11 March 2026
Iran
Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is injured, “but safe and sound”, according to the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian. There have been questions about why there have been no appearances by the new Supreme Leader since his ascension earlier this week.
Iran vows that “not a single litre of oil” will pass the Strait of Hormuz. This comes after at least three bulk carriers were hit by unknown projectiles. Yesterday, there were indications that Iran was laying sea mines in the Strait as well. According to reports, the US Navy believes it is too dangerous to provide ship escort through the Strait.
According to reports, Israel sees no certainty that the Iranian regime will fall despite the ongoing bombing campaign.
Korean Peninsula
Kim Jong-un’s sister decried the annual US-South Korean military drills and warned of “terrible consequences” if they go ahead. Kim Yo-jong, a department director at the ruling party, made the warning as Exercise Freedom Shield began for its 11-day duration.
Ukraine
Ukraine claims that it hit the Kremniy El missile component plant in the border region of Bryansk. Russian local authorities claim that six were killed and at least 42 were injured. It is believed that Storm Shadow missiles were used to target the plant that manufactures electronics and components for Russian missiles.
Ukraine has gained 460 sq km (117.6 sq miles), or about 10 percent of what Kyiv lost to Moscow in 2025. Ukraine claims that almost all of Dnipropetrovsk has been liberated from Russian occupation.
Afghanistan
Tensions between the United States and the Afghan Taliban have increased, following America’s designation of Afghanistan as a state sponsor of wrongful detention. At least three US nationals are currently believed to be held in Taliban custody. Ataullah Zaid, spokesman for the Taliban governor of Balkh province, threatened to kill Americans with American weapons in a recent post on X.
Mali
The US and Mali are nearing a deal that will allow the US to conduct aerial intelligence operations over Mali. This will mean that the US will be able to resume flying aircraft and drones over the West African country’s airspace to gather intelligence on jihadist groups linked to al Qaeda
Social media wires
Images of the Mayuree Naree Bangkok
Breakdown of the Pakistani operation against the Taliban so far
Featured Photo: “Ukraine anti-terrorist operation, c. 2016” – Ukraine Ministry of Defence, Flickr, 2026
The Wires Brief is a daily breaking news report incorporating wire service news and social media updates. DefRep cannot verify the authenticity of social media reporters nor the accuracy of social media updates. Feature photos are altered with grayscale.