Unidentified drones were spotted over Fort McNair in Washington, raising security concerns amid the United States conflict with Iran. According to reports, the base where Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth reside, saw multiple drone sightings on a single night within the past 10 days. Authorities have not identified the drones’ origin but have heightened surveillance and monitoring. The incidents prompted increased security measures and a high-level meeting at the White House to assess response options. The breach follows recent global security alerts and heightened precautions across US military and diplomatic installations. (PC: AFP)

Flight services between India and West Asia are gradually resuming amid ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel and the United States. Airlines including Air India, Air India Express and IndiGo have restarted flights to Dubai following regulatory approvals, while some routes remain suspended due to airspace restrictions. A total of 48 Air India flights, including scheduled and additional services, are planned for March 19. Akasa Air has also begun phased restoration, resuming Riyadh-Mumbai routes but continuing suspensions to Abu Dhabi, Doha and Kuwait. The conflict continues to disrupt aviation networks and impact regional connectivity. (PC: News18)

The United Arab Emirates intensified diplomatic outreach after Iranian missile attacks, with Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan holding talks with global counterparts, including S Jaishankar of India. According to the UAE foreign ministry, discussions focused on Iran’s continued missile strikes targeting the UAE and other regional countries, described as unprovoked. The leaders emphasised coordination and collective efforts to tackle escalating security threats. The engagement reflects growing concern over regional stability as tensions rise across the Middle East, prompting urgent diplomatic consultations to prevent further escalation and strengthen international cooperation. (PC: X)

Five members of Iran women's national football team have returned to Iran after dropping asylum bids in Australia. The squad travelled via Malaysia and Oman, landing in Igdir, Turkey, before crossing by coach. Players had initially sought humanitarian visas over fears of repercussions for remaining silent during the national anthem. Activists allege pressure through threats to families. Named players include Zahra Soltan Meshkehkar, Mona Hamoudi, Zahra Sarbali and captain Zahra Ghanbari. Two teammates granted sanctuary remain in Australia. Authorities earlier confirmed players were moved to safety, while Iran dismissed the episode as foreign interference. (PC: BBC)

Global oil prices surged following Israel’s strike on the South Pars Gas Field, driven by fears of retaliation from Iran targeting Gulf energy infrastructure. Within hours, Qatar reported a ballistic missile strike on a key natural gas facility, triggering a fire and causing “extensive” damage. The incident heightened concerns over supply disruptions in a region critical to global energy markets. In response to escalating tensions, Qatar ordered some officials from the Iranian Embassy to leave the country. The developments underscore rising geopolitical risks and volatility in energy prices as conflict spreads across key production and export hubs.

Donald Trump warned Iran that the US could “massively blow up” the South Pars Gas Field if further attacks hit Qatar’s LNG infrastructure. The warning followed Iranian missile strikes damaging LNG facilities, with QatarEnergy confirming fires but no casualties. Qatar, a major global LNG supplier, had already halted production, raising fears of prolonged disruption. Trump said the US had no role in Israel’s earlier strike on South Pars and stressed Qatar’s non-involvement. He added Israel would avoid further attacks unless Iran escalates. Iran condemned the strike, warning of “uncontrollable consequences” amid escalating tensions threatening global energy markets. (PC: AP)

The arrest of American national Matthew VanDyke in India has revealed significant national security concerns. VanDyke, among seven foreigners detained, is accused of involvement in a conspiracy against India. According to the National Investigation Agency, the group allegedly crossed into Myanmar illegally via India to train ethnic armed organisations and banned groups operating within India. Investigators examining his phone and social media uncovered links to multiple overseas military conflicts and operations, raising questions about his role and objectives. Authorities are now probing how he entered India’s northeast and the nature of his mission. The US Embassy acknowledged awareness but declined further comment. (PC: NDTV)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard told a Senate Committee that Pakistan, China, Russia, North Korea and Iran are developing nuclear-capable missile systems that could reach the United States. She said the intelligence community assesses expanding threats, with total missiles rising from 3,000 to over 16,000 by 2035, and highlighted advanced Russian and Chinese systems designed to penetrate US defenses. Gabbard warned Pakistan’s long-range programme may include ICBMs, while Iran could develop such capability before 2035. She added North Korea’s cyber thefts, including $2 billion in 2025, fund weapons programmes. She also said US strikes have degraded but not destroyed Iran’s regime, which continues regional attacks. CIA John Ratcliffe Europe risk.

Qatar has condemned Iran’s strike near its main gas facility, calling it a “direct threat” to national security. State firm QatarEnergy said missile attacks hit Ras Laffan Industrial City and caused “extensive damage.” Fires were reported at the site after the strike. The attack followed Iran’s warning that it would target energy infrastructure after earlier strikes on its own facilities. Tensions remain high across the region. Saudi Arabia said it intercepted missiles and drones. Strikes and alerts were also reported in other countries as the conflict widened and energy sites came under focus. (PC: HT)

The US Federal Reserve kept interest rates unchanged as rising oil prices linked to the Iran war increase economic uncertainty. The key rate remains at 3.5% to 3.75%. Officials said the situation in the Middle East has made the outlook unclear. “The implications… are uncertain,” the Fed said. Higher oil prices have already pushed fuel costs up in the US. This may raise inflation and reduce spending. Policymakers are moving cautiously despite pressure to cut rates. Forecasts now show inflation at 2.7% this year. Most officials still expect at least one rate cut later this year. (PC: BBC)