International

The US will take “measures” if Iran threatens its interests in the Middle East, says the Pentagon

The United States will take “measures” if Iran threatens its interests in the Middle East, strengthens its air defense capacity in the region in the coming days and has “additional” troops ready for deployment in case of “contingencies”, the Pentagon reported this Sunday.

According to a statement, the Secretary of Defense, Lloyd Austin, said today that “the US is determined to prevent Iran, its partners and representatives backed by Iran from taking advantage of the situation or expanding the conflict” escalated in recent days with the bombing of Israel in Lebanon.

Austin stressed that if Iran or its allies “use this moment to attack American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take all necessary measures to defend” its people.

Reinforcement of air capacity

The note indicates that the Department of Defense will “further strengthen” its air defense capabilities in the region “in the coming days” and has prepared “additional” troops to deploy them in case it has to respond to “several contingencies.”

Despite the tension in his position, the Pentagon maintains that Austin and the leaders of the agency remain focused on “de-escalation through deterrence and diplomacy,” as well as “the protection of US citizens and forces” and the “defense of Israel.”

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The statement comes after the Israeli Army announced today that it killed more than twenty members of the political and militia group Hizbulla in the mass bombing in Beirut on Friday in which they also killed its top leader, Hassan Nasrala, and the commander of the southern front, Ali Karaki.

Death of Iranian high command

In the attack, a general of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, Abbas Nilforushan, was also killed, a death that today the Foreign Minister of that country, Abás Araqchí, said that “will never go unanswered.”

In the last two weeks, Israel has launched a series of unprecedented attacks against the main strongholds of Hezbulah that have already left more than a thousand dead, 6,000 injured and about one million internally displaced, according to official data.

International

UK braces for potential CO₂ shortage amid Middle East tensions

The government of United Kingdom is preparing contingency measures amid fears of a potential shortage of carbon dioxide (CO₂), which could impact the agri-food industry if the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, The Times reported on Thursday.

According to the newspaper, officials assessed this scenario during a recent crisis meeting aimed at evaluating the consequences of a prolonged conflict, triggered on February 28 by joint attacks from United States and Israel against Iran.

Under this scenario, CO₂ supplies—primarily a byproduct of fertilizer production using natural gas—could fall by up to 18%, affecting multiple sectors including agriculture and food production.

The gas is widely used in the slaughter of pigs and poultry, as well as in extending the shelf life of packaged foods. Breweries could also face disruptions due to reduced availability.

“I don’t want to comment on a leak, but now that the information is out there, I hope people feel reassured knowing we are working on it,” said Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Business and Trade, in remarks to Sky News.

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While a drop in CO₂ supply is not expected to cause major shortages in supermarkets, it could limit product variety, The Times noted, citing access to internal government documents.

To mitigate the impact, authorities are considering prioritizing CO₂ supply for critical sectors such as healthcare and civil nuclear energy, where it is used in cooling systems for blood reserves, organs, vaccines, and electricity generation. The government may also request domestic producers to increase output.

Central America

El Salvador and Paraguay approve 2026–2028 cooperation program

The governments of El Salvador and Paraguay approved the 2026–2028 Cooperation Program, which includes six joint development projects, according to Salvadoran Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Adriana Mira.

Mira stated that El Salvador will act as the “main provider of cooperation,” contributing five initiatives focused on road infrastructure, tourism, and local development. She also noted that one of the projects will be led by the Paraguayan side, although no further details were disclosed.

The agreement was reached during the Second Meeting of the Joint Commission on Technical and Scientific Cooperation between both countries.

According to Paraguay’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the First Meeting of the Political Consultation and Bilateral Coordination Mechanism was also held, with the participation of Vice Minister Víctor Verdún.

In an official statement, the Paraguayan government reported that both delegations agreed to identify mechanisms to promote competitiveness, economic growth, and market access. They also committed to signing agreements related to air transport cooperation.

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International

Macron meets Machado, stresses need for democratic transition in Venezuela

Emmanuel Macron met on Monday at the Élysée Palace with Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado, where they discussed the importance of advancing a democratic transition in Venezuela.

In a message shared on social media, Macron highlighted Machado’s commitment to freedom and stressed the need to achieve a transition that is peaceful and respects the will of the Venezuelan people.

“I received María Corina Machado, Nobel Peace Prize laureate. Together, we discussed her commitment to freedom and the importance of achieving a democratic, peaceful transition in Venezuela that respects the will of its people,” he wrote.

For her part, Machado expressed her “deep gratitude” to Macron and to France for their support of democracy and freedom in Venezuela.

“We have gone through a long and painful journey, and we are now very close to freedom. Venezuela will become a nation of free and equal men and women—prosperous, safe, and united,” she said.