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NPA: Loss-prevention tags more and more used for stalking – TokyoReporter

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NPA: Loss-prevention tags more and more used for stalking – TokyoReporter

TOKYO (TR) – A loss-prevention tag is a tool that when linked to a smartphone can allow a consumer to know its location. The are a handy means to forestall loss and and theft.

However, the elevated use of the tags has been accompanied by a surge in stalking circumstances, which reached a document excessive final 12 months, studies TBS News (Mar. 19).

On March 19, the National Police Agency introduced the variety of consultations concerning acts of misuse of loss-prevention tags reached a document excessive of 679 circumstances in 2025. This is almost double the quantity from the earlier 12 months, with stalking utilizing the tags being a rising downside.

“Compared to the period between and January and March 2025, the number of requests increased by about 1.5 times,” says Toru Tamura, the CEO of TryAgent, an organization that focuses on safety points.

On March 19, the NPA introduced that the variety of consultations concerning acts of misuse of loss-prevention tags reached a document excessive of 679 circumstances in 2025 (X)

Conceal them

Tamura says that individuals misusing the tags usually conceal them inside or on autos.

“The underside of the vehicle,” says Tamura. “They’re usually attached using magnets, whose batteries could be changed many times, and there winds up being considerable wear and tear on the double-sided tape or magnets.”

Such use can result in tragedy.

In December 2025, a girl was murdered in Mito City, Ibaraki Prefecture. Police later revealed that the ex-boyfriend of the sufferer had despatched a stuffed animal containing a loss-prevention tag to the lady’s dad and mom’ home. Police imagine the person might have recognized the lady’s residence utilizing the tag’s location data.

Earlier this 12 months, a person in custody for dumping the corpse of a girl in Saitama Prefecture has additionally been accused of stalking her. According to police, he affixed a loss-prevention tag to her automobile earlier than abducting her.

Smartphone

As prevention measure, smartphones might be set to inform a consumer if an unfamiliar tag is close by.

Tamura says, “The person who sets a trap is likely to be someone you’ve had contact with before. If you’ve had trouble, don’t accept things from people.”

As effectively, for those who discover an unfamiliar tag at residence, it’s necessary to seek the advice of the police, says Tamura.

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Taiwan data 6 PLA plane, 8 PLAN vessels round its territory

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Taiwan data 6 PLA plane, 8 PLAN vessels round its territory

Taipei [Taiwan], March 20 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defence (MND) on Friday recorded the presence of 6 PLA plane and eight PLAN vessels working round its territory.

As per the MND, 4 out of the six sorties entered Taiwan’s southwestern and japanese half ADIZ.

‘6 PLA plane and eight PLAN working round Taiwan detected up till 6 a.m. (UTC+8) at this time. 4 out of 6 sorties entered Taiwan’s southwestern and japanese half ADIZ. We have monitored the scenario and responded’, it wrote on X.

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2034797071799394679?s=20

On Thursday, it recorded the presence of 12 PLA plane, 9 PLAN vessels and a couple of official ships working round its territory.

China’s declare over Taiwan is a posh difficulty rooted in historic, political, and authorized arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable a part of China, a viewpoint embedded in nationwide coverage and upheld by home legal guidelines and worldwide statements.

Taiwan, nonetheless, maintains a definite id, functioning independently with its personal authorities, navy, and financial system. Taiwan’s standing stays a major level of worldwide debate, testing the ideas of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in worldwide regulation, as per the United Service Institution of India.

China’s declare to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty’s annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. However, Taiwan remained a peripheral area underneath restricted Qing management. The key shift got here in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, marking Taiwan as a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese management, however the sovereignty switch was not formalised.

In 1949, the Chinese Civil War resulted within the institution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, whereas the Republic of China (ROC) retreated to Taiwan, asserting its declare to manipulate all of China. This led to twin sovereignty claims: the PRC over the mainland and the ROC over Taiwan. Taiwan has operated as a de facto unbiased state however has prevented declaring formal independence to stop navy battle with the PRC, United Service Institution of India states. (ANI)

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Markets rebound, Sensex positive factors 952 pts, Nifty up 314 pts however concern continues amid West Asia disaster

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Markets rebound, Sensex positive factors 952 pts, Nifty up 314 pts however concern continues amid West Asia disaster

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], March 20 (ANI): The home share markets opened within the inexperienced on Friday, making some restoration after heavy promoting within the earlier session and providing some aid to buyers.

The Nifty 50 opened at 23,110.15, gaining 108 factors or 0.47 per cent, whereas the BSE Sensex opened at 74,559.38, up by 352.14 factors or 0.47 per cent.

Market specialists famous that the latest development displays continued volatility pushed by alternating phases of optimism and concern.

VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services, stated, ‘The market has been oscillating between some hope and concern over the past 4 days. The positive factors which Nifty collected within the earlier three days have been fully worn out with the 775-point loss yesterday. This oscillation between hope and concern is prone to proceed within the near-term.’

He added that there’s potential for the market to maneuver larger as hopes of de-escalation within the West Asia battle have emerged. ‘Israel PM’s remarks yesterday point out that there will not be additional assaults on Iran’s oil and fuel infrastructure. This has cooled the Brent crude to USD 106 from the height of USD 118 yesterday,’ he stated.

Brent crude costs have been buying and selling at USD 106.87 per barrel on the time of submitting this report.

In the broader market indices on the NSE, shopping for momentum was seen throughout segments. The Nifty 100 surged by 1.22 per cent, whereas the Nifty Midcap 100 rose by 1.60 per cent and the Nifty Smallcap 100 gained 1.19 per cent.

Sectoral indices additionally traded in optimistic territory. Nifty PSU Bank led the positive factors with an increase of two.93 per cent. Nifty Auto gained 1.34 per cent, Nifty FMCG rose 0.73 per cent, Nifty IT superior 1.82 per cent, and Nifty Media elevated by 1.41 per cent.

However, shares of HDFC Bank remained beneath strain, declining by 0.85 per cent to Rs 791 per share in opening commerce following the latest sudden resignation of Atanu Chakraborty, former Non-Executive Chairman of the financial institution.

In Asian markets, a blended development was noticed throughout Friday’s opening session. Japan’s Nikkei 225 index declined by greater than 3 per cent to 53372 ranges, Singapore’s Straits Times fell by 0.26 per cent to 4954 ranges, and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index dropped by 0.56 per cent to 25358 ranges. Meanwhile, Taiwan’s Weighted index rose by 0.21 per cent to 33759 ranges and South Korea’s KOSPI gained 0.55 per cent to 5795 ranges.

In the US markets on Thursday, promoting strain persevered. The Dow Jones declined by 0.44 per cent to 46021 ranges, the S&P 500 fell by 0.27 per cent to 6606 ranges, and the Nasdaq slipped by 0.28 per cent to 22090 ranges. (ANI)

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Japan PM flags international safety issues, backs US President Trump’s function in peace efforts

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Japan PM flags international safety issues, backs US President Trump’s function in peace efforts

Washington DC [US], March 20 (ANI): Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Thursday (native time) raised issues over the deteriorating international safety surroundings and underscored the necessity for coordinated worldwide efforts to deal with conflicts within the Middle East and past, whereas expressing confidence in US President Donald Trump to play a key function in advancing peace.

‘In the Middle East and in addition all the world, we’re experiencing a extreme safety surroundings. I firmly imagine that it’s only you, Donald, who can obtain peace the world over, and to take action, I’m prepared to achieve out to most of the companions within the worldwide group to attain our goal collectively,’ she stated.

She additional careworn Japan’s agency stance towards nuclear proliferation, significantly with regard to Iran.

‘Speaking of the scenario in Iran, Iran’s improvement of nuclear weapons must not ever be allowed, and that is why now we have been urging them and in addition reaching out to different companions of the world,’ she added.

In a separate comment, the Japanese Prime Minister strongly condemned Iran’s latest actions within the area.

‘Japan condemns Iran’s actions, reminiscent of attacking the neighbouring areas and in addition the efficient closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Our Minister additionally urged the Iranian Foreign Minister to cease such actions. The safety surroundings within the Indo-Pacific area can also be turning into more and more extreme,’ she stated.

Responding to the remarks, President Trump emphasised the power of US-Japan ties and welcomed Tokyo’s proactive function.

‘We’ve had great assist and a relationship with Japan on every thing. I imagine that, primarily based on statements that got to us yesterday and the day earlier than yesterday, having to do with Japan, they’re actually stepping as much as the plate,’ Trump stated.

The change comes at a time of heightened tensions within the Middle East, significantly over issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear ambitions and disruptions in key maritime routes such because the Strait of Hormuz, a essential artery for international oil shipments.

The go to marks Takaichi’s first journey to Washington since assuming workplace in October 2025. Days after she grew to become Japan’s first girl PM, she held her first summit with Trump in Tokyo. Incidentally, in February this 12 months, her Liberal Democratic Party secured a landslide victory in a snap parliamentary election.

Amidst the continuing US-Israeli warfare towards Iran and Tehran’s strikes on Israel and US navy bases within the Gulf area, Trump had on Tuesday (native time) walked again on his name for Japan, China, NATO, South Korea and others to ship warships to escort tankers by means of the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for transportation of crude oil and gasoline.

‘Because of the truth that now we have had such Military Success, we not ‘want,’ or need, the NATO Countries’ help — WE NEVER DID! Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea,’ Trump wrote on social media.

‘In reality, talking as President of the United States of America, by far the Most Powerful Country Anywhere within the World, WE DO NOT NEED THE HELP OF ANYONE!’

While Japan has not made any assertion on the US and Israeli actions, Tokyo has condemned Tehran for its assaults on different international locations in West Asia, leading to civilian casualties.

Japan is a rustic closely depending on oil imports, and Japanese firms are already experiencing value will increase of oil merchandise and dealing with provide restrictions because of the blockage within the Strait of Hormuz. The Japanese authorities has begun releasing oil from its strategic reserves and plans to offer subsidies to assist offset the surge in oil costs as per a report within the Washington Post.

Japan traditionally has maintained pleasant relations with Israel and Arab international locations, and has positioned itself as a impartial middleman in different conflicts within the Middle East. Its structure, adopted after World War II, restricts navy operations abroad, and Japan has beforehand deployed its Self-Defence Forces in April 1991, following the Gulf War, solely after a ceasefire was declared, the Post reported.

Takaichi’s US go to additionally comes at a time when there are tensions between Japan and China after her assertion in parliament on November 7 {that a} navy assault on Taiwan or a naval blockade by Beijing may represent a ‘survival-threatening scenario’ for Japan, implying that Tokyo may invoke its proper to collective self-defence. (ANI)

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Pure ingesting water provided to all 51 AMC Wards, says Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha

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Pure ingesting water provided to all 51 AMC Wards, says Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha

Agartala (Tripura) [India], March 20 (ANI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha right now stated that at present, pure ingesting water is provided to all 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation, and there’s a system of supplying purified ingesting water to the municipal space from 31 iron elimination vegetation.

Speaking about ingesting water in AMC areas right now, on the fifth day of the Tripura Legislative Assembly, Saha stated that in all of the 51 wards of Agartala Municipal Corporation, pure ingesting water is distributed, in keeping with an official assertion from the Chief Minister’s workplace.

‘After 2018, a 5.50 MLD new remedy plant in Master Para and three MLD at College Tilla have already been accomplished. The principal motive behind the soiled, muddy water that we typically face is when highway restoration is underway, or in the course of the laying of cable strains, fuel strains, or the development of drainage works in Agartala metropolis. During these works, pipelines could also be by accident reduce, permitting soiled and muddy water to enter the pipeline. We instantly restore it and preserve the system,’ CM Saha stated.

Saha knowledgeable that the AMC has began the Clean Your Tank marketing campaign.

‘Under the Tripura Jal Board, DWS Division Agartala, one and 4 DWS Subdivisions distribute water within the AMC space. At current, in AMC, there are 13 floor water remedy vegetation. There is a system to supply purified ingesting water to the city areas from 31 modified iron elimination vegetation and 6 packaged iron elimination vegetation, which distribute water every single day,’ he stated.

He knowledgeable that in AMC, 25% of water comes from floor water from the Howrah River and 75% from groundwater combined with iron.

The Chief Minister stated that in keeping with the Central Ground Water Board, 60.60% of water could be extracted from underground.

‘Of this, at present solely 10.06% of water is extracted from underground. Most of the ingesting water provide now has to rely on groundwater. The inhabitants of the Agartala Municipal Corporation space is about 5,79,418 folks. As per AMRUT pointers, every individual wants 135 litres of water per day, making the full ingesting water requirement 78.22 million litres every single day,’ stated Saha.

The Chief Minister additionally stated that many homes have deep tube wells, pumps, or different services for ingesting water. Drinking water can also be supplied by these services. Apart from this, there’s a system for checking the standard of ingesting water. In this regard, members of the self-help group (Amrit Mitra) go door to door in numerous wards to test the standard of water.

Along with this, consciousness is supplied to wash the water tank each 6 months. (ANI)

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Iran warns of ‘zero restraint’ amid intensifying fuel and oil assaults

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Iran warns of ‘zero restraint’ amid intensifying fuel and oil assaults

Iranian assaults on the world’s largest LNG plant inQatarand refineries inSaudi ArabiaandKuwaitdespatched shock waves throughenergymarkets Thursday because theUnited Statessaid there was no deadline to finish theMiddle Eastwar.

Amid rising fears over the financial injury from the warfare, US PresidentDonald Trumpsaid there can be no repeat ofIsrael’s assault on Iran’s key South Pars fuel discipline, however he warned of a livid US response if Tehran didn’t halt strikes on Qatar.

Iranresponded that it could have “zero restraint” if its vitality infrastructure was hit once more.

Oil markets have already been shaken by Iran’s blocking of theStrait of Hormuz.

But the worldwide benchmark Brent surged 10 p.c to $119 a barrel earlier than falling again to $112, whereas European fuel costs rose 35 p.c, after Iranian missiles hit Qatar’s big Ras Laffan liquefied pure fuel complicated in retaliation for the Israeli strike on South Pars on Wednesday.

The nighttime assault on Ras Laffan, a repeated goal for the reason that begin of the warfare on February 28, brought on “extensive damage”, QatarEngery mentioned.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani mentioned the assault was “clear proof” that Iran was going previous its vow to solely goal US pursuits within the Gulf.

And assaults blamed on Iran unfold.

A drone crashed into the Samref refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea port of Yanbu, the Saudi defence ministry mentioned. The authorities reserved the “right to take military actions” in response.

In Kuwait, drone assaults sparked fires on the Mina Abdullah and Mina Al-Ahmadi refineries, which have a mixed capability of 800,000 barrels per day.

Even in Israel, media mentioned an oil refinery within the port of Haifa was hit on Thursday, after the army warned of missiles launched by Iran.

‘Zero restraint’

Trump indicated he didn’t know prematurely about Israel’s raid on South Pars, which provides about 70 p.c of Iran’s home wants. But he mentioned he had advised Israeli Prime MinisterBenjamin Netanyahunot to hit extra fuel fields in Iran.

“We get along great. It’s coordinated, but on occasion, he’ll do something” that the United States opposes, Trump mentioned.

Watch extraIran warfare exposes Gulf economies’ meals, water vulnerability

Trump warned earlier that the United States would “blow up” South Pars if Tehran didn’t cease attacking Qatar. But he mentioned Thursday there was no present plan to ship troops into Iran.

Iran responded to the threats with defiance. The army’s Khatam Al-Anbiya operational command vowed the “complete destruction” of Gulf vitality infrastructure if the Israeli assault was repeated, based on a press release carried by Fars news company.

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi mentioned on social media there can be “ZERO restraint” if Iran’s infrastructure was hit once more.

‘Safe passage’ sought

There is rising concern among the many world’s main economies over fallout from the battle.

Britain, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the Netherlands mentioned they might “contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz” however gave few particulars.

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the “reckless escalation” in assaults and referred to as for “direct talks between the Americans and Iranians on this matter”.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s workplace warned that “attacks on critical infrastructure risked pushing the region further into crisis”, after talks with Macron and NATO chief Mark Rutte.

India and China additionally expressed new concern about their provides which circulate by the Hormuz strait. Fuel shortages have sparked lengthy queues at petrol stations throughout Asia and elevated prices world wide.

Watch extraInternational delivery ‘chaos’ as Strait of Hormuz closure sends ripple results throughout the globe

No time-frame for warfare’s finish

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth mentioned there isn’t any time-frame for ending the warfare, however that “we’re very much on track” and Trump would select when to finish preventing.

“It will be at the president’s choosing, ultimately, where we say, ‘Hey, we’ve achieved what we need to,'” he advised a Washington news convention.

Commentators mentioned the vitality assaults confirmed gaps between the United States and Israel over warfare techniques.

“The conflict is drifting into a war of attrition with no clear signs of regime collapse in Iran,” mentioned Danny Citrinowicz, a senior fellow at Israel’s Institute for National Security Studies, on X.

The assaults “underscored just how unstructured this campaign has become lacking strategic clarity, long-term planning, and a defined end state”.

Read extra’Not a one-person regime’: Why Iran’s Islamic Republic is so exhausting to topple

US media mentioned the administration may search greater than $200 billion in extra warfare funding from Congress.

“I think that number could move. Obviously it takes money to kill bad guys,” Hegseth commented.

Tehran queues

Iran is in the meantime gearing up for the important thing vacation of Nowruz, the Persian new 12 months, on Friday.

A US-based rights group has reported greater than 3,000 folks killed in Iran by the US-Israeli strikes, a determine that might not be independently verified.

In Tehran, nevertheless, there was little to recommend that the nation was mired in warfare or that it had misplaced its supreme leaderAyatollah Ali Khameneiand different key officers in US-Israeli strikes.

Though safety was extra intense than common Thursday, Tehran’s metropolis centre was full of site visitors jams and road distributors haggling over the value of garments and fruit.

(FRANCE 24 with AFP)

Originally printed on France24

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EU Calls For ‘Moratorium’ On Strikes Against Energy, Water Sites

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EU Calls For ‘Moratorium’ On Strikes Against Energy, Water Sites

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23:19

EU Leaders Call For ‘Moratorium’ On Strikes Against Energy, Water Sites In Middle East

The European Council referred to as for a “moratorium” on assaults on power and water amenities within the Middle East, as tit-for-tat strikes by Israel and Iran proceed to roil oil markets within the ever-expanding battle.

“Developments in Iran and the wider region threaten regional and global security,” a Councilstatementsaid on March 19.

The feedback come after a gathering of EU leaders in Brussels to debate developments within the US-Israeli struggle on Iran and Russia’s struggle on Ukraine.

Tehran has launched assaults on the gasoline and oil amenities of US Gulf Arab allies in retaliation for US-Israeli strikes in opposition to Iran that started on February 28 and have killed lots of the regime’s leaders and destroyed a lot of its army capabilities.

SEE ALSO:

Israel’s Strike On South Pars Hits Iran, And Iranians, Where It Hurts Most

After Israel struck Iran’s huge South Pars gasoline area on March 18, Tehran vowed retaliation and struck out in opposition to power websites within the Gulf, hitting — amongst others — Qatar’s important gasoline hub, Ras Laffan.

QatarEnergy CEO Saad al-Kaabi stated Tehran’s assaults knocked out 17 % of the nation’s liquefied pure gasoline (LNG) export capability and triggered round $20 billion in misplaced annual income.

The Council urged “de-escalation and maximum restraint, the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure, and full respect of international law by all parties, including the principles of the United Nations Charter and international humanitarian law.”

The assertion additionally stated it “strongly condemns Irans indiscriminate military strikes against countries in the region and expresses its solidarity with countries affected.”

SEE ALSO:

European Nations, Japan Say Ready To Help Secure Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz

“It calls on Iran and its proxies to immediately cease these attacks and respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of countries in the region,” it added

Amid calls by US President Donald Trump for international locations that make the most of the Strait of Hormuz for his or her power provides to assist defend delivery there, the EU assertion stated it “condemns any acts that threaten navigation or prevent vessels from entering and exiting” the essential waterway.

But it didn’t disclose any particular plans to affix a possible coalition being created by Trump, saying, as a substitute, that it referred to as for the reinforcement of EU maritime defensive operations EUNAVFOR ASPIDES and EUNAVFOR ATALANTA.

The two operations are direct EU army operations aimed toward safeguarding freedom of navigation within the Red Sea and on monitoring and reporting on shadow fleets within the Gulf area.

The assertion did say that European leaders welcomed “the increased efforts announced by member states, including through strengthened coordination with partners in the region, to ensure freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz, once the conditions are met.”

Earlier, US European allies and Japanexpressed readinessfor “appropriate” efforts to safe passage via the Strait of Hormuz. The assertion didn’t define particular parameters of the contributions by European nations and Japan, a rustic that was delivery most of its oil via the Strait of Hormuz.

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22:02

Zineb Riboua: What The War On Iran Means For China And Russia

Beijing and Moscow are each shut companions of Tehran. With the US-Israeli strikes approaching a 3rd week and Iran retaliating throughout the area, the battle is poised to probably — and considerably — have an effect on these ties, the broader roles Russia and China play within the Middle East, and their relations with Washington.

Zineb Riboua is a analysis fellow with the Hudson Institute’s Center for Peace and Security within the Middle East and an skilled on Chinese and Russian involvement within the area. She spoke to RFE/RL’s Georgian Service about how China and Russia are responding to the struggle and what they stand to lose or achieve.

To learn the complete interview, clickhere.

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov, Chinese Executive Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Ma Zhaoxu, and Iranian Deputy Foreign Minister Kazem Gharibabadi pose after a gathering in Beijing on March 14.

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20:29

Netanyahu Says Iran War Could End ‘Faster Than People Think’

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran now not has the capability to proceed its ballistic missile program or enrich uranium after weeks of US-Israeli air strikes, including that the struggle may finish “faster than people think.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu offers a press convention in Jerusalem on March 19.

Speaking at a news convention on March 19, Netanyahu additionally stated Tel Aviv was persevering with to create situations for Iranians to overthrow the longstanding hard-line regime in Tehran. However, he added that it was “too early” to evaluate whether or not individuals in Iran would reap the benefits of the state of affairs contained in the nation.

“In the end, everything will depend only on them,” Netanyahu stated in Hebrew throughout a reside tv broadcast.

The joint US-Israeli army effort in opposition to Tehran, which began on February 28, got here after mass protests throughout Iran the month earlier than that had been met with a brutal crackdown by Iranian army forces. Thousands of demonstrators had been killed.

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18:01

Israel’s Haifa Oil Refinery Hit By Iranian Missile

An oil refinery within the northern Israeli port metropolis of Haifa was hit on March 19 after the nation’s army warned of missile launches from Iran, Israeli media reported.

Israel’s public broadcaster Kan 11 aired photos displaying darkish plumes of smoke rising from the refinery space, and stated in a publish on X that there have been “no concerns about the leakage of hazardous materials.”

Israel’s Energy Ministry confirmed the strike, saying it didn’t trigger “significant damage” to the ability. Energy Minister Eli Cohen stated energy was “briefly disrupted, with electricity restored to most of those who were affected.”

“The damage to the power grid in the north is localized and not significant,” stated Cohen. “In the barrage toward the north, there was no significant damage to Israeli infrastructure sites.”

Police stated bomb disposal models had been deployed to a number of websites in Haifa the place munitions landed, and no casualties had been reported.

Israel’s Environmental Protection Ministry stated particles from an intercepted missile that fell in Haifa is being examined “as a hazardous materials incident.”

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16:21

European Nations, Japan Say Ready To Help Secure Passage Through Strait Of Hormuz

US European allies and Japan say they’re prepared for “appropriate” efforts to safe passage via the important thing Strait of Hormuz, because the already widespread battle within the Middle East threatens to spin uncontrolled, with power infrastructure broken throughout the area.

“We express our readiness to contribute to appropriate efforts to ensure safe passage through the Strait,” stated a jointstatementfrom the leaders of the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, and Japan revealed on March 19.

“We welcome the commitment of nations who are engaging in preparatory planning,” it added, whereas additionally criticizing Tehran for its current assaults on civilian vessels and power infrastructure within the area.

The assertion didn’t define particular parameters of the contributions by European nations and Japan.

To learn the complete report, clickhere.

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15:25

Israel’s Strike On South Pars Hits Iran, And Iranians, Where It Hurts Most

When Israeli jets struck the South Pars gasoline complicated close to Asaluyeh, they hit greater than pipes and compressors. They struck the one piece of infrastructure most important to Irans capability to perform — a area that gives 75 % of Iran’s home gasoline provide and powers roughly 80 % of the nation’s electrical energy technology.

The strike halted output at two refineries with a mixed day by day capability of round 100 million cubic meters, sending costs hovering and triggering Iranian retaliatory strikes on power infrastructure in Gulf Arab states, together with Qatar’s Ras Laffan liquefied pure gasoline (LNG) terminal.

South Pars was already struggling earlier than the primary bomb fell. Straddling the maritime border with Qatar within the Persian Gulf — the place the identical reservoir is named North Dome and provides roughly 20 % of world LNG — Iran’s facet of the sphere has suffered years of continual underinvestment.

To learn the complete report, clickhere.

Map: South Pars / North Dome Gas Field

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15:21

Tulsi Gabbard Says US, Israel Have Different Goals In War With Iran

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard said on March 19 throughout a listening to earlier than the House Intelligence Committee on worldwide threats that the United States and Israel don’t have the identical objectives of their army operations in opposition to Iran.

“The objectives that have been laid out by the president are different from the objectives that have been laid out by the Israeli government,” Gabbard stated.

Tulsi Gabbard testifies on the committee listening to on March 19.

“We can see through the operations that the Israeli government has been focused on disabling the Iranian leadership,” she added. “[US President Donald Trump] has stated that his objectives are to destroy Iran’s ballistic missiles launching capability, their ballistic missile production capability, and their navy,” she added.

Gabbard additionally commented on the struggle with Iran in a gathering with the US Senate Intelligence Committee on March 18, saying that US assaults have weakened the Iranian authorities however the Islamic republic nonetheless exists and poses a menace to US pursuits.

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14:37

US Could Lift Sanctions On Iranian Oil On Tankers, Says Bessent

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent (file photograph)

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated Washington might quickly carry sanctions on roughly 140 million barrels of Iranian oil stranded on tankers, aiming to spice up international provide and ease costs amid disruptions brought on by Irans closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Speaking in an interview with the Fox Business Network on March 19, Bessent stated the extra oil may cowl “10 days to two weeks of supply” and assist stabilize markets.

Bessent added that the US may launch extra oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the governments emergency oil stockpile, and is in talks with Japan on securing protected passage via the strait, with Tokyo probably growing its personal emergency stock releases.

He confused that Washington wouldn’t intervene in monetary markets however would deal with boosting bodily provide to offset shortages.

Bessent additionally warned that China has change into an unreliable provider of refined fuels, citing lowered exports of merchandise reminiscent of jet gasoline, which has added to provide strains in Asia.

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14:05

RFE/RL’s graphics division has up to date its checklist of high Iranian officers who’ve been confirmed useless because the US and Israel’s struggle on Iran started on February 28.

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12:54

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has shared avideo on X,displaying what it says are US forces “destroying Iranian naval targets that threaten international shipping in and near the Strait of Hormuz.”

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UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Japan condemn Iranian assaults on Gulf infrastructure

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UK, France, Germany, Netherlands, Italy, Japan condemn Iranian assaults on Gulf infrastructure

LONDON, twentieth March, 2026 (WAM) — The United Kingdom, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy and Japan have strongly condemned Iran’s assaults on civilian infrastructure, together with oil and gasoline amenities in Gulf states, in addition to the efficient closure of the Strait of Hormuz and the concentrating on of business vessels.

In a joint assertion, the governments mentioned: “We strongly condemn Iran’s recent attacks on merchant vessels in the Gulf, as well as its strikes on civilian infrastructure, including oil and gas facilities, and its effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.”

They referred to as on Iran to halt its actions instantly, stating: “We call on Iran to immediately cease its threats, including mine-laying, drone and missile attacks, and any actions aimed at obstructing commercial maritime traffic through the Strait, and to comply with UN Security Council Resolution 2817.”

The assertion confused that “freedom of navigation is a fundamental principle of international law, as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea,” warning that interference with maritime navigation and disruption of world vitality provide chains pose a risk to worldwide peace and safety.

It additional emphasised the necessity for a right away and complete halt to assaults on infrastructure, together with oil and gasoline amenities.

The assertion additionally affirmed the readiness of European nations and Japan to contribute to applicable efforts to make sure secure passage by the Strait of Hormuz, welcoming the dedication of different nations to develop preparatory plans on this regard.

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BTS to stage long-awaited comeback live performance at Seoul landmark

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BTS to stage long-awaited comeback live performance at Seoul landmark

BTS will stage its long-awaited comeback live performance on Saturday night time at Seoul’s Gwanghwamun Square, certainly one of South Korea’s most well-known landmarks that represents its royal heritage and political and cultural life.

In a free live performance anticipated to attract tens of hundreds of followers, the Okay-pop juggernaut’s seven members, all South Koreans, will carry out songs from their first album in almost 4 years, “ARIRANG,” whose title is taken from essentially the most beloved conventional folks tune on the Korean Peninsula.

“‘ARIRANG’ is an album that embodies the origin and id of BTS and carries the message that they need to convey now,” Hybe Corp., the mum or dad firm of BTS’ administration company, mentioned in response to questions by The Associated Press. “Considering the symbolic significance of the word ‘Arirang,’ we’ve decided to hold a performance at Gwanghwamun, a place that represents Korea.”

Gwanghwamun Square is known as after the large most important gate of close by Gyeongbokgung, a royal palace for Korea’s Joseon dynasty, which dominated the peninsula for greater than 500 years till its collapse in 1910.

Located within the coronary heart of Seoul, the sprawling sq. is house to cultural and artwork occasions. It hosts large statues of two of Korea’s most revered figures — King Sejong, who invented the Korean script in 1443, and navy admiral Yi Sun-shin, who defeated the Japanese invasion within the sixteenth century.

The sq. can also be an emblem of South Korea’s younger, resilient democracy, the positioning of large rallies in instances of political upheavals lately.

When then- President Yoon Suk Yeol’s martial regulation imposition in late 2024 triggered essentially the most extreme disaster for the nation’s democracy in a long time, protesters gathered within the sq., calling for his ouster. Rallies blended politics and popular culture, with demonstrators waving colourful mild sticks used at Okay-pop live shows and signing Okay-pop tracks reminiscent of Girls’ Generation’s “Into the New World.”

Observers say the hourlong Gwanghwamun live performance, which will likely be livestreamed on Netflix globally, will reaffirm BTS’ id as a bunch that expanded from Korea to the world stage. BTS had been on hiatus as a result of its members needed to full their necessary navy duties in South Korea.

Ha Jae-keun, a cultural critic, mentioned that regardless of the place the BTS holds its comeback live performance, it will achieve success. But as the largest stars of Okay-pop, BTS doubtless decided that showing at a symbolic Korean web site can be “most meaningful,” he mentioned.

Jung Dukhyun, a popular culture commentator, mentioned the choice of Gwanghwamun doubtless mirrored a view that Korean conventional tradition and native parts can resonate on a world scale, as seen within the success of the Netflix sensation “KPop Demon Hunters,” which received the Oscar for greatest animated characteristic and greatest tune for “Golden” this week.

Officials consider the live performance will doubtless improve South Korea’s worldwide cultural affect.

They additionally plan to take intensive security steps to forestall crowd-related incidents.

In a message posted on X on Wednesday, South Korean President Lee Jae Myung referred to as BTS “a proud artist of the Republic of Korea” and expressed hope that the live performance will present “our beautiful cultural heritage and the charm of K-culture.”

Besides about 20,000 ticketed followers on the sq., about 240,000 others are anticipated to fill close by areas to look at the live performance on non permanent screens. Authorities plan to dam roads, have subway trains cross via some stations and shut the Gyeongbokgung place.

Some residents criticized what they noticed as preferential therapy given to BTS and potential inconvenience to the general public. But many consultants say the live performance has an enormous public side.

“BTS is the nation’s band. Now they intend to hold an open performance for the public free of charge. I think it would be very natural for the government to support it,” Ha mentioned.

Associated Press author Kim Tong-hyung contributed to this report.

© Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This materials will not be revealed, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed with out permission.

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Seven nations condemn Iran assaults on vessels, power websites, Strait of Hormuz closure

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Seven nations condemn Iran assaults on vessels, power websites, Strait of Hormuz closure

Tehran [Iran], March 20 (ANI): Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Japan and the United Kingdom condemened Iran ‘within the strongest phrases’ for assaults on ‘unarmed industrial vessels’ and civilian infrastructure, together with oil and gasoline amenities, in addition to what they described because the ‘de facto closure’ of the Strait of Hormuz, Al Jazeera reported.

According to Al Jazeera, the seven international locations urged Tehran to instantly halt its actions and makes an attempt to dam the important thing maritime route within the joint assertion, stressing that ‘freedom of navigation is a elementary precept of worldwide legislation.’

As per Al Jazeera, in addition they expressed readiness to help ‘applicable efforts to make sure secure passage via the Strait’ and welcomed ‘the dedication of countries who’re participating in preparatory planning.’

Meanwhile, China known as for an instantaneous de-escalation of tensions within the Middle East, emphasising that the protection of worldwide waterways should not be compromised, Al Jazeera reported.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian mentioned the continuing battle was disrupting international power safety and warned of broader financial penalties, Al Jazeera reported.

‘The scenario within the Middle East has disrupted international power safety,’ mentioned Lin Jian, spokesperson on the Chinese Foreign Ministry, at a news convention, as per Al Jazeera.

‘The international locations concerned ought to instantly stop navy operations to forestall regional instability from having a higher influence on international financial improvement,’ he mentioned.

Meanwhile, the United Kingdom has deployed a small staff of navy planners to coordinate with the United States on growing a ‘viable collective plan’ to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a UK defence official mentioned on Thursday, CNN reported.

According to CNN, the planners will be part of present British personnel already working alongside US Central Command, the official added.

The transfer comes as Washington and its allies step up efforts to reply to Iran’s de facto closure of the essential waterway following navy operations launched by the US and Israel towards Iran. US President Donald Trump has publicly known as for allied help to reopen the strait, whereas additionally sustaining that the US is able to performing independently if wanted.

However, associate nations have indicated reluctance to deploy navy belongings straight into the strait amid ongoing hostilities.

According to CNN, in a joint assertion, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Japan mentioned, ‘We specific our readiness to contribute to applicable efforts to make sure secure passage via the strait.’ (ANI)

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