Senior Iranian officials have expressed concern that the United States’ call for peace talks to end the ongoing conflict may be a trap aimed at targeting Iran’s remaining top leaders. According to a Wall Street Journal report cited by Iranian media, Tehran suspects that any face-to-face meeting with the US and Israel could be used as a pretext to lure key figures, including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, into an ambush.

Ghalibaf, a former paramilitary commander and one of the few senior leaders to survive recent airstrikes, is reportedly being sought by Washington to participate in the proposed negotiations. Iranian officials view this insistence with suspicion. They also claim that US President Donald Trump’s recent announcement to temporarily suspend attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure is a tactical move to stabilize global oil prices before resuming strikes.

Trump had declared a five-day halt to bombings on Iranian power and energy facilities, describing current talks as “productive.” Iran, however, has publicly denied that any such discussions are taking place.

The Pentagon is planning to strengthen its military presence in the Middle East by deploying several thousand additional troops. Two individuals familiar with the matter told Reuters that the United States will send members of the specialized 82nd Airborne Division as part of this expansion. They did not specify which country the troops would be stationed in or when the deployment would take place.

When contacted, the US military referred Reuters to the White House for comment. However, the White House declined to make any immediate statement on the matter. The report was originally cited by Al Jazeera.

The move signals a continued focus by the United States on maintaining a strong military posture in the Middle East, though key details about the deployment remain undisclosed.

Iran’s armed forces announced that they carried out a drone attack on the Rafael arms depot in Haifa, a northern Israeli city. According to a spokesperson for the Khatam al-Anbia Central Headquarters, Iranian forces also launched missile and drone strikes on multiple targets, including areas near Eilat, Dimona, and Tel Aviv. The attacks reportedly extended to locations described as U.S. military bases in the region.

Iran further stated that its air defense systems intercepted cruise missiles and drones over the central and southern parts of the country. Earlier, Iran claimed to have targeted a space facility near Ben Gurion Airport and aircraft stationed there for refueling. Israel has not yet issued any official comment on these claims.

The report, citing Al Jazeera, did not provide details on casualties or damage, and the situation remains unverified pending confirmation from Israeli authorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced a temporary halt to planned strikes on Iran’s energy and power infrastructure after Tehran ignored his 48-hour ultimatum to lift its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that the decision was postponed for five days, claiming progress toward a comprehensive resolution between the two nations. However, Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf denied any talks, accusing Washington of spreading false news to manipulate oil and financial markets.

Amid the standoff, Iran launched multiple missile attacks on Israel overnight, damaging Tel Aviv, Nazareth, and Haifa and injuring thousands, according to Israeli authorities. In response, Israel and the United States carried out extensive airstrikes on Iranian targets, including over 50 sites. The U.S. was also blamed for a deadly strike on Iraq’s Anbar province that killed at least 15 members of the Shia Popular Mobilization Forces.

Oil prices fluctuated following Trump’s announcement, briefly dropping to $96 before rebounding to around $103 per barrel. The conflict has intensified across Lebanon and the wider region, with rising civilian casualties and displacement.

U.S. President Donald Trump has claimed that the United States has won the ongoing war with Iran. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump stated that the U.S. is now engaged in direct talks with Iran. He said Iran has agreed to the main American demand of never possessing nuclear weapons. Trump added that discussions are still continuing and expressed hope that the conflict would soon end, though he could not confirm it with certainty.

Trump further asserted that the U.S. objective of bringing about a change in Iran’s governing system has been achieved. According to him, even third-tier leaders in Iran have been removed from power, and the top leadership is no longer in control. He reiterated that the U.S. goals have been met and declared, “We have won this war.” The report cited Al Jazeera as its source.

The statements suggest that Washington and Tehran are in a phase of negotiation following a period of conflict, with the U.S. claiming strategic success and Iran reportedly seeking a deal.

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported carrying out multiple strikes on energy-related facilities across Lebanon. According to the IDF, the attacks targeted fuel stations allegedly used by Hezbollah. The operations took place within the past day and included strikes on stations owned by the Al-Amana company.

The IDF claimed that Al-Amana is controlled by Hezbollah and provides financial support for its activities. The military said the targeted fuel stations were used to refuel trucks transporting weapons and fighters. The strikes reportedly rendered several of these facilities inoperative.

The report, citing the IDF’s statement, did not mention any casualties or independent verification of the attacks. The information was sourced from the BBC, as reported by the outlet Amar Desh.

Qatar has denied media reports suggesting that the proposed United States–Iran agreement might include the closure of the large US airbase at Al-Udeid in Qatar. A government spokesperson clarified that there are no plans to shut down the base, countering earlier claims published in some outlets.

According to the spokesperson, the current regional situation is expected to further strengthen Qatar’s existing partnership with the United States and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The clarification follows speculation linking the base’s future to ongoing diplomatic discussions involving Washington and Tehran.

The statement underscores Qatar’s continued alignment with its Gulf and Western partners, signaling stability in its defense cooperation with the United States despite regional tensions.

British forces stationed at a joint base in Erbil, northern Iraq, shot down 14 drones in a single night, marking the highest number of interceptions in recent weeks. The operation took place overnight and was carried out by members of the Royal Air Force Regiment using the Rapid Sentry air defense system to secure the base.

According to the report, the Erbil base has faced repeated drone attacks over the past three weeks, reportedly launched from Iran. The British troops’ actions were part of ongoing defensive measures to protect coalition facilities in the region.

The incident underscores the continuing security challenges in northern Iraq, where foreign military installations remain frequent targets of drone assaults.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has stated that Iran seeks a full and permanent ceasefire rather than a temporary one. He expressed this position during discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, according to reports from Chinese state media. Araghchi emphasized that Iran is interested in a comprehensive cessation of hostilities.

Addressing the issue of the Strait of Hormuz, Araghchi said the waterway would remain open for all, ensuring safe passage for ships. However, he noted that this assurance would not apply to enemy nations under the current circumstances. In response, Wang Yi reiterated that dialogue is always preferable to war and urged all parties involved to seize every opportunity for peace and begin talks promptly.

Analysts cited in the report suggested that such diplomatic messages could play an important role in easing regional tensions amid ongoing instability.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid said that Bangladeshi nationals in Iran remain safe despite ongoing attacks involving the United States and Israel in the Middle East. Speaking to reporters at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, she noted that around two thousand Bangladeshis, including some students, are currently in Iran and that the government is in constant contact with them through the embassy in Tehran.

She emphasized that the government is prioritizing the safety of Bangladeshis across the Middle East and that missions are operating around the clock to monitor their situation. The minister assured that if any citizen wishes to return due to security concerns, the government will take necessary steps to facilitate their repatriation.

Shama Obaid added that 186 Bangladeshis had already been brought back from Tehran with the assistance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) before Eid. She said the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare is working to ensure that those who wish to return can do so smoothly.

Qatar has denied media reports suggesting that the proposed United States–Iran agreement might include the closure of the large US airbase at Al-Udeid in Qatar. A government spokesperson stated that the report was incorrect and that there were no plans to shut down the facility.

According to the spokesperson, the current regional crisis is expected to further strengthen Qatar’s existing partnership with the United States and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) member states. The clarification came after speculation circulated in the media about potential changes to US military presence in the region.

The statement underscores Qatar’s continued commitment to its defense and diplomatic ties with the United States and its Gulf partners, countering rumors of any shift in its strategic alignment.

Pakistan’s army leadership has initiated mediation efforts between the United States and Iran amid an ongoing conflict. The White House confirmed that Army Chief Asim Munir spoke by phone with US President Donald Trump on Sunday to discuss ways to end the war that began about a month ago. Diplomatic sources indicated that Washington and Tehran could meet in Islamabad later this week for talks, though neither side has formally agreed to participate.

Following the Trump-Munir call, Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif spoke with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Monday, with both leaders agreeing on the need to reduce tensions and pursue diplomatic solutions. Reports suggest Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing to visit Islamabad, while Iran’s parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf may lead Tehran’s delegation, though he has dismissed reports of such talks as false.

Iranian diplomatic sources expressed deep mistrust toward Washington, rejecting any negotiations involving Witkoff or Jared Kushner. Tehran views recent US overtures as deceptive, especially after the joint US-Israeli strikes on Iran on February 28, which undermined earlier dialogue efforts.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has issued a warning of potential attacks on Israeli positions in the Gaza Strip. In a statement released on March 24, 2026, the IRGC accused Israel of exceeding all limits in what it described as acts of genocide, declaring that such actions could no longer be tolerated.

The statement further cautioned that if crimes against Lebanese and Palestinian civilians continue, Iran would launch heavy missile and drone strikes on enemy gathering sites in occupied northern Palestine and the Gaza Strip. The warning was framed as a direct message to the Israeli military, signaling heightened tensions in the region.

The IRGC’s declaration underscores escalating rhetoric amid ongoing violence in Gaza and neighboring areas, though no immediate timeline or operational details were provided in the statement.

Two Russian Navy ships, Rezki and Sovershenny, arrived at Chattogram Port on Tuesday for a four-day goodwill visit to Bangladesh. Upon arrival, the Chief Staff Officer of the Commander of Chattogram Naval Area welcomed the ships’ captains, officers, and sailors. The Russian Deputy Ambassador to Bangladesh, along with military, air, and naval attachés and senior local naval officials, were also present at the reception.

Earlier, as the vessels entered Bangladesh’s territorial waters, the Bangladesh Navy ship BNS Omar Faruq formally greeted them. Both sides expressed hope that the visit would enhance professional exchanges and strengthen mutual relations between the two navies, further deepening the existing friendly bilateral ties between Bangladesh and Russia.

The Russian Navy ships are scheduled to leave Bangladesh’s territorial waters on March 27, marking the conclusion of the goodwill mission.

Iran has declared that it will not engage in any ceasefire discussions as long as airstrikes continue. The statement comes amid reports that the United States had proposed talks, which Tehran has denied. The situation is described as highly complex, with deep-rooted mistrust between the two countries making direct dialogue difficult.

According to the report, Iran had participated in negotiations twice over the past year, but both times airstrikes were carried out against it during the talks. These experiences have made diplomatic engagement even more challenging for Tehran. The country has now set a clear precondition for any future discussions: airstrikes must stop before any ceasefire talks can take place.

This stance underscores the growing strain in Iran–US relations and signals that progress toward de-escalation will remain stalled unless military actions cease.