The United States has deployed 10,000 interceptor drones across the Middle East to counter Iranian drone attacks, according to US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll. Reports indicate that the drones were sent to the region within five days of the Israel-US war beginning on February 28. US officials stated that the drones are being used as a cost-effective method to intercept incoming threats, reducing reliance on expensive missile defense systems. Driscoll noted that each Merops interceptor currently costs between 14,000 and 15,000 dollars. The report added that the Merops interceptor is roughly twice as expensive as Iran’s Shahed-136 drone, which Iranian analyst Esfandiar Batmanghelidj estimated to cost about 7,000 dollars. The information was sourced from Al Jazeera.

The United States Department of State has announced a reward of up to $10 million for information about Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and several other senior Iranian officials. The offer was made under the State Department’s “Rewards for Justice” program, which also mentioned that individuals providing credible information could be eligible for relocation assistance. According to the announcement, the targeted individuals are said to direct and oversee various elements of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which the statement alleges is involved in planning, organizing, and executing acts of terrorism worldwide. The list includes Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, Deputy Chief of Staff Ali Asghar Hejazi, Major General Yahya Rahim Safavi, Brigadier General Eskandar Momeni, and Supreme Council Secretary Ali Larijani. The report noted that Ali Larijani appeared earlier in the day at an Al-Quds Day rally in Tehran, where his participation photos were released.

The United States is planning to send a Marine expeditionary unit to the Middle East as tensions with Iran continue to rise. According to a report by ABC News, Washington is preparing to deploy around 2,200 Marines aboard three naval ships. Defense officials told Al Jazeera that the unit will be dispatched from the Marine Corps base in Okinawa, Japan, to support potential military operations if required. Officials stated that the force consists of approximately 2,500 personnel who will travel through the region with the naval vessels. The move comes as part of broader U.S. military positioning in response to regional security concerns involving Iran. The deployment underscores Washington’s continued focus on maintaining readiness and operational flexibility in the Middle East, though no specific timeline or mission details were disclosed in the reports.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met Reza Pahlavi, the eldest son of Iran’s last Shah, in Paris. According to the report, the meeting focused on Iran’s current situation and ongoing operations against what was described as the United States’ so-called “terrorist regime.” In a post on social media platform X, Zelensky said that Pahlavi, known for his pro-Israel stance, and his team shared messages they have been receiving from inside Iran. Zelensky stated that Iran’s ruling system has already suffered significant losses. He emphasized the importance of preventing the Iranian government from gaining any advantage from the current situation, while ensuring that ordinary Iranians receive greater protection and more opportunities to determine their own future. Reza Pahlavi is the son of Mohammad Reza Shah Pahlavi, who was overthrown during the 1979 Iranian Revolution. Earlier, Zelensky had remarked that the ongoing war in the Middle East was bringing no positive outcomes for Ukraine.

A violent clash between BNP and Jamaat supporters in Madhabpur village of Jhenaidah Sadar upazila left Krishak Dal union organizing secretary Taru Munshi, 55, dead on Friday night. He succumbed to his injuries at Dhaka Medical College Hospital around 9 p.m., confirmed Shahjahan Ali, joint convener of the Ganna Union Jubo Dal. The confrontation erupted earlier in the day over a dispute surrounding a Jamaat women’s training meeting and iftar gathering, which resulted in injuries to at least 12 people from both sides. According to witnesses, the altercation began when local BNP leader Ilias Hossain questioned the gathering of Jamaat’s female activists at a house in the village. The argument escalated into a physical clash involving sticks, with both male and female participants joining in. Several of Taru Munshi’s relatives, including his son and brother, were among the injured and admitted to Jhenaidah Sadar Hospital. Jhenaidah Jamaat’s amir Dr. Habibur Rahman claimed that BNP activists initiated the attack, injuring several Jamaat members. Police Superintendent Mahfuz Afzal stated that arrests have begun and additional forces have been deployed to restore order.

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced that the United States may launch its largest wave of airstrikes on Iran tonight. Speaking at a press conference in Arlington, Virginia, on Friday, he said the day could mark the most extensive US attacks over Tehran and across Iran. Hegseth claimed that the United States and Israel have already carried out strikes on nearly 15,000 Iranian targets. He described the ongoing operations as a major achievement, asserting that the United States is advancing according to its plan to destroy Iran’s key military capabilities. The statement follows recent remarks by former US President Donald Trump, who warned of tougher actions against Iran in an interview with Fox News last week. Hegseth’s comments about possible large-scale attacks tonight have further heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran, signaling a potential escalation in the conflict, according to the report sourced from Al Jazeera.

Iranian authorities have arrested a 37-year-old man accused of selling internet access through Starlink terminals, according to the state news agency ISNA. The man was detained in the city of Shiraz and allegedly built a network across several provinces to provide unrestricted internet connections using Starlink equipment. Officials did not disclose the exact date of the arrest. The report noted that Iran has faced near-total internet blackouts since the start of the current conflict, prompting many citizens to seek alternative access through SpaceX’s Starlink service. However, the use of Starlink in Iran is officially banned, and such activities are treated as criminal offenses. Earlier in January, following anti-government protests, Iranian authorities imposed an 18-day nationwide internet shutdown, reflecting the government’s continued control over online communications.

Iran is exporting significantly more oil than usual despite the ongoing disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, according to Associated Press journalist Inzamam Rashid. He reported that around 1,000 ships remain anchored near the strait’s entrance, including about 200 oil tankers. Rashid told Al Jazeera that the strait is one of the world’s busiest waterways, typically carrying about 20 percent of global oil supply, or roughly 20 million barrels per day. However, he noted that this normal flow has not been observed for about nine days, and most of the few tankers that managed to pass were used for Iranian oil exports. The Joint Maritime Information Center has warned that the threat level in the waters surrounding the Strait of Hormuz is currently at a “critical” stage. The organization issued this alert based on its latest risk assessment. Rashid emphasized that under these conditions, Iran is exporting “much more oil” than before. The situation underscores heightened tension in a key global energy corridor, with maritime security risks remaining severe.

Speculation has emerged in European football ahead of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting that Barcelona has held discussions with Manchester City regarding Norwegian striker Erling Haaland. However, Haaland’s agent Rafaela Pimenta stated in a Spanish television interview that the talks are not at a decisive stage. She added that any decision will depend on future circumstances and that a quick transfer is unlikely at this point. Meanwhile, Newcastle United is planning to strengthen its midfield, reportedly considering Italy’s Sandro Tonali and Monaco’s young midfielder Lamine Camara. Manchester United is monitoring 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder Mateus Fernandes, who could move if his current club faces relegation from the Premier League. In addition, Newcastle is also tracking 19-year-old German winger Said El Malak from FC Cologne, while Juventus has shown interest in Barcelona’s veteran Polish striker Robert Lewandowski, whose contract may expire this summer, leaving open the possibility of a move.

Swedish pole vaulter Armand 'Mondo' Duplantis set another world record at the Mondo Classic indoor meeting in Uppsala, Sweden. Competing at the IFU Arena, he cleared 6.31 meters, surpassing his previous record of 6.30 meters set at last year’s World Athletics Championships. This achievement marks his 15th career world record, further extending his dominance in the event. Duplantis, who was born in the United States but competes for Sweden through his mother, thrilled the home crowd by clearing 5.65m, 5.90m, and 6.08m on his first attempts before successfully vaulting 6.31m. The audience and fellow competitors celebrated as he completed the record-breaking jump. Since first setting a world record of 6.17m in Poland in February 2020, Duplantis has raised the mark by a total of 14 centimeters, often improving by just one centimeter at a time. This was Duplantis’s second world record on Swedish soil and his first of 2026. The victory also extended his winning streak to 38 consecutive competitions, bringing his career total to 130 wins, including 50 in a row.

An Iranian missile strike hit central Israel, setting a building ablaze, according to the Israeli military. Footage from the scene showed a column of smoke and flames rising beside a road, while emergency crews responded quickly to the incident. The strike appeared to have targeted a warehouse in the affected area. The Israeli military identified the attack as originating from Iran, marking a direct strike that caused visible damage in central Israel. First responders were seen working to contain the fire and assess the extent of the destruction. No further details about casualties or the scale of the damage were provided in the initial reports. Authorities were continuing to investigate the site and determine the full impact of the missile strike, as emergency operations remained underway.

Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon has entered a devastating new phase, marked by intensified airstrikes and widespread destruction. Video footage shows an Israeli missile hitting a building in southern Lebanon, while a bridge crossing the Litani River was also destroyed. The escalation follows Israel’s warning that Lebanon could face the same level of devastation seen in Gaza. According to reports, Israeli attacks since early March have killed 773 people in Lebanon. The latest strikes indicate a significant expansion of Israel’s operations in the country, with infrastructure and civilian areas increasingly affected. The situation underscores the growing humanitarian toll and the deepening regional instability as the conflict continues. The destruction of key transport routes such as the Litani River bridge may further hinder movement and relief efforts in affected areas, compounding the crisis for local populations.

With less than three months remaining before the 2026 FIFA World Cup, uncertainty has emerged over Iran’s participation. U.S. President Donald Trump advised Iran to withdraw from the tournament, citing concerns over safety amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The war, which began after U.S. and Israeli attacks on Iran, has entered its second week and is now affecting global discussions, including preparations for the World Cup scheduled to begin on June 11 in the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Iran had earlier expressed security concerns about playing in the United States. Trump initially downplayed the issue but later suggested that Iran should consider withdrawing for safety reasons. FIFA President Gianni Infantino, after meeting Trump, stated that the U.S. was ready to welcome Iran to the tournament. However, Trump reiterated his caution, saying participation might not be suitable for Iran’s team. In response, Iran’s national football team issued a statement on its official Instagram account asserting that participation in the World Cup is determined by FIFA, not by any individual or country, emphasizing its rightful qualification through consistent success.

Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by 128 runs in the second One Day International on March 13, 2026, leveling the series 1–1. Bangladesh captain Mehidy Hasan Miraz won the toss and opted to bowl first, but Pakistan’s openers Sahibzada Farhan and Maj Sadakat built a strong foundation. Despite losing momentum later, Pakistan posted 274 runs in 47.3 overs, with Sadakat scoring 75 and Salman Agha 64. Bangladesh’s chase faltered early, collapsing to 15 for 3 before rain halted play. After a two-hour delay, the hosts were bowled out for 114 in 23.3 overs. Litton Das top-scored for Bangladesh with 41 runs, while Towhid Hridoy added 28. Pakistan’s bowlers dominated, with Maj Sadakat taking 3 for 23, Haris Rauf 3 for 26, and Shaheen Shah Afridi 2 for 22. For Bangladesh, Rishad Hossain claimed 3 for 56, and Miraz took 2 for 34. Sadakat was named Player of the Match for his all-round performance. The victory allowed Pakistan to equalize the series, setting up a decisive final match to determine the winner.

The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) has issued strict travel directives ahead of the upcoming Eid-ul-Fitr to ensure safe and congestion-free journeys. According to an emergency public notice released on Thursday, the movement of trucks, covered vans, and lorries will be completely prohibited on highways across the country from March 17 to 23. However, vehicles carrying essential food items, perishable goods, garments, medicines, fertilizers, and fuel will be exempt from the restriction. The DMP announced that special monitoring will begin on March 16 at major entry and exit points of the capital to manage the rush of homebound travelers. It advised avoiding key routes such as Kuril-Abdullahpur, Gulistan-Signboard, Mirpur Road-Aminbazar, and Fulbaria-Sadarghat to reduce congestion. Inter-district buses will not be allowed to pick up or drop off passengers outside terminals or park near city entry points. The directive also warned transport owners and workers against overcharging passengers, selling duplicate tickets, or operating unfit vehicles. Highway and traffic police teams will be deployed to curb reckless driving, intoxicated driving, and mobile phone use while driving.