Pete Hegseth stated on Wednesday that Donald Trump has firmly declared that the United States will not permit Iran to develop nuclear weapons. Speaking at the swearing-in ceremony for the Secretary of Homeland Security, Hegseth claimed that, for the first time in history, Iran’s military had been destroyed with unprecedented speed and force.

He emphasized that a modern military like Iran’s had never before been so swiftly and decisively defeated, describing the use of overwhelming firepower from the outset. He added that the US remains committed to maintaining pressure to ensure Iran never gains nuclear capability, in line with the president’s directives.

Trump argued that if he had not withdrawn from the 2015 nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, Iran would have already developed nuclear weapons. He claimed that his administration effectively dismantled Iran’s nuclear potential. The agreement had originally been made between Iran and the P5+1 nations, which include the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.

Trump also mentioned that several key figures, including JD Vance, Marco Rubio, Jared Kushner, and Steve Witkoff, are involved in ongoing discussions related to Iran. He further asserted that the US has achieved victory, stating that Iran’s naval and air forces have been completely destroyed.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Chinese state-owned refiners have started considering purchases of Iranian crude following a US waiver that allows the sale of some oil already loaded onto tankers, aimed at curbing price spikes caused by the West Asia conflict, according to sources familiar with the matter. Representatives from the National Iranian Oil Company and intermediary traders have also discreetly approached potential buyers among these and other Asian refiners. The sources spoke anonymously because the discussions are private.

Iran used to be a major supplier to Asian countries such as South Korea and Japan before US sanctions tightened. China remains Tehran’s most significant customer, providing essential financial support, though smaller private refiners typically handle these purchases due to lower exposure to global markets. Large state-owned companies have largely avoided Iranian crude, wary of potential US sanctions.

The US Treasury’s recent one-month waiver on seaborne Iranian oil mirrors similar measures taken to ease access to Russian oil, as the White House seeks to relieve supply shortages and stabilize global prices. While the waiver theoretically expands the pool of potential buyers, new entrants in China and elsewhere are carefully evaluating how to navigate purchases amid ongoing restrictions, including limits on Iran’s access to the international financial system. Another challenge is securing compliant shipping capable of transporting Iranian barrels.

Shipowners unfamiliar with Iranian crude are awaiting further guidance and have voiced concerns about potential hidden sanctions risks when dealing with intermediaries in the market, according to Karnan Thirupathy, sanctions expert and partner at Kennedys Law LLP. “There is significant uncertainty about the trade and about what will happen after April 19 if transactions are not completed,” Thirupathy said.

Even experienced intermediaries in the sanctioned oil sector are closely reviewing the waiver’s details to ensure compliance and avoid penalties, the sources added. Without clear guidance, the buyers of the already loaded seaborne oil are unlikely to change. The price of Iranian crude sold to China has already risen. Iranian Light crude is now being offered at a small premium to ICE Brent as suppliers gauge market demand, compared to discounts exceeding $10 per barrel last month.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from PTI.

Following Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney’s visit to India, which marked a significant improvement in previously strained India-Canada relations, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police has stated that there is currently no threat to Canadians from individuals linked to the Indian government. Relations had deteriorated earlier after former Prime Minister Justin Trudeau associated India with the killing of NIA-designated terrorist Hardeep Nijjar.

In an interview with CTV, RCMP Commissioner Mike Duheme explained that earlier statements made in 2024 were based on the information available during an ongoing criminal investigation at that time. He clarified that while there were previous suggestions of involvement by government-linked agents or proxies, current findings do not clearly connect such activities to any foreign state. According to him, instances of transnational repression do not always point to a foreign entity.

Duheme emphasized that the RCMP treats such matters seriously and works closely with law enforcement agencies nationwide to ensure a coordinated response. He encouraged the public to report any suspicious activities, acknowledging that fear may sometimes prevent people from coming forward.

Addressing safety concerns within South Asian communities after the return of Indian diplomats, he reiterated that ongoing investigations have not established any link between harassment or intimidation cases and a foreign government. While incidents of intimidation and harassment do exist, no evidence currently ties them directly to India.

Speaking about the Bishnoi gang, which has been associated with extortion cases in cities like Surrey, Brampton, and Calgary, Duheme noted that not all such cases are connected to the group. He added that some individuals may misuse the gang’s name. The RCMP has set up a national coordination centre to better track and connect such cases. Importantly, no confirmed links have been found between the gang’s activities and the Indian government. These statements reflect improving diplomatic ties between India and Canada after tensions that arose in 2023, with both countries now making efforts to restore normal relations.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@CommrRCMPGRC.

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.

Journalist and author of The Lasting Harm, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, discusses the grooming strategies used by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking to Annie Kelly, Lucia emphasizes that Epstein isn’t unique or mysterious. “Viewing him as special distracts from the reality,” she says. “There are many others like him. These abuses occur in communities and institutions worldwide, following the same patterns repeatedly.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

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.