A BBC report claims Iran is recruiting children for war duties. Rights groups say minors as young as 12 are being used in security roles. Teenagers have been seen at checkpoints and on patrol in cities like Tehran. Some were reportedly carrying weapons. The BBC report also mentioned an 11-year-old boy killed in a drone strike while at a checkpoint. Officials said volunteers aged 12 and above may join a new programme. Groups like Human Rights Watch say this may break international law. Experts warn that using children in such roles puts their lives at risk and raises serious concerns globally. (PC: Reuters)

US President Donald Trump told allies like the United Kingdom to “go get your own oil” amid rising tensions with Iran. He said countries that did not support US strikes should not expect help. Trump suggested they buy oil from the US or take it from the Strait of Hormuz. Iran continues to control the key route, affecting global oil supply. This has raised oil prices and shaken markets. Trump also warned of more US attacks if the strait is not reopened soon. Iran said its actions are aimed only at US forces. The conflict continues to grow in the region.

US journalist Shelly Kittleson was abducted in Baghdad, Iraq in broad daylight. Armed men stopped her vehicle on a busy road and forced her out. They then escaped from the scene. Iraq’s Interior Ministry confirmed the incident and launched a search operation. Security forces tracked a suspect vehicle, which later overturned during a chase. One suspect has been arrested, while others remain on the run. No group has claimed responsibility so far. A video of the incident is spreading online. Kittleson is known for reporting from conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan. Investigations are ongoing to find her and catch those involved.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it will target US companies in West Asia from April 1. The warning comes after alleged killings of Iranian leaders. The IRGC named 18 firms, including Microsoft, Google, Apple, Tesla and Boeing. It said their offices could be attacked if more strikes happen. The group warned employees to leave workplaces to stay safe. Many of these companies have offices in the UAE. The IRGC also said tech and AI firms help military operations. The threat follows a recent airstrike that killed an Iranian military official. Tensions between Iran, the US and Israel remain high. (PC: Reuters)

American journalist Shelly Kittleson was kidnapped in Baghdad, Iraq on Tuesday evening. She was taken near a hotel on al-Saadoun Street by unknown men. A video shows her being forced into a car. Iraq’s interior ministry confirmed the incident and said security forces are searching for the kidnappers. One suspect has been arrested after a vehicle linked to the case crashed during a chase. Kittleson is known for reporting from conflict areas like Iraq and Afghanistan. She was in Iraq covering the impact of the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Her work has appeared in major international publications over the years. (PC: X/@shellykittleson)

John Healey announced deployment of additional UK troops and air defence systems to the Middle East, raising total personnel to about 1,000 across Gulf nations and Cyprus. Systems, including Sky Sabre and other missile defences, will be stationed in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait, while Typhoon jets remain active in Qatar. The UK maintains a defensive stance against Iran, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer ruling out ground involvement. The move follows escalating regional tensions and aims to protect allies and interests while supporting broader international efforts to stabilise the conflict. (PC: Reuters)

Mojtaba Khamenei is reportedly in Iran and avoiding public appearances, according to Russia’s envoy, dismissing rumours he was in Russia for treatment. Mojtaba assumed leadership after his father Ali Khamenei was killed in US-Israeli strikes that began the war on February 28. While statements have been issued, he has not been publicly seen, fuelling speculation about his condition. US claims suggest he was injured, though Tehran denies this. Intelligence agencies continue monitoring his whereabouts as the conflict intensifies, with no ceasefire in sight despite ongoing diplomatic signals and escalating military actions. (PC: HT)

Pete Hegseth said US troops involved in Operation Epic Fury are prepared for a prolonged conflict and are seeking more powerful weapons, including larger bombs, following his undisclosed Gulf visit. Speaking alongside Dan Caine, he highlighted troops’ focus on “legacy” and determination to finish the war. Hegseth declined to clarify potential ground troop deployment but stressed strategic ambiguity. He claimed Iran has limited military options, with decisive days ahead. Despite escalating operations, he confirmed ongoing negotiations to end the conflict, while warning of expanded US strikes if a ceasefire and reopening of key routes are not achieved.

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned that major US firms including Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, Intel and Boeing could be treated as legitimate targets amid escalating West Asia tensions. The warning follows alleged US-Israeli actions, with Iran claiming these firms support operations through ICT and AI. Authorities advised evacuations within a one-kilometre radius of potential sites, with retaliatory actions threatened from April 1. Meanwhile, US officials, including Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth, signalled critical days ahead, emphasising ending the conflict on US terms as tensions between Iran and Washington intensify. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump warned countries facing fuel shortages due to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to either buy oil from the United States or secure supplies themselves. Criticising allies like the United Kingdom for refusing to join military action against Iran, he said the US would no longer guarantee support. The blockade, affecting nearly 20% of global oil supply, has driven prices above $100 per barrel. Trump reiterated threats against Iran’s energy infrastructure while reports suggest he may end the conflict without reopening the route. Iran continues rejecting US demands and escalating military actions. (PC: X)