InternationalUS National Counterterrorism Center Director Resigns Over War with Iran
Joe Kent, director of the US National Counterterrorism Center, resigned over opposition to the war with Iran, stating it poses no imminent US threat and stems from Israeli pressure. The move underscores growing criticism of the conflict amid escalating tensions.
ReliableUS Authorities Arrest Afghan National Basir Ahmad Safi on Child Abuse Charges
US authorities arrested Afghan national Basir Ahmad Safi, who entered the country in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome, on child abuse charges following a prior conviction in Florida. He is now in ICE custody awaiting deportation, amid ongoing concerns over vetting in the resettlement program.
DevelopingMissiles and Drones Target US Embassy in Baghdad, Iraqi Security Sources Say
Missiles and drones targeted the US embassy in Baghdad early Tuesday, with Iraqi security sources saying two were intercepted and one struck the compound, causing smoke and fire. The attack, likely by Iran-backed groups, occurs amid rising regional tensions linked to Iran, the US and Israel.
ReliableUN Secretary-General Guterres Urges Action Against Rising Islamophobia
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged the international community to combat rising Islamophobia on the International Day to Combat Anti-Muslim Hatred, rejecting fear narratives and calling for unity to eliminate hatred against Muslims. He highlighted increasing hate crimes amplified by online platforms and political debates, warning of threats to social cohesion.
DevelopingTrump Seeks to Delay Meeting with China's Xi by a Month to Focus on Iran War
President Donald Trump is seeking to delay his planned early April meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping by about a month to focus on the Iran war and Gulf crisis. He has requested cooperation from countries including China to reopen the Strait of Hormuz amid disruptions from Iranian attacks.
ReliableEU's 20th Sanctions Package Against Russia Delayed for Months, Kallas Says
EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas said the 20th sanctions package against Russia has been delayed for months with no resolution in sight, while a €90 billion loan to Ukraine faces similar holdups due to member state disagreements. TASS reported no progress on the sanctions at a Brussels meeting of EU foreign ministers on March 16.
ReliableFormer Afghan Special Forces Soldier Dies in US Immigration Detention, Drawing Democrats' Criticism
A former Afghan Special Forces soldier who fought alongside US troops died in ICE detention in Texas after complaining of shortness of breath, prompting criticism from US House Democrats' Foreign Affairs Committee. He was the 12th detainee death in ICE custody this year, per Reuters.
ReliablePakistan's UN Deputy Urges Objective UNAMA Reporting on Afghanistan Security Developments
Pakistan's Deputy UN Representative Mohammad Osman Iqbal Jadoon urged UNAMA to objectively report Afghanistan's security situation amid terrorism threats from groups allegedly facilitated by some Taliban elements. He welcomed the Security Council's unanimous three-month extension of UNAMA's mandate and highlighted concerns over cross-border attacks.
ReliableUN Security Council Extends UNAMA Mission in Afghanistan for Three Months
The UN Security Council extended the UNAMA mission in Afghanistan for three months until 27 Jowza 1405, a shorter term than usual following a US request for review. The decision comes amid a severe humanitarian crisis affecting 17.5 million people, with aid funding far short of needs.
ReliableFire in Odisha Hospital Trauma Unit Kills 10 Patients, Injures Five
A fire in the trauma unit of an Odisha hospital on March 16 killed at least 10 patients and injured five others, with an electrical short circuit suspected as the cause. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said 23 patients were in intensive care at the time, and authorities plan to review safety protocols.
ReliableIranian Foreign Minister Says Israeli Strikes on Tehran Fuel Depots Violate International Law
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi condemned Israeli strikes on Tehran fuel depots as a violation of international law, calling them "environmental genocide" with long-term health and environmental risks. He urged accountability for attacks on civilian infrastructure amid escalating Iran-Israel tensions involving the US.
DevelopingSaudi Crown Prince Urged Trump to Intensify Strikes on Iran, New York Times Reports
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman urged U.S. President Donald Trump to intensify strikes on Iran amid the escalating conflict with Israel and the United States, according to a New York Times report citing unnamed U.S. officials. The advice echoes past Saudi calls for strong action against Iran, as previously revealed in WikiLeaks cables.
ReliableNetanyahu Posts Video Joking About Death Rumors, Reigniting Online Speculation
Benjamin Netanyahu posted a video on his official accounts joking about death rumors while visiting a coffee shop, reigniting online speculation about his status amid claims of assassination in Iranian media. Some users questioned the footage's authenticity as tensions between Israel and Iran escalate.
ReliablePakistani Police Detain 341 Undocumented Afghan Migrants in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa
Pakistani police in Swabi district, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, detained 341 undocumented Afghan migrants during raids in multiple areas. Officials said operations would continue and urged voluntary returns after Eid al-Fitr.
DevelopingLarijani Warns of Alleged '9/11-Style' Plot to Frame Iran
Ali Larijani warned on X of an alleged '9/11-style' plot by remnants of Jeffrey Epstein's network to frame Iran for a terrorist attack, amid a 17-day war started by Israel's 'Rising Lions' operation and joined by the US 'Epic Wrath.' Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was reported killed in the strikes, leading to Mojtaba Khamenei's selection as successor.
ReliableAfghan Refugee Dies in US Immigration Custody Day After Detention Outside Dallas Home
An Afghan refugee and former US special forces collaborator died in ICE custody in Dallas less than 24 hours after his arrest on March 13, 2026. CAIR Texas and AfghanEvac called for a transparent investigation, while ICE cited his criminal history and ongoing probes.
ReliableIran's Foreign Minister Denies Requesting Ceasefire or Talks with US
Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi denied that Tehran has ever sought a ceasefire or negotiations with the US, blaming President Trump for choosing war despite prior talks. Experts cited say the conflict burdens the US and Israel more, prompting advice for withdrawal.
ReliableCentral Asian Football Union Announces Dates for CAFA 2026 U-17 Championship
The Central Asian Football Union has announced the CAFA 2026 U-17 Football Championship will take place from 12 to 25 Hoot 1405 at Dastlik Stadium in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, with teams from Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan and Tajikistan. Afghanistan's U-17 squad is preparing in Kabul under coach Ali Ahmad "Yarzadah".
ReliableIran Internet Shutdown Enters Third Week Amid US-Israel Tensions
Iran's nationwide internet shutdown has entered its third week amid escalating military tensions with the United States and Israel, according to NetBlocks. The restrictions follow U.S. strikes on Kharg Island and increased Iranian attacks, raising fears of a wider regional conflict.
DevelopingRussian Newspaper Reports China Funding Border Facilities Along Tajikistan-Afghanistan Line to Protect Economic Interests
Nezavisimaya Gazeta reported China is allocating $60 million to build nine border facilities along the Tajikistan-Afghanistan border, aiming to secure Belt and Road projects amid regional instability. The initiative builds on prior cooperation and references ongoing road work in Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor.