Iran launched long-range ballistic missiles targeting the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on March 21, 2026. The strike, part of escalating retaliation, demonstrated Iran’s claimed 4,000 km missile reach. The base hosts US bombers and supports operations in the Middle East. While US officials said the attack was intercepted, the attempt marks a major escalation, bringing the conflict closer to Indian Ocean shipping lanes and raising concerns about wider regional involvement.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the United States must engage in direct talks with Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict. Speaking amid efforts by Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt to broker peace, Araghchi said indirect channels are insufficient and only direct dialogue can address core issues. He emphasized that Iran is open to talks but will not accept imposed terms. The statement comes as the war continues to disrupt the Strait of Hormuz and global energy supplies.

Iran launched long-range ballistic missiles targeting the US-UK military base on Diego Garcia in the Indian Ocean on March 21, 2026. The strike, part of escalating retaliation, demonstrated Iran’s claimed 4,000 km missile reach. The base hosts US bombers and supports operations in the Middle East. While US officials said the attack was intercepted, the attempt marks a major escalation, bringing the conflict closer to Indian Ocean shipping lanes and raising concerns about wider regional involvement.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) publicly released a list of US military facilities in the Gulf that it considers legitimate targets or has already struck. The named sites include Al Udeid Air Base (Qatar), Naval Support Activity Bahrain, Al Dhafra Air Base (UAE), and Camp Arifjan (Kuwait). IRGC stated these bases were used to coordinate and launch attacks on Iran and warned of further “decisive and crushing” retaliation if they continue to be used for aggression. The disclosure is interpreted as both psychological warfare and a strategic signal of Iran’s intelligence reach and targeting capability.

Sri Lanka denied reports that US warplanes landed at Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport amid the escalating Middle East conflict. President Anura Kumara Dissanayake clarified that no foreign military aircraft were allowed to land or refuel. The denial came after social media claims suggested US planes used the facility for operations related to the Iran war. Sri Lanka maintains strict neutrality and has not permitted any military use of its airports by foreign forces.

Iran has blocked the Strait of Hormuz while Houthi rebels threaten to close Bab el-Mandeb in the Red Sea amid the US-Israel-Iran war. This has disrupted 12% of global trade and major oil/LNG shipments. Ships must reroute around Africa, adding 10-15 days to Asia-Europe journeys. Insurance premiums have surged, and companies like Maersk have paused Red Sea transits. Oil prices spiked near $100 per barrel. Houthi leader Abdul Malik al-Houthi said forces are “ready to respond at any moment.”

Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) vowed to pursue and kill Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a "child killer" and stating they will "kill him with full force" if he is still alive. The threat came amid assassination rumours triggered by a video posted on Netanyahu's X account, where users spotted a possible "sixth finger" glitch suggesting AI generation. Netanyahu's office denied the rumours, saying "These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine." The IRGC also claimed missile and drone strikes on three US military bases in Iraq and Kuwait as part of "Operation True Promise 4".

Benjamin Netanyahu's office rejected viral claims of his assassination amid the Israel-US-Iran war. Rumours spread after a video posted on his X account showed him at a press conference, with users spotting what appeared to be six fingers on his right hand and looping curtain movements, suggesting AI generation. The office told Anadolu Agency: "These are fake news; the Prime Minister is fine." The speculation arose after US-Israel strikes on February 28 killed Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei, prompting Iranian retaliation.

US President Donald Trump criticized UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer for the UK's delayed support in the Middle East conflict, stating America does not need British aircraft carriers as the war against Iran is nearly won. Trump highlighted strained US-UK relations after London initially blocked US use of British bases for strikes. The UK's Defence Ministry is preparing the Prince of Wales carrier for possible deployment amid the crisis.

Pakistan declared a national emergency on March 5, 2026, as the Iran war disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz. The government ordered work-from-home for non-essential staff, closed government offices, and shifted schools to online classes. Fuel prices surged, leading to panic buying and long queues at petrol stations. The country relies heavily on Iranian and Gulf oil. PM Shehbaz Sharif held an emergency cabinet meeting and appealed for calm while seeking emergency supplies from Saudi Arabia and UAE.