The Middle East has entered a new period of instability following joint United States and Israeli strikes on Iran which reportedly killed more than a thousand people and triggered retaliatory attacks across the region. Among those killed was Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, leaving uncertainty about the future leadership of the country. The strikes, described by US and Israeli officials as necessary to address security threats, have drawn global attention and concern. Iran has responded with missile and drone attacks targeting military installations and other sites across several countries in the region. The escalation has disrupted diplomatic efforts surrounding Iran’s nuclear programme and raised fears of a wider conflict. Civilians across the Middle East face growing risks as violence spreads, while thousands of foreign nationals have struggled to leave affected areas. The conflict has also shaken global energy markets and travel networks, reflecting the far-reaching consequences of the crisis. Recent news: at least 87 were killed when a US submarine sank an Iranian tanker (see), and the US Senate voted against a bipartisan measure which would have limited Trump’s war powers (see).

The war in the Middle East tensions has raised concerns about global energy supplies after Iran reportedly closed the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route for oil and gas. The narrow waterway between Iran and Oman carries a large share of the world’s seaborne energy trade, including significant volumes of crude oil and liquefied natural gas. Analysts warn that disruption to shipping could drive energy prices sharply higher, affecting many Asian economies which depend heavily on imported fuel. Among ASEAN members, Thailand is considered especially vulnerable, as oil imports represent a significant share of its economy. Economists say even modest increases in oil prices could weaken the country’s financial balance. Other nations such as India, Pakistan, South Korea, and the Philippines could also face pressure due to reliance on imported energy. Some countries maintain limited reserves of fuel supplies, raising concerns if the disruption continues. Meanwhile, energy exporters such as Malaysia may experience short-term economic gains from rising prices.

Heavy fighting has erupted along the long border between Pakistan and Afghanistan, raising fears of a prolonged regional conflict. The clashes began after Pakistani air strikes targeted locations in Afghanistan, including sites linked to Taliban forces, following accusations that militants were launching attacks on Pakistan from Afghan territory. Taliban authorities have denied supporting such groups. Pakistan says it has struck military facilities used by militants, including locations near the former Bagram air base, while Afghan officials report that their forces have resisted several attacks and captured at least one Pakistani military post. Both sides claim to have inflicted significant losses, though details remain difficult to verify. The UN mission in Afghanistan reports that dozens of civilians have been killed and more than a hundred injured. Aid agencies warn that ongoing violence is worsening humanitarian conditions and limiting access for relief efforts, including continuing to help those affected by the earthquakes in August and September which killed more than 1,400 people.

Ecuador and the USA have begun joint operations aimed at disrupting drug trafficking networks, according to an announcement from the US Southern Command. The command, which oversees US defence cooperation across much of Latin America and the Caribbean, said the activity is part of efforts to combat illicit drug flows in the region. Ecuador’s defence ministry confirmed the cooperation, describing it as an ‘offensive’ operation but noting that specific details remain classified. The announcement follows comments from president Daniel Noboa, who said the country would work with the USA and other allies in a new phase of action against organised crime, including narcotics trafficking and illegal mining. Ecuador has faced growing challenges from criminal groups linked to international cartels in recent years. The joint initiative reflects wider regional efforts to counter powerful trafficking networks that continue to influence violence, corruption and instability across several countries in the region.

Leaders from the twelve nations of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have reportedly agreed to establish a new regional force to address growing insecurity across West Africa. Military chiefs reached the decision during a meeting in Sierra Leone, where discussions focussed on the rising threat of jihadist violence, the spread of transnational organised crime, and ongoing maritime insecurity in the region. The proposed force aims to assemble about two thousand troops who would respond to terrorism and instability while remaining based in their home countries, with Sierra Leone serving as a logistical hub. Officials are still working through questions about how the force will be funded, and ECOWAS has not yet issued a formal announcement. Much of the concern centres on the Sahel region, where militant groups linked to Al-Qaeda and IS have been active for years. Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger - now outside ECOWAS - are viewed as crucial to cooperation.

Nigeria’s Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has called for stronger action by state governments as the country faces a worsening outbreak of Lassa fever. The viral disease, endemic in parts of West Africa, typically peaks during the dry season from November to May, and at least 18 Nigerian states have reported cases, notably Bauchi, Ondo, Taraba and Edo. By mid-February, 326 infections and 75 deaths (including three healthcare workers) had been confirmed. Officials say weak infection-prevention practices and limited access to personal protective equipment have contributed to transmission in hospitals, including maternity and outpatient wards. The virus spreads through contact with food or household items contaminated by rat urine or droppings, or through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals. Gaps in contact tracing, along with stigma and misconceptions which delay treatment, have also increased risks. There is currently no licensed vaccine for Lassa fever.

Christian nurse Jennifer Melle has returned to work after more than ten months of suspension following an incident involving a transgender prisoner. She was disciplined after referring to the patient as ‘mister’ while speaking with colleagues, despite reporting that she had faced racial abuse and physical threats during the encounter. Although her NHS trust has confirmed it will take no further action, she remains under investigation by the Nursing and Midwifery Council over the language used and for speaking publicly about her treatment. Melle, a south London nurse with twelve years of service, is pursuing an employment tribunal, alleging harassment, discrimination and breaches of freedom of belief. She has expressed gratitude for support received throughout the ordeal, especially by the Christian Legal Centre.

Ngoc*, a 63-year-old believer in Vietnam, has endured severe persecution for her Christian faith. Raised in ancestral worship, she came to faith in Jesus after hearing about His love and forgiveness at a local church. When she told her husband, his violence intensified, including attempts to strangle and stone her. Though some of her children opposed her decision, one daughter stood by her. Local authorities and neighbours later pressured Ngoc to renounce her faith. When she refused, a mob forced her from her home, and she was expelled from her village with only the clothes she wore. With her daughter and granddaughter, she found refuge in another community where local Christians helped them rebuild their lives. Despite suffering rejection, violence and loss, Ngoc continues to express deep trust in God, testifying to His faithfulness through hardship. (*name changed for security reasons)

On 23 February, Lord Mandelson was arrested at his London home on charges of misconduct in public office and later released on bail pending further investigation. His lawyers said the arrest was made due to claims that he might leave the country, but described them as ‘baseless’. The Metropolitan Police declined to comment. The investigation relates to allegations that, while serving as a minister, he shared market-sensitive government information with the late convicted offender Jeffrey Epstein. Officers executed search warrants at properties in Wiltshire and Camden before questioning him for nine hours. Lord Mandelson, who has always maintained that he has acted lawfully and done nothing wrong, says he is cooperating fully. Meanwhile, the police have finished searching the properties belonging to Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was arrested on similar charges on 19 February.  He has also been released on bail.

More than twenty Labour MPs have called for reform of England’s student loan system. Leading a parliamentary debate, Jas Athwal argued the system is unfair, with many graduates seeing balances rise despite regular repayments. Under current arrangements, Plan 2 borrowers pay interest linked to RPI inflation plus up to 3%, depending on earnings. From April 2027, the salary threshold triggering repayments will be frozen for three years, a move critics say effectively increases the burden during a cost-of-living crisis. Some MPs described the terms as retrospective and punitive, while others backed scrapping tuition fees entirely. Kemi Badenoch also urged lower interest rates, and the Conservatives have also said they would close 100,000 university places to alleviate debt and fund apprenticeships instead, arguing that some degrees were leaving graduates worse off. Keir Starmer acknowledged concerns and said the government would consider ways to make the system fairer.