Shelly Kittleson, an American reporter who has worked with BBC, Politico and Foreign Policy, was kidnapped in broad daylight in Baghdad. Armed men intercepted her vehicle in the Karrada district, forcibly abducting her and fleeing. Iraqi security forces launched immediate operations, arresting one suspect and seizing a vehicle after a pursuit. Authorities said efforts are ongoing to locate Kittleson and apprehend remaining perpetrators. The Interior Ministry emphasised its commitment to securing her release and holding those responsible accountable, highlighting concerns over journalist safety in conflict-affected regions. (PC: Times Now)

Donald Trump said US forces will leave Iran “very soon,” estimating a timeline of two to three weeks, even without a deal with Tehran. He claimed operations had largely neutralised Iran’s military capabilities and nuclear ambitions. The campaign began on February 28 after joint US-Israeli strikes, prompting Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz and disrupt global oil flows. Trump reiterated that reopening the strait is no longer a US responsibility, urging other nations to secure their own energy supplies. Despite ongoing airstrikes, Washington continues parallel diplomatic efforts. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said coming days will be decisive, while refusing to rule out further escalation or ground operations if required. (PC: Reuters)

India has raised fuel costs amid the global energy shock triggered by the Iran war and disruption of the Strait of Hormuz. Prices of 19-kg commercial LPG cylinders have surged sharply, rising by ₹195.50 in Delhi and ₹218 in Kolkata, reflecting escalating global oil prices. India, which imports a large share of its LPG much of it routed through Hormuz is directly impacted by supply disruptions and rising crude costs. The crisis has tightened supply chains and increased import costs, prompting domestic price adjustments. The development underscores how geopolitical tensions are rapidly translating into higher fuel expenses for businesses and consumers. (PC: X)

Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has warned it will target American firms across West Asia from April 1 if Iranian leaders are killed in further “targeted assassinations.” The threat includes companies such as Microsoft, Apple, Alphabet, Intel, IBM, Tesla and Boeing. The IRGC stated attacks could begin at 8 pm Tehran time and urged employees to evacuate facilities. The warning extends beyond military-linked entities to commercial operations, including offices in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The escalation signals a widening conflict footprint, raising concerns over corporate security and civilian safety across the Gulf region. (PC: X)

Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is forging new alliances with key regional countries to counter Iran amid escalating conflict. Without naming partners, he indicated growing cooperation with parts of the Arab world driven by shared concerns over Iran’s military and nuclear ambitions. Netanyahu claimed recent operations have weakened Iran’s nuclear and missile capabilities and reduced its regional influence, including that of Hezbollah. He described the outreach as part of a broader strategic shift following battlefield gains and suggested long-term changes in Iran’s regime could occur as tensions continue to reshape regional geopolitics.

Masoud Pezeshkian, Iran’s President, said the country has the will to end the war with the US and Israel but wants clear guarantees to stop future attacks. He said, “We possess the necessary will to end this conflict,” but stressed the need to prevent “repetition of aggression.” In a call with António Costa, he discussed possible conditions for peace. The US has warned of “severe consequences” if Iran does not engage. Costa urged Iran to de-escalate. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth said the coming days will be “decisive.” Talks are ongoing. (PC: X)

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)