'Drone attack leaves 2 civilians injured in Azerbaijan'

Azerbaijan accused Iran of firing two drones at its territory, injuring two civilians, and said it has summoned the Iranian ambassador in order to issue a strong protest. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said one drone fell on an airport in Nakhchivan, near the border with Iran, and another landed near a school. In a statement, it condemns the attacks, demands an explanation from Iran, and said Azerbaijan reserves the right to take "appropriate response measures".

Day after Iris Dena attack, Iranian ship near Sri Lanka requests for 'urgent port call'

An Iranian ship near Sri Lanka requested for an "urgent port call", said Sri Lankan MP Namal Rajapaksa on Thursday. This urgent request from the Iranian naval vessel comes a day after Iris Dena was sunk and torpedoed by a US submarine. "It has been brought to our notice that another Iranian vessel is in Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone, just outside our territorial waters and has sought the government’s permission to make an urgent port call. However it is yet awaiting the government’s clearance," the MP wrote on social media platform X. This statement from the Sri Lankan MP comes after Media minister Nalinda Jayatissa said a second Iranian warship was just outside Sri Lankan waters, but gave no further details.

Pakistani businessman claims 'IRGC recruited him' to kill Trump, Biden

A Pakistani businessman on trial in the United States has told a court that he was recruited by an Iranian Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) handler for a plot in 2024 to assassinate prominent American political figures, including now President Donald Trump, then President Joe Biden and former UN ambassador Nikki Haley. The testimony from Asif Merchant, a 47-year-old Pakistani national, comes as tensions remain high between the United States and Iran amid ongoing military confrontations across the Middle East. Read the full story here.

87 dead after submarine strike sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka

At least 87 people died when a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship in the Indian Ocean off Sri Lanka, news agency AFP reported. Rescue operations are still underway as dozens of sailors remain missing after the attack. The warship, IRIS Dena, a Moudge-class frigate of the Iranian Navy, had recently taken part in the multinational naval exercise MILAN 2026 in India before the incident occurred. Read the full story here.

China raises defence budget to $275 billion, announces 1.9 trillion yuan allocation

China on Thursday increased its defence budget to about 1.9 trillion yuan (around $275 billion), Chinese Premier Li Qiang announced while presenting the government’s work report at the opening session of the National People’s Congress (NPC). The new allocation marks an increase of roughly $25 billion from last year and continues Beijing’s steady expansion of military spending as it pushes ahead with the modernisation of its armed forces. China’s defence budget is the second largest in the world after that of the United States. Read the full story here.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez hits back after Donald Trump threatens to cut trade

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has strongly responded to US President Donald Trump's threat to cut trade ties with Spain, emphasising his government's position against war and warning about the dangers of undermining international law. In a televised address lasting around 10 minutes, Sanchez spoke about the conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the legacy of the Iraq War, saying Spain's position could be summed up as "no to war". Read the full story here.

Nepal votes in first election after Gen Z protests: Key contenders and what’s at stake

Nepal is voting in a crucial general election on Thursday, the first since Gen Z-led protests forced the government of former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli out of power six months ago. A total of 3,406 candidates are contesting for 275 seats in the House of Representatives. The election is seen as a major test for Nepal’s political future and will decide whether the youth-led movement brings lasting political change or if traditional leaders return to power. Read the full story here.

'We’re doing well': Donald Trump says US making 'rapid progress' in war with Iran

US President Donald Trump on Wednesday said the United States and its allies were making rapid progress in the ongoing conflict with Iran, giving the American military an extraordinary rating for its performance. Speaking during a meeting with technology executives at the White House, Trump said the campaign had moved quickly in less than a week. Read the full story here.

'Russia offers to meet India’s energy needs as Iran shuts Strait of Hormuz'

Russia on Monday said that it is ready to step in and meet India’s full energy demand if prolonged disruptions affect the country’s oil and gas supplies, according to PTI. The development comes as tensions escalate in West Asia after the United States and Israel carried out strikes in Iran, targeting its military and naval forces. Tehran later retaliated, raising fears of a wider regional conflict that could affect global energy supplies. Read the full story here.

Donald Trump lashes out at Keir Starmer over Diego Garcia base delay

US President Donald Trump has sharply criticised UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer over Britain's stance on the ongoing conflict with Iran, accusing London of being uncooperative and slow in allowing the United States to use a key military base. Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump expressed frustration over the time taken to resolve issues related to the use of the British-controlled Diego Garcia base in the Indian Ocean. Read the full story here.

Nepal’s high-stakes election with 18.9 million voters and 275 seats: Key points to know

Nepal went to the polls on Thursday, March 5, in its first general election since a massive Gen Z-led uprising last year toppled the government of former prime minister KP Sharma Oli. The vote is being seen as a crucial moment for the country as citizens decide who will lead Nepal in the coming years. Read the full story here.

US Senate blocks attempt to limit Trump’s Iran war powers amid widening conflict

In the first significant congressional vote on the deepening conflict with Iran, Senate Republicans on Wednesday, March 4, rejected a resolution that aimed to stop US President Donald Trump’s war against Iran. The legislation, which is a war powers resolution that requires congressional approval for any further military action, did not pass by a 47-53 vote. The voting, however, was largely along party lines, although Kentucky Senator Rand Paul, a Republican, voted in favour of the legislation, while Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman, a Democrat, voted against it. Read the full story here.

US-Israel war with Iran enters day 5: Over 1,000 dead, Tehran hit again, Gulf states under attack

The conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran has now reached its fifth day, and violence has spread across the Middle East. The military campaign carried out by both the United States and Israel has already resulted in over 1,000 deaths in Iran, while Iran has launched counterattacks on Israel and the Gulf States. With each passing day, new military actions and reactions by countries and economies continue to emerge. Read the full story here.