Welcome back to NHK Newsline. Here's the latest we have for you at this hour.
TRUMP: 'BIG WAVE' STILL TO COME IN IRAN
Fighting in the Middle East continues to escalate following last weekend's attacks by the US and Israel.
Iran's supreme leader has been killed, with hundreds more also dead.
And other areas are seeing airstrikes, including reportedly the US embassy in Saudi Arabia.
President Donald Trump has hinted at carrying out an even larger attack against Iran, telling CNN the big wave is coming soon.
00:00:42 話者 2/Donald Trump
We're ensuring that the world's number one sponsor of terror can never obtain a nuclear weapon, never going to have a nuclear weapon.
I said that from the beginning. They're never going to have a nuclear weapon.
00:00:56 話者 1
Trump justified the attack by saying it was the last best chance to strike.
He says the operation was initially projected to last four to five weeks, but that Washington has the capability to continue even longer if necessary.
He also expressed condolences for service members who were killed.
Six have been confirmed dead so far.
US CENTRAL COMMAND: STRAIT OF HORMUZ NOT CLOSED
US Central Command says it struck more than 1,250 targets in Iran in the first 48 hours.
And the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff says tens of thousands of pieces of ordnance have been delivered.
The Israeli military says it targeted more than 600 sites, including those with ballistic missiles and air defense systems.
The Iranian Red Crescent says more than 500 people have been killed across about 130 cities.
Israel has also struck Lebanon. The Israeli military said Monday it killed the intelligence chief of the Shia Muslim group Hezbollah. The group is supported by Iran.
Israel also says it attacked more than 70 locations, including weapons storage facilities.
Lebanon's state-run news agency quotes authorities as saying Israel's attacks have killed more than 50 people and injured about 150.
Tehran is retaliating. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps says it has attacked 60 strategic targets and 500 US and Israeli military sites.
It says it has launched more than 700 drones and hundreds of missiles.
Reuters reports Saudi Arabia's defense ministry says two drones damaged the US
embassy in the capital on Tuesday.
CNN says the attack was by suspected Iranian drones and no one has been confirmed injured.
And Qatar says on Monday, its military shot down two fighter bombers heading from Iran.
The US has urged its citizens in more than a dozen Middle Eastern countries and the Palestinian territories to evacuate immediately.
Iranian security chief Ali Larijani posted that his country won't negotiate with the United States, and he says Iranian forces did not initiate the conflict.
Following the death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, an interim leadership council has held several meetings so far.
Reuters reports that Khamenei was said to have nominated several people as his preferred successors.
They include Gholam Hossein Mosseini Ej, Head of the Judiciary, and Ali Reza Arafi, Deputy Chairman of the Assembly of Experts.
Foreign Minister Abbas Rachi has indicated the next leader will be decided within a few days.
There's conflicting information about a key transport route in the region.
According to Reuters, a senior Iranian military official says the Strait of Hormuz is closed and Tehran will fire on any ships trying to pass through.
But US Central Command has told NHK that the strait is still open.
The conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran is threatening the safety of maritime transport.
In Oman, authorities say an oil tanker off the northern coast was struck by a drone boat on Monday.
One crew member was reportedly killed when a blast ripped through the engine room.
The authorities have issued a warning to nearby ships.
A British shipping agency also reports that two projectiles struck a ship at a port in Bahrain, sparking a fire.
The Japanese government is calling on vessels not to enter the Persian Gulf and, for those already there, to anchor in safe places.
JAPAN PLEDGES DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS TO DE-ESCALATE SITUATION
The Japanese government says it will continue diplomatic efforts to quickly de-escalate tensions surrounding Iran.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae spoke at a diet committee on Monday.
She said her team is arranging a diplomatic schedule to make all-out efforts to restore peace in the Middle East.
On the same day, Foreign Minister Motegui Toshimitsu spoke separately with the Israeli and Iranian ambassadors to Japan.
In the meeting with the Iranian envoy, Motegui urged Iran to stop actions that could destabilize the region.
Airspace has been severely impacted by the conflict.
Flights are limited and people are stranded across the Middle East.
HOW THE IRAN CONFLICT IS IMPACTING JAPANESE PEOPLE
In this next report, we see how Japanese nationals are being affected in the region, as well as back home.
00:05:35 話者 3/Woman stranded in Qatar
When I heard the sound of bombing, it felt like the first time my life was in danger.
In that moment, I was scared.
00:05:46 話者 4
This woman was stuck in Doha from Saturday.
The university student flew from Narita Airport last week for Malta for her studies.
After A layover in Qatar, her plane was forced to return to the airport where she had to spend the night.
00:06:03 話者 3
Another thing that worried me was that there was no official announcement from Qatar Airport for a long time.
00:06:11 話者 4
There are nearly 9,000 Japanese nationals in almost a dozen countries across the region.
About 1,000 of them are living in Israel.
Japan has already helped evacuate at least five of them to nearby Jordan.
Arrangements are underway to help Japanese citizens leave Iran.
Workers in countries like the United Arab Emirates have also been affected.
Okuno Yoshihiko is with a trading company in Dubai.
He says his employer did have a plan in case of emergency.
00:06:48 話者 5/Okuno Yoshihiko
Our bosses said that if there was retaliation, we would evacuate.
But the situation moved quickly.
Iran's retaliation started suddenly, and instead of evacuating, we were unable to move.
00:07:03 話者 4
Back in Japan, the tourism sector is already feeling the impact as foreign visitors cancel their trips. Takayama City in Gifu Prefecture saw nearly 1 million foreign visitors last year.
Just over 2% come from the Middle East and more than 22% come from Europe.
Some in the tourism industry say they are already seeing cancellations among groups from countries like Israel and Germany.
00:07:34 話者 5/Nakahata Minoru/Hida Takayama Ryokan Hotel Cooperative
I am very worried that this will drag on.
I hope the situation will be resolved quickly and people can come to Japan with no issues.
00:07:46 話者 4
Farmers are also concerned about rising fuel prices.
One eggplant producer in Aichi Prefecture says he uses heated greenhouses during winter, and fuel costs can reach as high as $2,000 a month.
00:08:06 話者 5
Even at the current price, it already feels high.
If it goes up any further, it will become a serious problem.
00:08:14 話者 4
Japan's government has secured approximately 250 days' worth of national and private sector oil reserves as of the end of last December.
There are no plans to release the oil just yet.
BUSINESS
00:08:29 話者 1
And now let's see what's happening in the world of business here's Ramin Melgar from the Biz Desk.
00:08:35 話者 6/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
TOKYO STOCKS SLUMP FOR 2ND DAY AS OIL WORRIES RATTLE MARKETS
Now Japanese stocks tumbled for the second day amid concern about rising crude oil prices and the threat of an extended conflict in Iran.
The Nikkei 225 benchmark index fell more than 3% on Tuesday to close at 56,279.
Investors offloaded shares from the opening.
Oil dominated concerns on reports Iran threatened to attack any vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz, a main waterway for oil tankers.
US President Donald Trump also unnerved the market when he said the fighting in Iran may go on for weeks or longer.
Analysts say investors are selling to reduce exposure because an extended rise in crude oil prices would slow the global economy.
JAPAN MINISTER SIGNALS NO NEAR-TERM RELEASE OF OIL RESERVES
Now, Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akazawa Ryosei says there's no immediate plan to tap the country's oil reserves.
However, he stressed that the government will closely monitor supplies due to the ongoing conflict in Iran.
00:09:41 話者 5/Akazawa Ryosei
Releasing oil reserves is not aimed at curbing prices, but is done to ensure a stable supply in a situation that can cause a shortage.
We will closely monitor the supply situation in collaboration with the International Energy Agency.
00:09:56 話者 6
Akazawa's comments on Tuesday follow reports that oil tankers are staying away from the Strait of Hormuz due to rising security risks to crude and vessels.
Japan gets more than 90 percent of its crude oil from the Middle East, much of it through the strait.
Japan had about 250 days worth of oil reserves as of the end of last year.
It built the stockpiles after the oil crisis in 1973 that caused prices to soar.
Akazawa says a task force set up in his ministry will closely monitor the situation and assess the possible impact on Japan's economy.
LNG PRICES SURGE AFTER QATAR SUSPENDS PRODUCTION
Now, meanwhile, European gas prices surged after Qatar suspended production of liquefied natural gas following drone attacks.
State-run Qatar Energy said on Monday it had stopped LNG production following military attacks on two of its facilities.
The government said the strikes were by two drones launched from Iran.
No injuries were reported.
Japan buys LNG from Qatar, one of the world's leading producers.
Dutch TTF natural gas futures, the European benchmark, soared by more than 50 percent from Friday's close to 49 euros per megawatt hour at one point on Monday as the highest level since February last year.
Concerns are growing that LNG prices will rise further if the production suspension is prolonged and disrupts supplies.
MARKETS
Okay, let's get a check on markets.
♪
And that's it for Business News.
I'm going to hand it back to you.
00:11:58 話者 1
Thanks, Ramin.
CHINA, IRAN FOREIGN MINISTERS HOLD PHONE TALKS
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has spoken with his Iranian counterpart, Abbas Arachi.
China's Foreign Ministry says Monday's phone call was held at Iran's request.
According to the Chinese Ministry, Arachi told Wang the United States has violated all international laws and crossed Iran's red lines.
He said Iran has no choice but to defend itself with all its might.
Wang said Beijing supports Iran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity.
He added that China has urged the US and Israel to immediately halt military operations.
Officials say Wang also spoke on Monday with his French counterpart.
He also talked with the foreign minister of Oman, which has acted as a mediator between Washington and Tehran.
RUSSIA 'DEEPLY CONCERNED'
Also on Monday, Russia's foreign ministry released a statement calling on all parties involved to resolve all issues through political and diplomatic means.
It said Russia is deeply concerned about the escalating armed confrontation across the Middle East.
It accused the US and Israel of seeking regime change in Iran through so-called unscrupulous methods, including the killing of a sovereign state's leadership.
US FIRST LADY CHAIRS UN MEETING ON CHILDREN AS IRAN ATTACKED
US First Lady Melania Trump has presided over a U.N. Security Council meeting focusing on children, education, and peace.
Her speech came only days after the United States and Israel launched their military campaign on Iran that has reportedly left scores of children dead.
The meeting at the U.N. headquarters in New York was hosted by the US, which assumed the council's rotating presidency this month.
Washington has stated that the aim was to emphasize the role of education in advancing tolerance and world peace.
In her delivery, Melania Trump called for allowing people around the world to have access to knowledge by making use of A.I.
00:14:01 話者 2/Melania Trump
The path to peace depends on us taking responsibility to empower our children through education and technology.
00:14:12 話者 1
Ahead of the meeting, Iran's Ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, criticized the United States.
00:14:20 話者 5/Amir Saeid Iravani
For the United States, protecting children and maintaining international peace and security clearly means something very different from the UN Charter provides.
00:14:33 話者 1
He said it is deeply shameful and hypocritical for the US to host a meeting on protecting children, technology and education, while at the same time bombing schools and killing children.
MACRON ORDERS INCREASE IN FRANCE'S NUCLEAR WARHEADS
French President Emmanuel Macron says his country will increase its number of nuclear warheads in response to rising security threats.
Macron announced a decision at a nuclear submarine base of the French Navy on Monday.
He cited growing global tensions and pointed out Russia's development of new nuclear weapons as it continues its invasion of Ukraine.
00:15:13 話者 13/Emmanuel Macron
It is essential to strengthen our nuclear weapons.
I have ordered that the number of nuclear warheads be increased.
00:15:27 話者 1
An assessment by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute shows France had a stockpile of 290 nuclear warheads in 2025, the world's fourth largest.
Macron says he has not disclosed the number of nuclear warheads his country has or plans to have.
His announcement signals a policy shift in France as it seeks stronger nuclear capabilities.
Talks with eight other countries, including Germany, Britain and Poland, have been advancing about expanding France's nuclear deterrence to Europe.
Macron and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz also issued a joint declaration on Monday to strengthen cooperation in deterrence.
This will include setting up a so-called high-ranking nuclear steering group.
This will be responsible for coordinating strategy involving conventional weapons, missile defense, and France's nuclear capabilities.
Germany will also take part in France's nuclear drills for the first time.
♪
LOCAL RAILWAY IN JAPAN FIGHTS LOSSES WITH EVENT-TRAIN STRATEGY
Japan's regional railways and local lines have long faced a tough situation due to declining ridership.
But one operator in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido is fighting back with a new strategy based on event trains.
NHK World's Kokubu Miho has more.
00:16:52 話者 22/Kokubun Miho
The South Hokkaido Railway, based in the city of Hakodate, began operation 10 years ago.
Its Japanese name is Isari-bi. For the light used in night fishing.
But the firm's financial situation has worsened year by year, hit by things like a declining population along the line. In fiscal 2024, it marked its worst operating loss since opening.
Harui Michihiro has been responsible for the railways' business strategy since the start.
This year, the company's 10th anniversary, Harui is focusing on expanding special train services.
The railway already operates a sightseeing train where riders can enjoy the scenery while feasting on local cuisine.
The firm also operates a night train with lights dimmed to enjoy the nightscape of Hakodate.
Harui plans to further enhance these offerings by combining them with celebrations of the anniversary.
One plan is for a special train aimed at local families with children.
00:18:09 話者 5/Harui Michihiro/South Hokkaido Railway
People seem to be showing interest in event trains, like sightseeing trains or nightscape trains, and the number of passengers is gradually increasing.
00:18:20 話者 22
His next plan is to attract more foreign customers.
He's especially looking to Taiwanese tourists, who make up the largest share of inbound visitors to Hakodate, and can take direct flights to get there.
Last November, Harui visited Taiwan for a promotional event and talks with local travel agencies.
00:18:48 話者 5
I had very productive discussions with travel agency staff about things like putting rail travel into tours or reserving trains to create a special experience.
00:19:00 話者 22
Initial results are encouraging.
The company already has 18 reservations for groups of around 30 people each.
00:19:12 話者 5
We want to express our gratitude to the local community, while also creating a sightseeing train that overseas visitors can enjoy.
This year is truly one where we must consider our approach.
We aim to lay solid groundwork for the future.
00:19:31 話者 22
Powered by gratitude to the local community for the past ten years, Harui hopes to guide the railway forward on a new journey.
Kokubun Miho, NHK World.
JAPAN CONSIDERS PACIFIC ISLAND FOR NUCLEAR WASTE SITE
00:19:46 話者 1
Japan's government is considering an island in the Pacific Ocean as a possible final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste.
It has asked the local government for permission to conduct a survey to gauge the island's suitability.
Minami Torishima is part of the Ogasawara Islands in the Pacific.
An industry ministry official handed over documentation to the mayor of Ogasawara Village on Tuesday.
The document asked for permission to conduct a first-stage survey, also known as a literature survey.
Industry Minister Akazawa Ryosei explained why the island is being considered.
00:20:27 話者 3/Akazawa Ryose
Minami Torishima Island is said to have a relatively high possibility of being a favorable disposal site due to its scientific characteristics.
The island is state-owned and has cooperated with national policies for many years.
00:20:47 話者 1
The ministry has been looking for more survey sites, but so far, only three municipalities in Hokkaido and Saga prefectures have been asked to conduct first-stage surveys.
As of March 2025, roughly 2,500 canisters of high-level radioactive waste were being stored at two sites in Aomori and Ibaraki prefectures.
But legislation approved in 2000 requires them to be moved to a final disposal site more than 300 meters underground.
The waste must be stored there for tens of thousands of years, away from human habitats, until radioactivity levels drop.
The geological disposal method is being used for final disposal by other countries that have nuclear power.
RARE SUNRISE BRIGHTENS UP SEASIDE TOWN
On a certain coastline in western Japan facing the Pacific Ocean, a special sunrise can sometimes be seen.
NHK World's Takeshi Takara introduces a man who has been taking pictures of this spectacle for over 20 years.
00:21:53 話者 7/Takeishi Takara
The sun rising above the horizon is a loud ball of light.
In Japan, it's called the Daruma sunrise, after the traditional doors that bring good fortune.
This rare scene is caused by light reflection and lasts for only a minute.
Satake Fukuma goes down to the coast of central western Kochi Prefecture most days from spring to autumn to take pictures.
00:22:34 話者 8/Satake Fukuma
I was amazed to discover such a sunrise over my town.
I had no idea, even though I'm from here, I've become completely captivated.
And without thinking, my feet are heading there.
00:22:51 話者 7
On a cold morning, he heads out. The phenomenon only happens about 10 times a year.
On this day, the sun hides behind the clouds.
00:23:10 話者 8
It's a good thing the Daruma sunrise only appears occasionally.
It would be boring otherwise.
00:23:18 話者 7
Satake often speaks to the disappointed people who couldn't see the sunrise.
He points out the best spots to fill the sun with ships and lighthouses.
He knows exactly where it will rise each day.
00:23:39 話者 18
He always gives me perfect advice to photograph the Daruma sunrise.
I'm reassured when he's around.
00:23:47 話者 7
Satake also sometimes invites people to his home.
He shows them his 20-year collection of photographs.
00:24:02 話者 13
That's wonderful. You rarely encounter the Daruma sunrise.
The photos are a great reference for us, like angles and such.
00:24:13 話者 7
Satake has a surprise gift. A picture frame he made himself.
00:24:22 話者 8
Don't be discouraged. You can try again. I've made a new friend.
00:24:33 話者 7
Satake's passion for the rumor sunrise does a lot to brighten up this seaside town.
Takeishi Takara, NHK World.
WEATHER
00:24:47 話者 1
And it's time for us to check the weather with our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.
So, Jonathan, it was a whole lot colder outside for those of us in Tokyo and other parts of Japan Tuesday. Will the cold stick around?
00:25:00 話者 9/Jonathan Oh
Hello, we saw temperatures that were warmer over the weekend, but we come to Tuesday and we get a hit with a dose of reality as temperatures fell and we're talking about wintry weather taking place in the eastern portions of Japan.
Here's a look at some video that's coming out of Fukushima Prefecture.
As people in parts of the area were teetering between rain and snow on Tuesday, those in Shinakawa City started the day with rain, but it changed over to snow close to noon.
Heavy snow is expected to intensify on the Pacific side of Tohoku starting Tuesday night, and it may end up some transportation as well.
So yeah, we're in March, but we're still seeing some snow and plenty of snow up toward the north as a low pressure system is moving south of the Pacific side, and as it does so, cold air gets wrapped around, and that's where we're going to be seeing that winter precipitation now.
While we're talking lots of snow up toward the north and east, places like Tokyo, we're going to be pulling back out from the chillier weather and temperature highs are going to be moving into the teens as we go through the rest of the week.
Starting off with some showers on Wednesday, but then we dry out for Thursday and Friday before the rain returns, but highs in the mid-teens.
Same story into Osaka Fukuoku when it comes to temperatures slightly on the warmer side as we go through the next few days.
Meanwhile, we have a kind of a stretch of the front that's moving through right to the midsection of the United States with a couple of low pressures moving on through.
So in the process, showers toward the east, cooler air down toward the south, interestingly enough, and then back toward the west, we're talking about some snow and rain.
So Denver, a lot colder here, high of 9 coming up on Tuesday.
Showers to the Pacific Northwest.
Thunderstorm possibilities into Oklahoma City as that front lingers in the area, down to 17 for the high in Atlanta as we go through Tuesday.
Wrapping things up with a look at Europe, we do have one low that's located near the Iberian Peninsula, another one over into the Balkan Peninsula, both areas dealing with that wet pattern in place.
And as we go forward into the day on Tuesday, have the umbrellas from Lisbon into Madrid. Rome also looking at some rain.
A little bit warmer to a place like Paris with sunny skies, it has 18 for the day.
Hope you have a good day wherever you are.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:41 話者 1
And that's all we have for this edition of NHK Newsline.
We'll have more for you soon. Thanks for joining us.
checked.
