The United States has sent about 3,500 Marines and sailors aboard the USS Tripoli to the Middle East, reinforcing a military presence of roughly 50,000 troops amid the ongoing war with Iran — the largest U.S. deployment in the region in over two decades. The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit includes transport planes, strike fighters and amphibious assets, boosting CENTCOM’s operational capabilities. The move comes as Yemen‑aligned Houthis launch missile attacks on Israel and as Pentagon planning for possible ground operations continues, though U.S. officials maintain diplomacy is also pursued. Analysts see this as a major strategic escalation in the broader conflict. (PC: X)

Millions of people mobilized across the United States and Europe on March 28 for the third round of “No Kings” protests, voicing opposition to President Donald Trump’s policies, especially the war with Iran, strict immigration enforcement and perceived authoritarian overreach. Organizers reported over 3,000 events in all 50 U.S. states, drawing crowds in big cities and small towns alike, with notable appearances by figures like Robert De Niro and performances at rallies. The demonstrations reflect widespread dissatisfaction with government decisions and concerns over democratic norms, with movements aiming to be among the largest in U.S. history. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump publicly mocked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, saying he “didn’t think he’d be kissing my ass” as relations with Riyadh evolve during the 2026 Iran war. Trump made the remark at an investment forum in Florida, recounting a conversation about his strong leadership comeback and implying the Crown Prince now has to show deference. Despite the crude jab, Trump also praised MBS as “a fantastic man” and “a warrior,” highlighting continued strategic ties as the US‑Israel conflict with Iran reshapes Middle East dynamics. (PC: AP)

Iran Claims Major Strikes on Gulf Targets – Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it launched missiles, drones and hybrid strikes on U.S. and allied positions in Kuwait’s Port Shuwaikh and Dubai, claiming several U.S. landing craft were hit and some sunk with heavy U.S. casualties. Tehran also reported damaging refueling and logistics assets. Denials & Broader Conflict – U.S. Central Command rejects Iranian claims of U.S. casualties in Dubai, calling them false. The attacks come amid the wider U.S.–Iran war that has already seen multiple U.S. service members killed in drone strikes in Kuwait’s Port Shuaiba and significant disruption across Gulf airspace and infrastructure. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has sent 3,500 additional troops to the Middle East amid escalating tensions with Iran, reinforcing its military presence in the region. Tehran had claimed that US forces suffered significant casualties in Dubai, but Washington categorically denied these reports, calling them false. The deployment includes troops stationed near critical sites such as Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, which recently experienced Iranian missile and drone attacks. The situation has triggered concerns over regional security and oil supply, as both sides prepare for potential further escalation. (PC: X)

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged neighbouring countries not to allow hostile forces to use their territory to conduct the ongoing war against Tehran, warning such actions would have serious consequences. The call comes amid heightened regional tensions as the US‑Israel‑Iran conflict escalates following U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets that began on 28 February 2026. Iran has faced retaliatory actions and is concerned about foreign military activities from neighbouring soil. The president’s comments underscore Tehran’s demand for regional states to uphold sovereignty and not become bases for what it calls “enemy operations.” (PC: AP)

At least 22 migrants attempting to reach Europe from Libya died after spending six days stranded at sea in a rubber boat near Greece. Survivors told authorities the group ran out of food and water, leading to deaths from exhaustion. They also alleged that smugglers ordered bodies to be thrown overboard during the journey. The boat had departed from Tobruk, Libya, and lost its way in difficult conditions before being found south of Crete. Greek authorities rescued 26 survivors and arrested two suspected smugglers, who now face charges including negligent homicide. (PC: AP)

Reports allege that Israeli forces tortured an 18-month-old toddler in Gaza by burning him with cigarettes and inflicting severe injuries while detaining him with his father in central Gaza. The abuse was reportedly aimed at pressuring the father during interrogation. Medical assessments cited burns and physical trauma, including a wound caused by a sharp object. Israeli authorities have firmly denied the allegations, calling them false and accusing militant groups of spreading misinformation. They stated the child received medical treatment from Israeli personnel and was later safely transferred. The incident has intensified international concern over alleged human rights violations amid the ongoing Gaza conflict. (PC: X)

Nepal’s former Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli has been arrested over his alleged role in a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in 2025. Authorities say he failed to prevent excessive police force during Gen Z-led demonstrations, which resulted in dozens of deaths and widespread unrest. Former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak was also detained. The arrests followed a government probe recommending prosecution for negligence. The protests, driven by youth anger over corruption, led to Oli’s resignation and a major political shift in Nepal. (PC: AP)

Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi group has warned it is ready to join the ongoing US-Israel war with Iran, declaring its “fingers are on the trigger” for direct military intervention. The group said it would act if additional countries join the conflict or if the Red Sea is used to launch attacks on Iran. The statement signals a potential escalation into a wider regional war, as the Houthis possess capabilities to strike distant targets and disrupt key shipping routes. They have previously targeted Red Sea shipping and Israel, raising fears that renewed attacks could impact global trade and energy supplies if they formally enter the conflict. (PC: AP)