The United States military launched a strike on an Iranian drone carrier, identified as Shahid Bagheri, as part of its ongoing operations against Iran’s naval capabilities. According to U.S. officials, the vessel—used to deploy reconnaissance and attack drones—was hit and set ablaze during the operation. The strike is aimed at weakening Iran’s ability to conduct drone warfare and project power in regional waters. The attack comes amid escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with U.S. forces targeting multiple Iranian military assets in recent days as part of broader efforts to curb Iran’s maritime and drone operations in the Middle East.

U.S. President Donald Trump indicated that his administration aims to resolve the ongoing conflict in Iran before shifting focus to political developments in Cuba. Speaking at a White House event, Trump said the United States wants to “finish” the Iran situation first but suggested changes in Cuba could follow soon, calling it “a question of time.” He also claimed Cuba is eager to strike a deal with Washington. The remarks come amid escalating U.S. military actions against Iran and growing speculation about Washington’s broader strategy of encouraging regime change in adversarial governments. Analysts warn such comments could heighten geopolitical tensions in both regions. (PC: Getty Images)

Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a routine training mission. The aircraft had taken off from the Jorhat Air Force Station and reportedly lost radar contact around 7:42 pm before crashing about 60 km away in a hilly area. The deceased officers were identified as Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar, who sustained fatal injuries in the crash. The Indian Air Force confirmed the incident and expressed condolences to the families. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the accident. (PC: IAF)

A 33-year-old Mumbai seafarer, Dixit Amritlal Solanki, was killed after a missile struck the oil tanker MT MKD Vyom in the Strait of Hormuz amid rising tensions in West Asia. The tanker, carrying around 59,000 metric tonnes of gasoline, caught fire after the strike while sailing near the Oman coast. Solanki, who was working as an oiler and had joined the vessel in December 2025, went missing after the explosion and was later presumed dead. The remaining 21 crew members were safely rescued and taken to Muscat, Oman. The attack highlights growing security risks to commercial shipping routes in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. (PC: WION)

An Indian Air Force Sukhoi-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district shortly after taking off from the Jorhat airbase during a routine training sortie. The aircraft reportedly lost radar contact minutes after departure on Thursday evening. Rescue teams from the Indian Air Force, police, and local authorities rushed to the remote hilly area where the crash occurred and launched search operations for the two pilots on board. Local villagers reported hearing a loud blast before spotting smoke rising from the forested region. Officials said investigations are underway to determine the exact cause of the crash. (PC: X)

Indian women’s cricket star Smriti Mandhana has created history by becoming the first cricketer to receive a personalised Barbie doll. The honour comes as part of Mattel’s “Barbie Dream Team” initiative ahead of International Women’s Day 2026. The campaign celebrates women worldwide who have broken barriers and inspired future generations. Mandhana joins a global lineup of influential women from sports, science and entertainment, including tennis legend Serena Williams. The special Barbie recognises Mandhana’s achievements and impact on women’s cricket in India. The initiative aims to encourage young girls to pursue their dreams and celebrate female role models across different fields. (PC: Instagram)

A coalition of 24 U.S. states has filed a lawsuit to block new global tariffs introduced by Donald Trump, marking the first major legal challenge to the policy. The states argue the administration illegally imposed 10–15% tariffs on imports worldwide using the Trade Act of 1974, just weeks after the U.S. Supreme Court struck down earlier tariffs enacted under emergency powers. Led by states such as New York, California and Oregon, the lawsuit claims the president exceeded his authority and bypassed Congress. Filed in the U.S. Court of International Trade, the case seeks to halt the tariffs and potentially force refunds for businesses already affected. (PC: Reuters)

The United States has granted India a temporary 30-day waiver allowing it to continue purchasing Russian crude oil as the escalating Iran war threatens global energy supplies. The move aims to prevent major disruptions in the oil market after tensions in the Middle East disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global crude trade. India, one of the world’s largest refiners and exporters of petroleum products, plays a crucial role in stabilizing energy markets. Washington said the short-term waiver will ensure oil flows continue while easing supply pressures caused by the conflict, but expects India to gradually increase imports of U.S. crude after the waiver period ends. (PC: ET Now)

Ukraine’s £750 “Sting” interceptor drones are proposed as a low‑cost solution against Iranian Shahed attack drones, which have targeted U.S. and Gulf military bases. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is offering these drones, along with Ukrainian expertise, to allies in exchange for American Patriot missile systems, highlighting the economic advantage of using inexpensive interceptors against swarms of cheap UAVs rather than relying solely on costly Patriot missiles. The plan underscores Ukraine’s role in regional drone defence while maintaining its own defence readiness amid ongoing conflicts in Europe and the Middle East. (PC: X)

Verified video and reports show a suspected Iranian Shahed‑type drone striking a high‑rise building in Manama, Bahrain’s capital as part of Tehran’s retaliatory campaign after recent US‑Israel attacks on Iran. The drone collided with the Era Views Tower, causing a fiery explosion and fire on upper floors, with emergency services responding to the scene. The incident occurred close to where Bahrain hosts the US Navy Fifth Fleet headquarters, highlighting the widening conflict’s spillover into Gulf states. Analysts note the attack underscores rising tensions and the risk to both military and civilian infrastructure in the region.