Iran war; Russian oil; Congressional retirements

Your afternoon news update

ADVERTISEMENT View in Browser | APNews DONATE View in Browser | APNews DONATE AP Afternoon Wire Advancing the Power of Facts Policy changes, but facts endure. AP delivers accurate, fact-based journalism to keep the world informed in every administration. Support independent reporting today. Donate. By Amy Langfield March 06, 2026 By Amy Langfield March 06, 2026 Good afternoon and welcome to your afternoon news update from AP. Today, AP sources say Russia has provided Iran with information that can help Tehran strike the U.S. military; the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is also providing a boost for Moscow's fortunes; and Congress is on track to see record turnover this year. UP FIRST Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut's southern suburbs, in Beirut, Lebanon, Friday. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla) Russia has provided Iran with information that can help Tehran strike US military, AP sources say Russia has provided Iran with information that could help Tehran strike American warships, aircraft and other assets in the region, according to two officials familiar with U.S. intelligence on the matter. The people, who were not authorized to comment publicly on the sensitive matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity, cautioned that the U.S. intelligence has not uncovered that Russia is directing Iran on what to do with the information. Still, it's the first indication that Moscow has sought to get involved in the war. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Gulf allies complain US didn't notify them of Iran attacks and ignored their warnings, sources say Trump rules out talks absent Iran's 'unconditional surrender' as Israel strikes Lebanon Every facet of Iran's military and theocracy is under assault. These images show the damage Kurdish Iranian dissidents in Iraq deny attack plans but say they would join a US invasion of Iran Evidence suggests the deadly blast at an Iranian school was likely a US airstrike What to know as a son of Iran's late supreme leader is a possible candidate to replace his father WATCH: Sri Lanka navy releases video showing rescue of Iranian sailors from warship off coast London police say 4 men arrested on suspicion of aiding Iran by spying on Jewish community Hegseth's comments are a reminder that government isn't always eager to show the human cost to war Americans stuck in the Middle East recount finding their way home with little government help TOP STORIES A boost for Moscow in the shadow of Iran war: US allows India to buy Russian oil for a month The U.S. Treasury Department's decision to allow India to buy Russian oil for 30 days underscores a boost for Moscow's fortunes against the backdrop of the Iran war as Russia's oil exports help the Kremlin pay for its own war on Ukraine. Read more. RELATED COVERAGE ➤ Hungary detains 7 Ukrainians and seizes $80 million cash shipment. Kyiv calls move 'taking hostages' US and Mideast countries seek Kyiv's drone expertise as Russia-Ukraine talks put on ice Families of Kenyan recruits duped into fighting in Russia's war on Ukraine demand their sons return Congress is on track for record retirements. In Illinois, that's created a candidate frenzy Congress is on track to see record turnover this year as lawmakers forgo reelection, and in few places is that spate of retirements felt as deeply as in Illinois. Fueled by the retirements of senior members of Congress, six House and Senate seats in the reliably Democratic state are open. That's offered a rare chance for the party to draw a new crop of candidates — all told, nearly 60 hopefuls are vying for the six seats. Read more.  RELATED COVERAGE ➤ The US lost a surprising 92,000 jobs last month as the unemployment rate ticked up to 4.4% Retail sales fall modestly in January as American consumers pull back on spending Stocks fall after oil prices spike near a 2-year high and reports suggest a slowing US economy US immigration authorities arrest Spanish-language news reporter in Tennessee South Florida university probes racist group chat tied to a local GOP official Trump takes forceful steps to pressure Latin American leaders to reduce China ties Jamaica to end decades-long agreement with Cuba over medical missions criticized by US ADVERTISEMENT IN OTHER NEWS From left, former Vice President Kamala Harris, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, former President Bill Clinton, former President Barack Obama, former first lady Jill Biden, and former President Joe Biden attend the public homegoing service for the Rev. Jesse Jackson at the House of Hope in Chicago, Friday. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley) Chicago: Former President Barack Obama speaks during final public tribute to the late Rev. Jesse Jackson Save-the-Earth test: Spacecraft's impact changed asteroid's orbit around the sun, study finds $766 million deal: German media group Axel Springer will buy the publisher of UK's Daily Telegraph Southern California: Britney Spears arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs 'How Can 'Love Story' Get Away With This?': Daryl Hannah issues scathing response to portrayal of her on TV series about Kennedy and Bessette Daylight saving time: How springing forward could affect your health March 15 award show: How to watch the Oscar nominees, from 'Sinners' to 'Sentimental Value' Quiz: Test your knowledge of this week's news WATCH: A Connecticut fire department is rolling out a new dispatch system that aims to ease stress TRENDING Jinqiao Yang, of China, competes during wheelchair curling mixed doubles round robin session against Italy at the 2026 Winter Paralympics, in Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy, Thursday. (AP Photo/Evgeniy Maloletka) A guide to the six sports at the Milan Cortina Winter Paralympics The Winter Paralympics officially begin today in Verona, Italy. With more than 600 Para athletes and 79 sets of medals to be awarded, Milan Cortina will feature a record number of athletes and medals. They will compete across six sports: Para alpine skiing, Para biathlon, Para cross-country skiing, Para ice hockey, Para snowboard and wheelchair curling. Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy Please let us know what you think of this newsletter. You can sign up for more and invite a friend here. For news in real time visit APNews.com. - Amy SUPPORT THE AP. DONATE. Manage preferences | Privacy policy | Unsubscribe   *Advertisers have no control over editorial decisions or content. If you're interested in advertising, contact us here. ADVERTISEMENT