Deputy Head of Iran President's Office: Iran Will Respond Firmly to Any US Aggression at the Base in the Region

On March 7, Naqdi, a senior officer with Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), told Iran's state television in an interview that an opportunity to destroy Israel has emerged. (Xinhua)

Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said Thursday, March 7, that Iran aims to build friendly ties with regional nations—but that does not negate its right to self-defense against "aggression" from the U.S. and Israel. (FX168)

March 7 — Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed Wednesday to have targeted a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Iranian state media.

On March 7, the Financial Times reported that UK government ministers will delay controversial copyright rule changes—changes that would have made it easier for AI companies to access and use copyrighted media content—amid strong opposition from the creative sector. A person familiar with the UK government’s response to its two-month public consultation said, “The copyright issue will be put on hold once again.” The consultation sought input on how to regulate AI firms’ access to copyrighted material, with the government’s official response expected within the next two weeks. Two insiders revealed that public feedback on the consultation did not back any of the government’s proposed plans for AI use of copyrighted content. Ministers have therefore decided to review the plans, gather more evidence, and hold longer consultations on multiple options.

On March 7, Reuters reported that the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) has appointed computer scientist Gavin Kliger as Chief Data Officer. Last year, he assisted billionaire Elon Musk in driving U.S. government reform. Kliger’s new role “places him at the center of the department’s most ambitious artificial intelligence (AI) initiatives,” with his primary responsibilities including “day-to-day coordination and execution of the DoD’s AI projects, as well as direct collaboration with the U.S. Frontline AI Lab to support warfighters.”

On March 7th, Trump posted on social media: “Iran—suffering unprecedented devastation—has apologized to its Middle Eastern neighbors, surrendered, and promised no more attacks on them. This commitment is 100% because of the ruthless attacks by the U.S. and Israel. Iran tried to take over and dominate the Middle East. This is the first time in THOUSANDS of years Iran has been defeated in its fight with neighboring Middle Eastern countries. They say, ‘Thank you, President Trump.’ I say, ‘You’re welcome!’ Iran is no longer the ‘Middle East Bully’—it’s a ‘Middle East Loser’ now. This will last for decades until they surrender… or, more likely, collapse completely. Today, Iran is getting a SEVERE blow! Because of Iran’s vile behavior, regions and peoples that weren’t targets before are now under serious consideration for total destruction and inevitable death.”