Latest World News
US and Israel Launch Operation Epic Fury Against Iran
The United States and Israel launched a major joint military campaign called Operation Epic Fury targeting Iran's military and leadership positions. President Trump stated the objective is "eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime" and warned that strikes "will continue, uninterrupted throughout the week or, as long as necessary."
Israeli forces targeted Tehran's heart, with military officials claiming 40 top Iranian military officials were killed, including the chief of staff for the Iranian armed forces, Abdolrahim Mousavi.
Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei Reportedly Killed in Strikes
Israeli military claims indicate that Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in the strikes on Tehran. The operation involved coordinated intelligence sharing between US and Israeli agencies, with the CIA tracking the supreme leader's location to time the strikes.
Trump claimed that Iran had been building ballistic missiles capable of reaching the US homeland, which he cited as justification for the military action.
Oil Markets Disrupted as Strait of Hormuz Shipping Halts
The Strait of Hormuz, through which nearly 20% of global oil shipments pass, has experienced major disruptions following the military strikes. Iranian media reported the waterway is "practically closed" with oil shipping largely paused, and Iran's Revolutionary Guards closed the shipping lane, warning it was dangerous due to ongoing US and Israeli attacks.
Three ships have been attacked in the second day of Iran's counter-strikes, with two reportedly struck directly by unknown projectiles.
Iran Conducts Counter-Strikes Across Region
Iran has launched retaliatory strikes across the region in response to the ongoing US-Israeli air raids. Iranian forces have attacked shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, with projectiles striking at least two vessels directly and exploding near a third ship.
The escalating military exchanges have raised significant concerns about regional stability and potential disruption to critical global energy infrastructure.
Iran Signals Openness to Negotiations
Iran's "new potential leadership" has suggested openness to talks with the United States following the American and Israeli attack, according to White House officials. President Trump has indicated potential willingness to engage in dialogue, marking a possible diplomatic opening amid the military escalation.
The overture suggests possible pathways to de-escalation despite the severe military operations.
February US Jobs Report Due Friday to Shape Market Direction
The February nonfarm payroll (NFP) report is scheduled for release on Friday, which will reveal the strength of the US labor market. Consensus expectations are for +60k job gains compared to +130k in January, with the unemployment rate expected to remain unchanged at 4.3%.
The data will be critical in determining market direction, as investors assess whether the labor market remains solid or if January's strong numbers were anomalous.
Total Lunar Eclipse Visible Across Americas and Asia-Pacific
A total lunar eclipse is the highlight of March 2026, visible across the US, Canada, Mexico, and parts of South America on the morning of March 3. The eclipse is also observable after sunset in Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Indonesia.
This astronomical event provides skywatchers across multiple regions with a rare celestial viewing opportunity.
Australia Faces Severe Flooding Despite Forecast of Dry Summer
South Australia is experiencing record inland downpour, with a 47-year-old man drowning after attempting to cross a flooded creek in the Flinders Ranges. The heavy rain has come as a shock after forecasters predicted the state's first dry summer since 2019.
Severe weather warnings and flash flooding alerts remain in place across the region and much of Australia's inland southeast, with the Bureau of Meteorology predicting heavy rain and thunderstorms will continue until at least Monday night.
Australia's Matildas Win Opening Match of Asian Cup
The Australian women's soccer team defeated the Philippines 1-0 in Perth in the opening match of the Asian Cup tournament. Midfielder Sam Kerr scored the game's only goal in the 14th minute, marking her first goal for Australia in 851 days.
Coach Joe Montemurro expressed confidence that the team's best performances are yet to come in the tournament.
Delta Goodrem to Represent Australia at Eurovision Song Contest
Award-winning Australian star Delta Goodrem will represent Australia in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. The selection marks a significant moment for Australian entertainment on the international stage.
Goodrem joins the competitive field of artists from around the world preparing for the annual music competition.
Global Central Banks Meet This Week Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The National Bank of Poland (NBP) is widely expected to cut rates by 25 basis points to 3.75% on Wednesday. Bank Negara Malaysia (BNM) is expected to hold its policy rate at 2.75% for a fourth consecutive meeting on Thursday.
These monetary policy decisions come as central banks navigate economic uncertainty amid heightened Middle East geopolitical tensions and potential oil market disruptions.