Images released by Iranian media show a US E-3 Sentry aircraft damaged at Prince Sultan Air Base. Iran said the strike was carried out using missiles and drones. Reports said the plane was largely destroyed, with only parts of it still intact. At least 10 US personnel were injured, including two seriously, according to the Associated Press. Some refuelling aircraft were also damaged. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it targeted US-linked sites. The United States Central Command has not commented on the incident. (PC: NDTV)

Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Iran’s parliament speaker, said the country’s forces are “waiting for American soldiers” to enter, warning they would “rain fire upon them”. His remarks came as the US sent more troops to the region.   The Pentagon said about 3,500 personnel arrived aboard USS Tripoli.   The Washington Post reported the US is preparing for possible ground operations, though approval by Donald Trump is unclear.   Marco Rubio said goals could be achieved “without any ground troops”. (PC: BBC)

Rohit Sharma has been tipped to shine in IPL 2026 opener against Kolkata Knight Riders at Wankhede. Former selector Kris Srikkanth said Rohit enjoys this match-up.   “KKR used to be like halwa for Rohit Sharma. He is going to smash their bowling,” Srikkanth said.   Rohit has scored 1,083 runs against KKR, including a century and six fifties. However, Sunil Narine remains a key threat. He has dismissed Rohit 10 times and kept his strike rate low.   The contest could hinge on this key battle. (PC: X/MumbaiIndians)

The Pentagon is preparing for possible ground operations in Iran, including raids near the Strait of Hormuz and plans linked to Kharg Island, the Washington Post reported. Officials said the operations may involve special forces and infantry but will not be a full invasion. One official said the timeline could take “weeks, not months”. A former defence official said, “This is not last-minute planning.” Another warned holding territory would be difficult. It remains unclear if Donald Trump will approve the plans. (PC: X)

Anura Kumara Dissanayake said Sri Lanka has received 38,000 metric tonnes of fuel from India as supply chains were hit by the West Asia conflict. In a post on X, he thanked Narendra Modi for “swift support”.   “Grateful for India’s swift support. 38,000 MT of fuel arrived in Colombo,” he wrote, also thanking S. Jaishankar.   India stepped in after suppliers failed to deliver fuel due to the conflict and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The shipment includes 20,000 MT diesel and 18,000 MT petrol. (PC: HT)

Iranian Embassy in India warned the United States after reports of possible ground action in Iran. In a post on X, it shared a page from Tehran Times that read “Welcome to hell.” The page said US troops entering Iran would “leave only in a coffin.”   The warning came after US Central Command confirmed 3,500 sailors and marines aboard USS Tripoli reached its area on March 27.   The Washington Post reported the Pentagon may carry out weeks of ground operations. 

Residents of Lyari in Pakistan have demanded a share of earnings from Dhurandhar: The Revenge after the film’s global success. Some locals said up to 70–80 per cent should go to the area. They claim the film used Lyari’s name and story, so the community should benefit. Videos online show residents pointing to poor roads and lack of facilities. One person said development would happen “if India pays.” The film, starring Ranveer Singh, has crossed Rs 1,000 crore worldwide. It is based on an intelligence officer working in Lyari. The makers have not responded to the demands so far. (PC: India Today)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels launched missile strikes towards Israel and warned of more attacks in the coming days. The Iran-backed group said operations will continue. Gulf infrastructure has been hit, with Emirates Global Aluminium reporting major damage at its Abu Dhabi plant. Yemen’s recognised government accused Iran of trying to drag the country deeper into the conflict. Analysts warn that any attack on ships near the Bab al-Mandab strait could hurt global trade. The United States said about 3,500 troops have reached the region, along with the warship USS Tripoli. Separate Israeli strikes killed three journalists, while one Israeli soldier died in southern Lebanon. (PC: BBC)

Thousands of people gathered across the United States and several countries for ‘No Kings’ protests against President Donald Trump. The rallies focused on the Iran war, immigration actions, and rights issues. Organisers expected up to 9 million participants, though final numbers were unclear. Minnesota saw one of the largest events, with crowds protesting immigration enforcement. Musician Bruce Springsteen performed and criticised recent deaths linked to federal agents. In cities like San Diego, Washington, New York, and Los Angeles, marches drew large crowds, with some clashes reported. Protests were also held in Rome, London, and Paris. The White House dismissed the rallies as driven by “leftist funding networks.”

Multiple explosions were reported in Tehran as the conflict widened. The Pentagon is preparing possible ground operations in Iran. Officials said these would be limited raids, not a full invasion. The focus is on quick strikes by special forces on key targets. Meanwhile, Iran-backed Houthis launched a missile towards Israel, setting off sirens in the south. Donald Trump said he was “very disappointed” with NATO over its response. Tensions remain high across the region. (PC: The Indian Express)