Mojtaba Khamenei warned of retaliation after the killing of senior Iranian official Ali Larijani in a strike blamed on the United States and Israel. Calling the perpetrators “criminals,” he said they would “soon pay,” signalling escalation in the ongoing conflict. Abbas Araghchi said Iran’s system remains intact despite leadership losses. Larijani’s death, a key link between political and security institutions, could strain decision-making as targeted strikes reduce experienced leadership. Analysts warn coordination may weaken. The conflict has caused thousands of deaths across the region, with varying casualty estimates reported by different sources. (PC: India Today)

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)

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)

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)

Two explosions were reported in Saudi Arabia’s capital Riyadh as tensions rose in the ongoing war. Authorities said air defences were responding to missile and drone threats. Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned of retaliation after Ali Larijani’s killing, saying “criminals will have to pay soon.” Iran’s Revolutionary Guards also issued a “firm and clear warning” targeting energy infrastructure. Israel said it carried out wide airstrikes in Tehran and other areas. The United States confirmed strikes on Iranian missile sites near the Strait of Hormuz. The conflict has spread across the region, with attacks reported in multiple countries. (PC: HT)

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has named Russia, China, North Korea, and Pakistan among the gravest nuclear threats facing the United States. Testifying before a Senate panel, Gabbard warned that missiles capable of striking America could surge from approximately 3,000 currently to over 16,000 by 2035. She highlighted deepening military coordination between North Korea, Russia, and China as a serious concern. On Iran, Gabbard stated its nuclear enrichment programme was "obliterated" in June 2025 strikes but cautioned Tehran retains significant proxy capabilities and would likely rebuild its arsenal if the regime survives. The remarks came despite Pakistani PM Shehbaz Sharif recently praising Trump as a regional peacemaker in Washington. (PC: India Today)

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian confirmed the assassination of Intelligence Minister Esmail Khatib, killed in an Israeli overnight airstrike on Tehran. Pezeshkian mourned the deaths of Khatib, senior security chief Ali Larijani, and military commander Aziz Nasirzadeh, alongside family members, calling the strikes "cowardly assassinations." Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, stating that Prime Minister Netanyahu had authorised the IDF to eliminate any senior Iranian official without requiring additional approval. Khatib had served as Iran's top intelligence chief since 2021. The killings follow Israel's confirmation of Ali Larijani's death and Basij commander Brigadier General Gholamreza Soleimani, as the US-Israel-Iran war enters its third escalating week. (PC: X)