Iranian authorities have arrested 35 people in the western province of Lorestan on charges of illegally photographing military installations and spreading false information, according to the Tasnim news agency as reported by Al Jazeera. Among those detained, 16 individuals are accused of capturing images or videos of sensitive and military sites and collaborating with what officials described as 'hostile' media outlets. The remaining 19 were detained for allegedly disseminating false information.

The Iranian government has categorized the incident as a matter of national security. The arrests come amid heightened scrutiny of information sharing and media activity within the country, particularly concerning military and security-related content.

Authorities have not released further details about the detainees or the specific nature of the alleged misinformation, leaving questions about the broader implications of the arrests for media freedom and civil activity in the region.

Tehran has issued a strong warning following reports that the Pentagon is preparing for a week-long ground operation in Iran. According to The Washington Post, US officials said the plan involves both special operations forces and conventional infantry units, though President Donald Trump has not yet given final approval. The move comes as the Iran war enters its fifth week, with additional US troops, including thousands from the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to the Middle East.

In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) declared that any US troops entering Iran would return in coffins. The IRGC also urged students, teachers, and staff to stay away from institutions that could become targets. It warned that American and Israeli-linked educational institutions in West Asia might be attacked as retaliation.

The escalating exchange of threats has heightened fears of a broader regional conflict as both sides increase military readiness and rhetoric.

A two-day quadrilateral meeting began in Islamabad involving the foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Pakistan to explore diplomatic solutions for ending the ongoing Iran war and easing regional tensions. The talks aim to find a path toward a ceasefire in the conflict that has persisted for more than a month between Iran, the United States, and Israel.

Diplomatic sources indicate that Pakistan has emerged as a key mediator, facilitating indirect exchanges between Iran and the United States with support from Turkey and Egypt. The White House confirmed direct communication between Pakistan’s army chief Asim Munir and U.S. President Donald Trump. Pakistan has also conveyed a U.S. proposal to Iran, which Tehran rejected, insisting on ending the war under its own conditions.

Iran has presented five conditions for ending hostilities, including halting aggression and assassinations, ensuring compensation, coordinated resolution among all parties, and international recognition of its control over the Strait of Hormuz. Analysts suggest the Islamabad meeting could mark a turning point in Middle East diplomacy.

The United Arab Emirates has called for strict security guarantees and compensation from Iran as part of any political settlement to the ongoing conflict between the two countries. Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, stated on social media that any agreement must include a firm commitment to a 'non-aggression' policy to prevent future attacks. He emphasized that Tehran should compensate for assaults on Gulf countries’ civilian infrastructure and populations.

Gargash accused Iran of misleading neighboring states about its intentions before the conflict and claimed that Iran carried out a 'premeditated aggression' despite regional efforts to avoid escalation. He said mandatory security assurances and reparations are now essential to address what he described as the main threat to Gulf security.

The remarks, reported by Middle East Eye, come amid heightened regional tensions and ongoing discussions about possible political solutions to the Iran-UAE conflict.

Amid ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base, destroying a US ‘flying radar’ aircraft. The strike injured 12 American soldiers and damaged multiple military planes, including an E-3 Sentry, according to The Wall Street Journal. The E-3 Sentry serves as an airborne warning and control system used by the US military.

Reports cited by The Telegraph noted that the US currently operates only 16 active E-3 Sentry aircraft, each costing around 370 million pounds (approximately 500 million dollars) to produce. The aircraft plays a crucial role in battlefield management, capable of detecting and tracking drones, missiles, and other aircraft from hundreds of miles away.

Military analysts highlighted that such aircraft provide commanders with real-time battlefield imagery, enabling rapid deployment of forces and equipment to counter threats effectively.

The European Union’s naval mission in the Red Sea has issued its highest alert level following a ballistic missile attack launched by Yemen’s Houthi group toward southern Israel early Saturday. The mission said it is monitoring Houthi activities and their alignment with Iran amid escalating conflict involving Israel and Iran. Updated guidance has been issued for commercial vessels, instructing them to register and use maritime security channels for assistance.

According to reports, the EU mission’s primary goal is to ensure safe and unrestricted navigation through international waters. The Houthis’ missile strike marks their first direct attack on Israel from Yemen, occurring two months after the broader conflict began. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed the incident but did not specify the extent of damage.

The Red Sea is one of the world’s most vital trade routes, and the EU’s high-alert declaration is expected to heighten instability in global energy and goods transportation markets.

Two LPG tankers carrying about 94,000 metric tons of liquefied petroleum gas have successfully crossed the Hormuz Strait and are now heading toward India, according to the country's petroleum ministry as reported by Al Jazeera. The vessels, flying the Indian flag, are expected to arrive at Mumbai port later this week, marking them among the latest ships to navigate the narrow maritime passage.

Ship tracking data from LSEG indicated that as of Friday, a total of four LPG tankers had already passed through the strait, while three more were positioned in its western section. Official figures also show that 18 Indian-flagged vessels and 485 Indian sailors remain stranded in the western Gulf region.

India, the world’s second-largest LPG importer, consumed 33.15 million tons of LPG last year. Around 60 percent of its total demand is met through imports, with nearly 90 percent of that supply originating from the Middle East.

The European Union’s maritime security agency has urged all vessels to avoid Yemeni waters due to renewed threats from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. The warning follows reports that the Houthis may resume attacks on commercial ships, particularly in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The alert intensified after the group launched missiles toward Israel on Saturday and issued fresh threats of further assaults.

According to a report from the EU naval mission ‘Aspidis,’ commercial ships linked to the United States or Israel should stay away from Yemeni waters until the threat level decreases. The report classified the risk as ‘high’ for Israel-related vessels and ‘medium’ for those without direct ties to the United States or Israel.

Analysts cited in the source noted that the Houthis have not yet fully exploited their most powerful tactic—disrupting global trade through the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a key maritime chokepoint connecting the Red Sea to global trade routes. Any instability in this area could have significant repercussions for the world economy.

The opposition in Bangladesh’s Jatiya Sangsad on Sunday submitted a motion to suspend regular proceedings and demanded discussion on a notice regarding the convening of the Constitution Reform Council session. Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqul Rahman raised the issue after the question-answer session, citing the July National Charter and the Constitution Reform Implementation Order 2025 as the basis for his notice. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal, presiding over the session, decided to continue with the day’s agenda while assuring that the matter would be considered later.

The debate intensified as ruling party Chief Whip Nurul Islam and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed argued that, by parliamentary convention, such motions should be raised only after the completion of Rule 71 discussions. Opposition Chief Whip Nahid Islam countered that the issue was of national importance and should be discussed promptly, referencing the recent referendum and the July Charter. The Deputy Speaker reiterated that the notice would be reviewed and a decision announced after Rule 71 proceedings.

The Speaker later assured that the issue would be discussed in the next or a scheduled session, calming tensions in the chamber.

Prime Minister’s Economic Adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir said the government’s goal is to free the country from concerns about excessive domestic or foreign borrowing. He emphasized that the administration is prioritizing revenue collection more than ever before, with a National Board of Revenue (NBR) task force already working toward this objective. He made the remarks at a press briefing following a meeting with NBR officials at the Revenue Building in Agargaon, Dhaka, where NBR Chairman Abdur Rahman Khan was also present.

Titumir noted that Bangladesh’s tax-to-GDP ratio remains below 7 percent, which he described as insufficient for sustainable economic growth. The government aims to raise this ratio to 10 percent within five years and eventually to 15 percent if it continues in office. He stated that the current administration is using the iBAS+++ system to ensure accurate revenue accounting and will focus on performance-based tax benefits while curbing tax evasion and fraud.

The adviser also criticized the previous Awami League government for mismanaging the economy and providing misleading revenue figures, which the current government seeks to correct through transparency and reform.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced that it intercepted 16 ballistic missiles and 42 drones launched from Iran, according to a statement reported by Al Jazeera on March 29, 2026. The UAE Ministry of Defense said on social media platform X that its air defense systems are actively countering Iranian ballistic and cruise missiles as well as drones.

The ministry further stated that since the beginning of the Iranian attacks, UAE forces have intercepted a total of 414 ballistic missiles, 15 cruise missiles, and 1,914 drones. The ongoing assaults have resulted in the deaths of two UAE armed forces members and one Moroccan contractor working with the military. Additionally, eight foreign nationals from Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Palestine, and India have also been killed.

The report highlights the continuing escalation between Iran and regional actors, with the UAE facing repeated aerial threats and maintaining active defense operations.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal expressed hope that practicing Westminster-style democracy would help build a strong democratic nation. He made the remarks on Sunday while presiding over a session of the National Parliament in the absence of the Speaker. Kamal described the current parliament as a rare one in world history, noting that many members had endured imprisonment, exile, or persecution before joining. He offered gratitude to the Prime Minister, the Leader of the House, and his constituency’s people for their support.

In his address, Kamal paid tribute to the martyrs of the Liberation War, late President Ziaur Rahman, and former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, whom he called the “Mother of Democracy.” Recalling the 2024 student and public uprising that ended fascism, he honored those who sacrificed their lives. He pledged neutrality in conducting parliamentary duties and said he had resigned from his party post to ensure impartiality.

Drawing from his experience studying in the United Kingdom, Kamal said that adopting Westminster-style parliamentary practices could lead Bangladesh toward democratic success, emphasizing cooperation between the government and opposition as essential to effective democracy.

According to a report by The Telegraph cited by Amar Desh Online on March 29, 2026, Iran is seen to be on the path to victory in its ongoing confrontation with the Trump administration. Western intelligence agencies have long sought to weaken the Islamic Republic, but Iran’s leadership is reportedly maintaining control. The Revolutionary Guard Corps has become the dominant force in the country, and without a direct U.S. ground invasion, the regime’s collapse appears unlikely. Even leaders like Netanyahu and Trump are said to be exploring behind-the-scenes agreements rather than pursuing regime change.

The report identifies four main reasons for Iran’s perceived advantage. First, the regime’s survival itself is considered a victory. Second, Iran’s control over the strategic Strait of Hormuz has disrupted global oil supplies, forcing the Trump administration to negotiate. Third, Iran has turned the strait into a new source of revenue by charging fees to countries such as China and India for oil shipments. Finally, if Iran endures the conflict, it could use this income to rebuild its missile and nuclear capabilities, potentially emerging stronger in the coming years.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has announced the start of a new phase of its military operation, involving 86 missiles and drones. According to a statement from the IRGC’s public relations department, the operation, named “Sunday Dawn,” targeted US bases located in Iraq’s Victoria, Kuwait’s Arifjan, and Saudi Arabia’s Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj.

The statement said the objective of the strikes was to damage US aerial and drone operation infrastructure and weapons stockpiles. It also claimed that the attacks extended to secret US and Israeli facilities in multiple locations, including Arad, Negev, Tel Aviv, Erbil, Bahrain—where the US Fifth Fleet is based—and Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra area.

The announcement follows earlier tensions involving Iran and US-linked military sites in the region, though the statement did not specify the scale of damage or casualties resulting from the attacks.

Deputy Speaker Barrister Kaiser Kamal said the National Parliament should serve as the mirror of the nation, reflecting the people's democratic hopes and aspirations. Speaking on Sunday, March 29, 2026, during the first session of the 13th National Parliament after a 13-day recess, he noted that some members came to Parliament from death row, some from abduction, and others after long imprisonment, making this Parliament rare in the world. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister, all members, and the people of Netrakona-1 for their trust and support.

Kamal emphasized that Bangladesh’s national history is rooted in sacrifice and struggle, with the Liberation War forming the foundation of independence. He paid tribute to the martyrs and freedom fighters and remembered former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for restoring parliamentary democracy in 1991 and for her lifelong leadership against autocracy. He also recalled the 2024 student uprising that he said ended fascism and reopened the path to democracy.

The Deputy Speaker honored the martyrs of the July movement and expressed sympathy for those left disabled or suffering as a result of the struggle.