Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced that it carried out attacks targeting Israel and US military bases located in Iraq, Bahrain, and Kuwait. According to the IRGC, missile and drone strikes destroyed facilities at Erbil’s Harir airbase in Iraq, as well as the Ali Al Salem and Arifjan bases in Kuwait, which host US troops. In a statement, the IRGC said that the continuous sound of ambulances and sirens in Israel, along with official acknowledgment of rising casualties, demonstrated the impact of missile strikes on Tel Aviv’s industrial sector. The IRGC Navy chief also identified Abu Dhabi’s Al-Dhafra base and Bahrain’s Sheikh Isa base as among the targets. The IRGC further claimed that the attacks specifically targeted Patriot radar systems, fighter aircraft, and fuel storage tanks. The report did not include independent verification of these claims or details on casualties or damage assessments.

At least 15 people were killed in multiple missile strikes across Iran’s central Isfahan province, according to reports published on March 15, 2026. The attacks came amid continued assaults by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets. Israel stated that the strikes were part of a broader campaign aimed at Iran’s military leadership. In a separate statement, the Israeli military confirmed that two senior Iranian intelligence officials, Abdullah Jalali-Nasab and Amir Shariat, were killed in an airstrike in Tehran the previous Friday. Israel claimed the two were responsible for the intelligence directorate of the Khatam al-Anbia Emergency Command, and their deaths would significantly disrupt Iran’s command and control structure. The developments mark an escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, with both sides intensifying military operations and retaliatory threats.

Tel Aviv, once considered one of Israel’s safest and most vibrant cities, is now facing a dramatic collapse in normal life amid the ongoing Iran-Israel war. Fear of missile attacks and a lack of safe shelters have driven families, students, and young couples to leave the city. The conflict, which began with U.S. and Israeli strikes followed by Iranian missile and drone retaliation, has turned Israeli homes into battle zones. Public shelters are overcrowded, and economic inequality is becoming more visible as poorer residents face greater insecurity. Israel’s Central Bureau of Statistics reported that 69,300 people left the country in 2025, with only 19,000 returning. Analysts warn that the growing wave of emigration, particularly among educated and secular Israelis, could undermine the country’s economic base. The International Monetary Fund has cautioned that the war will raise defense costs, reduce productivity, and heighten economic risks. Mental health pressures have also surged, with rising depression and anxiety reported since late 2023. Experts believe Israel’s institutions remain intact, but prolonged conflict and social fragmentation could accelerate brain drain and deepen inequality, leaving the nation more fearful and divided.

France’s Foreign Ministry has denied reports claiming that the country is preparing to deploy ten warships to the Middle East. The clarification came after speculation spread following U.S. President Donald Trump’s call for international cooperation to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. In a post on social media platform X, the ministry stated that no new French warships have been sent to the region. According to the ministry, French naval vessels currently remain stationed in the eastern Mediterranean. It emphasized that France’s position has not changed and continues to be defensive and protective in nature. The statement sought to dispel misinformation circulating online about French military movements. The denial underscores France’s effort to maintain transparency about its military posture amid heightened attention to maritime security in the Middle East.

Iran’s national football team has strongly criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Iran’s participation in the upcoming FIFA World Cup. The team stated that no individual or country has the authority to exclude Iran from the tournament and instead called for the host nation, the United States, to be disqualified if it fails to ensure the safety of participating teams. The reaction came after Trump warned that Iranian players should reconsider traveling to the United States to compete, citing security concerns amid ongoing military tensions. For nearly two weeks, Iran has been under attack from U.S. and Israeli forces, and the situation remains volatile. Iranian players emphasized that the World Cup is governed by FIFA, not by political leaders, and that their qualification was earned through performance and merit. According to the schedule, Iran is set to play its group-stage matches in Los Angeles and Seattle. However, the ongoing conflict has cast uncertainty over the team’s participation in the tournament.

The Election Commission (EC) of Bangladesh has decided not to use postal ballots in the upcoming local government elections, according to reliable EC sources. This means expatriate voters, election officials on duty, and those outside their constituencies will be unable to cast their votes. EC Commissioner Abdul Rahmanel Machud confirmed that the commission has no plan to send postal ballots either abroad or within the country, though individuals may apply to returning officers to vote by post on their own initiative. Officials noted that although postal voting is legally permitted, it had long been limited to military and law enforcement personnel. The system was expanded during the recent thirteenth parliamentary election under the interim government led by Dr. Yunus, when over 1.5 million voters registered to vote by post at a cost of about 100 crore taka. However, administrative complexity and high costs led the EC to reconsider the method. Election experts warned that excluding postal ballots could reduce participation among expatriates, who contribute significantly to the national economy through remittances, and may discourage them from future engagement.

Israel announced that it has killed two senior Iranian intelligence officials as part of a series of strikes targeting Iran’s military leadership. According to an Israeli military statement, Abdullah Jalali-Nasab and Amir Shariat were killed in an airstrike carried out in Tehran last Friday. The statement described both as heads of the intelligence directorate of the Khatam al-Anbia Emergency Command, adding that their deaths would significantly impact Iran’s command and control structure. A Telegram channel linked to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps confirmed Jalali-Nasab’s death but did not comment on Shariat’s condition. Israel further stated that it has conducted more than 400 airstrikes across western and central Iran in the past two weeks since the war began. The report also noted that the United States has been carrying out attacks in other parts of Iran. On Saturday alone, Israel claimed to have struck over 200 targets, including missile launch sites, air defense systems, and weapons depots, according to the same statement.

A severe shortage of marine fuel and diesel has disrupted both foreign vessel bunkering and domestic lighter ship operations at Chattogram Port. Dealers authorized to supply specialized 0.5 sulfur marine fuel reported that state-owned oil companies Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna have failed to meet their demand despite formal requests. The crisis has also hit lighter vessels transporting goods from mother vessels to inland ports, with daily diesel allocations dropping to one-fifth of requirements. Officials from the Bangladesh Water Transport Cell (BWTCC) said such a fuel crisis is unprecedented and warned that it could cause congestion at outer anchorage and instability in essential goods markets. They have already informed the government’s top level seeking adequate diesel allocation. Bunker dealers added that high domestic fuel prices compared to Singapore have limited sales, though recent global price hikes have reversed the trend, straining local reserves. Port authorities expressed concern that continued shortages could force Chattogram to be declared a “no bunkering port,” lowering its international standing. However, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) assured that blending diesel with furnace oil can sustain marine fuel supply and prevent such a declaration.

Fuel traders in 15 districts, including Khulna, have voluntarily stopped lifting and marketing fuel from the depots of Padma, Meghna, and Jamuna since 8 a.m. on Saturday. They allege that the Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation (BPC) has failed to supply fuel according to demand, forcing them to take this decision. The traders claim that the current supply from the Khulna depots is only 9 lakh liters daily, against a demand of 40–45 lakh liters across the 15 districts. An emergency meeting of four fuel business organizations was held at the Khulna Tank Lorry Owners’ building, where leaders said that BPC is citing global crises to justify reduced supply. They had proposed an additional 4.5 lakh liters daily from the three depots, but the proposal was not accepted. The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Murad Hossain, vice president of the Bangladesh Fuel Oil Distributors Association. In Rajshahi, the District Petrol Pump Owners Association warned that if adequate supply is not ensured by Monday, they will also stop lifting fuel. They reported a 30–40 percent supply shortfall and raised concerns over security and administrative cooperation.

A fire erupted in central Israel following Iran’s latest missile attack, according to reports published on March 15, 2026. Israeli Army Radio stated that most of the missiles launched by Iran were intercepted by Israel’s air defense system, while some landed in open areas. No casualties have been reported so far. Debris from one of the defensive missiles destroyed midair fell in the city of Ramla, causing a fire at a site in the area. Firefighting and rescue teams were dispatched promptly to control the blaze. Preliminary reports confirmed that the situation was brought under control and no injuries occurred. The incident highlights the continuing tension between Iran and Israel, with both sides maintaining heightened alert following repeated missile exchanges in recent weeks.

Bangladesh’s government has lifted fuel purchase limits for public transport ahead of Eid-ul-Fitr, as millions prepare to leave Dhaka amid an ongoing energy crisis caused by the Iran war. Road, Rail and Shipping Minister Sheikh Robiul Alam announced that from Saturday night, buses and other public vehicles can buy fuel as needed. The government has also extended holidays and ordered 24-hour operation of fuel stations for seven days before and five days after Eid to ensure smooth travel. Despite these measures, concerns remain about overcrowding and fuel shortages as more than 15 million people are expected to leave Dhaka within a few days. Passenger welfare groups have accused transport operators of charging double or triple fares, calling the minister’s terminal inspections superficial. Transport owners deny the allegations, saying fare hikes are unauthorized and will be punished if found. To ease river travel, special launch services have been introduced from Baachila and Shimulia tourist terminals, while the Bangladesh Inland Water Transport Authority confirmed additional vessels will operate from March 17. The inland shipping association has urged adequate diesel supply to prevent disruptions in river transport during the holiday period.

U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is not yet ready to reach an agreement with Iran, even though Tehran has shown interest in making a deal. In a telephone interview with NBC, Trump stated that the proposed terms from Iran are not favorable enough for the United States, indicating that Washington has no immediate plan to proceed with any accord. During the same interview, Trump also discussed rising oil prices but downplayed related concerns. He added that the United States is working with other countries to ensure the safety of maritime traffic through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz. The remarks highlight ongoing caution in U.S.-Iran relations, with Washington maintaining a firm stance while coordinating with allies to secure regional trade routes.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate end to hostilities in Lebanon, warning that the country’s south risks becoming a wasteland amid Israel’s ongoing military assault. Speaking at a news conference in Beirut on Saturday, Guterres said there was “no military solution, only diplomacy,” as he launched a $325 million flash appeal to support more than 800,000 internally displaced people since the conflict began on March 2. He also questioned the legality of Israel’s evacuation orders, which now cover 14 percent of Lebanon, under international humanitarian law. The visit coincided with Lebanese efforts to form a negotiating delegation for potential talks with Israel, with Cyprus or another European capital being considered as a venue. French President Emmanuel Macron said Lebanon was ready for direct talks and offered to host them in Paris. Meanwhile, Israeli media reported that Jared Kushner and Ron Dermer could lead the U.S. and Israeli sides, respectively, in discussions focused on ending the fighting and disarming Hezbollah. Lebanon’s Ministry of Public Health reported that Israeli strikes have killed 826 people, including 65 women, 106 children, and 31 paramedics, since March 2. Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan warned that Israel could be committing “a new genocide.”

A missile strike on an industrial area in the central Iranian city of Isfahan killed at least 15 people on Saturday, according to Iranian media. The semi-official Fars news agency reported that the attack, attributed to US and Israeli forces, hit a factory producing heating and cooling equipment while workers were inside. The strike occurred on the 15th day of the conflict that Iran’s Ministry of Health says has killed at least 1,444 people and wounded more than 18,500 since the US-Israeli attacks began on February 28. Iran’s Ministry of Culture said 56 museums and historic sites had been damaged, including Naqsh-e Jahan Square in Isfahan and the UNESCO-listed Golestan Palace in Tehran. UNESCO expressed deep concern, noting that four of Iran’s 29 World Heritage Sites were affected. Separately, Iran’s army confirmed the death of Brigadier General Abdullah Jalali-Nasab in an Israeli attack. Earlier, US forces struck Kharg Island, though operations reportedly continued normally. Both Washington and Tehran have dismissed the possibility of negotiations. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi urged regional states to expel foreign forces, while Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said the war was entering a decisive phase. Iran launched new missile salvos at Israel, with explosions reported over Jerusalem.

A severe hunger crisis is unfolding in Yemen, where more than half of the population—around 18 million people—is projected to face worsening food insecurity by early 2026. According to the International Rescue Committee (IRC), nearly every surveyed household identified food as their most urgent need, with 80 percent reporting severe hunger. The latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns that one million more people risk slipping into life-threatening hunger, and famine pockets affecting over 40,000 people could emerge within two months. Years of conflict, economic collapse, and climate shocks have crippled Yemen’s ability to produce or import food. The country relies on imports for up to 90 percent of staple grains, while fighting has displaced rural families and disrupted supply chains. Erratic rainfall and rising temperatures have further reduced agricultural productivity, leaving many families surviving on one meal a day. Humanitarian funding has dropped to less than 25 percent of required levels, the lowest in a decade, with nutrition programs receiving only 10 percent of needed support. The IRC urges donors to urgently restore and expand food and nutrition funding, prioritize treatment for malnourished children and mothers, and strengthen systems to track and respond to emerging hunger hotspots.