**Summary:** The Israeli military announced it began striking targets deep inside Tehran on Sunday, following joint US-Israeli attacks that reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and several senior military officials. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to launch the "fiercest attack in history" against Israel and the USA in retaliation.

**Key points:**
- The Israeli Air Force conducted extensive raids the previous day to establish air superiority and pave the way toward Tehran.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed to have executed dozens of retaliatory strikes against US and Israeli sites, including 27 US bases and the Israeli military headquarters in Tel Aviv.
- The Iranian President stated that Tehran considers revenge a "legitimate right and duty."
- Iranian media reported the appointment of Ahmad Vahidi as the new Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

**Why it matters:** These are the first officially recognized Israeli attacks on the Iranian capital during the current military escalation, marking a significant escalation in the regional conflict. Iran has vowed a decisive response.

جيش الاحتلال الإسرائيلي يعلن أنه يضرب أهدافا في "قلب طهران"

Israel anuncia su primera ola de bombardeos "contra el corazón de Teherán"

إيران تعلن بداية "الانتقام المشروع"

گزارش خبرگزاری ایسنا از دور جدید حملات اسرائیل به نقاطی از تهران/ شرق و غرب مورد هدف قرار گرفت

Israel announces strikes on targets in central Tehran

**Summary:** Hundreds of people stormed the US Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan, smashing windows and setting part of the building ablaze following the killing of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in coordinated US-Israeli strikes. Clashes between protesters and security forces resulted in at least one protester killed and several wounded.

**Key points:**
- The attack on the consulate occurred hours after Iranian state media confirmed Khamenei's death in strikes carried out by Israel and the United States.
- Police and paramilitary forces used batons and fired tear gas to disperse the crowd in Karachi.
- The Iranian government announced a 40-day mourning period following the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was 86.
- Protests also occurred outside the US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, with demonstrators accusing Washington of fueling instability.
- The Iranian Embassy in Pakistan condemned the targeting of its leadership as a "cowardly, hideous and barbaric terrorist act."
- The Iranian Embassy pledged continuity of leadership and governance in accordance with its Constitution.

**Why it matters:** The violence in Karachi reflects regional outrage over the assassination of Iran's Supreme Leader, escalating tensions following the US-Israeli military action against Iran.

Протестующие напали на посольство США в Карачи - ВИДЕО

Iran embassy in Pakistan condemns 'barbaric' killing of Khamenei

Mob Barges Into US Consulate in Pakistan, Torches Portion of Building

Mob Storms US Consulate In Pakistan, Sets Parts Of Building Ablaze Over Khamenei's Death | World News - News18

Mob Storms US Consulate in Karachi Following Killing of Iran's Supreme Leader

**Summary:** Iran confirmed that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in recent joint strikes by Israel and the United States, leading to 40 days of national mourning and uncertainty over succession. Khamenei, who ruled since 1989, held ultimate authority over Iran's state institutions, military, and foreign policy.

**Key points:**
- Khamenei's death marks only the second political transition in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.
- The 88-member Assembly of Experts, whose candidates are vetted by the Guardian Council, is tasked with electing a new Supreme Leader.
- Potential successors mentioned include Ayatollah Alireza Arafi, Hojjat-ol-Eslam Mohsen Qomi, Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, and Judiciary Chief Gholam Hossein Mohseni Ejei.
- US President Trump confirmed the death, calling Khamenei "one of the most evil people in history."
- Khamenei's rule was characterized by staunch opposition to Israel and US influence, and empowerment of the IRGC.

**Why it matters:** The demise of the Supreme Leader ends a consequential chapter in Iran's modern history, creating immediate uncertainty regarding the country's future leadership and direction.

japantoday.com - How succession works in Iran and who will be the country's next supreme leader?

News18.com - Who Was Ayatollah Ali Khamenei? The Supreme Leader Who Ruled Iran For 36 Years

News18.com - Iran Faces Succession Crisis: Who Is Likely To Succeed Khamenei After His Death?

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei Killed in Joint US-Israel Strikes

**Summary:** Iran announced the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil transport route, amid escalating regional military tensions following attacks by the US and Israel against Iranian centers of power. The move has raised alarms in international energy markets and shipping.

**Key points:**
- The closure was announced by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) via the Tasnim News Agency, citing strategic importance.
- The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) received multiple reports from ships about the closure warning, allegedly from the IRGC.
- The EU naval mission 'Aspides' confirmed receiving VHF radio messages from the IRGC stating no vessel is permitted to cross the Strait.
- The Strait of Hormuz connects the Persian Gulf to the Gulf of Oman and is vital for transporting about 20% of global oil consumption.
- The US government urged commercial vessels to avoid the Middle East region following the recent military actions.

**Why it matters:** The Strait of Hormuz is the world's most important oil export channel, and any prolonged disruption could immediately increase crude oil prices and risk energy supply interruptions in Asia and Europe.

হরমুজ প্রণালী বন্ধ করে দিচ্ছে ইরান - jagonews24.com

إغلاق مضيق هرمز أمام الملاحة البحرية - زاد الاردن الاخباري

Irán afirma que cerró el estratégico estrecho de Ormuz, en un paso audaz que incendia aún más la región - Clarín

Irán anuncia el inicio del cierre del estrecho de Ormuz y pone en alerta al comercio mundial de petróleo - Huffington Post

Iran announces closure of Strait of Hormuz amid regional military escalation

**Summary:** Israel and the United States conducted a joint military operation against Iran, which Iran responded to with missile attacks on Israel and US bases in the region, including the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, and Kuwait. Israeli President Isaac Herzog expressed full support for the operation and thanked Donald Trump for the decision.

**Key points:**
- Israeli Defense Minister Itzhak Katz stated Israel launched a preemptive strike on Iran to eliminate threats.
- Donald Trump confirmed the US military operation against Iran, citing the need to eliminate immediate threats.
- The UAE reported that several Iranian ballistic missiles targeting Dubai and Abu Dhabi were neutralized, resulting in one fatality.
- Saudi Arabia condemned the "Iranian aggression and flagrant violation of sovereignty" of the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan.
- Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha expressed support for the Iranian people while condemning the Tehran regime.

**Why it matters:** The coordinated military action between the US and Israel against Iran has significantly escalated regional tensions, prompting reactions from various international actors and leading to retaliatory strikes against US assets in the Middle East.

В Абу-Даби и Дубае сбиты баллистические ракеты,

Саудовская Аравия жестко предупредила Иран

Президент Израиля назвал свои ожидания об операции в Иране

Украйна с позиция за ударите на Израел и САЩ в Иран

Удары по Ирану: Израиль "охотился" за аятоллой и президентом страны, - CNN

Israel and US conduct military operations against Iran; regional reactions follow

**Summary:** Fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan’s Taliban military entered its third day following cross-border assaults, which Pakistan described as a response to militant activity harbored by Kabul. The international community, including the UN, EU, Russia, and China, has expressed deep concern and urged both sides to de-escalate and engage in dialogue.

**Key points:**
- Pakistan's strikes on February 27 targeted Taliban military installations in Kabul and Kandahar, described by Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif as "open war".
- Pakistan accuses the Taliban of harboring Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) militants, a charge Kabul denies, claiming Pakistan is deflecting blame for its own security failures.
- Conflicting casualty reports include Pakistan claiming 12 soldiers and 274 Taliban killed, while the Taliban reported 13 fighters and 55 Pakistani soldiers dead.
- The US supports Pakistan’s right to defend itself against attacks by the Taliban, whom Washington designates as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist group.
- Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif publicly accused Haqqani Network figures of betraying past Pakistani support.

**Why it matters:** The escalating conflict raises the risk of a protracted conflict along the 2,600km frontier, while UN humanitarian officials warn that continued fighting will increase the already high number of Afghans needing aid.

Pakistan knows how to defend itself against any aggression: PM Shehbaz - The Pakistan National News

UN Chief Guterres Concerned Over Afghanistan-Pakistan Escalation - Deccan Chronicle

US says it supports Pakistan's 'right to defend itself' against Afghan Taliban - The Express Tribune

Asif accuses Haqqani Network of betrayal, demands clarity on Pakistan support - The Express Tribune

Pakistan, Afghan Taliban forces clash as diplomatic efforts intensify - The Straits Times

Pakistan-Afghan Taliban Clashes Escalate; International Calls for Diplomacy Intensify

**Summary:** A military Hercules aircraft belonging to Transportes Aéreos Bolivianos (TAB) crashed near El Alto International Airport in La Paz, Bolivia, during landing maneuvers, resulting in at least 15 confirmed deaths and damage to several vehicles. Authorities deployed emergency protocols and established an Accident Investigation Board (JIAA) to determine the cause.

**Key points:**
- The aircraft was reportedly transporting reserves of Bolivian currency (bolivianos).
- Security forces used chemical agents to disperse crowds who gathered, believing money was scattered at the scene.
- Affected vehicles included private vans, minibuses, and a trailer on the Puente Bolivia where the plane fell.
- The Bolivian Central Bank requested the return of the scattered currency, stating it would have no legal value.

**Why it matters:** The incident is one of the most serious recent air tragedies in the region, involving a military transport plane and causing significant civilian casualties and property damage in a busy area.

Acidente com avião militar deixa ao menos 11 mortos na Bolívia - Jornal de Brasília

Al menos 15 muertos y varios vehículos destrozados tras estrellarse un avión militar en Bolivia - Infobae

Military Plane Crash in Bolivia Kills at Least 15, Damages Vehicles

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump directed all federal agencies to cut ties with the technology company Anthropic and stop using its AI model, Claude, following public disputes over ethical use restrictions. The order mandates a six-month phase-out period, threatening civil or criminal consequences for non-compliance.

**Key points:**
- The conflict stems from Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei refusing to lift restrictions on using AI for mass domestic surveillance and fully autonomous weapons development.
- Anthropic stated that using systems for mass domestic surveillance is incompatible with democratic values, though they support use for foreign intelligence.
- The Department of War reportedly sought unrestricted use of AI products for any legally legitimate context, which Anthropic rejected.
- Trump accused Anthropic of trying to force the Department of War to obey its terms of service over the US Constitution.

**Why it matters:** This executive action signals the administration's intent to control federal technology procurement based on security policies and constitutional principles, raising questions about future public-private AI collaboration.

Reforma - Ordena Trump a dependencias de EU dejar de usar Anthropic

Infobae - Trump ordena a las agencias federales dejar de utilizar el modelo de IA de Anthropic

Trump Orders Federal Agencies to Cease Using Anthropic's AI Model