Police in Paris foil attempted bomb attack outside Bank of America building

• President Trump signed an executive order directing the Department of Homeland Security to pay TSA agents after House Republicans blocked the Senate's funding plan for the agency. • The partial government shutdown has caused widespread disruptions at airports across the country, with long security lines and traveler frustrations continuing nationwide. • The executive action represents an attempt to maintain airport security operations while funding negotiations continue between Congress and the White House.

• President Trump announced he is delaying threatened strikes on Iran's energy infrastructure, citing productive talks on ending the war and extending the deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. • Iranian leaders continue to deny any direct talks are taking place with U.S. officials, maintaining their public position on the dispute. • The delay signals potential diplomatic progress while tensions remain high over regional shipping routes critical to global oil supplies.

• Iran-linked hackers posted private messages and photographs belonging to FBI Director Kash Patel in what appears to be a cyber retaliation operation amid escalating U.S.-Iran tensions. • The breach represents a significant security incident targeting senior U.S. intelligence leadership during heightened Middle East conflict. • The incident underscores growing cyber threats and Iranian capabilities to penetrate U.S. government security systems.

• Tiger Woods was charged with driving under the influence following a rollover crash near his home in Florida, where authorities report he was traveling at a high rate of speed and overtook a truck on a two-lane road. • The incident involved a single-vehicle rollover with no other vehicles struck, according to law enforcement statements. • Woods faces DUI charges and potential license suspension pending court proceedings and investigation results.

• At least 12 U.S. service members were injured, with two in serious condition, after an Iranian missile and drone attack on a U.S. military base in Saudi Arabia. • The attack followed Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities and Iran's vow to retaliate against Israeli military actions in the region. • The incident marks a significant escalation in direct Iranian military engagement with U.S. forces in the Middle East conflict.

• Younger conservatives at CPAC in Grapevine, Texas, expressed betrayal over Trump's Iran strikes, clashing with his America-first stance, while older attendees defend as pragmatic. • Some young voters report slipping support amid troop deployment fears; media figures divided ahead of midterms. • Split underscores challenges for Republican unity on foreign policy.

• France's defense ministry announced 35 countries participating in military discussions for a defensive mission to escort commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. • The talks address Iran's threats to toll or block the vital waterway, critical for global energy flows. • Initiative gains traction amid US pressure on allies, potentially easing oil price spikes affecting US consumers.

• G7 foreign ministers rejected US President Donald Trump's push to deploy troops for securing the Strait of Hormuz amid the Iran conflict, stating assistance only after hostilities end. • French Foreign Minister Jeanuel Baru condemned Iran's closure of the strait, impacting non-conflicting countries, while Trump criticized European and NATO allies for hesitation. • The decision highlights transatlantic tensions over escalation risks in the energy chokepoint vital for global oil exports.

• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on March 27 the operation against Iran is on or ahead of schedule, set to end in weeks not months, without needing ground troops. • Rubio reported progress with G7 allies in France countering Iranian threats to toll Hormuz vessels. • Assurance aims to calm domestic concerns over prolonged engagement.

CNN team detained while reporting on aftermath of attack by settlers in West Bank, Foreign Press Association saysMiddle East crisis – live updatesAn international media association has condemned what it described as a “violent assault” by Israeli soldiers who detained a CNN crew in the occupied West Bank this week.A CNN team was reporting on the aftermath of an assault by Israeli settlers and the establishment of an illegal outpost near the Palestinian village of Tayasir on Thursday when it was detained by Israeli soldiers, the Foreign Press Association said on Saturday. Continue reading...

Allan government says measure is temporary as energy shock from Middle East conflict sees petrol prices soarGet our breaking news email, free app or daily news podcastPublic transport will be free in Victoria for a month, in an effort to encourage people to switch from driving and alleviate the surge in demand for fuel.The Allan government announced on Sunday that it would make all metro and regional V/Line trams, trains and buses free from 31 March until the end of April. Continue reading...

Exclusive: World Service director Fiona Crack says platform pursues stories ignored by the Gulf’s state-owned mediaA senior BBC executive has defended BBC Arabic as a lone voice in the region covering the “Israeli perspective”, as she warned its critics that it pursued stories ignored by the Gulf’s state-owned media.The corporation’s Arabic service has come under sustained criticism in recent years, for its selection of coverage and for featuring some guests that had expressed antisemitic views on social media. There have even been calls for the service to be closed down. Continue reading...