Israel said it will take control of a large buffer zone in southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against Hezbollah. Defence Minister Israel Katz said troops will push up to the Litani River, about 30 km from the border. He said displaced residents will not be allowed to return until northern Israel is safe. “The principle is clear: there is terror and missiles, no homes and no residents,” he said. Israel also said five bridges used by Hezbollah were destroyed. Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun called the plan “collective punishment.” Over 1,000 people have been killed and more than a million displaced. (PC: BBC)

Iran has appointed Mohammad Bagher Zolghadr as the new secretary of its Supreme National Security Council after Ali Larijani was killed in a strike last week. Zolghadr is a former Revolutionary Guard commander and had been serving in the Expediency Council. The appointment comes amid ongoing conflict in the region. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump said Washington was holding “productive” talks with Tehran, raising hopes of easing tensions. Iran, however, denied any negotiations. Trump also extended a deadline on action linked to the Strait of Hormuz, giving more time for diplomacy. Fighting in the region has continued despite these developments. (PC: NDTV)

Seven pet dogs in China escaped after being stolen for the meat trade and travelled about 17 km back home. The group stayed together for nearly two days after jumping from a moving truck in Jilin. A Corgi appeared to lead the pack, often turning back to check on others. An injured German Shepherd was protected in the middle as the group moved slowly. A man who filmed them said, “They resemble a band of little brothers in distress.” The video went viral, prompting volunteers and a drone search. By March 19, all seven dogs were safely reunited with their owners.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has enough crude oil reserves and supply plans despite the ongoing West Asia war. Speaking in Rajya Sabha, he called the energy situation “worrisome” but assured steady fuel supply. Modi said India has built over 53 lakh metric tonnes of strategic reserves and is expanding further. He stressed efforts to keep oil and gas shipments moving. “India has adequate crude oil storage and arrangements for continuous supplies,” he said. The government is also working with multiple countries and monitoring supply chains. Modi warned that a prolonged crisis could have serious impact and said India is focusing on resilience and coordination. (PC: The Indian Express)

US President Donald Trump said Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth was among the first to support action against Iran. Speaking in Tennessee, Trump said, “Pete… was the first one to speak up… ‘Let’s do it.’” He suggested Hegseth backed military action over Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump also said the US was having “very good” discussions with Tehran. Iranian officials denied any talks. Trump had earlier delayed a deadline linked to the Strait of Hormuz. Fighting has continued, with strikes and missile attacks reported. Differences within the US administration over the war have also emerged in recent days. (PC: X)

US President Donald Trump mixed warnings and diplomacy as tensions with Iran continued. On Saturday, he gave Iran 48 hours to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or face new strikes. Iran warned it would target regional energy and water sites. By Monday, Trump paused the threat after what he called “constructive” contact with an Iranian leader. Iran denied any talks. “They want very much to make a deal,” Trump said. He later spoke of “very, very good discussions.” Airstrikes and missile attacks continued. Trump also travelled to Memphis and visited Graceland during the crisis, as markets reacted to signs of possible talks. (PC: BBC)

Uncertainty remains over Pakistan’s role in mediating between the US and Iran, as both sides gave mixed signals on possible talks. Reports said Islamabad could host talks, but no final decision has been made. US President Donald Trump said he delayed strikes after “productive” contacts. Iran denied any direct talks. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Iran’s president held discussions, while army chief Asim Munir spoke to Trump. The White House said the situation is “fluid” and not final. Pakistan has said it is willing to host talks if both sides agree. (PC: HT)

Pakistan is trying to position itself as a mediator in the ongoing Iran conflict, with possible US-Iran talks likely in Islamabad. Officials said the country is using ties with both sides to support dialogue. Army chief Asim Munir spoke to US President Donald Trump, while Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held talks with Iran’s president. Iran confirmed it received messages via “friendly states” but denied direct talks. Pakistan said it will play a “constructive role” in peace efforts. However, officials say talks remain at an early stage with no clear breakthrough yet. (PC: NDTV)

The White House said plans for possible talks with Iran remain “fluid” and not final. It urged caution against speculation amid mixed signals from both sides.   US President Donald Trump said he delayed strikes on Iranian power plants after “productive” contacts. Iran denied this and called such claims “fake news”.   An Iranian official said Tehran received “points from the US” through mediators, which could lead to talks.   Amid the uncertainty, global oil prices rose again above $100 per barrel after a brief fall on Monday, reflecting market concerns over the ongoing conflict. (PC: BBC)

Iran has set firm conditions to end hostilities with the United States following a temporary pause in strikes announced by Donald Trump. Iranian military adviser Mohsen Rezaei said the war will continue until all sanctions are lifted and damages caused by US actions are fully compensated. Tehran also seeks binding guarantees against future US interference in its internal affairs. Trump earlier ordered a five-day halt on attacks targeting Iranian energy infrastructure, citing “productive conversations” toward resolving the conflict. Meanwhile, potential talks, possibly in Islamabad, remain unconfirmed, with the White House calling the situation fluid. The conflict, which began on February 28, continues to escalate despite tentative diplomatic signals. (PC: X)