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Hawaii has recently been hit by intense torrential rains, triggering severe flooding. Authorities have also warned that a roughly 120-year-old dam is at risk of collapsing, prompting emergency evacuation orders for more than 5,000 residents as the situation grows increasingly critical.

The disaster has mainly affected northern parts of Oahu, where days of heavy rainfall have caused rivers to swell and muddy floodwaters to overflow. Streets have been submerged, vehicles swept away, and some homes have even been dislodged from their foundations. Local authorities activated emergency alert systems, urging residents living downstream of the Wahiawa dam to evacuate immediately to prevent further escalation.

According to reports from the Associated Press and other media outlets, the dam—built in the early 20th century—has long been considered structurally vulnerable. Rapidly rising water levels during the storm have pushed it close to its capacity, with officials warning it could “fail at any moment,” triggering heightened alarm. Authorities noted that some areas recorded over 200 millimeters of rainfall in a short period, saturating the ground and overwhelming drainage systems, allowing floodwaters to spread quickly. The event is being described as one of the most severe floods in the region in over two decades.

Rescue efforts are ongoing, with more than 200 people already evacuated from affected areas, including airlifts conducted by helicopter. Some residents have been hospitalized due to hypothermia, though no fatalities have been reported so far. However, rescue operations have been complicated by disrupted transportation and interference from civilians flying drones to capture footage of the disaster.

In addition, the flooding has caused extensive property damage, with numerous homes destroyed or washed away entirely. Critical infrastructure—including roads, schools, and medical facilities—has also been impacted. Hawaii Governor Josh Green stated that economic losses from the disaster could exceed $1 billion.

Meteorological authorities indicated that the extreme rainfall is linked to a Kona low pressure system, with further rainfall expected in the coming days. Officials are urging residents to remain vigilant and comply with evacuation orders. Experts also warn that as climate change intensifies, extreme rainfall and flooding events may become more frequent, posing growing risks to aging dams and infrastructure.

In response to Washington’s earlier initiative on naval escort operations, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, along with Japan and Canada, issued a joint statement on the 19th, expressing their commitment to making appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and to take measures to stabilize energy markets.

The statement condemned Iran’s recent attacks in the Persian Gulf region on unarmed commercial vessels, as well as civilian infrastructure such as oil and natural gas facilities. It called on Iran to immediately cease threats, mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and other actions aimed at blockading the Strait of Hormuz. The countries expressed their willingness to contribute appropriately to ensuring safe navigation through the strait, welcomed other nations to join, and emphasized that additional measures would be taken to stabilize energy markets. These include cooperating with certain oil-producing countries to increase output, in coordination with the International Energy Agency’s efforts to release strategic petroleum reserves.

In addition, South Korea and the Kingdom of Bahrain subsequently stated that their governments had decided to participate in the joint statement. Countries including India have also publicly expressed strong opposition to attacks on commercial shipping, noting that such actions not only endanger the safety of crew members but also disrupt global trade and energy stability.

According to a Reuters report, the government in Tehran is attempting to strengthen its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Parliament is currently considering imposing transit fees and taxes on countries that use the strait for shipping, energy transport, and food supply, as a means to counterbalance Western sanctions.

The 2026 World Happiness Report, released through a collaboration between the University of Oxford’s Wellbeing Research Centre, Gallup, and affiliated United Nations agencies, shows that Finland once again ranks at the top, maintaining its position as the happiest country in the world for several consecutive years. Other Nordic countries such as Iceland and Denmark also remain among the top performers. Meanwhile, Costa Rica in Central America has surged into the top five, becoming a notable highlight. Taiwan ranks 26th out of nearly 150 countries, continuing to lead in East Asia, reflecting the positive impact of economic stability and strong social systems.

The study indicates that high levels of happiness are often driven by factors such as social support, quality healthcare, and interpersonal trust, rather than simply the accumulation of wealth. The report evaluates countries using multiple indicators, including income, health, freedom, and levels of corruption. Additionally, while young people in most countries are generally happier than in the past, significant regional differences have emerged, suggesting that perceptions of happiness are closely tied to social environments.

However, the report also warns of negative trends in the digital age, particularly in Western countries, where life satisfaction among young people has declined noticeably. The study finds that prolonged exposure to social media platforms is associated with lower levels of happiness, with more pronounced effects among heavy daily users. Algorithm-driven recommendations and influencer content can fuel social comparison, while uncertainty about future employment and life pressures contribute to rising anxiety among some young people. Experts therefore call for a rethinking of digital habits and emphasize strengthening real-world social connections to improve overall well-being.

According to CNN on the 17th, citing sources from Iran’s security authorities, Iran is secretly negotiating with eight non–Middle Eastern countries, proposing to allow oil tankers safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz under specific conditions. The core requirement is that all related oil trade must be settled in Chinese yuan (RMB).

While maintaining a blockade, Iran aims to establish a “permit-based transit” management system to ease energy pressures on certain allies and further promote the yuan’s role in the international energy market.

The identities of the eight countries have not been disclosed. However, vessels from Pakistan, India, and Turkey have reportedly already passed through the strait under Iranian government monitoring and authorization. These ships traveled along special routes close to Iran’s coastline rather than the traditional international shipping lanes.

Global markets are closely watching whether this “permit-based transit” negotiation could become a breakthrough in alleviating the global energy crisis, or evolve into a more complex competition involving currency and diplomacy.

Meanwhile, the United States has called on its allies to form a “Convoy Coalition.” However, so far only a limited number of allies have expressed support, mostly with conditions attached.

Although Iran’s military capabilities are inferior to those of the United States and Israel, it is leveraging its geographic position to control a critical chokepoint in global energy transportation as a bargaining tool to maximize its interests. Since the 28th of last month, about 20% of global oil and natural gas trade has been disrupted, causing global oil prices to surge, with Brent crude briefly exceeding $126 per barrel.

Now, by proposing settlement in yuan, Iran appears to be attempting to draw China closer. However, escalating geopolitical tensions could expose participating countries to potential retaliation from the United States and Israel. Iranian officials emphasized that as long as U.S. or Israeli military forces remain present in the strait, the possibility of fully reopening it remains extremely low.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced on the 17th that, in response to a new wave of missile and drone attacks launched by Iran, the government has taken “special precautionary measures,” including the immediate and temporary closure of the country’s entire airspace to ensure aviation safety and national sovereignty.

The UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) stated that the decision was made after a comprehensive assessment of regional security conditions and aviation operational risks, and that coordination had been completed with relevant domestic and international authorities. Officials emphasized that ensuring the safety of flights and crew, as well as safeguarding territorial sovereignty, are the top priorities at present.

Tensions in the Middle East have escalated rapidly. Iran has recently carried out large-scale airstrikes against multiple targets in the region, prompting heightened alert among neighboring countries. The UAE government announced at the earliest opportunity that, based on national security considerations, it would fully close its airspace and suspend all civilian and commercial inbound and outbound flights to prevent further escalation from affecting domestic security.

According to reports, Iran’s military operation targeted several facilities considered to have strategic value. Although officials have not disclosed a detailed list of targets, multiple countries in the region have already raised their military alert levels. Analysts suggest the move may be linked to rising geopolitical tensions, particularly over energy routes and military deployments, which have intensified frictions between Iran, Western nations, and some Arab countries.

In a statement, the GCAA described the airspace closure as a “precautionary measure” and stressed that it will continue to monitor developments and adjust restrictions as necessary. Major airports within the UAE, including Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, have suspended flight operations, affecting a large number of travelers, while airlines have activated emergency response mechanisms.

Experts note that the Middle East has long been a key hub for global energy supply, and any escalation of conflict could trigger ripple effects on international oil prices and the global economy. Market volatility has already begun to emerge, with investors showing increased risk aversion.

As of the time of writing, Iran has not issued a direct response to the UAE’s airspace closure. However, regional tensions continue to rise. There are widespread concerns that, without effective mediation mechanisms, the conflict could further expand, with far-reaching consequences for the Middle East and the broader global landscape.

The Japan government announced on the 16th that it will begin releasing its Strategic Petroleum Reserves (SPR), becoming one of the first countries in Asia to respond to coordinated action by the International Energy Agency (IEA). On March 11, IEA member states reached an agreement to carry out the largest-ever release of strategic oil reserves to counter surging global prices driven by the Middle East conflict. The IEA noted that countries in Asia and Oceania would begin implementation earlier than those in the Americas and Europe, and Japan’s announcement is widely seen as the formal start of the release.

According to an official government bulletin, Japan’s domestic oil reserves are “declining,” prompting authorities to require reserve management entities to release part of their stockpiles to meet new standards. A government spokesperson confirmed that the release will amount to roughly 15 days’ worth of private-sector consumption. Japan relies heavily on energy imports from the Middle East, with about 95% of its oil sourced from the region, making it particularly vulnerable during periods of heightened tension. The move signals that Japan is now actively tapping into its reserves to ease supply pressure.

Japan holds one of the world’s largest strategic petroleum reserves, with more than 400 million barrels as of last December—enough to cover approximately 254 days of domestic demand. Under the IEA’s previously announced plan, the coordinated global action will release a total of 271.7 million barrels of government-held oil. The agency also indicated that countries in the Americas and Europe are expected to begin their releases in late March, positioning Japan and other Asian nations as the first wave of participants in this global effort.

In a clip from a CNN interview broadcast on the 15th, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Russia has supplied “Shahed” drones to Iran, which have been used against the United States and Israel.

Speaking with CNN host Fareed Zakaria, Zelenskyy said Iran had used Russian-made Shahed drones to attack U.S. military bases, stressing that the claim was “100 percent true.” According to Reuters, while the precise manufacturing origins of the drones are sometimes unclear, the Shahed series has been linked to multiple attacks across the Middle East. The drone was originally developed by Iran and is considered a far cheaper strike weapon than conventional missiles.

According to Ukraine, these drones were first deployed on a large scale during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Since the autumn of 2022, Russian forces have launched thousands of Shahed drones. Although they were initially supplied by Iran, Russia is now capable of producing them domestically. Meanwhile, other militaries have increasingly adopted similar drone systems, including the U.S. military. Washington has noted that drones have also been incorporated into its current military operations related to Iran.

In recent days, Zelenskyy also spoke with 25 domestic and international media outlets about Ukraine’s current situation and how it has countered the threat posed by Russian Shahed suicide drones. He said that after years of war, Ukraine has accumulated extensive battlefield experience in defending against such attacks. As tensions in the Middle East intensify, the United States has sought related technology and operational expertise from Kyiv. Zelenskyy confirmed that, at Washington’s request, Ukraine has dispatched a team of drone experts to a U.S. military base in Jordan to assist with defense efforts.

For years, Ukraine had appealed to the United States and European allies for air defense systems. However, through its prolonged struggle against Russian drone attacks, Kyiv has gradually developed mature defensive capabilities. By providing technical support and experience to the United States, Ukraine hopes to highlight its battlefield value and turn these advantages into diplomatic leverage in future negotiations with Russia.

The U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq, came under attack on the 14th when drones and missiles struck the compound, setting a helicopter landing pad on fire and sending thick smoke into the air. Multiple media outlets and security sources said the assault was likely carried out by Iran or Iran-backed militant groups. The incident occurred amid escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, further heightening instability in the Middle East.

According to foreign media reports, the U.S. Embassy—located inside Baghdad’s heavily fortified Green Zone—was first targeted by a suicide drone. Missiles later struck facilities within the compound, with one reportedly hitting a helicopter landing pad and triggering flames and explosions. Footage from the scene showed plumes of smoke rising above the embassy as security alarms were activated inside the complex.

Iraqi security officials said at least one drone was involved in the attack. Some reports suggested debris from an intercepted or detonated projectile struck parts of the embassy buildings, causing damage to sections of the compound. It remains unclear whether the attack resulted in casualties.

Analysts said the strike may be linked to recent military operations by the United States and Israel against Iran. Security sources indicated the attack was likely carried out by Iran-backed Shiite militias in Iraq in retaliation for U.S. military actions.

Following the incident, the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad issued an urgent security alert urging American citizens to “leave Iraq immediately” and advising people to avoid the Green Zone and surrounding areas. The U.S. government also expanded travel warnings for several Middle Eastern countries, underscoring Washington’s heightened concern over regional security.

Observers noted that since tensions between the United States and Iran intensified, U.S. military and diplomatic facilities across the Middle East have been repeatedly targeted. The pattern suggests the conflict is expanding beyond direct confrontation to include proxy warfare and cross-border attacks. If such incidents continue, Iraq could once again become a major battleground in the U.S.–Iran confrontation.

Lebanon’s Hezbollah launched a large-scale attack on Israel on the evening of the 11th, firing about 20 drones and 200 rockets. About half of them were intercepted by Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system. This marked the largest attack since the outbreak of the conflict. The Israeli military immediately carried out a counterattack, launching an airstrike targeting Ramlet al-Bayda in the southern part of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, killing seven people and injuring 21 others.

Hezbollah stated that the operation involved attacks using drones and missiles, targeting several important military facilities. These included the Beit Lid base, the Glilot base, and the Atlit base. The armed group also launched drones and rockets toward Nahariya in northern Israel, while simultaneously firing artillery shells at Israeli forces stationed in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah claimed the operation damaged Israeli naval special operations facilities and that drones struck the Meron Air Force command and control base, damaging its radar systems. As the base is an important surveillance facility in northern Israel, Hezbollah said the attack would affect Israel’s regional air defense monitoring capabilities. However, these claims have not been confirmed by Israel.

Following Hezbollah’s attack, Israel immediately launched a response. The Israeli military stated that it struck 10 Hezbollah buildings within 30 minutes, including the headquarters of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan Force. Lebanese authorities said that Israel’s recent airstrikes have killed 634 people in Lebanon, including 91 children, and displaced about 800,000 others.

On the 11th, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian proposed three major conditions for a ceasefire on social media: recognition of Iran’s legitimate rights, a demand that the United States and Israel pay war reparations, and international guarantees for Iran’s future security. These conditions were announced following a high-level meeting with the leaders of Russia and Pakistan. Historically, the so-called “legitimate rights” have often been interpreted as including Iran’s right, as a signatory to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), to conduct uranium enrichment.

The United States dismissed Iran’s demand for compensation. A deputy spokesperson for the U.S. State Department called it “absurd,” while U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he himself was the key decision-maker regarding any ceasefire. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz also expressed determination to continue military operations, stating that the war would “continue without limits until all objectives are achieved and a decisive victory is secured.” On the afternoon of the 11th, the Israeli Air Force carried out “large-scale airstrikes” on infrastructure belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) across the country. The attacks targeted Tehran and several other military strongholds.

The operations launched by the United States and Israel—“Operation Epic Fury” and “Operation Roaring Lion”—have reportedly resulted in more than 1,200 to 1,300 deaths in Iran, including former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, and more than 10,000 people injured.

In response, Iran has attacked U.S. military bases in several Middle Eastern countries and has also blocked the Strait of Hormuz, effectively choking a key global energy transit route and driving oil prices sharply higher in an effort to gain leverage in negotiations. Although diplomatic channels through European and Middle Eastern countries are attempting mediation, it remains unclear whether the United States and Israel will accept the ceasefire conditions proposed by Iran.