US Economy Weakens to 0.7 Percent Growth, Hackers Target Messaging Apps Amid Iran Missile Attacks

France Leads European Talks with Iran on Hormuz Strait Ship Safety

  • Several European nations including France opened negotiations.
  • Discussions focus on safe passage guarantees for vessels.
  • Tehran is the primary counterpart in the talks.

PARIS, Mar 13 (TNGB) – European countries led by France have initiated discussions with Iranian officials to secure safe passage for commercial ships through the Strait of Hormuz. Sources briefed on the efforts confirmed the talks aim to protect vital energy trade routes amid rising regional tensions. Negotiators are seeking binding commitments to prevent disruptions in international shipping lanes.

These diplomatic moves reflect efforts to stabilize global trade flows.

US Economy Records Weak 0.7 Percent Quarterly Growth Revision

  • Gross domestic product growth was revised sharply lower.
  • The figure fell below initial estimates for the period.
  • Economists cited multiple factors behind the slowdown.

WASHINGTON D.C., Mar 13 (TNGB) – The United States economy expanded by only 0.7 percent in the last quarter according to revised government data released this week. The updated number came in far below earlier projections and highlighted softer performance across key sectors. Analysts pointed to reduced consumer spending and export pressures as contributing elements.

The downward revision raises fresh concerns about near-term growth prospects.

US KC-135 Refueling Plane Goes Down Killing All Six Crew

  • The aircraft crashed in western Iraq during support operations.
  • Central Command confirmed no hostile fire was involved.
  • All crew members aboard perished in the incident.

BAGHDAD, Mar 13 (TNGB) – A US KC-135 refueling aircraft went down in western Iraq resulting in the deaths of its entire six-person crew. The plane operated in friendly airspace as part of broader regional missions when the crash occurred. US Central Command provided the details after search and recovery teams reached the site.

The loss underscores operational hazards faced by American forces overseas.

Russian Hackers Use Phishing to Target Signal and WhatsApp Accounts

  • Attackers impersonate support bots to steal verification codes.
  • Officials journalists and military personnel are primary targets.
  • Encryption itself remains intact according to reports.

MOSCOW, Mar 13 (TNGB) – Russian-linked hackers have launched phishing campaigns against Signal and WhatsApp accounts belonging to government officials journalists and military personnel. The method relies on abusing linked-device features rather than cracking encryption protocols. Victims are tricked into revealing codes that allow full account takeovers.

This tactic bypasses technical safeguards through social engineering.

NATO Shoots Down Iranian Ballistic Missile Headed for Turkey

  • Air defenses intercepted a third incoming projectile.
  • The missile originated from Iran toward Turkish territory.
  • Ankara has requested clarification from Tehran.

ANKARA, Mar 13 (TNGB) – NATO air defense systems in the eastern Mediterranean successfully downed a ballistic missile fired from Iran and directed toward Turkey. Turkish officials confirmed the intercept as the third such event in recent days. The defense ministry stated it had formally asked Tehran for an explanation of the launch.

The incident further strains relations along the alliance’s southern flank.

Millions of Iranians Displaced by Bombings Across Middle East Conflict

  • The United Nations tracked rising internal displacement numbers.
  • Roughly 3.2 million people have fled their homes.
  • Many moved from urban centers to safer rural zones.

GENEVA, Mar 13 (TNGB) – Across the Middle East the United Nations has documented a sharp increase in displaced populations with 3.2 million Iranians leaving their residences to escape ongoing bombings. Families have relocated primarily from major cities toward northern and rural districts. Aid organizations continue to assess humanitarian needs in the affected areas.

The scale of movement reflects the deepening impact of sustained warfare.

Iranian Missiles Injure Dozens and Damage Homes in Northern Israel

  • Barrages struck early on March 13 causing widespread harm.
  • Multiple reports detailed injuries and structural destruction.
  • The attacks originated from Iran according to local sources.

TEL AVIV, Mar 13 (TNGB) – Dozens of residents in northern Israel suffered injuries and numerous homes sustained damage after missile barrages launched from Iran struck the region early on March 13. Emergency services responded to multiple impact sites across the area. Officials confirmed the projectiles crossed into Israeli territory during the overnight hours.

Civilian areas once again bore the brunt of cross-border escalation.

UAE Official Predicts Trump Will End Iran War Diplomatically

  • Lana Nusseibeh highlighted the president’s potential role.
  • Tehran must stop neighbor attacks before mediation proceeds.
  • The comments came during regional discussions.

ABU DHABI, Mar 13 (TNGB) – United Arab Emirates official Lana Nusseibeh stated that President Trump would achieve a diplomatic resolution to the Iran war during his term. She emphasized that Tehran needs to cease attacks on neighboring states first. The remarks were delivered in the context of ongoing Gulf mediation talks.

The outlook ties future peace prospects directly to behavioral changes.

Taliban Accuses Pakistan of Civilian Deaths in Afghanistan Airstrikes

  • Overnight operations hit Kabul and Kandahar homes.
  • At least four civilians were reportedly killed.
  • The Afghan government condemned the Pakistani military action.

KABUL, Mar 13 (TNGB) – Afghanistan’s Taliban government accused Pakistan’s military of conducting airstrikes that targeted civilian homes in Kabul and Kandahar province. Officials claimed at least four non-combatants died in the overnight raids. The statement followed reports of damage to residential structures in both locations.

The accusations intensify friction between the two governments.

Kenyan Airport Arrests Chinese Man Smuggling Over Two Thousand Ants

  • Zhang Kequn carried more than 2,200 live garden ants.
  • Authorities noted a rise in similar insect smuggling cases.
  • The arrest occurred at Nairobi’s main international terminal.

NAIROBI, Mar 13 (TNGB) – Kenyan officials detained Chinese national Zhang Kequn at Nairobi’s primary airport after discovering more than 2,200 live garden ants inside his luggage. Customs agents reported an uptick in such wildlife smuggling attempts through the facility. The individual faces charges related to illegal transport of protected species.

The case illustrates growing challenges in monitoring exotic cargo flows.