The US Treasury Department has announced that President Donald Trump’s signature will appear on all new US paper currency. This marks the first time a sitting US leader’s signature will feature on federal notes. The move also ends a 165-year tradition by removing the Treasurer of the United States’ signature from currency for the first time since 1861. The first $100 bills with Trump’s signature alongside Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent will be printed in June. The initiative is part of marking the 250th anniversary of American independence.

Senior Iranian official Mohsen Rezaei warned the US with the phrase “a head for an eye” as the American deadline for Iran nears. Rezaei said Iran will respond forcefully if the US continues its aggression. The statement came amid ongoing missile exchanges and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Rezaei emphasized that Iran will not back down and will match any strike with equal or greater force. The remark has heightened tensions in the Middle East conflict.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that the United States must engage in direct talks with Iran to resolve the ongoing conflict. He said indirect channels through third parties like Pakistan, Turkey, and Egypt are insufficient. Araghchi emphasized that Iran is open to negotiations but only on its own terms, seeking guarantees against future attacks, removal of sanctions, and recognition of its regional influence. The statement comes as the war continues to disrupt global energy supplies.

US President Donald Trump has shifted full responsibility for the ongoing Iran war to Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth. Trump stated the military campaign is now "entirely Pete’s show" and that Hegseth has complete authority to decide all future steps, including escalation or de-escalation. This follows weeks of intense US strikes on Iranian targets. Trump emphasized Hegseth has his full confidence.

Pakistan has increased fuel prices by up to 200% in the second major hike in less than 20 days due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran war. The government cited severe disruption in oil supplies and rising international crude prices. Petrol and diesel prices have been revised sharply, causing panic among citizens and businesses. This is the second consecutive hike since the Hormuz blockade began, severely impacting the economy and daily life. The move has triggered widespread criticism and concerns over inflation and transport costs.

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.