Israel Strikes Key Litani River Bridge in Southern Lebanon
Israeli warplanes destroyed the Qasmiyeh Bridge over the Litani River on March 22, 2026, after Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered the immediate demolition of all crossings used for terrorist activity.
The precision strikes targeted this vital link near Tyre to sever Hezbollah supply lines and block the movement of militants and weapons southward.
Footage shows sequential hits collapsing the century-old structure, following evacuation warnings to civilians.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun called the attack a prelude to ground invasion and an attempt to isolate the south.
The IDF says the operation aims to neutralize Hezbollah threats and protect Israeli communities, amid ongoing escalation in the region.
Netanyahu visits Arad after missile damage, says Iran “targets civilians”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the city of Arad following reported missile damage, stating that recent events prove Iran poses a global threat, accusing Tehran of deliberately targeting civilians
His remarks come after reports of Iranian missile strikes impacting areas in southern Israel over the past 48 hours, though full details of the incidents remain under ongoing assessment
However, the statement has also drawn renewed scrutiny, as criticism continues over Israel’s military operations in Gaza since October 7, 2023, which have resulted in significant casualties according to multiple reports
International attention remains focused on the broader context, including ongoing legal and political debates surrounding the conflict, as tensions continue to escalate across the region
Senior Iran analyst Dror Balazada cited sources indicating deep tensions between regular police forces and the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Police Chief Ahmad-Reza Radan has lodged a direct complaint to IRGC head Ahmad Vahidi.
The core grievance: police personnel are exposed on the streets, suffering casualties from Israeli drones, while receiving zero support or backup from the IRGC.
Key quotes from the report include police frustration over being “left to die” without assistance, and complaints that their forces handle the frontline burden and “pay with their blood” while the IRGC stays protected or uninvolved.
This rift highlights growing strain within the regime as external pressure mounts and security forces turn inward with mutual accusations.
The development suggests the regime’s cohesion is weakening under sustained military and intelligence operations against it.
CENTCOM Slams Iranian Propaganda: No U.S. F-15 Lost in Operation Epic Fury
U.S. Central Command firmly rejected fresh Iranian regime claims of shooting down an American F-15 fighter jet.
In a direct statement, CENTCOM declared the rumors false, confirming that U.S. forces have completed over 8,000 combat sorties in Operation Epic Fury with zero fighter aircraft downed by enemy action.
The operation, launched to dismantle Iran’s missile, drone, and command infrastructure, continues to demonstrate overwhelming American air superiority. Iranian assertions of downing U.S. jets remain unverified propaganda, consistent with repeated debunked claims since the campaign began.
No losses to hostile fire have occurred—only isolated non-combat incidents elsewhere have been reported and investigated.
Senior U.S. officials have signaled to allies that Washington may have no choice but to launch a ground operation to capture Iran’s Kharg Island. The small but vital facility handles roughly 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports and sits as a key pressure point in the ongoing conflict.
The Trump administration is weighing this step to force Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely blocked, choking global shipping lanes.
Reports from Axios and other outlets confirm serious discussions inside the White House about occupying or blockading the island after further degrading Iranian defenses through airstrikes.
President Trump has already authorized strikes on military targets on Kharg while sparing its oil infrastructure for now. Additional Marines and amphibious assets are moving into the region, signaling preparation for a potential amphibious assault.
Supporters argue seizing Kharg would cut off Iran’s main revenue stream, weaken the regime economically, and provide leverage to end the blockade without a broader invasion of the mainland. Critics warn of high risks, including heavy casualties from Iranian drones, missiles, and coastal defenses, drawing uneasy comparisons to past bloody island campaigns.
The White House maintains the U.S. military can act decisively if ordered, with one official stating America could “take out” Kharg anytime the President directs.
No final decision has been announced, but the option remains firmly on the table as Tehran refuses to yield on the strait.
Israelis Thank President Trump for Taking on Iran’s Existential Threat
Amid Iran’s relentless missile barrages hammering northern and southern Israel, Fox News chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst reports powerful grassroots support for President Trump’s decisive actions against the regime in Tehran
Standing in a damaged area where over 100 civilians were injured overnight by Iranian strikes, Yingst highlights how ordinary Israelis see Trump as delivering real security after years of threats from Tehran and its proxies.
“The Iranian regime was seen as the last hurdle in those efforts by President Trump,” Yingst said. “So, I think Israelis really understand the vision that President Trump has for the region, and they understand they will benefit if they can make it through this war relatively unharmed.”
He noted the personal gratitude directed at Americans on the ground.
“When we’re from the United States, they say, ‘President Trump, thank you.’ Thanking him because they understand he is taking out an existential threat to the Israeli people.”
Yingst explained the broader context: “And that’s the Iranian regime — a regime that has not only threatened directly Israel with ballistic missiles and drones in past, but also through its proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen.”
Despite civilian losses and ongoing attacks, the message is clear: Israelis recognize Trump’s leadership — from the Abraham Accords to confronting Iran head-on — as the path to lasting stability. They are willing to pay the price to end the threat once and for all.
Costa Rica Hands Over Corrupt Ex-Official and Drug Trafficker to U.S. Justice
In a landmark blow to narco-corruption, Costa Rica has extradited its first nationals to the United States: former security minister and Supreme Court justice Celso Gamboa Sánchez and alleged trafficker Edwin López Vega, alias “Pecho de Rata.”
The two were flown to Dallas, Texas, on March 20, 2026, to face federal charges of cocaine trafficking and conspiracy.
U.S. prosecutors accuse Gamboa of leveraging high-level government ties to move shipments from Colombia’s Clan del Golfo through Central America to Mexico’s Sinaloa Cartel, with profits allegedly laundered via assets including a soccer club he owned.
This historic handover was made possible by 2025 constitutional reforms that ended a long-standing ban on extraditing Costa Rican citizens in major drug and terrorism cases.
Gamboa, once a top judge and deputy attorney general, was arrested in June 2025 alongside López Vega after years of U.S. investigations.
The transfer at Juan Santamaría Airport, secured by local OIJ agents and U.S. DEA and FBI personnel, signals a tougher stance against organized crime infiltrating elite circles in a nation once known for its stability. Justice finally crossed the border.
That move created the most valuable company in history. Here’s the full story:
It was 1980.
IBM needed an operating system for their new personal computer. They called Microsoft.
Problem was, Microsoft didn’t have an operating system.
Gates said yes anyway.
He bought an existing system called QDOS for $50,000. Quick and Dirty Operating System. That’s literally what it stood for.
It was buggy. Incomplete. Barely functional.
Gates didn’t care.
He knew something most founders miss. The deal matters more than the product. You can fix software. You can’t fix a missed opportunity.
IBM was on a deadline. They needed something now. Not something perfect in 18 months.
So Gates shipped MS-DOS knowing it had problems.
Then he did something brilliant.
He kept the licensing rights. IBM could use the software, but Microsoft owned it. Every PC maker who wanted to compete with IBM had to pay Gates.
That one decision turned a $50,000 purchase into a $350 billion empire.
Here’s what I learned from studying this:
The first version of MS-DOS crashed constantly. Users complained. Critics called it amateur.
None of that mattered.
Gates was already inside the market. He was collecting feedback. He was iterating while competitors were still planning their perfect launch.
Version 2.0 fixed the major bugs. Version 3.0 added features users actually wanted. By the time competitors showed up with polished products, Microsoft owned 90% of the market.
I see creators make the opposite mistake every day.
They spend 6 months perfecting a course nobody asked for. They tweak their website for weeks instead of talking to customers. They wait until everything feels ready.
Ready never comes.
Gates understood that speed beats perfection when you’re building something new.
Ship it. Fix it live. Let the market tell you what actually matters.
Your first version should embarrass you a little.
If it doesn’t, you waited too long.
The lesson isn’t that quality doesn’t matter. It does. Eventually.
The lesson is that being first with something good beats being fifth with something great.
Gates didn’t build perfect software. He built a monopoly. Then he made the software better.
BREAKING: Iran brutally mocks Trump in an English video! YOU’RE FIRED. Thank you for your attention to this matter!
In a bold propaganda video posted today, an Iranian military officer in full uniform stood at a podium and delivered a direct taunt to Donald Trump in English: “Hey Trump, YOU’RE FIRED! You’re familiar with this sentence. Thank you for your attention to this matter. The Central Headquarters of Khatam al-Anbiya.”
The officer then switched to Farsi for the rest of the message, but the opening English line was clearly aimed at Trump twisting his famous “Apprentice” catchphrase back at him while the U.S. invasion drags on into its third week.
This is the Iranian military’s main headquarters, flipping the script on the former reality show host: after Trump’s threats to “obliterate” power plants and his boasts of “winning,” Iran is telling him his time is up.
This comes as Trump’s illegal war drags on with no end in sight, and his options are running out, which could have catastrophic consequences for our Marines en route and the entire Middle East region, and the world supply of oil.
Iran’s message is simple: your tweets don’t win wars, performance on the field of battle does, and you’re not daring to go there. The longer this conflict goes on, the worse it is going to get for the Americans. Trump must cut his losses and end it soon.
Do not inherit people’s enemies, Chanda says transition to UPND is not betrayal
PF KANCHIBIYA member of parliament Sunday Chanda says his decision to join the ruling United Party for National Development (UPND) is driven by national interest and not political betrayal.
Chanda said his move comes after deep reflection on Zambia’s future and the need to support development under President Hakainde Hichilema.
In a statement, the lawmaker explained that his decision is to contribute to policies and programmes that will improve the lives of ordinary Zambians.
He said the country’s progress requires leaders who are willing to place national interest above political convenience and rally behind ideas that deliver tangible results.
“This is not a betrayal of loyalties, but an affirmation of my unwavering devotion to duty and to the transformation of the lives of our people,” said Chanda.
In a statement on his Facebook page, the Kanchibiya lawmaker added that he will officially transition to the ruling party once Parliament is dissolved.
Chanda further pledged to support reforms that will improve the welfare of workers, retirees and farmers, while advocating for opportunities for vulnerable citizens.
He also urged politicians, especially young leaders, to avoid inheriting political grudges and instead focus on building their own ideas and convictions.
“Do not inherit other people’s enemies. Build your own ideas, pursue your own convictions,” he said.
Chanda is among several PF figures who defected to the ruling party, alongside Mafinga lawmaker Robert Chabinga.
Chanda, a former media director of the former ruling party, was before President Hichilema’s victory widely known for his fierce and frequent criticism of the UPND.
However, in 2022, he transitioned from an adversary of the ruling party to a collaborator and supporter of the President’s policies.
During a recent public engagement in Nakonde, Chanda and Chabinga announced their defection, praising President Hichilema’s leadership.
THE EXEMPLARY DEMOCRATIC CREDENTIALS OF HON GIVEN LUBINDA
Political leadership in Zambia often faces scrutiny regarding adherence to democratic principles, particularly the peaceful transition of power and respect for internal party processes.
Last week the Patriotic Front (PF) held its long awaited general conference.
Hon Given Lubinda, who served as the acting President of the PF, navigated a challenging internal political landscape marked by perceived external interference.
While the conference ultimately saw Hon Makebi ZuluZulu secure the party presidency with a decisive 49.2% of the vote, the narrative surrounding Hon Lubinda’s conduct, particularly his acceptance of the outcome, elevates his standing as a champion of democratic values worthy of emulation across the country.
For a considerable period, Hon Lubinda assumed the mantle of leadership for the Patriotic Front at a time when the party faced significant internal fragmentation and external pressure.
His tenure as acting president was defined by the persistent effort to organize a legitimate, free, and fair general conference, a process repeatedly stalled since 2022. These delays were widely attributed to complex internal leadership issues that were arguably exacerbated by interference from the ruling administration.
Despite these headwinds, Hon Lubinda demonstrated persistence in adhering to the foundational democratic requirement of regularizing party leadership through a formal convention.
His commitment to this constitutional process within the party, even when facing considerable obstacles, underscores a deep-seated respect for democratic procedure over personal ambition.
Hon Lubinda’s democratic conduct did not come as a surprise. His extensive career in public service undoubtedly shaped his political character.
Having served in key ministerial portfolios, including Justice, Foreign Affairs, Information and Broadcasting Services, and Agriculture, coupled with two decades as the Member of Parliament for Kabwata Constituency (2001 to 2021), provided him with a comprehensive understanding of governance and the rule of law.
This accumulation of experience, particularly his tenure as Minister of Justice, likely instilled in him a profound appreciation for constitutionalism and procedural fairness.
These roles provided the crucible in which his democratic leadership style was forged, setting him apart from contemporaries who prioritize tenure over principle.
The true measure of a leader’s commitment to democracy is often revealed not when they are winning, but when they are losing.
The PF general conference held on March 21st, 2026, presented Hon Lubinda with such a moment.
By contesting the election and subsequently losing to Hon Makebi Zulu, who secured a dominant electoral victory, Lubinda faced a clear mandate from the party delegates. His immediate concession and congratulation of the victor are actions that transcend mere political courtesy; they represent a conscious endorsement of the democratic outcome.
This willingness to organize a competitive election, participate in it, and respect the results—even after enduring prior attempts to delay the process—is precisely what earns him the accolade for democracy.
This contrasts sharply with the behaviour observed in many political arenas where leaders often cling to power indefinitely, subverting electoral processes to maintain control at all costs.
Hon Lubinda’s conduct serves as a vital corrective narrative in contemporary Zambian politics. In parties where political competition is frequently undermined by incumbent resistance to generational change or internal challenges, his actions provide a template for leadership succession based on merit and democratic consensus.
Hon Lubinda’s demonstrated respect for the democratic process within his own party, irrespective of the personal cost, solidifies his reputation as a seasoned leader dedicated to institutional strength rather than personal dominance.
The PF conference, therefore, was not just a contest for party leadership; it was a public affirmation of democratic resilience, largely due to the conduct of the outgoing acting leader.
We are convinced, that the political journey of Hon Given Lubinda, culminating in his respectful concession following the PF general conference, illustrates the enduring value of democratic temperament in politics. While Hon Makebi Zulu secured the formal presidency, it is Lubinda who arguably secured the moral and democratic high ground. His distinguished public service laid the groundwork for a principled stance, and his final actions ensured that the PF, despite internal struggles, upheld a key democratic ideal.
Matero Member of Parliament MILES SAMPA says no convention has been held by the Patriotic Front -PF.
Mr. SAMPA says the party will only hold a convention once the court order is discharged.
He says the PF remains respectful of the court order, noting that no convention has taken place.
In a voice note released to ZNBC, Mr. SAMPA said this follows a restraining order issued by Kabwe Judge-in-Charge HANCUBWILI LIMBANI.
Meanwhile, Southern African Centre for the Constructive Resolution of Disputes –SACCORD- Executive Director ARTHUR MUYUNDA said the PF will continue to face confusion if it does not follow legal processes.
Mr. MUYUNDA advised PF leaders, including ROBERT CHABINGA, to engage and find a way to resolve their differences.
He said he agrees with Mr. SAMPA that there is a pending court matter to determine the leadership of the Patriotic Front.
Mr. MUYUNDA added that the party’s issues remain before the courts and that attempts to hold a convention have only added to the confusion.
Mudolo rubbishes Makebi victory claims at secret PF convention
CONFUSION continues to roam around the wrangle-plagued PF after social media reports yesterday announced Makebi Zulu as the winner of a secret party convention.
Reacting to the claims, South-Africa based presidential aspirant Willah Mudolo has rubbished the claims, insisting that no lawful PF convention has taken place and that any declaration of victory is invalid.
Mudolo said he only learned about Zulu’s victory from media reports, stating that proper party procedures had not been followed.
“My attention has been drawn to media reports suggesting that Hon. Makebi Zulu has won the Patriotic Front conference,” Mudolo stated.
“I wish to make it absolutely clear that there has been no lawful Patriotic Front convention and any claim to the contrary is null and void.”
He said as a long-serving PF member and Presidential candidate, he knew very well that serious party decisions, including the declaration of winners, are not made through media announcements or unsanctioned gatherings.
Mudolo said he would only consider any such victory valid if it was arrived through a duly constituted PF convention, following the party constitution and proper structures.
“Until the Patriotic Front convention is formally held… no one can claim victory and I remain committed to upholding the constitution and lawful processes of our party,” he added.
This comes after reports indicated that former Eastern Province minister Makebi Zulu topped votes from 110 districts with 49.2 percent, followed by former Health minister Dr. Chitalu Chilufya at 34.1 percent, former Kabwata lawmaker Given Lubinda at 8.7 percent, Chanda Katotobwe at 4.8 percent, Greyford Monde at 1.9 percent and Chishimba Kambwili at 1.4 percent.
Zambia enters tense election stretch as power shifts, pressure builds
Zambia is moving into a critical pre-election period marked by a shift in opposition leadership, rising political tension, and growing social and economic pressure, according to reporting across Daily Nation, News Diggers, The Mast and Sunday Times of Zambia.
The most immediate political development is within the Patriotic Front, where Makebi Zulu has emerged as party president following a decisive convention outcome. The result positions him as a central challenger in the August general election and signals a restructuring of influence within the former ruling party.
The leadership transition has also exposed internal divisions. Given Lubinda has called on former and expelled members to return, framing unity as essential for rebuilding party strength ahead of the polls. Reports from News Diggers also point to heightened tension around the convention, including police presence linked to developments surrounding the process.
At the same time, relations between the opposition and the state remain strained. Daily Nation reports that Brian Mundubile has vowed to continue criticising government despite repeated arrests, while The Mast carries claims from political figures that state institutions are being used to target opposition leaders. News Diggers adds another dimension, with allegations that cyber laws are being applied in ways that affect opposition activity in digital spaces.
Alongside political contestation, structural issues around elections are also emerging. The Electoral Commission’s apology for failing to consult traditional leaders during the delimitation process, reported in News Diggers, has added pressure to an already sensitive exercise. Meanwhile, Sunday Times of Zambia reports proposals to create new constituencies, highlighting how electoral boundaries are becoming a key issue ahead of voting.
A separate but deeply troubling theme across all four publications is the rise in mob violence linked to superstition. Each paper reports the killing of a woman in Kalumbila after accusations related to the alleged disappearance of male private parts. The incident escalated rapidly from a market confrontation into a fatal attack, with police officers injured and suspects arrested. The repetition of this story across newspapers points to a wider concern about misinformation, fear and the breakdown of public order at community level.
Economic and policy debates are also coming into sharper focus. Proposals around a 24-hour economy are being met with caution from both business and policy analysts. While government messaging promotes economic expansion and entrepreneurship, reports in The Mast and News Diggers indicate concerns about infrastructure, security and operational readiness.
Environmental pressure adds another layer to the national outlook. Sunday Times of Zambia highlights the Sino Metals pollution incident, which has prompted a government-led clean-up affecting key water systems linked to the Kafue River. The situation underscores the ongoing balance between mining activity and environmental protection.
At the same time, flooding in parts of the country has displaced families, reinforcing the vulnerability of rural communities to natural disasters and placing additional strain on response systems.
Taken together, reporting across the four publications presents a country entering the election period under multiple pressures. Political realignment within the opposition, tension between state and dissenting voices, structural questions around representation, and ongoing social and environmental challenges are unfolding simultaneously.
The convergence of these developments is shaping the national mood as Zambia approaches a decisive electoral moment.
American stealth jets no longer “invisible” as Iran tests Majid system
A reported encounter between Iran’s Majid air defense system and the F-35 Lightning II is raising serious questions about the future of stealth technology in modern warfare.
Unlike traditional radar-based systems, the Majid is believed to use infrared (heat-seeking) tracking, allowing it to detect aircraft based on their heat signatures rather than radar reflections. This means even advanced stealth jets…designed to evade radar…may still be vulnerable under certain conditions.
Recent reports and viral footage claim Iran may have detected or even targeted an F-35 using passive tracking methods, though these claims remain unverified.
The United States has acknowledged an incident involving an F-35, but has not confirmed any shootdown.
Military analysts say the development highlights a growing shift in global defense strategy…from reliance on radar alone to multi-spectrum detection, combining infrared, optical, and electronic tracking systems.
The takeaway is clear: stealth technology does not make aircraft invisible…it makes them harder to detect. As new systems like Majid evolve, the balance of air superiority could begin to change.
“THEY WANT MY BLOOD!” MALEMA HITS BACK AT SHOCK CLAIMS
Julius Malema has launched a fierce counterattack after explosive allegations at the Madlanga Commission linked him and his party to a controversial list of security companies.
The outspoken Economic Freedom Fighters leader dismissed the claims as “false” and politically driven, insisting he is being targeted by powerful forces. “They want my blood everywhere. They will never have my blood,” he declared defiantly, vowing he will not be shaken.
Malema doubled down on his fighting spirit, reminding critics of past political battles. “I defeated them before. I’m going to defeat them again,” he said, warning that future generations will continue resisting what he called dirty and illegal tactics in politics.
He also rubbished the alleged list entirely, saying no such document had ever reached him. “They will never find us,” he insisted, while distancing his party from any perceived alignment, adding: “We are not fanatics of Mkhwanazi.”
A powerful U.S. military bomber is reportedly en route toward the Middle East, raising fresh fears of escalating conflict in an already volatile region.
The B-52 Stratofortress an iconic long-range aircraft has been described as fully armed with up to 20 bunker-busting munitions, weapons designed to strike deeply fortified targets.
Nicknamed “BUFF,” short for “Big Ugly Fat Fellow,” the aircraft has long symbolised overwhelming air power. Its reported deployment now is being viewed as a stark signal of rising military tension, with Iran believed to be the intended focus.
The development has sparked concern among observers, with many warning that any further escalation could have devastating consequences for civilians on all sides.
As uncertainty grows, questions remain over whether this show of force is a deterrent or the prelude to something far more dangerous.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has declared negotiations with the United States permanently over, citing betrayal and broken promises that destroyed any remaining trust.
In his statement, widely reported from recent interviews: “Negotiations with the Americans are over forever… A bitter experience and betrayal after promises of no attack!
He elaborated: “There is no longer any room for talk with the Americans. They deceived us with promises of no attack, and even after significant progress in negotiations, they decided to attack us regardless. The experience is very bitter, and trust is completely non-existent. Regional war is closing the doors of diplomacy for good!”
The move comes amid the ongoing regional conflict, now in its fourth week, following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets despite earlier diplomatic efforts mediated through Oman.
Araghchi’s words signal Tehran’s firm pivot away from dialogue toward prolonged confrontation, leaving little room for de-escalation under current leadership in Washington.
Iranian General Who Threatened Trump Meets Swift End in Airstrike
An Iranian Air Force brigadier general, Mohsen Darrebaghi, who publicly vowed to assassinate President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has been eliminated in U.S.-Israeli airstrikes.
Darrebaghi, a relative of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and a key figure in Iran’s military logistics, made his threats openly before the current conflict escalated.
His death marks another blow to the regime’s top ranks as American and Israeli forces continue precise strikes against Iranian command structures.
Over a dozen senior officers have already been taken out since late February, disrupting Tehran’s ability to sustain its aggression.
Talk big, get hit hard. The message from Washington and Jerusalem is clear: threats against American leaders and allies come with consequences. No safe havens for those who target our presidents or our allies.
Israel’s Iron Dome Triumph: 92% of Iran’s 400+ Missiles Stopped Cold
Since the war with Iran began on February 28, 2026, the Islamic regime has launched more than 400 ballistic missiles at Israel.
Israel’s multi-layered air defenses—Arrow, David’s Sling, Iron Dome, and allied support—have intercepted approximately 92% of them, according to the IDF.
This remarkable success rate showcases exceptional engineering and operational skill, even as Iran persists with attacks that have caused some injuries and damage in places like Arad and Dimona.
The numbers prove Israel’s defenses remain highly effective against sustained barrages, while Iran’s missile capabilities continue to degrade under joint U.S.-Israeli pressure.
Iran’s Stark Ultimatum to Gulf Neighbors: Stay Neutral or Become Targets
Iran’s Foreign Ministry has issued a blunt warning to Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other Gulf states: do not allow the United States or Israel to use your bases, airspace, or intelligence—even indirectly—against Iran.
Any facilitation will be treated as direct participation in the conflict, making those countries legitimate targets in self-defense.
The message is crystal clear: stay out, or you’re in.
This comes as the US-Israel-Iran war enters its fourth week, with Washington telling Tel Aviv that plans to secure the Strait of Hormuz will take weeks, not days. Iran has already launched waves of missiles and drones at US bases and Gulf infrastructure while partially choking the vital waterway that carries 20% of global oil.
Gulf leaders face an impossible bind—longtime US allies under fire for hosting American forces, yet now explicitly threatened if they lean further into the fight.
Source: Al Jazeera, via Mario Nawfal’s reporting (March 22, 2026).
Iran Issues Stark Warning to the U.S.: “You Have No Idea What Weapons We Are Hiding”
As the U.S.-Israeli air campaign against Iran rages on following the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an Iranian commander and parliament member delivered a blunt message of defiance.
“They have no idea what weapons we’re hiding in our warehouses,” he declared. “The most powerful army in the world shouldn’t have to beg other countries for help.”
The statement, amplified on X by Mario Nawfal alongside fresh footage of Iranian drone launches, underscores Tehran’s claim of superior hidden capabilities and mocks American reliance on allies amid the ongoing conflict.
Iran continues asymmetric retaliation, launching waves of drones and missiles while insisting its full arsenal remains untapped. The regime signals it is far from defeated and prepared to escalate further against superior conventional forces.
The war shows no sign of de-escalation, with both sides trading blows and warnings in a dangerous spiral.
UK Minister: No Evidence Iran Plans Missile Strikes on Europe
Britain’s Cabinet Minister Steve Reed has directly contradicted recent Israeli warnings, telling Reuters there is no intelligence indicating Iran intends to launch missile attacks on European countries.
The statement comes amid heightened Middle East tensions and follows repeated Israeli claims of an imminent Iranian threat extending beyond the region.
Posted by a BRICS-focused account, the message juxtaposes Reed speaking in front of Union Jacks with the Iranian flag, visually underscoring the widening gap between Western intelligence assessments and the alarm bells coming from Tel Aviv.
Bottom line: London sees no credible sign of Iran targeting Europe with missiles—at least not based on what British agencies know right now.
Reza Pahlavi Calls for Surgical Strikes: Hit the Regime Hard, Spare the Iranian People
Exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi, heir to Iran’s pre-revolution monarchy, has issued a clear directive to President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu amid escalating U.S.-Israeli operations against the Islamic Republic.
In a direct appeal posted March 22, 2026, Pahlavi urged continued precision targeting of the regime’s repressive machinery—the IRGC bases, command centers, and tools of terror—while explicitly sparing civilian infrastructure.
“Iran’s civilian infrastructure belongs to the Iranian people and to the future of a free Iran,” he wrote. “The Islamic Republic’s infrastructure is the machinery of repression and terror used to keep that future from becoming reality.”
He emphasized: “Iran must be protected. The regime must be dismantled.”
The statement comes as Trump has threatened to obliterate Iranian energy facilities if Tehran continues blocking the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil. Allies including European nations have pledged support to keep the strait open.
Pahlavi’s message draws a sharp line between the Iranian nation and its current rulers, positioning the ongoing campaign as liberation rather than destruction. He frames the U.S. and Israeli actions as essential support for Iranian patriots working toward regime collapse.
With millions already answering Pahlavi’s earlier calls for defiance—evident in Nowruz celebrations, fire-jumping rituals, and chants of “Long live the Shah”—his latest plea reinforces a strategy of maximum pressure on the mullahs with minimum harm to ordinary Iranians.
The exiled prince’s words offer a roadmap: weaken the oppressors from above, empower the people from within, and preserve the nation’s future assets for the day freedom arrives.
Iran Threatens to Dump US Treasuries in Escalating Showdown with America
Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, delivered a blunt warning: the United States is using its Treasury bonds to fund war, and Tehran is prepared to sell off its holdings in response.
The statement comes as tensions spike over American threats to strike Iranian power infrastructure and Tehran’s repeated pledges to close the Strait of Hormuz, a choke point for roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
Ghalibaf framed US debt as “blood-soaked” and urged global investors to think twice before buying more Treasuries, signaling that Iran views the securities as a legitimate economic target in any wider conflict.
Despite the rhetoric, bond markets barely flinched. The 10-year Treasury yield ticked up modestly to around 4.28 percent, driven more by general inflation and war-risk premiums than by any credible fear of a large-scale Iranian sell-off.
Iran has long used anti-US financial threats as part of its propaganda playbook, but no major Treasury dump has materialized in past confrontations.
For now, the comment looks more like saber-rattling than a concrete policy shift. Still, in a region already on edge, even symbolic moves can keep traders watching closely.
Imagery shows heavy damage in Dimona after reported Iranian hypersonic missile strike
Imagery emerging from Dimona, southern Israel, shows significant damage to buildings and infrastructure following a reported missile strike attributed to Iran
Reports indicate that Iran launched missiles targeting southern Israeli cities, including Dimona and Arad, as part of ongoing military escalation since late February 2026
Some sources claim the use of the Fattah-2 hypersonic missile, reportedly equipped with a hypersonic glide vehicle, with indications that certain projectiles may have penetrated air defense systems
Emergency service data, including from Magen David Adom, suggests that over 100 people were injured, with residential areas heavily impacted and large craters reported within urban zones
The situation remains under close scrutiny, as questions continue over the scale, technology involved, and the potential for further escalation in the region
Paul Biya Has Proposes A New Bill Creating The Position Of Vice President In Cameroon
A new constitutional reform proposal is reportedly being discussed in Cameroon, and it is already raising serious political debate across the country.
According to information circulating in political circles, the bill seeks to amend the constitution to create a Vice President position that would run on the same ticket with the President and assist in managing key state functions.
Under the proposed arrangement, the powerful office of the Secretary General of the Presidency would be placed under the authority of the Vice President. This would significantly reshape the structure of power inside the presidency.
Many analysts say this reform would also further weaken the role of the Prime Minister, turning the position into more of an administrative assistant than a real political authority. Critics argue that the Prime Minister’s office is already limited in power, and this change could make it even more symbolic than it currently is.
Another major concern being raised relates to representation. Observers say that if the Vice President position is not given to someone from the Anglophone regions, it could deepen the feeling of marginalization among English-speaking Cameroonians and push them even further down the hierarchy of national authority.
Some people speculate that the new role could eventually be reserved for an Anglophone as a political balancing move. However, others remain skeptical, arguing that since the Vice President would automatically become the constitutional successor to the President, it is unlikely that the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement would hand such a powerful succession position to an Anglophone anytime soon.
The proposal is already triggering intense discussion about the future of governance, succession, and national unity under the long-serving leadership of Paul Biya.
For many citizens and political observers, the big question now is simple: Is this reform about improving governance, or about controlling who succeeds the president?
Iran’s Longtime Generosity on Hormuz Ends as Tehran Eyes Tolls
For decades, Iran has allowed free passage through the Strait of Hormuz, the vital chokepoint carrying about one-fifth of the world’s oil. No tolls, no fees—despite heavy Western sanctions, constant demonization, and economic isolation.
Meanwhile, other nations routinely charge for their waterways:
– Egypt demands $200,000 to over $1 million for large vessels through the man-made Suez Canal. – Panama extracts $100,000 to $500,000 per transit via its canal. – Turkey levies fees on the Bosphorus. – Canada and the United States collect charges for the St. Lawrence Seaway.
Iran’s Foreign Minister recently highlighted this contrast to push back against portrayals of Tehran as the aggressor in maritime matters.
Now, amid escalating tensions and reports of IRGC enforcement, Iranian lawmakers are openly discussing legislation to impose transit fees—potentially millions per ship for “safe passage.” Some vessels already face selective charges up to $2 million, according to recent statements from parliament members.
The era of one-sided free access may be over. Nations that built and maintain artificial canals profit from them. Why should Iran continue subsidizing global energy flows while under siege? Fairness demands reciprocity—or at least an end to the double standard.
IT’S POLITICAL MISCHIEF – MWAMBA HITS BACK AT MWELWA
Amb Emmanuel Mwamba writes…
I’ve noted a write up done by Dr. Lawrence Mwelwa commenting on the recently held Patriotic Front General Conference.
It is surprising and mere political mischief that Dr. Mwelwa even invited himself to this matter especially if any discernible comparisons were to be done by processes done by the PF and the outfit he speaks for.
What is expected is a congratulatory note from Dr. Mwelwa to the victor of the election than ridicule and scorn.
The write up by Dr.Mwelwa demonstrates a clear faultline and major weakness seen with the Zambian Opposition where its members expend energies on fighting one another than their common political opponent, where they tear down their sister political parties than unite them, where they devote unimaginable time to petty issues than on co-crafting and sharing proposed national policies that can emancipate our country and its people.
Further it seems that Dr. Mwelwa’s analysis was based on a parallel voter tabulation (PVT) screenshot done when a few districts had voted.
Anyway here are some brief facts.
The race was highly competitive as seen by the heavyweights of the party that have previously paid upto K250,000.00 to contest the presidency of the Party.
Adequate notice has constantly been issued to the party structures and the presidential candidates held numerous meetings the weeks preceding the conference to agree on important parameters such as the mode, structure and delegates list of the General conference.
Further the Central Committee has also held numerous meetings to this effect.
The process also had an independent and credible electoral commission.
The delegates were drawn from across the entire country and only 6 districts out of the 116 districts did not participate.
This action was preceded by dispatching printed and numbered ballots sent to every district in the country and independent monitors were included to supervise the process.
It appears that Dr. Mwelwa expected thousands to gather in Lusaka! No Bwana! this was a virtual general conference.
The Patriotic Front under the leadership of Hon. Given Lubinda has tried extremely hard to hold a legal, legitimate, democratic and free and fair General conference since 2022.
The encumbrances especially the legal ones, nearly paralyzed the holding of the conference as seen on Saturday and has previously caused defections and break-aways.
Therefore it must be recognised that the PF leadership has been innovative and recognised the present threat from the ruling UPND whose leadership vowed that they would not allow the Patriotic Front on the ballot in the August 2026 general elections.
It is for this reason that the leadership banded together in unity with other political parties and social formations and Infact adopted a working document that described, defined and elaborated our participation in both political and electoral alliances.
Hence the birth of both United Kwacha Alliance (UKA) and Tonse Alliance.
Dr. Mwelwa knows the genesis of this matter and there has been no hurried process. The outcome speaks to a successful resolve of a longstanding crisis caused by the delay, that has occurred.
On legality of the PF; under these circumstances over the years since it suffered severe state attacks to attempt to deplatform its leadership from the largest political party in the country, steal and destroy it, it has demonstrated resilience and has participated in national activities, held meetings, appointed and disappointed individuals despite not having its status
Under this arrangement, the PF has even won council and parliamentary seats despite its lack of legal status.
All these decisions have been and accepted by major stakeholders.
This General Conference was therefore held under the same atmosphere.
As advised by our President at the time, President Edgar Lungu, and recognizing the country was being ruled by a tyranny with stranglehold of over democratic, wings of government and independent institutions, he advised that we should act more POLITICAL than LEGAL in order to achieve the goals to wrestle power from the UPND and set the nation on a plan to national development.
Is Dr.Mwelwa hopeful that the PF can have a “legal” conference? That this Judiciary will restore Justice due to the PF? And the Party will meet the deadlines spelt out in electoral calendar? It is mischief
MAKEBI ZULU WINS THE PF PRESIDENCY – WHAT I SEE AS HIS AGENDA
Now that he has emerged winner of the PF Presidency, Makebi Zulu must attend to several items.
Let there be legal clarity around the party which includes clearing all court cases and getting the new office bearers entered into the records of the Registrar of Society.
Without legal clarity, the Electoral Commission of Zambia, ECZ, may not accept PF on the ballot paper. And members may be left unguided.
The second order of business must be dedicated to reaching out to Brian Mundubile and by extension his supporters who are essentially PF members.
Makebi Zulu is already on record addressing the need for the two factions to work together.
You don’t want to go into the forthcoming election a divided house.
Third item on the agenda is to consolidate a policy agenda that must be a selling point.
Don’t just react to what UPND has done, clearly state your original policy ideas.
Avoid pedestrian policy arguments by seeking expert advice so you may speak with depth and conviction.
The fourth item on the agenda is to work out a campaign strategy and hit the ground running.
It ll be one hell of a political contest. Hichilema and UPND will throw in everything they’ve got – the advantage of incumbency and their record in office while reminding PF of its record in office.
They ll talk about debt default and party violence with intent to spark fear in the hearts of the voters. Be ready for answers.
On the other hand, UPND will be reminded of the arrests of opposition leaders calling them a sign of a shrinking democratic space.
What am not sure yet is how the opposition wishes to trash the economic record of the UPND and what the alternative is.
For the playing field to be even, Hichilema must order an end to politically-motivated arrests and incarceration of his opponents and critics under the pretext of sedition, hate speech, disinformation and misinformation.
Drop all these cases and allow Ambassador Emmanuel Mwamba to return home so that you face him politically.
This way, elections will be free and fair.
This is exactly what ECL did when he released Hichilema from detention on treason charges.
If he could be released on such serious charges, why can’t Hichilema reciprocate the gesture and face his opponents on an even playing field?
Ruling parties only confine their opponents to jail for one reason – fear of losing an election.
ECL was not afraid. He released Hichilema even when he knew he was the only formidable opponent he faced.
But fairness and a legitimate electoral process required that Hichilema be released from jail.
Does Hichilema have similar moral qualities that must see him do unto others what was done unto him?
The announcement that Makebi Zulu has emerged victorious in a Patriotic Front convention should, in ordinary circumstances, represent closure. Instead, it opens a deeper legal and political puzzle that goes to the heart of legitimacy, process, and authority.
The first question is simple but unavoidable: was this a PF convention in the legal sense, or merely a political gathering conducted under urgency? The PF Constitution anticipates a broad-based delegate conference, often projected into thousands. Yet reports suggest participation was below four hundred. In law, numbers are not cosmetic—they go to the validity of representation. Can such a process claim to reflect the will of the party?
Secondly, there remains the unresolved issue of injunctions. Where a court order restrains party activity, any subsequent meeting held in defiance of that order becomes legally vulnerable. Even if politically convenient, such actions risk being declared null. The question therefore is not who won, but whether the contest itself can survive judicial scrutiny.
Thirdly, the Registrar of Societies becomes central. In Zambian party law, leadership is not confirmed by applause but by registration. Until the Registrar updates records in line with lawful processes, any declared presidency remains politically asserted but legally uncertain. This creates a dangerous duality—power claimed in public, but unrecognized in law.
Then there is the shadow of the pending consent judgment. If the court enforces the agreement restoring PF to its pre-October 2023 leadership structure, the entire foundation of this convention could be retrospectively invalidated. In legal terms, it would be treated as though it never existed.
This leads to a more uncomfortable question: is Makebi Zulu now President of PF, or President of a process that may not legally stand? Leadership derived from a disputed forum carries a burden—it must first prove its own legitimacy before it can claim authority over others.
Politically, the implications are equally serious. A rushed convention, held under legal uncertainty and with limited participation, risks deepening rather than resolving division. Those excluded or unconvinced will not simply disappear; they will contest the outcome, either politically or through the courts.
In that sense, what appears as victory may be a temporary consolidation rather than a definitive settlement. PF’s crisis has never been about the absence of leaders—it has been about the absence of a universally accepted process.
Zambia’s political history offers a clear lesson: parties are not destroyed by losing elections alone. They are weakened when their internal legitimacy collapses, when rules are bent for expediency, and when leadership is declared without consensus.
Makebi Zulu may have won a vote. But the more difficult question remains unanswered—did he win the party?
Until that question is resolved in both law and politics, PF remains not a united organization, but a contested space.
And in contested spaces, titles are announced quickly—but legitimacy arrives slowly, if at all.
ANALYST SAYS MUNDUBILE’S RECENT ARREST MAY BOOST HIS POLITICAL PROFILE AHEAD OF AUGUST POLLS
By Joseph Kaputula
Political Analyst Dr. Euston Chiputa says the recent arrest of Tonse Alliance President Brian Mundubile could ultimately strengthen his political profile and place the ruling UPND at a disadvantage ahead of the August general elections.
Dr. Chiputa argues that the development may attract greater public attention and boost Mr. Mundubile’s popularity among voters, particularly if it is perceived as politically motivated.
Speaking in an interview with Phoenix News, Dr. Chiputa has noted that both local and international observers are likely to question why the ruling party appears to be focusing on Mr. Mundubile.
He cited the experience of president Hakainde Hichilema, whose political support grew following his past incarceration, as an example of how such developments can sometimes work in favour of a politician.
Dr. Chiputa added that while Mr. Mundubile could emerge as a stronger contender in the August polls, his political relevance will ultimately depend on the strength of his campaign message and how he positions himself in the run-up to the election.
On March 19, 2026, Mr. Mundubile, who is also Mporokoso Member of Parliament, was arrested for allegedly aiding, abetting and counselling the commission of hate speech, contrary to the Cyber Security and Cybercrimes Act.
Iran Warns Israel: Any Further Attack Means Widespread Destruction at Home
Tehran has issued a stark warning: any strike on Iranian infrastructure will trigger immediate and widespread destruction across Israel.
The threat comes days after Israel’s unilateral airstrike on March 18 hit facilities tied to the South Pars gas field—the world’s largest natural gas reserve, shared with Qatar.
Netanyahu confirmed the operation happened without U.S. coordination. President Trump quickly distanced Washington, stating the U.S. “knew nothing” and ordering no more such attacks on the field, while warning Iran against hitting Qatari energy sites again.
Iran responded with missile strikes on Gulf energy targets, including Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG complex, causing extensive damage and spiking global oil prices over 15% in hours.
The tit-for-tat has already disrupted regional LNG output and displaced thousands amid fears of broader energy chaos.
BRICS-aligned channels like @BRICSinfo are pushing the narrative of multipolar pushback, but the conflict shows no sign of cooling—Israel calls the war “halfway” done, while sirens continue in both countries.
FORMER COPPERBELT MINISTER RATES UPND’S INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT ON THE COPPERBELT 6 PERCENT
By Raphael Mulenga
Former Copperbelt Minister and Nkana Member of Parliament Mwenya Musenge has rated the current administration’s infrastructure development on the copperbelt at 6 percent, describing the overall delivery as unsatisfactory.
He says the pace and quality of infrastructure projects in the region have not met public expectations.
Mr. Musenge has further described the state of infrastructure delivery as sad, noting that many areas have seen little to no meaningful improvement since the new dawn administration took office, and that this has raised concern among residents who had anticipated significant development
He adds that the much-publicized infrastructure projects being implemented under the constituency development fund -CDF- are not sufficient to address the region’s needs, arguing that despite increased funding towards CDF, the impact on the ground remains minimal.
In an interview with Phoenix News, Mr. Musenge has also accused the UPND of failing to deliver on its promises, saying the current administration has not performed better than the previous government it once criticized.
He has since warned that the perceived failure in infrastructure delivery could have political consequences, stating that voters may reconsider their support for the UPND in the august 13 general elections.
FORGET ABOUT THE OPPOSITION WINNING THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS, ELECTIONS ARE NOT WON LIKE THAT-Has HH even failed that much to lose elections to Mundubile, an incumbent MP? Or to Makebi Zulu, someone who failed to win his Malambo parliamentary seat in 2021 when the whole then incumbent, ECL lost by over 1 million votes? Maybe HH would possibly lose to Fred M’membe, who has never experienced how it feels for a party to have an MP in Parliament-but talks more than he is known. Or, let’s say he will lose to Kalaba who’s still struggling to put his manifesto together?
Fellow netizens, we don’t change leaders for funny….. The opposition has proved itself that it is not ready: 13th August is not a political party convention. To unseat a serving president who has delivered it requires more than seriousness, not these jokes for the sake of democracy. Anyway….
Let’s look at this: Mundubile, no party, but he’s Tonse Alliance president. Yesterday, illegal PF holds an election and elects it’s president: Makebi Zulu. Miles Sampa still waiting for the court’s ruling on 27th March, otherwise not in attendance and rubbishes the convention. Chabinga and Morgan Ng’ona’s team currently, office bearers but very distant from both the above listed factions and party structures. 4 months to go, before August.
Currently, the one who is more confused is not even these aspiring presidential candidates: but, their supporters.
Let’s do a random check…. 1. The economy? Better than it was found.
2. Farmers? Expecting a bumper harvest
3. Employment opportunities?
Gvt has employed more than any government has done since independence: you can use ratios.
4. CDF-increased to above 100%…… etc.
Forget that. Hon. Miles wrote:
21.03.2026 Getting a number of inquiries.
NO. I am neither an attendant nor a participant.
27th March Court Judgement is what I am waiting for as thats what will open our party doors that are currently locked.
Meantime I am currently in Southern province attending to personal family matters.
Thank you for your attention to this important matter🙏🏻
Yours Truely, Miles Bwalya Sampa Kalomo District
What the results from yesterday’s PF convention mean: once the court rules in favor of Hon. Miles Sampa, the fight might now shift to be, between Hon. Makebi Zulu and Hon. Miles Sampa and those who were not in support with Hon. Makebi Zulu’s election.
What are your thoughts about yesterday’s PF convention? Share your thoughts in the comments section 👇
PRESIDENT HICHILEMA ORDERS ARREST OF MOB BEHIND BRUTAL KIL•LING OF CHINGOLA WOMAN
LUSAKA – President Hakainde Hichilema has directed the Zambia Police and other security agencies to conduct thorough investigations into the brutal kill•ing of a woman in Kalumbila, insisting that all those involved be identified, arrested, and prosecuted.
According to a statement issued by State House, the President assured the public that there would be no impunity in the matter and that justice would be served.
The victim, identified as 46-year-old Eneless Kamutumbe, was atta•cked on Friday between 11:00 and 13:00 hours in the Kisasa area after a 25-year-old man, Prince Ntambo, allegedly accused her of causing his manhood to vanish.
Reports indicated that Ntambo raised alarm shortly after encountering the woman at a local market, claiming that his private parts had suddenly disappeared.
The accusation triggered panic among members of the public, who quickly mobilised into a mob and turned on the woman.
Witness accounts suggest that the crowd armed itself with sticks, stones, planks and other objects before repeatedly assa•ulting her.
A concerned member of the public attempted to shield Kamutumbe by hiding her in a nearby house, but the mob is said to have pursued her, dragged her out and continued the atta•ck.
Police officers who responded to the scene were also attacked with stones, making it difficult for them to rescue the victim.
Kamutumbe later succumbed to the injuries sustained during the assa•ult and her body was allegedly dumped along the Mwinilunga–Solwezi Road before it was retrieved by police.
She was taken to Wumi Mini Hospital, where she was pronounced de•ad on arrival.
Her body has since been deposited in the mortuary, awaiting a postmortem.
Police have since arrested eight suspects, including Ntambo, to assist with investigations.
During the incident, three police officers were injur•ed and a police vehicle had its windscreen smashed by the mob.
Reacting to the development, President Hichilema said he was appalled by the brutal ki•lling and stressed that nothing justified mob justice.
He stated that such acts of extrajudicial violence were heinous crimes and would be treated as such under the law.
The Head of State further emphasised that suspected crimes or misdemeanours should always be reported to law enforcement agencies rather than being acted upon by individuals.
He also expressed concern that the crime appeared to have been largely perpetrated by young people, despite continued calls for the upholding of strong family values.
Meanwhile, State House Chief Communications Specialist Clayson Hamasaka said the President had extended his deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Kamutumbe, adding that she deserved better and that justice would ultimately prevail.
Two Lessons To Learn From the Middle East War : Kalaba Schools UPND
The unfolding tensions in the Middle East, particularly around Iran, present not only a geopolitical concern but also a sobering reminder of how global conflicts can quickly translate into local economic disruptions. For Zambia, a country heavily dependent on imported fuel and commodities, the implications are immediate and serious. From this situation, there are two critical lessons that both government and citizens must take to heart.
Lesson One: Lies Have Short Legs
It has become increasingly clear that denying or downplaying potential risks does not make them disappear. The CF has consistently advised government to put a stop to energy export during drought conditions. The answers have sadly been laced with a lot of rhetoric around the country having contractual obligations. In this case citizens will expect the same logic to be applied with fuel suppliers to Zambia.
Responsible governance entails taking proactive measures to address any would be shocks in the market. We do not expect anything less from this self-praising government;
Lesson Two: Government Is Not a Business
A government must never operate as though it is a profit-driven enterprise. Its primary responsibility is to ensure consistent and equitable access to essential goods and services. When profit considerations begin to outweigh the need for stable supply, citizens inevitably bear the cost.
If Indeni Refinery were operating as per original plan, Zambia would be better positioned to utilize its strategic fuel reserves across the country. These storage facilities were not built by accident; they were a deliberate investment, costing millions of dollars, aimed at safeguarding national energy security. Allowing such infrastructure to lie underutilized undermines both past investments and present needs.
The current situation calls for a shift in thinking—from short-term financial calculations to long-term national resilience.
CF Call for Accountability and Action
In light of these realities, we challenge the government to issue a clear and concise ministerial statement outlining the short, medium, and long-term measures being implemented to ensure fuel sufficiency. This is not a call for lengthy rhetoric, but for coherent, actionable interventions that will mitigate the risk of shortages and prevent spiraling commodity prices.
Zambians deserve transparency, preparedness, and leadership that anticipates challenges rather than reacts to crises.
Our Message to Citizens
As we await decisive action from those in authority, we also encourage citizens to take practical steps in managing fuel consumption. Simple measures such as carpooling and efficient travel planning can go a long way in easing demand pressures during uncertain times.
In moments like these, both leadership and citizenship matter. The choices made now will determine how resilient we are in the face of global shocks.
22 Nations Slam Iran’s Blockade of Strait of Hormuz, Vow to Restore Free Navigation
A powerful coalition of 22 countries—led by the United Arab Emirates and including the United States’ key allies like the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Japan, Canada, South Korea, Australia, and Bahrain—has issued a blunt joint statement condemning Iran’s aggressive actions in the Gulf.
The signatories strongly denounce Iran’s attacks on unarmed commercial vessels, strikes on civilian oil and gas infrastructure, and its effective shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery that carries roughly one-fifth of the world’s oil supply.
“We condemn in the strongest terms” these provocations, the statement declares, calling them a direct threat to international law and global energy security. Freedom of navigation through the strait is non-negotiable and enshrined in established maritime rules.
The group expresses deep concern over the escalating conflict and makes clear its readiness to support appropriate measures to reopen the waterway and stabilize energy markets. They urge Iran to immediately halt threats, mine-laying, drone and missile strikes, and any efforts to obstruct commercial shipping.
This unified front—spanning Western powers, Gulf states, and Indo-Pacific partners—sends a firm message: Iran’s reckless disruption of global trade will not stand unchallenged. With oil prices already under pressure and the world watching closely, the statement signals growing international resolve to protect this critical chokepoint.
Iron Dome Betrayed: Israeli Reservist Sells Missile Defense Secrets to Iran for Crypto Pocket Change
AN ISRAELI RESERVIST WAS ARRESTED FOR SELLING IRON DOME SECRETS TO IRAN.
In a stunning security breach that has sent shockwaves through Israel’s defense establishment, 26-year-old Jerusalem reservist Raz Cohen was arrested and indicted this week for espionage after passing highly classified details about the Iron Dome air defense system directly to Iranian intelligence agents.
Serving in a command-and-control unit responsible for the iconic missile shield, Cohen knowingly maintained contact with Iranian handlers for several months via encrypted apps like Telegram, leaking critical data including the system’s firing procedures, interception rates, arming sequences, GPS coordinates of active batteries, and even locations of key Israeli Air Force bases at Hatzerim and Palmachim.
In return, he received a mere $1,000 in cryptocurrency — a paltry sum that underscores how cheaply some vulnerabilities can be exploited amid wartime pressures.
Authorities from the Shin Bet and police’s elite Lahav 433 unit uncovered the plot during a routine reserve call-up, revealing Cohen had also scouted targets for potential assassinations and recruitment on Iran’s behalf.
This arrest exposes the escalating Iranian espionage campaign targeting IDF personnel, with officials reporting a 400% surge in online recruitment attempts since the conflict intensified, especially after recent escalations involving U.S.-Israeli strikes following Iran’s leadership turmoil.
The Iron Dome, which has famously intercepted over 90% of incoming rockets in past Gaza and Lebanon conflicts, saving countless civilian lives, now faces potential countermeasures that could render its radar algorithms and battery placements obsolete — a nightmare scenario for a nation under constant aerial threat.
Cohen’s charges, including “assisting the enemy during wartime” and transmitting info to harm state security, carry life imprisonment or even the death penalty, highlighting Israel’s zero-tolerance stance on internal betrayal at a time when national unity is paramount.
The case serves as a stark reminder that even elite defense systems are only as strong as their human guardians.
Iran Demands Cash from UAE: “You Let the US Bomb Us”
Tehran has fired off a formal letter to the UN Secretary-General, accusing the United Arab Emirates of enabling “US aggression” by allowing American fighter jets to launch strikes on Iranian southern provinces from Emirati soil.
Iran’s UN ambassador branded the UAE’s cooperation an “internationally wrongful act” and is now demanding full reparations — covering material damage plus “moral” compensation.
The move comes amid spiraling Gulf tensions: Iran has unleashed hundreds of missiles and drones on UAE targets in recent weeks, while the Emirates intercept barrages and quietly host deepened US military access.
Fragile economic ties hang in the balance — bilateral trade hit $28 billion in 2024, with half a million Iranians living in the UAE — yet Tehran is turning neighbor into paymaster while actively attacking.
Gulf alliances look shakier than ever as Abu Dhabi weighs US security guarantees against the risk of becoming Iran’s next bullseye.
