12 March 2026
Germany
German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said it was impossible for Germany to return to nuclear energy after EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the phase out of nuclear energy as a “strategic mistake.” Merz would require support from the AfD party to push through legislation on nuclear energy, which is something he has ruled out.
Iran
Supreme Leader Hojtaba Khamenei made his first announcement. The message was prepared and read by a state broadcaster. Khamenei believes that the Strait of Hormuz should be closed down as a “tool of pressure”. The statement also said that all American bases in the region should be shut and that Iran will provide compensation for Iranians who have experienced damage. Hojtaba Khamenei has not made any public or recorded announcements. It is believed that he suffered a fractured foot and lacerations to his face during the bomb attack that killed his father and five other family members.
Two tankers were struck by unknown projectiles roughly five nautical miles south of Al Basrah, Iraq. The crew were rescued, and no environmental damage has been disclosed.
Afghan-Pakistan
Pakistani officials deny that Pakistan sent a three-man delegation to Kabul for ceasefire talks. Pakistan claims it is merely Taliban propaganda. Pakistani officials reaffirmed their position that the conflict will continue until the Afghan Taliban stops facilitating Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan and takes decisive action against them.
South Sudan
South Sudan claims that it has captured the opposition-held town of Akobo. This is the latest development of fighting between rival armies that has brought the country back to the brink of all-out civil war.
Canada
Prime Minister Mark Carney is expected to visit Yellowknife today and make a defence announcement. Carney will then travel to Norway to observe the Norwegian-led NATO Cold Response exercise.
China
China passed a sweeping new ethnic unity law. The new law states that all children must be taught Mandarin from before kindergarten to high school. On paper, it promotes integration among the 56 officially recognized ethnic groups, but Human Rights critics state that this is a measure to assimilate those groups into the Han majority.
Social media wires
Purported Iranian suicide drone boat
Iranian mines in the Strait of Hormuz
Featured Photo: “The Miao in Guizhou, China” – Minneapolis Institute of Art, Flickr, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.