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Global Politics Team
2 March 2026 |
The World Today
Operation Epic Fury, Day 03:
The US is hitting Iran "surgically, overwhelmingly and unapologetically," says the American Defence Secretary
On 02 March, addressing a news conference, US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said that the US did not start the war and was only responding to the Iranian threat. He also explained that the American objective in Iran is to target Iran’s nuclear and ballistic missile program, and also Iran’s navy. According to him, the US operations have a "clear, devastating, decisive mission: destroy the missile threat, destroy the navy, no nukes." The Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff - Gen Dan Caine, warned that the US operations against Iran are in their early stages and said: "This work is just beginning and will continue."
Lebanon: Hezbollah opens fire on Israel; government calls for its disarmament, while Tel Aviv strikes back
On 02 March, Lebanon’s government made a statement regarding the military activities of Hezbollah after the group opened fire on Israel to avenge the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded to Hezbollah’s drone and rocket attack with heavy airstrikes on Hezbollah?controlled southern Beirut suburbs and other parts of Lebanon, killing 31 people, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Hezbollah said its attack was to avenge “the pure blood” of Khamenei, who was killed in a bombing on Saturday. Israel declared its leader, Naim Qassem a “target for elimination.” Lebanon’s PM said the state rejected any military actions from Lebanese territory outside legitimate institutions and that war and peace decisions were exclusively its prerogative. The Lebanese government has called for “immediate prohibition” of Hezbollah’s security and military activities and the handover of its weapons to the state.
Oil price soars; air travel gets disrupted
On 02 March, media reports indicate a spike in oil prices and disruptions to air travel. The shutdown of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for 20 per cent of global oil flows, has pushed Brent crude up 10 per cent to USD 79 per barrel. Natural gas prices have surged by 25 per cent. The conflict, according to reports have also affected the aviation sector. Major transit hubs such as Dubai and Doha have remained closed for three consecutive days, leaving approximately 90,000 passengers stranded. More than 2,800 flights have been cancelled. Travel-related stocks have depreciated by up to 10 per cent. Since the US warns that strikes could last for weeks, travellers are to expect higher ticket prices and long delays with no clear end.
Kuwait: US fighter jets shot down in ‘friendly fire’ amid rising Iran tensions
On 02 March, three US jets were shot down in Al Jahra by Kuwaiti air defences in a friendly fire incident while participating in operations against Iran. All six crew members ejected safely and were taken to safety. A drone attack struck the American embassy compound in Kuwait, according to US officials. Several US bases and military facilities in the region have been attacked by Iran, prompting the militaries of the Gulf states to mobilise air defences to deter strikes.
India and Canada: Renew strategic ties with uranium supply agreement
On 02 March, India's PM Modi and Canada's PM Mark Caney held bilateral talks in New Delhi; the most significant outcome was the agreement between Canada’s Cameco Corporation and India’s Department of Atomic Energy. The deal ensures a long-term supply of uranium to fuel India’s civil nuclear reactors. The deal was valued at approximately CAD 2.6 billion. This agreement is crucial to India’s energy security as nuclear power remains a key component of its clean energy transition strategy. Both leaders emphasised that Civil Nuclear Cooperation would remain a central pillar of this bilateral relationship. They confirmed the launch of negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, aiming to significantly boost bilateral trade by 2030. Overall, the visit represents a diplomatic reset, with the uranium agreement serving as the most concrete deliverable of the India-Canada partnership.
The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Nepal: Home Minister urges confident voting ahead of Elections
On 01 March, The Himalayan reported that Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal urged voters to confidently exercise their democratic right in the House of Representatives elections on 5 March, saying law and order arrangements have been significantly strengthened. During visits to several districts to review security preparations, he stressed that unlawful activities would be firmly dealt with and directed officials to prioritise candidate security and maintain social harmony, expressing confidence that the polls would be free, fair and peaceful.
Bangladesh: Dhaka seeks Beijing’s expanded support for the health sector
On 02 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that Health and Family Welfare Minister Sardar Md Sakhawat Hossain has sought enhanced cooperation from China to strengthen Bangladesh’s health sector, praising Beijing’s continued support and urging further collaboration in key areas. Speaking at a meeting with Chinese Ambassador to Bangladesh Yao Wen, the minister requested assistance in supplying diagnostic kits and medical equipment, and accommodation facilities at the Bangladesh Medical University. He also expressed hope that China would fulfil its commitment to help construct a proposed 1,000-bed hospital in the country. Ambassador Yao assured that China stands ready to assist in building the hospital, whether as a general or specialised facility.
Bangladesh: Security tightened in diplomatic area amid global concerns
On 02 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said security has been strengthened in Dhaka’s diplomatic zone, including the United States Embassy in Dhaka, in view of the global situation. Speaking during a meeting with US Ambassador Brent T Christensen, he said additional forces, including Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), have been deployed and law enforcers placed on high alert. The two sides discussed security cooperation, counterterrorism, illegal migration, and implementation of the SPEAR and Electronic Nationality Verification ENV programs, with both expressing commitment to strengthening bilateral ties.
Myanmar: Mass amnesty announced, Aung San Suu Kyi excluded
On 02 March, Mizzima reported that Acting President Min Aung Hlaing authorised a sweeping amnesty to mark the Full Moon Day of Tabaung and Peasants’ Day, granting clemency to 10,162 prisoners and clearing thousands of pending criminal cases. According to state media, the National Defence and Security Council pardoned 7,337 individuals convicted under the Counter Terrorism Law and dropped 9,532 ongoing cases involving 12,487 people, including those tried in absentia. A further 2,825 prisoners were released from various detention facilities, while 10 foreign nationals were pardoned and deported. Despite the large-scale releases, seen by some as an effort to project stability ahead of parliament’s upcoming session, detained Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi was excluded from the amnesty and continues to serve a 27-year sentence. Rights group Assistance Association for Political Prisoners says more than 22,800 political prisoners remain in custody.
Myanmar: Dhaka signs MoU with Beijing to host eems exhibition
On 02 March, The Irrawaddy reported that Myanmar’s junta has signed a MoU with China to jointly organise a gems exhibition in northern Shan State, highlighting the regime’s growing reliance on Beijing to sustain its troubled gemstone industry. The agreement, signed on 24 February, aims to expand cooperation in the gemstone trade, curb smuggling, and strengthen environmental coordination. China has long been the primary buyer of Myanmar’s jadeite, with stones flowing across the Muse Ruili border into major processing hubs in Yunnan and Guangdong.
Maldives: Government establishes Special Cabinet Committee amid tensions in the Middle East
On 02 March, The Sun reported that President Mohamed Muizzu, moved to create a Special Cabinet Committee on Middle East tensions. This was formed to coordinate and plan a national response to the escalating instability. The committee aims to monitor and respond to the crisis as required by developments. The committee comprises key ministries including foreign affairs, finance, economic development, defence and homeland security and transport. It seeks to implement joint measures to protect the interests of Maldivian citizens, overseas workers and also economic interests. The Maldivian economy relies on tourism, global trade routes, fuel prices and remittances.
Afghanistan: Drone attacks on Nur Khan and other key Pakistani bases
On 02 March, France 24 reported that the Afghan Air Force launched drone attacks on several key Pakistani air bases, especially in Rawalpindi. The 12th Corps headquarters in Quetta, Khowizoo Camp in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Ghulni military bases and the Nur Khan airbase were some of the primary targets. The Taliban led Afghan government commented on social media via its defence ministry, stating that based on “preliminary assessments,” strikes on Pakistani bases have been largely successful and have caused “significant damage.” These developments follow up on the Pakistani Defence Minister claiming an “open war” between the two rival states.
Iran: Supreme Leader crisis persists as the fight continues
On 02 March, Al Jazeera reported that Iran has claimed to continue its attacks on US assets across the Middle East. Members of the government have denied any attempts at fresh nuclear talks with the US. According to reports, the conflict saw a dramatic “overnight shift” with the UK granting permission to the US to use its airbases, possibly owing to the crashing of an Iranian drone in the RAF air base located in Cyprus.
Pakistan: Islamabad urges calm in the Middle East
On 02 March, Dawn reported that Pakistan spoke to the rulers of Jordan and Bahrain to offer support and urge restraint and dialogue as the violence across the Middle East entered its third day. According to the Prime Minister’s Office, PM Shehbaz Sharif held a telephone conversation with Jordan’s King Abdullah II to exchange views on the regional developments and recent escalations, which included attacks on Jordan and other regional countries. The PM expressed deep concern, urged restraint, and reaffirmed Pakistan’s solidarity with Jordan. The PM said he also spoke with Bahrain’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa to convey Pakistan’s support and solidarity with the people of Bahrain. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar also spoke to his Omani and Iraqi counterparts and stressed the need for sustained efforts for peace and stability in the region.
