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Media reports state that on the 25th, a speedboat registered in the U.S. state of Florida entered Cuban waters and opened fire on a Cuban patrol vessel. Cuban forces subsequently shot and killed four people on board, while six others were injured. The Cuban government said the ten individuals on the boat were Cuban nationals residing in the United States and were equipped with assault rifles, handguns, Molotov cocktails, and bulletproof vests.

According to the report, Cuba claimed the incident occurred off the country’s northern coast, near the Falcones Reef, about 200 kilometers east of Havana. The speedboat opened fire as Cuban border patrol units approached, injuring the commander of the Cuban patrol vessel. The boat was registered in Florida with registration number FL7726SH. Cuban authorities stated that the exact sequence of events remains under investigation.

The report also noted that U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident was not a U.S. operation and that no U.S. government personnel were involved. He added that Cuban authorities had informed the United States of the incident, and U.S. investigators would quickly gather key facts before making a judgment based on the findings. The incident occurred amid heightened tensions between the United States and Cuba and is expected to further exacerbate instability in the Caribbean region.

U.S. President Donald Trump delivered his first State of the Union address of his second term to a joint session of Congress on February 24. The speech lasted nearly two hours, making it the longest State of the Union in U.S. history. Trump described his first year back in office as a Turnaround for the Age and proclaimed that the United States has returned to its peak and is entering a Golden Age. His address was met with protests and disruptions from some Democratic lawmakers, and several media outlets and fact-checking organizations challenged portions of his claims as misleading.

On the economy, Trump opened by touting that the U.S. stock market hit record highs dozens of times over the past year and that the Dow Jones Industrial Average surpassed the 50,000 mark. He reaffirmed the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which he said eliminated the tip tax, overtime tax, and the Social Security tax on older workers, among other tax reforms. He also criticized a recent Supreme Court ruling that struck down his tariff authority as an unfortunate decision and said he would use the 1974 Trade Act and other legal authorities to continue pushing global tariffs of 10–15%. Trump claimed that in the future tariffs paid by foreign countries could replace the current income tax system.

On housing, he called on Congress to ban large institutional investors from purchasing single-family homes. For retirement, he proposed a universal 401(k) plan that would provide up to $1,000 in government matching contributions each year for workers without employer-sponsored plans, along with a tax-preferred investment program for children called Trump Accounts.

Regarding border security, Trump claimed zero illegal crossings over the past nine months and said fentanyl imports had been effectively halted. He also announced a War on Fraud, led by Vice President JD Vance, targeting corruption and improper spending in the federal budget as a quick path to eliminating the federal deficit, asserting it could bring the budget into balance “overnight.” However, fact-checkers note that estimates of fraud in federal spending ($233–$521 billion) fall far short of the federal budget deficit, which was about $1.8 trillion last year.

On elections, he urged Congress to pass the “SAVE America Act”, which would require voters to present proof of citizenship and photo ID at the polls.

On foreign policy, Trump highlighted actions against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, emphasizing a “peace through strength” approach and declaring that Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons. On energy, he said the U.S. secured access to more than 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela under President “Nicolás Maduro”, claimed U.S. natural gas production reached record levels, and insisted that major technology companies build their own power plants for AI data centers to prevent higher electricity costs for households.

In recognition of upcoming milestones, Trump awarded a Medal of Honor to 100-year-old Navy veteran E. Royce Williams and aviator Eric Shover, who was injured in the operation to secure Maduro, and presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom to U.S. men’s Olympic hockey goaltender Connor Hellebuyck. He concluded by reiterating that the revolution of 1776 is not over and pledged, under the banner of America First, to build a nation of opportunity, security, and respect.

The Netherlands’ new Prime Minister, Rob Jetten, was sworn in on the 23rd alongside members of his coalition cabinet before King Willem-Alexander. At 38, he has broken the record as the youngest prime minister in Dutch history. Open about his sexual orientation, Jetten has also become the country’s first openly gay prime minister.

He clearly pledged to implement his foreign policy agenda, continue close cooperation with the European Union, and firmly support Ukraine in safeguarding its territorial sovereignty, freedom, and democracy.

In his parliamentary address, Jetten noted that the Netherlands is facing structural challenges, including inflationary pressures, a housing shortage, the energy transition, and industrial competitiveness. The new cabinet will prioritize stabilizing the economy, improving livelihoods, and strengthening social cohesion. He promised to expand the supply of affordable housing, assist small and medium-sized enterprises in digital transformation, and accelerate investment in renewable energy to balance economic growth with sustainable development. In addition, the government will review the social welfare system to ensure that vulnerable groups receive more timely and effective support.

On the diplomatic front, Jetten stated that the Netherlands will continue to deepen partnerships with European Union allies, enhance the resilience of cross-border supply chains, and play a more proactive role in addressing climate change, humanitarian assistance, and the rule of law internationally. He emphasized that amid geopolitical uncertainties, the Netherlands will uphold the spirit of multilateral cooperation and work with allies to maintain regional and global stability.

The majority parties in parliament expressed support for the new prime minister’s policy direction and expect the cabinet to demonstrate efficiency in cross-party coordination and policy implementation. Opposition parties, meanwhile, urged the government to provide clearer timelines and benchmarks regarding fiscal discipline and housing justice. Representatives from industry and academia also pointed out that if the new administration can balance investment in innovation with labor market flexibility, it will help enhance the Netherlands’ international competitiveness in high-tech and green economy sectors.

The Prime Minister’s Office stated that within 100 days of taking office, the cabinet will present a comprehensive governing plan and a list of priority legislation for the year, while launching inter-ministerial coordination mechanisms to ensure effective policy implementation. In closing, Jetten called on all sectors of society to work together, guided by pragmatism and inclusiveness, to lay a solid foundation for the Netherlands’ long-term prosperity amid an uncertain international landscape.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has entered a partial shutdown due to a government budget impasse. As a result, its Trusted Traveler Programs — PreCheck and Global Entry — were suspended starting at 6:00 a.m. Eastern Time on the 22nd. Republicans and Democrats failed to reach an agreement on immigration enforcement reforms, leading to a lapse in funding.

Chris Sununu, president and CEO of Airlines for America, criticized the government for abruptly announcing the shutdown during peak travel season, saying travelers were given “virtually no time to adjust” and had once again become victims of political brinkmanship.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) would prioritize processing general passenger traffic, suspending special privileges and escort services. She emphasized that the move was a difficult decision made under limited staffing and resource constraints.

According to The Washington Post, the suspension of the programs was one of several emergency measures DHS adopted to reallocate personnel. The TSA noted that PreCheck has more than 20 million active members. Including Global Entry and other programs, the total number of trusted travelers has surpassed 40 million.

Following the announcement, airports including Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) quickly experienced chaos, with expedited lanes closed and long lines forming at security checkpoints. The TSA later clarified that operations would be adjusted on a “case-by-case” basis depending on staffing levels.

The travel industry welcomed the restoration of PreCheck but criticized the government’s handling of the situation. Geoff Freeman, president and CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, pointed out that PreCheck is funded by user fees and should not have been suspended in the first place, adding that a “self-inflicted crisis” was narrowly avoided. However, Global Entry remains suspended during the shutdown, raising concerns within the airline industry about further damage to passenger experience and financial losses.

The New York area has been hit with its second major snowfall in a month. Starting on the 22nd, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut all declared states of emergency, urging residents to stay home unless absolutely necessary. The blizzard is expected to continue until around 6 p.m. on Monday the 23rd.

According to the National Weather Service (NWS), this winter storm is expected to bring total snowfall of 17 to 24 inches to coastal areas across the three states, including New York City. Coastal regions could also experience wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour. Even before the snow began, supermarkets saw panic buying, and snow shovels and road salt quickly sold out in some areas.

As the powerful storm approached, New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency on the 21st. The order covers 22 counties across the state. She also activated 100 members of the New York National Guard and deployed 25 vehicles to support emergency response efforts. Hochul stated that southern parts of New York State are expected to receive between 18 and 24 inches (approximately 45 to 60 centimeters) of snow from the 22nd to the 23rd. Blizzard warnings remain in effect for Long Island, New York City, Westchester County, and the Hudson Valley.

Meteorologists from local television station PIX11 said the most severe conditions are expected from the evening of the 22nd into the early morning of the 23rd, with blowing snow, near-zero visibility, and whiteout conditions likely. Governor Hochul emphasized that the storm must be taken seriously, warning that it could truly paralyze the entire region.

New York City Mayor Mamdani also declared a state of emergency for the city. A travel ban will be in effect from 9 p.m. on the 22nd until 12 p.m. on Monday the 23rd. Mamdani announced that city streets, highways, and bridges will be closed, with all traffic prohibited—including cars, trucks, and electric scooters—except for essential and emergency operations.

On the 20th, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned former President Trump’s global tariffs. In a 6–3 decision, the Court ruled that the Trump administration’s use of the “International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA)” to impose tariffs on multiple countries worldwide was unconstitutional. Trump denounced the ruling as absurd and, within hours of the decision, signed an executive order invoking Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 to impose a 10% tariff on all countries for 150 days, effective from the 24th.

In a 6–3 vote, the Supreme Court declared that Trump’s use of IEEPA to impose reciprocal tariffs was unlawful, marking a significant setback for his administration. However, the ruling did not address the issue of refunding unlawfully collected tariffs. The Court stated that while IEEPA allows the president to regulate imports after declaring a national emergency in response to unusual and extraordinary threats, the law does not explicitly grant the president authority to impose tariffs directly. The Court held that the power to levy taxes belongs to Congress.

Chief Justice Roberts rejected the view that the president has the authority to “unilaterally impose unlimited tariffs and change them at will.” He emphasized that the Constitution grants Congress the power to impose tariffs in peacetime, and that the president must obtain congressional authorization to justify such actions. It was clear, however, that the president could not secure such authorization from Congress.

Trump strongly criticized “certain members of the Court,” saying he felt “ashamed — absolutely ashamed” of them for lacking the courage to do what is right for the country. He called the ruling wrong but added that it did not matter “because we have very powerful alternatives.”

Trump subsequently announced a 10% tariff on all global imports under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 and launched new investigations under other legal authorities, while halting the collection of reciprocal tariffs and other tariffs invalidated by the Court. Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974 authorizes the president to impose tariffs of up to 15% to address “large and serious international balance-of-payments deficits,” for up to 150 days, with possible extension subject to congressional approval.

Japan’s National Diet convened a special session on the 18th, during which prime ministerial nomination votes were held in both the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors. With the ruling coalition holding a stable majority in both chambers, Sanae Takaichi secured more than half of the votes and was formally reappointed as Prime Minister of Japan.

In the House of Representatives vote, Takaichi received unified support from members of the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partners, winning by a clear margin over opposition candidates. The House of Councillors subsequently completed its own nomination vote, producing the same result as the lower house. Under Japan’s Constitution, if the two chambers select different candidates, the decision of the House of Representatives takes precedence. In this case, however, both chambers reached the same conclusion, allowing the procedure to be completed smoothly.

At a press conference following the vote, Takaichi stated that her administration would continue advancing policies on economic security, strengthening national defense capabilities, and prioritizing stability in people’s livelihoods and industrial development amid rising prices and shifting global conditions. She emphasized that Japan would deepen cooperation with its allies while maintaining regional peace and stability.

The prime ministerial nomination vote is widely seen as a renewed endorsement of Takaichi’s performance during her previous term. Analysts note that amid the interplay between domestic economic recovery and challenges in the international security environment, the policy direction and reform outcomes of the new cabinet will become key political focal points going forward.

On the 14th, the British government released the findings of its latest investigation, formally confirming that Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died two years ago as a result of deliberate poisoning. It further alleged that the operation was “highly likely” to have received support and authorization at the Russian state level. The conclusion is expected to further escalate already tense diplomatic relations between London and Moscow.

In a statement to Parliament, the UK Foreign Secretary said that, based on a comprehensive analysis by intelligence agencies and forensic experts, high concentrations of a nerve agent were detected in Navalny’s body. The substance was said to be similar to those used in several previous cases targeting dissidents. The statement emphasized that the evidence indicates this was not an isolated act, but rather an “organized and politically motivated assassination.”

Navalny had long criticized corruption within the Russian government and repeatedly publicly named and condemned President Vladimir Putin. He had previously been imprisoned and subjected to judicial pressure, and reports of his deteriorating health had surfaced multiple times. News of his death shocked the international community, prompting leaders and human rights organizations in various countries to call for an independent international investigation.

In response, the Russian side issued a statement through the Kremlin denying any involvement in the poisoning and criticizing the United Kingdom for making political accusations “without presenting concrete evidence.” Russia’s Foreign Ministry said the British claims were “groundless” and warned that it reserved the right to take countermeasures.

Analysts noted that if the UK releases more specific evidence or coordinates sanctions with its allies, it could trigger a new wave of diplomatic and economic confrontation. Several European countries have already expressed concern, urging that those responsible be held accountable while stressing the importance of protecting the safety of political dissidents.

The British government is currently coordinating follow-up actions with its allies, including possible asset freezes and travel bans. The international community continues to monitor developments closely, awaiting the release of further investigative details.

U.S.

President Donald Trump has once again issued a stern warning to Iran, applying pressure on both diplomatic and military fronts. Multiple international media outlets, citing U.S. officials, report that the United States has deployed two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East and strengthened regional troop presence and air defense systems. Observers have described the move as a “dual-carrier show of force,” signaling that Washington’s dissatisfaction with Tehran has escalated into a new phase of confrontation.

According to reports, the United States Department of Defense confirmed it has ordered carrier strike groups, including the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower and the USS Carl Vinson, to operate in and around the Persian Gulf and the Arabian Sea, accompanied by guided-missile destroyers and submarines. At the same time, U.S. Central Command has raised the alert level at its bases in Iraq and Syria.

Officials in Washington told reporters that military preparations have been underway for several weeks, including precision-strike drills, logistics coordination, and consultations with allies. While the White House has not confirmed whether a specific timetable for military action has been approved, it stressed that “all options remain on the table.” Trump recently stated publicly that Iran would face “unprecedented consequences” if it fails to return to negotiations and agree to what he called a “fair deal” on its nuclear program.

Iran has responded sharply. Officials in Tehran accused the United States of escalating military intimidation and warned that any attack would trigger retaliation against U.S. bases and allied targets in the region. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps has also announced a heightened state of readiness and conducted missile and drone exercises.

Analysts note that rising U.S.-Iran tensions are closely linked to developments in Iran’s nuclear program, attacks by regional armed groups on U.S. facilities, and security concerns in the Red Sea and the Persian Gulf. Although neither side has formally declared war, the scale and frequency of military deployments have heightened fears of a potential miscalculation.

The international community has urged restraint. Officials from the European Union and the United Nations reiterated that disputes should be resolved through diplomatic channels to prevent further instability in the Middle East. As U.S. forces continue to assemble and political rhetoric intensifies, developments in the coming weeks are likely to have significant implications for regional security and global energy markets.

U.S. President Donald Trump signed an executive order in 2025 imposing a 50% tariff on steel and aluminum imports from around the world. The scope was expanded to cover 407 types of steel- and aluminum-derived products, including machinery, auto parts, and electronic equipment. However, according to media reports citing informed sources, Trump is planning to lower tariffs on certain steel and aluminum products in an effort to shore up declining approval ratings amid rising living costs.

A Reuters/Ipsos poll shows that 30% of Americans approve of Trump’s handling of rising living costs, while 60% express dissatisfaction. A survey released this month by the Pew Research Center indicates that about 52% of Americans believe Trump’s policies have worsened the economy. In addition, a report by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York finds that in 2025, approximately 90% of the economic burden caused by tariffs in the United States has been borne by American businesses and consumers.

Officials from the U.S. Department of Commerce and the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative stated that the steel and aluminum tariffs are expected to raise prices for various everyday goods, including baking trays and metal containers such as food cans, thereby harming consumer interests. Authorities are currently reviewing the list of products affected by the tariffs and plan to exempt certain items while postponing the expansion of additional tariff measures. Instead, they will initiate investigations targeting specific products.

Trump recently promoted his economic achievements in Detroit, highlighting his efforts to curb high prices. However, with the U.S. midterm elections approaching in November, concerns over inflation are weighing heavily on voters. As a result, the Trump administration may adjust its policies to win support, responding to mounting living costs and declining approval ratings.