US President Donald Trump’s pick for Homeland Security Secretary faced tough questioning during a Senate hearing, with lawmakers pressing the nominee on key policy issues.

The grilling comes ahead of a crucial Senate committee vote, with Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin expected to play a key role as the panel prepares to vote on Thursday.

The hearing marks a key step in the confirmation process, as scrutiny intensifies over the nominee’s record and policy positions.

USA: Trump’s DHS Pick Grilled in Senate, Committee Vote on Mullin Likely Thursday

The United States has extended its $15,000 visa bond requirement to additional countries as part of efforts to combat visa overstays.

The rule, which requires certain travellers to post a bond as a condition for entry, is aimed at ensuring compliance with visa terms and reducing the number of overstays.

US authorities say the expanded measure will come into effect on April 2, marking a broader push to tighten immigration enforcement.

US Extends $15,000 Visa Bond Rule to New Nations From April 2 | WION

The United Arab Emirates has hinted it could join efforts led by the United States to safeguard shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A senior adviser to the UAE president said ensuring stability in the crucial waterway is a shared responsibility, pointing to the role of major economies across Asia, West Asia and Europe. The remarks come as concerns grow over disruptions to global oil supply routes amid rising tensions in the region.


US-Iran War: UAE Could Join Any US-Led Effort to Secure Strait of Hormuz, Says Senior Official

Iran has stepped up its attacks with a new wave of missile strikes targeting Israel, with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claiming the use of Kheibar Shekan ballistic missiles. These missiles, designed for precision and manoeuvrability, are seen as a key part of Iran’s evolving arsenal.

US-Iran War: Iran Launches Barrage Of Missiles In Fresh Wave Of Strikes On Israel 

Tensions have surged after Iran launched a fresh wave of missile attacks targeting Israel, with reports pointing to both ballistic and claimed hypersonic weapons being used. Sirens rang out across central Israel as air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming threats. The strikes come amid an already intensifying conflict, with both sides exchanging heavy fire and targeting key positions. 


US-Iran War: Iran Launches Multiple Ballistic Missiles at Israel 

Iran has vowed retaliation following the killing of senior security official Ali Larijani, as tensions escalate in the ongoing conflict.

Iranian military officials warned of a “decisive” response after Larijani’s death in strikes attributed to Israel.

The threat signals a further escalation, with fears of wider regional fallout as both sides continue targeting key military and leadership positions.

US-Iran War: US Embassy In Baghdad Struck By Drone

U.S. stocks rose on Tuesday. With the Dow up 47 points, the S&P-500 gaining a quarter per cent, and The Nasdaq is climbing nearly half a per cent. Ahead of the Fed's policy decision, futures were mostly flat. While airlines, travel companies, and tech stocks like Uber saw notable gains amid high oil prices and West Asian conflict.

US Stocks Rise Ahead of Fed Meeting | World Business Watch

Tensions have surged after Benjamin Netanyahu signalled a direct push against Iran’s top leadership amid the ongoing conflict with Iran. Reports suggest that senior figures, including Ali Larijani and Gholamreza Soleimani, were killed in recent strikes. There are also claims that Mojtaba Khamenei could be a potential target as the situation escalates. 


Israel-Iran War: Israel Says Will 'Track Down, Find, Neutralise' Iran's Mojtaba Khamenei

In a thrilling World Baseball Classic final, played at Miami's LoanDepot Park on Tuesday (Mar 17), Venezuela's Eugenio Suárez drove in the winning run in the top of ninth against a MLB star-studded USA team to win the maiden title 3-2.

'STATEHOOD': Trump bats for Venezuela as US state #51 after USA loses World Baseball title

In a move that’s caught many in Washington by surprise, Donald Trump has been directly speaking to journalists during the ongoing conflict, often picking up calls himself instead of routing them through aides. Reports say he’s already spoken to more than 30 reporters, offering quick reactions and insights as events unfold. What’s unusual is that he’s believed to be using the same personal number from his first term, giving journalists a level of access rarely seen at the White House.

BREAKING: Trump Takes Reporters’ Calls During War, Gives Rare Direct Access | US-Iran War

Ukraine’s advanced drone defence systems are drawing international attention, with countries across Europe, the U.S., and West Asia seeking Kyiv’s expertise to counter aerial threats. Ukrainian air defence units have successfully intercepted up to 90% of incoming drones, showcasing their cutting-edge technology and battlefield experience.


Iran War: US, Gulf Nations Turn To Ukraine For Advanced Drone Defence Systems

US-Iran War: UAE Signals Possible Role In US-Led Efforts To Secure Hormuz Strait 

US-Israel war with Iran: Latest Developments
- Iran Confirms Death Of Ali Larijani
- 2 Killed Near Tel Aviv In Iranian Missile Strike
- US Embassy In Bagdad Struck By Drone
- Jordan's air Defence Intercepts Missiles

US-Iran War: 2 Killed Near Tel Aviv In Iranian Missile Strike

A major controversy has erupted in Washington after former counterterrorism official Joe Kent stepped down amid the ongoing Iran war. Kent claimed the United States was drawn into the conflict under pressure from Israel and alleged that Donald Trump was influenced by a misinformation campaign. The Trump administration has strongly rejected these claims, calling them baseless.


US-Iran War: Who Is Joe Kent And Why Did He Quit As Trump’s Counterterror Chief?

US-Iran War: Pentagon Releases Images of US Navy Firing Tomahawk Missile Against Iran

US President Donald Trump criticizes the UK, saying he’s “not happy” as Keir Starmer refuses deeper involvement in the Iran conflict. Starmer stresses reopening the Strait of Hormuz won’t be easy, pushing diplomacy amid rising tensions and global energy fears.


US-Iran War:  Trump 'Disappointed' With Starmer for Not Backing US War Against Iran

Iran has confirmed the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, according to state media reports. The Supreme National Security Council said Larijani was killed in an attack, confirming earlier claims by Israel that he had been targeted in airstrikes.

In a statement, the council said Larijani died in service of Iran and the Islamic Revolution. His death marks a significant development amid ongoing tensions and escalating strikes targeting senior Iranian leadership.

US-Iran War: Iran Confirms Ali Larijani's Death, IRGC's Basij Commander Soleimani Also Killed 

Senior Iranian figure Ali Larijani was reportedly targeted in overnight strikes by Israel, according to Israeli media. Iran's National Security Council has confirmed Larijani's death. A key figure in Tehran’s power structure and a close ally of Ali Khamenei, Larijani has long played a central role in national security and nuclear negotiations.


US-Iran War: Ali Larijani Targeted, IDF Claims Netanyahu Ordered Leadership Strikes 

Multiple NATO allies snubbed U.S. President Donald Trump's request for helping secure the Strait of Hormuz. He specifically targeted Japan, South Korea and Germany for not reciprocating even though U.S. hosts thousands of troops in these countries. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz stressed that his country won't intervene unless the war ends.


Iran War: Trump Hosts Irish PM; Says Don't Need Help in Strait of Hormuz

The conflict in the West Asia has triggered an unprecedented disruption in global energy flows but Iran continues to export oil. Despite heavy attacks and near-paralysis of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran has managed to move millions of barrels of crude, largely to China. Washington says that they are allowing Iranian ships across Hormuz to maintain global oik flow. The Strait of Hormuz, which normally carries nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply, has seen tanker traffic collapse dramatically amid escalating conflict and repeated attacks on vessels.


US Says Allowing Iranian Ships Across Hormuz to Maintain Global Oil Supply

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday (March 15, 2026) that NATO faces a "very bad" future if U.S. allies fail to help open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit effectively shut by Iran in the West Asia war.


Iran War: NATO Allies Push Back as Trump Seeks Hormuz Support

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has sharply criticised U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing Washington of undermining diplomacy amid the ongoing conflict.

Araghchi said Iran sees “no reason” to negotiate with the United States, adding that talks were ongoing when Washington launched attacks, effectively ending diplomatic efforts.

He also dismissed reports of recent contact with U.S. officials, stating that his last communication with Washington came before the outbreak of the current war.

Meanwhile, President Trump has claimed that Iran “badly wants a deal” with the United States, though he has indicated he is not ready to negotiate under current terms.

The conflicting statements highlight deep divisions between both sides, as military escalation continues and diplomatic channels remain uncertain.

US-Iran War: Trump Claims Iran Badly Wants a Deal With US

US-Iran War: EU Leaders Rule Out Sending Warships To Strait of Hormuz

Global crude oil prices have surged to $137 per barrel, triggering alarm across energy markets as conflict intensifies in West Asia.

For India, one of the world’s largest oil importers, the spike presents a major economic challenge. Higher crude prices could drive up fuel costs, increase inflation, and strain government finances.

The surge is linked to supply disruptions and rising geopolitical tensions involving key oil-producing regions, raising fears of prolonged volatility in global energy markets.

Oil At $137: India's Big Test Amid West Asia Conflict

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