Turkey has announced that it is acting as a mediator in message exchanges between Iran and the United States. Harun Armagan, the vice chairman for foreign affairs of Turkey’s ruling AK Party, confirmed the development, according to Al Jazeera. In an interview with Reuters, Armagan said Ankara is playing a role in delivering messages, with the main goal of reducing tensions and paving the way for direct talks between the two countries.

Armagan added that Turkey maintains strong diplomatic relations with both Iran and the United States. Leveraging this position, Ankara is seeking to establish itself as a potential mediator in the ongoing standoff. The report also noted that several other countries have shown interest in similar mediation efforts.

Analysts cited in the report believe that such initiatives could play a significant role in easing the current tensions between Tehran and Washington.

According to Iran’s state news agency IRNA, Tehran’s ambassador to Pakistan, Reza Amiri Moghadam, stated that there have been no direct or indirect discussions between Iran and the United States. He added that friendly nations are attempting to create a platform for dialogue between Tehran and Washington, expressing hope that such efforts could help end the ongoing imposed war.

Earlier, U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that his administration was in contact with the “appropriate authorities” in Iran and that Tehran was eager to reach an agreement. In response, a spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces said the United States was “talking to itself.” Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif also announced on social media that his country was ready to host talks aimed at resolving the conflict.

The statements come amid heightened regional tensions, with reports of Israeli and Iranian military actions and growing concerns over the impact of the Iran war on energy supplies and daily life across Asia.

The United States and Iran appear to be running out of options to end their escalating conflict, despite repeated claims from Washington and Tel Aviv that Iran’s military capacity has been crippled. Recent reports indicate that Iran launched two missiles toward the U.S.-U.K. base at Diego Garcia, raising new concerns about its missile range. The attacks followed a series of strikes between Iran and Israel, including Iranian attacks on Israel’s Dimona area and Israeli retaliation near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear site.

Uncertainty surrounds Iran’s leadership after the reported death of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with his son Mojtaba Khamenei named successor but yet to appear publicly. Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump set a 48-hour deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to destroy Iranian power plants if ignored. Hours before the deadline, he announced a five-day suspension of planned strikes, citing “productive talks.”

Both sides now face limited strategic choices. Iran’s internal pressures and the U.S.-Israel reliance on airstrikes leave little room for de-escalation, raising fears of a prolonged and destructive standoff across the region.

Hezbollah has claimed that it repelled an Israeli warplane during a possible attack in southern Lebanon. According to a statement from the group, the incident occurred on Monday evening when the aircraft was forced to retreat after being targeted by a surface-to-air missile launched by Hezbollah fighters. The group said the Israeli plane had been preparing to carry out an attack in the area.

Israel has not yet commented on the claim. The report, citing Al Jazeera, noted that the incident has raised concerns about escalating tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border, an area that has seen repeated confrontations in recent months.

Observers fear that such incidents could further heighten instability in the border region if retaliatory actions follow, though no immediate response was reported at the time of publication.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov stated that the current state of global conflicts gives the impression that a third world war has already begun. Speaking at a meeting of the Gorchakov Fund’s Board of Trustees, he said some international relations experts have started describing ongoing regional conflicts as part of a global war. Lavrov attributed recent events in Latin America and the Middle East to Western efforts to maintain dominance and accused Western political elites of expending their remaining political and economic resources to confront Russia.

Lavrov expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Middle East, particularly worsening relations between Iran and its neighbors. He accused the United States and Israel of military aggression against Iran and warned that the situation could threaten global trade, energy security, and international communication systems. He said Russia is in contact with Iran and Gulf Cooperation Council countries to share its assessments.

He added that Russia supports dialogue-based solutions in the Middle East, backs Cuba’s sovereign development rights, and continues cooperation with Arab and Muslim nations to ensure a just resolution of the Palestinian issue in line with UN resolutions.

A drone attack at Kuwait International Airport on Wednesday caused a fire in a fuel tank, according to the country’s Civil Aviation Authority. The agency confirmed that there were no casualties and described the damage as limited. Firefighters were deployed immediately after emergency measures were activated to bring the blaze under control.

The Civil Aviation Authority’s spokesperson, Abdullah Al-Rajhi, stated that relevant authorities implemented approved emergency procedures promptly. The incident follows a series of similar drone attacks on the airport since late February, when Israel and the United States began strikes on Iran, escalating regional conflict.

Earlier in March, multiple drone attacks targeted the airport’s radar system and fuel tanks, causing minor injuries and limited damage. The latest incident underscores the continued vulnerability of key infrastructure in Kuwait amid the broader regional unrest.

Lebanon’s state media reported on Wednesday that Israeli airstrikes in the southern region killed at least nine people. Six deaths occurred in the Sidon area, including in the Adloun town and the Mieh Mieh Palestinian refugee camp, while three others were killed in Habboush. Several others were injured in the attacks, according to the National News Agency (NNA) and AFP reports.

The strikes come as Israel intensifies its military operations against the Iran-backed Hezbollah group. The conflict expanded after Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel on March 2, following a joint U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran that heightened regional tensions. Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee said forces were targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in Beirut’s southern suburbs and urged residents to evacuate for safety.

Lebanese authorities stated that Israeli operations have killed at least 1,072 people and displaced over one million. Israel said it aims to control areas up to the Litani River, about 30 kilometers from the border, while northern Israel continues to face rocket fire from Lebanon.

U.S. and Israeli media have reported, citing unnamed sources, that the United States has handed a 15-point peace plan to Iran. Although the BBC has not seen the document, President Donald Trump confirmed that talks are underway to end the war with Iran, describing the other side as eager for a deal. Iranian officials, however, dismissed reports of such talks as false. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told China’s Wang Yi that Iran seeks a full ceasefire, not a temporary one.

The conflict has driven global oil prices down by about six percent, while exchanges of attacks between Iran and Israel continue. Tehran has stated that non-hostile ships will be allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling its intent to maintain control of the key waterway until an agreement is reached. Iran’s Red Crescent reported that about 82,000 structures have been damaged since the war began.

Several countries, including Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt, are attempting to mediate between Washington and Tehran. French President Emmanuel Macron has urged Iran to halt attacks and ensure freedom of navigation in the Gulf, while Israel’s President Isaac Herzog emphasized preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Iran has presented five conditions for a potential ceasefire agreement aimed at ending its ongoing conflict with Israel and the United States, according to Hebrew-language media reports. The confrontation has been continuing since late February, and the conditions were reportedly introduced as part of indirect negotiations announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

According to Channel 12, Iran’s demands include assurances that hostilities will not resume, the establishment of a new arrangement granting Tehran effective control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz, and the closure of U.S. military bases across the Middle East. Tehran has also sought financial compensation for war-related damages and called for action against media outlets it deems hostile, including the prosecution or extradition of individuals accused of spreading anti-Iran propaganda.

Trump previously stated that the United States had been engaged in long-term discussions with Iran and that Tehran was now taking the matter seriously, though no further details were provided in the report.

Diplomatic efforts have intensified in the Middle East as Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan attempt to arrange a direct meeting between the United States and Iran in Islamabad within the next 48 hours. According to reports, a 15-point proposal has been sent to Iran through Pakistan, and the mediating countries are working to secure a face-to-face dialogue soon.

Alongside these diplomatic moves, the United States is increasing its military presence in the region. Earlier, the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, consisting of about 2,500 troops, was deployed, and now an additional 1,500 soldiers from the 82nd Airborne Division are being sent to the Middle East. These units are trained for offensive operations. Iranian negotiators have reportedly shown reluctance to meet US representatives Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, preferring instead to engage with Vice President JD Vance.

The situation remains tense as diplomatic and military activities advance simultaneously, adding complexity to the regional crisis.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced a new round of missile attacks targeting Israel and US military bases across the Middle East. According to a statement cited by Fars News Agency, this marks the 80th phase of such missile operations. The IRGC claimed to have struck a military base in the northern Israeli city of Safed, as well as sites in Tel Aviv, Kiryat Shmona, and Bnei Brak.

The statement also asserted that US military installations in Kuwait, Jordan, and Bahrain were targeted. However, there were no immediate independent confirmations of damage or casualties resulting from the reported attacks. The announcement was reported by Al Jazeera and published by Amar Desh Online on March 25, 2026.

The absence of verified information on the extent of the strikes leaves uncertainty about their impact or potential escalation in the region.

The ongoing Israel-Iran war has entered a more difficult and prolonged phase, moving away from short, intense strikes toward a drawn-out conflict. Early in the war, Israeli and U.S. forces carried out heavy attacks on Iranian targets, damaging several military facilities. However, as the fighting continues, questions have emerged about Israel’s ability to sustain a long-term confrontation given its structural and strategic limitations.

The report highlights several key weaknesses: limited missile defense interceptors, high operational costs, manpower shortages, and heavy reliance on U.S. military support. Israel’s missile defense systems such as Iron Dome and David’s Sling are technologically advanced but expensive to maintain, and their interceptor stockpiles are depleting rapidly under sustained Iranian missile and drone attacks. Economic strain is also mounting, with labor shortages, business closures, and rising defense expenditures adding pressure to the national economy.

Analysts note that Iran appears to be pursuing a strategy of attrition, aiming to exhaust Israel economically and psychologically rather than seeking a quick victory. As the conflict drags on, Israel’s dependence on external allies and its limited geographic and demographic depth may further test its long-term resilience.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on March 24 at the White House that Iran is 'very desperate' to reach a deal to end the ongoing conflict. He stated that Washington is in contact with 'appropriate people' in Tehran but did not specify who they are. Trump hinted that Iran might offer a major oil and gas proposal and claimed that the U.S. holds the upper hand, asserting that much of Iran’s military capability has been destroyed. However, field reports indicate Iran still controls the Hormuz Strait, raising doubts about his statements.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf dismissed Trump’s remarks as 'fake news.' Reports suggest Washington sent Tehran a 15-point proposal through Pakistan, possibly including halting Iran’s nuclear program and reopening the Hormuz Strait. Al Jazeera’s Teresa Bo noted that Trump faces domestic pressure over the costly and unpopular war, with polls showing most Americans oppose attacks on Iran.

Analyst Negar Mortazavi said Iran aims to end the war on its own terms, seeking both security and economic benefits. Meanwhile, Israel’s government confirmed no change in its military plans, and the U.S. is preparing to deploy additional troops to the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Defense has announced that its air defense systems intercepted and destroyed 11 drones over the country’s eastern region. The ministry issued a brief statement on Wednesday confirming that the drones were successfully detected and neutralized.

Authorities did not disclose the origin of the drones or provide details about possible casualties or damage. The statement also followed an earlier announcement that a ballistic missile had been intercepted in the same area. These incidents have heightened concerns about the security situation in the region.

The ministry’s latest report underscores continuing threats to Saudi airspace and the growing regional instability linked to repeated aerial attacks.

Bangladesh’s 2026 Eid travel season, initially smooth, ended with severe disruptions, accidents, and widespread passenger suffering across roads, railways, and waterways. According to the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association, between March 15 and 22, 201 road accidents killed 216 people and injured 421, while seven rail accidents caused 42 deaths and seven waterway incidents left 56 dead. The Road Safety Foundation reported 262 road crashes from March 17 to 24, killing 192. The association also estimated that passengers paid about Tk 148 crore in excess fares during the holiday period.

Government ministers claimed the travel situation remained orderly and that complaints were being addressed, but transport watchdogs and opposition parties accused the administration of negligence and mismanagement. Passenger groups alleged that ministers’ statements favored transport owners, encouraging fare manipulation and reckless driving. Opposition leaders from Jamaat-e-Islami and Islami Andolan Bangladesh blamed the transport ministries for chaos and fatalities.

Observers noted that poor coordination, fuel shortages, and bad weather worsened conditions compared to the previous year’s interim government period, when stricter oversight had ensured smoother Eid travel.