The article analyzes Venezuela's weakened military capabilities and potential resistance strategies in response to a possible U.S. military intervention, highlighting the regime's reliance on asymmetric tactics, internal control systems, and urban guerrilla warfare to counter conventional threats.
Pope Leo XIV visited Lebanon to promote interfaith coexistence, urging political leaders to be peacemakers, praying for regional peace, and encouraging resilience among Lebanon's diverse religious communities amid ongoing regional conflicts and internal crises.
Two years after Hamas' October 7 attacks, the Gaza war has significantly altered the Middle East, causing massive human suffering, regional destabilization, and shifting geopolitical alliances, with ongoing humanitarian crises and complex peace prospects.
Israel launched a major airstrike on Sanaa, Yemen, targeting Houthi military sites in response to recent escalations, including the use of banned cluster munitions against Israel. The conflict has intensified since October 2023, with Houthis attacking Israel in solidarity with Palestinians, supported by Iran, amidst Yemen's ongoing civil war and regional tensions affecting global trade routes.
Lebanese soldiers died while securing a weapons cache believed to belong to Hizbullah near the Israeli border, marking the deadliest incident since Lebanon's involvement in the regional conflict began in October 2023.
Congo and the M23 rebel group have committed to signing a peace agreement by August 18, following months of mediation in Qatar, amidst ongoing regional tensions and international efforts led by the US to stabilize eastern Congo and attract investment in its mineral-rich resources.
A U.S. envoy expressed satisfaction with Lebanon's response to a proposal to disarm Hezbollah, emphasizing the potential for political and economic reforms in Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions and conflicts with Israel. The U.S. is prepared to assist Lebanon in its crisis and encourages change, while Hezbollah remains firm on disarmament conditions linked to Israeli withdrawal.
Iran launched a limited missile attack on a US military base in Qatar in retaliation for US strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, with Iran indicating a desire to de-escalate, while Israel and Iran continue their ongoing conflict, including strikes on Iranian and Israeli targets. The situation remains tense with potential for further escalation.
Major Japanese banks and JPMorgan are considering evacuating staff from the Middle East due to escalating tensions following US and Israeli strikes on Iran, with some banks already taking measures such as evacuations and restricting travel to ensure staff safety amid the ongoing conflict.
Amid escalating US and Israeli actions against Iran, there are fears Iran might retaliate by closing the strategic Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil route. While Iran has threatened to do so, the decision is not final, and such a move could significantly disrupt global oil supplies, causing prices to spike and impacting the world economy. Historically, disruptions have been short-lived due to global spare capacity, but the situation remains tense.
Most Gulf stock markets rose despite escalating tensions following US strikes on Iran's nuclear sites, with investors seemingly expecting a quick resolution and not fearing immediate regional spread, although some countries prepared for potential escalation.
The article discusses the recent Israeli strikes on Iran and its proxies, revealing vulnerabilities in Iran's regional strategy and the potential for escalation into a broader conflict, amid regional and international tensions. It also touches on political developments in the US, including tensions within Trump's administration and domestic unrest over immigration policies.
Iran launched missile strikes across Israel, injuring civilians and prompting Israel to carry out targeted strikes against Iranian military sites, including in Tehran. International leaders, including Macron, called for de-escalation and negotiations, while Israel intensifies its military operations against Iran. The conflict has led to civilian casualties, damage, and ongoing diplomatic efforts to prevent further escalation.
Iranian missile strikes have damaged an Israeli hospital and targeted military sites, escalating tensions with Israel and prompting international concern. The conflict involves threats of regional escalation, with Iran warning of possible shutdowns of strategic waterways and Israel vowing to intensify strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. Global organizations like the WHO and UN have condemned the violence and civilian casualties, urging restraint and negotiations.
Iran's hard-liners overplayed their hand in the recent conflict with Israel, leading to significant losses in military capabilities, leadership, and regional influence, ultimately collapsing their decades-long deterrence strategy and exposing their vulnerabilities.