Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has returned to Dhaka after a six-day visit to Japan. During the trip, he attended the ‘Harmony by Design: Asia Dialogue’ organized by the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Tokyo, where he exchanged views with regional leaders including former Thai Prime Minister Chuan Leekpai. He also presented a keynote at the ‘Next Generation Asia Peacebuilding’ forum, urging youth to link economic opportunities with peace through social business.

Professor Yunus met with former First Lady Akie Abe and senior foundation members, and held discussions with Japanese investors on expanding zero-cost migration opportunities for Bangladeshi workers. He joined a roundtable on ethical migration under the GEMS-Net initiative and participated in a social business discussion at the United Nations University. At the Yunus Global Forum 2026, he spoke on building a “Three Zero World” — zero poverty, zero unemployment, and zero net carbon emissions.

He also visited Sakai city in Ibaraki Prefecture, where he discussed the “Three Zero Smart City” concept and met local officials and students. Japan’s Finance Minister Satsuki Katayama hosted a dinner expressing interest in stronger bilateral cooperation.

Iran has claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting US military radar stations located in the United Arab Emirates. According to a statement from the Iranian army, the strikes were carried out from last night until this morning local time. The radar stations reportedly serve to detect and intercept missiles and military drones. Iran also stated that its drones struck various other US military positions within the UAE.

Earlier on Friday, Iran had also claimed responsibility for an attack on a US military installation in Saudi Arabia, asserting that a US aircraft was destroyed at the Prince Sultan base. These developments come amid heightened tensions across the Middle East, with multiple incidents involving US and Iranian-linked forces reported in recent days.

The series of attacks underscores growing regional instability and signals potential escalation between Iran and US forces stationed in Gulf countries, though independent verification of the claims was not mentioned in the report.

Iraq’s Ministry of Defense reported that rockets struck the Mohammed Alaa Air Base, located near Baghdad International Airport, on Monday morning. The attack destroyed one aircraft but caused no casualties. Authorities are assessing the extent of the damage and investigating the source of the rockets.

Earlier, an Al Jazeera correspondent in Baghdad reported hearing loud explosions, which were later identified as rocket fire targeting the U.S. ‘Victory Base’ about 20 kilometers west of the capital. The air defense system failed to intercept the rockets, which hit an Iraqi special forces A32B transport aircraft, setting it ablaze.

The incident adds to ongoing security concerns in Iraq, where military facilities near Baghdad continue to face periodic rocket and drone attacks, prompting renewed scrutiny of regional defense readiness.

Spain has prohibited U.S. military aircraft involved in attacks on Iran from using its airspace, Defense Minister Margarita Robles announced in Madrid. The restriction follows an earlier ban on the use of jointly operated military bases, extending Spain’s stance against participation in Iran-related military operations. Robles clarified that Spain will not allow either its bases or airspace to be used for any war activities linked to Iran.

Finance Minister Carlos Cuerpo said the move reflects Spain’s policy of not supporting any war initiated unilaterally or in violation of international law. The decision means U.S. military aircraft will need to find alternative routes, though emergency flights are exempt from the restriction.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has previously criticized the U.S.-Israel coalition’s military campaign against Iran, while former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened commercial retaliation in response to Spain’s position.

Iran has officially confirmed the death of its naval commander Alireza Tangsiri, four days after Israel claimed responsibility for his killing. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) issued a statement through the Tasnim news agency acknowledging that Tangsiri died from the severity of an attack while organizing his forces and strengthening coastal defenses.

The IRGC statement added that despite Tangsiri’s absence, its naval units continue to deliver strong blows and maintain full control over the Strait of Hormuz. The force vowed not to rest until its enemies are completely destroyed. Tangsiri had been overseeing vessel movements through the strategic waterway and had previously declared that ships linked to aggressors against Iran had no right to pass through it.

Known for his outspoken stance against the United States and Israel, Tangsiri was among senior IRGC commanders sanctioned by Washington in 2019 after Iran shot down a U.S. surveillance drone near the strait.

An Iranian missile attack has caused a fire at an oil refinery in the Israeli port city of Haifa, according to Israeli media reports. The incident occurred as Iran’s confrontation with the United States and Israel entered its second month. The refinery, identified as the Bazan facility in northern Israel, caught fire following the strike.

Reports also noted that the same location had been targeted earlier on March 19. The renewed attack underscores the continuing cycle of strikes and counterstrikes between Iran and Israel, which have intensified in recent weeks. The reports did not mention any casualties or the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

The ongoing hostilities reflect a deepening regional conflict, with both sides engaging in repeated military actions. Further developments are expected as the situation remains volatile and unresolved.

Six Israeli soldiers were injured in southern Lebanon following Hezbollah attacks and an operational accident, according to the Israeli military. The incidents occurred in three separate events, leaving three soldiers in serious condition. Two soldiers were wounded by anti-tank fire, three by a drone strike, and one in an operational mishap.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered an expansion of military operations in southern Lebanon. In a video statement from the Northern Command, he said the decision was made in response to Hezbollah’s continued rocket attacks and the growing security risks along the border.

The developments mark an escalation in cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides citing security concerns as justification for their actions.

Hundreds of Israeli passengers were stranded at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, Jordan, after Jordanian authorities suspended flights operated by Israel’s Arkia Airlines on Sunday. Israeli Channel 12 reported that the suspension left many travelers unable to depart. Jordan has not issued any official comment on the matter.

The disruption follows escalating regional tensions after Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Tel Aviv in retaliation for U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on February 28. In response, Israel closed its Ben Gurion Airport. Arkia, Israel’s second-largest airline, had announced plans last week to shift most of its operations to airports in Jordan and Egypt.

However, according to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, Jordanian authorities have blocked Arkia’s relocation plan. Israeli aviation officials said the airline may have to cancel all flights operating through Jordan. Arkia stated that part of its operations would be moved to Egypt’s Taba Airport, depending on operational capacity and necessary permissions.

U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering a ground operation in Iran to seize around 1,000 pounds (454 kilograms) of uranium, according to unnamed American officials cited by The Wall Street Journal. The report says such an operation could require U.S. forces to remain inside Iran for several days or longer. Trump has not yet made a final decision and is weighing the risks to American troops.

Officials quoted in the report said the president views the plan positively, as it could support his goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Pentagon preparations do not indicate a presidential decision. The Pentagon declined to comment, and a spokesperson for U.S. Central Command also refused to respond.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday night, Trump warned that Iran must comply with U.S. demands on nuclear weapons or risk ceasing to exist as a country. He added that Iran would have to hand over all its uranium to the United States.

A rocket attack struck the United States' former 'Victory Base' military facility located about 20 kilometers west of Baghdad, Iraq, on March 30, 2026. Loud explosions were heard across the capital, and reports confirmed that the rockets hit an Iraqi special forces A32B transport aircraft, setting it on fire. The air defense system failed to intercept the rockets. According to Al Jazeera, this marks the first attack on the Victory Base, which no longer hosts any US troops.

The incident carries symbolic significance, as the base was once considered one of Iraq’s most secure and protected areas during the height of the US military presence. The attack highlights a shift in the security landscape, with even previously fortified sites now vulnerable to strikes. Throughout the night, US aircraft were seen flying over Baghdad.

In a separate incident, a drone attack targeted the US embassy in Erbil, the capital of Iraq’s Kurdish autonomous region. Air defense systems successfully intercepted the drones, preventing damage.

The US President issued a stern warning on Sunday, stating that Iran would not survive as a nation if it continues efforts to acquire nuclear weapons. Speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, he said Iran must abandon its nuclear ambitions, surrender everything to the United States, and comply fully. He added that Iran could rebuild itself as a great country if it complies, but otherwise, it would face total destruction.

When asked about reports that Iran might impose tolls on ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the President said he would verify the claim. He asserted that if such a move occurred, the United States could halt it within minutes. The remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

The warning came amid heightened tensions in the region, with related developments including alleged Iranian attacks on infrastructure in Kuwait and claims of progress in US-Iran talks through Pakistan.

Kuwait’s Ministry of Electricity reported that a power and desalination plant was attacked as part of what it described as Iranian aggression against the state. The ministry confirmed that one Indian worker was killed and the facility sustained significant damage. Technical and emergency teams were dispatched immediately to restore normal operations.

According to the ministry’s statement, the assault targeted the service building of the plant. Iranian state media, citing Kuwait’s ministry, also acknowledged that the plant suffered major damage. However, Iran has not issued any official comment on the incident.

Separately, Kuwait’s Defense Ministry said that 14 missiles and 12 drones were detected in its airspace on Sunday evening, with several drones striking a military camp and injuring ten soldiers. The situation prompted heightened security and emergency responses across the affected areas.

US President Donald Trump claimed that American forces have destroyed important targets across Iran. In a post on Truth Social on Sunday, he described it as a major day for the US military, calling it the best and most lethal in the world. He said the forces had eliminated and destroyed long-desired objectives in Iran.

Earlier, speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said the United States was engaged in both direct and indirect discussions with Iran and that the talks were progressing very well. He expressed confidence about reaching an agreement with Iran but acknowledged that there was also a possibility of failure. Trump further claimed that a change in Iran’s governing system had already taken place.

The statements came as Trump also mentioned that progress in the talks with Iran was being made through Pakistan, suggesting ongoing diplomatic efforts alongside military actions.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has claimed responsibility for destroying a US Boeing E-3 Sentry surveillance aircraft worth $700 million using a Shahed-136 drone costing about $20,000. The attack reportedly took place last Friday at Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, where Iran launched a coordinated missile and drone strike. According to the IRGC, at least 12 US soldiers were injured in the incident.

In a statement released Sunday, the IRGC said its Aerospace Force carried out the joint operation in response to what it called hostile actions by US forces. The group asserted that the E-3 Sentry, part of the Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AWACS), was completely destroyed, and nearby aircraft were also damaged. Images circulating on social media appeared to show wreckage of the aircraft at the US-operated base in Saudi Arabia, which had been deployed from Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma City.

The IRGC added that the drone struck the aircraft near its tail section, hitting the sensitive AN/APY-2 radar area. The report was sourced from Press TV.

Pope Leo XIV warned that God does not respond to the prayers of warmongers during his Palm Sunday sermon on Sunday, amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He stated that God is against war and does not accept the prayers of those who promote it. The Pope also expressed concern for Christians affected by the conflict, noting that they are unable to fully observe their religious practices.

Earlier in the week, Pope Leo XIV had called for a ceasefire in the Middle East, saying that more than one million people had already been displaced. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to engage in dialogue to resolve their differences. The Pope, the first American to hold the position, has consistently condemned war and advocated for peaceful negotiation.

Despite his repeated appeals for peace, the 70-year-old pontiff has refrained from naming or blaming any specific side in the conflict, maintaining a cautious stance on the Iran war issue.