A U.S. military KC‑135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on 12 March 2026, killing four of the six crew members, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed. Rescue operations are ongoing for the two others. The crash occurred during Operation Epic Fury, part of U.S. military actions linked to the wider conflict involving Iran; CENTCOM said the loss was not due to hostile or friendly fire. Another KC‑135 involved in the incident landed safely. The identities of those killed are being withheld pending family notification, and an investigation into the circumstances is underway. (PC: EPA)

After Pakistan’s recent air raids inside Afghanistan, Afghanistan’s **Taliban government claimed it retaliated with drone strikes on a Pakistani army camp in Kohat, marking a serious escalation in cross‑border tensions. Pakistan had conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar, targeting what it described as militant hideouts, which Kabul condemned as violations of sovereignty. The conflict is part of a broader surge in hostilities between the neighbours, with both sides exchanging strikes and blaming each other for harbouring militants, raising fears of a wider military confrontation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that ballistic missiles and drones struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Sea of Oman, asserting severe damage and a forced withdrawal. Tehran’s statement said the attack occurred about 340 km from its maritime borders, with state media claiming U.S. vessels fled at high speed. Washington’s U.S. Central Command denied the claim, releasing photos and stating the carrier remains fully operational supporting Operation Epic Fury. Conflicting narratives reflect escalating tensions between Iran and U.S./Israeli forces in the broader Middle East conflict. (PC: X)

Two people were killed in Oman after debris from an intercepted drone fell in a populated area amid the intensifying US–Iran conflict. Authorities said the drone was part of the ongoing regional hostilities linked to the war. Meanwhile, Donald Trump issued a cryptic warning, telling reporters to “watch what happens today,” suggesting possible new military or strategic moves by the United States government. The remark comes as tensions surge across the Middle East, with missile strikes, drone attacks and threats to energy shipping routes continuing to destabilize the region. (PC: HT)

The United States and its Western allies clashed with Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council over Iran’s nuclear program amid escalating tensions from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Washington pushed to maintain oversight of sanctions through the UN’s 1737 Committee, accusing Moscow and Beijing of shielding Tehran and blocking enforcement measures. The proposal to continue discussions on the committee passed with 11 votes in favour, two against, and two abstentions despite Russian and Chinese opposition. US officials warned Iran has enriched uranium to around 60% without full international inspections, raising concerns about potential nuclear weapons capability, while Russia and China accused the US of escalating tensions. (PC: Reuters)

A US military KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue mission. The aircraft had five crew members on board when it went down, according to US Central Command. Officials said the crash occurred in “friendly airspace” and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. Reports indicate that two KC-135 tankers were involved in the incident, with one aircraft crashing while the second managed to land safely despite sustaining damage. Authorities have not confirmed casualties yet as rescue teams continue efforts at the crash site amid heightened military activity in the region. (PC: AP)

Former US President Donald Trump has said Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is likely still alive but may be seriously injured. Trump stated he believes Khamenei is “alive in some form” though possibly “damaged,” as speculation grows about his condition following recent US-Israel strikes on Iran. Reports suggest Khamenei suffered injuries during the attacks that killed his father, former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Since his appointment earlier this month, Mojtaba Khamenei has not appeared publicly, fueling rumours about his health. Iranian officials claim he is injured but still functioning as leader while the ongoing regional conflict continues to escalate. (PC: X)

Fresh explosions were reported in central areas of Dubai, sending thick black smoke rising above buildings and alarming residents amid the escalating Iran-US-Israel conflict. Witnesses reported loud blasts and shaking buildings in downtown districts, with visuals showing dark plumes over the skyline. Authorities are still assessing the cause, but the incident comes as Iranian missile and drone strikes expand across Gulf countries. UAE air-defence systems have reportedly intercepted several projectiles, though debris and explosions have been seen in parts of the city. The attack highlights the growing spillover of the Middle East war into major regional hubs. 

The United States has issued a temporary 30-day waiver allowing several countries, including India, to purchase Russian oil shipments that are currently stranded at sea. The decision by the US Treasury aims to ease pressure on global energy supplies as the ongoing Iran conflict disrupts oil transport routes and pushes prices higher. Officials clarified that the waiver only applies to cargo already loaded onto ships before March 5 and does not permit new Russian exports. Washington said the measure is designed to stabilise fuel markets and control rising oil prices while ensuring the move does not significantly increase Russia’s revenue during the crisis. (PC: X)

A US Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting military operations linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. The aircraft went down during Operation Epic Fury, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue mission by US forces. Officials confirmed the incident occurred in “friendly airspace” and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, though the exact cause remains under investigation. Two aircraft were reportedly involved in the mission, with the second landing safely. The number and condition of crew members were not immediately confirmed. The crash comes amid escalating regional tensions and intensive aerial operations as the US continues strikes and missions related to the war with Iran. (PC: AP)