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US Military Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq During Iran Operations; Rescue Efforts Underway

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US Military Refueling Aircraft Crashes in Western Iraq During Iran Operations; Rescue Efforts Underway

(AP/BBC/Reuters) — A U.S. military refueling aircraft crashed in western Iraq during operations connected to the war with Iran, triggering an emergency rescue mission, United States Central Command announced Thursday.

The aircraft, a Boeing KC‑135 Stratotanker, went down after what military officials described as an “incident” involving two aircraft flying in the same area.

Central Command said one aircraft landed safely while the other crashed in what it described as “friendly airspace” in western Iraq.

Rescue teams were immediately dispatched to the crash site.

“The incident occurred in friendly airspace during Operation Epic Fury, and rescue efforts are ongoing,” the command said in a statement, referring to the U.S. military campaign targeting Iranian military infrastructure.

Officials emphasized that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire, suggesting that enemy action did not bring down the aircraft.

A U.S. official familiar with the developing situation, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that the second aircraft involved in the incident was also a KC-135 refueling tanker.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether there were casualties.

The tanker aircraft was part of the extensive aerial network supporting Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military campaign launched after the United States and Israel began coordinated strikes against Iranian targets on Feb. 28.

In recent weeks, the Pentagon has moved a significant number of aircraft into the Middle East as part of the operation.

Refueling aircraft such as the KC-135 play a critical role in sustaining long-range combat missions.

They allow fighter jets, bombers and surveillance aircraft to remain airborne for extended periods by transferring fuel mid-flight.

Military analysts note that these aircraft are often positioned in carefully coordinated aerial formations involving multiple combat jets and support planes operating simultaneously.

Although the cause of the crash remains under investigation, aviation experts say one possible explanation could involve a mid-air collision or mishap during aerial refueling operations.

The BBC noted that refueling missions require aircraft to fly extremely close together — sometimes only a few feet apart — while a fuel boom extends from the tanker to connect with another aircraft.

During these operations, pilots rely on precision maneuvering and visual cues to align their aircraft with the tanker.

Once contact is established, fuel flows through the boom for several minutes while the aircraft maintain tight formation.

The process becomes even more complex when conducted at night or under combat conditions.

In some cases, aircraft lights are turned off to reduce the risk of detection by enemy radar or missile systems.

In such environments, multiple aircraft may be operating simultaneously in confined airspace.

Maintaining formation under those circumstances requires exceptional skill from pilots and boom operators.

A typical KC-135 carries a crew of three: a pilot, a co-pilot and a boom operator responsible for controlling the refueling apparatus.

The crash represents the latest aviation incident since the United States and Israel began military operations against Iran.

According to reporting cited by The Guardian, it marks the fourth U.S. aircraft lost since the start of the conflict on Feb. 28.

Earlier this month, three U.S. fighter jets were accidentally shot down by Kuwait Air Defense Forces in what officials described as a “friendly fire” incident.

All pilots in those aircraft successfully ejected and survived.

The broader conflict has already resulted in significant casualties.

Seven U.S. service members have been killed in attacks linked to the war, while Reuters indicated earlier this week that as many as 150 American troops have been wounded during retaliatory strikes by Iran.

Iranian officials say more than 1,300 people have died inside the country since the fighting began, according to the nation’s ambassador to the United Nations.

Aerial refueling aircraft like the KC-135 are often described by military planners as the “lifeline” of long-range air operations.

Without them, combat aircraft would be limited by their onboard fuel capacity, significantly reducing mission range and operational endurance.

In modern conflicts — particularly those involving strikes across vast geographic distances — refueling tankers enable bombers and fighter jets to travel thousands of miles to reach their targets and return safely.

The United States Air Force maintains one of the largest aerial refueling fleets in the world.

According to the service’s Air Mobility Command, nearly 400 tanker aircraft operate across the U.S. military’s global logistics network.

These aircraft often fly continuous missions during major conflicts, remaining airborne for hours while servicing multiple fighter jets.

Rescue operations in western Iraq may prove complex depending on the location of the crash site.

Although the region is described by the military as “friendly airspace,” large portions of western Iraq consist of remote desert terrain with limited infrastructure.

Search and rescue teams typically rely on helicopters, drones and ground forces to reach downed aircraft crews quickly.

Military doctrine places a high priority on recovering pilots and aircrew, both for humanitarian reasons and to prevent sensitive equipment or information from falling into hostile hands.

Officials have not yet disclosed the number of crew members aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash.

The crash illustrates the enormous operational pressure placed on military aviation during large-scale conflicts.

Since the start of the war with Iran, the United States has significantly increased its air presence across the Middle East.

That expansion has created an environment where dozens of aircraft may operate simultaneously across relatively tight air corridors.

Such conditions increase the risk of accidents even when enemy forces are not directly involved.

Military analysts note that logistical aircraft — particularly refueling tankers — often fly continuous missions that stretch crews and equipment.

While combat losses typically draw more public attention, aviation accidents have historically accounted for a substantial share of aircraft losses during prolonged military operations.

The incident also underscores how aerial refueling missions, though routine, remain among the most technically demanding tasks in military aviation.

As investigators work to determine the precise cause of the crash, the outcome of the rescue mission will likely be the Pentagon’s immediate focus.

Further details about the aircraft, its crew and the circumstances of the crash are expected as the investigation continues.

1 Dead, 2 Injured After Shooting at Old Dominion University, Virginia; Gunman With Prior ISIS Conviction Also Dead

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1 Dead, 2 Injured After Shooting at Old Dominion University, Virginia; Gunman With Prior ISIS Conviction Also Dead

(AP/NBC/Reuters) — A shooting inside a classroom at Old Dominion University, Virginia, USA, left one person dead and two others wounded Thursday before the suspected gunman was killed, authorities said, prompting a lockdown and the cancellation of campus operations.

Police said the gunfire erupted shortly before 10:49 a.m. inside Constant Hall, the building housing the university’s College of Business.

Officers rushed to the scene within minutes of receiving emergency calls reporting shots fired. When law enforcement arrived, the suspected attacker was already dead, officials said.

Two victims were transported by ambulance to a hospital while a third individual who had been wounded made their way independently to another medical facility, Old Dominion University Police Chief Garrett Shelton told reporters during a news conference.

“One of the victims is deceased, and we’re working on getting in touch with the family at this point,” Shelton said, adding that authorities would withhold the victim’s identity until relatives were notified.

All three victims are affiliated with the university community, he said.

Senior law enforcement officials briefed on the case told NBC News that the gunman has been identified as Mohamed Bailor Jalloh, a 36-year-old resident of Sterling, Virginia.

Officials said Jalloh was also killed during the incident, though investigators have not yet determined the exact cause of his death.

The suspect had previously pleaded guilty in 2016 to attempting to provide material support to Islamic State, according to public court records cited by NBC News and federal authorities.

Court documents from that case indicate that Jalloh attempted to help obtain weapons for a potential attack in the United States and provided financial support to individuals seeking to join the extremist organization.

He was sentenced to 11 years in prison and released from federal custody in 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice confirmed.

Officials said investigators are examining whether the university shooting had any connection to terrorism.

Two of the injured victims are members of the Army Reserve Officers’ Training Corps at Old Dominion, a spokesperson for the U.S. Army Cadet Command told The Associated Press.

Lt. Col. Jimmy Delongchamp, public information officer for Army Cadet Command at Fort Knox, Kentucky, confirmed the affiliation during a telephone interview.

“We will continue to coordinate with the university and law enforcement agencies as they investigate the incident,” Delongchamp said.

Medical officials said two victims were transported to the Level I trauma center at Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. One of those patients later died from their injuries, while the other remains hospitalized.

A third person was treated at Sentara Independence, a freestanding emergency facility in Virginia Beach, before being released, Sentara Health said.

The university issued an emergency alert shortly before 10:48 a.m. warning of an active threat in Constant Hall.

At approximately 11:30 a.m., campus officials issued another message describing the situation as an “active shooter” event and announcing that the attacker had been neutralized.

Authorities subsequently confirmed that there was no ongoing threat to the campus.

Police vehicles blocked streets around the university as officers secured the area and conducted searches inside the building.

Within about an hour, the university lifted the emergency alert but urged people to avoid the vicinity while investigators processed the scene.

Classes and campus operations were canceled for the remainder of Thursday and the university announced it would remain closed Friday.

Counseling and support services were made available for students and staff.

Brian O. Hemphill described the shooting as a tragedy for the campus community.

“Old Dominion University has faced a tragedy today,” Hemphill said in a message to students and staff.

“The safety of our campus community is my top priority,” he added. “We are deeply committed to safeguarding all Monarchs and ensuring a secure learning, living, and working environment at all times.”

Abigail Spanberger said she had spoken with university leadership and was coordinating assistance from state agencies.

“My administration remains in close contact with local emergency responders as state support is being mobilized to assist,” Spanberger wrote on social media.

Law enforcement agencies responding to the scene included Norfolk Police, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, and federal investigators.

Officials said several groups of high school students were visiting the campus when the shooting occurred.

Norfolk Public Schools confirmed that students from multiple area high schools were participating in a campus tour at the time.

A district spokesperson told WAVY-TV that all visiting students and staff were safe.

The university campus sits in Norfolk, a coastal city that is home to roughly 24,000 Old Dominion students and located near Naval Station Norfolk.

Nearly 30% of the university’s students are affiliated with the military, according to the school’s website.

Kash Patel said the shooting is being examined as a possible act of terrorism.

In a statement posted on social media, Patel said the gunman died after “a group of brave students stepped in and subdued him.”

Their intervention, he said, “undoubtedly saved lives along with the quick response of law enforcement.”

Investigators are continuing to determine whether the suspect specifically targeted the ROTC classroom and whether any ideological motivation played a role.

The shooting at Old Dominion University highlights ongoing concerns about how individuals with violent histories reintegrate into society after completing prison sentences.

The suspect’s prior conviction for attempting to support ISIS raises difficult questions for policymakers about monitoring individuals previously convicted in terrorism cases.

Federal law enforcement agencies typically track such individuals after release, but civil liberties protections limit the extent to which authorities can monitor former offenders without evidence of new criminal activity.

Security experts note that universities face particular vulnerabilities because they must remain open, accessible environments while still protecting large populations of students and staff.

In recent years, many institutions have expanded campus police forces, installed emergency alert systems and implemented active-shooter training programs.

The rapid police response at Old Dominion — with officers arriving within minutes — likely prevented additional casualties.

Still, the tragedy underscores the persistent threat of gun violence in educational institutions across the United States.

For the Old Dominion community, the coming days will likely focus on mourning the loss of a member of the campus family while confronting the reality that even well-protected academic environments are not immune to violence.

Gunman Crashes Vehicle Into Michigan Synagogue, Killed After Security Opens Fire at Temple Israel

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Gunman Crashes Vehicle Into Michigan Synagogue, Killed After Security Opens Fire at Temple Israel

(AP/NBC/Reuters) — A man armed with a rifle crashed a vehicle into one of the largest Reform synagogues in the United States on Thursday before being fatally shot during a confrontation with security personnel, law enforcement officials told The Associated Press.

Authorities said the attacker drove a vehicle through the entrance of Temple Israel, a large Jewish congregation in the Detroit suburbs, sending the vehicle into a hallway of the complex.

Shortly after the impact, the vehicle burst into flames, filling parts of the synagogue building with smoke. Investigators later discovered the suspect dead inside the vehicle.

The circumstances surrounding his death remain under investigation.

“We can’t say what killed him at this point but security did engage the suspect with gunfire,” Michael Bouchard told reporters.

The sheriff said the attacker appeared to have driven deliberately through the building.

“He was traveling with purpose down the hall, from my look at the video,” Bouchard said.

Authorities have not yet publicly identified the suspect or determined a motive. A person familiar with the investigation who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity cautioned that the inquiry remains in its early stages.

Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the crash, where aerial footage showed smoke rising from the synagogue’s roof as police and fire units surrounded the building.

Temple Israel also houses an early childhood center that serves children as young as six weeks old.

Sheriff Bouchard said no children or staff members were injured in the incident.

A security officer stationed at the synagogue was struck by the vehicle and briefly knocked unconscious. The officer was taken to a hospital and is expected to recover, authorities said.

The synagogue maintains multiple security personnel on site, a measure that officials say proved crucial in preventing further harm.

“Everything that was supposed to happen, happened,” Bouchard said. “Security did their job, and then the responders did theirs.”

Police quickly cleared the synagogue building while parents rushed to retrieve children from the preschool program.

About a dozen parents were seen running toward the facility after learning about the incident.

The West Bloomfield School District placed its campuses on lockdown as a precaution.

Authorities also issued a temporary shelter-in-place order within roughly a mile of the synagogue while officers searched the surrounding area to ensure no accomplices were present.

The Michigan State Police confirmed they were aware of what they described as an active incident and urged residents to avoid the area while first responders worked.

Nearby Jewish institutions initially entered lockdown as well after guidance from the Jewish Federation of Detroit, which advised affiliated organizations to secure their buildings until authorities confirmed the situation had stabilized.

The federation later lifted the advisory.

Federal investigators joined local authorities at the scene.

Kash Patel said personnel from the Federal Bureau of Investigation were assisting with the investigation.

“FBI personnel are on the scene with partners in Michigan and responding to the apparent vehicle ramming and active shooter situation out of Temple Israel Synagogue,” Patel wrote on social media.

Investigators were also searching the suspect’s vehicle.

CNN cited law enforcement sources saying a significant quantity of explosives may have been found in the car, though authorities have not yet confirmed those details publicly.

Temple Israel describes itself as the largest Reform synagogue in North America, representing roughly 1% of the Reform movement’s membership.

The congregation includes approximately 12,000 members from around 3,500 families, according to information on its website.

Founded in 1941, the synagogue emphasizes inclusive community life and Jewish education.

“Our mission is to be an inclusive congregation that demonstrates respect for the needs of all,” the synagogue states.

Community members gathered outside police barricades as the investigation unfolded.

Lisa Stern, a congregant who stood outside the perimeter, told NBC News affiliate WDIV that she feared for friends inside the building.

“I’m scared to death for my friends,” Stern said.

She avoided calling anyone she knew inside, worried that a phone ringing could endanger people.

“This is senseless. It’s senseless,” she said.

Samuel Bennett, whose wife had been inside the building during the attack, told WDIV-TV that he struggled to find words after learning she had escaped unharmed.

“I don’t even know what the words are,” Bennett said.

Children from the preschool program were evacuated and transported to a nearby Jewish Community Center of Metropolitan Detroit, where they were reunited with their parents.

Gretchen Whitmer said she was closely following developments and expressed support for the Jewish community.

“This is heartbreaking,” Whitmer said in a statement. “Michigan’s Jewish community should be able to live and practice their faith in peace.”

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel also condemned the attack.

“Antisemitism has no place in Michigan and cannot be tolerated,” Nessel said.

Jewish institutions across the United States and abroad have heightened security in recent weeks following the outbreak of a broader conflict in the Middle East after U.S. and Israeli missile strikes on Iran on Feb. 28.

Law enforcement agencies have warned of potential retaliatory threats and extremist activity.

The Metropolitan Police Department of the District of Columbia said officers in Washington were increasing patrols around synagogues and other houses of worship as a precaution.

Authorities have also pointed to a rise in antisemitic incidents in recent years.

FBI statistics show that anti-Jewish hate crimes account for nearly two-thirds of religion-based hate crimes reported in the United States.

The incident in West Bloomfield underscores the growing security pressures facing religious institutions across the United States.

Over the past decade, synagogues, churches and mosques have increasingly invested in private security, surveillance systems and emergency preparedness training.

The quick response by armed security officers at Temple Israel may have prevented a far more devastating outcome.

Many Jewish institutions in the U.S. have adopted such measures following high-profile attacks including the Pittsburgh synagogue shooting and the Poway synagogue shooting.

Security experts say vehicle ramming attacks have also become a tactic used in extremist violence worldwide because they require minimal planning and are difficult to detect in advance.

For the Jewish community in the Detroit region, the events at Temple Israel serve as a reminder of both vulnerability and resilience.

Rabbi Josh Whinston told reporters that incidents like this often strengthen community resolve.

“While this is deeply upsetting and traumatic, regardless if we know anyone in that community or not, when things like this happen, we deepen our resolve as Jews,” Whinston said.

He added that the synagogue’s security response likely saved lives.

“Thank God they were there,” he said. “It could have been much worse than what it turned out to be.”

South Africa Deploys Soldiers to Crime-Hit Areas as Government Moves to Crush Gang Violence and Illegal Mining

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South Africa Deploys Soldiers to Crime-Hit Areas as Government Moves to Crush Gang Violence and Illegal Mining

(AP) — Soldiers moved into several crime-stricken neighborhoods of Johannesburg, South Africa, on Wednesday as Cyril Ramaphosa began a major security operation using the military to support police efforts against organized crime.

Military vehicles rolled through the suburbs of Riverlea and Westbury, two communities long troubled by violent crime. Armed troops disembarked from armored carriers and entered residential buildings as part of patrol operations designed to deter gangs and illegal mining syndicates.

The deployment marks the first significant implementation of Ramaphosa’s pledge, announced during his annual address to the nation last month, to deploy the army against criminal networks he described as one of the most serious threats facing the country’s democracy and economy.

Authorities indicated that soldiers would operate under police supervision during the operation.

Residents in Riverlea, where gunfire and gang activity have become a near-daily occurrence, reacted with cautious optimism as troops arrived in the neighborhood.

Pearl Hilma, a resident of the area, said she supported the security crackdown.

“Because there’s lots of gangsterism as well as gunshots every night,” Hilma told The Associated Press, describing the atmosphere in the community.

Nearby walls and buildings reflect similar frustrations with crime. One message painted on a structure near a school reads: “No to Guns, Pray for our Community.”

The South African government had initially scheduled the operation to begin March 1, but the rollout was delayed while soldiers completed additional training.

The deployment is being coordinated by South African Police Service and the Department of Defence and Military Veterans, which oversees the country’s armed forces.

Officials have yet to release detailed operational plans, though Ramaphosa informed Parliament that about 550 soldiers would initially be assigned to security duties in Gauteng Province, the region that includes Johannesburg.

That deployment is expected to run until the end of April.

Police authorities have indicated that the broader operation could extend across five of South Africa’s nine provinces, depending on conditions on the ground.

Yasin Botha, another resident of Riverlea, said the presence of both police and soldiers gave him a sense that authorities would be able to respond more quickly to violence.

“Currently, I feel unsafe because we don’t know when the next shooting is going to happen and we don’t know who it is targeted at,” Botha told the AP.

Government plans show that the deployment will focus on two major security threats: illegal mining operations and gang violence.

Illegal mining activity will be targeted primarily in Gauteng, North West Province, and Free State Province.

Meanwhile, gang violence will be the focus in the Western Cape Province and Eastern Cape Province.

Officials have indicated that parts of the operation could continue for more than a year if conditions require extended intervention.

South Africa’s second-largest city, Cape Town, has become one of the most notorious centers of gang violence in the country.

On the outskirts of Cape Town, areas collectively known as the Cape Flats have been plagued by turf wars between rival gangs for decades.

Groups with names such as the Americans, the Hard Livings and the Terrible Josters have fought for control of lucrative illegal drug markets, while also participating in extortion, prostitution rings and contract killings.

Bystanders — including children — are frequently caught in the crossfire.

Police statistics indicate that three of South Africa’s most crime-ridden precincts are located in and around Cape Town, reflecting the intensity of the violence.

Illegal mining has also emerged as a major national security challenge.

Across Gauteng and surrounding regions, abandoned gold mines have become hubs for underground mining gangs commonly referred to as “zama zamas.”

Authorities say these operations are often controlled by heavily armed criminal syndicates.

The gangs recruit informal miners from impoverished communities to descend into abandoned shafts in search of leftover gold deposits.

Investigators say these operations are frequently linked to violent crime in nearby communities.

One of the most shocking incidents connected to illegal mining occurred in 2022, when about 80 suspected illegal miners were accused of gang-raping eight women who were filming a music video near an abandoned mine.

Another confrontation last year resulted in at least 87 illegal miners dying after police cut off supplies to a mine shaft in an effort to force them to surface.

Officials estimate that around 30,000 illegal miners are currently operating across South Africa, using roughly 6,000 abandoned mines.

The government estimates that illegal mining operations cost the country more than $4 billion annually in lost gold, much of it believed to be controlled by criminal networks with links to migrants from neighboring Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.

South Africa continues to struggle with some of the highest violent crime rates in the world.

Police data show that 6,351 homicides occurred between October and December 2025, an average of nearly 70 killings every day in a country with a population of roughly 62 million people.

In addition to homicide, authorities also report high levels of attempted murder, armed robbery and aggravated assault.

The scale of violence has fueled growing public pressure on the government to take stronger action.

The use of the military to support domestic policing has occurred several times in recent years.

In 2021, thousands of troops were deployed following riots and widespread looting in two provinces after the imprisonment of former president Jacob Zuma.

Those unrests left more than 350 people dead and caused extensive economic damage.

South Africa also used soldiers to enforce strict COVID-19 lockdown measures in 2020.

Ramaphosa has acknowledged that deploying the army domestically carries historical sensitivities.

During the decades of racial segregation under the Apartheid, which ended in 1994, government troops were frequently used to suppress pro-democracy protests.

Mindful of that legacy, Ramaphosa said the current decision had not been taken lightly.

“It has become necessary due to a surge in violent organized crime that threatens the safety of our people and the authority of the state,” the president said.

He also emphasized that soldiers would operate under police command to avoid concerns about military overreach.

The military deployment reflects both the severity of South Africa’s crime problem and the growing political pressure on the government to demonstrate decisive action.

For many analysts, the decision suggests that conventional policing alone has struggled to keep pace with sophisticated criminal networks involved in drugs, mining and organized violence.

Illegal mining syndicates in particular have evolved into complex operations that resemble organized crime cartels, often equipped with weapons and international connections.

Yet security experts caution that military intervention may offer only temporary stability.

Soldiers are trained for combat rather than community policing, and long-term reductions in crime typically depend on economic development, police reform and stronger judicial systems.

Still, for communities such as Riverlea and Westbury — where residents describe nightly gunfire — the visible presence of troops may provide a sense of security that has been missing for years.

Whether the strategy succeeds in reducing violence, however, will likely determine how far the government is willing to rely on the military to confront crime in the future.

Forbes 2026 Billionaires List: Elon Musk Tops World’s Richest as Global Wealth Hits Record $20.1 Trillion

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Forbes 2026 Billionaires List: Elon Musk Tops World’s Richest as Global Wealth Hits Record $20.1 Trillion

(AFP) — The world’s billionaire class has expanded to unprecedented levels in 2026, with Elon Musk once again ranking as the richest person on the planet, according to the latest global wealth ranking compiled by Forbes.

The financial publication unveiled its 40th annual World’s Billionaires list on March 10, documenting a historic rise in global fortunes driven largely by surging technology stocks and investment gains tied to artificial intelligence.

Forbes determined that 3,428 people worldwide now qualify as billionaires, the highest number recorded since the list began in 1987. That total represents an increase of roughly 400 additional billionaires compared with 2025, reflecting a year of explosive wealth growth.

Combined, the world’s richest individuals now control an estimated $20.1 trillion, a dramatic increase of about $4 trillion compared with last year’s total.

The rankings are calculated using stock market valuations and currency exchange rates as of March 1, Forbes noted in its methodology.

Musk extends historic lead

At the top of the list is Musk, whose fortune has reached an estimated $839 billion, making him the richest individual ever recorded in the history of the ranking.

The entrepreneur — who leads electric vehicle manufacturer Tesla and aerospace company SpaceX — saw his wealth increase by roughly $497 billion over the past year.

The dramatic jump was fueled by the continued rise in Tesla’s stock price and the rapidly growing valuation of SpaceX, which analysts expect could go public in 2026.

Forbes editors said Musk has become the first person ever documented to surpass $800 billion in personal wealth, placing him within reach of a milestone once considered purely theoretical — becoming the world’s first trillionaire.

Chase Peterson-Withorn, a senior editor covering wealth at Forbes, said the latest ranking reflects extraordinary economic momentum among the ultra-wealthy.

“It’s the year of the billionaire,” Peterson-Withorn said, explaining that the global economy produced more than one new billionaire every day over the past year, largely driven by technology and AI-related investment gains.

Tech leaders dominate top ranks

The billionaire ranking continues to be dominated by technology founders and investors whose companies transformed the digital economy over the past three decades.

Google cofounder Larry Page occupies the No. 2 position, with an estimated fortune of $257 billion.

His longtime business partner Sergey Brin follows closely behind in third place, with a net worth estimated at $237 billion.

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos ranks fourth, holding roughly $224 billion, while Mark Zuckerberg completes the top five with about $222 billion.

The technology sector’s strong representation near the top of the list highlights the immense financial impact of the digital economy, particularly companies involved in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and social media platforms.

United States leads global billionaire count

The United States continues to dominate the global billionaire landscape.

Forbes counted 989 billionaires living in the United States, more than any other country in the world and the highest national total ever recorded.

Other countries with large concentrations of billionaires include China, India, Germany and France.

Meanwhile, the 2026 ranking also introduced 390 newcomers who reached billionaire status for the first time.

Among the high-profile additions were entertainment figures such as Dr. Dre, global pop icon Beyoncé Knowles-Carter, and tennis legend Roger Federer.

Their inclusion highlights how wealth creation increasingly extends beyond traditional industries like finance and manufacturing into entertainment, sports and media.

President Donald Trump’s wealth rises

The ranking also included Donald Trump, whose net worth climbed to an estimated $6.5 billion, according to Forbes.

Trump’s fortune rose about 27% compared with the previous year, with the increase attributed largely to cryptocurrency investments and the dismissal of a major fraud penalty in New York.

Despite the increase, Trump ranks No. 645 globally on the list.

Global fortunes soar to historic levels

The unprecedented wealth surge captured in the 2026 ranking reflects major shifts in the global economy.

Technology companies tied to artificial intelligence and semiconductor manufacturing experienced major stock gains during the past year, significantly boosting the fortunes of founders and investors.

Meanwhile, sectors such as luxury goods, finance and cryptocurrency trading also produced new billionaires.

AFP noted that the scale of wealth growth recorded in the latest list is unmatched in the four-decade history of the ranking.

Analysis: The widening gap between the ultra-rich and the rest of the world

While the billionaire boom reflects extraordinary wealth creation, it also highlights the growing concentration of global economic power in the hands of a relatively small group of individuals.

The combined $20.1 trillion held by billionaires now rivals the annual economic output of some of the world’s largest national economies.

Economists say several forces are driving this phenomenon.

First, financial markets have become increasingly dependent on high-growth technology companies, whose valuations can surge dramatically in short periods.

Second, global capital markets allow founders to maintain large ownership stakes even after companies become publicly traded, enabling massive personal fortunes to accumulate as share prices climb.

Finally, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence and advanced computing has created entirely new industries almost overnight.

These trends have made technology entrepreneurs some of the richest individuals in modern history.

At the same time, critics argue that the growing wealth gap could intensify political debates over taxation, corporate power and economic inequality.

Governments around the world have already begun exploring policies such as wealth taxes and stronger regulation of digital monopolies.

How those debates unfold could influence the next generation of billionaire fortunes.

Forbes and its global influence

For more than a century, Forbes has been one of the world’s most recognizable business media brands, documenting the achievements of entrepreneurs, executives and investors.

The company now reaches more than 140 million readers each month worldwide, according to its own figures, through digital platforms, print publications and international editions in dozens of countries.

Its annual billionaire ranking remains one of the most widely cited measures of global wealth.

Top 50 Richest People in the World – Forbes 2026 Billionaires List

  1. Elon Musk — $839B — Age 54 — United States — Tesla, SpaceX
  2. Larry Page — $257B — Age 52 — United States — Google
  3. Sergey Brin — $237B — Age 52 — United States — Google
  4. Jeff Bezos — $224B — Age 62 — United States — Amazon
  5. Mark Zuckerberg — $222B — Age 41 — United States — Facebook
  6. Larry Ellison — $190B — Age 81 — United States — Oracle
  7. Bernard Arnault & family — $171B — Age 77 — France — LVMH
  8. Jensen Huang — $154B — Age 63 — United States — Semiconductors
  9. Warren Buffett — $149B — Age 95 — United States — Berkshire Hathaway
  10. Amancio Ortega — $148B — Age 89 — Spain — Zara
  11. Rob Walton & family — $146B — Age 81 — United States — Walmart
  12. Jim Walton & family — $143B — Age 77 — United States — Walmart
  13. Michael Dell — $141B — Age 61 — United States — Dell Technologies
  14. Alice Walton — $134B — Age 76 — United States — Walmart
  15. Steve Ballmer — $126B — Age 69 — United States — Microsoft
  16. Carlos Slim Helu & family — $125B — Age 86 — Mexico — Telecom
  17. Changpeng Zhao — $110B — Age 49 — Canada — Cryptocurrency exchange
  18. Michael Bloomberg — $109B — Age 84 — United States — Bloomberg LP
  19. Bill Gates — $108B — Age 70 — United States — Microsoft
  20. Francoise Bettencourt Meyers & family — $100B — Age 72 — France — L’Oréal
  21. Mukesh Ambani — $99.7B — Age 68 — India — Diversified
  22. Giancarlo Devasini — $89.3B — Age 61 — Italy — Cryptocurrency
  23. Thomas Peterffy — $82.9B — Age 81 — United States — Discount brokerage
  24. Julia Koch & family — $81.2B — Age 63 — United States — Koch Inc.
  25. Charles Koch & family — $73.8B — Age 90 — United States — Koch Inc.
  26. Zhang Yiming — $69.3B — Age 41 — China — TikTok
  27. Zhong Shanshan — $68.1B — Age 71 — China — Beverages, pharmaceuticals
  28. Jeff Yass — $67.4B — Age 67 — United States — Trading, investments
  29. Dieter Schwarz — $67.2B — Age 86 — Germany — Retail
  30. Germán Larrea Mota Velasco & family — $67.1B — Age 72 — Mexico — Mining
  31. Gautam Adani — $63.8B — Age 63 — India — Infrastructure, commodities
  32. Tadashi Yanai & family — $61.8B — Age 77 — Japan — Fashion retail
  33. Ma Huateng — $53.8B — Age 54 — China — Online games
  34. Robin Zeng — $53.2B — Age 57 — Hong Kong — Batteries
  35. Iris Fontbona & family — $52.6B — Age 83 — Chile — Mining
  36. Masayoshi Son — $51.5B — Age 68 — Japan — Telecom, investments
  37. Ken Griffin — $49.8B — Age 57 — United States — Hedge funds
  38. Jacqueline Mars — $49.1B — Age 86 — United States — Candy, pet food
  39. John Mars — $49.1B — Age 90 — United States — Candy, pet food
  40. Lukas Walton — $48.9B — Age 39 — United States — Walmart
  41. Giovanni Ferrero — $48.8B — Age 61 — Italy — Nutella, chocolates
  42. Li Ka-shing — $47B — Age 97 — Hong Kong — Diversified
  43. Mark Mateschitz — $45.8B — Age 33 — Austria — Red Bull
  44. Gianluigi Aponte — $44.5B — Age 85 — Switzerland — Shipping
  45. Rafaela Aponte-Diamant — $44.5B — Age 80 — Switzerland — Shipping
  46. Andrea Pignataro — $42.6B — Age 55 — Italy — Financial software
  47. Klaus-Michael Kuehne — $41.9B — Age 88 — Germany — Shipping
  48. Thomas Frist Jr. & family — $41.1B — Age 87 — United States — Hospitals
  49. Alain Wertheimer — $39.4B — Age 77 — France — Chanel
  50. Gerard Wertheimer — $39.4B — Age 75 — France — Chanel

For the complete ranking, Forbes directs readers to its full billionaire database at www.forbes.com/billionaires.

Pittsburgh Episcopal Cathedral Dean Charged After Alleged Theft of $1,000 in Baseball Cards From Walmart

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Pittsburgh Episcopal Cathedral Dean Charged After Alleged Theft of $1,000 in Baseball Cards From Walmart

(AP) — The dean and head priest of a prominent Episcopal cathedral in Pittsburgh is facing criminal charges after authorities say he stole more than $1,000 worth of baseball cards from a Walmart store outside the city.

The Very Rev. Aidan Smith, who leads Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Pittsburgh, was arrested Feb. 27 after police say he left a store in Economy Borough, northwest of the city, carrying unopened packs of trading cards without paying.

Court documents show Smith, 42, has been charged with retail theft and receiving stolen property following an investigation that began when store security alerted local police.

Authorities say Smith allegedly concealed 27 packs of baseball cards beneath his clothing and inside a cardboard box before exiting the store.

Police officers responded after Walmart’s loss-prevention staff contacted them about a suspected shoplifting incident involving Smith.

Security personnel had previously observed suspicious activity involving the same individual during multiple visits to the store, authorities said.

Investigators later reviewed surveillance footage from the retailer and determined that Smith had allegedly taken baseball card packs from the store on several earlier occasions.

According to police records, store security cameras captured the suspect removing merchandise during four separate visits in the days leading up to the arrest, each time leaving the store without completing a purchase.

Walmart officials estimated the total value of the merchandise at $1,099.99, the court filings indicate.

Authorities arrested Smith shortly after he exited the store during the Feb. 27 incident.

Smith serves as the dean of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, one of the most prominent Episcopal congregations in the Pittsburgh area and the seat of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh.

As dean, Smith oversees religious services, community programs and administrative leadership at the cathedral, which occupies a central place in the region’s Episcopal community.

The arrest has prompted concern within the diocese, which said it has begun reviewing the circumstances surrounding the case.

In a message distributed to cathedral members, the Right Rev. Ketlen Solak, bishop of the Episcopal Diocese of Pittsburgh, acknowledged the charges and pledged that church authorities would examine the matter through established disciplinary procedures.

Solak indicated that diocesan officials will follow church canons that outline how allegations of misconduct involving clergy are evaluated.

“I have spoken with Aidan and assured him of our prayers for him in this difficult time,” Solak wrote in the message to parishioners.

She also encouraged members of the congregation to pray for Smith and his family, as well as for the cathedral community as it confronts the situation.

“Please pray for Aidan, for Melanie and their children, for the entire cathedral congregation as we grieve this news, and for everyone involved in this hard situation,” Solak added.

Solak’s message also indicated that Smith had already been placed on administrative leave in late January, though the diocese did not specify the reason for that earlier action.

It remains unclear whether the administrative leave was connected to the alleged incidents at Walmart or to other matters.

Church officials have not released further details about Smith’s status within the diocese or whether additional internal disciplinary proceedings are underway.

Meanwhile, Smith’s defense attorney declined to discuss the case publicly.

The case has drawn attention across the Pittsburgh area because of Smith’s role as a senior religious leader.

Retail theft cases typically involve relatively minor financial losses, but the alleged involvement of a cathedral dean has amplified public interest in the situation.

Authorities have not indicated whether additional charges could be filed related to the earlier incidents captured on surveillance video.

Legal proceedings will determine whether the accusations can be substantiated in court.

Under Pennsylvania law, retail theft involving merchandise valued above a certain threshold can result in misdemeanor or felony charges depending on the circumstances and prior offenses.

Court records did not immediately indicate whether Smith had any prior criminal history.

Cases involving clergy facing criminal allegations often trigger both legal proceedings and internal church disciplinary processes.

Within the Episcopal Church, clergy are subject to ecclesiastical rules known as Title IV canons, which outline how misconduct complaints are investigated and resolved.

Those procedures typically involve an initial inquiry by diocesan authorities, followed by potential disciplinary hearings if the allegations warrant further review.

Depending on the outcome, sanctions could range from counseling or suspension to removal from ministry.

The diocese has not said whether a formal Title IV investigation has begun, though Solak’s statement suggests that church officials are evaluating the matter.

While the legal questions surrounding the theft charges will ultimately be decided in court, the case highlights broader issues related to leadership, accountability and public trust within religious institutions.

Clergy members often occupy positions of moral authority within their communities, making allegations of misconduct particularly sensitive.

For congregations, such situations can be emotionally difficult because parishioners often develop close personal relationships with their religious leaders.

The response from church leadership may therefore play a critical role in shaping how the community processes the allegations.

By acknowledging the situation publicly and committing to follow established church procedures, diocesan officials appear to be attempting to balance transparency with pastoral care for both the accused priest and the congregation.

The case also underscores the growing scrutiny religious organizations face regarding internal governance and oversight.

In recent decades, many denominations have strengthened accountability systems in response to various forms of misconduct involving clergy.

For members of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, the arrest has introduced uncertainty and concern about the future leadership of the congregation.

Cathedrals often serve as symbolic centers for dioceses, hosting major religious events and serving as focal points for community outreach programs.

A leadership disruption at such an institution can therefore have ripple effects throughout the broader diocesan network.

Parishioners will likely look to church authorities for guidance as the legal process unfolds.

At the same time, diocesan leaders may face pressure to clarify how the situation developed and what safeguards exist to address potential misconduct among clergy.

The criminal case against Smith will proceed through the Pennsylvania court system in the coming months.

Prosecutors will be required to present evidence supporting the allegations, including the surveillance footage and testimony from store security personnel referenced in police records.

Smith retains the presumption of innocence unless proven guilty in court.

For now, the combination of a criminal investigation and a potential church disciplinary review ensures that the case will remain under close attention both inside and outside the Episcopal community in Pittsburgh.

As the process continues, the outcome may influence not only the future of one priest but also the broader conversation about accountability and leadership within religious institutions.

Pope Leo Sacks San Diego Bishop Accused of Stealing About $250,000 From Parish

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Pope Leo Sacks San Diego Bishop Accused of Stealing About $250,000 From Parish

(AP/Reuters) — Pope Leo XIV has accepted the resignation of a bishop serving the Chaldean Catholic community in the San Diego area after authorities accused him of embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from his parish.

The Vatican disclosed Tuesday that Emanuel Hana Shaleta, who oversaw a small Eastern Rite Catholic diocese in Southern California, stepped down following allegations that he diverted church funds for personal use.

Emanuel Hana Shaleta

Shaleta, 69, pleaded not guilty Monday to 16 felony counts, including embezzlement and money laundering, during a court appearance in California, according to local media accounts cited by Reuters and The Associated Press.

Authorities arrested Shaleta on March 5 at San Diego International Airport while he was preparing to leave the United States, the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.

Investigators allege the bishop diverted funds belonging to St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral, located east of San Diego in the city of El Cajon.

Prosecutors say the suspected financial misconduct occurred in 2024, after irregularities surfaced in church accounts.

According to Joel Madero, the alleged thefts involved monthly rental payments of more than $30,000 from a tenant using the church’s social hall.

Those funds were expected to be deposited in parish accounts but allegedly went missing.

Madero told the court that Shaleta offered “completely unreasonable tales” about where the money had gone, a claim detailed in reporting by The Associated Press.

The case began when a church employee provided documentation last August suggesting that parish funds might have been misappropriated, authorities said.

Investigators later determined that approximately $250,000 to $270,000 in church funds could not be accounted for.

Shaleta faces the possibility of up to 15 years in prison if convicted on all charges, according to the district attorney’s office.

A judge set bail at $125,000 and ordered the bishop’s passport confiscated after prosecutors argued he posed a potential flight risk.

Shaleta’s attorney, Sharon Appelbaum, said the trip he was preparing to take had been planned in advance and was not an attempt to flee.

Although the Vatican formally announced the resignation this week, officials indicated that Pope Leo XIV accepted Shaleta’s request to step down in February.

The Holy See delayed publicly confirming the decision to avoid interfering with the ongoing criminal investigation, the Vatican embassy in Washington explained.

The resignation was processed under canon law governing Eastern Catholic Churches, which allows a bishop to request retirement subject to papal approval.

Following Shaleta’s departure, the Vatican named Saad Hanna Sirop as the temporary administrator of the local Chaldean Catholic diocese.

Before his arrest, Shaleta publicly rejected the accusations during a Mass held on Feb. 22.

“I have never abused any penny of the church money,” he said, insisting he had worked to protect parish donations.

“On the contrary, I have done my best to preserve and manage the donations of the church properly.”

His attorney has indicated the defense will seek to demonstrate that the allegations are unfounded.

Meanwhile, priests within the Chaldean Catholic Eparchy of St. Peter the Apostle released a statement expressing solidarity with Shaleta.

The Chaldean Catholic Church is one of the Eastern Catholic churches that recognizes the authority of the pope while maintaining its own liturgical traditions rooted in ancient Christian communities of the Middle East.

The church traces its heritage to Aramaic-speaking Christian populations primarily from Iraq.

Globally, the Chaldean Catholic Church counts more than one million members.

In the United States, the Chaldean Community Foundation estimates the population at roughly 500,000, with major concentrations in Detroit, California and Arizona.

In the San Diego region alone, Vatican statistics estimate roughly 71,000 Chaldean Catholics.

Shaleta himself was ordained as a priest in Detroit in 1984 before being appointed to lead the San Diego-area diocese in 2017.

The Vatican announcement Tuesday also revealed that Louis Sako, the patriarch who leads the global Chaldean Catholic Church, has retired at age 76.

Sako said he decided to step down voluntarily in order to focus on “prayer, writing and simple service.”

His retirement was described as unrelated to the legal case involving Shaleta.

The patriarch had occasionally clashed with political leaders in Iraq during his tenure, particularly over the protection and rights of Christian minorities.

The resignation of a bishop under criminal investigation represents a significant moment for the Chaldean Catholic community, particularly because it is a relatively small but tightly knit diaspora population.

Religious leaders in Eastern Catholic churches often serve not only as spiritual authorities but also as cultural anchors for immigrant communities.

As a result, scandals involving clergy can reverberate deeply among parishioners.

Experts on Eastern Catholicism say the case may generate tension and uncertainty within the diocese while the legal proceedings unfold.

The Rev. Mark Morozowich, director of the Center for Ukrainian Church Studies at the Catholic University of America, said a bishop occupies a unique role as the “spiritual father” of a community.

When a leader faces serious criminal accusations, he said, the repercussions often extend far beyond the immediate parish.

At the same time, the Vatican’s decision to accept Shaleta’s resignation before publicly announcing it suggests an effort to maintain distance between church governance and the criminal justice process.

The immediate impact of the controversy has been felt locally.

When reporters visited St. Peter Chaldean Catholic Cathedral following the Vatican announcement, the church doors were closed and the parking lot largely empty.

For many parishioners, the case has introduced uncertainty about the leadership of their community and the future of the diocese.

A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for April 27, when prosecutors are expected to present additional evidence related to the alleged embezzlement.

Until then, the case will continue to draw attention not only because of its legal implications but also because of its broader impact on a global Christian community that has historically endured displacement, persecution and political upheaval.

Pentagon Says About 140 U.S. Troops Wounded in Iran War, Eight Suffer Severe Injuries

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Pentagon Says About 140 U.S. Troops Wounded in Iran War, Eight Suffer Severe Injuries

Roughly 140 U.S. service members have been wounded during the first ten days of the war involving Iran, including eight troops with severe injuries, according to new figures released by the Pentagon.

Defense officials said the majority of the wounded soldiers have already returned to duty after receiving treatment for relatively minor injuries sustained during Iranian missile and drone strikes targeting American military installations across the Middle East.

Pentagon chief spokesman Sean Parnell disclosed the updated casualty figures Tuesday, offering the most detailed look yet at the human toll of the conflict on U.S. forces.

“Since the start of Operation Epic Fury, approximately 140 U.S. service members have been wounded over 10 days of sustained attacks,” Parnell said in a statement.

“The vast majority of these injuries have been minor, and 108 service members have already returned to duty. Eight service members remain listed as severely injured and are receiving the highest level of medical care.”

The casualty figures represent the first comprehensive estimate released by the Pentagon regarding injuries among American forces since the conflict began.

Prior to the disclosure, defense officials had only confirmed that eight service members were seriously wounded.

Two people familiar with the matter had earlier indicated to Reuters that the number of injured troops could reach as high as 150, a figure that had not previously been made public.

Following the publication of that report, the Pentagon clarified that the official estimate stood at roughly 140 wounded personnel.

Neither the Pentagon nor military officials have provided detailed information about the specific injuries sustained by troops.

According to Reuters, it remains unclear whether the casualty figures include traumatic brain injuries, which frequently occur when soldiers are exposed to powerful explosions from missiles or drones.

Iran has launched a series of retaliatory strikes against U.S. military positions since the war began on Feb. 28, targeting bases and facilities in several Middle Eastern countries.

Those attacks have included missiles and armed drones, weapons that have repeatedly struck locations hosting American troops.

The attacks have also killed seven U.S. soldiers stationed in Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, according to earlier reporting by The Associated Press.

Beyond military targets, Iranian strikes have also hit diplomatic compounds, hotels and airports across Gulf states, while damaging oil infrastructure in the region, according to reports cited by Reuters.

The strikes form part of Iran’s response to a U.S.–Israeli military campaign aimed at degrading Tehran’s missile capabilities and military infrastructure.

Despite the casualties suffered by U.S. forces, Pentagon officials say the tempo of Iranian attacks has slowed in recent days.

Defense officials attribute the decline partly to American airstrikes targeting Iran’s weapons stockpiles and missile launch systems.

U.S. aircraft and naval forces have been conducting sustained operations against Iranian military installations since the conflict began.

These strikes have focused on destroying missile launchers, drone facilities and weapons depots, limiting Iran’s ability to carry out additional attacks.

Senior military leaders say the conflict has unfolded largely as expected from a strategic perspective.

General Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, addressed reporters during a Pentagon briefing earlier Tuesday.

Asked whether Iran had proven to be a stronger adversary than anticipated when the U.S. military developed its war plans, Caine suggested that the conflict had not exceeded expectations.

“I think they’re fighting, and I respect that,” Caine said. “But I don’t think they are more formidable than what we thought.”

The general’s remarks indicate that military planners had anticipated significant retaliatory attacks from Iran following the initial strikes by the United States and Israel.

While the Pentagon emphasized that most injuries among U.S. troops have been minor, the casualty figures illustrate the evolving risks of modern warfare in the Middle East.

Missile and drone attacks can generate powerful blast waves capable of causing injuries even when soldiers are shielded inside fortified structures.

In previous conflicts, such as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, blast exposure often resulted in traumatic brain injuries, sometimes with symptoms emerging days or weeks after the initial attack.

Because these injuries are not always immediately visible, casualty figures can change as medical assessments continue.

Another factor shaping the casualty count is the widespread deployment of protective infrastructure at U.S. military bases.

Many American installations in the region are equipped with reinforced bunkers and missile defense systems designed to reduce fatalities during attacks.

Those precautions likely contributed to the relatively low number of deaths compared with the number of injured troops.

Still, the injuries underscore the persistent danger facing U.S. forces stationed across the Middle East as the conflict with Iran continues.

The war has triggered escalating tensions across the Gulf region, where numerous countries host U.S. troops and military facilities.

Iranian retaliatory strikes have targeted bases used by American forces while also hitting civilian infrastructure in some areas.

At the same time, the U.S. military has intensified its campaign against Iranian missile capabilities, aiming to reduce Tehran’s capacity to launch further attacks.

Military analysts say the success of those efforts will likely determine whether casualty figures rise in the coming weeks.

For now, Pentagon officials say they remain focused on protecting American personnel and maintaining operational readiness.

The fact that 108 wounded troops have already returned to duty suggests that the majority of injuries were relatively minor, such as shrapnel wounds or concussion symptoms.

However, the eight service members classified as severely injured remain under intensive medical care.

As the conflict continues, the number of wounded troops may rise depending on the scale and frequency of further Iranian attacks.

For American military planners and policymakers, the emerging casualty figures provide an early glimpse into the human cost of a war that shows little sign of ending soon.

AP/Reuters/NBC/ABC

Pentagon Chief Declares Tuesday “Most Intense Day” of Iran Bombardment as Operation Epic Fury Enters Second Week

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Pentagon Chief Declares Tuesday “Most Intense Day” of Iran Bombardment as Operation Epic Fury Enters Second Week

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth declared Tuesday that American forces would unleash their “most intense day of strikes inside Iran” as Operation Epic Fury entered its tenth day, vowing to deploy unprecedented numbers of fighters and bombers to accomplish three core military objectives including permanently denying Tehran nuclear weapons capabilities.

“Today will be, yet again, our most intense day of strikes inside Iran,” Hegseth proclaimed during a Pentagon press conference alongside Gen. Dan Caine, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. “Iran stands alone, and they are badly losing on Day 10 of Operation Epic Fury.”

The defense secretary characterized the military campaign as producing devastating results for Iranian forces, noting that the previous 24 hours had witnessed “Iran fire the lowest number of missiles they’ve been capable of firing yet”—evidence he interpreted as demonstrating that sustained American bombardment was systematically degrading Tehran’s retaliatory capabilities despite ongoing counterattacks against U.S. regional bases and allies.

CNBC confirmed that Hegseth condemned Iran for attacking Gulf neighbors—some of whom Tehran had previously maintained alliances with—without provocation from those nations. The Iranian strikes on United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and other Gulf states have alienated regional powers that might otherwise have pressured Washington to moderate its military campaign, leaving Iran increasingly isolated diplomatically as its conventional military capabilities collapse under relentless American assault.

Hegseth pledged that the United States would dispatch “the most fighters, the most bombers, the most strikes” against Iranian targets Tuesday to press toward accomplishing three defined military objectives that he articulated with unusual specificity for a defense secretary typically cautious about publicly detailing operational goals.

Those objectives, he explained, encompass destroying Iran’s missile stockpiles and manufacturing capacity; “destroy their Navy;” and “permanently deny Iran nuclear weapons forever.” The comprehensive targeting reflects Trump administration determination to eliminate Iran’s ability to threaten American interests, regional allies, or international commerce through military force, even if achieving those goals requires weeks of sustained bombardment producing substantial Iranian military and civilian casualties.

“We’re crushing the enemy in an overwhelming display of technical skill and military force,” Hegseth declared with evident satisfaction. “We will not relent until the enemy is totally and decisively defeated.” His language echoed World War II-era rhetoric about unconditional surrender rather than the more measured terminology typically employed by defense officials discussing 21st century conflicts.

However, Hegseth simultaneously emphasized that the Trump administration would not become mired in nation-building efforts resembling those undertaken by the Bush and Obama administrations in Iraq and Afghanistan during protracted wars that consumed trillions of dollars and thousands of American lives while failing to establish stable democratic governance.

The defense secretary’s aggressive and confident comments echoed statements made one day earlier by President Donald Trump to journalists at his Miami-area golf club, where the president predicted the war would conclude “very soon” because destruction of Iranian military assets was progressing much faster than he anticipated when attacks commenced on February 28 alongside Israeli forces.

Trump also issued stark warnings to Iran’s ruling regime against withholding petroleum from world markets following the war’s conclusion. “If Iran does anything that stops the flow of Oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America TWENTY TIMES HARDER than they have been hit thus far,” Trump wrote Monday night in a Truth Social post employing his characteristic capital letters for emphasis.

The Strait of Hormuz represents a critical chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of global oil supplies transit daily. Iranian threats to close the strait—either through military action or refusing to permit passage after hostilities cease—could trigger global economic disruption and petroleum price spikes that would reverberate through American gas stations and international energy markets.

Hegseth, who initially predicted the war could persist between three to eight weeks when operations commenced, told journalists Tuesday that Trump now “gets to control the throttle” for the conflict’s pace, adding that the president is “the one deciding … when we’re achieving particular objectives.” The comments suggested operational timelines remained fluid and subject to Trump’s political calculations rather than predetermined military planning.

“And so it’s not for me to posit whether it’s the beginning, the middle, or the end,” Hegseth acknowledged. “That’s his, and he’ll continue to communicate that.” The deference to presidential authority illustrated the subordinate role defense officials occupy when civilian leadership maintains direct control over operational decision-making in ways that can create confusion about strategic objectives and timelines.

As Hegseth conducted his press conference, authorities in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, confirmed that an Iranian drone attack had ignited fires at the oil refinery within the Ruwais Industrial Complex. No injuries were immediately reported from the strike, though damage to refining capacity could temporarily reduce petroleum output from one of the world’s major energy producers.

Trump told Fox News during a Monday evening interview that he remained “not happy” that Iran selected Mojtaba Khamenei as its new supreme leader to succeed his father, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who perished at Operation Epic Fury’s commencement when American and Israeli forces assassinated him alongside dozens of senior Iranian officials.

“I don’t believe he can live in peace,” Trump said regarding Mojtaba Khamenei, suggesting that the new supreme leader would face relentless American military pressure until he capitulated to Washington’s demands or suffered the same fate as his father. The comments signaled that regime change remained an implicit objective despite administration claims of limited military goals.

Trump also indicated to Fox that “it’s possible” he would be willing to engage diplomatically with Iranian leaders despite the ongoing bombardment. “I’m hearing they want to talk badly,” he revealed, suggesting that backchannel communications might be occurring even as American warplanes continued dropping bombs on Iranian territory and Iranian missiles struck U.S. regional facilities.

At his Tuesday press conference, Hegseth referenced the new Iranian supreme leader obliquely, stating, “He would be wise to heed our president and not pursue nuclear weapons.” The warning implied that Mojtaba Khamenei could avoid his father’s fate by publicly renouncing nuclear weapons development and accepting American demands regarding Iran’s military posture.

NBC News documented that Hegseth emphasized “this is not 2003,” referencing the Iraq War that preceded years of American occupation, counterinsurgency operations, and nation-building efforts. “Our generation of soldier will not let that happen again, and nor will this president, who very clearly ran against those kinds of never ending, nebulously scoped missions,” he insisted. “Those days are dead.”

The defense secretary also highlighted Iran’s diplomatic isolation, noting that the country’s “neighbors, and in some cases, former allies in the Gulf, have abandoned them.” He added that Iranian proxy forces including “Hezbollah, the Houthis and Hamas, are either broken, ineffective or on the sidelines”—referring to militant organizations in Lebanon, Yemen, and Gaza respectively that had previously provided Tehran with asymmetric capabilities to threaten American and Israeli interests.

The United States, Hegseth proclaimed, was “winning with an overwhelming and unrelenting focus on our objectives,” though he acknowledged mixed messaging from Trump and administration officials about operational timelines and objectives. Hegseth reiterated that he has not specified how long the war would require, adding cryptically, “our will is endless.”

“Ultimately, the president gets to determine the end state of those objectives, right?” he continued. “But what he’s said continually, and I want the American people to understand, is this is not endless. It’s not protracted. We’re not allowing mission creep.” The assurances were designed to address concerns that Operation Epic Fury could devolve into another indefinite Middle Eastern commitment despite Trump’s campaign promises to avoid such entanglements.

Hegseth declined commenting on reports that Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei had sustained injuries during American strikes. Rumors about Khamenei’s health circulated after Iranian state television referred to him as “janbaz”—meaning “wounded by the enemy”—during coverage of what Tehran terms the “Ramadan war,” the Islamic Republic’s designation for the American-Israeli military campaign.

When pressed about these reports during the press conference, Hegseth told journalists, “that’s not something I can comment on right now.” He would only state, “The new leader of Iran, he would be wise to heed the words of our president, which is to not pursue nuclear weapons and come out and state as such as far as his status.”

The defense secretary also addressed growing evidence that American forces likely struck an Iranian school, killing scores of children in an incident that has generated international condemnation and raised questions about targeting procedures and civilian casualty prevention protocols. “Where things happen that need to be investigated, we will investigate,” Hegseth promised, though his vague formulation provided little reassurance about accountability.

Hegseth cautioned that “open source” information—including video footage that NBC News and other outlets obtained appearing to show an American Tomahawk cruise missile hitting the area adjacent to the school—was “not the place to determine what did or did not happen.” His dismissal of publicly available evidence suggested official investigations might reach conclusions contradicting what video documentation appeared to demonstrate.

“We take things very, very seriously and investigate them thoroughly, which takes time,” he maintained, employing language familiar from previous incidents where military investigations of civilian casualties stretched for months before producing findings that frequently absolved American forces of wrongdoing or attributed deaths to unavoidable circumstances inherent in warfare.

Hegseth reiterated Trump’s warning regarding the Strait of Hormuz during the press conference that concluded after approximately 45 minutes. “If Iran does anything to stop the flow of oil within the Strait of Hormuz, they will be hit by the United States of America 20 times harder than they have been hit thus far,” he declared, directly quoting the president’s Truth Social post from Monday.

When Hegseth and General Caine were questioned about whether the United States would consider escorting commercial ships through the crucial waterway—a possibility both Trump and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent have suggested—Caine responded cautiously. “We’ll look at the range of options to set the military conditions to be able to do that,” the Joint Chiefs chairman explained.

Any decision regarding naval escorts would require presidential approval and would depend on multiple factors, Caine elaborated: “what are the resources required? What is the command and control required? And what are the risks?” His measured response contrasted with Hegseth’s bombastic rhetoric, illustrating tensions between professional military officers focused on operational feasibility and political appointees emphasizing aggressive postures.

As Tuesday’s “most intense day of strikes” commenced, the fundamental questions about Operation Epic Fury’s ultimate objectives, expected duration, and acceptable costs remained unanswered despite ten days of sustained combat. Whether the campaign would achieve stated goals of destroying Iran’s military capabilities without triggering regional conflagration, producing massive civilian casualties, or requiring indefinite American military commitment remained uncertain as bombs continued falling on Iranian cities.

NBC/CNBC

23 players shown red card and sent off after mass brawl during football match in Brazil

Simeon Bateren
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23 players shown red card and sent off after mass brawl during football match in Brazil

BELO HORIZONTE, Brazil (BN24)— A fierce rivalry clash in Brazil’s Minas Gerais state championship descended into turmoil late in the match Sunday when a mass confrontation between players from Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro led to the dismissal of 23 players after the final whistle.

Cruzeiro secured the Campeonato Mineiro title with a narrow 1–0 triumph over Atlético Mineiro at the Mineirão Stadium in Belo Horizonte, ending a five-year wait for the state crown. The decisive moment came from forward Kaio Jorge, whose goal proved enough to seal the victory for the club managed by former Brazil national team coach Tite.

But the triumph was overshadowed by chaotic scenes that unfolded in the closing stages of the contest, transforming a heated rivalry encounter into one of the most extraordinary disciplinary incidents in Brazilian football in recent years.

The confrontation erupted during the dying moments of the match following a challenge for a loose ball. Atlético Mineiro goalkeeper Everson collided with Cruzeiro midfielder Christian while pursuing the play.

Television footage showed Everson pushing Christian to the turf before placing his knee on the midfielder’s chest. The move immediately triggered an angry response from Cruzeiro players, who rushed toward the goalkeeper.

Within seconds, players from both sides converged near the goalmouth. Several athletes shoved Everson into the goalpost as tempers escalated. The confrontation quickly intensified as more players joined the fracas, forcing security personnel and staff members to intervene in an effort to restore order.

The referee, Matheus Delgado Candancan, struggled to regain control amid the chaos. No red cards were shown during the immediate melee as the situation unfolded rapidly and involved a large number of players from both squads.

Brazilian media outlet Globo later disclosed that officials took disciplinary action after reviewing the incident. According to the outlet, the referee dismissed 23 players in total once the match ended, citing the scale of the altercation as the reason sanctions were not administered during play.

Cruzeiro had 12 players expelled, including match-winner Kaio Jorge. Atlético Mineiro saw 11 players sanctioned, among them defender Renan Lodi — a former Atlético Madrid and Nottingham Forest player and veteran forward Hulk, who has represented Brazil internationally.

The unprecedented number of red cards highlighted the severity of the clash and is expected to prompt further review from football authorities overseeing the competition.

After the match, Atlético Mineiro striker Hulk addressed the episode, acknowledging that the spectacle reflected poorly on the sport.

“It’s regrettable,” Hulk said after the game. “We cannot set that example because it ends up having repercussions all around the world. We have a responsibility to safeguard our image and the image of the institution.”

His remarks echoed broader concerns among observers that such incidents damage the reputation of Brazilian football, particularly when they occur in high-profile matches between historic rivals.

Before the chaotic finale, Cruzeiro had delivered a disciplined performance to secure the Minas Gerais state championship. The victory marked the club’s first Campeonato Mineiro triumph since 2019.

Under the leadership of Tite best known for guiding Brazil at multiple major international tournaments, Cruzeiro has been seeking to rebuild after several turbulent seasons that included relegation and financial struggles.

Kaio Jorge’s goal in the final proved decisive, giving supporters a long-awaited reason to celebrate. However, the brawl that followed overshadowed what would otherwise have been a defining moment in the club’s recent resurgence.

Despite the state championship success, both clubs have endured difficult starts in Brazil’s top national competition, the Campeonato Brasileiro Série A.

After four matches in the league campaign, Atlético Mineiro sits near the bottom of the standings in 17th place. Cruzeiro’s position is even more precarious, with the team currently occupying 19th place.

Those struggles have intensified pressure on both sides as they attempt to balance domestic expectations with rebuilding efforts.

While confrontations are not uncommon in high-stakes football rivalries, the scale of the Belo Horizonte brawl underscores deeper tensions within Brazilian club football.

Matches between Cruzeiro and Atlético Mineiro known locally as the “Clássico Mineiro,” rank among the fiercest rivalries in the country. Games between the two clubs often carry significant emotional weight for supporters, which can translate into heated encounters on the field.

However, the unprecedented number of disciplinary sanctions highlights the need for stronger match management and clearer enforcement mechanisms when situations escalate.

The retroactive dismissal of 23 players also raises questions about officiating protocols in situations involving large-scale confrontations. When fights involve most players on the pitch, referees can struggle to identify instigators and administer penalties in real time.

Football governing bodies in Brazil may now face pressure to examine how such incidents are handled and whether additional tools, including expanded video review procedures, could help referees maintain control.

The disciplinary repercussions may not end with the red cards issued after the match. Brazilian football authorities often conduct additional reviews following major incidents, which can result in suspensions, fines, or other sanctions for clubs and players involved.

Such penalties could further complicate the early stages of the Série A season for both teams, already facing difficult campaigns in the national standings.

For Cruzeiro, the state championship victory offers a symbolic milestone in its rebuilding process. Yet the post-match brawl threatens to overshadow that achievement and may carry consequences extending well beyond the final whistle.

For Atlético Mineiro, the incident adds another layer of frustration to an already challenging season.

What should have been remembered primarily as a title-winning moment for Cruzeiro instead entered Brazilian football history as a match defined by one of the largest mass dismissals ever recorded.

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