Author: i2wtc
Investors reassess risk after Khamenei strike, with oil in spotlightIran woke up Sunday to a once-in-a-generation shock: state media confirmed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint U.S.–Israel strike.For markets, the key question is what comes next.Standard Chartered’s Global Head of Research, Eric Robertsen, said in a note that investors had already been underpricing geopolitical risk. The U.S. dollar is only modestly weaker year-to-date, but the dispersion beneath the surface is telling: commodity-linked currencies are outperforming, suggesting markets are paying for exposure to scarce resources and terms-of-trade winners.Ben Emons of FedWatch Advisors adds a high-volatility geopolitical lens.…
A disappointed Salman Agha said his team had “underperformed” after they exited the T20 World Cup on Saturday, but held back from making an “emotional” decision on his future as Pakistan captain. Pakistan were knocked out on net run rate despite beating Sri Lanka in their final Super Eights match in Kandy on Saturday. “We have underperformed in the whole tournament,” Agha told reporters. “We are out of the semis due to our failure in decision-making in pressure situations.” Opener Sahibzada Farhan became the only player to score two hundreds in the same T20 World Cup as Pakistan posted 212-8.…
Security tightened at entry points, airport; police urge vigilance and warn against spreading rumours Karachi has been placed on high alert amid the Pakistan Army’s ‘Operation Ghazab Lil Haq’ against the Afghan Taliban, with police issuing a detailed public safety advisory on Saturday. Karachi Assistant Inspector General of Police Azad Khan directed heightened security measures across the metropolis following reports of escalating tensions between Pakistan and the Afghan Taliban regime. According to a city police spokesperson, surveillance has been intensified while security has been further strengthened at key entry and exit points, major transport hubs and other sensitive installations to pre-empt any…
NEW DELHI: Unbeaten South Africa look to “maintain discipline and intensity” in their last Super Eights match of the T20 World Cup against Zimbabwe, batting coach Ashwell Prince said on Saturday. The 2024 runners-up have already secured a semi-final place ahead of their match in New Delhi on Sunday. The Aiden Markram-led side will take to the pitch in the dead rubber game after scoring convincing wins over hot favourites India and two-time champions West Indies in the Super Eights. Zimbabwe meanwhile have stunned Australia and co-hosts Sri Lanka in the group stages. “I think you’ve got to respect the…
A woman holds an illustration depicting Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei as others wave Iranian national flags during a demonstration in support of the government and against US and Israeli strikes outside a mosque in Tehran on February 28, 2026.Atta Kenare | Afp | Getty ImagesThe death of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei sets in motion a formal succession process that could have significant implications for the country’s political stability, sanctions outlook and already strained economy. Khamenei was killed in a joint military strike by Israel and the United States, Iranian state media confirmed. At the time of his…
Zhang Fan (R) inspects a research base of China Electrical Equipment Group in Shanghai, east China, Jan. 27, 2026.Zhang Fan is vice general manager of China Electrical Equipment Group and a deputy to the National People’s Congress (NPC). Zhang believes that “artificial intelligence (AI) plus manufacturing” would be achieved through strengthening top-level design and industry guidelines. Last year, Zhang presented a suggestion on deepening integration of manufacturing and AI to promote high-quality innovative development. His suggestion was given great importance.In January 2026, eight departments of China including the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology jointly issued a plan which outlines…
A plume of smoke rises following a reported explosion in Tehran. PHOTO: AFP Multiple Democratic lawmakers on Saturday slammed President Donald Trump for launching massive military strikes against Iran without Congress war power authorisation, saying the operation raises “serious legal and constitutional concerns”.”By the president’s own words, ‘American heroes may be lost,'” said Democratic Senator Mark Warner, vice chairman of the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. “That alone should have demanded the highest level of scrutiny, deliberation and accountability, yet the president moved forward without seeking congressional authorisation.””The constitution is clear: The decision to take this nation to war rests…
Section 144 enforced in parts of Dera; full curfew in Bannu and North Waziristan from 5am to 7pmPolice and security forces conduct a joint operation in Dera Ismail Khan. PHOTO: EXPRESS Authorities have imposed strict security measures across several districts in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, including Dera Ismail Khan, Bannu, and North Waziristan, in response to the deteriorating security situation and to safeguard public life and property. In Dera Ismail Khan, the deputy commissioner invoked Section 144 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, imposing a complete ban on all movement from 6am to 6 pm. The restrictions apply to key areas and link…
PALLEKELE: Pakistan batter Fakhar Zaman, wicket-keeper Usman Khan and spinner Usman Tariq in action during a training session at the Pallekele International Stadium on Friday.—courtesy PCB PALLEKELE: Pakistan will be needing a huge win to qualify for the T20 World Cup semi-finals when they meet struggling hosts Sri Lanka in the final Super Eights fixture here on Saturday. Despite losing to England in their last fixture of the round after their game against New Zealand was washed out earlier, Salman Ali Agha’s men got a window of opportunity to make the final four when England edged New Zealand in a…
A damaged car in Tehran, Iran after Israel strike on February 28, 2026. PHOTO: WANA via REUTERS Countries in the Middle East and around the world were watching with bated breath after the United States and Israel carried out long-feared strikes on Iran on Saturday.Trump: ‘annihilate’ US President Donald Trump vowed that the strikes would cripple Iran’s military and urged Iranians to rise up against the Islamic republic.“We are going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally — again — obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy,” Trump said in the address…