🌏 World News

March 29th, 2026

Today's top 5 stories, curated by Daily Direct.

Straits Times

Iran warns US over ground attack as regional powers meet in Pakistan

Iran has issued a stark warning to the United States against launching a ground offensive as regional powers convene in Pakistan to address the escalating crisis. The warning comes as Washington deploys thousands of Marines to the Middle East, signaling a significant military buildup in the region. The diplomatic and military maneuvering underscores how quickly the conflict risks drawing in major global and regional players.

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Straits Times

Israel hits Iran naval research site, fresh blasts rattle Tehran

Israel struck an Iranian naval research facility as fresh explosions shook Tehran, marking a significant escalation in direct hostilities between the two nations. Simultaneously, Yemen's Houthi rebels declared their entry into the conflict by launching a missile toward Israel, widening the war's geographic scope. The developments signal a dangerous new phase in Middle East tensions with multiple fronts now in play.

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SCMP

Regional diplomats gather in Pakistan for talks to end Iran war

Senior diplomats from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, and Iran convened in Islamabad Sunday in a bid to chart a path toward ending the Middle East conflict. The talks come as Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran continued alongside retaliatory Iranian missile and drone attacks across the region. With active hostilities ongoing, expectations for a breakthrough remain low, but the gathering signals growing regional urgency to bring the fighting to a halt.

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Straits Times

Yemen’s Houthis join Mid-East war – what comes next?

Yemen's Houthi rebels fired their first missile at Israel in months on March 28, signaling a renewed escalation in their involvement in the broader Middle East conflict. The Iran-backed group's return to offensive action raises fresh concerns about regional stability and the potential for a wider war. The strike marks a significant moment as multiple fronts continue to test Israel's defense posture simultaneously.

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Al Jazeera English

Pentagon readies for weeks of US ground operations in Iran: Report

The Pentagon has drafted plans for limited U.S. ground operations inside Iran, with military leadership preparing for a campaign that could span weeks. The proposals target strategic regions, though Trump's final approval remains uncertain. The development signals a significant potential escalation in U.S.-Iran tensions, moving beyond airstrikes into direct ground engagement.

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