Iranian state media outlet Press TV reported on Friday that Brigadier General Ali Mohammad Naeini, spokesperson for the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), was killed in US-Israeli strikes. This follows a series of targeted attacks on Iran’s top officials since the death of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.

On Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the killing of Esmaeil Khatib, Iran’s Minister of Intelligence. The IDF claimed Khatib had targeted Iranian citizens during the Mahsa Amini protests (2022–2023) and had led operations against Israelis and Americans worldwide. In a post on X, the IDF stated that Khatib “played a significant role during recent protests, including the arrest and killing of protesters, and led terrorist activities globally.”

Iranian security chief Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij paramilitary force, were also killed in Israeli airstrikes on Tuesday. Iranian lawmaker Pezeshkian condemned the killings, calling them “cowardly assassinations” and expressed that the loss leaves the nation “heartbroken,” but vowed that their “path will continue stronger than before,” according to Al Jazeera.

Larijani, 67, a close associate of the late Khamenei and his successor Mojtaba Khamenei, was the highest-ranking Tehran official killed since the conflict began 19 days ago. Soleimani, who led internal security forces for six years, was seen as a key figure in Iran’s military response. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said this week that Iran’s political structure remains strong and resilient, despite the deaths of key figures. He emphasized that the absence of any individual does not weaken the country’s political system, noting that Iran has solid political, economic, and social institutions. Araghchi also referenced the earlier death of Ayatollah Khamenei, stating that the system continued to function despite the loss.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi arrived in Washington on Thursday for crucial talks with US President Donald Trump, aiming to reinforce Japan’s role as a key US partner in Asia amid rising tensions in West Asia due to the Iran conflict, according to Japanese media. Before departing Tokyo for her three-day visit, Takaichi said she intends to strengthen bilateral ties on security and economic matters. Japan, a major US ally, is also expected to propose fresh investments linked to a $550 billion trade agreement signed last year.

She warned that global stability is under threat, particularly due to risks to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and energy security, noting that prolonged instability would negatively impact Japan, the US, and the global economy. In a message shared before departure, Takaichi emphasized her goal of deepening cooperation across sectors and reaffirming both nations’ commitment to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific strategy.

This marks her first visit to Washington since taking office in October 2025. She previously met Trump in Tokyo soon after becoming Japan’s first female prime minister, following her party’s major electoral victory earlier this year. Reports indicate Trump will host her for talks, followed by a working lunch and dinner at the White House. Her visit comes amid ongoing conflict involving the US, Israel, and Iran, and recent comments by Trump suggesting the US does not require assistance from allies in securing the Strait of Hormuz.

While Japan has not directly addressed US-Israeli actions, it has criticized Iran for attacks causing civilian casualties. As a country heavily reliant on oil imports, Japan is already facing rising energy costs and supply disruptions due to tensions in the region. The government has begun releasing strategic oil reserves and plans subsidies to ease the impact. Japan has traditionally maintained balanced relations in the Middle East and is limited in overseas military action by its post-war constitution.

The visit also takes place amid heightened tensions with China following Takaichi’s remarks that a potential Chinese move against Taiwan could threaten Japan’s survival, potentially triggering collective self-defense measures. A recent US intelligence report noted increasing China-Japan tensions since late 2025, with Beijing responding through diplomatic pressure, economic measures, and increased military activity near disputed areas like the Senkaku Islands, raising concerns about possible escalation. Trump has postponed a planned visit to China to meet President Xi Jinping, stating the trip is being rescheduled for late April.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Nine human rights organizations have written to Bangladesh Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, urging his new government to prioritize human rights on its agenda. In their letter, published today, the groups acknowledged that while Rahman and his Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) face multiple pressing challenges, they have a chance to establish lasting protections for human rights.

Rahman assumed office after a decisive election win in February, conducted under an interim government that had replaced the 15-year administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who was ousted in 2024 following mass protests. While Hasina’s tenure saw widespread human rights abuses—including enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings—the interim government continued to detain political opponents arbitrarily and failed to curb mob violence targeting journalists, religious minorities, and cultural centers, according to Human Rights Watch (HRW).

“Tarique Rahman has been entrusted with a broad mandate to deliver change, supported by many Bangladeshis who risked their lives to remove an autocratic regime,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW’s deputy Asia director. “Achieving success will require meaningful reforms to ensure independent institutions uphold the rule of law and accountability, alongside genuine commitment to freedoms such as religion and expression.”

The letter outlined key priorities, including ending arbitrary detention, holding perpetrators of past abuses accountable, dismantling the abusive Rapid Action Battalion, and safeguarding ethnic and religious minorities. The groups also called on the government to protect the rights of over a million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh and to establish a strong, independent National Human Rights Commission, providing detailed policy and legislative recommendations.

During the election campaign, the BNP pledged to protect a wide range of rights, including economic rights, by boosting support for health, education, environmental protections, and social security. The nine organizations behind the letter are Amnesty International, Article 19, CPJ, CIVICUS, FIDH, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Kennedy Human Rights Center, and Techglobal Institute.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@trahmanbnp.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged full solidarity and support for Saudi Arabia during a visit to the kingdom on Thursday, as Islamabad increased diplomatic efforts in the Gulf to help calm the expanding regional conflict. Sharif traveled to Jeddah and met with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, according to a statement from the prime minister’s office. During the meeting, Sharif reaffirmed that Pakistan would always stand firmly with Saudi Arabia and work together with the kingdom to promote peace and stability in the region.

The trip took place a day after Sharif spoke with Iran’s president regarding the worsening situation in the Middle East. Iran has been launching repeated missile attacks on several Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, as part of its conflict involving Israel and the United States. The escalation has pushed oil prices higher and disrupted global energy supply chains.

Pakistani officials say Islamabad has been stepping up diplomatic initiatives aimed at mediating the conflict and preventing further escalation. These efforts are complicated by a mutual defense agreement signed between Pakistan and Saudi Arabia last year. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Tahir Hussain Andrabi said Sharif’s visit should be viewed within the broader context of Pakistan’s attempts to encourage an early end to violence and hostilities in the region. He made the remarks during a weekly briefing in Islamabad on Thursday.

Rashid Ahmad Khan, an international relations expert based in Lahore, said it is very unlikely that Pakistan would launch a military strike against Iran in response to its attacks on Saudi Arabia. Pakistan has a large Shiite Muslim population that maintains religious and cultural ties with Iran, and protests erupted in several cities, including Karachi, following the killing of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khan noted that Pakistan could still assist Saudi Arabia by helping defend against drone attacks and providing technical military support within Saudi territory.

Sharif’s spokesperson Mosharraf Zaidi said in an interview with Bloomberg TV that Pakistan would unquestionably support Saudi Arabia if needed. He emphasized that the key focus for Pakistan is ensuring the conflict does not escalate to the point where regional stability and prosperity are severely threatened. Also attending the meeting in Saudi Arabia were Pakistan’s top military official, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, and Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, according to the prime minister’s office.

The Saudi visit followed a phone conversation between Sharif and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday, indicating ongoing diplomatic contacts aimed at resolving the crisis. Pezeshkian said that any potential ceasefire would require assurances against future attacks, a message he had also communicated to the leaders of Russia and Pakistan.

During his call with Pezeshkian, Sharif expressed hope that Iran would experience peace, stability, and prosperity in the years ahead, according to Andrabi. Zaidi said Sharif has been regularly communicating with Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto regarding efforts to promote peace. Indonesia has offered to mediate in the conflict, with Prabowo proposing a possible visit to Iran. Prabowo previously indicated that Sharif might accompany him on a trip to Tehran, according to Jimly Asshiddiqie, chairman of the advisory council of the Indonesian Muslim Intellectuals Association.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Bloomberg.

Southeast Asia’s largest conglomerates have traditionally been viewed as the backbone of the region’s economy. However, a recent report by global consulting firm Bain & Company indicates that this model is facing significant challenges. Specialized competitors are encroaching on their markets, and many of these corporate giants are finding it hard to stay competitive. The question now is whether Asia’s major conglomerates need to reinvent themselves — and if they can. Andrea Heng and Susan Ng discuss this with Amanda Chin, Partner at Bain & Company.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

The Middle East conflict is intensifying rapidly, with reports of casualties and damage in at least nine countries within just 10 hours. Israeli and US aircraft have carried out new strikes across Iran, while Iranian missiles and drones target US-allied Gulf states. Nosheen Iqbal talks with Jamie Wilson, the Guardian’s head of international news – watch the discussion on YouTube.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The Middle East is at a pivotal moment after the reported death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in strikes by the U.S. and Israel. Retaliatory attacks have followed on both sides, sparking concerns about wider regional instability. Nations across the globe are urging calm, dialogue, and diplomatic efforts as tensions escalate. Andrea Heng and Hairianto Diman discuss the latest updates with Dr. Peter Layton, Visiting Fellow at the Griffith Asia Institute, Griffith University.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

In his first remarks following the arrest of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described the former prince’s situation as an extraordinary fall from grace. Although Albanese supports a republican Australia, he stated that this scandal would not trigger another referendum. Speaking with Guardian Australia’s political editor Tom McIlroy, the PM also criticized Pauline Hanson’s remarks about Muslim Australians and addressed the potential return of the 34 wives and children of Australian Islamic State fighters currently in Syria.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.