The destruction of a US Air Force E-3 Sentry aircraft in an Iranian strike could hurt how the US tracks threats, analysts said. Images showed the damaged jet at Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. The aircraft is a key airborne radar system. It helps detect missiles, drones, and aircraft from long range. Military analyst Cedric Leighton called the loss a “serious blow” to surveillance. He said it may affect how the US guides jets and responds to attacks. Experts said the system is vital for real-time battle control and early warning in conflict zones. (PC: CNN)

Donald Trump said the United States could “destroy” Iran’s power plants and oil facilities if a deal is not reached soon. Speaking to reporters, he said talks with what he called a “more reasonable” Iranian leadership are ongoing. He warned that if a ceasefire fails, the US may strike sites it has “not yet touched.” Trump also repeated threats against Iran’s key fuel hub, Kharg Island. Iran’s foreign ministry called US proposals “excessive and unreasonable.” Meanwhile, oil prices rose to $115, and fresh attacks were reported in Iran, Lebanon, and Israel amid growing tensions. (PC: BBC)

Spain has closed its airspace to US aircraft involved in military operations against Iran. Defence Minister Margarita Robles said Spain will not allow its bases or airspace to be used for the war. She said the message was made clear to US forces from the start. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly criticised the US and Israeli attacks, calling them “reckless and illegal.” Robles repeated that position and said the war is “profoundly illegal and unjust.” The move may force US planes to change routes. Spain said the ban does not apply to emergency situations. Officials also said the country will not support a war it sees as against international law. (PC: The Indian Express)

The US is preparing plans for possible ground action in Iran as the war continues. Officials said up to 10,000 more troops could be sent. The White House said no final decision has been made yet. Experts warned of risks based on past wars. Linda Robinson said, “The risks increase exponentially if US ground forces are deployed to Iran.” She added it could lead to “very high casualties”. Analysts pointed to earlier US wars since World War II, including Iraq and Afghanistan. These conflicts lasted long and caused heavy losses. Experts said similar patterns could repeat in Iran. (PC: India Today)

A Navy technician has been arrested for allegedly killing his partner and hiding her remains inside his rented flat in Visakhapatnam. Police said Chintada Ravindra called Mounika to his home, where an argument turned violent. Investigators said he had planned the act and arranged knives earlier. After the killing, he allegedly cut the body into parts. One part was stored in a fridge, while others were hidden inside the house and outside. He later surrendered at a police station after speaking to a friend. A police officer said, “This was not just a murder. It was what came after.” (PC: India Today)

US President Donald Trump said Iran’s new leaders were “very reasonable” as efforts began to open talks. He said the US and Iran had been in contact “directly and indirectly”. “I think we’ll make a deal,” he said, but added it may not happen. Pakistan said it is ready to host talks soon. Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar said discussions could take place “in the coming days”. It is not clear if both sides will attend. Iran warned it would not accept pressure. Parliament speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf said, “We will never accept humiliation.” (PC: The Indian Express)

Global oil prices rose sharply and Asian markets fell as the US-Israel war with Iran entered its fifth week. Brent crude climbed over $115 a barrel, while US oil reached $101.62. Japan’s Nikkei 225 dropped 2.8%, and South Korea’s Kospi fell nearly 3%. Tensions increased after Houthi strikes on Israel and threats by Iran to widen attacks. Concerns over supply grew as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz slowed. Shipping expert Lars Jensen warned the impact could be “substantially larger” than the 1970s crisis. He said, “We need to keep in mind” delays in supply are still affecting markets. (PC: BBC)

A new US missile, not tested in combat before, was likely used in a strike on a school in Iran’s Lamerd, a report said. The February 28 attack came on the first day of the war. The same day, a US Tomahawk missile hit a school in Minab, killing 175 people.   The report said damage at the Lamerd site matched the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM). The weapon explodes above targets and releases metal pellets.   The US military confirmed PrSM was used in the war for the first time. But it has not confirmed if it was used in Lamerd.

US troop levels in West Asia have crossed 57,000 amid the war with Iran. This is the largest build-up since 2003. Around 5,000 troops arrived last week, including 2,500 Marines and units from the 82nd Airborne. They joined forces already deployed across the region. The Pentagon is also planning to send about 10,000 more troops, according to reports. The USS Tripoli carries about 3,500 Marines. US troops are stationed in Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Syria, and Jordan, along with naval forces at sea. (PC: NDTV)

Balendra Shah has launched major reforms days after taking office. He banned student politics on campuses and said education must be free from party control. He plans non-political student bodies within 90 days. Critics warn it may limit democratic space. His government also barred civil servants from party links. Former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was arrested over last year’s protests. Shah said justice will be ensured. Families of students killed in the protests will get jobs. In a message to Narendra Modi, he said he is “eager to work closely,” signaling a cautious reset in ties. (PC: India Today)