**Summary:** Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz claimed on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, that Israeli attacks the previous night resulted in the death of Ali Larijani, Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council. Iran has not yet commented on the claim, though state media mentioned a message from Larijani would be published soon.

**Key points:**
- Larijani was reportedly one target in Israeli military attacks across Iran the night prior.
- If confirmed, Larijani would be the highest-ranking Iranian official killed since Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei died on the first day of the war.
- Larijani was last publicly seen on Friday, March 13, 2026, at a rally in Tehran.
- The Israeli military also claimed to have killed Gholamreza Soleimani, commander of the internal Basij militia, in a targeted strike in Tehran.

**Why it matters:** The alleged assassination of such a high-ranking security official would represent a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran.

Israel Klaim Tewaskan Kepala Keamanan Iran, Ali Larijani

Israel says it has killed Ali Larijani, Iran’s top security official

وزير دفاع إسرائيل يعلن مقتل لاريجاني

Israel Claims Assassination of Iran's Top Security Official Ali Larijani

**Summary:** The Iranian Football Federation is negotiating with FIFA to relocate its 2026 World Cup group stage matches from the United States to Mexico due to security concerns following recent air strikes and statements by US President Donald Trump regarding the safety of the Iranian national team. The Iranian ambassador to Mexico criticized the US government's lack of cooperation on visas and logistics.

**Key points:**
- Iranian Football Federation President Mehdi Taj stated they will 'definitely not travel to America' after Trump expressed concerns about their security.
- Iran's group matches are scheduled in Los Angeles (vs. New Zealand and Belgium) and Seattle (vs. Egypt), with accommodation booked in Tucson, Arizona.
- The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Secretary General Windsor John indicated they still expect Iran to participate, noting no official information to the contrary despite political tensions.
- The move is considered logistically difficult, especially since Iran could still play in the US during knockout rounds.

**Why it matters:** This situation highlights the significant impact of geopolitical conflict and security assurances on international sporting events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which is co-hosted by the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Fußball-WM 2026: Iran verhandelt mit Fifa über Verlegung seiner Spiele nach Mexiko - DIE ZEIT

Iran seek to have World Cup matches moved from the United States to Mexico - AOL

WM : Iran verhandelt mit FIFA über Spielverlegung nach Mexiko - ligaportal.at

Iran Negotiates with FIFA to Move 2026 World Cup Matches to Mexico

**Summary:** President Donald Trump expressed frustration with Western allies, including Germany, Spain, and Italy, for rebuffing his demand for warships to escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. European leaders cited a lack of mandate and a desire to avoid escalation, while Trump suggested their lack of enthusiasm was ungrateful given past U.S. protection.

**Key points:**
- The Strait of Hormuz, critical for 20% of global oil and LNG flow, remains largely closed due to Iranian actions like drones and naval mines.
- German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stated Germany lacked the necessary mandate from the UN, EU, or NATO to send ships.
- British Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirmed the UK would not join offensive operations but is drafting a collective plan to reopen the strait.
- Trump specifically criticized Starmer for not enthusiastically agreeing to send two aircraft carriers when requested two weeks prior.
- The conflict, in its third week, has caused energy prices to rise and resulted in at least 2,000 deaths across the Middle East since February 28.

**Why it matters:** The reluctance of key allies to commit naval assets to secure the Strait of Hormuz highlights strained international relations and dependence on the US, while the continued conflict drives up global energy prices.

Trump accuses allies of ingratitude over Hormuz naval standoff

Trump gets chilly response from allies over demand on Hormuz

'This Is Not Europe's War': EU Foreign Policy Chief Responds To Trump's Demands Amid Iran War

Trump Accuses Allies of Ingratitude Over Demands for Hormuz Naval Support

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump stated that his administration is in talks with Cuba and asserted the island is in a state of extreme weakness, claiming he might have the "honor of taking Cuba" in some form. These comments coincided with Cuba suffering a total power blackout linked to a crippling oil blockade imposed by Washington since January 9.

**Key points:**
- Trump suggested he could "do anything I want with it, if you want to know the truth," referring to Cuba, whether by freeing it or taking it.
- The Cuban government confirmed recent initial talks with the United States.
- Cuba's economic situation has worsened since the US ouster of Nicolas Maduro in Venezuela, leading to no oil imports since January 9.
- In response to economic pressure, Cuba's Foreign Trade Minister Oscar Perez-Oliva announced exiles can now invest and own businesses on the island.
- The power blackout was attributed to a "complete shutdown of the national grid" by Union Nacional Electrica de Cuba (UNE).

**Why it matters:** The explicit threat by the US President to intervene in Cuba comes as the island faces severe economic hardship, including prolonged power outages, and amid acknowledged diplomatic contact between the two nations.

Trump vows to 'take' Cuba as the island reels from US-imposed oil embargo

Donald Trump: «Creo que tendré el honor de tomar Cuba»

Creo que tendr� el honor de tomar Cuba.- Trump

Trump Vows to 'Take' Cuba Amidst Weakness and Oil Embargo

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump stated that it is unclear if Mojtaba Jameneí, recently named Iran's Supreme Leader after his father Ali Jameneí's death in bombings, is alive, citing a lack of contact or public appearances. Trump also noted uncertainty over who is leading Iran following military attacks by the US and Israel.

**Key points:**
- Mojtaba Jameneí has not made any public appearances since his designation as Supreme Leader.
- Trump mentioned unconfirmed reports suggesting Jameneí was severely wounded, possibly disfigured or lost a leg.
- The US President suggested that the recent bombings eliminated a large part of Tehran's power structure.
- Iran's attributed first statement as Supreme Leader was a written communiqué promising retaliation and closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

**Why it matters:** The uncertainty surrounding the health and whereabouts of Iran's new Supreme Leader complicates any potential diplomatic dialogue with the United States.

Donald Trump dice que no sabe si Mojtaba Jameneí, líder supremo de Irán, está vivo

Trump, sobre el nuevo líder supremo de Irán, Mojtaba Jameneí: ‘No sabemos si está muerto o no’

Trump: Uncertainty on Iran's New Supreme Leader's Status

**Summary:** U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the United States is currently 'fine' with some Iranian, Indian, and Chinese ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz to supply the world. Any further action to mitigate higher fuel prices will depend on the duration of the ongoing Iran war.

**Key points:**
- Iranian ships have already been transiting and the US has permitted this for global supply.
- Tanker traffic through the Strait has decreased due to Iran attacking commercial ships in the Persian Gulf.
- The Trump administration anticipates a 'natural opening' by the Iranians before allied forces escort commercial ships.
- Bessent suggested oil prices should fall below $80 per barrel after the conflict concludes.

**Why it matters:** The US position on allowing specific national tanker traffic through the critical Strait of Hormuz indicates a pragmatic approach to maintaining global fuel supply amidst regional conflict.

The Straits Times - US 'fine' with some ships getting through Strait of Hormuz, Bessent says

CNBC - U.S. is allowing Iranian tankers through Strait of Hormuz, says Bessent

US 'Fine' With Some Iranian, Indian, Chinese Ships Transiting Strait of Hormuz

**Summary:** The 98th Academy Awards ceremony took place in Los Angeles on March 15, hosted by Conan O’Brien for the second consecutive year. The film "Sinners" set a record for the most nominations in Oscar history with 16 nods.

**Key points:**
- "Sinners" broke the record for most Oscar nominations, surpassing the previous record held by "All About Eve" (1950), "Titanic" (1997), and "La La Land" (2016).
- "One Battle After Another" received 13 nominations, while "Marty Supreme," "Frankenstein," and "Sentimental Value" each secured nine nominations.
- The Spanish film "Sirât" earned two nominations, including Best International Film and Best Sound.
- Conan O’Brien hosted the event at the Dolby Theatre.
- The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced the winners.

**Why it matters:** The Oscars are the most important awards in the film industry, honoring the best movies and stars from the past year. The event marked a new nomination record for a single film.

Oscars 2026: Nominees list in full - MyJoyOnline

Los ganadores de los Premios Oscar 2026 - EL PAÍS

“Оскар-2026“: стали известны обладатели престижной кинопремии - Tengri Life

Winners Announced for the 98th Academy Awards (Oscars 2026)

**Summary:** The first round of the 2026 French municipal elections saw a national voter turnout of 48.9% by 5 PM, marking a significant increase compared to the 38.8% recorded at the same time in the 2020 elections held during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, this participation rate remains lower than pre-Covid elections, such as 2014.

**Key points:**
- The 5 PM turnout was 10 percentage points higher than the 2020 figure.
- Turnout was notably higher in Corsica and the South of France, with Corse-du-Sud at 72.4%.
- Île-de-France departments, like Seine-Saint-Denis (37%), showed lower mobilization.
- Final participation is projected by pollsters to be between 56% and 58.5%.
- The election is considered a test one year ahead of the 2027 presidential election, particularly for the Rassemblement National (RN).
- Polling suggested a potential record abstention rate for local elections outside the Covid period.

**Why it matters:** The municipal elections serve as a crucial political barometer, testing the dynamics of the major political blocs, including the far-right Rassemblement National (RN), ahead of the 2027 presidential election.

Élections municipales : le récit du premier tour en direct

Élections municipales 2026 : la participation en forte hausse à 17 heures

Direct – Élections municipales en France : taux de participation de 48,9%, en hausse par rapport à 2020

CARTE. Municipales 2026 – 1er tour : à 17 heures, 48,90 % des électeurs sont allés voter en France… dans quels départements s’est-on le plus mobilisé ?

Quarte Bot