WORLD ROUNDUP: Trump Weighs In on Iran Leadership, Ukraine Offers US Drone Support, Shipping Giant Adds War Fees

Story: written by Daniel March 6,2026

Trump signals interest in Iran’s future leadership
Donald Trump, President of the United States, has suggested Washington should play a role in determining Iran’s future leadership as hostilities involving the US, Israel and Iran intensify.

In an interview with Reuters, Trump said the US wants influence in shaping Iran’s political future. He also indicated that Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late supreme leader Ali Khamenei, is unlikely to emerge as Iran’s next leader.

Trump further voiced support for Kurdish groups launching an offensive against Tehran, though he declined to confirm whether the US would provide air support. His remarks came as American and Israeli forces continued airstrikes across Iranian territory while Tehran launched retaliatory drone and missile attacks across the Gulf region.

Ukraine offers drone defence assistance to US allies
Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine, said Washington had approached Kyiv for technical support in countering Iranian drone threats targeting Gulf allies.

Zelensky said Ukraine could provide expertise and specialists experienced in defending against drone attacks without weakening its own security. He suggested Kyiv might exchange interceptor drones for additional Patriot air defence system units from the US.

The move highlights growing concerns that the Middle East conflict could influence Western military support for Ukraine in its war with Russia.

Iran launches retaliatory strikes across Gulf region
Iran fired multiple waves of missiles and drones targeting several Gulf states, including Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, in response to continued US and Israeli attacks.

Qatar reported intercepting 14 ballistic missiles and four drones. While the strikes initially focused on US military bases, later attacks reportedly hit civilian infrastructure.

Officials say the attacks have killed at least six US service members, 11 people in Israel and three in the UAE, while Iranian state media claim over 1,200 deaths inside Iran since the conflict began.

Trump reshuffles cabinet, replaces homeland security chief
Trump has removed Kristi Noem as head of the United States Department of Homeland Security and nominated Republican senator Markwayne Mullin to take over the role.

Noem will instead serve as a special envoy for a regional security programme dubbed the “Shield of the Americas.” The change, effective March 31, marks the first major cabinet adjustment during Trump’s second term.

Nepal holds election after protest-driven leadership change
Voters in Nepal have gone to the polls to elect a new parliament months after mass youth-led protests forced former Prime Minister Khadga Prasad Sharma Oli to step down.

Election officials said turnout in the vote for the 275-seat House of Representatives reached about 60 percent, similar to participation in the 2022 elections. Final results may take several days to be announced.

Over 200 killed in landslide at Congo mining site
A devastating landslide at the Rubaya coltan mine in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo has claimed the lives of more than 200 people, including many children.

The site is located in an area controlled by the rebel group M23, which the government accuses of permitting unsafe and illegal mining practices.

Rubaya produces roughly 15 percent of the world’s coltan, a mineral widely used in electronic device manufacturing.

Somalia lawmakers approve constitutional reforms
Parliament in Somalia has endorsed constitutional amendments that could extend the tenure of President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and delay scheduled elections.

While the president welcomed the reforms as necessary for political stability, critics warn the move could deepen tensions in a country already battling insurgency from the militant group al-Shabaab.

MSC adds war risk fees on shipments to Africa
Global shipping company Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC) has introduced a war risk surcharge on cargo shipments heading to Africa and Indian Ocean destinations.

The additional fees — reaching up to $4,000 for refrigerated containers — affect shipments originating from the Gulf and the Indian subcontinent.

MSC said the move followed disruptions along strategic maritime routes including the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

Algerian military plane crash claims two lives
A military transport aircraft belonging to Algeria crashed shortly after departing from Boufarik Air Base near Algiers.

Authorities confirmed that two crew members were killed while four others sustained injuries. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway.

Russian LNG tanker changes route after Mediterranean attack
A Russian liquefied natural gas vessel has diverted its route around Africa following the sinking of another tanker in the Mediterranean earlier this week.

Russia has accused Ukraine of launching naval drone attacks from Libya against the LNG carrier Arctic Metagaz, though Kyiv has not responded to the allegation.

Following the incident, another tanker, Buran, was tracked sailing along the northwest coast of Africa.