Author: News Desk

News Desk RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s air defense systems intercepted multiple ballistic missiles, drones, and a cruise missile targeting key locations across the Kingdom early Friday, the Ministry of Defense confirmed. The attacks, aimed at sites including Prince Sultan Air Base and the Ras Tanura oil refinery, were all successfully neutralized. The strikes come amid escalating tensions following the Iran–Israel conflict, which has spread across the Gulf. Previous attacks targeted Riyadh and Al-Kharj, while maritime traffic near the Strait of Hormuz has been severely disrupted, threatening global oil shipments. Saudi authorities reaffirmed their “full right” to defend the Kingdom and vowed…

News Desk TEHRAN: Following the reported assassination of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in a joint U.S.-Israel attack, former President Hassan Rouhani’s name has resurfaced as a potential candidate for Iran’s top post. While Khamenei’s son, Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei, is backed by Revolutionary Guard factions, the Assembly of Experts reportedly prefers to avoid hereditary succession. Rouhani, a moderate leader who served as president from 2013 to 2021, is seen as a consensus-builder with experience in nuclear diplomacy and internal governance. Interim leadership is currently held by President Masoud Pezeshkian, Chief Justice Gholam-Hossein Mohseni Eje’i, and Assembly member Ali Reza…

News Desk JORHAT: Two Indian Air Force pilots were killed after a Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighter jet crashed in Assam’s Karbi Anglong district during a training mission on Thursday night. The aircraft, which had taken off from Jorhat airbase, lost communication shortly afterward and crashed in a remote hilly area approximately 60 kilometers away. Squadron Leader Anuj and Flight Lieutenant Purvesh Duragkar sustained fatal injuries, the IAF confirmed in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Local residents reported hearing a loud explosion and seeing a large ball of fire, prompting villagers to assist search teams using torches and lights. India’s Defence…

News Desk DHAKA: Bangladesh have named their 15-member squad for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, set to be played at the Shere Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Dhaka from March 11 to March 15. Afif Hossain makes a notable return to the squad after last featuring in an ODI in December 2024, adding experience to the middle order. Mahidul Islam Bhuiyan retains his place following his performance in the previous series against the West Indies. Despite recent struggles, Litton Das has also been included, with selectors expressing confidence in his ability to strengthen the middle order. Several players,…

News Desk BASRA: Iraqi police in Basra have launched a search operation for an American pilot after reports emerged that a US aircraft came down in the southern Iraqi province. The incident, first reported by Al Jazeera Arabic, remains unconfirmed by US military authorities. Officials say the cause of the incident is still unclear, with conflicting claims circulating about whether the aircraft crashed accidentally or was shot down. According to Al Jazeera Arabic, the Basra Police Command dispatched search teams on Thursday to locate an American pilot after an aircraft reportedly crashed within the province. Police authorities said the aircraft…

News Desk TEHRAN: The death toll in Iran has crossed 1,200 as the conflict involving the United States and Israel continues to spread across the Middle East, drawing several countries into the escalating war. More than 1,300 people have been killed across different countries since strikes on Iran began on February 28, according to figures released by governments and officials as of March 5, marking the sixth day of the conflict. The war expanded after joint strikes by US and Israeli forces targeted locations inside Iran, triggering retaliatory missile and drone attacks by Tehran and widening the confrontation across the…

News Desk TEHRAN: Mojtaba Khamenei, the 56-year-old son of the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has emerged as a leading contender to become Iran’s next supreme leader following his father’s death in an airstrike on Saturday, according to Iranian sources. The Assembly of Experts, the clerical body responsible for selecting the supreme leader, is reportedly close to reaching a decision. The supreme leader holds ultimate authority over key state matters, including foreign policy and Iran’s nuclear programme. Read Details: https://metro-morning.com/iranian-media-silent-as-israeli-reports-claim-mojtaba-khamenei-elected-supreme-leader/ A mid-ranking cleric with longstanding ties to Iran’s powerful Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), Mojtaba is widely seen within Iran’s establishment…

News DeskISLAMABAD: With Eid-ul-Fitr 2026 expected around March 20, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has issued guidelines to help citizens obtain new currency notes safely and avoid illegal sellers charging premium rates. The SBP has outlined multiple official channels for obtaining fresh notes: Step 1: Use the 8877 SMS Service Step 2: Visit the Designated Bank Branch Step 3: Contact Your Bank Manager Step 4: Visit SBP Bank Services Corporation Offices Step 5: Check ATMs During Last Ten Days of Ramadan Citizens are strongly advised to obtain fresh notes only from authorized sources and report illegal sellers to authorities…

News Desk COLOMBO/SRI LANKA: TThe ongoing war between the United States, Israel, and Iran escalated sharply on Wednesday after a US submarine torpedoed an Iranian warship near Sri Lanka, killing at least 87 sailors. The Iranian frigate IRIS Dena, reportedly returning from eastern India, was struck in international waters hundreds of miles from the Persian Gulf, expanding the conflict across the Indian Ocean. Sri Lankan authorities said 32 sailors were rescued and around 60 remain missing from the ship’s estimated crew of 180. Bodies of 87 crew members were recovered and brought to the National Hospital in Galle. Search-and-rescue operations…

News Desk ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan underwent a follow-up eye examination at Adiala Jail, carried out by a four-member team of medical specialists from public and private hospitals. The team, which included retina specialist Dr Nadeem Qureshi and Dr Arif from PIMS Hospital, arrived at the jail with modern medical equipment to conduct the scheduled review. Doctors posted at Adiala Jail assisted the visiting team during the examination. Sources said the specialists completed the follow-up check-up using advanced instruments and departed from the jail after concluding the examination. No further details on the results of the examination…