Author: EchoAsiaNews

The United States and Israel have carried out a new wave of military strikes against Iran, targeting key command infrastructure of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) in Tehran, including a central IRGC command centre, according to US military statements and regional media reports. The strikes form part of a rapidly escalating conflict after joint US‑Israeli operations over the weekend triggered widespread retaliation by Iranian forces across the Middle East. The US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces destroyed air defence installations, IRGC command and control nodes, missile launch sites and other strategic targets, asserting that the elite Revolutionary Guard’s…

The U.S. House Oversight Committee on Monday released video recordings of closed‑door depositions of former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as part of its ongoing investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and his network, CNN reported. The depositions, conducted last week in Chappaqua, New York, were recorded after both were subpoenaed in the Republican‑led inquiry into Epstein’s activities and high‑profile associations. In the footage, Bill Clinton answered roughly four and a half hours of questions from lawmakers, addressing his past interactions with Epstein while maintaining that he had no knowledge of Epstein’s criminal conduct.…

Paramount Global’s proposed $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros Discovery is expected to receive approval from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC), according to reports by the Financial Times cited by Reuters. The merger, which would combine two of the largest studios in Hollywood, has been under intense regulatory scrutiny over concerns about competition in broadcasting, cable, and streaming markets. FCC backing would mark a major milestone in the approval process, which also requires clearance from the U.S. Department of Justice and other federal regulators. The agencies are evaluating potential impacts on media diversity, consumer choice, and market competition, particularly in…

The U.S. dollar has reclaimed its status as a global safe‑haven asset as geopolitical tensions escalate following a wave of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran that have rattled global financial markets, Reuters reported on Monday. The U.S. Dollar Index, which measures the currency against a basket of major peers, rose nearly 1%, marking its strongest one‑day gain in seven months as investors scrambled for safe assets amid heightened uncertainty. The rally underscores the dollar’s traditional appeal in crisis periods, reinforced by the depth and liquidity of U.S. financial markets, particularly Treasury securities. Analysts said that while doubts about the…

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday that the ongoing US‑Israel military campaign against Iran will not drag on for years, signalling confidence that the conflict can be contained in a shorter timeframe, Reuters reported. Netanyahu, speaking on Fox News’ “Hannity,” acknowledged the possibility that the confrontation may take “some time” but insisted it would not become an endless war like past prolonged regional conflicts, a message aimed at undercutting fears of a protracted engagement. The remarks come as the campaign enters its fourth day, triggered by a joint US‑Israeli air offensive that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali…

Global oil and gas shipping costs have soared to record levels as the US-Iran conflict escalates, with Iran targeting vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial chokepoint that carries about one-fifth of the world’s oil and significant liquefied natural gas (LNG) volumes. Shipping through the Strait has nearly halted after multiple ships were hit in Iranian retaliation for US and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, over the weekend, according to shipping data and industry sources. The benchmark freight rate for very large crude carriers (VLCCs) transporting 2 million barrels of Middle Eastern crude…

Swiss drugmaker Roche is targeting a double‑digit share of the global weight‑loss market and aims to significantly narrow the lead held by Danish rival Novo Nordisk, its Chief Executive told Germany’s Handelsblatt business newspaper. The company’s push into the obesity treatment sector reflects intensifying competition with established players that dominate the rapidly growing area of GLP‑1 and related therapies. Roche Chief Executive Thomas Schinecker said the company expects to secure at least a double‑digit percentage of the market and position itself among the top three competitors, challenging the long‑time market leadership of Novo Nordisk and other rivals. The comments underline…

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) review mission concluded its visit to Islamabad on Monday after expressing satisfaction with Pakistan’s economic performance, but also warning of downside risks and delays in agreed fiscal and structural targets, Geo News reported. The mission, led by Iva Petrova, met with Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and senior officials from the Finance Division, the State Bank of Pakistan and the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) before departing for Turkey, where discussions on the third review of Pakistan’s Extended Fund Facility (EFF) arrangement and the second review of the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF) will continue virtually.…

A total lunar eclipse will be observable from parts of Pakistan and across large areas of the globe on March 3, 2026, as the Moon passes through the Earth’s shadow and takes on a deep reddish hue. The Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) said the eclipse will begin with the penumbral phase at 1:44 pm Pakistan time, when the Moon enters the Earth’s outer shadow and dims slightly. The partial eclipse will start at 2:50 pm, followed by the beginning of totality at 4:05 pm, reaching its peak at 4:34 pm, and ending totality at 5:03 pm. The eclipse will conclude completely at 7:23 pm. Much of…

The United States Embassy in Islamabad and its Consulates General in Karachi, Lahore and Peshawar have temporarily suspended all routine visa and American Citizen Services (ACS), cancelling appointments for March 2, 2026, and warning that services will remain on hold at least through March 6 due to intensified security concerns across Pakistan. The U.S. Mission said it was monitoring ongoing demonstrations outside its diplomatic facilities in Lahore and Karachi and that there were calls for additional protests near the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad and the Peshawar mission, prompting U.S. personnel to be ordered to restrict their movements. The suspension affects…