Iran has warned that it will use all available capabilities to ensure its security following reports of attacks in Tel Aviv and other areas. The statement came from a spokesperson for Iran’s armed forces, as reported by Al Jazeera. In a televised address, Brigadier General Ebrahim Zulfaqari of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters said Iran maintains full control over the Strait of Hormuz and rejected any foreign interference in the region. According to Iran’s Fars News Agency, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) carried out extensive strikes in Iraq’s Erbil, as well as targeting the Al Dhafra airbase in the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan base, and the U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet. Missile attacks were also reported in Israel’s Ashkelon, Tel Aviv, Haifa, and Gush Dan areas. The IRGC further stated that what it called deceptive actions by U.S. President Donald Trump would not divert Iran from the battlefield, asserting that psychological operations by the United States and Israel would ultimately fail.

The United States stock market recorded a notable rise after President Donald Trump announced the suspension of a planned attack on an Iranian power plant. Following the decision, oil prices declined, bringing relief to investors. According to Al Jazeera, all three major US stock indexes closed more than one percent higher, marking a strong rebound after last week’s losses. Trump stated that the United States had held ‘productive talks’ with Tehran, though Iran denied this claim. The announcement and subsequent drop in oil prices—over ten percent—helped Wall Street achieve its biggest single-day gain since February 6. The market’s positive reaction reflected renewed investor confidence amid easing geopolitical tensions. Despite the market optimism, the situation between the United States and Iran remains uncertain, as both sides continue to offer differing accounts of their discussions.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Aragchi held several phone conversations with foreign ministers from various countries to discuss regional security and the evolving situation, according to Al Jazeera citing Iran’s state news agency IRNA. During talks with the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Aragchi addressed recent U.S.-Israeli attacks near Caspian Sea provinces, warning that such actions could pose security and environmental risks. Earlier, Aragchi spoke with Pakistan’s foreign minister about ensuring the country’s “sustainable security” and also contacted counterparts in Oman, South Korea, Azerbaijan, and Turkmenistan. In his discussion with South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun, both sides expressed concern over the potential economic impact if the Strait of Hormuz were to be closed. Aragchi stated that the instability in this vital maritime route was a direct result of what he described as “illegal attacks” by the United States and Israel.

A grand parade and fly-past will be held at the National Parade Ground in Dhaka on March 26, 2026, at 9 a.m. to mark the country's Independence and National Day. The Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) confirmed the event in a statement issued on March 23, 2026. President Md. Sahabuddin and Prime Minister Tarique Rahman are scheduled to attend the state ceremony, which will be open to the public. According to the ISPR announcement, interested citizens will be able to enter the venue through gates 2, 3, 4, 10, and 11 of the parade ground. The event is part of the national observance of Independence Day, which is celebrated annually to honor the country's liberation. The announcement underscores the government’s preparations to celebrate the day with due dignity and public participation, reflecting the significance of the national occasion.

The United Kingdom has deployed its warship HMS Dragon to the Eastern Mediterranean to coordinate with Cyprus’s defense system following a recent drone attack. According to the UK Ministry of Defence, the destroyer left the country on March 11 and will help secure a British airbase in Cyprus that was targeted by Iranian-made drones. The ministry also reported that Royal Air Force Typhoon and F-35 fighter jets conducted overnight defensive operations across the airspaces of Cyprus, Jordan, Qatar, and Bahrain. The deployment comes amid heightened regional tensions, prompting the UK to strengthen its military presence in the area. The move underscores London’s commitment to safeguarding its strategic assets and personnel in the Eastern Mediterranean, particularly after the recent drone incident. The situation reflects broader instability in the region, with multiple countries adjusting their defense postures in response to evolving threats.

US President Donald Trump has said that the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz will reopen soon. In an interview with CNN on Monday, he stated that if ongoing talks with Iran continue positively, the waterway could be reopened quickly. Trump suggested that in the future, the strait might be jointly controlled by the United States and Iran, saying he and the Ayatollah—whoever holds that position—would manage it together. Trump also hinted at a possible regime change in Iran, claiming that earlier attacks had damaged much of Iran’s top leadership, leading to a natural process of political change. However, he noted that recent discussions had shown positive progress and that there was potential for easing tensions. Trump added that there are individuals within Iran whom he considers reasonable and respected, and who could play significant roles in the future. The situation remains uncertain as both the United States and Iran have expressed differing views on the ongoing negotiations.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said that Israel’s border should extend up to Lebanon’s Litani River. He made the remarks during an Israeli radio program, stating that the ongoing military operation in Lebanon should end in a “completely different reality,” where not only Hezbollah but also Israel’s borders would change. His comments come amid escalating tensions in Lebanon. According to the report, Israel has recently attacked key bridges over the Litani River, cutting off parts of southern Lebanon from the rest of the country. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun described these attacks as a possible prelude to a ground invasion, warning that they could indicate preparations for such an operation. The situation reflects growing instability along the Israel-Lebanon frontier, with both military actions and political statements signaling a potential shift in the region’s security dynamics.

The United States has instructed its citizens in Oman to remain indoors under a 'shelter in place' directive. The order, issued by the US Embassy in Muscat, applies to the entire country and was announced on March 24, 2026. The embassy cited an ongoing situation as the reason for the alert but did not provide further details about the nature of the threat or incident. Earlier, on March 3, the US Department of State had authorized the departure of non-emergency government employees and their family members from Oman. The latest advisory expands the caution to all American citizens currently in the country. No additional information was released about the specific circumstances prompting the warning, leaving the situation’s cause and duration unclear.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov has called for an immediate halt to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. According to the Russian Foreign Ministry, Lavrov made the appeal during a phone conversation on Monday with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, as reported by Al Jazeera. The ministry stated that Lavrov emphasized the need to stop hostilities quickly and pursue political and diplomatic solutions. Lavrov also described attacks targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure as unacceptable. Earlier, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov condemned a U.S.-Israeli strike near Iran’s Bushehr nuclear power plant, calling it extremely dangerous. The Russian Foreign Ministry further noted that both Lavrov and Araghchi expressed concern that the conflict could expand to the Caspian Sea region. The statements reflect Moscow’s growing alarm over escalating tensions and its call for restraint and dialogue to prevent regional destabilization.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed the ‘serious situation’ in the Gulf region with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, assuring Iran of Pakistan’s cooperation to help resolve the crisis, according to Al Jazeera. In a message on social media, Sharif said he spoke with Pezeshkian by phone about regional tensions and pledged Pakistan’s support to calm the situation. Sharif stated that both leaders agreed on the urgent need for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions. The two have spoken several times over the past month, exchanging greetings for Ramadan and Eid while also discussing ways to end ongoing conflicts. Pakistan, which shares a border with Iran and faces its own tensions with Afghanistan, has maintained a cautious diplomatic stance. The Gulf region’s instability poses a major concern for Pakistan due to potential disruptions in oil and gas supplies. The country also strengthened its long-standing military ties with Saudi Arabia last year through a mutual defense agreement.

UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese has accused Israel of effectively receiving a “license” to persecute Palestinians. Presenting a new report to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday, she said evidence of ongoing “ethnic killing” in the occupied Palestinian territories has been documented. The report details what she described as Israel’s “widespread and systematic persecution” and the creation of a “painful environment” for Palestinians. Albanese further alleged that various governments indirectly encourage Israel’s actions, claiming that most governments and their ministers have effectively allowed Israel to continue such practices. The report states that between October 2023 and January 2026, Israeli forces arrested more than 18,500 Palestinians, including children. During the same period, at least 100 people reportedly died in Israeli custody, and around 4,000 were allegedly disappeared. The report also claims that thousands of Palestinians are being detained without charges and kept in inhumane conditions, underscoring what the envoy described as a pattern of systemic abuse.

The United Kingdom’s Foreign Office has summoned Iran’s ambassador to London, Seyed Ali Mousavi, following allegations that Tehran was involved in reckless and destabilizing activities internationally. The move came after reports that an Iranian national and a British-Iranian dual citizen were accused of conducting hostile surveillance on London’s Jewish community. According to the British Foreign Office, the ambassador was called in after the two suspects, identified as 40-year-old Nematollah Shahsavani and 22-year-old Alireza Farasati, were detained earlier this month as part of an Iran-related investigation. They allegedly carried out reconnaissance operations at key sites, including Britain’s oldest synagogue. In an official statement, the UK government said it takes threats from Iran and its affiliated groups very seriously and will not tolerate such activities. Authorities added that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure national security and protect citizens.

Israel has claimed responsibility for a new round of large-scale airstrikes targeting several military bases and weapons facilities inside Iran. According to a statement posted by the Israeli military on Telegram, the attacks struck the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ (IRGC) air defense and ground force headquarters, a Quds Force base and intelligence center, a missile production site under Iran’s defense ministry, and other production and research facilities. The report, citing Al Jazeera, noted that the network could not independently verify Israel’s claims. The statement did not include details about casualties, damage assessments, or Iran’s response to the alleged attacks. The situation remains unclear as independent confirmation of the strikes and their impact has not yet been established.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Monday announced a ban on the use of high-octane fuel in all government vehicles as part of stricter austerity measures. The decision follows a recent increase in the high-octane surcharge by 200 rupees per liter. The Prime Minister’s Office stated that officials using high-octane fuel in violation of the order will face action and may have to bear the cost personally. The government expects the move to save about 90 billion rupees monthly, which will be redirected to public welfare. The decision comes amid a global fuel shortage and price surge triggered by attacks in Iran involving Israel and the United States. Pakistan’s government said the measure aims to conserve energy and ease pressure on the national economy. The surcharge hike applies only to luxury vehicles, while prices for public transport and aviation fuel remain unchanged. This step continues a series of energy-saving measures introduced two weeks earlier, including fuel price adjustments, a 50 percent cut in fuel allowances for government vehicles, a four-day workweek, and partial remote work for civil servants, excluding essential services.

Pakistan reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating terrorism as the temporary ceasefire with Afghanistan neared its end on Monday midnight. The truce, announced last Wednesday for Eid-ul-Fitr, was intended to halt border clashes between the two countries. According to AFP, Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated on Pakistan Day that Islamabad’s stance on the ongoing conflict with Afghanistan remains unchanged. Dar emphasized that Pakistan’s recent actions inside Afghanistan were aimed at eradicating terrorist threats. Meanwhile, Afghan Taliban authorities and a medical source reported that a mortar shell fired from Pakistan killed one person in Kunar province on Sunday. Tensions between the two neighbors have escalated in recent months, with Islamabad accusing Kabul of harboring militants responsible for cross-border attacks, a claim the Taliban denies. The current round of conflict began in February after earlier mediation efforts by Gulf states and China failed. The ceasefire followed a deadly Pakistani strike on a drug rehabilitation center in Kabul, which Afghan officials said killed more than 400 people.