**Summary:** Iran's Assembly of Experts confirmed on Sunday, March 8, 2026, that they have elected a successor to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in US-Israeli offensive on February 28. The name of the new leader has not yet been revealed, pending an official announcement.

**Key points:**
- The Assembly of Experts, the body responsible for electing the Supreme Leader, confirmed the vote took place.
- Potential candidates mentioned include Mojtaba Khamenei, the deceased leader's son, and Hassan Khomeini, the grandson of the Islamic Republic's founder.
- Israel has warned that the new Supreme Leader and the members of the Assembly who confirmed the choice will be targets.
- The designation occurs amid ongoing intense strikes across Iran, with oil depots in Tehran reportedly hit by Israel.
- Iran's Revolutionary Guard claims sufficient supplies for at least six months of aerial warfare.

**Why it matters:** The selection of a new Supreme Leader is a critical transition of power for Iran, occurring while the country is engaged in an active conflict with the US and Israel.

عضو بمجلس الخبراء الإيراني يؤكد انتخاب مرشد جديد - زاد الاردن الاخباري - أخبار الأردن

L’Iran choisit un successeur à Ali Khamenei - Jeune Afrique

Irán tiene nuevo líder supremo: fue elegido pero su nombre permanece en secreto - Infobae

Iran's Assembly of Experts Elects New Supreme Leader After Khamenei's Death

**Summary:** An explosion occurred near the entrance of the US Embassy in Oslo, Norway, around 1:00 AM local time, causing minor damage to the building's consular entrance. Norwegian police secured the area and confirmed there were no reports of injuries.

**Key points:**
- The blast occurred near the entrance to the consular section of the embassy.
- Police forces were dispatched around 1:00 AM local time.
- Police spokesperson Michael Dellemyr confirmed the shockwave hit the embassy.
- The embassy sustained minor damage.
- Police are investigating the cause and searching for perpetrators; the US State Department has not commented.

**Why it matters:** An explosive device detonated outside a major diplomatic mission in a European capital, prompting a significant police response, although no casualties were reported.

Взрыв прогремел у посольства США в Норвегии

Мощен взрив разтърси американското посолство в Осло

Prie JAV ambasados Osle nugriaudėjo sprogimas

Explosion near US Embassy in Oslo, Norway; no injuries reported

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump launched the 'Shield of the Americas' military coalition in Miami, gathering right-wing Latin American leaders to combat drug cartels. During the summit, Trump asserted that the Cuban regime is in its "last moments of life" and that Havana is seeking a deal with Washington, claiming he and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are leading negotiations.

**Key points:**
- The new alliance, officially the Coalition Against Cartels in America (CCCA), aims to use military power against criminal cartels.
- Mexico, Brazil, and Colombia were not invited to the summit, which was hosted at Trump's Doral golf resort.
- Trump mentioned that he proposed bombing cartel positions or sending US troops to Mexico in conversations with President Claudia Sheinbaum, which she rejected.
- Secretary of State Marco Rubio was named to the 'Board of Peace' for managing Gaza and was mentioned regarding potential negotiations concerning Alex Saab in Venezuela.

**Why it matters:** The formation of this exclusive, ideologically aligned regional alliance signals a shift in US foreign policy priorities in Latin America, focusing on security and countering Chinese influence, while also highlighting ongoing tensions with Cuba and Venezuela.

'Cuba's in its last moments of life', Trump tells summit in Miami

USA: Donald Trump spricht von Verhandlungen mit Kubas Führung

Donald Trump: "Cuba está en sus últimos momentos de vida tal como es"

Trump reiteró su apoyo a Javier Milei al lanzar una nueva alianza regional

Trump reúne en Miami a líderes latinoamericanos de derechas y anuncia una coalición militar contra el narcotráfico

Trump lanza su alianza militar con gobiernos afines latinoamericanos y afirma que Cuba "está en sus últimos momentos de vida"

Trump afirma que el régimen en Cuba está “en sus últimos momentos de vida” y quiere un acuerdo con EE UU

Trump Launches 'Shield of the Americas' Coalition, Claims Cuba Nearing Collapse

**Summary:** US President Donald Trump warned on Truth Social that Iran would be "hit very hard" on Saturday and threatened to expand targeting to include new areas and groups of people due to Iran's "bad behaviour." This followed an apology by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to neighboring nations for recent drone and missile attacks, which Trump characterized as a surrender.

**Key points:**
- Trump stated that areas and groups previously not considered for targeting are now under serious consideration for destruction.
- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian issued a rare public apology to neighboring countries affected by Iranian missile and drone attacks.
- Pezeshkian noted Iran would halt attacks unless neighbors were used as bases for strikes against Iran, but rejected Trump's call for unconditional surrender.
- The conflict escalated after Iranian missiles and drones targeted Gulf states hosting US military facilities, including Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Bahrain.

**Why it matters:** The exchange between the US President and the Iranian President signals a significant escalation in the ongoing Middle East conflict involving the US and Israel, despite Iran's offer to cease attacks on neighbors.

Trump says Iran will be ‘hit very hard’ on Saturday

Trump Says Iran Will Be Hit Very Hard

Trump Says Relentless US, Israeli Attacks Have Turned Iran From ‘Bully’ To ‘Loser Of Middle East’

Trump Warns Iran Will Be 'Hit Very Hard' Amid Escalating Conflict

**Summary:** A Pakistani man, Asif Merchant, was convicted by a US jury in New York for conspiring to assassinate prominent US politicians, including President Donald Trump, on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (CGRI). The plot, planned for 2024, was thwarted before any attack occurred.

**Key points:**
- Merchant, a 47-year-old merchant, was convicted of 'murder for hire and attempting to commit an act of terrorism transcending national boundaries.'
- Potential targets included then-President Joe Biden, Nikki Haley, and Donald Trump.
- The alleged plot was in retaliation for the US killing of Iranian military commander Qassem Soleimani in 2020.
- Merchant testified he joined unwillingly to protect his family in Tehran, claiming he intended to cooperate with US authorities.
- The trial began shortly before Trump ordered an assault on Iran, which has expanded into a major regional conflict.

**Why it matters:** The conviction highlights ongoing international tensions involving Iran and the US, particularly concerning alleged state-sponsored terrorism against US political figures.

Pakistani convicted of plotting to kill Trump over death of Iran commander

Jurado de EE.UU. halla culpable a paquistaní de conspirar para asesinar a Trump

Pakistani Man Convicted in Plot to Kill Trump and Other US Politicians

**Summary:** Azerbaijan's State Security Service (SSS) prevented planned terrorist provocations and intelligence gathering orchestrated by Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The alleged targets included a strategic oil pipeline, the Israeli embassy, a religious community leader, and an Ashkenazi synagogue.

**Key points:**
- The SSS discovered an explosive device weighing 1,280 grams near a shipyard in Baku's Garadagh district.
- The planned attacks also targeted the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan strategic oil pipeline and the Israeli embassy in Azerbaijan.
- Three explosive devices were found and defused on Azerbaijani territory.
- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi stated Tehran is in contact with Baku and is investigating the incident, denying Iranian involvement.
- Azerbaijan previously closed its airspace for 12 hours following an Iranian drone attack on an airport in Nakhchivan on March 5.

**Why it matters:** This event represents a significant escalation in security tensions between Azerbaijan and Iran, involving allegations of state-sponsored terrorism and intelligence operations on Azerbaijani soil.

Azərbaycanda SEPAH-ın tapşırıqlarını yerinə yetirən vətəndaşlar saxlanılıb - Day.Az

Azerbaijani SSS discovers IRGC's explosive device in Garadagh - Trend.Az

Иран высказался об инциденте в Нахичевани - Lenta.ru

Азербайджан обвинил КСИР в подготовке теракта в стране - Lenta.ru

Azerbaijan accuses IRGC of planning terrorist attacks and intelligence gathering

**Summary:** The US labor market experienced a surprising deterioration in February, with the economy losing 92,000 non-farm jobs, contrasting sharply with market expectations of 55,000 created jobs. This loss reversed much of January's gains (126,000 created jobs), causing the unemployment rate to climb to 4.4%.

**Key points:**
- The loss of 92,000 non-farm jobs in February followed 126,000 jobs created in January.
- The unemployment rate increased to 4.4% in February, up from 4.3% in January and 4.2% in February 2024.
- Job destruction was notable in education and health services (-34,000 jobs), leisure and hospitality, and manufacturing.
- Public employment destroyed 6,000 jobs, marking the fifth consecutive month of job destruction in that sector.
- The Department of Labor revised December's creation of 65,000 jobs down to a loss of 17,000, and January's creation from 130,000 to 126,000.

**Why it matters:** These surprisingly weak employment figures raise doubts about the solidity of the US labor market and complicate the Federal Reserve's balancing act between supporting employment and containing price pressures.

Diario Financiero - La economía estadounidense perdió 92 mil empleos en febrero en una fuerte caída

La Tercera - Economía de Estados Unidos perdió 92.000 empleos en febrero y la desocupación subió a 4,4%

US Economy Lost 92,000 Jobs in February; Unemployment Rose to 4.4%

**Summary:** South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit dismissed two senior government officials in Republican decrees issued on Friday, March 6, 2026. The changes involved the leadership of the South Sudan National Bureau of Standards (SSNBS) and the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority (PEPA).

**Key points:**
- Gloria Nyoka Joseph Lagu was removed as Executive Director of the SSNBS and Secretary to its Council.
- Eng. Joseph Esbon Waiwai was removed as Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority in the Ministry of Petroleum.
- Oiylang Dominic Kanuto was appointed as the new Executive Director of the SSNBS.
- Eng. Lual Chol Dak was appointed as the new Director General of the Petroleum Exploration and Production Authority.
- The changes are part of the government’s ongoing reshuffle of senior positions in key national institutions.

**Why it matters:** These leadership changes affect critical institutions regulating product standards and overseeing the country's vital oil sector, signaling administrative adjustments aimed at strengthening public service delivery.

eyeradio.org - Kiir removes standards bureau chief, petroleum authority director

sudanspost.com - Kiir relieves Standards Bureau chief, Petroleum Authority head in new decrees

Kiir Dismisses South Sudan Standards Bureau Chief and Petroleum Authority Head