Dear Focus reader,

Last week, the United States and Israel launched coordinated strikes on Iran, targeting Tehran and multiple military sites across the country. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed, along with dozens of senior officials, leaving a power vacuum in the country. The Trump Administration framed the operation as defensive, aimed at neutralizing potential threats from Iran and preventing the development of nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated with missile strikes against U.S. and Israeli positions in the region, while Iranian-backed groups, including Hezbollah, engaged in attacks on Israel and neighboring territories.

The strikes have disrupted ongoing nuclear negotiations and raised concerns over regional stability, global energy supplies, and the security of sensitive nuclear materials. Gulf states and other international actors have called for restraint, emphasizing the risk of further escalation. Domestically, U.S. public opinion remains divided, with many Americans questioning whether Congress should authorize continued military operations.

The military operations in Iran and Venezuela are also shaping U.S.‑China relations ahead of President Trump's upcoming summit with Xi Jinping. Chinese officials have stated that they "firmly oppose and strongly condemn" the U.S.‑Israeli strikes, and urged an immediate halt to military operations, a return to dialogue and negotiation, and efforts to prevent further escalation and regional spillover, while U.S. officials argue that these actions demonstrate decisive engagement that could influence China's posture in trade and strategic negotiations.

Global energy prices have risen significantly in response to these operations, raising concerns in international markets. This comes as reports emerged this week that U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is considering asking his Chinese counterpart, Vice Premier He Lifeng, to reduce China's oil purchases from Russia and Iran and instead buy more from America. The two officials are expected to meet in Paris later this month to firm up a framework for the heads of state meeting in April.

Meanwhile, Trump is hosting top Latin American leaders at a summit in Washington, aiming to reinforce regional alliances and counter China's influence in the hemisphere, even as U.S. operations in Iran and the earlier Venezuela raid put diplomatic pressure on his partners.

Learn more on international relations by exploring our latest Focus content, including topics on global security, Sino-European relations, geopolitics, and more.