Category: International

Florida, U.S. (NPA) — March 6, 2026 — The United States military has announced the sinking of an Iranian naval vessel described as a drone carrier. The announcement was made by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM), headquartered at MacDill Air Force Base in Florida.

In a statement accompanied by video footage, CENTCOM said: “U.S. forces are not holding back in the mission to degrade the Iranian Navy. Today, an Iranian drone carrier, roughly the size of a World War II-era aircraft carrier, was struck and is now on fire.”

The incident follows a recent operation in which U.S. forces sank another Iranian naval vessel off the coast of Sri Lanka, reportedly leaving more than 100 Iranian military personnel dead and dozens injured. The latest strike underscores escalating tensions between Washington and Tehran, with analysts warning of potential wider regional implications.

JERUSALEM, ISRAEL (NPA) — March 4, 2026 — Israel carried out extensive airstrikes on Tehran Thursday, targeting facilities it said were linked to Iranian authorities, after missile attacks forced millions of Israelis into bomb shelters.

The U.S.–Iran war, now in its sixth day, has spread beyond the Gulf into Asia, disrupting global markets and leaving thousands of tourists and residents scrambling to leave the region.

In Washington, Republican senators late Wednesday blocked a measure that would have required congressional approval for continued military action against Iran. The move leaves President Donald Trump with broad authority to direct the campaign as fighting intensifies.

U.S. Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth assured Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz in a phone call: “Keep going until the end — we’re with you,” according to Israel’s defence ministry.

Iran’s foreign minister condemned the sinking of the frigate Dena off Sri Lanka, which killed at least 80 sailors. He said the vessel, visiting under the Indian navy’s invitation, was struck without warning in international waters, calling the attack an “atrocity at sea” and warning Washington would “bitterly regret” the precedent.

General Kioumars Heydari of the Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed on state television: “We have decided to fight Americans wherever they are. We do not care how long the war lasts.”

Later Thursday, the Guards claimed responsibility for striking a U.S. tanker in the northern Gulf, leaving the vessel ablaze. State media reported that the force declared that during wartime, passage through the Strait of Hormuz would remain under Iran’s control.

Later on Thursday, the Revolutionary Guards said they ​had hit a U.S. tanker in the northern part of the Gulf, and the vessel was on fire. The Guards said in the statement carried by state media that in time of ​war, passage through the Strait of Hormuz would be under the control of the Islamic Republic.

Jerusalem, Israel (NPA) — March 4, 2026 — The Israeli Air Force (IAF) has confirmed the successful execution of extensive precision-guided airstrikes against Iranian military infrastructure late Tuesday night.

In a statement released Wednesday, the IAF announced that among the primary targets was a missile launch and storage complex in Isfahan, western Iran, housing “Qadr” ballistic missiles. The strike was carried out to prevent further launches from the facility.

The statement declared: “In addition, numerous sites used for storing ballistic missiles and defence systems of the Iranian terror regime were attacked. These strikes deepened air superiority in several areas in Iran.”

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) reinforced its position, stating: “The IDF will not allow harm to the State of Israel and its citizens. We will continue to deepen the damage to all systems of the Iranian terror regime and act forcefully against its infrastructure wherever required.”

Israeli officials have described the campaign as overwhelmingly extensive and precise, resulting in the elimination of senior Iranian government figures, including the Supreme Leader. Iran has retaliated with volleys of missiles and drone strikes targeting Israel and Gulf states such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, and others.

FORT BRAGG, N.C., USA (NPA), March 4, 2026 — The U.S. Department of War, in coordination with the Public Affairs Office of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, has confirmed the deaths of four Army Reserve soldiers during an unmanned aircraft system attack at the Port of Shuaiba, Kuwait, on March 1. The soldiers were supporting Operation Epic Fury and were assigned to the 103rd Sustainment Command, based in Des Moines, Iowa. The incident remains under investigation.

In a statement issued March 3, Lt. Gen. Robert Harter, Chief of Army Reserve and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Reserve Command, said: “The fallen heroes served fearlessly and selflessly in defence of our nation. Their sacrifice, and the sacrifices of their families, will never be forgotten.” He extended condolences to the families and pledged continued support for their units and loved ones.

The deceased soldiers have been identified as:

• Capt. Cody Khork, 35, of Lakeland, Florida

• Sgt. 1st Class Nicole Amor, 39, of White Bear Lake, Minnesota

• Sgt. 1st Class Noah Tietjens, 42, of Bellevue, Nebraska

• Sgt. Declan Coady, 20, of Des Moines, Iowa

Maj. Gen. Todd Erskine, Commanding General of the 79th Theatre Sustainment Command, described them as “brave men and women who put it all on the line every single day. They represent the heart of America. We will remember their names, their service, and their sacrifice.”

Brig. Gen. Clint A. Barnes, Deputy Commanding General of the 1st Theatre Sustainment Command, added: “It is with deep sadness and unyielding grief that we acknowledge our soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. They were the ultimate ambassadors for freedom and represent the best of what our country stands for. May God grant their families peace and comfort. We will never forget them.”