Israeli Military Targets Western Iran The Israeli military says it has completed a “broad strike” against Iranian defence systems in the country’s west, marking a significant escalation in the fast-moving conflict. The operation follows joint US-Israeli air strikes that began early Saturday, sharply raising tensions across the Middle East. The confrontation comes after weeks of strain between Washington and Tehran over efforts to negotiate limits on Iran’s nuclear programme. However, in a social media video, US President Donald Trump suggested the strikes were about more than nuclear concerns, citing longstanding grievances dating back to Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution. He urged…
Author: Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow
Rachel Maddow is a freelance journalist based in Beijing, China, with over 20 years of experience covering Politics, World Affairs, Business, Health, Technology, Finance, Lifestyle, and Culture. She holds a degree in Communication and Journalism from Stanford University. Over the course of her career, she has contributed to leading outlets such as The New York Times, BBC, and CNN. Recognized for her insightful analysis and engaging reporting style, Rachel delivers accurate and timely news that keeps readers informed on key national and international developments.
Airstrikes and Retaliation Mark Sharp Escalation After months of relative quiet, fighting has erupted again between Pakistan and the Taliban government in Afghanistan, raising fears of a wider conflict. Pakistan launched airstrikes early Friday on Kabul and other locations, describing the operation as a response to Taliban attacks on its border positions the night before. Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Islamabad’s patience had “run out,” while the military announced the start of Operation Ghazab lil Haq (“Righteous Fury”). According to Pakistan, the strikes targeted Taliban military facilities in Kabul and Kandahar and killed more than 100 fighters. Kandahar is…
De Niro Warns: “He Will Never Leave” Oscar-winning actor Robert De Niro has once again spoken out against Donald Trump, warning that the president “will never leave” office unless Americans act. Appearing on MS NOW ahead of Trump’s State of the Union address, De Niro said voters must “make him leave,” arguing that talk of nationalizing elections should be taken seriously. The veteran actor also attended a counter-event, State of the Swamp, at the National Press Club, where he described feeling “betrayed” by his country and accused its leadership of serving “a handful of dishonest and greedy and cruel authoritarians.”…
A Renewed Push for European Dialogue President Emmanuel Macron is set to outline France’s vision for its nuclear deterrent and how it could contribute more broadly to Europe’s security. Speaking from the Île Longue peninsula — home to France’s four nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines — Macron is expected to stress that any expanded European dimension of France’s deterrence would complement, not replace, the protection offered by the United States. This marks his first major address on nuclear strategy since 2020, when he proposed involving interested European partners in joint exercises. At the time, the idea drew little attention. Now, however,…
UN Submission Triggers Fresh Dispute A new maritime filing by Iraq to the United Nations has reignited a long-running sea border disagreement with Kuwait. Baghdad submitted updated coordinates and a map outlining its claimed boundaries, prompting objections from Kuwait, which says the claim overlaps with waters it considers sovereign territory, including the Fasht al-Qaid and Fasht al-Aij shoals. The move has once again drawn attention to unresolved border questions in the northern Gulf, where shipping lanes and offshore resources make maritime lines particularly sensitive. Regional Support and Legal Arguments Several Gulf states swiftly voiced their backing for Kuwait. Saudi Arabia,…
Parliament Pulls the Brakes on Implementation The European Parliament has suspended progress on the EU-US trade agreement after fresh tensions erupted in Washington. The move follows a US Supreme Court ruling that found parts of the 2025 tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump were illegal, throwing the legal foundation of the deal into question. German MEP Bernd Lange, who chairs the parliamentary trade committee, said the situation had fundamentally changed. With new 15% tariffs now announced by Trump, Lange argued that lawmakers need firm assurances from the United States that the agreement will be honored in a stable and lasting…
Budapest Links Sanctions to Energy Security Hungary has made it clear it will not back the European Union’s 20th sanctions package against Russia until oil deliveries through the Druzhba pipeline are restored. Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said after meeting the country’s Energy Security Council that no further financial support for Ukraine should move forward while Hungary’s energy supplies remain disrupted. Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó reinforced that position, stating Hungary would block the sanctions package at the upcoming meeting of EU foreign ministers. He said Budapest expects Ukraine to repair the Druzhba pipeline, reportedly damaged in a Russian strike, and resume…
A Swift Response to the Supreme Court Just one day after the US Supreme Court dealt a blow to his trade policy, President Donald Trump announced he would raise global tariffs from 10% to 15%, effective immediately. The move follows a 6–3 ruling by the Supreme Court of the United States that struck down his sweeping tariffs imposed under emergency powers. Trump criticized the court’s decision in a social media post, calling it “ridiculous” and “anti-American,” and insisted the ruling only blocked one specific legal pathway he had used. “In order to protect our country, a president can actually charge…
Justices Rein in Presidential Power The Supreme Court of the United States has struck down sweeping global tariffs imposed by Donald Trump, ruling that the president overstepped his authority by relying on emergency powers to enact them. In a 6–3 decision, the court found that the Constitution clearly assigns Congress — not the president — the power to levy taxes, including tariffs. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that the framers did not grant any part of the taxing power to the executive branch. Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh dissented. Kavanaugh argued that whether the tariffs were wise…
Arrest and Police Activity Prince Andrew was arrested on Thursday over alleged misconduct in public office linked to his previous role as the United Kingdom’s trade envoy. Police conducted searches at his properties in Berkshire and Norfolk. A statement confirmed a man in his sixties remained in custody while investigations continue. Andrew, who turned 66 on the day of his arrest, has been living at Sandringham in Norfolk since leaving his Windsor residence. Authorities stressed the importance of preserving the integrity of the inquiry and promised updates as the case develops. Unmarked police vehicles were seen outside his Norfolk home…
