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Trump Seeks Role in Choosing Iran’s Next Leader as War Intensifies

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Trump Seeks Role in Choosing Iran’s Next Leader as War Intensifies

rumpU.S. President Donald Trump said he wants the United States to play a role in determining Iran’s future leadership as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate.

In a phone interview with Reuters, Trump stated that Washington should be involved in selecting the individual who will lead Iran in the future. He also suggested that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, is unlikely to succeed his father.

The remarks came as U.S. and Israeli forces continued coordinated strikes across Iran, targeting military assets and infrastructure. U.S. officials said American forces have struck at least 30 Iranian vessels, including a large drone carrier, while B-2 bombers carried out attacks on missile launch sites and production facilities.

Meanwhile, Iran launched retaliatory attacks targeting Israel and several Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates and Qatar. A missile strike also caused a fire at a refinery in Bahrain, according to reports.

The Israeli military issued evacuation warnings to residents in several parts of Tehran as airstrikes intensified, with Iranian state media reporting multiple explosions across the capital. Authorities said an airstrike on a guesthouse near Tehran killed 17 people.

U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the United States has sufficient munitions to sustain military operations, adding that Iran’s missile and drone attacks have significantly decreased since the start of the conflict.

The conflict has also drawn in other countries in the region. Azerbaijan accused Iran of launching drones into its territory and temporarily closed its southern airspace, though Tehran denied the claim.

According to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, at least 1,230 people have been killed in Iran since the fighting began. Additional casualties have been reported in neighboring countries, including Lebanon.

The war has also affected global markets, with rising oil prices and disruptions to energy supplies impacting economies worldwide.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had achieved significant military gains but warned that further operations were planned, including strikes on underground missile facilities.

Iranian officials have condemned the attacks and vowed retaliation, with senior commanders stating that Iranian forces will continue to target American interests in the region.

Sri Lanka Navy Rescues 204 Crew Members from Iranian Naval Vessel

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Sri Lanka Navy Rescues 204 Crew Members from Iranian Naval Vessel

A total of 204 crew members of the Iranian navy vessel IRIS Bushehr, located near Sri Lanka’s territorial waters, have been safely evacuated by the Sri Lanka Navy.

According to the Navy, the rescue operation was successfully carried out by Sri Lanka Navy personnel, who brought the evacuated crew members safely to the Colombo Port.

Navy Spokesman stated that all rescued personnel were transported to Colombo following the operation.

WEATHER FORECAST FOR 06 MARCH 2026

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WEATHER FORECAST FOR 06 MARCH 2026

Showers or thundershowers are likely at a few places in Southern province and in Rathnapura, and Kaluthara districts during evening or night.

Mainly dry weather will prevail over the other parts of the island.

Misty conditions can be expected at some places in Northern, North-central, Central, Sabaragamuwa, Uva and North-western provinces during the early hours of the morning.

War Without Congress? The Legal Battle Over Donald Trump’s Assault on Iran

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War Without Congress? The Legal Battle Over Donald Trump’s Assault on Iran

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WATCH STORY

By: A Special Correspondent

March 05, World (LNW): The military campaign launched by Donald Trump against Iran has triggered an intense legal debate both within the United States and across the international community. Critics argue that the strikes—conducted in coordination with Israel—may lack a solid legal basis under both American constitutional law and international law.

According to legal scholars and analysts, the operation raises two fundamental questions: whether the U.S. president possessed constitutional authority to launch the attacks without congressional approval, and whether the campaign itself complies with the rules governing the use of force under international law.


Presidential Power vs Congressional Authority

The United States Constitution divides war-making authority between Congress and the president. Article I grants Congress the power to declare war, while the president serves as commander-in-chief of the armed forces under Article II.

In practice, American presidents have frequently ordered limited military operations without formal war declarations. They often justify such actions through inherent presidential authority or through earlier legislation such as the Authorisations for Use of Military Force (AUMFs) adopted in 2001 and 2002 after the September 11 attacks and the Iraq War.

However, the military campaign against Iran has been described by many constitutional lawyers as far exceeding the scope of a limited defensive strike. The operation reportedly involved sustained bombardments of Iranian command centres, missile installations and leadership compounds—actions that critics say resemble a full-scale war rather than a short-term defensive measure.

The administration reportedly briefed senior members of Congress before the strikes but did not request a vote authorising the operation. This practice—sometimes referred to as the “notice rather than consent” model—has become increasingly common in modern U.S. foreign policy, but it remains controversial among constitutional scholars.

Many lawmakers argue that the scale and duration of the Iran campaign should have required explicit congressional approval under both the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which attempts to limit unilateral presidential military actions.

The War Powers Resolution Controversy

The War Powers Resolution was enacted after the Vietnam War to prevent presidents from committing the United States to prolonged conflicts without legislative oversight.

The law requires a president to notify Congress within 48 hours of deploying armed forces into hostilities and generally limits such operations to 60 days without congressional authorisation, with a possible 30-day withdrawal period.

Critics argue that the Iran operation appears inconsistent with these requirements, particularly if the campaign becomes prolonged or escalates further. Some members of Congress have introduced resolutions seeking to restrict the president’s ability to continue military operations without formal legislative approval.


International Law and the Use of Force

Beyond the constitutional debate, the attack also raises serious questions under international law.

The cornerstone of modern international legal order—the United Nations Charter—prohibits states from using force against other states except in two circumstances: self-defence under Article 51 or when authorised by the United Nations Security Council.

In the case of the U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran, no Security Council mandate was obtained. This means the primary legal justification available to Washington is the claim of self-defence.

For such a claim to succeed, international law generally requires evidence of an actual or imminent armed attack. Many international law specialists argue that the strikes were framed as preventive or pre-emptive measures rather than responses to an immediate Iranian attack. As a result, they contend that the operation fails to meet the strict criteria required for lawful self-defence.


Disputed Justifications: Nuclear Threats and Regime Change

U.S. and Israeli officials have offered several explanations for the campaign, including preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons and protecting civilians in the region.

However, legal experts note that these objectives—while politically significant—do not automatically justify unilateral military action under international law. Human-rights concerns, nuclear non-proliferation goals, or aspirations for regime change cannot legally justify armed attacks unless they receive approval from the UN Security Council.

United Nations experts have also argued that the legal justifications presented by the United States and Israel appear inconsistent and insufficient under the UN Charter’s framework governing the use of force.


Implications for the Global Legal Order

Legal analysts warn that the controversy surrounding the Iran campaign may have broader consequences for the international system established after the Second World War.

If powerful states increasingly rely on broad interpretations of “preventive self-defence” to justify military operations, the prohibition on the use of force could gradually erode. This could encourage other states to launch similar pre-emptive attacks, thereby weakening the legal norms designed to prevent interstate wars.

For now, the strikes on Iran stand as one of the most contentious legal disputes in contemporary international politics. Domestically, the debate centres on whether presidential war powers have expanded beyond constitutional limits. Internationally, the question remains whether the operation represents a legitimate act of self-defence—or a breach of the global rules governing war and peace.

Iran Vehemently Condemns U.S. After Warship Strike Near Sri Lanka Leaves Dozens Dead

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Iran Vehemently Condemns U.S. After Warship Strike Near Sri Lanka Leaves Dozens Dead

By: Isuru Parakrama

March 05, Colombo (LNW): Iran has sharply criticised the United States following a deadly strike on one of its naval vessels in international waters close to Sri Lanka, describing the incident as a grave act of aggression on the high seas.

Iran’s Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, alleged that the Iranian Navy frigate IRIS Dena was targeted without prior warning while sailing far from Iranian territory. The vessel, carrying close to 130 sailors, had recently taken part in a naval event hosted by India before the attack occurred.

In a strongly worded statement, Araghchi accused Washington of committing what he called a “atrocity at sea” thousands of miles from Iran’s coastline. He noted that the warship had been operating as a visiting participant in the international naval gathering organised by the Indian Navy and warned that the United States would face consequences for what he described as a dangerous precedent.

According to reports, the incident unfolded in waters south of Sri Lanka, where the vessel encountered severe damage and sank after coming under attack. Sri Lankan authorities said the distressed ship was located well outside the island’s territorial waters, prompting an urgent humanitarian response.

The Sri Lanka Navy launched search and rescue operations shortly after receiving reports of survivors and bodies in the surrounding waters. So far, 32 Iranian sailors have been rescued and transported to shore, where they are receiving medical treatment at the Karapitiya Teaching Hospital in Galle. Medical officials confirmed that several of the survivors were suffering from exhaustion and injuries sustained during the incident.

Recovery teams working in the area have also retrieved more than 80 bodies from the sea, while efforts continue to locate additional missing crew members believed to have been on board when the ship went down.

The frigate had reportedly been on its return voyage after participating in the 2026 International Fleet Review held in Visakhapatnam, a major maritime event that brought together naval vessels from several countries.

Meanwhile, the United States has acknowledged responsibility for the strike, stating that a U.S. submarine fired a torpedo at the Iranian vessel. Military analysts have noted that this marks the first confirmed instance of an American submarine carrying out such an attack since the end of the Second World War, raising concerns about escalating tensions in international waters.

The Backlash Against Anura will be More Fierce than Gotabaya?

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The Backlash Against Anura will be More Fierce than Gotabaya?

By: Adolf 

March 05, LNW (Colombo):

PM Harin after after AKD won prior to the General Election

PM Harini now with escorts 

Political power in Sri Lanka has always come with public scrutiny. But when leaders appear to misuse that power or lose sight of the public’s real struggles, the backlash can be swift and unforgiving. The experience of Gotabaya Rajapaksa demonstrated how quickly public frustration can transform into a nationwide uprising. Today, there is a growing concern that Anura Kumara Dissanayake could face an even fiercer reaction if his administration continues on its current path. The fundamental issue is perception. Governments rise or fall based not only on policy but on how fairly and responsibly they exercise authority. Many Sri Lankans are beginning to feel that the government’s priorities are misplaced. Instead of focusing on economic recovery and governance reforms, there is a sense that energy is being spent on selective investigations, arrests, and political vendettas.

Impartiality 

Law enforcement must be impartial. If investigations appear discriminatory or politically motivated, public trust erodes rapidly. Sri Lanka has experienced this pattern before. When the justice system is perceived as a political weapon rather than an independent institution, it undermines the legitimacy of the government itself. Arresting individuals selectively while ignoring serious allegations involving those within the administration only fuels public anger.Another major concern is the worsening economic reality faced by ordinary citizens. Many Sri Lankans continue to struggle with rising costs of living, limited job opportunities, and declining purchasing power. When a government that came to power promising systemic change instead presides over policies that make people poorer, the social contract between the state and citizens begins to fracture.

Expectations 

The expectation from the current leadership was not merely political change but governance transformation. Voters believed that the new administration would be tougher on corruption, more disciplined in their promises , and more transparent in decision-making. However, the public is increasingly questioning why credible accusations involving ministers have not been addressed with the same urgency applied to opponents. Leadership requires consistency. If the rule of law is applied unevenly, it creates the impression that accountability is selective. That perception can be politically devastating. Another critical factor often overlooked is the electoral reality. While the president won the election, it is important to remember that he did not receive more than 50 percent of the total vote in the first count. In a deeply divided political landscape, this means a significant portion of the population did not support him. Governing in such circumstances requires humility, consultation, and restraint. Triumph should never translate into political overreach. Successful leaders understand that electoral victory does not grant unlimited authority; it confers responsibility. The most effective presidents in Sri Lanka’s history governed with caution during periods of economic vulnerability. They focused on stability rather than confrontation. If the current administration continues to pursue policies perceived as punitive or politically motivated while ignoring governance failures within its own ranks, public patience may wear thin. The Sri Lankan electorate has repeatedly shown that it can mobilize quickly when frustration reaches a tipping point. For example PM hoodwinked the public to get votes by going in a double-cab . Now she goes with several escorts . This a total loss of confidence of the middle and lower middle class voters, they expect so much from her. 

Impatient 

The events that forced Gotabaya Rajapaksa from office are still fresh in the national memory. Citizens who once remained silent demonstrated that they are willing to challenge authority when their livelihoods are threatened and when governance appears unjust. The lesson is clear. Power in Sri Lanka is never permanent, and public goodwill can evaporate rapidly. If President Anura Kumara Dissanayake wishes to avoid a backlash potentially more intense starting from his own supporters than what occurred during the previous administration, he must pivot toward humility, fairness, and genuine economic reform.History has shown that Sri Lankan voters are patient—but not indefinitely. And when that patience finally runs out, the consequences for those in power can be severe.

Government Confirms Second Iranian Vessel Near Sri Lanka as Rescue Efforts Continue

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Government Confirms Second Iranian Vessel Near Sri Lanka as Rescue Efforts Continue

March 05, Colombo (LNW): Chief Government Whip and Minister Dr Nalinda Jayatissa informed Parliament today that a second Iranian vessel is currently positioned in international waters close to Sri Lanka’s maritime boundary.

Speaking during a parliamentary session, Dr Jayatissa said the authorities, including the government and the Ministry of Defence, are fully aware of the ship’s location and are monitoring the situation while taking steps to safeguard the people on board.

He explained that the vessel has not entered Sri Lankan territorial waters but is situated within the country’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). According to the Minister, officials are engaged in humanitarian efforts related to the incident and a full report will be presented once the ongoing operation is concluded.

Responding to queries from opposition members regarding the Iranian naval vessel that sank off the southern coast near Galle, Dr Jayatissa clarified that the incident took place outside Sri Lanka’s territorial jurisdiction.

He noted that Sri Lanka’s EEZ extends beyond its territorial waters and allows freedom of navigation for foreign vessels. The country’s authority within that zone largely relates to economic activities rather than full maritime control. The attack on the vessel, he said, occurred roughly 19 nautical miles from Sri Lanka’s coastline.

The Minister further stated that Sri Lankan authorities were alerted after reports emerged that bodies had been spotted drifting in nearby waters. Following the information, the Sri Lanka Navy launched a search and rescue mission.

He said the response was conducted strictly on humanitarian grounds, without initially investigating the cause of the incident or whether it was linked to military action. As a result of the rescue operation, 32 survivors were brought ashore and admitted to Karapitiya Hospital, with one individual currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit. In addition, recovery teams have retrieved 87 bodies from the sea so far.

Dr Jayatissa acknowledged that state facilities were facing challenges in handling the large number of remains, particularly due to a shortage of adequate refrigeration equipment. Authorities are therefore seeking assistance from the private sector to address the situation.

He revealed that discussions were already underway and that two freezer units were expected to be transported to Galle within hours to support the ongoing recovery efforts.

Addressing differing reports surrounding the attack on the Iranian vessel, the Minister said the government had acted on the information available at the time. He pointed out that confirmation of a torpedo strike was only officially communicated later in the evening by the United States.

The government, he emphasised, is continuing to handle the situation in accordance with international law while prioritising humanitarian responsibilities and regional stability. Parliament will be briefed further once investigations and rescue operations progress.

Sri Lanka Apparel Sector Demands Urgent Trade Reforms

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Sri Lanka Apparel Sector Demands Urgent Trade Reforms

By: Staff Writer

March 05, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka’s apparel industry has issued a strong appeal to the government: secure new trade agreements now, or risk losing further ground to regional competitors.

At a recent press conference in Colombo announcing the 15th Sri Lankan Edition of the Textile Series of Exhibitions, leaders from the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) and the Sri Lanka Export Development Board (EDB) laid bare the structural disadvantages confronting the country’s largest export sector.

Their message was clear without preferential market access through Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and Preferential Trade Agreements (PTAs), Sri Lanka’s ambition to reach US$ 30 billion in exports by 2030 may remain out of reach.

JAAF Chairman Felix Fernando underscored how dramatically the global trade landscape has evolved over the past three decades. Sri Lanka once thrived by focusing on high-income Western markets.

Today, however, that strategy exposes vulnerabilities. Nearly half of the nation’s exports still flow to the European Union and the United Kingdom, creating concentration risk at a time of shifting trade policies and slowing growth.

Meanwhile, competitors have surged ahead through aggressive trade diplomacy. Bangladesh, leveraging its Least Developed Country status, enjoys zero-duty access to Japan, while Vietnam has secured multiple strategic trade agreements across Asia and beyond.

The cost implications are stark. Even if Sri Lankan manufacturers match production costs in Bangladesh, import duties imposed on Sri Lankan garments make them significantly more expensive in key markets.

Fernando argued that this structural imbalance leaves Sri Lanka effectively priced out of markets such as Japan, India, China, Australia, and Canada countries where preferential access could unlock substantial demand. Without swift negotiations to level the playing field, he warned, the industry’s survival and long-term growth prospects could be compromised.

EDB Chairman and CEO Mangala Wijesinghe acknowledged these concerns, outlining a diversification strategy embedded in the National Export Development Plan. The government is targeting new opportunities in Africa, the Middle East, and ASEAN nations.

A reactivated National Export Development Council of Ministers is currently assessing potential FTA partners, building on existing agreements with India and Pakistan and pending deals with Singapore and Thailand.

Recent export figures offer cautious optimism. National exports rose from US$ 15 billion to US$ 17.3 billion in 2025, driven partly by diversification into new product categories. Additionally, frameworks such as the United Kingdom’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme are expected to provide some relief.

Hitherto industry leaders insist incremental gains are insufficient. Without decisive trade reform, Sri Lanka risks remaining competitive in quality but uncompetitive in price. For an export-dependent economy seeking rapid expansion, the apparel sector’s appeal highlights a pressing reality: trade access is no longer optional it is existential.

War Reroutes Sri Lanka Trade, Creating Risks and Rare Openings

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War Reroutes Sri Lanka Trade, Creating Risks and Rare Openings

By: Staff Writer

March 05, Colombo (LNW): While the Gulf conflict threatens short-term economic strain, it may also generate unexpected strategic openings for Sri Lanka particularly in shipping, labour migration, and logistics.

According to First Capital Research, maritime disruptions in the Middle East have already begun reshaping global shipping patterns. Instability near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait and concerns around Gulf routes have prompted some vessels to divert around the Cape of Good Hope, increasing traffic across the Indian Ocean.

If sustained, these realignments could reinforce Colombo’s status as a mid-ocean transshipment hub. The Port of Colombo long positioned as a strategic logistics gateway between East and West—stands to benefit from higher vessel calls, bunkering demand, and related maritime services. For a country seeking foreign exchange inflows, such structural shifts could prove significant.

Labour markets present another complex dimension. Sri Lanka depends heavily on remittances from migrant workers in Gulf economies. Escalating regional instability could disrupt employment conditions, potentially affecting remittance inflows that underpin household incomes and foreign reserves.

However historical precedent suggests a more nuanced outlook. Following the 2003 Iraq conflict, construction booms in cities such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi drove increased demand for migrant labour. Reconstruction cycles and oil-financed infrastructure projects often expand employment opportunities for South Asian workers. Should energy revenues surge again, similar labour demand could offset initial disruptions.

Equity markets also reflect this dual narrative. The sharp sell-off at the Colombo Stock Exchange highlights investor anxiety. However, analysts suggest that if tensions remain contained, the correction may present selective entry points particularly in logistics, port operations, and firms linked to external inflows.

Currency dynamics further illustrate the balancing act. A stronger dollar and higher oil bills pressure the rupee, but increased shipping receipts or resilient remittance flows could provide partial buffers. The outcome hinges on whether the conflict escalates into a prolonged regional crisis or stabilises under a moderate scenario.

Ultimately, Sri Lanka’s exposure to Gulf instability underscores both vulnerability and adaptability. The same geographic positioning that amplifies its sensitivity to energy shocks also enhances its value as a maritime crossroads. If policymakers can manage inflation risks while leveraging emerging trade realignments, the crisis may yet yield opportunity.

For Sri Lanka, the Gulf war is not merely an external shockit is a test of economic resilience in an interconnected world.

Crackdown on Corrupt Cops or Growing Surveillance State?

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Crackdown on Corrupt Cops or Growing Surveillance State?

By: Staff Writer

March 05, Colombo (LNW): The National People’s Power (NPP) government has launched an ambitious campaign to reform Sri Lanka’s Police Department. Public Security Minister Ananda Wijepala announced in Parliament that special intelligence units have been established in every province to detect corruption and misconduct among police officers.

Framed as a professionalization drive, the initiative signals a tougher stance on internal discipline but it also raises concerns about expanding state power.

The statistics are striking. From January 2024 to September 2025, 604 officers were interdicted and 79 dismissed after investigations. Additionally,

11 Internal Affairs Units now operate island-wide to target officers suspected of corruption or criminal activity. The government has opened multiple complaint channels, including direct messaging to the Inspector General of Police and dedicated hotlines.

The reforms arrive amid mounting public frustration over organized crime and allegations of police complicity. Authorities report arresting 723 organized criminals between January 2024 and May 2025. Against this backdrop, intelligence-led oversight appears both strategic and politically advantageous.

However intelligence-driven reform carries consequences beyond internal discipline. Intelligence systems are inherently secretive. Their effectiveness often depends on confidential reporting, surveillance techniques, and centralized data collection. While these tools can root out corruption, they can also normalize heightened monitoring practices within the state apparatus.

Sri Lanka’s police force nearly 80,000 strong across 608 stations already holds significant authority in citizens’ daily lives. Traffic stops, protests, community disputes, and public gatherings all bring police into direct contact with civilians.

If intelligence culture becomes embedded not only in oversight but in broader operations, citizens may experience more frequent scrutiny, data gathering, and background checks.

For everyday life, the impact could be mixed. On one hand, citizens may benefit from reduced bribery, faster disciplinary processes, and more accountable officers. The Minister has pledged higher salaries, better facilities, and rewards for integrity measures that could elevate morale and professionalism.

On the other hand, the steady expansion of intelligence frameworks, coupled with efforts to fill over 9,000 police vacancies, could increase the visibility and reach of law enforcement nationwide. In politically sensitive environments, such expansion sometimes narrows civic space. Community activism, journalism, and dissent rely on confidence that oversight mechanisms cannot be weaponized.

The central question is intent and oversight. Is the NPP government constructing a cleaner police service or laying structural foundations for tighter state control? The answer lies in safeguards. Transparent reporting, independent civilian monitoring, and judicial review will determine whether these intelligence units remain tools of reform rather than instruments of repression.

Security and democracy need not be opposites. But history shows that intelligence growth, once normalized, rarely contracts easily. Sri Lanka’s challenge is to ensure that fighting corruption does not unintentionally cultivate a surveillance-oriented governance model.

The coming years will reveal whether this initiative becomes a blueprint for institutional renewal—or a step toward a more watchful state?

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