th anniversary celebration on the 14th, with the theme of "Advanced Technology and Sustainable Development." The university conducted a groundbreaking ceremony for the Semiconductor and Environmental Science Center Building, marking significant progress in semiconductor research and talent cultivation. This project demonstrates the institution's commitment to technological innovation and sustainable development.
Instagram announced it will discontinue end-to-end encryption (E2EE) for direct messages starting May 8 this year. Meta cited low usage rates as the primary reason for the decision. The company recommends users with higher privacy requirements to switch to WhatsApp, another Meta-owned application. This change will affect Instagram users who prioritize chat privacy.
A user recently received a fraudulent email claiming their bank account would be frozen. The message warned that the account would be frozen within 24 hours and demanded immediate verification. However, the subject line accidentally contained the instruction text "increase urgency," exposing the scam's intent. After the post went viral, numerous online users commented on how poorly executed the fraud attempt was.
The 2026 Taipei World Indoor Tug-of-War Championships concluded at Taipei Arena. Taiwan's men's and women's teams won 5 gold medals on Sunday, accumulating 9 gold medals over two days and setting a new team record, surpassing the previous record of 5 gold and 1 silver from the 2020 Ireland Indoor World Championships. President Lai Ching-te congratulated the team on their outstanding performance.
The 2026 Taiwan Lantern Festival concluded this evening in Chiayi County with a spectacular drone light display. One thousand MIT-designed drones flew in synchronized formation, creating visual imagery centered on "Chiayi, Taiwan" themes. The high-tech performance combined light effects and artistic elements to mark the festival's closing ceremony.
In the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinal match held today, Japan lost to Venezuela 5-8. The defeat ended Japan's consecutive championship hopes and broke their record of advancing to the semifinals in six consecutive tournaments. Beyond the match result, the broadcasting arrangements for this WBC have become another significant topic of discussion.
South Korea's national baseball team suffered a 0-10 defeat to the Dominican Republic in the Classic Series, yet a friendly game held the same day sold out completely. Despite South Korean professional baseball experiencing surging attendance records in recent years, local media reflected on the gap between the sport's popularity and the national team's competitive performance at the international level.
René Redzepi, head chef of Noma restaurant in Denmark which has topped the World's 50 Best Restaurants list five times, has resigned following allegations regarding employee management. The incident has drawn attention from the Nordic culinary industry, with professionals suggesting similar issues may be more widespread. The case has shocked the international dining sector and sparked broader discussions about restaurant working conditions.
In the 2026 World Baseball Classic quarterfinals, Venezuela defeated defending champion Japan 8-5, advancing to the semifinals. This marks Japan's first elimination before reaching the final four in tournament history. Venezuela will face Italy in the next round. The match showcased Venezuela's comeback performance against the defending champions.
In the Classic tournament, Japan trailed Venezuela 5-7 through six innings. In the top of the eighth, Venezuela mounted another offensive, with pitcher Atsuki Taneichi allowing a double to Ezequiel Tovar to start the inning. A subsequent throwing error against Glayber Torres resulted in additional runs. Japan now faces the possibility of its first-ever elimination at the quarterfinal stage.
In the Classic Baseball semifinal, the Dominican Republic defeated South Korea 10-0, winning in seven innings. Dominican pitcher Sanchez delivered a strong performance with 8 strikeouts over 5 scoreless innings. The Dominican offense, led by Greñol and Soto, scored decisively with Wells hitting a go-ahead three-run homer. The Dominican Republic will face the USA, who narrowly defeated Canada 5-3, in today's championship game, with Severino scheduled to start.
The Fukushima Youth Sinfonietta organized a concert titled "Voice of Fukushima" in collaboration with the Taipei Philharmonic Youth Orchestra and Taipei Zhongshan Hall. The initiative expresses gratitude for Taiwan's assistance following the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. The musical exchange promotes cultural interaction between Taiwan and Japan while raising funds for disaster relief in Hualien. The performance demonstrates the talent of young musicians from both nations and embodies the universal language of music.
Taiwan's twin brothers Li Fang-jen and Li Fang-chih, competing for Bank of Taiwan, defeated Denmark's Daniel Lundgaard and Mads Vestergaard 21-18, 21-13 in the Swiss Open men's doubles final on March 15, 2026. The match lasted 41 minutes. This victory marks Taiwan's first men's doubles champions at the Swiss Open tournament.
More than 800,000 people in Lebanon have been displaced in just 10 days due to military conflict, representing approximately one-seventh of the country's population. Families like that of Fatima Nazha fled their homes following evacuation orders and faced severe shelter shortages. With government-converted school shelters at capacity and limited financial means, many residents resorted to makeshift accommodations, including tents in the nation's largest stadium, while others sought refuge in southern coastal areas.
The US Defense Secretary approved a Central Command request to deploy 2,500 Marines from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit based in Okinawa and the amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli, homeported in Sasebo, Japan, to the Middle East region. The deployment responds to increased Iranian military activities in the Strait of Hormuz. The Wall Street Journal reported the information on the 13th, citing US officials.
US President Trump announced on the 13th that the US military bombed Kharg Island, Iran's oil hub in the Persian Gulf, destroying over 90 military targets on the island. Trump warned that if Tehran continues targeting vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, the United States will strike Iran's oil infrastructure. The operation represents a significant military action against Iran.
Israel's military stated on the 13th that an airstrike in Tehran killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials. According to Agence France-Presse, the two were Abdol Jalali-Nasab and Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who assumed their positions after the previous intelligence chief was assassinated on February 28th. The military operation represents the latest development in ongoing tensions between Israel and Iran.
US President Trump stated on the 13th that American military forces have bombed military targets on Kharg Island, Iran's primary oil export hub. The island handles approximately 90 percent of Iran's crude oil exports. Trump warned that if Iran continues to obstruct shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the US will not rule out striking oil facilities on the island. The incident has raised concerns in global energy markets regarding potential crude oil price increases.
The United States is deploying approximately 2,500 Marines and the USS Tripoli amphibious assault ship from Japan to the Middle East region. This deployment is intended to reinforce existing US military presence in the area. Currently, over 50,000 US military personnel are engaged in operations that began on February 28. The deployment reflects US commitment to the region and adjustments to military positioning.
Taiwan's Ministry of Defense reported on June 15 that it detected 16 Chinese military aircraft crossing the Taiwan Strait median line within a 24-hour period, with incursions into northern, central, and southwestern airspace. The ROC military responded by deploying task aircraft, naval vessels, and shore-based missile systems for monitoring and response operations.
Security sources reported that an airstrike targeting an Iran-backed armed organization resulted in 3 deaths shortly before the US Embassy in Baghdad came under attack. The strike hit a militant position in the Iraqi capital, occurring in close temporal proximity to the embassy incident.
The US Embassy in Baghdad issued an advisory on the 14th urging American citizens to leave Iraq immediately. According to the New York Times, the warning reflects the expanding impact of the Iran-Israel conflict into neighboring regions including Iraq. The advisory indicates escalating security concerns in the Middle East, with regional tensions spreading across borders.
Israel and the United States are conducting joint military operations against Iran. Iran's Revolutionary Guards publicly stated their intention to pursue Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Israel subsequently announced airstrikes targeting western regions of Iran. This incident occurs amid ongoing joint military action by Israel and the United States, reflecting continued tensions in the Middle East region.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a CNN interview that Russia is providing Shahed drones to Iran. While Zelenskyy did not cite specific numbers, he indicated this could affect security for the United States and Israel. The remarks reflect Ukraine's concerns about Russian-Iranian military cooperation and regional security implications.
The Middle East conflict entered its 15th day as US President Trump called on nations to help ensure maritime safety in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global energy transportation route. Trump emphasized the importance of international cooperation to maintain freedom of passage through this strategic waterway and protect the stability of global energy supply chains.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated in a CNN interview that Russia is providing Shahed drones to Iran. He confirmed that Iran has used Russian-made Shahed drones to attack U.S. military bases. The Shahed drone, originally developed by Iran, is cost-effective compared to expensive missiles. Since autumn 2022, Russia has deployed these drones on a large scale in the Ukraine war. The drones have also been linked to other military incidents in the Middle East.
Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi stated on the 14th that the Strait of Hormuz remains open but with restrictions on vessels from hostile nations and their allies. He noted that ships from other countries can still pass normally, and those avoiding the route do so for security reasons unrelated to Iran's actions. Araghchi emphasized that tankers and cargo ships continue transiting the strait, indicating it has not been completely closed.
The US-Iran conflict has entered its third week. Iran issued warnings against three major commercial ports in the UAE, claiming they serve as US military positions, and called for nearby residents to evacuate. US President Trump stated on the 14th that current conditions are insufficient for a ceasefire agreement. This marks Iran's first direct threat against non-US assets in the conflict.
A magnitude 5.4 earthquake occurred off the eastern coast at 4:14 PM today. The Central Weather Administration's Seismic Monitoring Center noted that the region experiences frequent seismic activity and forecasts possible magnitude 4.5 to 5 aftershocks within the next three days. The agency advises the public to remain vigilant and prepared for potential seismic events.
Jürgen Habermas, a renowned German philosopher and sociologist, has passed away at the age of 96. Known for his influential work on communication theory, particularly his Theory of Communicative Action, Habermas made significant contributions to contemporary political discourse through critical analysis. He is recognized as one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century, with lasting impact on philosophy and social theory.
A fire broke out at a capsule hotel in Jung-gu, Seoul on the evening of the 14th, injuring 10 foreign guests, including 3 critically and 7 with minor injuries. A Japanese woman in her 50s remains unconscious. Additionally, 16 people are unaccounted for. Authorities launched an investigation on the morning of the 15th to determine the fire's origin and cause.
In the early morning of the 15th, a fatal accident occurred on National Highway 3 northbound in the Wufeng to Taiping section of Taichung. A flatbed truck driver allegedly dozed off, struck the median barrier, and the vehicle's cabin fell from the elevated highway, killing the driver on the spot. A following cargo truck collided with the truck bed, trapping its driver. Additionally, on the afternoon of the 14th, a motorcycle-car collision occurred at Pingan Bridge in Sanwan, Miaoli County, resulting in the motorcyclist's death after hospitalization.
A homicide case occurred in Fengyuan District, Taichung City. Family violence prevention officials note that intimate partner violence incidents frequently occur during relationship termination or breakup negotiation phases. When the other party exhibits excessive control, extreme emotions, or threatening behavior, individuals should remain vigilant. Experts recommend avoiding private spaces for discussions, choosing public locations instead, and informing trusted friends or family of whereabouts to reduce risk.
An earthquake with a magnitude of 4.2 on the Richter scale occurred off the coast of Yilan County at 2:58 AM today. The maximum seismic intensity of 4 was recorded in Nanao, Yilan County. The tremor was felt across 8 counties and cities in the region. The Central Weather Administration has issued earthquake information, and damage assessments are underway.
The Central Weather Administration's Seismic Monitoring Center recorded a magnitude 4.2 earthquake off the coast of Yilan County at 2:58 AM. The epicenter was located 38.9 kilometers south of Yilan County Government with a depth of 11.3 kilometers, classified as a very shallow earthquake. The maximum seismic intensity reached level 4.
Many parents struggle with decisions regarding circumcision for their sons. Dr. Chang Chih-yang, chief of pediatric surgery at Chiayi Christian Hospital, emphasizes that boys exhibiting pathological symptoms such as abnormal swelling at the urethral opening during urination or pain in the genital area require prompt medical evaluation to prevent serious urinary tract infections. Not all boys need surgery, but abnormal symptoms should not be ignored.
The Central Weather Administration's Seismic Monitoring Center recorded a magnitude 5.4 earthquake off eastern Taiwan at 4:14 PM today. The epicenter was located 49.6 kilometers south-southeast of Yilan County Government, with a depth of 23.2 kilometers, classified as a very shallow earthquake. The maximum seismic intensity reached level 4.
An earthquake occurred in Taiwan on the 15th at approximately 4:14 PM. Residents in northern Taiwan experienced noticeable seismic shaking. According to reports, the earthquake caused significant tremors in the northern region of Taiwan. Further details regarding the earthquake's magnitude, depth, and intensity readings in other areas are pending official announcement from the Central Weather Administration.