Thousands of residents fled southern Beirut after intense Israeli airstrikes targeted areas believed to house Hezbollah infrastructure. The bombardment followed rocket attacks from Hezbollah into Israel, prompting large-scale retaliation and evacuation warnings from the Israeli military. Entire neighbourhoods in Beirut’s southern suburbs were rapidly emptied as civilians rushed to escape the strikes. Reports indicate that more than 500,000 people have been displaced, with hundreds killed and many injured as buildings and infrastructure were destroyed. Lebanon’s government has struggled to accommodate the influx of displaced residents, while shelters in safer regions quickly filled. The escalating violence has deepened fears of a wider regional war and triggered a severe humanitarian crisis. (PC: X)

Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian on Saturday apologised to neighbouring countries for recent attacks linked to the regional conflict. He said Iran has no intention of invading other nations. In a televised address, Pezeshkian said Iran’s temporary leadership council had decided to stop missile strikes on neighbouring states. He said attacks would only happen if Iran is directly targeted by those countries. “The temporary leadership council announced yesterday that there will be no more attacks on neighbouring countries unless attacks originate from them against Iran,” he said. Pezeshkian also rejected reported US calls for unconditional surrender. “They will take their dreams of us surrendering unconditionally to the grave,” he said. (PC: India Today)

The ongoing US–Iran conflict has disrupted shipping routes in the Gulf, leaving nearly 800–1,000 export containers from Maharashtra stranded at Jebel Ali Port. The shipments mainly contain perishable agricultural products such as grapes, bananas, pomegranates, onions and vegetables destined for Gulf markets. Exporters fear major financial losses as delays increase the risk of spoilage. The crisis comes during Ramadan, when demand for fresh produce in Gulf countries typically surges. Trade bodies have urged the Indian government to intervene and support exporters, warning that prolonged disruption could cause crores of rupees in losses and severely impact Maharashtra’s agricultural export sector. (PC: MSN)

Iran has reportedly destroyed a key U.S. missile-defence radar system worth about $300 million at a military base in Jordan during the escalating Iran-Israel conflict. The radar was part of the Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) network, which helps detect and guide interceptors against incoming ballistic missiles. The strike is seen as a major setback for U.S. regional air-defence capabilities. U.S. officials said the attack targeted critical surveillance infrastructure supporting American missile-defence operations in the Gulf region. Washington is now working to rapidly replace the damaged radar to maintain defence coverage. The incident highlights the widening regional impact of the conflict as Iran increasingly targets U.S. and allied military assets. (PC: AP)

Pakistan has raised petrol and high-speed diesel prices by PKR 55 per litre, marking the largest fuel price increase in the country’s history. The hike comes as global oil prices surge due to escalating tensions in West Asia following the conflict involving Iran and the US-Israel alliance. After the increase, petrol now costs PKR 321.17 per litre, while diesel has risen to PKR 335.86 per litre. The government said the move was unavoidable due to rising international crude prices and potential supply disruptions. Long queues were reported at fuel stations as people rushed to buy fuel before the price hike. Authorities warned against hoarding and said prices may now be reviewed weekly amid ongoing market volatility. (PC: X)

The war between the United States, Israel, and Iran continues to escalate, with fresh airstrikes reported in Tehran and parts of Lebanon. Israeli forces targeted military sites and Hezbollah-linked positions, while Iran retaliated with missiles and drones toward Israel and Gulf states. The conflict intensified after a joint U.S.–Israeli strike killed Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering wider regional tensions. U.S. President Donald Trump has ruled out negotiations and demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” while also signaling involvement in selecting Iran’s next leadership. Meanwhile, evacuations and security alerts have increased across the Middle East as the conflict threatens regional stability and global energy routes. (PC: AFP)

The U.S. Department of Justice has released additional documents from the investigation into convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, including FBI interview summaries containing allegations involving former U.S. President Donald Trump. The files include a 2019 interview with a woman who claimed Epstein introduced her to Trump in the 1980s when she was a teenager and alleged Trump attempted to sexually assault her. Officials said the records had previously been withheld because of a coding error that mistakenly marked them as duplicates. Authorities stressed the accusations remain unverified and uncorroborated. Trump and his representatives have strongly denied the claims, calling them baseless and politically motivated. (PC: CNN)

Russia has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence that could help it target U.S. military forces in the Middle East, according to U.S. officials cited in reports. The intelligence allegedly includes locations and movements of American warships, aircraft, and other military assets in the region. Officials believe the information-sharing began after tensions between Washington and Tehran sharply escalated. Analysts say the data may have improved Iran’s ability to track and potentially strike U.S. forces using missiles or drones. The development signals growing strategic cooperation between Moscow and Tehran and raises concerns in Washington that the conflict could widen if global powers become indirectly involved. (PC: X)

U.S. President Donald Trump has demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender” as the conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran intensifies. Trump said Washington would not accept negotiations unless Tehran fully capitulates and dismantles its military and nuclear capabilities. Meanwhile, Iran’s ambassador to the United Nations, Amir Saeid Iravani, strongly rejected Trump’s remarks suggesting the U.S. could influence the selection of Iran’s next leader following the death of Ali Khamenei. The envoy called the comments a violation of international law and the UN Charter, insisting Iran will never allow foreign interference in its internal political process. (PC: The Hindu)

Indonesia will ban social media and several online platforms for users under 16 starting 28 March, aiming to protect children from online risks such as pornography, cyberbullying, scams and addiction. Communications Minister Meutya Hafid said accounts belonging to minors on “high-risk” platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Bigo Live and Roblox will be deactivated. The move positions Indonesia as the first non-Western country to delay children’s access to digital spaces by age. Supporters say the rule will help parents manage children’s screen time, while critics warn strict age verification could threaten privacy and limit young people’s access to information and expression. The policy follows similar restrictions introduced. (PC: BBC)