The United States attacks targets in Iran and tensions escalate

Impact of funding cuts

At least one million women and girls have been left without access to humanitarian aid and essential services over the past 18 months. This was warned by UN Women this Friday, pointing out that the reduction in international resources especially affects those living in contexts of conflict, displacement and humanitarian crises.

According to the organization, 84% of women’s organizations consulted reported an increase in care needs since January 2025. At that time, the government of US President Donald Trump began to cut foreign aid. In addition, almost nine in ten organizations stated that they no longer have sufficient funds to respond to the demand for support.

The situation is critical. Women and girls in conflict zones are the most vulnerable to these cuts. Without financing, health, protection and food assistance programs are interrupted. UN Women urgently called on the international community to restore funding and prevent a further humanitarian crisis.

Trump removes two Democratic EAC commissioners

Donald Trump removed two Democratic members from the Electoral Assistance Commission (EAC), the federal body that supports the organization of elections in the United States.

The decision reactivated the debate about the independence of electoral institutions and the limits of presidential power.

The White House justified the measure by pointing out that the president has the power to remove officials who are not aligned with his strategy to guarantee electoral integrity.

The officials removed were Thomas Hicks and Benjamin Hovland, who were part of the bipartisan commission.

The action comes after the Supreme Court recently strengthened the president’s powers to dismiss members of independent agencies.

The Trump administration maintains that it seeks to strengthen electoral security, especially in verifying the citizenship of those who request to register to vote.

The EAC had previously rejected modifying the national voter registration form to require documents proving US citizenship. That proposal was promoted by Trump through an executive order, but a federal judge blocked it, considering that the Constitution reserves the authority to administer electoral processes to Congress and the states.

Democratic legislators accused the president of trying to politicize the electoral system months before the midterm legislative elections.

New bombings in Iran

A series of airstrikes hit parts of southern Iran on Thursday, just as the country prepared to pay tribute to the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The explosions were recorded in the provinces of Bushehr and Sistan and Balochistan, as well as in the cities of Ahvaz and Chabahar.

So far, no country or group has claimed responsibility for these bombings. Hours earlier, the United States Central Command had reported the end of a military operation that impacted 90 strategic objectives, but avoided commenting on the new attacks.

Iran responded with a missile offensive against Bahrain, Jordan, Kuwait and Qatar. The anti-aircraft alarms were activated and the population sought refuge. Kuwaiti authorities reported at least one person injured, while defense systems intercepted projectiles at different points.

The escalation puts the fragile ceasefire between Washington and Tehran at risk. President Donald Trump reiterated that the military conflict had ended and that negotiations for a permanent agreement would continue.

Tension in the Strait of Hormuz

The situation keeps the countries of the Persian Gulf on alert through the Strait of Hormuz, a route through which nearly a fifth of the world’s oil and gas trade transits. Iran insists on exercising exclusive control and even proposes charging fees to vessels. The United States recommends an alternative route through Omani waters. Maritime traffic has decreased significantly in recent days.

Israel did not claim responsibility for the attacks, although Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that his country is prepared to act again if it deems necessary. From Tehran, legislator Esmail Kousari accused the United Arab Emirates of collaborating with the United States and assured:

“He will pay the price”

With crossed threats, attacks without a confirmed perpetrator and the dispute over the Strait of Hormuz, the Middle East faces a scenario of high tension despite diplomatic efforts.