World News

Tiger Woods DUI Arrest After Crash in Florida

USA

Tiger Woods DUI Arrest After Crash in Florida

Golf star Tiger Woods was arrested in Florida on Friday on suspicion of driving under the influence following a road accident, according to local authorities.

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Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek said Woods was driving a Land Rover when it struck a pickup truck towing a small trailer. The impact caused Woods’ vehicle to overturn and come to rest on its side.

Crash leads to arrest
Deputies responding to the scene reported signs of impairment, Budensiek told reporters. Woods was later charged with driving under the influence, property damage and refusing to take a lawful test.

Officials said Woods was not injured in the crash. Television footage showed him leaving the Martin County Jail later the same day.

Investigators describe events
Authorities said their investigation indicated Woods was driving erratically shortly before the collision.

Budensiek explained that the pickup truck carrying a pressure-cleaning trailer was traveling north on South Beach Road and slowing to turn into a driveway. The driver noticed a dark Land Rover approaching quickly from behind.

The truck driver attempted to move to the side of the narrow two-lane road but had little space to do so. Investigators say the Land Rover tried to pass at speed, swerved at the last moment to avoid a direct crash, but clipped the trailer.

The contact caused the Land Rover to tip and roll onto the driver’s side. Woods then exited the vehicle through the passenger door and was identified by deputies at the scene.
Police said Woods cooperated with officers but was cautious in his responses during questioning.



Testing dispute and charges
According to Budensiek, Woods passed a breathalyzer test, recording zero alcohol in his system.

However, authorities said he refused to undergo a urine test at the jail, which led to the DUI charge under Florida law. Budensiek said refusal to submit to a requested test can still result in a charge if officers believe impairment is present.

Law enforcement officials stressed that Woods would not receive special treatment despite his high profile.

Budensiek said the sheriff’s office applies the same legal procedures to all suspects. At the same time, he noted that steps would be taken to ensure Woods’ safety while in custody, meaning he would not be placed in the general inmate population.

Comeback overshadowed
The arrest comes as Woods attempts to return to competitive golf after a series of major injuries. The 50-year-old has been working toward a comeback following a ruptured Achilles tendon last year and a seventh back surgery later in the year.

Woods recently appeared in the technology-driven golf league TGL and had been linked to a possible return to the The Masters next month.

His last appearance in a traditional tournament came in July 2024 at The Open Championship at Royal Troon Golf Club, where he missed the cut.

Woods previously faced a DUI arrest in 2017 and was cited for careless driving in 2009. He also survived a serious crash in 2021 near Los Angeles.

Speaking to reporters, Donald Trump, who described Woods as a friend, expressed concern after learning about the accident.


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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 28 March 2026

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March 28Mar 28

Trump Signature Set for US Dollar Bills in Historic First

USA

Trump Signature Set for US Dollar Bills in Historic First

The administration of Donald Trump will place the president’s signature on US banknotes, the Treasury Department says, in what would be the first time a sitting president’s name appears on the nation’s currency.

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Treasury officials say the change will coincide with celebrations marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. Traditionally, American banknotes carry the signatures of the treasury secretary and the US treasurer rather than the president.

Treasury Plans Unprecedented Currency Change
Under the plan, new $100 bills bearing the signatures of Donald Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent are due to begin printing in June. Additional denominations are expected to follow.

Officials describe the move as a symbolic tribute tied to the anniversary of American independence.

Break From Longstanding Practice
Since 1861, US currency has included the signature of the US treasurer along with that of the treasury secretary. The new design would end that long-standing arrangement by replacing the treasurer’s signature with that of the president.

Bills currently in production still carry the signatures of former Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen, who served under former President Joe Biden, and then–US Treasurer Lynn Malerba.

Treasury Secretary Bessent said the decision aims to highlight both the country’s history and the role of the current administration.

“There is no more powerful way to recognize the historic achievements of our great country and President Donald J Trump than US dollar bills bearing his name,” Bessent said.

Anniversary Celebrations and Symbolism
The initiative forms part of broader government efforts linked to the nation’s upcoming anniversary. In 1776, the 13 original colonies declared independence from Britain, an event commemorated each year on Independence Day.

Current US Treasurer Brandon Beach said the redesigned currency would continue to represent the country’s economic strength.

“Our currency will continue to stand as a symbol of prosperity, strength and the unshakable spirit of the American people,” he said.

The decision also follows other initiatives that feature Trump’s name as part of anniversary-related commemorations.

Political Response
The announcement drew criticism from some political opponents. Gavin Newsom, a Democrat and long-time critic of the president, attacked the move while referencing rising living costs in the United States.

“Now Americans will know exactly who to blame as they're paying more for groceries, gas, rent and health care,” Newsom wrote on social media.

Earlier this month, a federal arts commission also approved a commemorative 24-karat gold coin carrying Trump’s likeness, another item planned to mark the country’s 250th anniversary.

During Trump’s first presidency, his name also appeared on federal stimulus cheques issued to millions of Americans during the COVID-19 pandemic, an unusual step at the time for government payments.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 27 March 2026

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March 27Mar 27

IOC Bans Transgender Women From Olympic Female Events

Sport

IOC Bans Transgender Women From Olympic Female Events

The International Olympic Committee has barred transgender women from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games under a new eligibility policy adopted Thursday.

The rule limits participation in female categories at Olympic competitions to biological females. The policy will apply to all IOC events, including both individual and team sports.

IOC adopts new eligibility rule
Under the framework, athletes competing in women’s categories must undergo a gene test once during their career to determine eligibility. The screening looks for the SRY gene, a DNA segment typically found on the Y chromosome and associated with male sex development before birth.

The IOC said the change aims to “protect fairness, safety and integrity” in women’s sport.

Policy ahead of Los Angeles Olympics
The rule will take effect for the 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

IOC President Kirsty Coventry said the policy reflects the narrow margins that determine results at elite competition.

She said the organisation concluded it would not be fair for athletes born male to compete in female Olympic categories. Coventry, a two-time Olympic swimming champion, launched a review on protecting the female category shortly after taking office.

The IOC had previously allowed international sports federations to set their own rules on transgender participation. Several governing bodies had already introduced restrictions in recent years.

Before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, federations overseeing athletics, swimming and cycling had barred transgender women who had undergone male puberty from women’s events.

Debate over eligibility and biology
The IOC document states that people born male experience several testosterone surges during development, including in the womb, early infancy and adolescence.

According to the organisation’s research, these differences create physical advantages in sports involving strength, endurance or power. The document estimates male performance advantages of about 10–12% in many running and swimming events and more than 20% in throwing and jumping disciplines.

In explosive power activities such as punching sports, the difference can be significantly higher, the report said.

The gene test approved by the IOC may involve saliva samples, cheek swabs or blood tests and is intended to provide what the organisation described as the most accurate and least intrusive method currently available.

The policy does not apply retroactively and does not affect grassroots or recreational sports programmes.

Impact on athletes and reactions
It remains unclear how many transgender women compete at the Olympic level. No athlete who transitioned from male competed in the women’s category at the Paris Games.

The most prominent example was Laurel Hubbard of New Zealand, who competed in weightlifting at the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo but did not win a medal.

The policy also affects athletes with differences in sex development (DSD), including South African runner Caster Semenya, whose long-running legal challenge to eligibility rules reached the European Court of Human Rights.

The issue has been widely debated in international sport and was also addressed politically in the United States. Donald Trump signed an executive order titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports,” which threatened funding cuts for organisations allowing transgender athletes in women’s competitions.

The IOC decision is likely to face criticism from human rights advocates and activist groups concerned about mandatory gender screening.

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March 27Mar 27

US Votes Against UN Slavery Resolution at General Assembly

USA

US Votes Against UN Slavery Resolution at General Assembly

The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution declaring the trafficking of enslaved Africans the gravest crime against humanity and calling for reparations to address historical injustices.

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The measure passed with 123 votes in favour in the 193-member body. Three countries — the United States, Argentina and Israel — voted against it, while 52 states abstained.

UN approves resolution on slavery and reparations
All members of the European Union, along with the United Kingdom, were among those that did not support the measure.

The resolution describes the transatlantic slave trade as a historic injustice and calls for reparatory measures as a step toward addressing its lasting consequences. It also urges the return of cultural items such as artworks, monuments, museum objects, documents and archives to their countries of origin without charge.

US opposition over reparations language
Before the vote, Dan Negrea, deputy US ambassador to the United Nations, said Washington rejects the legal basis for reparations tied to historical events.

He said the United States condemns the transatlantic slave trade and all forms of slavery but does not recognise a legal right to reparations for actions that were not illegal under international law when they occurred.

Negrea also criticised wording that labels the slave trade the “gravest” crime against humanity. He said creating a hierarchy among such crimes risks diminishing the suffering of victims of other atrocities.

Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly are not legally binding but reflect the views of the international community.

Supporters stress historical justice
Supporters of the measure said the resolution aims to acknowledge the scale of the transatlantic slave trade and its enduring impact.

John Dramani Mahama, president of Ghana and a key supporter of the initiative, said the vote recognised the suffering of millions enslaved over centuries.

Speaking before the vote, he described the resolution as a step toward healing and reparative justice and said it would help ensure the history of slavery is not forgotten.

The vote took place on the International Day of Remembrance of the Victims of Slavery and the Transatlantic Slave Trade, which honours the estimated 13 million Africans who were enslaved and transported across the Atlantic.

Diplomats applauded the adoption of the measure after the vote was confirmed.

Western nations voice concerns
Western governments that abstained said they share the condemnation of slavery but raised concerns about aspects of the text.

James Kariuki, acting UN ambassador for the United Kingdom, said the history and lasting consequences of slavery must never be forgotten. He added that countries should address ongoing issues linked to discrimination, racism and intolerance.

He also pointed to modern forms of exploitation — including trafficking, forced labour and sexual exploitation — as issues requiring continued global attention.

Representing the European Union, Gabriella Michaelidou said the bloc objected to language that could suggest a ranking among crimes against humanity. She also questioned legal references in the resolution that imply international rules could apply retroactively to historical events.

The resolution calls on countries to engage in discussions on reparatory justice, including formal apologies, restitution, compensation, rehabilitation and legal reforms aimed at addressing racism and systemic discrimination.

It also encourages cooperation between the African Union, the Caribbean Community and the Organization of American States to advance reconciliation efforts and education about the transatlantic slave trade.

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March 27Mar 27

UK Growth Faces Sharpest Hit from Iran War, OECD Says

UK

UK Growth Faces Sharpest Hit from Iran War, OECD Says

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development says the UK economy will face the largest growth impact among major economies from the ongoing conflict involving Iran.

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The organisation lowered its forecast for UK economic growth in 2026 to 0.7%, down from an earlier projection of 1.2%. It also raised its expectations for inflation as global energy costs surge.

OECD cuts UK growth outlook
The downgrade reflects the economic shock triggered by the war involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which has disrupted energy supply chains and heightened uncertainty across global markets.

The OECD warned that a prolonged conflict could create major energy shortages worldwide. Sustained increases in fertiliser costs could also reduce agricultural yields and push food prices higher next year.

Energy disruption fuels inflation risks
Energy markets have been heavily affected by the conflict, with oil and gas prices rising sharply.

A key factor is the disruption to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical route used to transport a large share of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.

Damage to energy infrastructure in the Middle East has also tightened supply.

Economists say a sustained period of high energy prices could slow global economic growth, push inflation higher and reduce the chances of interest rate cuts.

In the UK, the impact is already visible through rising petrol and diesel prices, along with higher costs for heating oil. Mortgage lenders have responded by increasing rates and withdrawing hundreds of loan offers.

Global outlook and UK inflation
Despite the disruption, the OECD left its global growth forecast for 2026 unchanged at 2.9%.

However, inflation across the G20 economies is now expected to reach 4%, up from an earlier forecast of 2.8%. The group represents about 85% of global economic output.

UK inflation is predicted to reach 4% this year, significantly above the previous estimate of 2.5%.

The OECD expects inflation to ease to 2.6% by 2027, although that would still be higher than its earlier projection of 2.1%.

Among members of the Group of Seven industrialised economies, only the United States is forecast to record higher inflation than the UK, while Italy is expected to post weaker economic growth.

Political reaction in Britain
The UK’s fiscal watchdog, the Office for Budget Responsibility, had already reduced its growth forecast earlier in March to 1.1%, down from 1.4%. That assessment was made before the escalation of the Iran war, which the agency said could have a “very significant” impact on global economies.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the conflict would affect the UK economy but argued government policies had strengthened the country’s financial position.

She added that the government could provide support for households if energy costs rise sharply, though any measures would remain limited by borrowing rules designed to keep inflation and interest rates under control.

Opposition politicians criticised the outlook. Shadow chancellor Mel Stride said the downgrade exposed the economy’s vulnerability, while the Liberal Democrats described the forecast as a warning about weak growth.

The OECD said its projections assume disruption in energy markets will ease later this year, with oil, gas and fertiliser prices falling from the summer.

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March 27Mar 27

London police to resume arrests over Palestine Action support

UK

London police to resume arrests over Palestine Action support

London’s Metropolitan Police Service says officers will resume arresting people who publicly support Palestine Action, reversing a position adopted after a recent court ruling.

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The force had previously said it would stop making arrests under terrorism legislation after a High Court judgment found the government’s ban on the direct action group unlawful.

Police reverse earlier position
Following that decision, police said they would instead collect evidence for possible prosecutions at a later stage.
However, on Wednesday the force said the earlier statement was only a temporary stance and that its enforcement approach had now been revised.

Deputy assistant commissioner James Harman said the legal ban on the group remains in force while the government challenges the ruling.

Ban remains during government appeal
Harman said the court confirmed that its judgment would not take effect until the appeal process concludes, which could take several months.

“That means it is still a criminal offence to support Palestine Action,” he said.

He added that police must enforce existing law regardless of how the legal process may eventually unfold.

The government’s appeal, led by Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, is scheduled to be heard at the Court of Appeal of England and Wales on 28 and 29 April.

Until that hearing is completed, the organisation remains banned under the Terrorism Act 2000.

Harman said the police had initially taken a cautious approach immediately after the High Court ruling because demonstrations outside the court included open displays of support for the group and the outcome of any appeal was not yet clear.

After reviewing the situation, the force concluded that it must continue to enforce the existing ban while it remains legally in place.

Protest group challenges arrests
Campaign group Defend Our Juries, which has organised demonstrations linked to Palestine Action, recently wrote to Met commissioner Mark Rowley about the police approach.

The organisation said a woman had been arrested in London on 15 March for holding a sign stating she opposed genocide and supported Palestine Action.

Defend Our Juries previously said it planned a mass vigil in London on 11 April.

More than 2,500 people have been arrested in connection with alleged support for the group during protests.

Hunger-strike claims raised
Separately, several protesters associated with Palestine Action who staged hunger strikes while awaiting trial said they were considering legal action against prison authorities.

At a press conference in London, activists alleged medical negligence during their protests.

Heba Muraisi said she spent 73 days on hunger strike and claimed she did not receive electrolytes and was given vitamins only after a month.

Qesser Zuhrah said she went without electrolytes for 20 days and that they were later withdrawn after she collapsed.

Another protester, Kamran Ahmed, said he continues to experience chest pain and breathing problems following his 66-day hunger strike. Others reported neurological symptoms.

A government spokesperson rejected the allegations of medical negligence.

Officials said prisoners were monitored according to established policy, including regular health checks, heart monitoring and blood tests, and were taken to hospital if medical staff considered it necessary.

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March 27Mar 27

Australia backs Lebanon sovereignty, warns Israel over occupation

Australia

Australia backs Lebanon sovereignty, warns Israel over occupation

Australia’s foreign minister, Penny Wong, has told Israel that Canberra supports Lebanon’s sovereignty and opposes any occupation of territory in the country’s south.

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Wong delivered the message in a conversation with Israeli foreign minister Gideon Sa’ar after Israel signalled it could create a “defensive buffer” in southern Lebanon to counter the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah.

Australia warns against occupation
The remarks came as regional tensions remained high, with Israel continuing military operations linked to the wider conflict involving Iran.

Wong said Australia was deeply concerned about the spread of violence in Lebanon and the humanitarian impact on civilians.

“Australia is gravely concerned at the expansion of the conflict in Lebanon, the loss of life and displacement of more than one million civilians,” she said.

She also stressed that Australia did not support Israeli control of Lebanese territory.

“Australia supports Lebanon’s sovereignty – so we do not want to see occupation of southern Lebanon by Israel,” Wong said.

Israel stresses security concerns
Sa’ar said he had outlined Israel’s security concerns during the conversation, pointing to ongoing attacks launched from Lebanon.

He said Israel faced large-scale missile, rocket and drone strikes against communities in its north.

According to Sa’ar, Israel was acting to defend its population and restore security in areas where residents had been displaced by the fighting.

He also criticised the Lebanese government, saying it had not taken effective action against Hezbollah to stop attacks targeting Israeli civilians.

Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, previously indicated that Israeli forces could maintain control over bridges and a security zone extending to the Litani River, roughly 30 kilometres north of Israel’s border.

Australians urged to leave Lebanon
Wong also renewed warnings for Australians currently in Lebanon.

She urged citizens to leave the country while travel remained possible and safe.

“Please do not wait until it’s too late,” she said.

Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade estimates about 15,000 Australians are living in Lebanon.

Since the outbreak of the regional war, more than 8,000 Australians and permanent residents have returned home from across the Middle East.

The Australian government recently announced an additional 5 million Australian dollars in humanitarian assistance to support civilians affected by the fighting in Lebanon, particularly women and children.

Wider tensions remain
The discussion between Wong and Sa’ar also touched on several issues straining relations between the two countries.

Among them were statements by Israel’s finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, who has advocated establishing a new border with Lebanon along the Litani River.

Smotrich was sanctioned by Australia last year.
Diplomatic tensions have also persisted after Israel revoked visas for Australian diplomats stationed at Canberra’s mission to the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. The office has remained closed for more than seven months.

Officials from the government of Anthony Albanese continue to press Israel to restore access.

Australia also raised concerns over rising settler violence in the West Bank and recent Israeli measures tightening control over the territory.

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March 27Mar 27

SDLP Councillor Backs Removal of Andrew Plaque in Lisburn

UK Monarchy

SDLP Councillor Backs Removal of Andrew Plaque in Lisburn

A councillor from the Social Democratic and Labour Party has changed his position on a plaque connected to Prince Andrew, now supporting its permanent removal.

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Pat Catney had previously told officials at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council that the plaque should be restored. He argued that removing it risked altering the historical record of the event it commemorated.

The plaque had marked a tree planted in 2009 by Andrew, then Duke of York, during celebrations marking the 400th anniversary of Lisburn. It was taken down shortly before Christmas as new details emerged about the former royal’s ties to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

The SDLP later said Catney had clarified his view and now agreed that the plaque should not be reinstated.

Emails Revealed Debate
Correspondence seen by BBC News NI shows council officials invited elected representatives to suggest ways to acknowledge the tree’s historical significance while recognising sensitivities surrounding Andrew.

In a reply, Catney wrote that he believed the original plaque should be restored as it had first appeared. He said the tree planting formed part of the city’s history and that the council should avoid rewriting past events.

At the time, he argued that the commemorative marker recorded a moment in the city’s history and that removing it risked altering that record.

Criticism from Other Councillors
The earlier stance drew criticism from other members of the council.

Claire Kemp of the Alliance Party urged Catney to explain his reasoning. She said residents had expressed strong discomfort about maintaining any tribute to Andrew.

Kemp said the council had acted appropriately in removing the plaque and argued that references to Andrew should not remain in public commemorations given the controversy surrounding him.

She added that while Lisburn and Castlereagh have longstanding links with the British royal family, the plaque’s removal was the correct decision under the circumstances.

Party Statement
An SDLP spokesperson later said Catney had clarified his position to council officials and now supported permanently removing the plaque.

The party said it had consistently argued that tributes connected to Andrew were inappropriate following the Epstein scandal. It added that the SDLP had been among the first political groups to call for such recognitions to be taken down.

The spokesperson also expressed sympathy for victims connected to Epstein and others linked to the case.

Meanwhile, a representative for Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council said the plaque mount had already been removed during a clean-up of the site and that there were currently no plans to reinstall it.

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March 27Mar 27

Trump Extends ‘Unleash Hell’ Strike Pause on Iran Energy Sites

Iranian Conflict

Trump Extends ‘Unleash Hell’ Strike Pause on Iran Energy Sites

President Donald Trump said the United States will prolong a pause on attacks targeting Iran’s energy facilities, pushing the deadline for possible strikes into early April while saying talks related to the conflict were progressing.

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The decision follows weeks of fighting across the Middle East that has left thousands dead and rattled global markets. Energy prices surged during the conflict, raising concerns over broader inflation as disruptions hit fuel shipments.

U.S. Extends Strike Pause
The United States and Israel began striking Iranian targets on Feb. 28 after negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear programme collapsed.

Trump had earlier warned Iran that Washington could “unleash hell” if Tehran failed to meet U.S. demands during the war.

During a cabinet meeting at the White House, Trump threatened further pressure if no agreement emerged. Later he wrote on his Truth Social platform that attacks on Iranian energy plants would remain suspended for 10 days, until April 6 at 2000 EDT.

“Talks are ongoing,” he said, adding they were “going very well” despite what he called inaccurate reporting.
Iranian officials, however, say no direct negotiations with Washington are underway.

Diplomacy Disputes
Trump has not said which Iranian figures are involved in contacts with the United States, as many senior officials were killed during the conflict.

On March 23, Trump initially announced a five-day halt to strikes on Iranian power and energy infrastructure. The extension doubles that period.

According to mediators cited by the Wall Street Journal, Iran did not request the 10-day pause. Trump said on Fox News that Tehran had asked for a seven-day suspension of attacks on energy targets. Iranian authorities did not immediately comment.

Separately, an Iranian official said Tehran had examined a 15-point U.S. proposal delivered through Pakistan but viewed it as heavily favouring U.S. and Israeli interests.

The proposal reportedly demanded dismantling Iran’s nuclear programme, limits on its missile capabilities and changes related to control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Pakistan’s foreign minister said messages between Washington and Tehran were being exchanged indirectly through Islamabad, while other countries, including Turkey and Egypt were also involved in mediation efforts.

Iran has demanded security guarantees against future attacks, compensation for damage caused during the war and recognition of its authority over the strategic waterway.

Conflict Expands Across Region
The conflict has severely disrupted shipping routes in the Gulf. Oil prices climbed roughly 40 percent while liquefied natural gas costs and fertiliser prices have also jumped sharply.

Iran has responded to U.S. and Israeli strikes with missile attacks on Israeli territory and against American positions in the region. It also targeted several Gulf states and blocked fuel exports passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a route carrying about one-fifth of global oil and LNG shipments.

Trump said Iran had allowed several oil tankers to pass through the strait as a goodwill signal, including vessels sailing under Pakistan’s flag.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East, according to the Wall Street Journal, giving the White House broader military options.

The U.S. military has also deployed unmanned drone speedboats to patrol regional waters, marking the first confirmation that such vessels are being used in an active conflict.

Fighting continues. Iranian missiles struck cities including Tel Aviv and Haifa, according to Israeli authorities. A rocket barrage by Hezbollah killed a man in the northern city of Nahariya.

Inside Iran, strikes hit the southern port city of Bandar Abbas and areas near Shiraz, while a university building in Isfahan was also reported damaged.

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March 27Mar 27

Cuba Says Raúl Castro Involved in Early US Talks

Cuba

Cuba Says Raúl Castro Involved in Early US Talks

Miguel Díaz‑Canel said Wednesday that Raúl Castro is involved in discussions between Cuba and the United States, describing the contacts as being in the initial phase.

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Díaz-Canel said the dialogue process is still developing and stressed that negotiations typically take time. The comments came during a recorded interview with Pablo Iglesias that was later shared by Cuban state media.

Cuba confirms early contacts with Washington
According to Díaz-Canel, the talks are being handled collectively by the Cuban leadership, with Castro helping guide how the government approaches potential negotiations. Castro, now 94, stepped down from formal leadership but remains an influential figure within the ruling system.

Díaz-Canel said the first step in any negotiation is establishing a channel for dialogue, followed by identifying shared interests and confirming both sides are willing to move forward with meaningful engagement.

Tensions rise amid US pressure
The talks come during a period of strained relations between the two countries under Donald Trump. The United States has tightened pressure on Havana, including measures aimed at restricting fuel supplies to the island.

Earlier this year, Trump threatened tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba. Although some of the initial warnings were later softened, restrictions remain in place. Cuban officials say the island has not received fuel shipments for roughly three months.

The measures have deepened a severe energy crisis. Cuba’s ageing power grid has suffered repeated failures, triggering prolonged blackouts that have disrupted daily life and economic activity across the country.

In the past week alone, two nationwide outages left millions without electricity. Authorities say the outages reflect the deteriorating condition of the energy system combined with fuel shortages.

Trump has also warned that the United States could take stronger action against Cuba’s government, further raising tensions between Washington and Havana.

Castro remains influential
Díaz-Canel rejected suggestions that disagreements exist within Cuba’s leadership over relations with the United States. He said Castro continues to play a guiding role alongside the government and the ruling Communist Party.

He described the former president as a historic leader who retains significant authority because of his political legacy and standing among the Cuban public.

Castro previously oversaw a major diplomatic breakthrough with the United States. In 2014, he held talks with Barack Obama that led to the restoration of diplomatic relations and the reopening of embassies in both countries.

Many of those rapprochement measures were later rolled back during Trump’s presidency as Washington imposed tougher sanctions on the island.

UN warns of worsening crisis
International organisations say the energy shortages are contributing to a broader humanitarian challenge.

United Nations officials warned that the situation could worsen if Cuba’s remaining fuel reserves are depleted. They said prolonged shortages could lead to further economic disruption and risks to public welfare.

UN representatives also pointed to renewable energy as a potential partial solution, highlighting solar power systems that could help maintain operations in hospitals, schools and water infrastructure.

Officials cautioned that without additional fuel supplies or rapid energy improvements, the crisis could intensify in the coming months.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Israel Says Strike Kills Iran Navy Chief in Hormuz Blockade

Iranian Conflict

Israel Says Strike Kills Iran Navy Chief in Hormuz Blockade

Israel says a strike has killed a senior Iranian naval commander responsible for operations linked to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, according to Israeli media citing an Israeli official.

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The commander, Alireza Tangsiri, headed the naval arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and had overseen activities connected to Iran’s restrictions on shipping through the strategic waterway.

Strike targets senior naval commander
Reports say Tangsiri was killed in a US-Israeli strike in the coastal area of Bandar Abbas. Iranian authorities and the Israeli military had not publicly confirmed the strike at the time of reporting.

If verified, the killing would mark another high-profile casualty in the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, which is now in its fourth week.

Tangsiri had served as IRGC naval commander since 2018 and was regarded as one of the senior Iranian figures who had avoided earlier assassination attempts during the conflict.

Strait of Hormuz shipping collapse
Iran has tightened control over the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow shipping corridor linking the Persian Gulf to global markets. In normal conditions, about one-fifth of the world’s traded oil and gas passes through the waterway.

Since the start of the conflict, Tehran has blocked many vessels it considers linked to the United States or Israel while allowing limited traffic from other countries.

Shipping data indicates a steep drop in energy transport through the channel. Daily cargo movements have fallen roughly 95 percent compared with typical traffic levels.

Industry monitoring group Kpler recorded only 155 commodity carrier crossings between March 1 and March 25, far below the usual rate of about 120 transits per day tracked by shipping intelligence site Lloyd’s List.

Most of the crossings involved oil tankers or gas carriers travelling eastward out of the strait. On Wednesday, analysts detected only two ships passing through, both heading west.

Iranian media outlets close to the Revolutionary Guards have also reported plans to formalize payments for ships allowed to pass. Some vessels are said to have paid fees in Chinese yuan under what analysts describe as an informal toll system.

Leadership losses and political structure
Iran has suffered multiple leadership losses since the war began on February 28. Several senior commanders from the Revolutionary Guards and other top figures have been killed in US-Israeli strikes.

Among them was Ali Larijani, a longtime adviser to Iran’s leadership whose death earlier in the conflict was seen as a major blow due to his influence across political institutions and his experience dealing with foreign powers.

Despite the deaths of several prominent figures, analysts say Iran’s political system has continued to function. The structure combines clerical leadership with elected institutions, including a president and parliament, and multiple centers of authority within the security establishment.

Formed after the Iranian Revolution, the Islamic Republic’s governing model distributes power across various bodies rather than concentrating it in a single leadership circle.

Officials and analysts say this layered system has helped Iran maintain operational capacity during the conflict.

At the same time, the removal of more pragmatic figures could strengthen hardline factions within the leadership, potentially influencing Iran’s approach to the ongoing war and relations with foreign powers.

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March 26Mar 26

Germany Arrests Four Syrians in Channel Smuggling Crackdown

UK-Asylum crisis

Germany Arrests Four Syrians in Channel Smuggling Crackdown

Authorities in Germany arrested four Syrian nationals during coordinated raids linked to a people-smuggling operation supplying boats used in crossings of the English Channel.

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The arrests took place in the western German state of North Rhine-Westphalia during a joint investigation involving the National Crime Agency, Belgian Federal Police and other European partners.

Police searched multiple sites across the region on Wednesday morning. Officers seized inflatable boats, engines, fuel containers and life jackets believed to be destined for migrant crossings.

Investigators say the suspects were part of an organised group supplying equipment to smugglers operating along the Channel coast.

European Operation and Seizures
The investigation began in March 2025 after intelligence indicated a shipment of tyre inner tubes had been sent to Italy. Authorities believed the items were intended for use in small boats transporting migrants.

Smuggling networks frequently provide inner tubes instead of life jackets to passengers during Channel crossings.

According to Europol, the tubes were later transported to storage facilities in Germany controlled by the criminal group. There they were combined with inflatable boats, pumps and engines to assemble complete launch kits.

Each kit had an estimated black-market value exceeding €10,000 and was designed for a single small-boat journey.

Authorities say the kits were purchased in Germany and then transported toward the French coast for use in migrant crossings.

Between April and December 2025, investigators intercepted seven vehicles in Belgium carrying such equipment toward France. Five additional interceptions took place in France, while two others occurred in Germany and the Netherlands.

In total, 21 suspects have been detained during the wider investigation.



Large-Scale Police Action
More than 450 law-enforcement officers participated in the raids, which targeted 12 locations across several German cities including Essen, Gelsenkirchen, Marl, Bottrop, Herdecke and Lüdenscheid.

Two additional properties were searched in Belgium.
Items recovered during the searches included 11 boats, an engine, life vests, boxes of inner tubes, weapons, gold bars, electronic devices and nearly €60,000 in cash. Authorities said searches were continuing.

The suspects arrested in Germany are expected to face extradition to Belgium, where prosecutors are leading the case.

Investigators estimate the seized equipment could have been used to transport about 1,000 migrants to Britain. Each crossing could generate profits of around €100,000 for smuggling groups.

Crossings and Political Pressure
Officials say Germany has become an important storage hub for boats and engines later used in Channel crossings.
Since 2020, more than 100,000 people have reached the United Kingdom by crossing the Channel in small vessels.

Government data show 41,262 migrants made the journey last year, an increase of 13% compared with the previous year, though still below the record of 45,774 in 2022.

Between 1 January and 9 March 2026, authorities recorded 3,409 arrivals.

UK officials say operations targeting supply networks aim to disrupt smuggling activity before vessels reach the coast.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Trump Schedules Xi Meeting in China After Iran War Delay

Trump

Trump Schedules Xi Meeting in China After Iran War Delay

Donald Trump confirmed plans to visit China in mid-May for talks with Xi Jinping, rescheduling a trip that was delayed amid the recent war involving Iran.

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Trump said he will travel to China on 14–15 May, marking what would be the first visit to the country by a US president in nearly a decade. The meeting comes after the original trip, scheduled for late March, was postponed when the United States and Israel launched strikes on Iran.

The US president also said Xi is expected to visit Washington later in the year. Officials are working to finalise arrangements for both meetings, Trump wrote on the social media platform Truth Social.

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the new travel dates, telling reporters that Beijing accepted the postponement request because Trump needed to remain in the United States during the military campaign.

Leavitt said the Chinese leader understood the president’s need to stay in Washington while combat operations were under way.

Iran War Triggered Delay
The planned visit was pushed back after the United States and Israel launched extensive strikes on Iran last month. The attacks killed Iran’s supreme leader and triggered retaliatory actions from Tehran.

Iran subsequently targeted Israel and US-aligned states in the Gulf region and effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz, a vital corridor for global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments.

The disruption caused turmoil in energy markets and prompted warnings of a broader fuel crisis.

Trump urged allies to help restore access to the strait and warned Iran that its energy infrastructure could face further attacks if shipping traffic was not allowed to resume fully.

Asked whether the conflict would subside before the China trip takes place, Leavitt said the White House had estimated the fighting could last roughly four to six weeks.

Diplomatic Stakes for US–China Ties
The upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi will be closely watched as the two countries attempt to manage long-running tensions in trade, technology and geopolitics.
The last time a US president visited China was in November 2017 during Trump’s first term in office.

Trump and Xi most recently met in person last November in South Korea during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Summit.

Chinese officials have not publicly confirmed the new dates for the visit. Beijing typically avoids announcing the detailed schedule of the Chinese president far in advance.

However, China’s foreign ministry previously said both governments were discussing the timing of a presidential visit.

Chinese state media has also signalled support for greater engagement. An editorial in the state-run Global Times said the long gap since the last US presidential visit to China was unusual and called for expanded exchanges between the two countries.

The commentary argued that cooperation between China and the United States benefits both sides, while confrontation risks losses for each.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

UK Prepares to Board Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ships in Its Waters

UK

UK Prepares to Board Russian ‘Shadow Fleet’ Ships in Its Waters

The United Kingdom is preparing to board and detain ships linked to Russia’s so-called shadow fleet as part of a tougher enforcement campaign against sanctions on Moscow’s oil exports.

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Officials say Prime Minister Keir Starmer has approved military action against vessels suspected of transporting sanctioned Russian oil through British waters. The first operation could take place soon after specialised training exercises concluded in recent weeks.

Military Action Planned
The shadow fleet refers to a network of ageing tankers and other vessels used to move oil while bypassing Western sanctions imposed after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Many ships operate under unclear ownership structures or without recognised national flags to evade oversight and enforcement.

British authorities believe such shipments generate revenue that supports the war effort of Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Starmer said the move aims to “starve Putin’s war machine” of oil profits used to finance the conflict in Ukraine.

Training and Operational Plans
Specialised British military units have been preparing for potential boarding operations, including scenarios involving resistance from ship crews.

Personnel from the Royal Navy, the Royal Marines and the Special Boat Service could take part, depending on the level of risk expected during an operation.

Government officials say the preparations included simulated exercises to test how forces would handle a range of situations, including the possibility that crews aboard the targeted vessels might be armed.

Although British forces have not yet boarded any ships linked to the shadow fleet, authorities say operational planning has reached an advanced stage.

The government has already sanctioned hundreds of vessels suspected of involvement in sanction-busting oil shipments.

Legal Framework and Monitoring
Ministers identified the Sanctions and Money Laundering Act 2018 as the legal basis that could allow British forces to board and detain sanctioned vessels inside UK territorial waters.

Officials say about three-quarters of Russia’s crude oil exports are now transported on ageing tankers believed to be part of the shadow fleet.

Military planners are using ship-tracking systems to monitor movements of sanctioned vessels approaching British waters, enabling authorities to identify possible targets weeks before they arrive.

Despite the legal authority identified earlier this year, analysis suggested dozens of sanctioned ships still passed through the English Channel in the weeks that followed.

Part of Wider Pressure on Russia
The plan forms part of a broader Western effort to limit Russia’s oil income and restrict the resources available for the war in Ukraine.

Britain has worked with several northern European partners to monitor shadow-fleet activity at sea, including through the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Starmer is expected to discuss further action against the fleet at a summit of the alliance in Helsinki.

British naval forces have already supported monitoring efforts alongside allies such as Finland, Sweden and Estonia in recent weeks.

Officials say disrupting the shadow fleet has become a priority because the vessels continue to move large volumes of Russian oil despite sanctions designed to curb Moscow’s revenues from energy exports.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Possible d’Artagnan Remains Found Beneath Church in Maastricht

EU

Possible d’Artagnan Remains Found Beneath Church in Maastricht

Archaeologists in the Dutch city of Maastricht are investigating whether a skeleton discovered beneath a church floor could belong to the 17th-century soldier believed to have inspired the hero of The Three Musketeers.

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Workers uncovered the remains while repairing damage at the Church of St Peter and St Paul in the city’s Wolder district. The discovery was made after part of the church floor collapsed, exposing a burial site beneath the altar.

Skeleton Discovered During Church Repairs
Local officials contacted retired archaeologist Wim Dijkman, who has spent nearly three decades searching for the burial place of Charles de Batz‑Castelmore d’Artagnan. The Gascon nobleman served as a musketeer and intelligence agent for Louis XIV and died during a battle near Maastricht in 1673.

The long-standing question of where the soldier was buried has remained unresolved for more than three centuries.

Clues Found in the Grave
Church officials say several details surrounding the burial align with historical accounts of d’Artagnan’s death and funeral.

According to Deacon Jos Valke, the remains were located in consecrated ground beneath the altar. A coin dating to the same period was also discovered in the grave.

Perhaps the most striking detail was the presence of a bullet near the skeleton’s chest. Historical records describe d’Artagnan being killed by a musket shot to the throat during the 1673 siege of Maastricht.

These elements have led archaeologists to consider the possibility that the remains could belong to the famed musketeer. Still, researchers say confirmation requires scientific testing.

The skeleton has since been transferred to an archaeological institute in the Dutch city of Deventer for further study.

DNA Tests Under Way
Scientists collected a DNA sample from the remains on 13 March and sent it to a laboratory in Munich for analysis.

The genetic material will be compared with DNA provided by descendants of d’Artagnan’s father. Researchers hope the comparison will determine whether the skeleton belongs to the historical figure.

Dijkman said investigators are approaching the discovery cautiously despite the excitement surrounding it. Multiple examinations and analyses are under way in the Netherlands and abroad as experts attempt to verify the identity of the remains.

The case has drawn attention beyond Maastricht due to d’Artagnan’s enduring reputation.

From Soldier to Literary Legend
The real-life musketeer became widely known after Alexandre Dumas published The Three Musketeers in 1844. The novel turned d’Artagnan into a central character in a story about loyalty, adventure and court intrigue.

Dumas drew inspiration from an earlier work, Mémoires de M. d’Artagnan, written in 1700 by the French author and soldier Gatien de Courtilz de Sandras.

The fictional version of d’Artagnan has appeared in numerous film and television adaptations over the past century. The character has also been reimagined in popular culture, including as the sword-wielding dog hero of the animated series Dogtanian and the Three Muskehounds.

If the newly discovered remains are confirmed to be his, the find would resolve a historical mystery dating back more than 350 years.

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March 26Mar 26

Rome Installs Marble Markers at Colosseum’s Lost Columns

EU

Rome Installs Marble Markers at Colosseum’s Lost Columns

Visitors to the Colosseum can now see where massive columns once rose outside the ancient amphitheater, following the completion of a project aimed at illustrating its original layout.

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Architects this month unveiled a new piazza featuring low travertine marble slabs placed precisely where monumental pillars once stood. The columns previously supported two tall arcades along the structure’s southern side, creating a shaded approach for crowds entering the arena.

Built in the first century C.E., the amphitheater — formally known as the Flavian Amphitheatre — drew large gatherings for gladiator contests and other public spectacles. The arcades, supported by columns reaching about 164 feet high, once sheltered spectators from the sun as they assembled before moving through the arches toward their seating sections.

Over time, earthquakes and unstable foundations caused these architectural elements to collapse, leaving little visible trace of the towering structures.

Design Inspired by Ancient Foundations
The recent installation seeks to recreate a sense of those vanished features without reconstructing them directly.

Italian architect Stefano Boeri, who designed the new piazza, said the marble blocks sit exactly on the locations where the original pillars were anchored. The intention, he said, is to help visitors understand the scale and spatial proportions of the arcades that once framed the amphitheater’s entrance.

The slabs are made from travertine marble taken from the same quarries used in the Colosseum’s original construction. Alongside them are engraved numerals marking seating sections, echoing the way ancient visitors navigated the stadium to reach their designated areas.



Architect Giorgio Donà described the work as a collaborative effort involving archaeologists, researchers and technical specialists. The project, he said, aims to give Rome and international visitors a new vantage point for understanding the monument and its historical context.

Beyond illustrating the structure’s past, planners also see the area as a functional public space. Boeri said the slabs can serve as places where visitors rest while exploring the site, offering a new gathering area without altering the surviving historic fabric.

Linked to Metro Construction
The project was funded through compensation linked to construction of new subway stations beneath the area.

Rome’s underground expansion has long posed difficulties because of the city’s dense archaeological layers. Construction teams working on the stations carried out extensive excavations before building began.

According to project officials, these digs uncovered remains including military barracks, a thermal bath complex and dozens of ancient wells. Some of these discoveries are now displayed inside the new metro stations.

The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to balance modern infrastructure with preservation in one of the world’s most historically complex urban landscapes.

For visitors to the Colosseum, the newly installed marble markers provide a subtle but tangible reminder of the amphitheater’s former grandeur — indicating the scale of architectural features that once towered above crowds entering one of the Roman Empire’s most famous venues.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Trump Ballroom Project Removes Jacqueline Kennedy Garden

Trump

Trump Ballroom Project Removes Jacqueline Kennedy Garden

The removal of the White House East Wing during construction of a new ballroom ordered by Donald Trump also erased a historic feature tied to the legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis.

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The Jacqueline Kennedy Garden, established in 1965, was dismantled during the project. Its pergola, designed by architect I. M. Pei, has been placed in storage while trees from the site were transferred to nurseries for preservation.

The garden had been created during the administration of Lyndon B. Johnson and dedicated by first lady Lady Bird Johnson to honor Jacqueline Kennedy’s work preserving and restoring the White House.

The decision has drawn criticism from historians and preservation specialists who argue that the redesign disrupts longstanding features of the White House landscape.

New garden plans unveiled
Design proposals presented to the National Capital Planning Commission outline a new garden replacing the original site while extending alongside the planned 89,000-square-foot ballroom.

According to landscape architect Rick Parisi, the redesigned space will include a grand staircase, a circular brick patio built with bricks from Mount Vernon, granite pathways and ornamental plant beds.

Four holly topiary trees from the former garden will remain, while a fountain from the original layout will be relocated into the new design.

Plans also alter the driveway along the White House South Lawn, narrowing part of its circular route to accommodate the ballroom structure.

Parisi said the project aims to recreate elements of the previous garden’s appearance through symmetrical plantings and expanded landscaping.

Experts challenge historic changes
Preservation specialists say the redesign departs from established planning guidelines that have shaped the White House grounds for decades.

Much of the landscaping around the building follows the Olmsted Plan created by landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted Jr.. The plan organized the grounds around curved and elliptical pathways.

Critics say the proposed driveway redesign disrupts that layout.

Priya Jain of the Heritage Conservation Committee of the Society of Architectural Historians told the commission the sharp bend introduced in the new driveway contrasts with the historically curved pathways.

Charles Birnbaum, president of the The Cultural Landscape Foundation, said the proposal conflicts with long-standing federal guidelines governing historic landscapes.

Birnbaum previously coordinated the National Park Service Historic Landscape Initiative and authored guidance used to evaluate such projects.

He said the changes sever key visual and spatial relationships that have shaped the grounds for decades.

Garden tied to Kennedy legacy
The original garden traced its origins to 1962, when John F. Kennedy proposed creating a landscaped space along the east side of the White House.

Landscape designer Rachel Lambert Mellon developed the project with Jacqueline Kennedy, envisioning a lawn bordered by linden trees with space for recreation and small plantings.

Following Kennedy’s assassination in 1963, Lady Bird Johnson resumed the project and dedicated the garden in Jacqueline Kennedy’s honor.

For decades, the site remained part of public tours of the White House and served as a space where presidents and their families spent time outdoors.

The garden’s removal occurred when the East Wing was demolished for the ballroom project, ending its presence on the grounds.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Japan Faces Toilet Paper Panic as Conflict Spurs Hoarding

Japan

Japan Faces Toilet Paper Panic as Conflict Spurs Hoarding

Shoppers in Japan have begun stockpiling toilet paper as global tensions linked to the conflict involving Iran unsettle markets, reviving a pattern of panic buying that authorities say is unnecessary.

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Images circulating on social media show empty shelves in some stores as consumers rush to buy toilet paper in large quantities. Government officials have urged residents not to hoard the product, stressing that supplies remain stable.

The surge in buying has emerged despite the fact that toilet paper production and distribution are not directly affected by disruptions tied to oil markets or geopolitical tensions.

Economists and behavioral researchers say the phenomenon reflects how rumors and uncertainty can quickly trigger consumer runs on everyday goods.

Panic buying returns
The behavior resembles a bank run, where concern about shortages spreads rapidly and prompts individuals to buy more than they need.

In earlier eras, such fears might have spread through word of mouth. Today, social media posts suggesting shortages can rapidly amplify the same reaction nationwide.

Similar dynamics were seen during the global outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020.

On March 12 of that year, toilet paper sales surged 734 percent compared with the same date in 2019, making it the top-selling grocery item worldwide that day. During the months that followed, about 70 percent of grocery stores globally experienced at least one period when shelves were empty.

Researchers later found that the shortage was largely driven by panic buying rather than actual supply disruptions. Production levels remained stable and supply chains continued to function, but surging consumer demand temporarily drained store inventories.

The pandemic also led to a spike in demand for alternatives such as bidets, as some households adjusted their bathroom habits during the shortage.

Japan’s history of hoarding
Japan has a long record of toilet paper stockpiling during periods of crisis.

The pattern dates back to 1973 during the global oil crisis, when Yasuhiro Nakasone urged the public to conserve paper products. The statement triggered rumors that supplies were running out, prompting consumers to buy large quantities of toilet paper.

Historians and sociologists later described the panic as reflecting anxiety about economic stability during a time of global uncertainty.

Similar hoarding behavior reappeared after the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami, when consumers rushed to purchase toilet paper and other household essentials.

In those cases, temporary supply disruptions in some regions contributed to the rush.

Today’s panic appears to be driven largely by perception rather than actual shortages.

Symbol of security
Experts say toilet paper often becomes a focal point during crises because of its physical and psychological characteristics.

The product is bulky and visibly finite, making empty shelves easy to notice. Unlike many foods that are consumed and replaced frequently, toilet paper is seen as a long-term household staple.

Anthropologist Grant Jun Otsuki has argued that the item carries symbolic importance in modern consumer culture. The possibility that it might disappear from store shelves can prompt people to secure supplies quickly.

So far, the latest surge in panic buying appears largely confined to Japan.

However, early signs of similar stockpiling have been reported in Perth in Australia, suggesting the pattern could spread if concerns continue to circulate.

Authorities in Japan continue to stress that there is no shortage and that consumers should avoid unnecessary purchases.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Iran Bolsters Kharg Island Defenses as US Weighs Seizure

Iranian Conflict

Iran Bolsters Kharg Island Defenses as US Weighs Seizure

Iran has strengthened military defenses on Kharg Island amid concerns in Tehran that the United States could attempt to seize the strategic oil hub, according to people familiar with US intelligence assessments.

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Recent intelligence reports indicate Iranian forces have deployed additional personnel and expanded defensive measures on the island. Preparations include placing traps and laying mines in areas where US troops might attempt an amphibious landing.

The developments come as the administration of Donald Trump considers the possibility of sending ground forces to take control of the island. Officials see the move as potential leverage to pressure Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key maritime corridor for global energy shipments.

Kharg Island handles about 90 percent of Iran’s crude oil exports, making it one of the country’s most important economic assets.

Iran reinforces island defenses
According to intelligence sources, Iranian forces have deployed additional shoulder-fired surface-to-air missile systems, known as MANPADs, to strengthen the island’s air defenses.

Iran has also laid anti-personnel and anti-armor mines in several areas, including sections of coastline where US forces might attempt to land.

Military planners say these layered defenses could pose significant risks if the United States attempted to capture the island.

United States Central Command declined to comment on Iranian activities there.

The US military has already conducted strikes against targets on the island. On March 13, Central Command said forces hit roughly 90 targets, including naval mine storage sites, missile bunkers and other military facilities. Trump said at the time that US forces avoided striking oil infrastructure.

Despite those attacks, analysts say Iranian defenses still pose a threat.

Concerns over potential US operation
Military experts warn that a ground operation could expose US troops to missile, drone and small-arms attacks given the island’s proximity to the Iranian mainland.

Retired Admiral James Stavridis said Iranian forces would likely attempt to inflict heavy casualties if US troops landed on the island.

“The Iranians will do everything they can to inflict maximum casualties on US forces,” he said.

Iranian officials have also warned against any attempt to occupy the country’s territory.

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran was monitoring US troop movements in the region and warned that attacks on Iranian territory could trigger strikes on infrastructure in other countries.

Kharg Island is located near the northern end of the Persian Gulf and is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan. Its strategic importance stems from its role as the main terminal for Iranian oil exports.

US troop deployments and regional concerns
US forces have increased their presence in the region as the conflict escalates. Two Marine Expeditionary Units, capable of rapid amphibious operations, have recently been deployed to the Middle East.

The units include thousands of Marines along with amphibious ships, aircraft and landing craft that could support a potential landing operation.

In addition, about 1,000 troops from the 82nd Airborne Division are expected to deploy to the region.

Regional partners in the Gulf have privately urged Washington to avoid sending ground forces to occupy the island, warning such a move could trigger retaliation against regional infrastructure and prolong the conflict.

Some analysts say the United States could instead consider an offshore blockade of Kharg Island to disrupt Iran’s oil exports without deploying troops.

Such a strategy, they argue, could apply economic pressure on Tehran while avoiding the risks associated with a ground assault.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Trump Threatens to “Unleash Hell” if Iran Rejects Deal

Iranian Conflict

Trump Threatens to “Unleash Hell” if Iran Rejects Deal

The administration of Donald Trump warned that the United States could intensify military action against Iran if negotiations aimed at ending the conflict fail.

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At a briefing on Wednesday, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president prefers a diplomatic outcome but is prepared to escalate if Tehran refuses to reach an agreement.

“The president’s preference is always peace,” Leavitt said. “But if Iran fails to accept the reality of the current moment … President Trump will ensure they are hit harder than they have ever been hit before.”

She added that Trump is ready to “unleash hell” if Iran misjudges the situation or refuses to cooperate in negotiations.

Talks and disputed proposal
According to sources cited by US media, Washington has sent a 15-point peace proposal to Iran through officials in Pakistan.

Iranian state media reported that Tehran rejected the proposal, and Iranian officials have publicly denied that direct negotiations are taking place.

Leavitt maintained that talks are continuing and described them as productive, but declined to provide details about the content of the discussions, the Iranian negotiators involved or whether in-person meetings are imminent.

Earlier this week, Trump said he had delayed major attacks on Iranian energy infrastructure for five days following what he described as constructive contacts with Tehran.

The administration says the pause offers Iran an opportunity to abandon its nuclear ambitions and stop threatening the United States and its allies.

Officials in both Pakistan and Egypt have indicated they could host talks aimed at ending the conflict. A meeting in Islamabad has been discussed but has not been confirmed by Washington.

Trump said negotiations involve several senior figures, including Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Other participants include White House envoy Steve Witkoff and Trump adviser Jared Kushner.

Leavitt described Vance as a central member of the administration’s national security team who has closely supported the president during the negotiations.

Oil gesture and military pressure
Trump also claimed Iran recently offered the United States a “very big present” linked to oil shipments moving through the Strait of Hormuz.

The president did not specify what he meant by the remark. Reports suggested it might involve an oil tanker carrying about two million barrels that successfully transited the strait, though the White House declined to confirm the details.

Leavitt said the president would address the issue at an appropriate time.

Trump indicated the gesture signaled to him that negotiations were progressing and that Iran was dealing in good faith. He also said many senior Iranian leaders had been killed in US and Israeli strikes, claiming the country’s leadership structure had already changed.

Asked whether Washington is satisfied with Iran’s current leadership, Leavitt said it was too early to make that assessment.

Military operations continue
Despite the diplomatic contacts, the United States continues to reinforce its military presence in the region.
Thousands of additional Marines are being deployed to the Middle East, while the Pentagon has requested roughly $200 billion in supplemental funding related to the operation.

Leavitt declined to comment on potential deployment of units from the 82nd Airborne Division, referring questions to the Defense Department.

She said the administration aims to keep military options available while negotiations continue.

According to the White House, the campaign — known as Operation Epic Fury — remains active and is progressing faster than initially planned.

Officials said the mission was expected to last four to six weeks and that US forces are approaching their core objectives.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

US Supreme Court Weighs Trump Border Asylum Limits

USA

US Supreme Court Weighs Trump Border Asylum Limits

Justices of the Supreme Court of the United States appeared receptive on Tuesday to arguments from the administration of Donald Trump defending the government’s authority to turn away asylum seekers when officials say the US-Mexico border is too overwhelmed to process additional claims.

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The case centers on a policy known as “metering,” which allows immigration officers to refuse entry to migrants seeking asylum at border crossings when authorities say they lack the capacity to process more applications.

Trump’s administration has asked the court to overturn a lower-court ruling that found the policy violated federal law. The measure was originally halted after Joe Biden rescinded it early in his presidency in 2021.

The dispute is separate from a broader asylum restriction announced by Trump after returning to office last year. That policy also faces ongoing legal challenges.

Dispute over legal definition
The central legal question concerns whether migrants stopped on the Mexican side of the border can be considered to have “arrived” in the United States under federal asylum law.

Current US law allows migrants who arrive in the country to request asylum and requires immigration officials to inspect their claims.

Arguing for the administration, Justice Department lawyer Vivek Suri told the court that migrants waiting in Mexico cannot be treated as having entered the country.

“You can’t arrive in the United States while you’re still standing in Mexico,” Suri said during the hearing, arguing that the legal interpretation should settle the dispute.

Several justices explored the limits of that definition during questioning.

Conservative Justice Amy Coney Barrett asked how close a person must be to the border to qualify as arriving in the United States. She questioned whether migrants approaching areas without formal ports of entry could claim the same legal status.

The court also heard arguments from attorneys representing migrant advocacy groups challenging the policy.

Sharp questions from liberal justices
Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor pressed government lawyers over whether the policy contradicts US laws designed to protect refugees.

She suggested the policy effectively bars asylum seekers while allowing other travelers to enter through border checkpoints.

Sotomayor compared the situation to passengers arriving on flights to US airports, noting they may be considered to have arrived in the country even before physically stepping onto American soil.

The lawsuit against the policy was brought by Al Otro Lado, which provides legal and humanitarian support to migrants at the border.

The group first filed its challenge in 2017, arguing that US law requires border officials to inspect all asylum seekers who present themselves at official crossings.

In 2024, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit ruled that immigration authorities must process asylum claims from migrants who reach border entry points, even if they have not yet physically crossed into the United States.

Policy history and next steps
Border authorities began informally limiting asylum processing during a surge in migration in 2016 under Barack Obama. The Trump administration formally implemented the metering policy two years later.

The Biden administration ended the practice in 2021, but the current administration has indicated it may reinstate the policy if border conditions change.

In court filings, the government said metering could resume “as soon as changed border conditions warranted that step.”

The Supreme Court is expected to issue its ruling by the end of June.

The court has already sided with the Trump administration in several immigration-related disputes since Trump returned to office, including emergency rulings allowing authorities to deport migrants to third countries and revoke temporary legal protections for hundreds of thousands of Venezuelan migrants.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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March 26Mar 26

Israel Advances Death Penalty Bill for Palestinians in Knesset

Middle East

Israel Advances Death Penalty Bill for Palestinians in Knesset

Israel’s parliament has pushed forward a controversial bill that would allow courts to impose the death penalty on Palestinians convicted of terrorism, sending the legislation to a final vote after approval by a parliamentary committee.

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The bill advanced Tuesday after the national security committee of the Knesset endorsed the proposal, according to Israel’s public broadcaster. The measure was introduced by the far-right party Otzma Yehudit, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Proposed rules for executions
Supporters say the law would strengthen Israel’s response to attacks, while critics argue it would dramatically shift the country’s penal policy and raise legal and moral concerns.

The legislation outlines strict conditions for prisoners sentenced to death. Those condemned would be held in a separate facility and barred from receiving visitors other than authorised personnel. Meetings with lawyers would take place only through video calls.

Executions would be required within 90 days of sentencing.
Under the proposal, courts could impose capital punishment without a formal request from prosecutors and without a unanimous ruling by judges. A simple majority decision would be enough.

Military courts operating in the occupied West Bank would also gain the authority to issue death sentences. The Israeli defence minister would be able to submit an opinion in such cases.

For Palestinians tried under military jurisdiction, the measure would effectively eliminate options for appeal or clemency. Prisoners tried in Israeli civilian courts, however, could still see death sentences reduced to life imprisonment.

Committee members added amendments before sending the bill forward. According to the broadcaster, executions would be carried out by hanging.

Ben-Gvir has been one of the bill’s strongest advocates and has worn a noose-shaped pin on his lapel during parliamentary debates. He has described hanging as one possible method for carrying out death sentences and said other options, including the electric chair, could also be considered.

Legal and diplomatic concerns
Israeli government agencies and military officials have repeatedly warned that the law could create legal risks for the country.

The justice and foreign ministries have cautioned that introducing such a measure could violate international law and expose Israeli commanders to arrest warrants abroad.
Opposition politicians have raised similar concerns.

Lawmaker Gilad Kariv said the requirement to carry out executions within 90 days, without the possibility of clemency, could place Israeli officials at risk of legal action in foreign courts.

Human rights organisations have also condemned the proposal.

B’Tselem, an Israeli rights group, said the law would institutionalise lethal punishment against Palestinians. Its executive director, Yuli Novak, said the measure would add another tool to what she described as a system that already permits widespread use of lethal force against Palestinians.

United Nations experts urged Israel earlier this year to withdraw the legislation, arguing it would violate the right to life and discriminate against Palestinians living in occupied territories.

The European Union also criticised the proposal, stating that capital punishment violates fundamental human rights and risks constituting cruel or degrading treatment.

Rare use of capital punishment
Capital punishment is largely absent from Israel’s legal system and has been used only in exceptional circumstances.

The most prominent case occurred in 1962 when Israeli authorities executed Nazi war criminal Adolf Eichmann, one of the chief organisers of the Holocaust.

If adopted, the new bill would mark a major departure from that precedent and introduce broader use of the death penalty within Israel’s judicial framework.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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webfact

March 26Mar 26

Australia Blocks Iranian Tourists With Valid Visas From Entering for Six Months

Australia

Australia Blocks Iranian Tourists With Valid Visas From Entering for Six Months

Australia has barred thousands of Iranian nationals with valid tourist visas from entering the country for the next six months, a move that has drawn strong criticism from refugee advocates and opposition figures.

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The decision was announced by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, who activated newly expanded immigration powers to temporarily suspend entry for Iranian visitors amid concerns about the escalating situation in Iran.

The restriction applies to roughly 6,800 Iranian citizens holding valid tourist visas who are currently outside Australia. Some travellers may still be granted entry under special circumstances.

Government cites migration control concerns
Burke said the measure was necessary to ensure that long-term residency decisions remain deliberate government policy rather than the unintended result of short-term travel.

“There are many visitor visas which were issued before the conflict in Iran which may not have been issued if they were applied for now,” Burke said.

“Decisions about permanent stays in Australia should be deliberate decisions of the government, not a random consequence of who had booked a holiday.”

The temporary order will last six months and must be renewed if authorities wish to keep it in place. Officials said the government will continue to monitor global developments and adjust migration policies if necessary.

The ban only applies to people holding tourist visas, commonly known as subclass 600 visas, who are currently outside the country.

Limited exemptions available
Authorities said some exemptions could apply. Iranian parents of Australian citizens may receive “sympathetic consideration”, while others may request permission to travel through a special certificate process.

Government figures indicate that more than 7,200 temporary visa holders are currently inside Iran, with more than 40,000 temporary visa holders located across the wider region affected by the conflict.

However, the current restriction targets only tourist visa holders.

Strong criticism from advocates and politicians
The decision has prompted criticism from refugee groups and some lawmakers, who argue it unfairly affects people who followed legal immigration procedures.

Nos Hosseini of the Iranian Women’s Association said the community had hoped for compassion during a period of uncertainty.

“As a community, we are grieving. We are under immense stress, and this was not the type of announcement we were expecting to hear,” she said.

Independent MP Zali Steggall warned the government’s expanded powers risk undermining confidence in Australia’s migration system.

“Thousands of people who followed the rules, paid fees, and made plans in good faith are being left in limbo,” she said.

David Shoebridge, a senator from the Greens party, also criticised the government, accusing it of abandoning Iranian citizens despite publicly expressing concern about conditions inside the country.

The Asylum Seeker Resource Centre described the move as a “massive betrayal” and a “breathtaking moral failure”.

Earlier asylum cases
The visa decision follows a recent case involving members of Iran’s women’s football team who travelled to Australia earlier this month. Seven players were initially granted asylum offers, although five later chose to return to Iran while two remain in Australia.

Officials say the temporary entry restrictions will remain under review as the government monitors developments in the region.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 26 March 2026

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webfact

March 26Mar 26

US Presents Iran With 15-Point Plan to End Conflict

BREAKING NEWS

US Presents Iran With 15-Point Plan to End Conflict

The United States has delivered a 15-point proposal to Iran aimed at ending the ongoing conflict, outlining conditions for a ceasefire and longer-term negotiations.

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The plan, put forward under the administration of Donald Trump, includes strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and calls for the reopening of the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz.

Ceasefire and negotiation framework
According to reports, the proposal includes a commitment by both Washington and Tehran to observe a one-month ceasefire. The pause in hostilities would allow time for negotiations on a broader and more permanent agreement.

The framework is said to build on earlier proposals discussed during nuclear talks in May 2025.

The plan was reportedly conveyed to Iran through intermediaries from Pakistan, which has offered to act as a mediator. Talks are expected to be led by JD Vance, with Washington pushing for negotiations to begin in Islamabad.

Iran expresses scepticism
Iranian officials have reacted cautiously, signalling distrust of US intentions. According to diplomatic sources, Tehran has told mediators it does not want to be “fooled again”, citing the recent deployment of US forces to the region.

The proposal was also publicly dismissed by Ebrahim Zolfaqari, who mocked Washington’s claims of diplomacy.

“Has the level of your inner struggle reached the stage of you negotiating with yourself?” he said, criticising the US position.

Regional reactions
The plan has also drawn attention from Israel, which has supported continued military pressure on Iran. Reports suggest Israeli officials were taken by surprise by the US initiative.

The latest diplomatic effort comes amid ongoing tensions in the region, with military activity continuing alongside attempts to broker a ceasefire.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 25 March 2026

• Iranian Conflict

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webfact

March 25Mar 25

Meta Ordered to Pay $375m in New Mexico Over Child Safety Claims

USA

Meta Ordered to Pay $375m in New Mexico Over Child Safety Claims

A court in the US state of New Mexico has ordered Meta to pay $375m (£279m) after a jury found the company misled users about the safety of its platforms for children.

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The ruling follows a seven-week trial examining how the company’s services — including Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp — exposed minors to harmful content and interactions.

Jury finds violations of consumer law
Jurors concluded that Meta violated New Mexico’s Unfair Practices Act by giving a misleading impression about protections for young users. The penalty reflects thousands of violations, each carrying a potential fine.

Raul Torrez described the outcome as “historic”, saying it marked the first successful state-level legal action against the company over child safety concerns.

Prosecutors argued that Meta’s platforms enabled exposure to sexually explicit material and contact from predators, while internal evidence suggested the company was aware of such risks.

Evidence presented during trial
During proceedings, jurors reviewed company documents and heard testimony from former employees. Among them was Arturo Béjar, who said internal experiments showed underage users were being served sexualised content.

He told the court his own daughter had received inappropriate messages from a stranger on Instagram.

State lawyers also cited internal research indicating that at one point 16% of Instagram users reported seeing unwanted nudity or sexual activity within a single week.

The lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleged that Meta’s recommendation algorithms directed young users towards explicit material, including content linked to exploitation and trafficking.

Meta to appeal ruling
Meta rejected the findings and confirmed it plans to challenge the decision. A spokesperson for the company, led by chief executive Mark Zuckerberg, said it continues to invest in safety measures.

“We work hard to keep people safe on our platforms and are clear about the challenges of identifying and removing harmful content,” the spokesperson said.

The company highlighted recent initiatives, including new account settings for teenagers and tools designed to alert parents to potentially harmful activity.

Wider legal challenges continue
The case is one of several legal actions facing Meta and other technology firms in the United States over the impact of social media on young users.

A separate trial in Los Angeles is examining claims that platform design contributed to addiction among children.

Thousands of similar lawsuits are currently progressing through US courts, reflecting growing scrutiny of how major tech companies protect younger audiences online.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 25 March 2026

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March 25Mar 25