US deploys uncrewed drone boats in conflict with Iran
The United States has deployed uncrewed drone speedboats for patrols as part of its operations against Iran, the Pentagon said, the first time Washington has confirmed using such vessels in an active conflict, Reuters reported.
The deployment of the vessels -- which can be used for surveillance or kamikaze strikes -- has not been previously reported. It comes despite a series of setbacks in the U.S. Navy’s years‑long effort to field a fleet of uncrewed surface vessels, Reuters reported last year.
Uncrewed vessels have risen to prominence in recent years after Ukraine used explosive‑laden speedboatsto inflict significant damage on Russia’s Black Sea Fleet, according to Reuters.
Trump pauses attacks on Iran's energy plants and says talks are 'going well'
President Donald Trump announced that he will pause attacks on Iran's energy plants for 10 days at Tehran's request and said talks with Iran were going "very well," although an Iranian official dismissed a U.S. proposal for ending the conflict as "one-sided and unfair."
The war has killed thousands of people, spread to neighboring nations and hit the global economy with soaring energy prices since the United States and Israel launched strikes on February 28, after talks about Tehran's nuclear program failed to yield a deal, Reuters reported.
On Thursday, Trump threatened during a cabinet meeting at the White House to increase pressure on Iran if it did not make a deal, before later posting on social media that he would pause attacks on Iranian energy plants for 10 days until April 6, 2026 at 2000 EDT (0000 GMT on April 7).
Zelensky visits Saudi Arabia after offering Ukraine's drone expertise
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky arrived in Saudi Arabia on Thursday, after saying earlier that Ukrainian drones could help improve security in the Gulf region, BBC reported.
"Important meetings are scheduled. We appreciate the support of those who are ready to work with us to ensure security, and we support them too", he said in a message on social media.
Earlier on Thursday, Zelensky offered Ukraine's expertise in drone technology as a way of improving security across the globe, particularly in the Gulf, according to BBC.
Taipei mayor found guilty for corruption
Taipei mayor Ko Wen-je has been found guilty in a Taiwan court for corruption and misuse of political donations.
Wen-je has been sent to jail for 17 years and was arrested previously in 2024 who was out on bail since September.
BBC reported, he has promised not to give up on his political career and was expected to seek the presidency again in 2028. Wen-je is the founder of the Taiwan People's Party.
