Iran foreign minister warns UN of environmental catastrophe from strikes

Iran's foreign minister Abbas Araghchi has warned that US-Israeli attacks on the country's nuclear facilities could expose the entire region to radioactive contamination. In a letter to the UN secretary-general, Security Council, and IAEA chief, he said continued strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure pose serious environmental and humanitarian risks. He listed seven reported strikes on nuclear-related sites since late February.

US special forces rescue second crew member of downed F-15 in Iran

US special operations forces rescued the second crew member of an F-15 fighter jet downed over Iran, ending a tense 36-hour operation, Axios reported citing US officials. The pilot was recovered within hours, while the weapons officer was found more than a day later. US aircraft struck Iranian forces to prevent them from reaching the site. Both crew members have been recovered.

Iran threatens retaliation against Israeli diplomatic sites across region

Iran's military has warned that any Israeli attack on Iranian embassies or diplomatic missions would trigger immediate retaliation against Israeli diplomatic sites across the region. A spokesperson for Iran's Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters declared that all of what he called the "Zionist regime's fake embassies" would be considered legitimate targets. The threat follows a US-Israeli joint offensive on Iran that began on February 28.

Hezbollah claims 32 strikes on Israeli settlements and military positions

Hezbollah announced it carried out 32 attacks against Israeli settlements, troop positions, and military sites on Saturday, while air raid sirens sounded 19 times across northern Israel. The group said the attacks came "in defense of Lebanon and its people" amid continuing Israeli strikes on Lebanon since March 2. An Anadolu count puts Hezbollah attacks at 1,455 since March 2.

Houthi military spokesperson claims strikes on Lod Airport, military sites

Yemen's Houthi group announced it had targeted Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv and vital military targets in southern Israel using a fragmentation ballistic missile and drones. Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said the operation was carried out jointly with Iran's Revolutionary Guard and Hezbollah. The attack follows an Israeli daily's report of a missile from Yemen landing in an open area.

Iranian drone strike hits Kuwait City ministries complex, Kuwait says

Kuwait's Finance Ministry announced that an Iranian drone attack caused major property damage to the ministries complex in Kuwait City on Saturday evening. The ministry confirmed no casualties resulted from the strike. Emergency teams responded immediately, and employees were instructed to work remotely on Sunday before resuming in-person work on Monday under precautionary measures.

Iranian drone attack damages Kuwait's electricity and water desalination plants

Kuwait announced that an Iranian drone attack caused major property damage to electricity generation and water desalination plants, forcing two power units out of service. The Kuwaiti electricity ministry said no injuries were reported from the strike late Saturday. Emergency and technical teams began responding immediately to contain the damage and maintain essential services for the population.

Gen. Randy George bids farewell after being asked to resign by Pentagon

Former army chief of staff Gen. Randy George said in a farewell email that US soldiers deserve courageous leaders of character, after defense secretary Pete Hegseth asked him to resign and retire immediately. CBS News reported George was removed from his post as Hegseth sought a replacement to carry out the Trump administration's agenda for the army. His farewell message was verified by CBS News.

Gaza aid flotilla departs Marseille to break Israeli blockade

Around 20 boats have departed Marseille, France, to join the Global Sumud Flotilla's 2026 spring mission aimed at breaking Israel's naval blockade on Gaza. The vessels, adorned with Palestinian tatreez embroidery and Handala images, are heading toward Italy to link with other aid ships. Organizers say Gaza's humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate despite ceasefire claims.

Slovak premier demands EU allow Russian oil and gas deliveries

Slovak prime minister Robert Fico has called on the European Union to reconsider sanctions on Russian oil and gas as the Middle East conflict disrupts global energy supplies. Following talks with Hungary’s Viktor Orban, Fico urged Brussels to resume dialogue with Moscow and restore flows through the Druzhba pipeline. Both leaders accuse Ukraine of blocking deliveries for political reasons.

Israeli army removes all cameras facing UN headquarters in Naqoura

Israeli soldiers have destroyed all security cameras facing the UNIFIL headquarters in Naqoura, southern Lebanon. The UN peacekeeping mission expressed serious concern and announced a formal protest. A UN spokesperson reminded Israel of its obligation to ensure the safety of UN personnel and respect the inviolability of UN premises. Separately, three peacekeepers were injured in an explosion at a UN position.

India turns to Tehran for oil amid Middle East turmoil

India has officially resumed purchases of Iranian crude oil after a seven-year pause, driven by supply disruptions from the ongoing Middle East conflict. New Delhi stopped buying from Tehran in 2019 following the expiration of US waivers. The Indian petroleum ministry confirmed that refiners have secured supplies from multiple sources including Iran, with no payment obstacles for Iranian crude imports.

Ex-Israeli premier says Jews guilty of crimes against humanity

Former Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert has accused Jews of committing killings, ethnic cleansing, and crimes against humanity in the West Bank. In a televised interview, he warned Israel's military chief and police commissioner that their actions would lead them to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Olmert's remarks come as violence escalates across the occupied territory.

Rohingya council condemns Min Aung Hlaing's presidency as illegitimate

The Arakan Rohingya National Council has condemned the appointment of former junta leader Min Aung Hlaing as Myanmar's president, calling the election process fundamentally illegitimate. The Rohingya group accused the new president of responsibility for mass killings and forced displacement during the 2016–2017 crackdown. It urged governments to refuse recognition and support accountability efforts at the International Criminal Court.

Trump gives Iran 48 hours to reopen Hormuz or face ‘hell’

Us president Donald Trump has given Iran a 48-hour deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz or reach a nuclear deal. In a social media post, Trump said “time is running out” before severe consequences. Tensions remain high in the region following a joint US-Israeli offensive on Iran in late February that killed over 1,340 people, including the former supreme leader.

Pakistan adds Turkish-made MILGEM warship to naval fleet in Karachi

Pakistan navy has officially inducted the PNS Khaibar, a Turkish-built MILGEM class corvette, during a ceremony in Karachi. Naval chief Admiral Naveed Ashraf hailed the warship as a turning point for Pakistan’s maritime defense. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif called the induction a milestone. The vessel is part of a four-ship agreement between Pakistan and Türkiye’s ASFAT.

Gaza woman succumbs to wounds as Israel shells Khan Younis

A Palestinian woman has died from wounds sustained during an Israeli attack on displaced people’s tents southwest of Khan Younis. Witnesses also reported Israeli artillery shelling and large-scale demolition operations in eastern parts of the southern Gaza city. The violence comes amid ongoing Israeli violations of a ceasefire that has been in place since October 2025.

Türkiye reaffirms commitment to global mine action efforts

Türkiye has announced it will resolutely continue its regional and global efforts to counter the threat of landmines, guided by a humanitarian approach. The Turkish Foreign Ministry issued the statement on the UN-declared International Day for Mine Awareness. Ankara also reaffirmed its active support for international cooperation under the Ottawa Convention through the Turkish National Mine Action Center.

Berlin calls for scrapping EU unanimity on foreign affairs

Germany’s Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul has called on the European Union to abandon its unanimity principle in foreign and security policy before the current legislative term ends. Citing Hungary’s blockade of a €90 billion loan to Ukraine, Wadephul argued that qualified majority voting would make the bloc more effective on the global stage. He stressed that the current system undermines EU unity and credibility.

Iranian diplomat issues stark warning after Bushehr bombing

Iran’s foreign minister warned that radioactive fallout from strikes on its Bushehr nuclear plant would endanger Gulf Cooperation Council capitals, not Tehran. Abbas Araghchi said US-Israeli forces have bombed the facility four times. His remarks followed a joint American-Israeli attack that killed one person at Bushehr. Araghchi also pointed to strikes on Iranian petrochemical sites as proof of Western intentions.

Top US archbishop rejects Iran war as unjust

The Catholic archbishop overseeing all US military personnel has declared that America's war with Iran fails the church's just war criteria. Archbishop Timothy Broglio told CBS News the conflict targets a potential nuclear threat rather than an actual one. He also criticized Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's religious framing of the war as "problematic," stating Jesus "brought a message of peace." The interview airs on Easter Sunday.

Hormuz shipping rebounds to Asia, Latam

Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz is steadily recovering, with tankers carrying crude and LPG heading to China, India, and Latin America. Following a 95% drop after US-Israeli strikes on Iran, vessels now transit via an Iranian-controlled corridor. Many ships broadcast false identifications—claiming Chinese ownership or "food for Iran"—to secure safe passage. Tehran permits diplomatic negotiations with countries like Pakistan and India while requiring extensive documentation from commercial vessels.

MSF: Gaza medical supplies critically low

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has warned that Israeli restrictions have pushed Gaza's medical supplies to critical shortages, with no supplies entering the enclave since Jan. 1. Nearly half of essential medications for chronic diseases are at dangerously low levels, forcing MSF to stop admitting new patients. The organization warns of preventable deaths and says it is close to using non-sterile gauze as a last resort due to infection risks.

No detainee abuse at Texas ICE hub: Probe

A federal investigation into the largest ICE detention facility in Texas found no evidence of detainee mistreatment, though inspectors identified 49 safety and security violations. The inspection of Camp East Montana in El Paso revealed 22 use-of-force and restraint issues, including failure to document incidents. None of the 49 randomly interviewed detainees reported discrimination or abuse. ICE has hired a new contractor to address deficiencies at the $1.2 billion facility.

32 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon

The Lebanese Health Ministry has raised the injury toll from Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanon to 32, including three paramedics. The attacks targeted the Al-Hosh area near Tyre and the town of Maarakeh, also damaging the Lebanese Italian Hospital, which remains operational. Separately, two airstrikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs early Saturday. More than 1,345 people have been killed and 4,000 wounded since Israel's offensive began on March 2.