Global Brief: Iran Threatens to Block Hormuz Strait, Nepal Elects Rapper-Politician, South Africa Confronts US Envoy

Story: written by springnewsng March 13,2026
Major geopolitical and political developments unfolded across the world as tensions in the Middle East escalate, a surprising election outcome emerges in South Asia, and diplomatic friction grows between African and Western powers.
Iran’s new leader threatens to keep oil route closed
Iran’s newly installed supreme leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has warned that Tehran will maintain its blockade of the strategic Strait of Hormuz.
In a statement broadcast on Iranian state television, Khamenei said the closure of the waterway — one of the world’s busiest oil transit routes — would remain a key bargaining tool against Iran’s rivals.
The leader, who assumed office on March 8 following the death of his father Ali Khamenei during the early phase of the war involving Iran, Israel and the United States, also vowed to retaliate for the deaths of Iranians killed in the conflict.
He further warned neighbouring countries against allowing American military installations on their territories.
Netanyahu claims Israel gaining strength
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that Israel is becoming stronger despite the ongoing conflict with Iran.
Speaking at a press briefing, Netanyahu said recent Israeli military operations had eliminated key Iranian nuclear scientists and inflicted significant damage on the country’s military infrastructure.
He also described Iran’s new leadership as being heavily influenced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Rapper-turned-politician poised to lead Nepal
In South Asia, a major political shift has taken place after the Rastriya Swatantra Party secured a sweeping victory in Nepal’s parliamentary elections.
The party is led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah, who is now expected to emerge as the country’s next leader.
The party won 182 seats in parliament, far ahead of the Nepali Congress, which secured 38 seats.
Political analysts say the outcome reflects growing support among younger voters following widespread protests that led to the fall of the previous government.
Israel intensifies strikes in Lebanon
In the Middle East, Israeli forces have also expanded military operations in Beirut, launching air strikes targeting areas in the city centre and southern suburbs.
The attacks are part of Israel’s campaign against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.
Authorities in Lebanon say the escalating violence has left more than 687 people dead and over 1,500 injured, while hundreds of thousands of residents have been displaced.
Iran warns US against expanding war
Iranian officials have also cautioned the United States against escalating the conflict further after former US president Donald Trump reportedly threatened to target Iran’s electricity infrastructure.
Ali Larijani warned that such an attack could plunge large parts of the region into darkness and endanger American forces stationed in the Middle East.
Chinese citizen arrested for wildlife smuggling in Kenya
In Africa, authorities in Kenya have detained a Chinese national accused of attempting to smuggle over 2,000 rare queen garden ants out of the country.
The suspect, Zhang Kequn, was intercepted at Jomo Kenyatta International Airport with the insects concealed in his luggage.
Investigators believe the case may be linked to an international wildlife trafficking network.
Somalia opposes Israeli base in Somaliland
The government of Somalia has warned against the establishment of a foreign military base in the breakaway region of Somaliland.
Officials said reports suggesting Israel could establish a military facility near Berbera could destabilise the already fragile Horn of Africa region.
South Africa calls in US ambassador
Diplomatic tensions also surfaced in South Africa after the government summoned the United States ambassador over controversial comments.
Foreign minister Ronald Lamola said the envoy, Leo Brent Bozell III, had been asked to clarify remarks that Pretoria described as undiplomatic.
Relations between the two countries have recently been strained by disputes over trade tariffs and allegations by the US government regarding discrimination against white Afrikaners.
Flood disaster kills dozens in Ethiopia
Severe landslides and flooding have killed at least 64 people in southern Ethiopia.
Officials in the Gamo Zone said heavy rainfall triggered the disaster, leaving more than 120 people missing while rescue teams continue search operations.
Senegal tightens law against same-sex relations
Meanwhile, lawmakers in Senegal have approved stricter legislation targeting same-sex relationships.
The new law doubles the maximum prison sentence to 10 years and criminalises the promotion of homosexuality.
The bill received strong backing from President Bassirou Diomaye Faye and Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko.
However, international human rights organisations and the United Nations have expressed concern that the legislation could increase discrimination and violence against sexual minorities.