Iran has promised retaliation following the death of security chief Ali Larijani in Israeli strikes, with reports of retaliatory attacks already hitting Tel Aviv (BBC World Service). Finnish President Alexander Stubb gave an interview addressing the changing global order amid the escalating crisis.
The widening conflict between the United States and Iran dominated global headlines this week, reshaping energy markets, straining traditional alliances, and exposing deep divisions within American political coalitions. As oil prices surge past $108 a barrel and diplomatic relationships fray, the crisis is forcing rapid policy pivots from Washington to Brussels.
The U.S. military engagement with Iran has entered its third week with no signs of de-escalation. Israel struck Iran's intelligence minister and targeted the strategically vital South Pars natural gas field, prompting Iranian retaliation against energy infrastructure in Qatar and Saudi Arabia (multiple sources). The Strait of Hormuz—through which roughly a fifth of global oil passes—remains effectively closed.
President Trump has lashed out at NATO allies for refusing to help secure the critical waterway, singling out UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for criticism. France's Emmanuel Macron stated plainly that European nations will not participate in the war. China, meanwhile, rebuffed Trump's request to assist in reopening the strait, instead providing humanitarian aid to Tehran while calling for an end to hostilities. The standoff prompted postponement of Trump's planned state visit to Beijing.
The conflict has also fractured the MAGA coalition. Joe Kent, the administration's top counterterrorism official, resigned in protest, alleging the war was driven by Israeli pressure rather than genuine threats to American security. His departure marks a significant break between noninterventionist "America First" advocates and traditional foreign policy hawks, though GOP leaders like Senator Tom Cotton dismissed his claims.
With Brent crude surpassing $108 a barrel, the administration moved swiftly to boost global oil supply. The Treasury Department eased sanctions on Venezuela's state-owned PDVSA, authorizing sales to U.S. and international buyers—though payments must flow through American-controlled accounts. The White House also announced a 60-day waiver of the Jones Act to reduce domestic fuel costs.
In Asia, Japan recorded a modest trade surplus despite the turmoil, with a weak yen supporting exports even as auto shipments to the U.S. declined under 15% tariffs. Investors are watching closely as Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi prepares for a summit with Trump and the Bank of Japan weighs interest rate decisions.
The European Union offered funding and technical support to repair Ukraine's Druzhba oil pipeline, damaged by Russian drone strikes and essential for Hungarian energy supplies. The gesture aims to break a standoff with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who has vetoed a 90-billion-euro aid package until oil shipments resume. Despite Ukraine accepting the repair offer, Orbán continues blocking the funds, accusing President Zelenskyy of deliberately disrupting supplies ahead of Hungarian elections.
Separately, the UK government faced criticism over proposed cuts to fundamental research, including upgrades to the Large Hadron Collider. Scientists warn the shift toward applied research could undermine Britain's leadership in physics and long-term innovation.
A federal judge blocked RFK Jr.'s effort to reduce recommended childhood vaccines, while Attorney General Bondi was summoned to Congress over the long-contested Epstein files. In Utah, a jury convicted author Kouri Richins of fatally poisoning her husband with fentanyl.
Arizona's attorney general filed the first criminal charges against prediction market Kalshi, accusing the platform of operating as an unlicensed gambling business. The Trump administration's CFTC has signaled support for the industry, setting up a jurisdictional battle.
In Illinois, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton won the Democratic Senate primary to succeed retiring Dick Durbin, positioning her strongly for the general election in the Democratic-leaning state.
Security researchers uncovered a sophisticated exploit embedded on dozens of Ukrainian websites, capable of stealing data from hundreds of millions of Apple iPhones. The discovery adds to growing concerns about state-sponsored cyber operations amid the broader geopolitical turmoil.
Meanwhile, the Justice Department argued in court that designating AI developer Anthropic as a supply-chain risk does not violate First Amendment protections, contending the company cannot be trusted with military systems.
In a stunning reversal, the Confederation of African Football stripped Senegal of its Africa Cup of Nations title, awarding Morocco a 3-0 default victory after Senegalese players briefly walked off the field during January's final. Senegal, which had won the match 1-0 in extra time, plans to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
King Charles III hosted Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at Windsor Castle for the first Nigerian state visit in 37 years, with traditional lunch plans adjusted to accommodate Ramadan observance.