United States

The United States, led by President Donald Trump, is currently engaged in a military conflict with Iran, alongside Israel. This war is the primary reason for several recent developments. Trump has delayed a planned summit with China due to the conflict, seeking to maintain a united front with his Vice President. The war has also contributed to global stock market declines, particularly in South Korea and Japan, due to the oil shock. Domestically, a winter storm is causing flight cancellations and delays, compounded by a partial government shutdown. Trump has also threatened action against Cuba, linking it to a power outage and oil embargo. The US military has reported at least 200 troops wounded in the Iran war. China's advancements in weapons technology, despite a smaller budget, are also a point of concern. The US embassy in Baghdad was recently attacked, further highlighting the instability in the region. Trump claims the strikes on Iran prevented a nuclear war.