Azerbaijan accused Iran of drone attacks amid Middle East chaos; a key player in regional tensions with a history of Nagorno-Karabakh conflict.
Following a decline in vaccination rates, the UK has lost its WHO measles elimination status. Experts warn of major outbreaks, with projections of nearly 400,000 cases and 480 deaths over 20 years. Vaccination coverage remains below the 95% herd immunity threshold, risking further spread.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and his family watched the women's hockey team win at the Milan Winter Olympics. They faced boos at the opening ceremony, reflecting mixed U.S. public opinion amid broader political tensions. Vance's trip also includes diplomatic efforts in Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Armenia and the US signed a multibillion-dollar nuclear energy agreement, marking a shift from reliance on Russia. US Vice President Vance's visit also focused on regional peace and infrastructure projects, including a new transit corridor connecting Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Turkey. The deal aims to diversify Armenia's energy sources amid regional tensions.
U.S. Vice President Vance visited the Armenian Genocide Memorial in Yerevan, describing it as an honor to victims. An initial social media post calling it a 'genocide' was deleted after staff error. The incident highlights sensitivities around the term and U.S.-Turkey-Armenia relations.
The House rejected the bipartisan ROTOR Act, which aimed to improve aircraft collision prevention through mandatory GPS-based systems. The bill, supported by the Senate and families of crash victims, was blocked by concerns over costs, military security, and Pentagon opposition. The debate highlights systemic safety gaps in U.S. aviation.
Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict escalated as Vardanyan, a key figure in Nagorno-Karabakh, was convicted on 19 charges including war crimes and terrorism. He was sentenced after a closed-door trial, amid regional tensions and mass Armenian displacement following Azerbaijan's recent military offensive.
Federal immigration agents entered Columbia University housing without a warrant, detaining Azerbaijani student Ellie Aghayeva. The agents used misrepresentation tactics, claiming to search for a missing child. The incident has prompted university protests, political criticism, and concerns over enforcement tactics on campuses. The student was released after intervention by NYC Mayor Mamdani and President Trump.
On March 11-12, two oil tankers—the Safesea Vishnu and Zefyros—were attacked in Iraqi waters near Khor Al Zubair, resulting in one crew death and multiple rescues. Iran's Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility amid ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran. These attacks, part of at least 16 assaults on commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf since late February, have disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, threatening global oil supply and prices.
The US and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, prompting regional retaliation. Turkey calls for diplomacy, condemning the attacks as illegal. Iran retaliates with missile and drone strikes, intensifying regional instability and raising concerns over energy supplies and international law.
On March 5, 2026, Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drone attacks on its Nakhchivan exclave, damaging an airport and a school, and injuring two civilians. Azerbaijan condemned the strikes as violations of international law and prepared retaliatory measures. Iran denied targeting Azerbaijan. The incident escalates regional tensions amid ongoing conflicts involving Israel, the US, and Iran.
Amid ongoing US-led strikes on Iran, President Trump has publicly supported Iranian Kurdish groups in Iraq to attack Iran. Iran responded with missile and drone strikes in northern Iraq, while US forces target Iranian ships and missile facilities. The conflict has expanded regionally, with multiple countries involved.
The U.S. has used a new, low-cost drone system modeled after Iran's Shahed drones in combat for the first time. This marks a shift towards mass-producing affordable weapons to counter Iranian drone threats amid limited existing defenses. The deployment highlights evolving military tactics and regional security concerns.
The US embassy in Namibia emphasizes strict adherence to visa rules, warning travelers about overstays and document fraud. Meanwhile, the UK issues broad travel warnings for multiple countries, citing safety and legal concerns. Both stories highlight increased scrutiny on international travel and visa compliance as global mobility rises.
Ukrainian President Zelensky has visited Azerbaijan to strengthen security and energy cooperation. The trip follows recent regional tensions, including Azerbaijan's support for Ukraine and strained relations with Russia after a Russian missile mistakenly hit an Azerbaijani plane in 2024. Zelensky also engaged with Gulf countries to expand Kyiv's international alliances.