Iran has reportedly destroyed a key U.S. missile-defence radar system worth about $300 million at a military base in Jordan during the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. The radar was part of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) network, which helps detect and guide interceptors against incoming ballistic missiles. The strike is seen as a major setback for U.S. regional air-defence capabilities. U.S. officials said the attack targeted critical surveillance infrastructure supporting American missile-defence operations in the Gulf region. Washington is now working to rapidly replace the damaged radar to maintain defence coverage. The incident highlights the widening regional impact of the conflict as Iran increasingly targets U.S. and allied military assets. (PC: AP)

Pakistan has raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices by PKR 55 per litre, marking the largest fuel price increase in the country’s history. The hike comes as global oil prices surge due to escalating tensions in West Asia following the conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance. After the increase, petrol now costs PKR 321.17 per litre, while diesel has risen to PKR 335.86 per litre. The government said the move was unavoidable due to rising international crude prices and potential supply disruptions. Long queues were reported at fuel stations as people rushed to buy fuel before the price hike. Authorities warned against hoarding and said prices may now be reviewed weekly amid ongoing market volatility. (PC: X)

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate, with fresh airstrikes reported in Tehran and parts of Lebanon. Israeli forces targeted military sites and Hezbollah-linked positions, while Iran retaliated with missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf states. The conflict intensified after a joint U.S.–Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering wider regional tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out negotiations and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while also signaling involvement in selecting Iran’s next leadership. Meanwhile, evacuations and security alerts have increased across the Middle East as the conflict threatens regional stability and global energy routes. (PC: AFP)

The U.S. Department of Justice has released additional documents from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including FBI interview summaries containing allegations involving former U.S. President Donald Trump. The files include a 2019 interview with a woman who claimed Epstein introduced her to Trump in the 1980s when she was a teenager and alleged Trump attempted to sexually assault her. Officials said the records had previously been withheld because of a coding error that mistakenly marked them as duplicates. Authorities stressed the accusations remain unverified and uncorroborated. Trump and his representatives have strongly denied the claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. (PC: CNN)

Russia has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence that could help it target U.S. military forces in the Middle East, according to U.S. officials cited in reports. The intelligence allegedly includes locations and movements of American warships, aircraft, and other military assets in the region. Officials believe the information-sharing began after tensions between Washington and Tehran sharply escalated. Analysts say the data may have improved Iran’s ability to track and potentially strike U.S. forces using missiles or drones. The development signals growing strategic cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and raises concerns in Washington that the conflict could widen if global powers become indirectly involved. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies. Trump said Washington would not accept negotiations unless Tehran fully capitulates and dismantles its military and nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, strongly rejected Trump’s remarks suggesting the U.S. could influence the selection of Iran’s next leader following the death of Ali Khamenei. The envoy called the comments a violation of international law and the UN Charter, insisting Iran will never allow foreign interference in its internal political process. (PC: The Hindu)

Indonesia will ban social media and several online platforms for users under 16 starting 28 March, aiming to protect children from online risks such as pornography, cyberbullying, scams and addiction. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said accounts belonging to minors on “high-risk” platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox will be deactivated. The move positions Indonesia as the first non-Western country to delay children’s access to digital spaces by age. Supporters say the rule will help parents manage children’s screen time, while critics warn strict age verification could threaten privacy and limit young people’s access to information and expression. The policy follows similar restrictions introduced. (PC: BBC)

A report by The Washington Post says Russia has been providing intelligence to Iran to help target American military assets across the Gulf during the ongoing conflict with the United States and Israel. Iranian strikes have damaged or targeted facilities linked to communications and radar systems at US military sites in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Officials say Moscow shared information on US warships and aircraft positions, helping Tehran plan precise attacks after its own tracking capabilities weakened. Iranian strikes have also hit embassies and energy infrastructure, including the major Al Udeid Air Base. (PC: India Today)

The United States plans to deploy naval escorts to secure shipping through the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate during the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Speaking on Fox News, US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the United States Navy will escort vessels through the strategic waterway once conditions allow. The move aims to restore disrupted maritime traffic and safeguard global energy shipments passing through the strait. Earlier, Donald Trump confirmed the plan, saying US naval forces would begin escorting oil tankers “as soon as possible.” The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, and continued hostilities have significantly disrupted shipping and oil flows through the region. (PC: Reuters)

Pedro Sánchez has criticised the United States’ war on Iran, calling it an “extraordinary mistake” as the conflict in the Middle East enters its first week. The Spanish prime minister reiterated his government’s opposition to the war, summarising Madrid’s position in three words: “No to war.” Sánchez also defied a request from Donald Trump to jointly operate US bases in southern Spain for strikes against Iran. While several countries have rallied behind Washington and Benjamin Netanyahu under the US-led operation known as Operation Epic Fury, Spain has maintained its opposition to the military campaign. The conflict has heightened tensions across the region, with European governments increasingly drawn into debates over support for Washington’s strategy.