Global Hotspots Outlook: War between U.S., Israel, and Iran Goes Global

This week, the United States and Israel launched air- and naval-based attacks against Iran, killing Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Iran retaliated with strikes against neighboring Gulf states and by closing the Strait of Hormuz. 

Meanwhile, talks between Russia and Ukraine have been postponed as the war detracted from diplomatic efforts in Abu Dhabi. 

In the Indo-Pacific, China held its annual National People’s Congress, approving the country’s new Five-Year Plan, while Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney signed deals with India and Australia. 

In the Americas, the U.S. eased some pressure on Cuba, allowing Venezuelan oil to be sold to Cuba’s private sector, while U.S. officials have threatened Venezuelan interim leader Delcy Rodriguez with indictment.  

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_{Photo: Smoke rising from a recent airstrike on March 6, 2026 in Tehran, Iran. (Photo by Majid Saeedi/Getty Images)}