The United States military has destroyed several Iranian vessels believed to be capable of laying naval mines near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to the US central command, as concerns grow around Tehran’s attempt to disrupt shipping in the critical waterway.In a post on X, the United States central command (CENTCOM) said US forces targeted and destroyed multiple Iranian naval vessels on Tuesday. “US forces eliminated multiple Iranian naval vessels, March 10, including 16 minelayers near the Strait of Hormuz,” the command said, sharing a video showing some of the strikes.The claim followed comments by US president Donald Trump, who earlier said American forces had struck Iranian vessels capable of laying mines in the area. But interestingly, according to Trump 10 vessels were destroyed, contradictory to the military’s claim of 16. In a post on Truth Social, Trump wrote: “I am pleased to report that within the last few hours, we have hit, and completely destroyed, 10 inactive mine-laying boats and/or ships, with more to follow!”

The US president also warned Tehran against deploying naval mines in the key shipping corridor. “If Iran has put out any mines in the Hormuz Strait, and we have no reports of them doing so, we want them removed, IMMEDIATELY!” he wrote.Trump added that failing to remove such mines could lead to a strong military response. “If for any reason mines were placed, and they are not removed forthwith, the Military consequences to Iran will be at a level never seen before,” he said, while adding that removing any devices would help ease tensions. “If, on the other hand, they remove what may have been placed, it will be a giant step in the right direction.”

The warning comes after reports by CBS News citing US officials suggested Iran could be preparing to deploy naval mines in the strait. People familiar with US intelligence told CNN that a small number of mines may already have been placed in the waterway. The Strait of Hormuz, located between Iran and Oman, is one of the world’s most important energy chokepoints, with roughly 20 per cent of globally traded oil passing through it each day.Control of the waterway is shared by Iran’s navy and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which has warned that ships transiting the channel could be targeted.Since the war escalated, officials have described the strait as an increasingly high-risk transit zone for commercial shipping.

The United States said on Wednesday that its decision to allow India to buy limited quantities of Russian oil is a temporary step aimed at easing pressure on global energy supplies during the ongoing Middle East crisis.White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the move was designed as a short-term measure to stabilise markets as disruptions linked to Iran and tensions in the region continue to affect supply routes.Responding to a question on the waiver issued last week, Leavitt said the decision reflected India’s earlier cooperation with Western sanctions on Moscow.“They came to this decision because our allies in India have been good actors and have previously stopped buying sanctioned Russian oil,” she said. “So as we work to appease this temporary gap of oil supply around the world because of the Iranians, we have temporarily permitted them to accept that Russian oil and this Russian oil was already at sea.”She added that the shipments involved crude already in transit and would not meaningfully boost Russia’s revenues.“It was already out on the water. So this short term measure, we don’t believe it will provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government at this time,” Leavitt said.The clarification comes as the administration of US President Donald Trump faces questions over the decision to ease restrictions months after imposing punitive measures on India for buying Russian crude.Earlier, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Washington had agreed to allow Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil that was already loaded on ships and stranded at sea, describing it as a way to quickly inject supply into the market.“The Indians had been very good actors. We had asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did,” Bessent said in an interview with Fox Business. “But to ease the temporary gap of oil around the world, we have given them permission to accept the Russian oil.”US Energy Secretary Chris Wright also described the step as a practical move to stabilise prices while markets adjust to disruptions in the region.“We have implemented short term measures to help keep oil prices down. We are allowing our friends in India to take oil that is already on ships, refine it, and move those barrels into the market quickly,” Wright wrote on X.Washington has made clear that the waiver is limited in scope. The US Treasury issued a 30-day authorisation allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian crude that had already been loaded onto vessels before March 5, provided it is delivered to Indian ports by early April.Officials have repeatedly said the measure does not represent a shift in the US sanctions policy towards Russia. Instead, they argue it is a stop-gap aimed at keeping global oil flowing and preventing further price spikes as the conflict involving Iran threatens supply routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

The Pakistan Super League (PSL) 2026 schedule has been announced on Tuesday, as Pakistan’s franchise league is set to begin on 26th March and will run till May 3. This is going to be the 11th edition of the PSL, as reigning champions Lahore Qalandars will take on the newly introduced Hyderabad Kingsmen in the opening match of the fixture.

The 11th season has been bigger for PSL as they have eight teams instead of six. The Hyderabad Kingsmen is the new side, alongside Rawalpindi Pindiz. Multan Sultans came back as CD Ventures has acquired a majority stake in the Sialkot Stallionz franchise, which was supposed to become the newest edition in the league.

Peshawar to host one game of PSL 2026

The Imran Khan Cricket Stadium, in Peshawar have also got its first game after the renovation of the new stadium. As in the previous edition, they failed to host any matches in this stadium. So, Peshawar-based franchise Peshawar Zalmi will play one of their matches at this venue.

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Lahore Qalandars defeated the Quetta Gladiators in the final of the PSL 2025. They are the joint-most successful franchise alongside Islamabad United, as both teams have won the PSL three times each. With the new edition, the Qalandars will look to defend their trophy.

PSL sets new broadcasting records

Walee Technologies has obtained the record-breaking four-year broadcast and live-streaming rights to the Pakistan Super League (PSL) for roughly PKR 26.11 billion ($93 million USD), a 21% increase each game. The agreement provides global rights (excluding India), with 44 matches slated for the 2026 season.

Lahore will host the highest number of games, with 15 matches, including key knockout fixtures. Rawalpindi follows with 11 matches. Faisalabad has been allotted 7 matches, while Karachi will stage 6 matches. Meanwhile, Multan is set to host 4 matches, and one match will be played at Peshawar.

PSL format explained

The Pakistan Super League 2026 will follow a revamped format with 44 matches in total. The tournament will be divided into two groups of four teams each, adding a structured league stage before the playoffs.

Group A consists of Lahore Qalandars, Karachi Kings, Quetta Gladiators, and Hyderabad Kingsmen. Meanwhile, Group B includes Islamabad United, Multan Sultans, Peshawar Zalmi, and Rawalpindi Pindiz.

Each team will play a total of 10 matches in the league stage. Within their own group, teams will face every other side twice, and each team will play one match against every team from the opposite group. Then the top four teams will qualify for the knockout stages.

Schedule for PSL 11

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MUMBAI: The Session Court has granted anticipatory bail to developer Munaf Vadgama and is four kin accused in a cheating and criminal breach of trust case linked to a redevelopment dispute in Mazgaon.The additional Session judge Avinash P. Kulkarni, while allowing anticipatory bail directed that Sajida Munaf Vadgama, Aslam Ismail Merchant, Munaf Kadar Vadgama, and Tausif Hanif Shaikh be released on bail in the event of arrest in connection with registered at Sir J. J. Marg Police Station.The case was registered under Sections 406 and 420 read with 34 of the Indian Penal Code following a complaint filed by Julie Coelho, who alleged that a partnership firm, M/s Aafiyah Realtors, had failed to provide a promised alternate shop premises after redeveloping a building at Dimtimkar Road, Nagpada.According to the complaint, the original tenant of the shop, the late Antonia Coelho, had executed agreements with the developer for redevelopment in return for a permanent alternate premises of about 350 sq ft and rent for temporary accommodation. However, despite completion of the building, the promised shop was allegedly not handed over.The complainant also alleged that the accused had offered a one-time settlement of ₹1.10 crore and issued post-dated cheques, which were later dishonoured due to insufficient funds.During the hearing, the defence argued that the dispute was essentially civil in nature and related to surrender of tenancy rights. They contended that the original tenant had executed a deed of surrender and received substantial payments from the developer over several years.The court observed that documents placed on record indicated payments totalling about ₹59.59 lakh made in multiple instalments to the complainant’s family, and noted that custodial interrogation of the accused did not appear necessary.The court granted pre-arrest bail subject to conditions, including executing a bond of ₹20,000 each and appearing before the investigating officer at the police station every Monday for three months or until filing of the chargesheet. The accused were also directed not to tamper with evidence or influence witnesses.

Actor-politician Vijay’s emotional declaration of sacrificing everything for politics has ignited public debate. While some fans express concern and others question his narrative, his final film ‘Jana Nayagan’ faces delays. Meanwhile, Vijay is also navigating a CBI investigation, with his request for a 15-day postponement rejected.

Actor-politician Vijay has sparked widespread discussion after making an emotional statement about his political journey. The Tamil star, who recently stepped away from his acting career, spoke about the sacrifices he claims to have made to focus on politics.As reported by Filmibeat, during a recent interaction Vijay said, “I have left everything for politics.”The actor-politician further stated, “I don’t have anything left now, other than politics.” The comments come at a time when the star is already facing multiple challenges, including controversies surrounding his political career and developments related to his personal life.

Fans and netizens react to Vijay’s words

Vijay’s statement triggered a wave of reactions from fans and social media users. Many supporters expressed concern about the actor’s emotional condition as one fan wrote, “Not able to see my man like this . Better He could have stayed in cinema.”Another comment questioned the narrative surrounding sacrifice. The user wrote, “Sympathy card being played ? What happened to all his money ? Whom has he given that to ?.”Some reactions were also critical of the statement. One comment read, “I have given up everything” bro really? You’re not given up everything, everyone were given up on you..”At the same time several fans defended the actor’s commitment to public service. One supporter wrote, “When a man burns his bridges for a cause, that’s not sacrifice… that’s commitment. Leaving everything behind for people and politics takes courage. Respect.”

Final film ‘Jana Nayagan’ faces delay

Vijay’s final film ‘Jana Nayagan’ has also been facing delays. The film was originally expected to release earlier but has now been postponed. Many fans are eagerly waiting for the film’s release, seeing it as the star’s farewell to cinema. Some fans even referenced the film in their reactions online to Vijay’s recent statement. One comment read, “One Last Dance… One Last Movie… #JanaNayagan….”

CBI rejects Vijay’s 15-day request

Meanwhile, Vijay is also dealing with legal scrutiny related to the stampede incident in Karur. The case is currently being investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation.The investigation team recently summoned the actor-politician for a third round of questioning. Vijay was initially asked to appear before investigators on March 10, 2026.However, the ‘Jana Nayagan’ actor had reportedly requested 15 days of time before appearing for questioning. According to recent reports from Filmi Beat, the CBI rejected this request but offered a shorter extension instead.According to reports, the agency has given Vijay five additional days and issued a fresh notice asking him to appear for questioning on March 15, 2026.Vijay had also asked investigators to conduct the questioning in Chennai or nearby locations, citing his election campaign schedule. The investigation team is yet to respond to that request.On the work front, Vijay’s ‘Theri’ was re-released recently and it did a decent box office business.