News18 Afternoon Digest: US Reportedly Hit ‘Military Facilities’ Near Iran’s Chabahar Free Trade Zone & Other Top News

Last Updated:March 16, 2026, 13:44 IST

We are also covering: Netanyahu's Coffee Shop Video AI-Generated? Grok's Claim Fuels Israeli PM's 'Death' Rumours and other top news.

In today’s afternoon digest, News18 brings you the latest updates on US-Israel-Iran war as it enters day 17 and reportedly US fighter jets reportedly struck military facilities on a mountain near Iran’s Chabahar Free Trade Zone; British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined a request from US President Donald Trump to deploy warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and other top news.

US Strikes ‘Military Facilities’ Near Iran’s Chabahar Free Trade Zone: Report

As the war entered its 17th day, US fighter jets reportedly struck military facilities on a mountain near Iran’s Chabahar Free Trade Zone, according to Al Jazeera, which cited Voice of America’s Persian-language service. The report said sounds of intense explosions were heard in the area behind the zone following the strikes.

Starmer Snubs Trump’s Hormuz Coalition: UK Refuses To Deploy Warships To Secure Strait

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has declined a request from US President Donald Trump to deploy warships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a decision that risks deepening strains between London and Washington. Citing the Daily Telegraph, reports say Starmer’s refusal comes amid existing friction after Trump voiced frustration over Britain’s earlier decision not to allow US forces to use British bases for an initial strike on Iran.

Rajya Sabha Elections 2026: Just Three Cross-Votes Could Give NDA A Clean Sweep In Bihar

Even as voting for 37 Rajya Sabha seats across 10 states is underway, the political spotlight is on Bihar, where five Upper House seats are being contested amid intense manoeuvring between the ruling NDA and the opposition bloc.

Netanyahu’s Coffee Shop Video AI-Generated? Grok’s Claim Fuels Israeli PM’s ‘Death’ Rumours

A fresh video shared by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has sparked intense online debate, with claims that the footage may have been generated using artificial intelligence, further fuelling rumours about his whereabouts and even his safety.

Two Dubai-Bound Emirates Flights Return To Kerala As West Asia Conflict Escalates

Two Emirates flights from Kerala to Dubai were forced to return on Monday after flight operations were temporarily suspended at Dubai International Airport following a security incident. Flights from Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi turned back mid-air and landed safely at their respective departure airports.

Iran Launches Sejjil For 1st Time In Ongoing West Asia War. All About The ‘Dancing Missile’

West Asia Conflict: As the tension rises in West Asia due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel and the United States, Tehran on Sunday launched a series of advanced missiles targeting positions linked to Jerusalem and Washington, including the country’s domestically developed Sejjil missile, which was reportedly used for the first time since the war began on February 28.

Oscars 2026: Priyanka Chopra Reacts As Javier Bardem Says ‘Free Palestine’ On Stage

Priyanka Chopra made a striking appearance at the 98th Academy Awards as she took the stage to present the award for Best International Feature Film. The actor was called up by host Conan O’Brien during the ceremony held at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles, joining Spanish actor Javier Bardem to announce the winner in the global cinema category.

Pakistan Lodge Complaint With ICC After Losing 3rd ODI, Claim Bangladesh Took DRS After Watching Replay

The third and final ODI between Bangladesh and Pakistan ended in a controversy with Shaheen Afridi swinging his bat in frustration after being stumped off the last delivery. Pakistan head coach Mike Hesson reportedly met with the ICC match referee Neeyamur Rashid after on-field umpire Kumar Dharmasena allowed Bangladesh to take a review off what was the penultimate ball of the match.

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