An Iran-backed Iraqi militia, Kataib Hezbollah, has threatened to attack energy infrastructure if there are any attempts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz by force, according to Press TV. The group’s Secretary-General, Abu Hussein al-Hamidawi, warned that such actions would lead to the destruction of all oil and gas facilities in the area. He stated that the strait would not be accessible to what he called “enemies” and cautioned against using military force, adding that current conditions demand either shared security and prosperity or none at all.

Al-Hamidawi also criticized attacks on civilian infrastructure as the conflict enters its fifth week and called for financial support to be directed toward Lebanon. At the same time, Iran’s Navy said the situation in the Strait of Hormuz has changed permanently and will not return to how it was before, especially for adversaries like the US and Israel. It emphasized that regional developments have created a new balance in which outside powers, particularly the US, can no longer dominate or freely operate in Iran’s nearby waters.

According to Press TV, Iran is working toward a regional security framework led by countries bordering the Persian Gulf, excluding foreign forces. Measures include increased naval presence, advanced surveillance, and rapid-response coordination to protect its waters and maintain energy flow through the strait.

These developments follow strong remarks by US President Donald Trump, who warned of severe consequences if Iran continues restricting access to the strait. Iranian authorities have indicated that the waterway remains open, but not to vessels linked to the US, Israel, and their allies. Axios reported that the US, Iran, and regional mediators are discussing the possibility of a 45-day ceasefire that could pave the way for a lasting resolution to the conflict.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Reuters.

A Florida-based drone company, Powerus, which has recently brought on Eric Trump and Donald Trump Jr., is marketing its technology to Gulf nations facing threats from Iran while continuing to depend on US military support during the ongoing US-Iran conflict. The company is positioning itself to take advantage of the tensions that escalated after US and Israeli strikes on Iran. According to a report by The Associated Press, critics argue that Gulf countries may feel pressured to purchase from a firm linked to the president’s family in hopes of securing favorable support. Richard Painter, a former official under George W. Bush, suggested this situation could mark an unprecedented case of a president’s family profiting from a war that did not receive congressional approval.

Powerus co-founder Brett Velicovich said the company is actively demonstrating its interceptor drones across the Middle East. These systems are designed to defend against potential Iranian attacks. He emphasized that their technology has the potential to save lives and highlighted the urgency of advancing US capabilities in what he described as a global arms race.

Eric Trump, responding to criticism, said he is proud to invest in businesses he believes in and described drone technology as the future. Reports indicate that the Trump brothers’ involvement could result in significant equity stakes in the company. Despite concerns about possible conflicts of interest, Powerus has dismissed such claims, stressing the importance of strengthening American manufacturing and staying competitive globally.

Since Donald Trump’s return to office, his sons have expanded into newer sectors such as cryptocurrency, prediction markets, and federal contracting tied to advanced manufacturing. Powerus is also aiming to secure funding from a $1.1 billion Pentagon initiative intended to boost US drone production, especially after limits were imposed on Chinese imports.

Founded by US Army Special Operations veterans about a year ago, Powerus initially focused on commercial uses like agriculture and firefighting but is now rapidly moving into military production. The company recently raised $60 million and is considering going public through a reverse merger with a Trump-affiliated firm listed on Nasdaq, allowing it to bypass the traditional IPO process.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.

Iran’s military issued a strong rebuttal to US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks, warning that the conflict will continue until Washington experiences what it described as “permanent humiliation, regret, and surrender,” according to Iranian state media Press TV. The spokesperson for Iran’s Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters rejected US claims of having damaged Iran’s military infrastructure, stating that American intelligence on Iran’s capabilities is “incomplete.” The statement emphasized that Washington underestimates the country’s “vast strategic capabilities” and dismissed Trump’s assertion that Tehran’s ability to deploy missiles and drones had been significantly reduced.

The spokesperson said, “Your intelligence on our military power and equipment is incomplete. You know nothing of our vast strategic capabilities. Do not assume you have destroyed our strategic missile production sites, long-range attack and precision drones, modern air-defence systems, electronic warfare, or special equipment. The sites you think you hit are insignificant; our strategic military production takes place at locations you do not know about and will never reach. Do not bother trying to count our missiles, drones, and strategic systems; you will be wrong and achieve nothing.”

The Khatam al-Anbiya Headquarters, Iran’s top operational command, coordinates activities between the Iranian Army and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). The spokesperson accused the US of initiating aggression and vowed continued retaliation, saying, “You must pay for the aggression you started against our honourable, beloved, Muslim nation. This war will continue until you face permanent humiliation, regret, and surrender. Expect more crushing and devastating strikes from us in continuation of the severe blows you have already received.”

This response followed Trump’s national address in which he praised US military efforts against Iran, claiming the campaign’s primary objectives were nearly achieved. The President asserted that Iran’s naval and air capabilities had been largely neutralized, its military infrastructure severely damaged, and many of its leaders eliminated. He also claimed that Iran’s missile and drone capabilities were “dramatically curtailed,” and that US strikes on weapons factories and rocket launchers had left “very few of them” operational, insisting that the United States is “winning bigger than ever before.”
Disclaimer: This image is taken from ANI.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar sharply criticised Lebanon on Monday, asserting that the country is effectively under Iranian control and failing to curb Hezbollah’s influence. Posting on X, Sa’ar accused Beirut of ignoring its own decision to expel Iran’s ambassador, Mohammad Reza Shiba, even after the March 29 deadline had passed.

He highlighted that although the Lebanese Foreign Ministry had declared Shiba “persona non grata,” the diplomat remained in Beirut. Sa’ar also noted that Hezbollah ministers continue to hold positions in the Lebanese government, calling Lebanon “a virtual state that is, in practice, occupied by Iran” and describing the situation as a “visible occupation that hardly anyone speaks about.”

Sa’ar further accused Hezbollah of violating the November 2024 ceasefire by launching 5,000 missiles, rockets, and drones at Israel since March 2. Many of these projectiles were reportedly fired from areas south of the Litani River, which the Lebanese army had previously claimed to control. He urged Lebanon to take decisive action against Iran and its proxy, stating that the country “will not regain its freedom until a decision is made in Beirut to confront the Iranian occupation and Hezbollah.”

Lebanese Foreign Minister Youssef Raggi announced that the government had withdrawn its approval for Shiba as ambassador, declared him persona non grata, and ordered him to leave by March 29. Raggi instructed the Secretary-General of the Foreign Ministry to notify the Iranian Charge d’Affaires of the decision. Sa’ar welcomed the step, describing it as “justified” and urging further measures to counter Iran’s indirect influence in Lebanon through Hezbollah.
Disclaimer: This image is taken from X/@gidonsaar.

As thousands of U.S. troops and marines deploy to the Middle East, Iran accuses Washington of secretly planning a ground attack while publicly promoting ceasefire negotiations. Donald Trump has threatened to “destroy” Iran’s energy infrastructure, stated that he would “prefer to take the oil,” and suggested that U.S. forces could capture the country’s export hub on Kharg Island, all while claiming to be negotiating with a new “reasonable regime.” At the same time, Yemen’s Houthi forces have joined the conflict, raising the risk of further disruptions to the global economy.
Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

Journalist and author of The Lasting Harm, Lucia Osborne-Crowley, discusses the grooming strategies used by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Speaking to Annie Kelly, Lucia emphasizes that Epstein isn’t unique or mysterious. “Viewing him as special distracts from the reality,” she says. “There are many others like him. These abuses occur in communities and institutions worldwide, following the same patterns repeatedly.”

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

The Prime Minister assures that the UK will not be pulled into a broader Middle East conflict and promises help for households struggling with heating oil costs. Pippa Crerar and Kiran Stacey discuss the government’s measures to support people amid the cost-of-living crisis and the impact of the war. Additionally, there’s a focus on Brussels, where the government is working on another EU reset to strengthen ties.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.

After days of uncertainty, five members of the Iranian women’s football team were officially granted protection in Australia by Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke early Tuesday morning. The remaining players are still being monitored by officials as they make their way to the airport, with the possibility of returning to Iran. Women’s football journalist Samantha Lewis talks with Nour Haydar about the behind-the-scenes efforts that ensured the women could stay in Australia, the prospects for other players, and what the next steps might be.

Disclaimer: This podcast is taken from The Guardian.