The United States military announced on Friday, March 13, that it has intensified its investigation into the devastating February 28 strike on an Iranian girls' school after media reports indicated that early findings suggest US forces were likely responsible. Iran reported that the attack on the Shajareh Tayyebeh School resulted in the deaths of 168 children. If confirmed that US forces caused the strike, it would be among the deadliest incidents involving civilian casualties during decades of US military operations in the Middle East. Reuters first revealed the initial results of the investigation on March 5.

Due to the seriousness of the issue, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth declined to discuss the preliminary findings. He stated that the government would not allow media coverage to influence or pressure officials into making conclusions about what occurred. Hegseth explained that a higher-level investigation will be conducted by a US general officer who is not part of US Central Command, the command responsible for operations involving Iran. Such an approach is typically used by the US military to maintain independence and objectivity in sensitive investigations.

He told reporters at the Pentagon that the command investigation would continue as long as needed to examine all circumstances surrounding the incident. Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader addressed the nation on Thursday and blamed foreign enemies for the school attack but did not directly accuse the United States. Three US officials told Reuters that the investigation referenced by Hegseth is an administrative inquiry known as a "15-6" investigation. This type of probe can lead to disciplinary measures if wrongdoing is confirmed and typically involves sworn testimony and interviews with those connected to the event. The officials spoke anonymously because they were discussing internal military procedures.

Admiral Brad Cooper, head of US Central Command, ordered the 15-6 investigation last week following the completion of the initial review. According to one official, an external officer was assigned to lead the investigation on Thursday. The decision to initiate a deeper investigation reflects the significant concern about the possibility that US forces may have been responsible for the tragedy and the need to fully understand how it happened.

Annie Shiel, the US advocacy director for the Center for Civilians in Conflict, said the investigation suggests there is recognition that an error may have occurred and that authorities want to determine the cause. It remains uncertain how US forces might have struck the school. Early findings indicate that outdated targeting information may have been used, possibly failing to distinguish between the school and a nearby Iranian military base in the southern town of Minab.

Video footage and other evidence suggest that a Tomahawk cruise missile may have hit the building. This highly advanced precision weapon is possessed by only a small number of countries, including the United States. The investigation is ongoing despite earlier remarks from President Donald Trump, who initially questioned whether the US could have been involved. His comments caused concern among some defence officials about whether he would accept responsibility if the US was found to be at fault.

At first, Trump suggested, without evidence, that Iran itself might have carried out the attack and even claimed that Tehran might possess Tomahawk missiles, which military experts say is highly unlikely. On Monday Trump publicly stated that he would accept the conclusions of the investigation, saying he was prepared to accept whatever the final report determined.

A second US official said Trump's comments indicated he may now be more willing to accept the initial findings. The official also noted that the public attention surrounding the investigation could make it politically difficult for Trump to reject the results once the probe is completed. The official added that the decision to launch a 15-6 investigation shows the administration considers the matter very serious, as the process will carefully examine what went wrong and how similar incidents can be prevented in the future.

A visual investigation conducted by Reuters and published Thursday revealed that the school had maintained an online presence for several years, including numerous photographs showing students and school activities. The Shajareh Tayyebeh School is one of 59 schools operated by the Persian Gulf Martyrs' Cultural Educational Institute, a network linked to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, according to archived versions of the organization’s website. Images from the school's website show students gathered in the courtyard, which matches verified footage taken outside the building after the strike occurred. Satellite images from mid-2015 show that the building was separated by walls from the nearby military base and appears to have been functioning as a school since at least 2018, when murals first appeared on its outer walls.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has claimed responsibility for a missile strike on a United States military facility in northern Iraq, according to Al Jazeera. In a statement, the IRGC’s public relations department said the attack targeted the US Army headquarters at Harir Air Base in Erbil, located in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. The group stated that five missiles were fired at the site during the operation. The strike marks a sharp escalation in regional tensions. Harir Air Base is an important base used by international coalition forces, and targeting it signals a direct challenge to US military operations in the region.

Earlier on Tuesday, tensions also affected diplomatic sites when a drone strike targeted a mission of the United Arab Emirates in the Kurdish region of Iraq. The attack caused structural damage to the UAE’s consulate building, though officials reported that no casualties occurred. The incident came just hours after the UAE expressed frustration about being drawn into the conflict, stating it was being targeted unfairly despite not taking part in attacks against Iran.

Regional tensions have been rising since joint US and Israeli military actions against Iran began on February 28. In response to the drone strike, the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident, calling it a dangerous escalation that threatens regional stability. The ministry also stressed that attacks on diplomatic missions violate international laws and norms. However, officials did not identify who launched the drone.

On Monday, the UAE had already lodged a complaint saying it did not want to become involved in the conflict and had not participated in any operations against Iran. Amid the growing instability, Australia announced it would deploy military assets to support the UAE’s defensive capabilities. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said missiles and aircraft would be sent to the region as a precaution. He explained that the move was aimed at protecting Australians in the area and assisting partners in the UAE.

As part of the deployment, Australia will send a Boeing-built E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft, which is expected to operate for an initial four weeks to help monitor and safeguard airspace over Gulf countries. Albanese also confirmed that advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles would be supplied to the UAE after a discussion with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

The broader conflict has now continued for more than ten days. On Monday, US President Donald Trump suggested the military campaign might soon come to an end. He said the operation was intended to eliminate threats and could help bring down oil and gas prices for American families. Later, Trump described the US military actions in Iran as a temporary operation, referring to it as a short-term mission aimed at addressing regional security concerns.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

India has sent a humanitarian shipment of 1,000 metric tons of rice to Malawi to help the country address food shortages caused by drought linked to the El Niño climate phenomenon. This aid underscores India’s ongoing commitment to supporting developing nations and fostering cooperation within the Global South. The rice was dispatched from Nhava Sheva Port in Maharashtra and aims to provide immediate relief to Malawian communities affected by severe drought and crop failures.

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted the initiative on X, stating, “India-Malawi partnership for food security. To support Malawi’s efforts following the drought caused by the El Niño effect, India has sent a humanitarian consignment of 1,000 metric tons of rice from Nhava Sheva Port to the people of Malawi. This reiterates India’s commitment to assisting partners in the Global South and promoting South-South cooperation.”

The El Niño weather pattern has disrupted rainfall across parts of southern Africa, including Malawi, reducing agricultural output and increasing food insecurity. El Niño occurs when sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific Ocean become warmer than usual, weakening trade winds and altering global weather patterns. While it can bring heavy rains and flooding to South America and the southern United States, regions like Australia, Indonesia, and India often face droughts. The phenomenon occurs every two to seven years, lasting several months, and has wide-ranging impacts on agriculture, fisheries, and ecosystems worldwide. Malawi, a landlocked country in southeastern Africa, depends heavily on agriculture for food security and economic stability. Prolonged dry spells associated with El Niño have severely affected maize production, the nation’s staple crop, leaving millions at risk of food shortages.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from @MEAIndia.

President Donald Trump shrugged off soaring oil prices tied to the escalating U.S.-Iran military operation, likening his stance to a gritty movie moment from Rocky IV with a no-nonsense quip: "If they rise, they rise." Speaking to reporters this week, Trump doubled down on "Operation Epic Fury," the joint U.S.-Israeli strikes hammering Iran's nuclear facilities and missile program after stalled talks broke down. The president, fresh off his 2025 reelection, framed the short-term energy pinch as a necessary trade-off for long-term security, vowing prices would plummet once the job's done—potentially in four to five weeks.

Global crude benchmarks have rocketed, with Brent crude topping $81 a barrel (up over 9%) and West Texas Intermediate (WTI) nearing $77—its highest in a year—on panic over the Strait of Hormuz, through which 20% of the world's oil supply passes daily. U.S. gasoline prices have surged past $3 per gallon nationwide, stirring memories of past Middle East flare-ups like the 2019 drone incident that briefly spiked costs.

The White House is eyeing U.S. Navy escorts for oil tankers and expanded risk insurance to steady flows, holding off on tapping the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for now. Analysts warn prolonged conflict could fuel inflation and dent consumer wallets right before midterms, echoing the 1970s oil crises that battered economies.

Trump's team argues the operation neutralizes Iran's naval threats, securing the Hormuz route and paving the way for stable, lower prices post-conflict. A weakened or restructured Iran could even boost transparent oil exports, flooding markets and countering recent spikes. For American drivers, it's a tough pill—higher pump prices now for a shot at energy dominance later.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from NDTV.

After days of uncertainty, five members of the Iranian women’s football team were officially granted protection in Australia by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke early Tuesday morning. The remaining players are still being monitored by officials as they make their way to the airport, with the possibility of returning to Iran. Women’s football journalist Samantha Lewis talks with Nour Haydar about the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensured the women could stay in Australia, the prospects for other players, and what the next steps might be.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

President Donald Trump’s State of the Union address showcased America’s economic successes and ambitious promises, projecting a confident vision for the nation’s future. But how accurate are these claims, and what issues still linger? Hairianto Diman and Elakeyaa Selvaraji analyze the main themes and their potential implications for the country’s future, with insights from Steven Okun, CEO of APAC Advisors.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

On Saturday (14 Feb), hundreds of thousands joined global protests against the Iranian government. Daniel Martin talks with Malminderjit Singh, Founder and MD of Terra Corporate Affairs.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from CNA.

When Donald Trump returned to the White House last year, he pledged to eliminate what he called “woke” culture in America. From the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts to the Smithsonian Institution and the Stonewall National Monument, his administration has sought to reshape American cultural institutions and historical narratives to reflect its own priorities. Jonathan Freedland and the Guardian’s Washington bureau chief, David Smith, examine how Trump’s efforts to recast history and culture in his own image could affect millions of Americans.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.