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Centuries-old tradition ends as Parliament votes to remove hereditary aristocrats from the upper chamberBritain is set to end one of the oldest traditions in its political system after Parliament voted to remove hereditary nobles from the country’s upper legislative chamber. Members of the House of Lords agreed this week to stop blocking legislation passed by the House of Commons that will remove dozens of hereditary aristocrats who inherited seats in Parliament along with their titles. The move marks the final stage of a reform process that began more than two decades ago and will bring to an end a system that has existed for around 700 years. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. Government ministers say the change is designed to make Britain’s legislature more democratic and merit-based. Ending an “archaic” systemNick Thomas-Symonds, a senior government minister, said the reform ends what he described as an outdated political principle. “Our parliament should always be a place where talents are recognized and merit counts,” he said. “It should never be a gallery of old boys’ networks, nor a place where titles, many of which were handed out centuries ago, hold power over the will of the people.” Historically, members of the House of Lords included bishops, appointed life peers and hereditary nobles such as dukes, earls and viscounts. The hereditary peers inherited their seats through aristocratic titles passed down through generations. Critics have long argued that allowing unelected aristocrats to sit in Parliament is incompatible with modern democracy. Reform decades in the makingMajor reforms to the House of Lords began in 1999, when most hereditary peers were removed from the chamber. However, a small number remained, allowing them to continue participating in legislative debates and votes. It was another 25 years before the government of Keir Starmer introduced legislation to remove the remaining hereditary members. The change will take effect once Charles III grants royal assent to the bill — a largely ceremonial step that formally turns legislation into law. The remaining hereditary peers are expected to leave the chamber at the end of the current parliamentary session this spring. Some compromises were made during negotiations, including provisions allowing a limited number of hereditary members to remain by being converted into appointed “life peers.” Scrutiny role remains importantDespite criticism, the House of Lords plays a significant role in Britain’s legislative process. The chamber reviews and scrutinizes laws passed by the House of Commons, often suggesting amendments and raising concerns about proposed legislation. Supporters say its members often bring expertise from fields such as law, science and business, allowing the chamber to provide detailed examination of complex policies. However, critics argue that the body remains too large and insufficiently accountable to the public. Renewed scrutiny after political controversyDebate about reforming the Lords intensified earlier this year following controversy surrounding Peter Mandelson, who resigned from the chamber after revelations about his past friendship with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The case renewed attention on the behavior and accountability of members within the unelected chamber. While Mandelson’s resignation was not directly related to hereditary peers, it added pressure for broader institutional reform. Future reforms still uncertainThe Labour government has said it ultimately wants to replace the House of Lords with a second chamber that is more representative of the United Kingdom. However, previous attempts at major constitutional reform have progressed slowly. Nicholas True, the opposition Conservative leader in the House of Lords, acknowledged the end of a long tradition but defended the historical role played by hereditary peers. “So, here we are at the end of well over seven centuries of service by hereditary peers in this Parliament,” he told fellow lawmakers. “Many thousands of peers served their nation here and thousands of improvements to law were made.” While the system may soon disappear, True argued that many hereditary peers had served the country faithfully. The change nevertheless marks a historic turning point for Britain’s political institutions, closing a chapter that stretches back to the medieval origins of Parliament. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026 View full article

Unexplained outages across Russia’s capital raise concerns about new Kremlin controls over the web Unexplained internet disruptions in Moscow have sparked growing concern that the Kremlin is testing new tools to tighten control over Russia’s online space. Residents in central Moscow and other major cities say they have experienced widespread problems accessing mobile internet services over the past week. Many reported being unable to open websites or messaging apps, while others said their phones lost service entirely. The outages have forced some people to rely on older communication methods, including walkie-talkies and pagers, as the disruptions affect everyday activities such as ordering taxis, contacting family members and sending work messages. The government has acknowledged the outages but offered few details about their purpose or duration. Kremlin cites “security” reasonsOfficials in Moscow said the disruptions were introduced to improve security. The Kremlin said the restrictions would remain in place “as long as additional measures are necessary,” without providing further explanation. Internet shutdowns have become more common across Russia since the start of the war in Ukraine, though previous disruptions have usually affected border regions or areas near military activity rather than the country’s capital. Now, however, the outages appear to be affecting large parts of Moscow’s city centre and other major urban areas. Users in St Petersburg have also reported problems accessing mobile networks and internet services. Possible “whitelist” internet systemHuman rights groups and technology experts believe the shutdowns may be linked to testing a new “whitelist” system that would restrict internet access to a limited number of approved websites. Under such a system, only government-authorised services would remain available. Officials have previously said the approved list would include essential services such as online marketplaces, delivery platforms and digital pharmacies. Critics warn the system would significantly limit Russians’ access to independent news sites and foreign platforms. Internet restrictions in Russia have intensified in recent years. Authorities have already blocked several major international platforms, including WhatsApp, Facebook and YouTube. There is also speculation that Telegram, one of the country’s most widely used messaging apps, could face new restrictions. Economic disruption across the capitalThe outages are also affecting businesses across Moscow. Courier services, taxi platforms and retailers that depend on mobile internet have been particularly hard hit. Russia’s business newspaper Kommersant estimated that companies in Moscow could lose around one billion roubles — about £9.4 million — each day the shutdown continues. Even lawmakers have been affected. Deputies in Russia’s lower house of parliament, the State Duma, complained that mobile networks and Wi-Fi connections inside the building were no longer functioning. Without internet access, many lawmakers said they were effectively cut off from the outside world. Russians turn to older communication toolsFaced with the disruptions, many residents have begun using older communication devices. Data from the e-commerce platform Wildberries shows a sharp rise in sales of walkie-talkies and pagers. According to Russian media reports, walkie-talkie sales increased by about 27%, while demand for pagers rose by 73%. Sales of paper maps of Moscow have also surged as people struggle to use navigation apps. Push toward state-backed “super-app”At the same time as the outages, Russian authorities are encouraging citizens to adopt a new state-supported mobile platform called Max. The app has been compared to China’s WeChat and is expected to combine messaging, payments and government services in one platform. Critics say the app could allow security agencies to monitor communications more closely. Meanwhile, a Russian lawmaker recently said authorities may soon gain the ability to restrict virtual private network (VPN) traffic — one of the few tools still used by Russians to bypass blocked websites. If implemented, such measures could further isolate Russia’s internet from the wider global web. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026 View full article

No serious casualties reported at Temple Israel as authorities investigate explosives found in suspect’s vehicle A suspect died after driving a vehicle into a synagogue in Michigan on Thursday, breaching the building before being confronted by security staff. Authorities say no serious injuries were reported in the incident. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. The attack took place at Temple Israel, where the suspect reportedly drove through the entrance and down a hallway inside the building. Michael Bouchard said the suspect was found dead inside the vehicle. Authorities have not yet determined whether the individual was shot by synagogue security personnel or died by suicide. “He breached the building, drove down the hall and was engaged by security,” Bouchard told reporters. “It’s hard to say how fast. He was traveling with purpose down the hall from what we can see on the video.” Explosives found in vehicleOfficials said explosives were reportedly discovered inside the suspect’s vehicle. Bomb detection dogs and a state bomb squad were deployed to examine the car and ensure no additional devices were present. Law enforcement quickly evacuated a school located within the synagogue complex. “The important thing is that no kids and no staff were injured whatsoever,” Bouchard said. “Everybody has been moved out safely.” Authorities urged the public to remain calm as the situation was brought under control. “So we want people to take a breath,” the sheriff said. “No one was hurt. Security did their job, and the responders did theirs.” FBI joins investigationThe Federal Bureau of Investigation confirmed it had sent agents to assist local authorities. FBI Director Kash Patel said federal personnel were responding alongside Michigan officials to what appeared to be a vehicle ramming and possible active shooter situation. Emergency vehicles, including a bomb squad unit, were seen arriving at the scene as dozens of police cars gathered outside the synagogue. Leaders condemn the attackAt the White House, Donald Trump said he had been fully briefed and expressed support for the local Jewish community. “I send love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in the Detroit area following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today,” Trump said. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she was monitoring the situation closely. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace,” Whitmer wrote on social media. “Antisemitism and violence have no place in Michigan.” Jewish organizations across Detroit were advised to enter lockdown as a precaution, according to the Jewish Federation of Detroit. Rising concerns over attacks on places of worshipThe incident comes amid increasing concern over antisemitism and violence targeting Jewish communities. According to the American Jewish Committee, its 2025 “State of Antisemitism in America” report found that 91% of American Jews surveyed said they felt less safe due to violent attacks in the previous year. Temple Israel had also recently conducted security training with the Federal Bureau of Investigation earlier this year. Michigan has seen several attacks on places of worship in the past year, including a church shooting in Grand Blanc Township that killed four people. Authorities are continuing to investigate the suspect’s motives and whether the explosives discovered in the vehicle were operational. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026 View full article

“If I had disobeyed my mother and gone to New York, what might have happened to me?” asks Gláucia Fekete. In 2004, she was a 16-year-old living in rural Brazil and beginning a career in modelling. Around that time, French modelling agent Jean-Luc Brunel visited her family home, trying to persuade her mother to allow her to travel to Ecuador for a modelling contest. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. Brunel later died in prison while awaiting trial on charges of rape, sexual assault and trafficking girls for the late US financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. At the time, Gláucia and her family did not know who Brunel was. They had been introduced through a well-known Brazilian modelling scout. A BBC News Brasil investigation has found evidence that Brunel used modelling agencies connected to him to recruit young women and girls from South America for Epstein. The investigation also uncovered records suggesting visas were arranged for some of them to travel to the United States. Another Brazilian woman, who says she had a relationship with Epstein, showed the BBC a US visa listing one of Brunel’s agencies as her sponsor. She says she never worked as a model for the agency and that the paperwork existed only so she could visit Epstein. Gláucia’s mother, Barbara, initially had doubts about Brunel, but she remembers him as “very charming.” Eventually she allowed her daughter to travel to Ecuador without her. The teenager went with Brunel’s team to Guayaquil for the Models New Generation competition. Local newspapers at the time reported contestants were aged between 15 and 19. Gláucia says the event itself appeared normal, but she became uneasy when she was not allowed to contact her family. Another contestant, a 16-year-old from Western Europe who asked not to be identified and is referred to as Laura, also recalls feeling uncomfortable around Brunel. “It was strange how he behaved and how he was always around the young Brazilian girls,” she says. “He was acting like a clown and only hanging out with quite young girls.” Laura believes the competition itself was legitimate and well organised, but says Brunel seemed to focus on girls he considered vulnerable. “He appeared to control their finances,” she says. “The girls from Brazil and Eastern Europe seemed to be the main targets.” Near the end of the trip, Brunel offered to fly Gláucia to New York to participate in modelling shows, with all expenses paid. At that point, he needed permission from her mother. Barbara’s answer was immediate. “No. Not a chance,” she says now. “They were looking for children, minors. Unfortunately they found my daughter.” She cut off all contact with Brunel’s network and forbade Gláucia from continuing in modelling. Looking back, Gláucia says it may have saved her from something far worse. “It really was a narrow escape,” she says. Documents released by the US government and reviewed by BBC News Brasil show that Epstein was in Guayaquil on 24 and 25 August 2004 — the same time the modelling competition’s final took place. Records also indicate that at least one model under 16 who attended the event flew on Epstein’s plane at least twice that year. “Without knowing it, I was in the middle of that storm,” Gláucia says. “My mother saved me.” “He chose me”Another Brazilian woman, identified here as Ana to protect her identity, says Brunel and his modelling network played a role in facilitating her relationship with Epstein. Ana says she was recruited in the early 2000s in São Paulo by a Brazilian woman who promised modelling opportunities. According to Ana, the reality was very different. When she arrived in São Paulo, the woman took her documents and told her she owed money for travel and photos. Ana says she soon realised there was no modelling work at all. “She was a madam,” Ana says. “Before I knew it, she was pimping me out.” One of the clients, she says, was Jeffrey Epstein. A few weeks after her 18th birthday, the woman brought her to the home of a wealthy businessman in São Paulo. Ana says she heard him describe Epstein as “the king of the world” and say that “he likes younger girls.” Days later, she says she and two other women were taken to a luxury hotel in the city where Epstein would choose one of them. “He chose me,” she says. Ana says Epstein asked her to remove her clothes and watched while touching himself. “His thing was watching me while he touched himself,” she says. “It was disgusting, but of all evils, the lesser one.” US Department of Justice files, including emails and flight records, confirm Epstein was in Brazil around that time. Ana says she later attended a party where she first met Brunel. Soon afterward, Brunel became involved in arranging a US visa for her. The visa listed Brunel’s modelling agency in New York — Karin Models of America — as the sponsor. Ana says she never worked for the agency and believes the visa was simply arranged so she could travel to see Epstein. Court records and US Department of Justice files indicate Brunel used his agencies, including Karin Models of America and later MC2, to recruit girls from several countries, including minors. A former MC2 employee testified that Epstein paid for visas arranged through Brunel’s agency in the United States. Before his death, Brunel denied wrongdoing. His lawyers said he had been “crushed” by the allegations and blamed what they called a hostile “media-judicial system.” Ana says she travelled with Epstein to the United States and France for about four months. She describes him as sometimes “affectionate,” saying he even paid for English lessons. She says her US visa was eventually cancelled in Miami after authorities questioned who was paying for her work and travel. Before that, she says she had visited the US at least six times to spend time with him. Ana says she also visited Epstein’s private island in the US Virgin Islands and believed he considered her his girlfriend until she discovered him with another woman. “Until then, it hadn’t sunk in that he did this with many girls,” she says. She says they had sex once and that he often wanted affection — “sleeping, spooning, cuddling and having his feet massaged.” Ana recalls Epstein once telling her that Brunel had asked to sleep with her but that he refused. “I didn’t let him because you’re mine,” she says Epstein told her. The comment left her unsure how to feel. “I didn’t know whether to be grateful or more terrified,” she says. After that, she says Brunel seemed to watch her “like a wolf looking at a lamb.” Ana says Epstein had agreed to pay the Brazilian woman who recruited her $10,000 for the first meeting and the trip to Paris, though she says he only paid part of it. Testimony from a former MC2 accountant given in a Florida court case in 2010 refers to a Brazilian woman who arranged girls for Epstein and Brunel and later complained about unpaid money. Ana says that after her documents were returned, contact with the recruiter faded, though she continued seeing Epstein for some time. He later offered to arrange a green card for her to live in the United States, she says, but she declined because she wanted to stay close to her family in Brazil. Investigation into recruitment networkBrazil’s Federal Public Prosecutor’s Office opened an investigation in February into whether a recruitment network connected to Epstein operated in the country. Federal prosecutor Cinthia Gabriela Borges, from the national anti-trafficking unit, told the BBC she hopes to speak with women who had contact with Epstein to understand how the system worked. The women themselves are not the targets of the investigation. Labour inspector and researcher Maurício Krepsky says the allegations could amount to human trafficking for sexual exploitation. Crimes of that nature may not be subject to a statute of limitations, meaning those involved could still face accountability. Gláucia says she remains grateful her mother refused Brunel’s offer years ago. And after rebuilding her life, Ana says she now considers herself fortunate to have escaped Epstein’s circle. “I think I was lucky,” she says. “But I feel for the other women.” Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026 View full article

The Israeli military launched multiple waves of air strikes across Lebanon, including the capital Beirut, after the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah fired roughly 200 rockets into northern Israel. Israeli attacks were reported across southern Lebanon and in Beirut’s southern suburbs, an area known as Dahieh that is considered a Hezbollah stronghold. Thousands of residents have fled the district during the past week as bombardment intensified. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. Some of the strikes also hit other parts of the capital, including the Corniche seafront. Lebanon’s health ministry said at least 12 people were killed in that area overnight. Hezbollah launches large-scale attackHezbollah fired the rockets across the Israeli border on Wednesday evening in what appeared to be a coordinated assault alongside missile strikes launched by Iran. An Israeli military spokesperson said the barrage was the largest cross-border attack carried out by Hezbollah since the latest phase of the conflict began. Approximately 200 rockets and 20 drones were launched simultaneously while Iran fired ballistic missiles toward Israel, the spokesperson said. Hezbollah later said it had targeted several sites in northern Israel in response to what it described as “criminal aggression” against Lebanese towns and cities. The group said the targets included the headquarters of Israel’s northern military command near Safed and bases near the city of Haifa. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said its forces had carried out a “joint and integrated operation” with Hezbollah that struck more than 50 targets. Israeli authorities reported that one building was damaged in the Galilee region and two people were lightly wounded. Another building in Haniel, a farming community in central Israel, was damaged by debris from an intercepted rocket, though no injuries were reported. Israel threatens to expand operationsIn response to the attacks, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the military had been ordered to prepare for a broader campaign inside Lebanon. He said the objective would be to restore security to Israeli communities near the northern border. The Israeli military also expanded a large evacuation zone in southern Lebanon. Residents have been told to leave areas covering nearly all territory south of the Zahrani River, about 40 kilometers from the Israeli border. Lebanon caught in widening conflictLebanon was drawn into the broader war between Iran, Israel and the United States around 10 days ago when Hezbollah launched rockets and drones into Israel. The attacks were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Iran’s supreme leader and continued Israeli strikes after a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah collapsed in 2024. Israel says its ongoing military campaign will continue until Hezbollah is disarmed. Lebanese authorities say Israeli strikes have killed at least 687 people since the escalation began, including 98 children, and displaced roughly 800,000 people. The Israeli military has reported that two of its soldiers have been killed in combat operations inside Lebanon. Calls for restraintLebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said the country had been pulled into a conflict it did not want. “It is a war we did not want; on the contrary, we are working day and night to bring it to an end,” he said in a televised address. International leaders have also urged restraint. Emmanuel Macron, president of France, warned that Hezbollah had made a major mistake by dragging Lebanon into the confrontation, while also calling on Israel to rule out launching a ground offensive. Meanwhile, Tom Fletcher, the United Nations humanitarian chief, warned that Lebanon was facing “a moment of grave peril” as the conflict intensifies. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026 View full article

Oil prices have been experiencing dramatic swings over the past two weeks as the war involving Iran, the United States and Israel disrupts global energy markets. The cost of crude oil rarely dominates everyday conversation, but the recent volatility has pushed it firmly into the spotlight. Prices are currently trading more than a third higher than they were before the conflict began. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. Much of the surge has been driven by attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping routes, as well as the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow waterway that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil supply Historic market volatilityOil markets saw particularly extreme fluctuations earlier this week. According to Faisal Islam, economics editor at BBC News, Monday became the most volatile day in oil trading history. Much of the attention has centred on the price of Brent crude oil benchmark, a widely used global benchmark that heavily influences international energy prices. Oil is typically traded through contracts for delivery at a later date, meaning prices today often reflect expectations about future supply. Lindsay James, an investment strategist at Quilter, said current price rises largely reflect fears about supply shortages in the coming months. War fears push prices higherBefore the conflict escalated, oil was trading at roughly $71 per barrel. Prices surged rapidly once the strikes on Iran began. Market anxiety intensified after comments from Saad al-Kaabi, the energy minister of Qatar, who warned that Gulf oil and gas producers might halt production within days. That statement pushed oil prices to a two-year high. When markets reopened after the weekend, the price briefly approached $120 per barrel. Sudden crash after political signalsThe sharp rise was followed by an equally dramatic fall. Reports emerged that the International Energy Agency was preparing a coordinated release of emergency oil reserves to stabilize markets. At the same time, U.S. President Donald Trump suggested the war might soon be nearing an end, describing the situation as “very complete, pretty much.” The combination of these signals triggered a rapid sell-off in the market. By the end of Monday, oil had fallen nearly $30 per barrel from its earlier peak. James described the dramatic change as “extraordinary even by the volatile standards of commodities,” adding that the world is currently experiencing an energy shock without modern precedent. Confusion over tanker escort claimAnother moment of turbulence came when U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright posted on the social media platform X that American forces had successfully escorted an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz. Following the post, benchmark prices briefly plunged to around $82 per barrel. However, the message later disappeared from Wright’s account. The White House subsequently confirmed that the claim was incorrect and that the U.S. Navy had not escorted any tankers through the crucial shipping route. Prices quickly rebounded to about $86 per barrel after the clarification, highlighting how sensitive global markets have become to developments in the conflict. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026 View full article

Mojtaba Khamenei, Iran’s newly appointed supreme leader, has vowed that the country will continue blocking the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes, in his first public statement since assuming power. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. The message was broadcast on Iranian state television, though Khamenei did not appear in person. Instead, the statement was read aloud by a news presenter. In the message, he pledged that Iran would seek revenge for citizens killed during the war with the United States and Israel, while warning neighbouring countries to close American military bases on their territory. Leadership change after wartime strikeKhamenei was named supreme leader on March 8 after his father, Ali Khamenei, was killed during the opening day of the conflict. The senior leader died in a joint U.S.–Israeli strike on the supreme leader’s compound. According to reports, Mojtaba Khamenei also lost his wife and one of his sons in the same attack. His mother was initially reported killed as well, though at least one Iranian media outlet has since suggested she may have survived. The Reuters news agency, citing an unnamed Iranian official, reported that Khamenei himself was “lightly injured” during the strike. However, there have been no confirmed details about his condition. He has not appeared in public since being appointed and no verified photographs or videos have been released showing him since the leadership change. Iran’s state television has described him as a “veteran of the Ramadan war,” though it has not confirmed whether he was wounded. Strait of Hormuz central to strategyIn his statement, Khamenei said Iran would continue using the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage in the conflict. The narrow waterway carries a large portion of the world’s oil and gas shipments. He described the route as an area where “the enemy is highly vulnerable” and suggested blocking it could place pressure on Western powers and their allies. Warning to regional neighboursKhamenei also warned neighbouring countries against allowing U.S. military bases to operate within their borders. Iran shares land or maritime borders with 15 countries across the region. “We have always sought warm and constructive relations with all of them,” the statement said. However, he urged governments in the region to clarify their position regarding the conflict. “These countries must clarify their stance toward the aggressors against our homeland and the killers of our people,” the message said. Khamenei added that regional states should close American bases “as soon as possible.” He also said Iran would continue targeting U.S. military facilities across the region as part of its response to the ongoing war. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 12.03 2026 View full article

Newly released government documents show that Keir Starmer was warned that appointing Peter Mandelson as the United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States could pose a “reputational risk” because of his association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Despite the warning, Starmer approved Mandelson’s appointment. The veteran Labour Party politician held the diplomatic post for nine months before being dismissed when new details about his relationship with Epstein emerged. The documents, released Wednesday, reveal that senior civil servants flagged concerns before the appointment was finalized. Don’t miss the latest headlines from Thailand and around the world. Get the Asean Now Briefing newsletter, delivered daily. Sign up here. Longstanding relationship highlightedA due diligence report prepared in December 2024 outlined a relationship between Mandelson and Epstein that spanned nearly two decades. According to the report, Mandelson helped arrange a meeting between Epstein and then–prime minister Tony Blair in 2002. The document also noted that Mandelson reportedly stayed at Epstein’s residence in 2009 while the financier was serving a jail sentence for sexual offenses involving a minor. The report cited a 2019 internal review commissioned by JPMorgan which described Epstein as having a particularly close relationship with both Mandelson and Prince Andrew. Officials also flagged earlier controversies from Mandelson’s time in government, including two resignations over financial matters and his role at the lobbying firm Global Counsel. Government says Mandelson misled officialsDespite the warnings, the appointment went ahead. Cabinet minister Darren Jones later told lawmakers that the due diligence process failed to reveal the full extent of Mandelson’s ties to Epstein. He said Mandelson had misled Starmer about the nature of the relationship. “Peter Mandelson should never have been afforded the privilege of representing this country,” Jones told members of the House of Commons. “The prime minister deeply regrets taking him at his word. It was a mistake.” Political fallout growsStarmer dismissed Mandelson in September after earlier documents revealed the former minister maintained contact with Epstein following his 2008 conviction. Further revelations emerged after a large collection of Epstein-related files was published by the U.S. Department of Justice earlier this year, intensifying scrutiny of Starmer’s decision. Opposition politicians have since accused the prime minister of a serious lapse in judgment. Ed Davey, leader of the Liberal Democrats, called the appointment a “catastrophic failure of judgment.” Meanwhile, Conservative lawmaker Alex Burghart said the prime minister should have recognized the risks from the information already presented in the due diligence report. Criminal investigation underwayMandelson is also facing a police investigation into allegations that he shared sensitive government information with Epstein when he served as business secretary following the 2008 financial crisis. He was arrested at his home in London on February 23 on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Police later released him without bail conditions while the investigation continues. Mandelson has denied wrongdoing and has not been charged. Authorities say he does not face allegations of sexual misconduct. He has since resigned from the House of Lords and lost his ambassadorial salary of about £157,000 a year. Documents show he initially requested compensation totaling £547,000 after his dismissal, representing the remainder of his four-year contract. The government ultimately agreed to pay him £75,000. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 11.03 2026 View full article

The administration of Donald Trump estimates that the first six days of the war against Iran cost the United States at least $11.3 billion, according to a source familiar with a recent congressional briefing. The estimate was shared with lawmakers during a closed-door session for senators on Tuesday, as members of Congress continue pressing the administration for more details about the conflict. The Asean Now Briefing newsletter keeps you informed with all the latest news Sign up here. Officials stressed that the figure represents only an early estimate and does not reflect the full cost of the war so far. The number was first reported by The New York Times. Congressional aides said the White House is expected to request additional funding soon. Some officials have suggested the request could reach $50 billion, though others believe even that figure may underestimate the potential costs. So far, the administration has not released a public estimate of the total expense or a clear timeline for how long the conflict might continue. Speaking during a trip to Kentucky on Wednesday, Trump said the United States had already achieved major success in the war. “We won,” he said, while adding that American forces would remain involved until the mission is fully completed. The military campaign began on February 28 with coordinated airstrikes carried out by the United States and Israel against targets inside Iran. Since then, the conflict has expanded into neighboring Lebanon and has significantly disrupted global energy markets and shipping routes. The fighting has reportedly killed around 2,000 people, the majority of them in Iran and Lebanon. During briefings to lawmakers, administration officials said $5.6 billion worth of munitions were used in the first two days of strikes alone. Members of Congress have expressed concern that the rapid pace of operations could significantly drain U.S. military stockpiles. These concerns come at a time when the American defense industry is already struggling to meet high global demand for weapons and equipment. To address supply issues, Trump recently met with executives from seven major defense contractors as the U.S. Department of Defense works to replenish depleted stockpiles. Meanwhile, Democratic lawmakers are demanding greater transparency from the administration. Several have called for senior officials to testify publicly under oath about the strategy behind the war, including how long the conflict might last and what plans exist for Iran once fighting ends. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 11.03 2026 View full article

Moscow Condemns Bryansk StrikeRussia has accused Ukraine and United Kingdom of carrying out what it described as a “terrorist attack” on the western Russian city of Bryansk. In a statement released Wednesday, the Russian Foreign Ministry condemned the deadly strike and alleged that missiles supplied by Britain had been used in the attack. The Asean Now Briefing newsletter keeps you informed with all the latest news Sign up here. Moscow claimed the strike violated international legal norms and accused London of crossing a dangerous line by supplying weapons that were allegedly used to target Russian territory. Claims of EscalationAccording to the ministry, the attack was intended to sabotage ongoing efforts toward a peace process in the war between Russia and Ukraine. Officials said the strike was part of a broader attempt to escalate the conflict rather than seek a negotiated settlement. The statement did not provide detailed evidence supporting the claim that British-made missiles were used in the attack. Growing TensionsThe accusation adds to mounting tensions between Moscow and Western governments over military support for Ukraine. Since the full-scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022, Western countries including the United Kingdom have provided Kyiv with weapons, training and financial assistance. Russia has repeatedly warned that such support risks widening the conflict. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 11.03 2026 View full article

Attacks Raise Global Energy ConcernsAttacks on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf continued on Wednesday as tensions surrounding the war involving Iran escalated and the critical Strait of Hormuz remained effectively closed. The United States said it had destroyed more than a dozen Iranian vessels suspected of laying naval mines, an effort aimed at preventing Tehran from fully sealing off the narrow maritime route. The passageway plays a crucial role in global energy supply, carrying a large share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas shipments. Get the latest headlines in your email Iran has vowed to block oil exports in the region, declaring it would not allow “even a single liter” of energy resources to reach its enemies. Meanwhile, Donald Trump said there were no confirmed reports that Iran had placed mines in the strait, though he warned of strong military retaliation if the waterway were formally closed. A Vital Artery for Global TradeThe Strait of Hormuz is a narrow channel connecting the Persian Gulf with the Gulf of Oman. At its narrowest point, the waterway measures about 33 kilometers (21 miles) across, making shipping lanes tight and difficult to navigate. Although the territorial waters of both Iran and Oman border the passage, the route is considered an international shipping corridor open to vessels from all countries. Nearby states such as the United Arab Emirates, home to the city of Dubai, also depend heavily on the strait for energy exports and trade. Approximately 20% of the world’s oil and natural gas shipments pass through the passage, making it one of the most strategically important maritime choke points on the planet. A Historic Trade RouteThe strait has played a key role in trade for centuries. Historically, goods such as ceramics, silk, textiles and ivory travelled through the region along maritime routes linking Asia with the Middle East and Europe. In the modern era, the strait serves as the primary export route for oil and gas from countries including Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Iraq, Qatar, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Much of this energy supply is shipped to Asian markets, particularly China. Although pipelines in Saudi Arabia and the UAE allow some oil exports to bypass the strait, most energy shipments from the Gulf still rely on this narrow route. Rising Attacks on ShippingSince the war began, attacks targeting vessels in and around the Strait of Hormuz have increased significantly. According to the International Maritime Organization, at least 12 incidents involving merchant vessels had been recorded as of Wednesday. The organization’s secretary-general, Arsenio Dominguez, said that at least seven sailors had been killed during these incidents. Meanwhile, the British military-run United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center reported 17 separate security incidents in the wider region, including the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. Of those reports, 13 were confirmed attacks and four were categorized as suspicious activity. The incidents involved a variety of vessels including tankers, cargo ships and tugboats. Global Shipping DisruptedAlthough the Strait of Hormuz has not been formally declared closed, the rising attacks have effectively halted most commercial traffic. Major shipping companies have already suspended operations in the area. The Danish shipping giant Maersk announced it had stopped sending vessels through the strait until further notice. Other major ocean carriers, including Hapag-Lloyd, CMA CGM and MSC, have issued similar warnings. According to logistics expert Tom Goldsby of the University of Tennessee, many vessels are now stranded in the Persian Gulf. Around 400 oil tankers are currently idle in the region as companies wait for the security situation to improve. Insurance and Military PlansTo help restore confidence in shipping through the region, the United States is introducing a reinsurance program through the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. The program would cover up to $20 billion in losses related to damage to ships or cargo caused by the conflict. Political risk insurance is intended to protect companies from financial losses caused by war, violence or unstable political conditions. Marine insurers had previously begun cancelling policies or sharply increasing rates for ships operating in the area. Trump has also suggested the U.S. Navy could escort oil tankers through the strait if necessary. Meanwhile, a separate initiative led by France aims to organise multinational naval escorts once the most intense phase of the conflict subsides. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 11.03 2026 View full article

Vital Oil Route Effectively ClosedThe war involving Iran, Israel and the United States has effectively shut down shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important energy corridors. Get the latest headlines in your email The narrow waterway off Iran’s coast connects the Persian Gulf to global markets and carries a significant share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas. With traffic through the passage now severely disrupted, gasoline prices have begun rising worldwide as energy supplies tighten. Governments are already discussing plans to reopen the strait once the fighting subsides. International Plans to Restore ShippingIn Europe, Emmanuel Macron is leading an international effort to prepare for the reopening of the shipping route. The France president has proposed deploying naval forces to escort oil tankers and cargo vessels through the strait once conditions allow. The idea is to ensure that energy shipments and global trade can resume safely after hostilities ease. However, military analysts warn that attempting such an operation while fighting continues would be extremely dangerous. Retired French naval officer Pascal Ausseur said sending ships through the strait during active conflict would leave them highly exposed. “In today’s context, sending warships or civilian vessels into the Strait of Hormuz would be suicidal,” he said. Even if a ceasefire were agreed, he added, the situation would remain risky. Lessons From Red Sea OperationsNaval forces from several countries already have experience protecting commercial shipping in hostile waters. Warships from France, United States and United Kingdom have previously escorted merchant vessels through attacks in the Red Sea carried out by Iran-backed Houthi militants from Yemen. During those operations, warships used a combination of machine guns, naval cannons and advanced air-defence systems to intercept incoming missiles and drones. For example, the French frigate French frigate Alsace shot down three ballistic missiles while escorting a container ship in 2024. Its commander at the time, Jérôme Henry, said repeated attacks placed intense pressure on crews and left sailors with little rest. Iran Presents Greater ThreatExperts warn that reopening the Strait of Hormuz could prove far more difficult than protecting shipping in the Red Sea. Iran possesses a significantly more advanced military than the Houthi forces that targeted vessels in recent years. According to assessments by the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, Iran has anti-ship cruise missiles capable of reaching vessels throughout the strait and nearby waters. The country also has access to drones, naval mines, long-range missiles and fast attack craft that could be used to target shipping. Retired French vice admiral Michel Olhagaray said the level of threat would require a much larger and more sophisticated military presence to counter. Before commercial vessels could safely return, he said, many of Iran’s offensive systems along the coastline would likely need to be neutralised. No Quick SolutionEven with military escorts and surveillance, analysts say reopening the strait safely would require extensive monitoring and intelligence gathering. Navies would need to maintain constant patrols and carefully track potential threats before allowing tankers to resume transit. Until hostilities decline significantly, Olhagaray warned, shipping through the Strait of Hormuz will remain extremely hazardouss “That will not happen at all — not at all — in the near future,” he said. Join the discussion? Already a member? Adapted by ASEAN Now · Source · 11.03 2026 View full article