Author: Seoul Reporter

Recent investigations by U.S. authorities reveal that Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s Supreme Leader, maintains ultimate control over key public enterprises, generating massive revenues that dwarf even drug trafficking profits. This exposure has prompted swift sanctions on two major affiliated entities, intensifying pressure on long-standing regime figures. Khamenei’s Unmatched Influence Analysis confirms Khamenei’s dominance in Iran’s power structure. As Supreme Leader since 1989, he wields authority over citizen selections for national assemblies, penetrating legislative, judicial, and executive branches. Total election oversight and party leadership fall under his direct purview, solidifying his position as the regime’s cornerstone. Public operations channel funds straight…

The Los Angeles Dodgers assemble a powerhouse pitching staff for spring training, headlined by World Series standout Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Blake Snell, Tyler Glasnow, Shohei Ohtani, and top prospects Roki Sasaki and Emmett Sheehan vying for rotation berths.This depth offers reassurance amid injury recoveries and 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC) overlaps, though preparations remain fluid. Only one hurler stands fully primed for the Opening Day push.Performance Drives Promotions, Says Dave RobertsManager Dave Roberts stresses merit-based advancement. “The Dodgers elevate pitchers according to demonstrated performance,” he stated. “Recovery by itself falls short.”Roberts shared these insights ahead of a February 27 matchup against…

Authorities in Gimhae have introduced one-way traffic measures on the narrow road fronting Kimhae Girls’ High School to alleviate morning commute congestion. The changes target peak hours when school vehicles and students create hazardous bottlenecks on the 4-meter-wide fork road.Addressing Daily Safety ConcernsDuring typical weekdays, from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m., the road toward Bangju-myeon direction sees heavy mixing of incoming school buses, private cars, and pedestrians. Illegal parking exacerbates the issue, heightening accident risks for students heading to class.Starting March 3, the city enforces one-way traffic during these rush hours as a trial initiative. School officials confirmed the principal…

Jack Welch led General Electric (GE) as CEO from 1981 to 2001. He slashed the workforce by 170,000 employees while boosting the company’s market value from $14 billion to $520 billion—a staggering 37-fold increase. His transformative strategies birthed terms like ‘GE Revolution’ and ‘Welchism,’ cementing his status as one of the 20th century’s top executives. Welch also gained the moniker ‘Neutron Jack’ for his precise, structure-preserving layoffs.Implementing the 10-20 PrincipleWelch enforced a strict policy: annually cut the bottom 10% of performers and elevate the top 20%. In a 2002 interview, he explained, “Even if it hurts, you must remove 10%…

U.S. President Donald Trump received a detailed briefing ahead of his decision on airstrikes against Iran, with officials highlighting the operation’s high risks alongside potential high rewards.Operation Epic Fury Targets Key SitesThe Pentagon-designated Operation Epic Fury focuses on Iran’s major underground uranium enrichment facilities and centrifuge operations. The plan involves Tomahawk missile launches from submarines, alongside airstrikes from U.S. Air Force and Navy assets.Trump’s campaign emphasized that bold U.S. leadership fosters peace. He stated, “We are not threatening Iran with this action; it is legitimate self-defense.” Trump added, “We hope this prompts a change in their stubborn behavior.”Riskiest U.S. Action…

President Donald Trump closely monitored missile exchanges overnight at Mar-a-Lago during joint U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian facilities on Oct. 28 local time, according to White House spokesperson Caroline Leavitt.Overnight Vigil at Mar-a-LagoLeavitt posted on X that Trump “monitored the missile situation together with the national security team overnight at Mar-a-Lago.” Trump also held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, though specific details remain undisclosed.Congressional Briefings UnderwayTrump urged the full “Gang of Eight”—key congressional leaders briefed on sensitive national security matters—to attend an intelligence briefing on the operation. Seven members participated, while one Democrat did not attend.The Gang of Eight…

European Union naval personnel intercepted radio transmissions from Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps warning ships that passage through the Strait of Hormuz is prohibited.Critical Chokepoint for Global OilThe Strait of Hormuz serves as a vital artery for international energy trade, channeling 20-30% of the world’s seaborne oil exports from key producers including Iran, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, and the United Arab Emirates.Escalating Regional TensionsThis development follows heightened military activities in the region, with Iranian forces previously imposing restrictions on the strait in response to external pressures. Officials from the EU’s Operation Aspides noted the transmission but emphasized that no formal closure announcement…

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has outlined the objectives of recent airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities and a key Hamas figure, stressing national security and Iranian citizens’ self-determination as core motivations.Operation Targets and RationaleThe strikes aimed to dismantle Iran’s nuclear capabilities and neutralize a prominent Hamas operative involved in assassination threats. Officials view these actions as a direct counter to escalating risks from Tehran.Trump declared, “What I want is for those people—the Iranian citizens—to have autonomy.” He made these remarks following the operations, highlighting their potential to disrupt oppressive structures.Interview Insights on OutcomesAddressing questions about the strikes’ results during a…

A joint US-Israel military operation targeted an elementary school in southern Iran on February 28 local time, resulting in the deaths of 51 students and injuries to 60 others.Details of the AirstrikeThe attack struck a girls’ elementary school in Minab, Hormuzgan province, during the morning session when around 170 students were present. Local officials confirm the facility suffered direct hits from the strikes.Official StatementsAhmad Nafisi, deputy governor of the region, stated that the school enrolled 170 students that morning and was directly impacted by the operation. He highlighted the significant casualties among the student body.Strategic ContextMinab hosts a base belonging…

President Donald Trump emphasized the freedom of Iranian citizens as a top priority following the U.S.-Israel joint military operation against Iran on February 28. In a key phone call shortly after the strikes, dubbed “Magnificent Fury,” Trump warned that the U.S. aims to reduce Iran to ashes unless it surrenders. Trump’s Direct Appeal to Iranians Trump stated that the U.S. seeks only the liberation of Iranian people and desires a safe path for them to achieve it. He urged, “We want a safe exit, and we’ll make that path.” On his Truth Social platform, Trump welcomed Iranians, declaring, “The time…