Thousands of Chinese fishing vessels gathered in unusual geometric formations in the East China Sea, raising concerns among maritime experts about possible military preparations by China. Satellite and ship-tracking data showed up to 2,000 boats clustering in coordinated patterns near Taiwan, sometimes as close as 500 metres apart, before dispersing after roughly 30 hours. Analysts believe the manoeuvres were unlikely to be fishing activity and may represent a test of China’s ability to mobilise large civilian fleets during a crisis. Experts say such vessels could support military operations, including blockades or logistics, as tensions over Taiwan continue to rise.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed it launched missiles and drones that struck the U.S. aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Sea of Oman, asserting the vessel was damaged and forced to withdraw amid ongoing Middle East hostilities. Tehran framed the action as retaliation in the broader conflict. However, the United States military has strongly denied the claim, stating the carrier was not hit or harmed, and remains operational alongside its strike group, continuing regional missions. The conflicting narratives reflect rising U.S.–Iran tensions and the fog of war over military engagements at sea. (PC: AP)

China announced it will send US $200,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance to Iran to support victims of a deadly school attack, condemning the killing of at least 150 schoolgirls in Minab as a violation of international humanitarian law. Beijing’s gesture, channelled through the Red Cross Society of China to the Iranian Red Crescent, aims to comfort bereaved families and bolster relief efforts. China also urged all parties to halt military operations, return to dialogue, and avoid broader escalation. The comment comes amid intensifying US‑Israel strikes, Iranian retaliation, and regional tensions impacting global oil routes. (PC: AP)

Intelligence analysts suggest **Iran may be leveraging China’s highly accurate BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) to enhance the precision of its missile and drone strikes amid the ongoing Middle East conflict. BeiDou, China’s global rival to the U.S.‑controlled GPS, offers high‑precision geolocation and is harder to jam or spoof, potentially improving Iranian weapons guidance and resilience against electronic warfare. Tehran has not officially confirmed use, but experts note noticeable gains in targeting accuracy and speculate a phased integration of BeiDou into Iran’s military systems, reflecting deeper China‑Iran tech cooperation and a shift away from reliance on GPS. (PC: Reuters )

A U.S. military KC‑135 Stratotanker refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq on 12 March 2026, killing four of the six crew members, the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) confirmed. Rescue operations are ongoing for the two others. The crash occurred during Operation Epic Fury, part of U.S. military actions linked to the wider conflict involving Iran; CENTCOM said the loss was not due to hostile or friendly fire. Another KC‑135 involved in the incident landed safely. The identities of those killed are being withheld pending family notification, and an investigation into the circumstances is underway. (PC: EPA)

After Pakistan’s recent air raids inside Afghanistan, Afghanistan’s **Taliban government claimed it retaliated with drone strikes on a Pakistani army camp in Kohat, marking a serious escalation in cross‑border tensions. Pakistan had conducted airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar, targeting what it described as militant hideouts, which Kabul condemned as violations of sovereignty. The conflict is part of a broader surge in hostilities between the neighbours, with both sides exchanging strikes and blaming each other for harbouring militants, raising fears of a wider military confrontation.

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed that ballistic missiles and drones struck the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier in the Sea of Oman, asserting severe damage and a forced withdrawal. Tehran’s statement said the attack occurred about 340 km from its maritime borders, with state media claiming U.S. vessels fled at high speed. Washington’s U.S. Central Command denied the claim, releasing photos and stating the carrier remains fully operational supporting Operation Epic Fury. Conflicting narratives reflect escalating tensions between Iran and U.S./Israeli forces in the broader Middle East conflict. (PC: X)

Two people were killed in Oman after debris from an intercepted drone fell in a populated area amid the intensifying US–Iran conflict. Authorities said the drone was part of the ongoing regional hostilities linked to the war. Meanwhile, Donald Trump issued a cryptic warning, telling reporters to “watch what happens today,” suggesting possible new military or strategic moves by the United States government. The remark comes as tensions surge across the Middle East, with missile strikes, drone attacks and threats to energy shipping routes continuing to destabilize the region. (PC: HT)

The United States and its Western allies clashed with Russia and China at the United Nations Security Council over Iran’s nuclear program amid escalating tensions from the ongoing Middle East conflict. Washington pushed to maintain oversight of sanctions through the UN’s 1737 Committee, accusing Moscow and Beijing of shielding Tehran and blocking enforcement measures. The proposal to continue discussions on the committee passed with 11 votes in favour, two against, and two abstentions despite Russian and Chinese opposition. US officials warned Iran has enriched uranium to around 60% without full international inspections, raising concerns about potential nuclear weapons capability, while Russia and China accused the US of escalating tensions. (PC: Reuters)

A US military KC-135 refuelling aircraft crashed in western Iraq while supporting operations linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, prompting an urgent search-and-rescue mission. The aircraft had five crew members on board when it went down, according to US Central Command. Officials said the crash occurred in “friendly airspace” and was not caused by hostile or friendly fire. Reports indicate that two KC-135 tankers were involved in the incident, with one aircraft crashing while the second managed to land safely despite sustaining damage. Authorities have not confirmed casualties yet as rescue teams continue efforts at the crash site amid heightened military activity in the region. (PC: AP)