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Israeli strikes killed several high-ranking Iranian officials including Ali Larijani, secretary of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, and intelligence minister Esmaeil Khatib in what sources describe as multiple assassinations over two days. Iran responded by launching missile and drone strikes toward Israel and Gulf countries, with reports indicating two people were killed in Israel while several Gulf nations intercepted incoming projectiles. The escalation has prompted congressional hearings where U.S. intelligence officials are facing questions about the conflict and Iran's current capabilities.

Iran has launched missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, targeting Israel and prompting defensive responses from Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain. The conflict has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, though recent maritime data shows an increase in vessels transiting the waterway after initial blockages. President Trump has delayed a planned trip to China while seeking international assistance to reopen the strait, as the conflict enters its third week.

An ongoing Iran war has caused global oil and gas prices to reach multi-year highs, with US gas prices hitting their highest levels in approximately 2.5 years. In response to rising fuel costs, the Trump administration has eased sanctions on Venezuela's state oil company and temporarily suspended the Jones Act shipping law. Oil prices continued to rise despite these government interventions, with unleaded gas costs increasing 32 percent over the past month.

Ali Larijani, a top Iranian security official, was killed in an Israeli airstrike according to both Israeli and Iranian sources. Israel's defense minister confirmed that Larijani and Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani were eliminated in the strikes. Larijani was described as one of Iran's most powerful security figures who had emerged as influential following recent events.

The Federal Reserve held its key interest rate unchanged for the second consecutive meeting at approximately 3.6%, with Fed Chair Jerome Powell announcing the decision on Wednesday. The central bank also released quarterly economic projections alongside the rate decision. The ongoing conflict involving Iran was cited as a factor affecting the Fed's economic outlook.

Joe Kent, a counterterrorism official in the Trump administration and close aide to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, resigned from his position. Kent's resignation was connected to the Trump administration's war policy regarding Iran. Kent had previously been a staunch supporter of Trump through various political events including the 2020 election and January 6th.

Markwayne Mullin, President Donald Trump's nominee for Department of Homeland Security secretary, faced a Senate confirmation hearing on Wednesday. Mullin would replace Kristi Noem, who was recently ousted from the position. During the hearing, Mullin encountered pushback from fellow senators, including a notable exchange with Sen. Rand Paul.

Sony has removed 135,000 AI-generated songs from streaming platforms that used deepfake technology to mimic the voices of its artists. The company stated that the widespread availability of AI technology has enabled individuals to upload these fake songs to various streaming services. The removal represents Sony's effort to combat unauthorized use of its artists' vocal likenesses through artificial intelligence.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has confirmed that over 200 Ukrainian military experts are deployed in the Gulf region. The deployment is aimed at countering Iranian drone capabilities. Zelensky has characterized the relationship between Moscow and Tehran as a partnership based on shared hostility.

Attorney General Pam Bondi has been subpoenaed by Congress to answer questions about the Justice Department's handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and the sex trafficking investigation. The congressional scrutiny involves millions of files related to the disgraced financier. A member of the public has contacted lawmakers sharing photos from Epstein's Zorro Ranch, speculating about possible burial sites.

Kent has experienced an outbreak of meningitis with 20 reported cases occurring since the weekend in a small area of the county. Health authorities have noted that this outbreak pattern is unusual compared to typical meningitis transmission patterns. The outbreak is currently being investigated to determine the cause of the unusual clustering of cases.

Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch has questioned Prime Minister Keir Starmer about whether he discussed Peter Mandelson's Jeffrey Epstein connections before selecting him as UK ambassador. Angela Rayner delivered a critical speech attacking Labour's current direction and policies without explicitly naming Starmer. These developments have prompted renewed speculation about potential leadership challenges within the Labour Party.

A new report shows that the average age of first-time home buyers in the UK has risen to 34 years old. This represents a significant increase from previous decades, with the report examining how conditions for first-time buyers have changed since the 1990s. The data highlights ongoing challenges in the UK housing market for those seeking to purchase their first property.

Scotland's parliament (MSPs) rejected proposed legislation that would have legalized assisted dying. The debate surrounding the bill was described as emotional. Had the bill passed, Scotland would have become the first part of the UK to legalize assisted dying.

A meningitis outbreak has occurred at a Kent university in the UK, with officials confirming 15 cases. The outbreak has resulted in at least one fatality. University students are being offered vaccines in response to the outbreak.

The U.S. State Department announced it is adding 12 countries to a list of nations whose citizens must post bonds of up to $15,000 to apply for U.S. visas. The new requirement will take effect on April 2. The countries include Cambodia, Ethiopia, Georgia, Grenada, Lesotho, Mauritius, and others not fully specified in the available excerpt.

King Charles III is hosting Nigerian President Bola Tinubu for a UK state visit, marking the first such visit by a Nigerian leader to Britain in 37 years. The visit includes formal ceremonies and a state banquet where both leaders will deliver speeches. The banquet will be attended by political leaders and celebrities.

U.S. District Judge Zahid N. Quraishi removed a government attorney from a court hearing and ordered three officials from New Jersey's U.S. Attorney's Office to testify under oath. The judge expressed frustration with what he characterized as the Justice Department's chaotic oversight of a case. The officials in charge of the New Jersey U.S. Attorney's Office will be required to answer the judge's questions in court.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to a temporary five-day ceasefire to coincide with Eid al-Fitr celebrations, beginning at midnight Thursday. The pause in hostilities was requested by Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Turkey according to Pakistani officials. The ceasefire is specifically timed around the Islamic holiday period.

The UK government has proposed immigration reforms that would require most migrant workers to wait longer before qualifying for permanent residence. Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has publicly criticized these proposals. The reforms have generated political debate across party lines.

A $400 million White House ballroom project backed by the president is facing a legal challenge. Judge Richard Leon is considering whether to halt construction and hopes to rule this month. Critics are questioning the legal qualifications of Trump appointees to vote on the project through an arts commission created by Congress 116 years ago.

The UK is preparing to cancel its contribution to one of the Large Hadron Collider's next major upgrades. This decision comes as British physics research faces significant budget cuts. The cuts affect the same field that previously achieved success with the Higgs Boson discovery.

Venezuela defeated the United States to win their first World Baseball Classic championship in a game held in Miami. This marks Venezuela's first victory in the international baseball tournament. The championship game took place with the United States serving as the host nation.