Latest Breaking News
US Supreme Court Strikes Down Trump's Emergency Tariffs
On February 20, the US Supreme Court ruled that President Trump exceeded his authority in imposing tariffs under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The ruling removes broad IEEPA tariffs, with Brazil, China, and India among the biggest beneficiaries from the replacement flat Section 122 surcharge
. However, trade friction risks are rising as the European Parliament's trade chief proposed freezing EU ratification of a US trade deal pending policy clarification
.
Trump Administration Raises Global Tariffs to 15%
Despite the Supreme Court ruling, President Trump announced he would raise global tariffs from 10 to 15% effective immediately. The new tariff structure puts much of the revenue from tariffs and Trump administration trade deals in question, including agreements with the European Union
.
Hezbollah Members Killed in Israeli Air Strikes in Lebanon
Israel conducted air strikes in the eastern Lebanese region of Baalbek on Friday, with Hezbollah claiming eight of its members were killed, including local officials. Lebanon's health ministry reported 10 people killed in the strikes, including three children, with 24 additional people wounded
. Hospital officials confirmed that two of those killed and five injured were foreign nationals from Syria and Ethiopia
.
Far-Right Activist Death Sparks Mass Protests in France
Thousands of people took to the streets in France on Saturday to mourn the death of a far-right activist who died in clashes last week. The march, promoted by far-right organizations, took place under heavy police presence, with seven people now facing charges of intentional homicide
. President Macron called for calm and pledged to review and potentially dismantle violent activist groups across the political spectrum
.
US Masses Largest Military Force in Middle East Since 2003 Iraq War
President Trump indicated that Iran has 10 to 15 days to make progress toward a nuclear agreement or face military action. The US has amassed a vast military force in the Middle East described as the largest presence since the lead-up to the 2003 invasion of Iraq, with military strategists noting the buildup signals potential imminent strikes
. Crude oil prices have risen to near six-month highs due to fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, where nearly 20% of global oil shipments pass
.
Iran Rejects International Pressure on Nuclear Issue
In a speech broadcast on state TV on February 21, Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian declared that his country would not give in to pressure from world powers. The Iranian government faces mounting domestic opposition and global military threats while appearing set for a third round of nuclear talks in Geneva
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Iran Reportedly Signs $589 Million Arms Deal with Russia
According to The Financial Times, Iran agreed to a secret $589 million arms deal with Russia to acquire thousands of advanced shoulder-fired missiles. The agreement, reportedly signed in Moscow in December, commits Russia to provide 500 Verba launch units and 2,500 9M336 missiles over three years, according to leaked Russian documents
.
Strong 7.1 Magnitude Earthquake Strikes Off Eastern Malaysia
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake struck early on February 23 off Malaysia's Sabah state on Borneo island, according to US seismologists. The epicentre was located less than 100 kilometres northeast of Kota Kinabalu at a depth of 619.8 kilometres, with the quake striking at 12:57 am local time
.
NASA's Artemis II Moon Mission Faces Setback
NASA may be forced to push back its Artemis II mission to the moon due to emerging setbacks. The mission delay comes as the space agency continues preparations for its return to lunar exploration
.
Palestinian Filmmaker's Gaza Comments Prompt German Minister Walkout at Berlin Film Festival
Palestinian-Syrian film director Abdallah Al-Khatib accused Germany of being "partners in the genocide in Gaza by Israel" at the Berlin Film Festival, prompting a German minister to walk out. Al-Khatib's film "Chronicles From the Siege" won the Berlinale's Perspectives section for emerging filmmakers, capping a politically charged festival
.