Millions of Iranians gathered across 1,400 cities and 35,000 villages to mark the 46th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution. The Iranian Foreign Ministry urged participation, emphasizing unity and resistance against foreign pressures. The government reaffirmed its commitment to “dignified negotiations” while warning against external threats. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya, speaking from Tehran, praised Iran’s support for Palestine, rejecting U.S. and Israeli policies. The commemoration highlights Iran’s continued defiance against Western influence and its longstanding stance on regional conflicts.
AI SUMMIT IN PARIS
Paris hosts a high-profile AI summit co-chaired by French President Emmanuel Macron and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with tech executives like OpenAI’s Sam Altman and Google’s Sundar Pichai attending. The summit discusses AI governance, ethics, and investment, with the US planning a $500 billion AI initiative, “Stargate,” over four years. France aims to invest €109 billion, backed by UAE and American funds. Meanwhile, the EU plans 10 supercomputers for researchers, and a coalition launches “Current AI,” seeking $2.5 billion for AI infrastructure and public-interest initiatives.
RUSSIA WARNS AGAINST FOREIGN TROOPS
Russia’s UN envoy, Vassily Nebenzia, stated that any foreign troops deployed in Ukraine without a UN Security Council mandate would be considered military targets. His remarks respond to reports of potential peacekeeping missions discussed by the UK and France. Germany has dismissed such plans as premature, while Russia insists Ukraine must remain neutral, be demilitarized, and acknowledge territorial realities. Moscow also rejects freezing the conflict, arguing it would enable Ukraine to rearm. The US reportedly proposed European peacekeepers as part of its crisis resolution plan, but Russia remains opposed.
UK ARRESTS UNDOCUMENTED WORKERS
The UK government arrested 609 undocumented workers in January, a 73% rise from last year, targeting businesses like nail salons, restaurants, and car washes. Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government has shifted its focus from deportations to Rwanda to dismantling people-smuggling networks. With legal and undocumented migration at record highs, Starmer faces pressure to act amid growing support for Reform UK. The new Border Security, Asylum, and Immigration Bill granting law enforcement stronger powers, is set for its second reading in Parliament.
CHINA COUNTERS US’S TARIFFS
China imposed tariffs on nearly $14 billion in U.S. goods, including crude oil, LNG, and machinery, in response to President Trump’s 10% blanket tariffs on Chinese imports. The move signals a potential trade war, though both sides seem open to negotiations. Analysts suggest Beijing remains cautious, seeking a diplomatic solution while preparing countermeasures. With an April 1 deadline for further U.S. actions looming, the economic standoff could escalate. Meanwhile, China is leveraging its control over critical minerals and global trade alliances to mitigate economic damage.
