The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) on tuesday confirmed the killing of Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of Iran's Basij Unit. According to the Jerusalem Post, Soleimani and his deputy, Seyyed Karishi, were killed in a makeshift tent setup designed to make tracking them difficult, rather than at a known headquarters.

In a post on X, the IDF stated that under Soleimani’s leadership, the Basij Unit used severe violence and force against civilian demonstrators. The IDF said, “Yesterday, the IDF targeted and eliminated Gholamreza Soleimani, who had commanded the Basij unit for six years. Under his leadership, the unit carried out major repression operations in Iran, including widespread arrests, violence, and force against civilians.”

TPS news reported that Israel conducted an overnight airstrike in Iran targeting Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's National Security Council and former top aide to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israeli officials have not confirmed whether Larijani was killed or injured. Larijani is considered a major power broker in Tehran and recently delayed the formal announcement of Mojtaba Khamenei as the next Supreme Leader, underscoring his political influence.

The IDF said the attacks also killed Soleimani in the same wave of operations. Speaking Tuesday morning, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir described the strikes as part of broader Israeli efforts in Iran: “The IDF continues to operate vigorously against multiple targets in Iran. Alongside damaging military and industrial capabilities, we are targeting elements of the Revolutionary Guards and the regime’s repressive apparatus. Last night, significant counter-terrorism achievements were recorded, with the potential to impact the campaign’s objectives and the IDF’s missions,” TPS reported.

Zamir added that operations also targeted figures from Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in Iran, including deputy chief Akram Ajouri and senior operative Muhammad al-Hindi, who had been hiding in Tehran. Ajouri survived a previous Israeli assassination attempt in Syria in 2019. Larijani had reappeared publicly last Friday during Iran’s Jerusalem Day marches, where he criticized U.S. and Israeli pressure: “Trump does not understand that the Iranian people are brave and strong. The more the United States pressures us, the stronger our will becomes. Attacks against Jerusalem Day marches show their desperation,” he said.

Ajouri, closely connected to Iran, manages PIJ’s international operations and finances and has ties to the late Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. These attacks are among the boldest Israeli strikes inside Iran in recent years. While officials have not confirmed whether all objectives were achieved, targeting Larijani signals Israel’s readiness to confront senior political and security figures in Tehran. Analysts warn that these developments may escalate tensions in the Middle East, where both Israel and Iran maintain aggressive regional postures, according to TPS.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from  X/@FDIonline.

The decision to distribute 50 government appointment letters to families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir has been widely welcomed as an important move toward justice and rehabilitation. The initiative, led by Manoj Sinha, aims to provide employment opportunities and long term support to families who have suffered from the impact of terror related violence. Responding to the development, Tasleema Akhter praised the initiative and described it as a meaningful step toward acknowledging the struggles faced by families affected by terrorism in the region.

In a message shared on the social media platform X, Akhter said that she and the entire team of Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir extended their heartfelt congratulations to the Lieutenant Governor for providing government job appointment letters to members of terror victim families. She noted that the initiative represents justice, dignity and recognition of the hardships endured by these families over the years.

Akhter pointed out that the Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir has continuously worked to highlight the challenges faced by such families. She explained that ATVK has raised their concerns from grassroots communities in Kashmir to international platforms, including discussions at the United Nations Human Rights Council.

According to her, seeing these families receive employment opportunities filled the organisation with pride and emotional satisfaction, as it reflects progress toward their rehabilitation and empowerment. She also expressed appreciation to the Narendra Modi and Amit Shah for what she described as their dedication to supporting families affected by terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

Akhter stated that the initiative delivers a strong message that the pain and sacrifices of innocent victims will not be ignored. She added that providing jobs to members of affected families not only ensures economic support but also serves as a mark of respect for their resilience and strength. The Association of Terror Victims in Kashmir described the development as a historic step that demonstrates the nation's solidarity with victims of terrorism and their families.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@tasleemakashmir.

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.

The Prime Minister assures that the UK will not be pulled into a broader Middle East conflict and promises help for households struggling with heating oil costs. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s measures to support people amid the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the war. Additionally, there’s a focus on Brussels, where the government is working on another EU reset to strengthen ties.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

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.