Thursday, March 12, 2026
Geopolitics
BBC News · Reuters · AP
Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first public statement since succeeding his father, said the Strait of Hormuz closure should be used as leverage against enemies. The message was read on Iranian state TV. He has not been seen in public since becoming supreme leader. Oil prices have surged past $100/barrel as tankers continue to be attacked in the Gulf.
Geopolitics
AP News · BBC
AP sources say outdated intelligence likely led to a US strike that hit an Iranian elementary school, killing multiple people. Democrats have written to Defense Secretary Hegseth asking whether the US was responsible. The Pentagon has blocked photographers from Hegseth's briefings on the Iran war. The administration estimates the Iran war has cost over $11 billion in six days.
Geopolitics
AP News
In a historic move, Britain is removing hereditary peers from the House of Lords after nearly 700 years. The reform marks the biggest change to the UK's second chamber since the House of Lords Act of 1999 removed most hereditary peers. The remaining 92 hereditary peers will be expelled as part of the government's modernization agenda.
Tech & Science
AP News
A cyberattack has disrupted the global networks of Stryker, one of the world's largest medical equipment companies. The company confirmed the attack is affecting its operations worldwide. While the attack's origin is under investigation, the timing comes amid heightened tensions in the Iran war. Stryker manufactures hip and knee replacements, surgical equipment, and neurovascular devices.
Tech & Science
BBC News
A NASA spacecraft weighing approximately 1,300 pounds has successfully re-entered Earth's atmosphere. The reentry was monitored by space agencies as part of standard debris tracking procedures. The event highlights ongoing concerns about space debris management as more objects reach end-of-life in orbit.