Russia has begun supplying Iran with drones, food, and missiles as Tehran continues its conflict with the United States and Israel, according to a Financial Times report published Thursday. The shipments reportedly started earlier this month and are expected to be completed by the end of March. This marks the first lethal weapons delivery from Moscow to Tehran since the war began on February 28. Previously, Russia had supported Iran with intelligence and satellite imagery.

The report noted that while Russia had been producing Iranian-designed drones for use in the Ukraine war since 2023, it is now sending drones back to Iran to strengthen its defense systems and battlefield position. A Kremlin spokesperson did not directly confirm the drone supply but acknowledged ongoing dialogue with Iranian leadership, suggesting deepening strategic ties between the two nations.

Israeli strikes on Iranian targets in the Caspian Sea were reportedly aimed at disrupting this military and logistical exchange. Western countries view the growing Russia-Iran cooperation as a new source of concern, with analysts describing the drone transfer as a reciprocal exchange following earlier Iranian support for Russia.

UK Defense Minister John Healey has alleged that Russia provided Iran with intelligence and training before the outbreak of conflict in the Middle East. Speaking in an interview with BBC Breakfast, Healey said a so-called 'axis of aggression' has formed between Russia and Iran. He claimed that Russian President Vladimir Putin’s influence is guiding Iran’s actions and that Moscow seeks to divert global attention from its activities in Ukraine.

Healey stated that Britain’s involvement in the conflict was aimed at protecting UK interests, military installations, and allies in the region. He added that the Royal Air Force had conducted more than one thousand hours of aerial patrols in the area as part of these efforts.

The report also referenced related regional tensions, including statements about Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz and concerns over potential energy instability in Asia if the conflict continues.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi has accused Iran of crossing all red lines by closing the Strait of Hormuz and launching direct attacks on neighboring countries. Speaking at a GCC meeting in Riyadh on Thursday, he described Iran’s actions as a grave violation of international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Al Budaiwi said Iran imposed tariffs on passage through the strait, calling it direct aggression against GCC states. He added that several commercial vessels had been hijacked or attacked, severely disrupting international maritime traffic.

Al Budaiwi emphasized the global economic importance of GCC countries, which he described as the “economic lungs” of the world. According to him, GCC members produce 16 billion barrels of crude oil daily—22 percent of global output—and export 27 percent of the world’s oil, about 11.5 billion barrels per day. He warned that Iran’s provocative actions threaten this vital supply chain.

The GCC views Iran’s attacks as not only escalating regional tensions but also marking a turning point in GCC-Iran relations, with civilian casualties reported from missile and drone strikes.

Britain’s King Charles III has sent a congratulatory message to Bangladesh’s President Md. Shahabuddin on the occasion of the country’s Independence and National Day. The British High Commission in Dhaka shared the information on Thursday. In his letter, King Charles and his wife extended their heartfelt greetings to the President and the people of Bangladesh, recalling the enduring partnership between the two nations.

The King highlighted that over 650,000 people of Bangladeshi origin live in the United Kingdom and contribute significantly to national life, strengthening the lasting ties between the two countries. He emphasized the importance of unity and collective strength amid global uncertainty and praised the diversity and energy of the Commonwealth’s youth as a source of hope and progress.

King Charles also expressed anticipation for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in November, where member nations are expected to reaffirm shared commitments and plan for a sustainable and prosperous future. He concluded by wishing peace and prosperity for the people of Bangladesh in the coming year.

Australia has announced a temporary six‑month ban on Iranian passport holders entering the country for tourism or work purposes. The decision, confirmed by the Home Affairs Department on March 26, 2026, was attributed to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East. The ministry stated that the risk of short‑term visa holders overstaying their permitted period had increased due to instability in Iran. Exceptions will apply in limited cases, such as for parents of Australian citizens.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke said that many visitor visas issued before the current situation in Iran might not have been approved if applied for now. He emphasized that permanent settlement in Australia should be a formal decision, not an outcome of temporary visits. Official data show that more than 85,000 Iranian‑born residents currently live in Australia, mainly in Sydney and Melbourne.

Earlier in the month, diplomatic tensions rose after Australia granted asylum to seven members of Iran’s women’s football team who refused to sing the national anthem during an Asian Cup match. Five of them later withdrew their asylum requests amid pressure on their families in Iran.

Israel has reportedly removed Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf from its target list following a request from Pakistan to Washington. A Pakistani source told Reuters that Israel had information on their locations and intended to target them, but the United States intervened after Pakistan warned that removing them was necessary to keep dialogue channels open. Pakistan’s military and foreign ministry have not commented on the matter.

The Wall Street Journal earlier reported that the two Iranian leaders were temporarily taken off Israel’s target list for four to five days to facilitate potential peace talks, though it did not mention Pakistan’s involvement. Pakistan, Egypt, and Turkey are currently acting as mediators between Tehran and Washington in efforts to end the ongoing conflict.

Islamabad maintains direct communication with both Washington and Tehran at a time when many other countries have lost such channels. The Pakistani capital is also being considered as a possible venue for future peace discussions.

UK Defence Secretary John Healey stated that the United States has not yet shared any detailed plan to resolve the ongoing conflict. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s 'Today' program, he said that while a plan is being developed, no specific details are currently available.

Healey explained that the United Kingdom is working to bring various countries together and to create alternatives beyond military measures regarding the Strait of Hormuz. He emphasized the importance of securing commitments from nations willing to help reopen the strait for maritime traffic. He also described the ongoing discussions between the United States and Iran as a positive step, noting that dialogue between the two sides is welcome.

According to Healey, restoring normal shipping operations in the Strait of Hormuz and achieving regional stability will require an effective path to conflict resolution.

Iran is reviewing a US proposal aimed at ending the ongoing war in the Gulf region, according to Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. He stated that Tehran has no intention of engaging in direct talks to halt the wider Middle East conflict but signaled conditional openness to discussions if its terms are met. Araghchi clarified on state television that exchanging messages through mediators does not constitute direct negotiations with the United States.

According to six regional sources, Iran has informed mediators that any ceasefire agreement involving the United States and Israel must include Lebanon. The Reuters report cited Araghchi’s remarks suggesting that Tehran’s leadership will decide on the proposals once reviewed. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump claimed in Washington that Iranian leaders secretly want a deal but fear domestic and external repercussions.

An Israeli defense official expressed doubt that Iran would accept US conditions and voiced concern that American negotiators might offer concessions. Another source said Israel wants to retain its option for preemptive strikes under any potential agreement.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar has confirmed that his country is facilitating message exchanges between the United States and Iran as part of a mediation effort. He stated that Turkey, Egypt, and several other nations are also supporting this initiative aimed at easing tensions between the two sides.

In a post on social media platform X, Dar emphasized Pakistan’s full commitment to peace and its ongoing efforts to ensure stability both within the region and beyond. The statement highlights Islamabad’s active diplomatic engagement amid heightened regional uncertainty.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, underscores Pakistan’s role as a communication channel in the broader mediation process, though specific details of the exchanges or outcomes have not been disclosed.

Israel has claimed responsibility for killing Alireza Tangsiri, the head of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy. According to Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, Israeli forces carried out an airstrike that resulted in the death of the IRGC naval commander. The report was published on March 26, 2026.

As of the time of reporting, Iranian authorities have not issued any immediate comment regarding the claim. The information was sourced from Al Jazeera, as cited by the Bangladeshi outlet Amar Desh. The incident adds to ongoing regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and their respective allies.

No further details were provided about the location or circumstances of the airstrike, and the broader implications of the claim remain unclear pending Iran’s official response.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the launch of what it calls the 82nd phase of its operations against the United States and Israel. According to Iran’s Tasnim News Agency, the latest phase began early Thursday morning and involved the use of a large number of drones and missiles. The IRGC stated that the main targets were Israel’s military command centers and industrial facilities connected to the country’s nuclear infrastructure located south of the Dead Sea.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, indicates that this marks a continuation of Iran’s ongoing campaign against its adversaries. The announcement underscores Tehran’s assertion of military capability and its willingness to target strategic Israeli assets. The operation’s timing and scale suggest a significant escalation in the confrontation between the two nations.

Further details about the extent of the damage or Israel’s response were not provided in the source report.

Bangladesh has called for intensified global efforts to eliminate slavery and exploitation. Foreign Minister Khalilur Rahman made the appeal at a commemorative meeting of the United Nations General Assembly held in memory of the victims of slavery and the transatlantic slave trade. He paid deep respect to the millions who suffered under slavery and praised the resilience of those who fought for freedom and justice.

Rahman emphasized that the transatlantic slave trade left a lasting scar on humanity. Reaffirming Bangladesh’s firm stance against slavery, racism, genocide, and all forms of oppression, he noted that the country’s constitution rejects imperialism, colonialism, racism, and discrimination while expressing solidarity with oppressed peoples. He recalled that the 1926 Slavery Convention and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights recognized slavery as a grave human rights violation.

The minister highlighted the need to strengthen anti-human trafficking measures, enhance digital forensic coordination, and invest in education and dialogue on the human and civilizational costs of slavery. He urged the international community to unite in building a world free from slavery, discrimination, and injustice.

The United States has warned Iran to accept defeat or face harsher retaliation, according to statements reported on March 26, 2026. Tehran, however, rejected any proposal for negotiations and pledged to continue its counterattacks. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on state television that his government has not participated in any talks to end the war and has no plans to do so.

Iran’s state-run Press TV cited a senior political and security official saying that Iran will decide when to end the war, only after its own conditions are met. The report added that Iran has set several conditions for ending the conflict. Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt insisted that discussions between the United States and Iran are ongoing, a claim Iranian officials have denied.

The source also noted that Russia provided intelligence to Iran before the war, and regional tensions have escalated, with the Gulf Cooperation Council accusing Iran of crossing a red line by closing the Strait of Hormuz.

US Vice President JD Vance may travel to Pakistan later this week to discuss President Donald Trump’s proposal for ending the ongoing Middle East war, according to a CNN report cited by Amar Desh. The report said Iranian representatives informed the Trump administration that they did not wish to resume talks with Trump’s envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner. Following this, Islamabad proposed Vance’s name, leading to reports of his possible visit.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt said that nothing had changed in the administration’s approach and described Vance as a key member of the national security team. She added that President Trump regularly seeks Vance’s advice on both domestic and foreign matters. Levitt declined to specify which Iranian officials the US was engaging with, but CNN sources indicated that Trump’s team was working to organize peace-focused discussions in Pakistan this weekend.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stated that his country is ready to host meaningful talks aimed at ending the conflict. Reports suggest that US and Iranian representatives could meet in Islamabad within the week, though timing and participation remain subject to change.

Iran has confirmed that it is reviewing a ceasefire proposal from the United States but has ruled out any possibility of direct negotiations. The statement came after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran was desperate to reach a deal to end nearly four weeks of fighting. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi dismissed Trump’s claim, clarifying that while Tehran is examining the proposal, it has no intention of engaging in talks to resolve the conflict.

The prolonged war between Iran and the US-Israel alliance has intensified economic and humanitarian crises, with global energy markets facing severe disruptions. Many countries and companies are struggling to manage the resulting oil shortages. Araghchi stated that no direct dialogue has taken place between Tehran and Washington, though messages have been exchanged through mediators.

In a televised interview, Araghchi emphasized that responding to messages or clarifying Iran’s stance through friendly nations does not constitute formal negotiations. The situation continues to strain international energy stability and heighten regional uncertainty.