Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, has claimed that a group he described as the remaining members of the ‘Epstein gang’ might plan an attack similar to the September 11 attacks in the United States and attempt to blame Iran for it. He stated that Iran strongly opposes any such terrorist plan and emphasized that the Iranian people have no conflict with the American public. The remarks came amid the ongoing war involving Iran and the recent release of a large number of US government documents. Those documents reportedly reveal connections between the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and several influential and wealthy individuals. Former US President Donald Trump, who once called Epstein a “pervert,” had been photographed with him on multiple occasions. Tehran has recently highlighted Epstein’s links with American political, business, and social elites to portray Washington’s adversaries as morally corrupt, according to the report.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of renewed attacks on Iran’s main oil export hub, Kharg Island, while calling on allied nations to deploy warships to protect the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Speaking to NBC News on Saturday, Trump claimed that U.S. strikes had already destroyed much of the island and suggested further attacks could follow. His remarks signaled an escalation from earlier statements that U.S. operations targeted only military facilities. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi responded that Tehran would intensify its countermeasures if its energy infrastructure were attacked. He alleged that the U.S. launched strikes on Kharg Island from two locations in the United Arab Emirates, calling the move dangerous but pledging Iran would avoid civilian areas. The U.S. Central Command declined to comment, while a UAE presidential adviser said the country prioritizes restraint and rationality despite its right to self-defense. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard announced missile and drone strikes on Israeli and U.S. bases in response to a deadly attack in Isfahan that killed at least 15 workers. The tensions have raised fears of disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, through which about one-fifth of global oil passes.

Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian couple and their two young children in the occupied West Bank, according to a report published on March 15, 2026. The incident occurred in the northwestern city of Tammum, where the family’s car came under fire. Two other children from the same family, aged eight and eleven, were also injured in the attack. The Palestinian Health Ministry identified the victims as Ali Bani Odeh, his wife Wad Bani Odeh, and their sons Mohammad, aged five, and Osman, aged seven. All were reportedly shot in the face and head. The Palestinian Red Crescent stated that its emergency workers were initially prevented by Israeli forces from reaching the wounded at the scene and were ordered to leave the area. The report cited the BBC as its source but did not include any official comment from Israeli authorities or further details about the circumstances of the shooting. The incident adds to ongoing tensions in the occupied West Bank, though the report did not specify any immediate political or security responses.

South Korea is considering sending warships to the Strait of Hormuz following a call from US President Donald Trump for allied nations to help ensure security in the region, according to a report by Middle East Eye. A South Korean presidential official told AFP that Seoul is closely monitoring Trump’s social media statements and will carefully review the matter in consultation with the United States. The official added that South Korea is comprehensively reviewing various possible measures to secure the safety of energy transport routes. Trump said on Saturday that many countries would send warships to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and safe, expressing hope that China, France, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom would join the effort. Meanwhile, a senior Japanese official stated on Sunday that Tokyo remains highly cautious about taking such steps, indicating differing levels of readiness among US allies regarding participation in the proposed maritime security initiative.

Former legal adviser Asif Nazrul has explained the reasons for the delay in the trial of the murder case of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, spokesperson of Inquilab Manch. In a Facebook post on Sunday, he said that although he had expected the trial to begin during his time in government, the proceedings have not yet started. The investigating officer submitted a charge sheet against 17 people on January 6 this year. Nazrul stated that the plaintiff was dissatisfied with the charge sheet and filed a petition of objection, prompting the court to order further investigation by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID). As the CID’s investigation is still ongoing, the trial has not begun. He added that once the CID submits its report and if no further objection is raised, the trial can proceed. He further noted that if the plaintiff again objects or if the investigation remains incomplete, the trial could face additional delays. Nazrul emphasized that while investigation and trial processes are complex, collective goodwill can help ensure timely and fair justice.

A total of 500 international flights from Dhaka’s Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport were canceled over the past 16 days due to the ongoing war situation in the Middle East, according to a statement issued on Sunday by Muhammad Kausar Mahmud, public relations officer of the Civil Aviation Authority. On Sunday alone, 23 flights were canceled. The cancellations began on February 28, when 23 flights were grounded. The following days saw fluctuating numbers, including 40 on March 1, 46 on March 2, and 39 on March 3. Airlines affected include Kuwait Airways, Air Arabia, Gulf Air, Qatar Airways, Emirates, Jazeera, Flydubai, US-Bangla Airlines, and Biman Bangladesh Airlines. Despite the disruptions, 49 flights operated on Sunday, mainly to Muscat, Kuwait, and the UAE. The Civil Aviation Authority continues to monitor the situation as the conflict in the Middle East disrupts regular air connectivity from Dhaka to key destinations in the region.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called on France to refrain from any actions that could escalate current conflicts. He made the remarks during a phone conversation with French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The discussion focused on the ongoing war involving the United States and Israel and its regional consequences. According to a post from Iran’s Foreign Ministry on Telegram, Araghchi blamed the United States and Israel for increasing insecurity in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. He urged all countries to act responsibly and avoid moves that could intensify the situation. Araghchi reaffirmed Iran’s commitment to defending its sovereignty and national security, stating that Iranian forces had only targeted military bases of aggressors, not other nations. He also noted that achieving lasting peace in Lebanon depends largely on an end to Israeli attacks, emphasizing the need for restraint across the region.

Israel has issued an immediate evacuation warning for residents in several southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, ahead of a potential military operation. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee announced that the alert applies specifically to the neighborhoods of Haret Hreik, Ghobeiry, Laylaki, Hadath, Burj al-Barajneh, Tahouit al-Ghadir, and Chiyah. Adraee stated that the IDF would not hesitate to target anyone found near Hezbollah members, urging civilians to leave the areas immediately to avoid danger. The warning was shared on the social media platform X, emphasizing that remaining in those neighborhoods could put lives at risk. The announcement signals heightened tension between Israel and Hezbollah, as the IDF prepares for possible operations in Lebanon’s capital region.

The opposition in Bangladesh has stated that it wants to resolve the ongoing complications surrounding the July Charter and the Constitutional Reform Council session within the parliament. Opposition leader and Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman made the remarks on Sunday after the national parliament session, emphasizing that if the issue cannot be settled in parliament, the opposition will be compelled to take to the streets. Dr. Rahman said the opposition plans to issue a notice regarding the council session and hopes the matter will proceed under the Speaker’s guidance. He clarified that the issue should be addressed in the House rather than in a business advisory meeting. He also referred to the recent referendum, noting that the proposal for constitutional reform had won public approval. Earlier, the opposition leader had expressed concern in parliament over the government’s failure to convene the Constitutional Reform Council within 30 calendar days as required by the July Charter implementation order.

Iran has claimed responsibility for drone attacks targeting key Israeli security installations. According to Israel’s military, the strikes occurred on Sunday morning and hit the headquarters of the Lahav 433 special police unit and the Gilat defense satellite communication center. The report was carried by Al Jazeera, citing official statements. Iran’s state media released a statement from its military saying the attacks were part of an ongoing military operation. However, Iran did not specify the exact locations of the targeted facilities or the extent of any damage caused by the strikes. The statement provided no further operational details. As of the latest update, Israel has not issued any official response regarding the incident or its potential impact on national security.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi announced that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to the United States and Israel but open to all other countries. Speaking in an interview with the American cable news channel MS Now on Saturday, Araghchi said there are no restrictions for ships from other nations to pass through the strait. He added that while some avoid the route due to security concerns, Iran has no role in that decision, and many tankers and vessels continue to cross the area. The statement came after US President Donald Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that the United States, along with several affected countries, might send warships to keep the strait open and secure in response to Iran’s move. Following this, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed that Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei had been injured and possibly disabled. Araghchi dismissed the claim, asserting that the leader was active and fulfilling his constitutional duties. Araghchi emphasized that the Islamic Republic remains stable and not dependent on any single individual, assuring that all systems are under control.

U.S. President Donald Trump has called on various countries to send warships to the Strait of Hormuz as the joint U.S.-Israeli assault on Iran enters its fifteenth day. Iran has responded with strong counterattacks and tightened control over the strategic waterway, reportedly striking a U.S.-linked vessel under the Marshall Islands flag. While Iran has allowed Turkish and Indian ships to pass, most other maritime traffic has been halted. Experts believe Trump’s call for a multinational naval mission is unlikely to gain much support. Analysts cited by Al Jazeera, including Professor Mohammed Elmasry of the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, described the proposed mission as extremely difficult and dangerous. Elmasry noted that warships move slowly and could easily become targets in the narrow strait, which lies close to Iran’s mainland. He added that Iran’s drones have a range of about 2,500 kilometers, giving it the capacity to strike vessels at will. The heightened risk has already made many insurance companies reluctant to cover ships or crews operating in the area, further complicating any potential deployment.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has denied any involvement in the recent drone attacks that targeted Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh and its eastern province. According to Saudi authorities, ten drones attempted to strike these areas, but their air defense systems intercepted and destroyed them. The IRGC’s public relations office issued a statement on Sunday clarifying that the Islamic Republic of Iran had no connection to the alleged attacks. The IRGC further urged the Saudi government to investigate the true source of the drone operations. The statement came amid heightened regional tensions and follows Saudi reports of thwarted aerial assaults. No additional details were provided about the origin of the drones or any potential perpetrators. The denial from Iran’s military branch may influence ongoing regional security discussions, though the source does not specify any immediate diplomatic or military responses.

Speedboat operations on the Kumira-Guptachhara route in Sandwip, Chattogram resumed at 6 a.m. on Sunday after being suspended for eight consecutive days. The restart comes as a relief for residents traveling home ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr. RK Enterprise, the service operator, announced that regular services will continue depending on favorable weather conditions. RK Enterprise director Joglul Hossain Noyon said the disruption ended after a 9,000-liter octane tanker arrived at the terminal on Saturday evening. He confirmed that fares would remain fixed at 250 taka and that strict measures would be taken to prevent passenger harassment. Former BNP leader Engineer Belayet Hossain stated that he held multiple discussions with Meghna and Jamuna Petroleum officials to resolve the fuel shortage, while local MP Mostafa Kamal Pasha played a key administrative role in ensuring fuel supply. According to the report, normal daily demand is 3,000 liters of octane, rising to 4,500 liters during Eid. The current supply can sustain operations for only two days, while about 80,000 liters are needed for the full Eid season.

Chief Prosecutor Aminul Islam of the International Crimes Tribunal stated that there will be no compromise on transparency in the tribunal’s proceedings. He made the remarks on Sunday afternoon before the second meeting of the facts-finding committee formed to investigate allegations of unethical activities. Aminul Islam emphasized that all necessary measures will be taken to ensure transparency and fairness in the tribunal’s work and to avoid any actions that could create controversy. He further said that the goal is to ensure justice for every individual so that no innocent person is harassed and no offender escapes punishment. The Chief Prosecutor stressed that maintaining the tribunal’s image is of utmost importance. The five-member committee, led by him, includes prosecutors Abdus Sobhan Tarafdar, Marzina Rahman Madina, Mohammad Zahirul Amin, and law research officer Sifattullah. The committee was formed to uncover any unethical conduct by members of the prosecution team or related individuals, following allegations that recently resigned prosecutor Saimum Reza Talukder demanded one crore taka in exchange for bail.