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Global Politics Team
9 March 2026 |
The World Today
The US-Iran War, Day 10: Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new supreme leader; The G7 deliberate the release of oil stockpiles worth USD 300 million as prices shoot; Turkey announces that a second Iranian ballistic missile was intercepted by NATO
On 09 March, Iran’s Assembly of Experts named Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, killed at the onset of the war, as the new supreme leader. Iran’s Revolutionary Guards have pledged allegiance to the new leader, stating that they are “ready for complete obedience and self-sacrifice.” Hezbollah has also welcomed the selection, announcing that the group “renews our pledge of loyalty.” President Trump had previously declared Mojtaba as an unacceptable choice and had demanded Iran’s surrender.
On the same day, the G7 finance ministers convened an emergency meeting to discuss releasing emergency stockpiles as oil prices spiralled to USD 115 a barrel. The USD 300 million barrel release, one-third of the stockpile, will be coordinated by the International Energy Agency. Such a release would mark more than double the record previous intervention made in April 2022 after Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Simultaneously, Turkey announced that a second Iranian ballistic missile that had entered its airspace was shot down by the NATO air defences, and warned of action against such attacks in the future. "We once again emphasise that all necessary measures will be taken decisively and without hesitation against any threat directed at our country's territory and airspace," the Turkish Defence Ministry stated, adding there had been no casualties in the incident. Ankara had previously stated that it did not intend to invoke NATO’s Article 4, which calls for the allies to be consulted if a member is threatened, leading to Article 5, which demands that NATO to defend its attacked ally.
Guinea: Government dissolves 40 political parties, consolidating President Doumbouya’s position
On 09 March, Reuters reported that Guinea’s government dissolved 40 political parties, consolidating President Mamady Doumbouya's position. Doumbouya, a former special forces commander who seized power in 2021, secured a contested seven-year presidential term in December 2025. In a decree issued on 06 March, the Ministry of Territorial Administration and Decentralization ordered the closure of the parties’ headquarters and local offices and prohibited the use of their logos, acronyms and other distinct signatures. This move comes in the backdrop of the upcoming legislative elections expected in May. Authorities stated that the parties failed to meet their legal obligations, including filing financial statements. However, several dissolved parties rejected the claim, stating they had complied with legal requirements. On 08 March, opposition leader Cellou Dalein Diallo, currently in exile, stated that “war has been openly ?declared” against Doumbouya’s challengers and called for “direct resistance.” He put forth that President Doumbouya seeks to eliminate political rivals and establish a one-party state in Guinea.
NATO: Begins its drills in the Arctic with a focus on civilian preparedness
On 09 March, NATO began its biennial drills in the Arctic, emphasising the role of civilians in supporting the military efforts amid tensions over the US push to take over Greenland. The drill, now part of Arctic Sentry, called Cold Response, focuses on defending the alliance in the European Arctic, where Norway and Finland share a border with Russia. Almost 25,000 troops from 14 countries, including 4,000 troops from the US and troops from Denmark, will take part in the drill, mostly across Norway and Finland. Norway has declared 2026 the year of “total defence.”
The US and China: President Trump's visit to Beijing unlikely to bring a major reset in bilateral economic relations; aims to maintain stability
On 09 March, Reuters reported that a planned summit between President Trump and Xi Jinping in March is unlikely to bring a major reset in bilateral economic relations. According to officials involved in preparations, both sides primarily aim to maintain stability amid US tariffs and China’s restrictions on rare-earth exports. President Trump is expected to visit China from 31 March to 02 April, although Beijing has not formally confirmed the trip. Preparations remain limited, and uncertainties remain over Chinese investment protections, tariffs, and the composition of a US business (CEO) delegation. As per media reports, while discussions include export of rare earths, possible Chinese purchases of US agricultural products and Boeing aircraft, broader breakthroughs appear unlikely. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated the summit’s purpose is “not to fight about trade,” instead to “maintain stability.” Ryan Hass (Director, John L. Thornton China Center, Brookings Institution) noted that: “the ambition for what this trip will accomplish seems to be getting smaller by the day.”
The Indian Neighbourhood Today
Nepal: Election affects Nepal Stock Exchange
On 09 March, the Himalayan reported that due to Nepal's election results, the Nepal Stock Exchange was shut down for the day after the NEPSE Index hit a total gain of six per cent (single day rally), which triggered the full-day closure under market regulations. Before shutting down for the day, trading was halted within minutes of the opening bell when the index surged 108 points, or 4 per cent, to 2,821.10, triggering a 20-minute suspension. When markets reopened at 11:21 hours, the index pushed further to 2,848.22, a 5 per cent gain, forcing a second 40-minute halt. The market was reopened for the third time at 12:00 hrs, but buying pressure still showed no signs of decreasing, and when the index climbed to a final 2,875.43 points, a gain of 162.93 or six per cent, is when the Exchange automatically closed down for the day. Turnover reached 555 million NPR from the exchange of 1,143,767 units of shares of 261 companies across 4,051 transactions.
Bangladesh: Dhaka seeks greater Investment and cooperation from Ankara
On 09 March, Dhaka Tribune reported that Shama Obaed Islam, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Bangladesh, called for increased investment from Türkiye during a meeting with Turkish Ambassador Ramis ?en at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Dhaka. During the meeting, the state minister highlighted the growing defence cooperation between the two countries and emphasised the need for continued collaboration in capacity building and the defence industry. She also sought Türkiye’s support for Bangladesh’s candidature for the Presidency of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly for the 2026–2027 term, which the ambassador said Türkiye would support. Both sides welcomed the positive momentum in bilateral trade and expressed interest in expanding economic cooperation. The state minister also thanked Türkiye for its humanitarian assistance to the displaced Rohingya in Bangladesh and discussed strengthening cultural ties, including the proposed establishment of the Yunus Emre Institute at the University of Dhaka.
Myanmar: WHO urges protection and support for women amid ongoing crisis
On 09 March, Mizzima reported that the World Health Organization issued a statement highlighting the severe challenges faced by women and girls in Myanmar on International Women’s Day. The organization warned that ongoing conflict, displacement, and collapsing essential services have placed immense burdens on women, who are increasingly taking on leadership roles to sustain families and communities. While praising their resilience, the statement stressed that women’s rights to protection, justice, healthcare, and meaningful participation must be upheld at all times. It also called for urgent action to address rising gender-based violence, limited access to health and education, and the growing psychological toll on women and girls, urging greater support for women-led organizations and stronger inclusion of women in decision-making about the country’s future.
Sri Lanka: Arrangements made for an abrupt food and energy shortage
On 09 March, the Daily Mirror reported that the Sri Lankan government is prepared for possible interruption to essential food and energy supplies as geopolitical tensions in the Middle East show signs of prolongation. Authorities believed that while there is no immediate threat to essential supplies, a prolonged conflict could lead to both inflation and shortages in the upcoming months. This is strategic given Sri Lanka’s reliance on imported food and energy supplies. The report also highlights concerns about maritime chokepoint disruptions, including reduced shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and rising premiums on war-risk routes, which may indirectly affect domestic inflation and the cost of imports.
Maldives: Support for travellers amidst aviation disruption
On 09 March, The Sun reported that the Maldives' tourism authorities have expanded on-ground support for travellers affected by disrupted flights due to tensions in the Middle East. This led to the strengthening of visitor assistance at the Velana International Airport. As part of an effort led by the Visit Maldives Corporation, ad hoc help desks were set up in collaboration with the Maldives Airports Company Limited and the Ministry of Tourism and Environment to support stranded tourists. This initiative includes facilitating repatriation flights to destinations such as Germany and France. The government departments were working with multiple airlines to improve connectivity. Authorities believe this strategy is part of a broader framework to maintain tourism resilience and strengthen the Maldives’ reputation as a reliable destination for safe tourism amid disruptions in the international order.
Afghanistan: UNSC to convene meeting to discuss Afghanistan
On 09 March, Hasht e Subh reported that the United Nations Security Council will hold a meeting to discuss the current situation in Afghanistan, particularly amid heated cross-border exchanges with Pakistan. Georgette Gagnon, the acting head of the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA), is expected to brief the meeting. While there are no further details regarding the meeting’s agenda, sources believe human rights violations, border conflicts, and related internal terrorist concerns are among the leading matters. Since there are newer members, such as Bahrain and Colombia, they will share their initial views on the matter during the course of the meeting. Global bodies have raised several alarms pointing toward the possibility of at least half of the Afghan population needing aid.
Iran: Deceased leader Khamenei’s son takes charge of the nation
On 09 March, Al Jazeera reported that Mojtaba Khamenei, the second son of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the former Supreme Leader of Iran, will now assume the post of his father. Mojtaba has been selected as the new supreme leader by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body that normally does such appointments. The body also stated that Mojtaba was chosen on a “decisive vote” and has urged all the leaders and elites of the nation to now pledge allegiance to their new leader. Though he has not run for office before, Mojtaba Khamenei has been a highly influential figure with deep ties to the military wing named the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The 56-year-old has survived the ongoing conflict in Tehran despite the killing of his father, mother, wife and also one of his sisters.
Pakistan: Arrival of petroleum shipments eases pressure on reserves
On 9 March, Dawn reported Pakistan is set to receive three petroleum shipments, as per information provided by the Petroleum Minister during a briefing, providing relief to a country experiencing fuel shortages. He also stated that efforts are underway to ensure alternative fuel supply routes outside the Strait of Hormuz, and that, in the backdrop of the conflict, Pakistan’s monthly oil import bill could increase to USD 600 million. Amid concerns about a fuel shortage, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif directed the finance and petroleum ministers to work with provincial governments on a strategy to conserve petroleum products and ensure an uninterrupted supply. In the coming days, LNG supply disruptions are also anticipated following Qatar's declaration of force majeure.
Pakistan: Police detain Aurat March activists ahead of Women’s Day rally in Islamabad
On 08 March, Dawn reported that Islamabad police detained dozens of women’s rights activists, including members of the Aurat March, ahead of an International Women’s Day rally in the federal capital. Police sources said participants gathered near the Super Market in Sector F-6 and planned to reach the National Press Club, where a heavy police presence arrested marchers and shifted them to the Women’s Police Station. Authorities confirmed 44 detentions, including 19 women and 25 men, citing the imposition of Section 144 and the denial of a no-objection certificate for the event. Prominent activist Dr Farzana Bari and Tahira Abdullah were among those held. Aurat March Islamabad condemned the action, stating: “We strongly condemn the arrests of participants who were peacefully exercising their right to protest.”
