Ethiopia Urges Fuel Cuts Amid Middle East Shock

PM of Ethiopia Abiy Ahmed Ali warned of rising fuel prices due to Middle East war, urging conservation, boosting subsidies & cracking down on illegal trade to stabilize supply in a fully import-dependent market.

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Rep. Thomas Massie says he may invoke “Congressional Immunity” to publicly reveal the sealed Epstein client list after the DOJ declined to release the names.

African mercenary begs for mercy before being hit by a Ukrainian drone (location/date unknown).

Outdoor dining, Shahed and C-RAM.

📍 Baghdad, Iraq.

Ali Larijani was seen by the US and Israel as a preferred transitional figure as of September 2025, but became a target by early February 2026.

This shift came after he supported a crackdown on protesters, took a leading role in attacking the US and Israel rhetorically, and became central in planning IRGC military actions, especially against GCC states.

Source: CNN

WFP: Iran War Risks Pushing 45 Million More People Into Hunger

Chief Operating Officer of WFP Carl Skau said the war in Iran could push 45 million more people into acute hunger by June, raising the global total above 319 million as rising food, fuel & shipping costs disrupt aid & supply chains.

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French President Macron on Iran War:

France did not choose this war.

We are not taking part in it; our position is purely defensive.

BREAKING: Trump now says he doesn't need any help for Iran & Strait of Hormuz:

The United States has been informed by most NATO “Allies” that they don’t want to get involved in our military operation against Iran, despite agreeing that Iran must not have a nuclear weapon.

I’m not surprised, because NATO has always been a one-way street—we protect them, but they do nothing for us.

Because of this success, we do not need NATO’s assistance—we never did. Likewise, Japan, Australia, or South Korea.

As President of the United States, the most powerful country in the world: we do not need anyone’s help.

French President Macron:

France will never take part in operations to open or secure the Strait of Hormuz in the current context.

However, we are convinced that once the situation is calmer—and I deliberately use a broad term here—once the core of the bombing has ceased, we are ready, with other nations, to take responsibility for an escort system.

Under no circumstances can this be a forced operation.

Netanyahu pointing at the Strait of Hormuz during today’s cabinet meeting.

IDF has been targeting Basij positions deployed across Tehran in recent hours.

Israel is publicly urging Iranians to revolt, but privately admits protesters would likely be “slaughtered.”

Israeli officials say Iran’s regime is “not cracking” and will “fight to the end”

If protests erupt, the IRGC “has the upper hand” and would crush them.

Despite this, Israel still hopes for an uprising and wants the U.S. ready to support it.

U.S. officials now also acknowledge protesters face extreme risk from armed security forces.

Source: WaPo

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

Since Mark Carney became Prime Minister, Canada has been making extremely positive changes in both its foreign policy and economic policies.

We are following this with appreciation.

Senator Graham on Trump:

Just spoke to Trump about European allies’ unwillingness to provide assets to keep the Strait of Hormuz functioning, which benefits Europe more than America.

I’ve never heard him so angry, and I share that anger.

The arrogance of allies suggesting Iran with a nuclear weapon is not their problem is beyond offensive. Europe’s approach has been a failure.

The repercussions of not helping will be wide and deep for both Europe and America.

I support alliances, but moments like this make me question their value—and I’m not the only senator who feels this way.

INTERESTING: UK National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell attended US–Iran talks and believed a deal was “surprising” and could prevent war.

Further talks were planned, but two days later the US and Israel attacked Iran.

One diplomat said Witkoff and Kushner were seen as “Israeli assets” pushing Trump into war.

Source: The Guardian

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan:

Israel’s ground operation against Lebanon is already causing severe consequences for the civilian population.

This step by Israel must not be allowed to turn into an occupation.

The US pushed Syria to consider sending forces into Lebanon to counter Hezbollah.

Syria is hesitant, fearing escalation, Iranian retaliation, and sectarian unrest.

Damascus and Arab allies agreed to stay out of the war for now.

The option of intervention is still on the table if conflict escalates.

Source: Reuters

Trump on The Strait of Hormuz:

Well, we don’t need too much help, and we don’t need any help, actually.

Trump on Ali Larijani:

Their top person was actually killed yesterday.

He was responsible for the killing of protesters.

Trump on NATO countries:

They don’t want to help us, which is amazing. I mean, amazing.

Trump on NATO:

NATO is making a very foolish mistake... This was a great test.

They should have been there.