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Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new supreme leader

Venus L Peñaflor
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Mojtaba Khamenei named Iran’s new supreme leader

DUBAI/JERUSALEM — Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new supreme leader, succeeding his father Ali Khamenei, in a move that signals the continued dominance of hardline leadership in Tehran amid an ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel.

The announcement was made early Monday by Iran’s Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body responsible for selecting the Islamic Republic’s highest authority. In a statement issued shortly after midnight in Tehran, the assembly said the decision was made by a decisive vote.

“By a decisive vote, the Assembly of Experts appointed Ayatollah Seyyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei as the third Leader of the sacred system of the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the statement read.

As supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei will hold the highest political and religious authority in Iran, with final say over all matters of state. The position places him at the center of Iran’s political system, overseeing the military, judiciary, and key state institutions.

Mojtaba, a mid-ranking cleric, has long been viewed as a powerful figure behind the scenes. He is believed to wield influence within Iran’s security forces and within the extensive financial and business networks developed during his father’s leadership. Prior to the vote, he was widely seen as a frontrunner to succeed Ali Khamenei.

The leadership transition comes amid heightened tensions and active military confrontation between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Ali Khamenei was reportedly killed in one of the first strikes launched against Iran more than a week ago.

The appointment is also expected to provoke strong reactions internationally. U.S. President Donald Trump said on Sunday that Washington should have a say in the selection of Iran’s new leader.

“If he doesn’t get approval from us, he’s not going to last long,” Trump told ABC News.

Israel had earlier warned that whoever assumed Iran’s top leadership position could become a potential military target.

Meanwhile, the conflict between Iran and its adversaries has continued to escalate. The U.S. military reported on Sunday that a seventh American service member had died from wounds sustained during Iran’s initial counterattack last week. The announcement came a day after Trump presided over the return to the United States of the remains of six other American personnel killed earlier in the fighting.

According to Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, U.S. and Israeli strikes have killed at least 1,332 Iranian civilians and wounded thousands more since the conflict began.

Despite mounting casualties, Iran’s leadership has signaled no intention of backing down. As Trump called for Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf said Tehran was not seeking a ceasefire and vowed that the country would punish what he described as aggressors.

Israel has continued its campaign targeting senior Iranian officials. Among those reportedly killed was Abolqasem Babaian, the recently appointed head of the military office of the supreme leader, who Israeli authorities said died in a strike on Saturday.

The appointment of Mojtaba Khamenei marks a significant moment in Iran’s political history, as the country navigates a leadership transition while simultaneously confronting one of the most dangerous military confrontations in the region in recent years.

Nasugatan ang isang Pinoy sa Qatar dahil sa labanan sa Middle East

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Nasugatan ang isang Pinoy sa Qatar dahil sa labanan sa Middle East

DOHA, Qatar — Isang Filipino ang nasugatan sa Qatar sa gitna ng lumalalang tensyon sa Gitnang Silangan, ayon sa ulat ng Philippine Embassy sa Doha.

Ayon sa update ng Philippie Embassy sa Qatar kahapon, ang nasugatang Filipino ay kasalukuyang nagpapagaling.

“…ang Embahada ay nakapagtala ng isang (1) Filipino national na nagkaroon ng minor injuries mula sa shrapnel ng na-intercept na missile. Ang nasabing Filipino ay ligtas at nagpapagaling na,” ayon sa embahada.

Iniulat din ng embassy na may 29 na Pilipino sa Qatar na pansamantalang naninirahan sa mga pansamantalang tirahan matapos umalis sa kanilang mga bahay dahil malapit sa mga posibleng delikadong lugar.

Samantala, ligtas nang nakarating sa Maynila ang 61 Pilipino mula Dubai, United Arab Emirates, matapos ang repatriation efforts ng pamahalaan.

Sa Israel, 35 Pilipinong manlalakbay at turista sa Tel Aviv ang tinulungan ng Philippine Embassy na makatawid sa border papuntang Egypt at Jordan.

Inihayag naman ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) na ang Persian Gulf at Strait of Hormuz ay itinuturing nang “War Risk Operations Area.”

“Ang mga Filipino seafarers, lalo na yaong nasa ilalim ng mga ship owners na may Filipino crew, ay hindi inaasahang maglalayag sa nasabing lugar. Kung sakali man, dapat may karapatan ang ating mga seafarers na tumangging maglayag, at hangga’t maaari, iwasan ang bahaging ito ng mundo dahil sa kasalukuyang matinding panganib,” ayon kay DMW Secretary Hans Leo Cacdac.

Patuloy ang repatriation efforts ng pamahalaan para sa mga Pilipinong stranded sa Gitnang Silangan.

“Ayon sa tala ng Marso 7, 82 sa 113 na initially stranded individuals ay ligtas nang nakalabas mula sa Queen Alia International Airport patungo sa iba’t ibang transit hubs tulad ng Cairo, Dubai, Mumbai, at Riyadh, kung saan sila ay sumasakay ng kani-kanilang connecting flights papuntang Maynila,” ayon sa Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA).

“Sa kasalukuyan, patuloy na tinutulungan ng Embahada ang natitirang 31 Pilipinong turista na nasa Amman,” dagdag ng DFA.

Oil crisis from potential US–Iran war could accelerate global electric vehicle adoption

Venus L Peñaflor
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Oil crisis from potential US–Iran war could accelerate global electric vehicle adoption

Rising geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran could have far-reaching consequences for global energy markets, potentially accelerating the shift toward electric vehicles (EVs) if a conflict disrupts oil supplies and triggers a sharp increase in fuel prices.

Analysts say a war involving the two countries could threaten shipping routes in the Persian Gulf, a vital corridor through which about 20 percent of the world’s oil trade passes. Any disruption in the region would likely send crude oil prices soaring, pushing up gasoline and diesel costs worldwide and altering consumer behavior in the transportation market.

Higher fuel prices significantly increase the lifetime operating cost of internal combustion engine vehicles, while electric vehicles tend to remain less affected by energy price volatility because electricity costs are relatively stable. As a result, analysts note that oil price spikes historically improve the economic competitiveness of EVs and accelerate adoption among consumers seeking predictable transportation costs.

The global EV market is already expanding rapidly even before any potential oil crisis. Industry data show that more than 17 million electric vehicles were sold worldwide in 2024, with sales projected to reach around 20 million units in 2025—equivalent to roughly a quarter of all new car sales globally.

Market researchers describe EV adoption as following an “S-curve,” in which early growth is gradual before accelerating rapidly once prices approach parity with gasoline vehicles. Current trends suggest the global market may already be approaching that tipping point.

A sharp oil price surge caused by geopolitical conflict could therefore intensify the shift. When fuel prices rise dramatically, consumers often reconsider purchasing decisions. Gasoline vehicles face rising operating costs and potential supply disruptions, while electric vehicles offer more predictable long-term expenses and rely on domestically generated electricity rather than imported fuel.

Several countries with high EV adoption rates have already begun to see declines in gasoline demand as electric vehicles replace traditional cars. Nations such as Norway and China, where EV penetration is among the highest in the world, illustrate how widespread electrification can reshape fuel consumption patterns.

Under current projections, electric vehicles could account for roughly 40 to 50 percent of global new car sales by 2030. However, analysts say a major oil price shock could push that share significantly higher, potentially reaching 60 to 70 percent of the global market within the same timeframe.

Regional impacts would vary. In China, where EVs already account for about half of new car purchases, higher oil prices could further strengthen domestic electric vehicle manufacturers. Europe has historically seen strong EV demand during periods of high fuel prices, while in the United States—where EV market share is currently about 10 percent—an extended oil crisis could significantly accelerate adoption over the next three to five years.

Emerging markets in Southeast Asia may also experience increased demand for electric mobility, particularly in electric motorcycles and compact EVs, which are more affordable for many consumers.

The broader implications could reshape global oil demand. Electric vehicles are already estimated to have displaced roughly one million barrels of oil per day as of 2021. Analysts say oil demand from passenger vehicles may have peaked around 2019, and projections indicate that EV adoption could displace more than 20 million barrels of oil per day by 2040.

A prolonged oil crisis linked to geopolitical conflict could speed up that transition.

The shift would likely produce clear winners and losers across the automotive and energy sectors. Electric vehicle manufacturers, battery producers, charging infrastructure companies, and electricity utilities could benefit from rising demand. Conversely, traditional automakers slow to electrify, oil companies, and the refining industry may face increasing market pressure.

Automakers could respond by accelerating EV production, expanding battery supply chains, and investing in more affordable electric models. Governments, meanwhile, may introduce policies aimed at reducing reliance on fossil fuels, including EV incentives, higher gasoline taxes, and eventual bans on new internal combustion engine vehicles.

Industry observers say the underlying economic dynamic is clear: higher oil prices tend to make electric vehicles more attractive. Should geopolitical tensions escalate into a conflict that disrupts global oil supply, the transition to electric mobility could move faster than previously expected.

DMW: Strait of Hormuz high-risk area sa Pinoy seafarers

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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DMW: Strait of Hormuz high-risk area sa Pinoy seafarers

MAYNILA – Inanunsyo ng Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) nitong Sabado na kabilang na ang Strait of Hormuz sa mga itinuturing na “high-risk area” para sa mga Pilipinong seafarer dahil sa nagpapatuloy na tensyon sa Middle East.

Ayon kay Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia sa isang press conference na pinalawak ng ahensya ang advisory nito para sa maritime sector at isinama ang Strait of Hormuz bilang “high-risk area.”

Dahil dito, may karapatan na ang mga Pilipinong seafarer na tumangging sumakay sa barko na dadaan sa nasabing kipot.

Kung sakaling magtungo ang barko sa lugar habang nasa biyahe, may karapatan naman ang mga Pilipinong manggagawa sa mas mataas na benepisyo at kompensasyon, ayon sa ulat.

Matatagpuan ang Strait of Hormuz sa pagitan ng Iran at Oman, at dito dumadaan ang humigit-kumulang dalawampung porsyento ng kabuuang konsumo ng langis sa buong mundo.

Itinuturing din itong pinakamahalagang ruta ng pag-export ng langis sa mundo, na nag-uugnay sa mga pangunahing producer ng langis sa Gulf tulad ng Saudi Arabia, Iran, Iraq, at United Arab Emirates papunta sa Gulf of Oman at Arabian Sea.

Lumala ang sitwasyon sa lugar matapos ang mga kamakailang pag-atake ng United States at Israel laban sa Iran. Gumanti naman ang Iran laban sa dalawang bansa at sa kanilang mga kaalyado sa Gulf, na nagdulot ng matinding pagkaantala sa paglalayag ng mga barko sa mahalagang rutang ito.

Ayon sa Joint Manning Group (JMG), isang samahan ng mga manning agency sa Pilipinas, nasa 1,000 Pilipinong seafarer ang na-stranded sa Strait of Hormuz at sa Persian Gulf. Sakay sila ng halos 200 barko.

Sinabi ng JMG na patuloy ang koordinasyon ng mga shipping company at Philippine manning agencies sa mga shipowner tungkol sa sitwasyon.

Samantala, sinabi ni Olalia na mino-monitor ng DMW ang mga barkong na-stranded sa Strait of Hormuz.

Iran’s president apologizes to neighbors while rejecting U.S. surrender demands

Venus L Peñaflor
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Iran’s president apologizes to neighbors while rejecting U.S. surrender demands

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Iran’s president apologized to neighboring countries Saturday over attacks carried out during the ongoing regional conflict, even as Iranian missiles and drones continued targeting Gulf states, highlighting apparent divisions within Tehran’s leadership and uncertainty over control of its armed forces.

President Masoud Pezeshkian delivered the message one week into the escalating war involving Iran, the United States, and Israel. The conflict erupted on Feb. 28 following a major airstrike that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and triggered widespread hostilities across the Middle East.

Pezeshkian is currently part of a temporary three-member leadership council overseeing Iran’s government during the crisis. In a hastily recorded video message, the president sought to ease tensions with Gulf nations while firmly rejecting repeated calls from U.S. President Donald Trump for Iran to surrender.

“That’s a dream that they should take to their grave,” Pezeshkian said, dismissing Washington’s demand for unconditional surrender.

Apology to neighboring states

The Iranian president acknowledged growing anger among Gulf Arab governments after Iranian missile and drone attacks struck or threatened several regional countries.

“I should apologize to the neighboring countries that were attacked by Iran, on my own behalf,” Pezeshkian said. “From now on, they should not attack neighboring countries or fire missiles at them, unless we are attacked by those countries. I think we should solve this through diplomacy.”

Despite the apology, attacks earlier in the day disrupted operations at Dubai International Airport, targeted a major Saudi oil facility and triggered repeated air raid alerts in Bahrain.

The incidents underscored concerns that Iran’s civilian leadership may not fully control the powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which commands the country’s missile and drone arsenal and historically answered directly to Khamenei.

Confusion within Iran’s leadership

Iranian military spokesman Abolfazl Shekarchi added to the uncertainty, saying Tehran had “not hit countries that did not provide space for America to invade our country,” even though many of the Gulf states now under attack are not hosting active U.S. strike operations.

Analysts say the mixed messaging highlights internal tensions between Iran’s political leaders and hardline military factions.

Calls for swift action to fill the leadership vacuum are also growing. Senior cleric Nasser Makarem Shirazi urged the country’s Assembly of Experts to quickly appoint a new supreme leader.

“The timely realization of this important matter will lead to national authority and the best possible organization of affairs,” Shirazi said in a statement.

Trump rejects negotiations

Meanwhile, Trump signaled that the war could continue until Iran’s military and leadership structure are dismantled.

Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, the U.S. president said he was not interested in negotiations at this stage and suggested the air campaign could eliminate Iran’s remaining leadership.

“At some point, I don’t think there will be anybody left maybe to say ‘We surrender,’” Trump said.

Trump also warned that Iran would be “hit very hard” and indicated the United States could expand its military operations.

Continued regional escalation

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would continue its campaign against Iranian forces but offered assurances that members of the Revolutionary Guards who surrender would not be harmed.

“We stand by all countries attacked by Iran; many are talking to us,” Netanyahu said in a televised address.

Iranian officials have denied internal divisions over the war. Ali Ardashir Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the government remained united in its response to the conflict.

Nevertheless, Pezeshkian’s earlier apology triggered backlash from hardline figures at home. Cleric and lawmaker Hamid Rasai criticized the president on social media, calling his stance “unprofessional, weak and unacceptable.”

Attacks across the region

The war has expanded beyond Iran and Israel, with missile and drone strikes reported across the Gulf.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed their drones struck a U.S. air combat center at Al Dhafra Air Base near Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, though the report could not be independently verified.

Sirens also sounded in the Israeli port city of Haifa following Iranian missile launches, while rockets were reported near the United States Embassy in Baghdad.

Israel has simultaneously intensified airstrikes against the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah in Lebanon. Lebanese officials said Israeli attacks since Monday have killed at least 294 people.

Rising casualties and economic impact

Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations said at least 1,332 Iranian civilians have been killed in U.S.-Israeli strikes, with thousands more wounded. Iranian attacks have killed 10 people in Israel, while the United States confirmed at least six American service members killed during the conflict.

The widening war has also shaken global markets. Energy prices have surged as the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor faces disruptions, prompting oil production cuts in several Gulf states including Kuwait.

Hardline clerics in Iran are now pushing for the rapid selection of a new supreme leader, with members of the Assembly of Experts reportedly preparing to meet within the next 24 hours to determine the country’s next political direction as the war continues to escalate.

Posibleng umabot sa ₱90 kada litro ang diesel — DOE

Carlo Juancho Funtanilla
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Posibleng umabot sa ₱90 kada litro ang diesel — DOE

MAYNILA — Nagbabala ang Department of Energy (DOE) na posibleng pumalo hanggang ₱90 kada litro ang presyo ng diesel ngayong Marso kung magpapatuloy ang tumitinding tensyon sa Middle East at kung hindi ipatutupad ng mga oil company ang staggered o paunti-unting taas-presyo sa mga produktong petrolyo.

Ang pahayag ay ginawa ni Rino Abad, direktor ng Oil Industry Management Bureau ng DOE, sa pagdinig ng Senate Committee on Foreign Relations na pinamumunuan ni Erwin Tulfo.

Ayon kay Abad, mas malaki ang potensiyal na epekto ng kasalukuyang sigalot sa pagitan ng Estados Unidos at Iran kumpara sa naging epekto ng digmaan sa pagitan ng Russia at Ukraine noong 2022, na nagtulak sa presyo ng diesel sa Pilipinas hanggang halos ₱90 kada litro.

“Yung Ukraine-Russia, Mr. Chair, umabot tayo ng mga 90 (peso per liter) kasi. So, ayaw kong mag-project. Pero, ito’y mas masama pa do’n eh. Kasi dito, Middle East ang pinag-usapan,” pahayag ni Abad sa pagdinig.

Ipinaliwanag ng opisyal na kung ipapatupad ng mga oil company ang isang bagsakang pagtaas ng presyo, posibleng mabilis na umabot sa mahigit ₱80 kada litro ang diesel. Gayunman, kung hahatiin sa ilang linggo ang implementasyon ng pagtaas, maaaring mapabagal ang epekto nito sa mga motorista.

Malaking taas-presyo inaasahan

Batay sa datos mula sa oil industry sources, inaasahang tataas ng humigit-kumulang ₱15 kada litro ang diesel at mahigit ₱7 kada litro ang gasolina sa susunod na linggo, isa sa pinakamalalaking pagtaas sa nakalipas na mga buwan.

Ang pagtaas ay iniuugnay sa paggalaw ng presyo sa pandaigdigang merkado, partikular sa benchmark na Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS) na ginagamit bilang batayan ng presyo ng petrolyo sa Southeast Asia.

Nagkaroon na rin ng naunang pagtaas ng presyo noong Marso 3, kung saan nadagdagan ng ₱1.90 kada litro ang gasolina, habang tumaas din ang presyo ng diesel at kerosene sa parehong linggo.

Sa pandaigdigang merkado, patuloy na tumataas ang presyo ng langis dahil sa banta sa suplay mula sa Middle East, kabilang ang mga pangamba sa pagkaputol ng daloy ng langis sa Strait of Hormuz, na dinaraanan ng humigit-kumulang 20 porsiyento ng pandaigdigang oil trade.

Babala laban sa hoarding

Samantala, nagbabala si Sharon Garin laban sa mga negosyante o indibidwal na maaaring magtago o mag-imbak ng malaking suplay ng petrolyo upang samantalahin ang sitwasyon.

Ayon sa DOE, nakatanggap na sila ng inisyal na ulat ng posibleng iregularidad sa fuel supply at retail practices sa ilang lugar sa Luzon at Mindanao, na kasalukuyang iniimbestigahan ng ahensiya.

Nakikipagtulungan na rin ang DOE sa Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) at sa Philippine National Police (PNP) upang paigtingin ang monitoring at maiwasan ang hoarding at profiteering.

Binigyang-diin ng DOE na patuloy nilang binabantayan ang galaw ng pandaigdigang merkado ng langis at hinihikayat ang mga oil company na magpatupad ng staggered price adjustments upang mabawasan ang agarang epekto ng pagtaas ng presyo sa mga motorista at sa transport sector.

Ayon sa ahensiya, mananatiling volatile ang presyo ng langis sa mga susunod na linggo habang nagpapatuloy ang tensyon sa Middle East na may direktang epekto sa pandaigdigang suplay ng petrolyo.

NASA rules out asteroid strike on the Moon in 2032

Paraluman P. Funtanilla
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NASA rules out asteroid strike on the Moon in 2032

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. — Scientists from NASA have confirmed that a previously monitored asteroid will no longer pose any risk of colliding with the Moon in 2032, following new observations that refined its trajectory.

The space agency announced that asteroid 2024 YR4 will safely pass the Moon on Dec. 22, 2032, eliminating earlier concerns that it might strike the lunar surface. Updated calculations show the asteroid will miss the Moon by about 13,200 miles (21,200 kilometers).

Earlier estimates had suggested a 4.3% chance that the asteroid could hit the Moon. However, new measurements from the James Webb Space Telescope helped astronomers refine the object’s orbit with greater precision, allowing scientists to rule out a collision.

Asteroid 2024 YR4 was first detected on Dec. 27, 2024 by the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS), a NASA-funded global network of telescopes designed to identify potentially hazardous near-Earth objects.

When it was initially discovered, scientists briefly considered the possibility that the asteroid could pose a threat to Earth in 2032. Further observations quickly ruled out any impact with the planet for at least the next century, though the Moon remained a possible target until the latest orbital recalculations.

Researchers estimate the asteroid measures between 174 and 220 feet (53 to 67 meters) across, roughly comparable to a 15-story building. Objects of this size could cause localized damage if they were to strike Earth, though impacts of similar scale occur only once every several thousand years.

Astronomers noted that even if the asteroid had struck the Moon, it would not have altered the Moon’s orbit. However, scientists say such an event could have created a sizable crater and provided a rare opportunity to study a lunar impact in real time.

Planetary defense experts will continue monitoring asteroid 2024 YR4 as it travels through the inner solar system. The object is expected to make another harmless flyby near Earth in 2028, when astronomers will gather additional observations to further refine its orbit.

NASA maintains a global monitoring program through its Center for Near-Earth Object Studies, tracking thousands of asteroids whose orbits cross Earth’s path in order to detect potential hazards long before any possible impact.

ICC Appeals Chamber: Duterte to remain in detention

Venus L Peñaflor
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ICC Appeals Chamber: Duterte to remain in detention

The International Criminal Court’s Appeals Chamber has affirmed the Pre-Trial Chamber I’s ruling to keep former President Rodrigo Duterte in detention over allegations of crimes against humanity.

In a unanimous vote, the five-member Appeals Chamber denied the defense’s request to overturn the Pre-Trial Chamber I decision issued on January 26, 2026, which had ordered Duterte’s continued detention, and rejected calls for his immediate release.

The defense argued in its appeal that the Pre-Trial Chamber I had erred in fact and in law and abused its discretion by disregarding a report on the 80-year-old former president’s health condition.

“The Appeals Chamber finds that the Defense has failed to establish any errors of the Pre-Trial Chamber in relying upon the Panel’s Reports [Panel of Experts], which provide the most updated medical information in respect of Mr. Duterte’s health condition,” the decision read.

It added, “Consequently, and contrary to the Defense’s argument, the Appeals Chamber finds no inconsistency between the Pre-Trial Chamber’s rejection of the Defense’s Report and the Pre-Trial Chamber’s finding that while the Panel’s Reports constitute a new fact as to Mr. Duterte’s health condition, the Panel’s Reports and the information therein do not amount to a new fact or changed circumstance that would warrant modifying the Initial Decision on Detention under Article 60(3) of the [Rome] Statute.”

Duterte has been held at the ICC in The Hague since March 12, 2025, pending trial for alleged human rights abuses during his war on drugs when he served as mayor of Davao City and later as president.

The Pre-Trial Chamber I conducted hearings last week to determine whether to confirm the charges and proceed to a full trial. The chamber also listened to pleas from both the prosecution and the defense regarding Duterte’s continued detention.

Trump says no talks with Iran unless it surrenders

EDGARDO HERNAL
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Trump says no talks with Iran unless it surrenders

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — U.S. President Donald Trump appeared to rule out negotiations with Iran to end the escalating conflict in the Middle East, saying any potential deal would require Tehran’s “unconditional surrender.”

In a social media post on Friday, Trump said negotiations would only follow a complete capitulation from Iran and the installation of new leadership in the country.

“After that, and the selection of a GREAT & ACCEPTABLE Leader(s), we, and many of our wonderful and very brave allies and partners, will work tirelessly to bring Iran back from the brink of destruction, making it economically bigger, better, and stronger than ever before,” Trump wrote.

His remarks came as fighting intensified across the region on the seventh day of a widening conflict involving Israel, Iran, and several Middle Eastern states.

Israeli warplanes carried out heavy airstrikes on targets in Tehran and Beirut on Friday, while Iran launched retaliatory missile and drone attacks toward Israel and several Gulf countries hosting American forces.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the American air campaign against Iran would “surge dramatically,” signaling a potential escalation in military operations.

The Israeli strikes in Lebanon were reported to be the most intense since a 2024 ceasefire ended the last war between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Tens of thousands of civilians have fled Beirut’s southern suburbs and parts of southern Lebanon following Israeli evacuation warnings.

The conflict has expanded to affect more than a dozen countries across the Middle East. The United States said it struck an Iranian drone carrier at sea while continuing operations against Iran’s naval forces. Earlier in the week, a U.S. submarine sank an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean.

U.S. Central Command chief Brad Cooper said the drone carrier, the IRIS Shahid Bagheri, had been set ablaze during the strike. The vessel, a converted container ship with a runway for drones, can reportedly travel up to 22,000 nautical miles without refueling.

Cooper also said B-2 Spirit stealth bombers dropped dozens of 2,000-pound “penetrator” bombs on deeply buried ballistic missile launchers inside Iran.

Iran continued its counterattacks Friday, launching missiles and drones toward Israel and several Gulf states hosting U.S. forces, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Bahrain.

Qatar said it intercepted a drone targeting the Al Udeid Air Base, which houses the forward headquarters of the U.S. Central Command. Saudi Arabia reported intercepting three ballistic missiles aimed at the Prince Sultan Air Base near Riyadh.

In Bahrain, authorities said Iranian strikes targeted two hotels and a residential building, though no casualties were reported. Kuwait said its air defenses were activated when missiles and drones crossed into its airspace.

Explosions were also heard in Tel Aviv early Friday as Israeli air defense systems intercepted incoming Iranian missiles.

Officials across the region report the conflict has already caused significant casualties. At least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran, more than 120 in Lebanon and around a dozen in Israel. Six U.S. troops have also died in the fighting.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said “some countries” had begun mediation efforts to halt the conflict but did not identify the parties involved.

Meanwhile, the United Nations high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, urged all sides to de-escalate the crisis.

“The world urgently needs to see steps to contain and extinguish this blaze,” Türk said.

Trump, speaking briefly at the White House, again urged Iranians to rise against their government, promising what he described as “immunity” to those who help “take back” the country, though he offered no details about what that would entail.

The U.S. president also suggested he should play a role in selecting Iran’s next supreme leader following the reported death of Ali Khamenei in the opening strikes of the war. Trump dismissed the possibility that Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Khamenei, could succeed him, calling him “a lightweight.”

Iranian state media reported that a leadership council had begun discussions on convening the country’s Assembly of Experts, an 88-member clerical body tasked with selecting the next supreme leader.

In Lebanon, Israeli forces carried out at least 11 airstrikes late Thursday and early Friday targeting southern suburbs of Beirut, sparking fires near a gas station and forcing two hospitals to evacuate patients and staff.

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam criticized both Israel and Hezbollah, saying the Lebanese government and its people “did not choose this war.”

JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes to hold 78th induction ceremony, welcomes Jessa Estrellado as 2026 president

Venus L Peñaflor
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JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes to hold 78th induction ceremony, welcomes Jessa Estrellado as 2026 president

SAN PABLO CITY, Laguna — Members of JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes are set to celebrate leadership, service, and renewed commitment as the organization holds its 78th Induction Ceremonies on March 7, 2026, at 7 p.m. at the Coconut Palace Hotel.

The event will formally install Jessa E. Estrellado as the 2026 President, ushering in a new chapter of leadership for the local organization affiliated with the global leadership development network Junior Chamber International and its national arm, JCI Philippines.

Estrellado, a Cum Laude graduate of Bachelor of Science in International Tourism and Travel Management from Lyceum of the Philippines University – Manila, currently serves as Human Resources Director of El Coco Group of Companies.

She balances her professional career with family life alongside her husband, PJ Estrellado, and their four children, Zofia Paula, Paul James, Paula Maxine, and Lio Paul Estrellado.

Returning to Strengthen the Home Chapter

After ten years of active involvement in JCI beyond the chapter level, particularly in supporting national programs, Estrellado said she is now focused on giving back to her home chapter.

“My goal is to dedicate more time and effort to strengthening JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes by implementing concrete plans and initiatives that will empower members and sustain our organization’s growth,” Estrellado said.

She emphasized that her leadership vision centers on developing confident and compassionate leaders who can create meaningful impact in their communities.

“My goal is to guide every JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes member on a journey of empowerment, helping them grow in confidence, compassion, and leadership so they can elevate not only themselves but the communities they serve,” she added.

Journey, Empower, Elevate

For 2026, the chapter will carry the theme “Journey • Empower • Elevate,” aligned with the national theme of JCI Philippines under National President Patrick Maglinao, which calls on members to “Sustain the Future.”

The theme reflects the chapter’s direction for the year. “Journey” represents the organization’s mission and the collective progress of its members as they continue to grow together. “Empower” highlights the commitment to uplift members, the youth, and the wider community so they can realize their full potential. Meanwhile, “Elevate” underscores the goal of advancing sustainable initiatives, strengthening community development efforts, and promoting leadership excellence throughout the organization.

Through this vision, the organization aims to build stronger leaders, expand community programs, and sustain long-term impact in San Pablo City and beyond.

A Legacy of Leadership and Service

The 78th induction ceremony marks another milestone in the continuing legacy of JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes, a civic organization known for nurturing young leaders through community development projects, leadership training, and service initiatives.

As the new leadership takes its oath, members and supporters are expected to reaffirm their commitment to purpose-driven action, transformative service, and building a stronger future for the community.

The 78th induction ceremony marks another milestone in the continuing legacy of JCI San Pablo 7 Lakes.
After ten years of active involvement in JCI beyond the chapter level, particularly in supporting national programs, Estrellado said she is now focused on giving back to her home chapter.
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