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As tensions in the Middle East continue to deteriorate, global energy markets have been thrown into turmoil. International oil prices this week surged past $100 per barrel, the highest level since July 2022. With prices having jumped more than 90 percent since December last year, concerns are growing worldwide over rising inflation and potential supply shortages. Sources say finance ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) will hold an emergency video conference on the 9th. Coordinated by the International Energy Agency (IEA), they are expected to discuss the possibility of jointly releasing 300 to 400 million barrels from strategic petroleum reserves to curb further price spikes.

Iran’s new leadership has adopted a hardline stance, raising fears that the Strait of Hormuz could be blocked. At the same time, declining oil output in several producing countries has heightened market anxiety over energy supply. Short covering has triggered a “short squeeze,” further pushing prices upward. U.S. President Donald Trump recently remarked that the cost of high oil prices is “not too high,” a statement markets interpreted as a signal that Washington may tolerate higher energy prices. Meanwhile, Israel and Iran have continued exchanging attacks, damaging energy facilities across the Gulf region. Oil production has also been forced to decline in places such as Iraq, Kuwait, and Abu Dhabi due to limited storage capacity, further exacerbating supply concerns.

Iran has threatened to strike oil facilities across the Persian Gulf and warned that if the conflict escalates, global oil prices could soar to $200 per barrel. Israel has also reportedly targeted at least five energy infrastructure sites around Iran in recent days, sharply worsening the situation. With energy transport bottlenecks and geopolitical risks rising simultaneously, oil-producing nations are being forced to cut output, raising fears of prolonged supply tightness in the market. To ease the pressure, the Group of Seven is evaluating a large-scale coordinated oil release in hopes of stabilizing markets before global panic intensifies and inflation spirals further out of control.

According to a report by Fox News, the United States will deploy a third aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East to join the war against Iran.

Fox News reported that the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush and its accompanying fleet are preparing to cross the Atlantic Ocean toward the eastern Mediterranean. This would mark the third U.S. carrier strike group deployed near Iran. As the Yemeni rebel group Houthis has vowed to confront U.S. forces and could potentially attack Israel, the George H.W. Bush carrier strike group may also serve as a base for operations against the Houthis.

The Associated Press reported that, according to images released by the U.S. Department of Defense, the U.S. Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, passed through the Suez Canal on the 5th, moving from the Mediterranean Sea into the Red Sea.

The Ford had moved from the Caribbean to the Middle East in mid-February and carried out missions in the eastern Mediterranean during the early stage of the U.S.–Iran conflict. According to foreign media reports, two carrier strike groups are currently operating in the region: the Ford in the Red Sea and another carrier, USS Abraham Lincoln, in the Arabian Sea.

It remains unclear whether the third carrier group will serve as a rotational replacement or formally join combat operations. As Iran has vowed to attack vessels traveling through the Persian Gulf, about 20% of global oil transport has been disrupted, potentially having a serious impact on global energy prices and the broader situation in the Middle East.

The conflict between the United States and Iran continues to escalate. A U.S. submarine sank an Iranian warship off the coast of Sri Lanka, killing at least 80 people, reflecting the expansion of U.S. military operations against Iran. At the same time, NATO air defense systems intercepted and destroyed an Iranian ballistic missile aimed at a regional base near the Turkish border. As the critical oil chokepoint, the Strait of Hormuz, enters its fifth day of paralysis, the global energy supply chain is also facing a growing crisis.

On the 4th, Turkey’s Ministry of National Defense issued a statement accusing Iran of launching a ballistic missile that flew over Syria and Iraq before being successfully intercepted by NATO air defense systems over the eastern Mediterranean. This marks the first time a NATO member state has been directly drawn into the Middle East conflict, raising concerns that the conflict could further expand and involve NATO allies. Turkish authorities said the missile caused no casualties but reserved the right to respond to hostile actions, while warning all parties not to escalate the conflict. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte stated that NATO is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East but is not currently considering invoking Article 5, the collective defense clause.

On the 7th, Iranian President Pezeshkian delivered a speech apologizing to neighboring countries for the attacks that occurred over the past few days, stating that Iran has no intention of invading other nations. He announced that Iran’s temporary leadership council approved on Friday (the 6th) a decision to cease attacks on neighboring countries unless attacks against Iran originate from those countries. He also declared that Iran would never surrender unconditionally and called on the public to unite in defending the nation.

As the conflict continues, Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz. According to Reuters estimates, at least 200 ships are anchored offshore and unwilling to move, pushing oil prices to their highest level in a year. U.S. President Donald Trump has pledged to provide naval escorts and energy insurance in an effort to curb the soaring costs.

The conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate, with no signs of easing regional tensions. Early Friday morning local time, Israel launched overnight attacks on Hezbollah positions inside Lebanon. After ordering some residents to evacuate, Israeli forces carried out intensive airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut. The Israeli military said it conducted 26 strikes throughout the night, targeting command centers and weapons storage facilities.

Meanwhile, Iranian media claimed that Iran had shot down U.S. and Israeli drones. Qatar and Saudi Arabia also reported successfully intercepting attacks targeting U.S. military bases within their territories, indicating that the conflict is gradually expanding.

As Israel intensified its offensive, Lebanon’s Hezbollah also responded with military action. The group warned residents near the Israeli border to evacuate as soon as possible and launched attacks into Israeli territory. Lebanon had already been drawn into the conflict earlier this week when Hezbollah struck Israel, triggering a new round of military confrontation. Israel subsequently expanded its strikes in southern Lebanon, deployed additional troops to the border area, and urged local civilians to leave potential combat zones.

Several Lebanese sources familiar with the deployments revealed that Hezbollah has sent its elite “Radwan Force” to southern areas near the border to counter advancing Israeli troops. According to the sources, the unit received orders on the 2nd to join the fighting, with missions including preventing Israeli tanks from entering certain areas. The town of Khiam has reportedly become one of the main battle zones. These forces had previously withdrawn north of the Litani River following the ceasefire arrangement after the 2024 Israel–Lebanon war, but their redeployment now signals a renewed deterioration of the situation.

At the same time, after large-scale airstrikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, Tehran and its allies have begun retaliatory actions. Israel recently ordered a mass evacuation of residents in southern Beirut, causing severe traffic congestion and affecting an estimated 500,000 people. Hezbollah also used social media to warn Israeli residents near the border to leave the area, accusing Israeli forces of violating Lebanon’s sovereignty.

According to Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have so far killed at least 123 people and wounded hundreds more. In addition, Israeli forces have continued striking targets in Iran’s capital, Tehran, raising the risk that the conflict could further expand.

The U.S. and Israel’s “Operation Epic Fury” against Iran has created a rift between Spain and the United States. The Spanish government has formally refused to allow the U.S. to use military bases on its territory. More than ten U.S. military aircraft previously stationed at the Rota Naval Base and Morón Air Base have withdrawn from the bases. In response, Donald Trump has threatened to impose a comprehensive embargo on Spain and suspend economic and trade relations.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez publicly condemned the military actions taken by the United States and Israel against Iran, calling them “an unjustified and dangerous unilateral military intervention” and stating that they violate international law.

Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares, also confirmed the government’s consistent position: Spain will not allow the United States to conduct any military operations that go beyond the scope of bilateral agreements or that lack authorization under the United Nations Charter.

Prior to this, tensions between the United States and Spain had already been strained after the Sánchez government refused to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP and disagreed with Washington on Middle East issues. When asked at the White House about Spain’s refusal to allow the use of its military bases, Trump harshly criticized the decision and stated that the U.S. might halt all commercial dealings with Spain, declaring that the United States “does not want to have anything to do with Spain.” U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent supported Trump, saying that the United States has the legal authority to impose an embargo on Spanish goods. However, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said further discussions would be held regarding options to safeguard national and economic security.

In 2025, U.S. exports to Spain totaled about $26 billion, while imports were about $21 billion, with major trade items including pharmaceuticals and olive oil. If trade were interrupted, it would inevitably have a significant impact on both economies. Although the European Union hopes to maintain stable transatlantic relations, spokesperson Olof Gill emphasized that the EU will stand with all member states and is prepared to use its common trade policy to defend their economic interests. European Commission Vice-President Stéphane Séjourné stated even more clearly: A threat to any one member state is, in essence, a threat to the entire European Union.

However, European countries remain divided over the attack on Iran. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he understands the “dilemma” faced by the United States in responding to Iran’s nuclear threat and stated that he would “not comment on an ally’s military actions.” The position of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer appeared to shift somewhat after Iran launched a counterattack that struck a British base in Cyprus. The United Kingdom, France, and Germany then issued a joint statement saying they would take necessary defensive actions to destroy Iran’s capacity to launch missile and drone attacks.

After the Supreme Court ruled that the reciprocal tariffs imposed by former President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit on the 2nd formally denied the federal government’s request to delay refund litigation for four months. The court ordered that the case be immediately remanded to the U.S. Court of International Trade to resume legal proceedings.

The U.S. Department of Justice had argued that the Federal Circuit should wait until the Supreme Court officially closes the case and allow time for the political branches to formulate a response. The Supreme Court typically takes 32 days to formally conclude a case.

The appeals court did not provide a written explanation or note any dissents in its decision on the 2nd. More than 2,000 related cases are currently pending before the U.S. Court of International Trade in New York. Although the Trump administration suggested in recent filings that refunds may be difficult to avoid, it stopped short of confirming whether it would fully reimburse businesses for tariffs paid over the past year.

Trump previously said the Supreme Court’s ruling would need to be addressed through litigation and even hinted at asking the justices to reconsider the decision—an action the Court rarely grants. The Liberty Justice Center, a legal advocacy group representing importers, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that the court has made clear the government will not be allowed to continue delaying the process.

The U.S. Court of International Trade has not yet outlined the specific procedures for issuing refunds, and a spokesperson for the Department of Justice did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

The United States and Israel have continued their attacks on Iran, prompting Tehran to launch retaliatory strikes against several countries in the Persian Gulf. The escalating conflict has triggered the most severe disruption to the global aviation industry in years. Major Middle Eastern airports — including Dubai, the world’s busiest international air hub — have been forced to cancel flights or shut down entirely.

As airlines across Europe and the Middle East implemented widespread cancellations, the skies over Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Israel, and Bahrain were left nearly empty. Emirates, the world’s largest international airline, suspended flights indefinitely. Both Emirates and Qatar Airways — not only leading passenger carriers but also among the world’s top cargo operators — halted operations, creating far-reaching consequences.

Dubai and Doha sit at the crossroads of major Europe-Asia air routes and rely heavily on dense long-haul transit networks. When these hubs grind to a halt, passengers are stranded, while aircraft and flight crews are stuck across the globe, severely disrupting global flight scheduling. Aviation analyst John Strickland noted that the scale of these hubs means potentially hundreds of thousands of people could be stranded worldwide, with no certainty about when travel can resume. He warned that the current chaos may only be the beginning, with the duration of the disruption still unclear.

Following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran, the conflict quickly spread. Israel announced a new wave of airstrikes on Iran on Sunday, while Tehran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Gulf states. Explosions were reported in the skies over Dubai and Doha for two consecutive days, heightening regional tensions. Kuwait International Airport was also reportedly hit by a drone attack, leaving several employees with minor injuries.

Dubai International Airport confirmed damage to one of its boarding concourses, with footage showing passengers fleeing through smoke-filled corridors. Authorities said four staff members were injured. Damage was also reported at airports in Abu Dhabi and Kuwait. Key transit hubs in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Qatar’s capital Doha were either partially closed or operating under severe restrictions.

Iran’s retaliatory actions prompted multiple countries to close their airspace, throwing both air and maritime transport in the Middle East into turmoil. Thousands of flights were canceled, and several shipping companies suspended transit through the Strait of Hormuz, effectively paralyzing maritime traffic in the vital waterway. Strickland emphasized that the disruption is compounded by the highly complex nature of global flight scheduling systems.

Airlines across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have rerouted or canceled flights to avoid closed airspace, leading to longer routes and rising fuel costs. Many carriers had already been avoiding Russian and Ukrainian airspace following the Russia-Ukraine war. With Iranian and Iraqi airspace now restricted as well, available flight corridors have narrowed even further, exacerbating the strain on global aviation.

Iran’s state television confirmed on March 1 that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.–Israeli airstrike, a development earlier announced by U.S. President Donald Trump. Khamenei, who had held Iran’s highest political and religious authority since 1989, was widely seen as a central figure in the country’s power structure. His death is regarded as a major turning point in Middle East affairs, rapidly heightening regional security concerns and stirring emotions within Shiite communities.

Following the announcement, hundreds of pro-Iran demonstrators gathered outside the U.S. Consulate in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city in the south. Some young protesters scaled the gates and smashed windows. Police responded with tear gas, while gunfire was reported and vehicles were set ablaze. The Edhi Foundation said at least eight people were killed and 20 injured, most of them with gunshot wounds. Authorities later dispersed the crowd, though the area around the consulate descended into chaos for a time.

Protests also erupted in other Pakistani cities. In the northern region of Gilgit-Baltistan, demonstrators set fire to a United Nations office building, though no casualties were immediately reported. Crowds also gathered outside U.S. consulates in Lahore and the capital Islamabad, where police heightened security to prevent further escalation. Analysts warn that as unrest spreads, the United States and related diplomatic missions have stepped up security measures, and continued escalation could have far-reaching implications for security in South Asia and the Middle East.

Amid rapidly deteriorating relations between Iran and the United States, a dramatic development has shaken the Middle East. The Iranian government said today (1st) through state media that Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in recent joint airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel. The news sent shockwaves through global political circles and energy markets.

According to Iranian officials, U.S. and Israeli warplanes launched precision strikes late at night on multiple military and security facilities in and around Tehran, targeting senior commanders of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and key command centers. Tehran accused Washington and Tel Aviv of “blatantly violating sovereignty” and vowed “severe retaliation.” Footage aired on state television showed large crowds taking to the streets, chanting anti-U.S. and anti-Israel slogans.

Washington has not directly confirmed Khamenei’s death, but the White House said the military operation was intended to “reduce Iran’s direct threats to regional security.” The Israeli government issued a brief statement saying the action was aimed at preventing Iran from advancing its military capabilities and ensuring national security.

Since assuming the role of Supreme Leader in 1989, Khamenei had overseen Iran’s domestic and foreign policies, including its nuclear program, and was widely regarded as the central figure of the Islamic Republic’s political system. His sudden death could trigger significant shifts in Iran’s power structure. Under the constitution, the Assembly of Experts is responsible for selecting a new Supreme Leader, but amid heightened tensions, the movements of the Revolutionary Guard and hardline factions are being closely watched.

The international community responded swiftly. The United Nations Secretary-General called on all sides to exercise restraint and avoid further escalation. The European Union and several Middle Eastern countries convened emergency security meetings to assess the situation. International oil prices surged more than 8 percent during Asian trading, amid concerns over the safety of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and potential disruptions to energy supplies.

Analysts warn that if Iran proceeds with retaliatory measures, the conflict could spread to Lebanon, Syria, and even the broader Persian Gulf region, fueling wider geopolitical confrontation. The Middle East now stands at a critical juncture, with developments in the coming days likely to have far-reaching implications for global security and the world economy.

According to preliminary statistics released by Japan’s Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare on the 26th, the total number of newborns in Japan in 2025 (including foreign residents) dropped sharply to 705,809, a 2.1% decrease from the previous year. This marks the tenth consecutive year that the figure has reached a new record low since records began in 1899. The pace of declining births is 17 years ahead of the Japanese government’s projections, signaling that a review of the current social security system has become unavoidable.

Although the birthrate continues to fall, the number of registered marriages has increased for two consecutive years. Authorities stated that they will closely monitor whether the rebound in marriage registrations can translate into renewed momentum for childbirth, in an effort to address the country’s increasingly severe demographic crisis.

In response to population shrinkage, the Takaichi Government is promoting a series of economic incentive measures, including tax reductions and childbirth subsidies, aimed at easing the financial burden associated with pregnancy and delivery. However, these proposals have not yet been formally implemented.

The Takaichi Government emphasized that tackling rising prices is its top priority and is attempting to address demographic challenges through economic incentives. Nevertheless, uncertainties surrounding policy implementation and divided attention toward population issues raise doubts about whether these measures can effectively reverse the declining birthrate.