A series of drone attacks targeting the United Arab Emirates’ critical energy infrastructure has intensified concerns over prolonged supply disruptions as regional tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to escalate. The incidents have struck key oil and gas facilities, disrupted shipping routes, and heightened volatility in global energy markets. Operations at the Shah gas field, one of the world’s largest ultra-sour gas developments, remained suspended after a drone stri

China on Tuesday announced that it will extend humanitarian assistance to several West Asia countries, including Iran and Lebanon, as the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel enters its third week and continues to escalate. The move reflects Beijing’s growing concern over the worsening humanitarian situation across the region, where sustained military operations have disrupted civilian life and critical infrastructure. Speaking at a regular press briefing, Chinese Foreig

On March 16, 2026, a devastating Pakistani airstrike hit a drug treatment

Multiple explosions were reported across parts of Kabul late Monday night, heightening concerns over escalating tensions between Afghanistan and Pakistan. Residents in several neighborhoods, particularly in the western parts of the Afghan capital, said powerful blasts were followed by the sound of aircraft flying at low altitude over the city. Witnesses described a tense atmosphere as security forces and emergency responders rushed to the affected areas to assess the situation. Sources indic

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday released a video on social media appearing to dismiss rumours circulating online that falsely claimed he had died. The clip, shared through his official account on the platform X, shows the Israeli leader casually speaking with people at an outdoor location while purchasing a cup of coffee. The post surfaced as speculation and misinformation about the prime minister’s health and status spread across various social media platforms.

US President Donald Trump on Monday claimed that Iran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded following two weeks of joint US-Israeli military operations across the country. Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump asserted that Iran had been reduced to what he described as a “paper tiger,” arguing that extensive strikes had significantly damaged the country’s air force, navy and key defense infrastructure. According to the president, the campaign targeted

India’s External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held extensive discussions with foreign ministers from the 27 member states of the European Union during a meeting of the Foreign Affairs Council in Brussels on Monday. The talks focused on key global developments, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, tensions in West Asia, evolving strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific region and the future trajectory of India-EU relations. Jaishankar attended the meeting at the invitation of

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has arrested 35 individuals, including 19 Indians,

Amid the ongoing war between Israel, the United States, and Iran, the Iranian embassy in New Delhi has sought cash donations from Indian citizens to help those affected by the conflict. Due to technical issues preventing successful online transfers to the embassy’s bank account, the embassy advised donors to contribute cash directly at the mission instead. In a post shared on social media, the embassy expressed its gratitude for the overwhelming support from the Indian public but acknowledged the difficulties in receiving donations through regular banking channels. The conflict in West Asia has seen escalating military operations from Israeli and US forces targeting Iranian assets, while Iran has retaliated with strikes across the Gulf region. The Iranian embassy had earlier shared its State Bank of India account details, urging people to transfer funds electronically. However, donors were encouraged to avoid using platforms like GPay, as technical complications arose, and the embassy is working to resolve the issue. India and Iran share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and economic ties that span centuries. These relations are influenced by cooperation in various sectors, including trade and energy. Furthermore, religious connections have played a significant role, with India hosting a large Shia Muslim population, which aligns with Iran’s religious tradition. This cultural connection has often resulted in expressions of solidarity between Indian Shia Muslims and Iran, particularly during times of conflict. In light of these ongoing developments, the Iranian embassy has requested patience from donors while they work towards resolving the technical challenges, ensuring that humanitarian aid can reach those in need

In a significant diplomatic development, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankarhighlighted India's successful engagement with Iranthat

US President Donald Trump has warned that the future of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization could face serious consequences if allied nations fail to support efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key global shipping route currently disrupted amid escalating tensions with Iran. The remarks signal increasing pressure from Washington on European allies to contribute more actively to maritime security in the strategically vital Gulf region. Speaking in a telephone interview on Sunday, Trump said a lack of support from allied nations could have negative implications for the military alliance. He emphasized that the United States has historically provided strong support to its partners, including assistance during the Ukraine-Russia war, and now expects reciprocal cooperation. According to Trump, maintaining stability in the Strait of Hormuz is essential not only for regional security but also for global oil trade and international shipping routes. Trump indicated that the United States has already taken significant action against Iranian threats in the Gulf and called for greater participation from allied countries to monitor and secure the waterway. He suggested that additional military support, including specialized forces or naval contributions, could help counter activities such as drone operations and naval mine deployments along the Iranian coastline, which he described as disruptive to maritime navigation. While speaking to reporters aboard Air Force One, Trump said he had demanded that several countries heavily dependent on oil shipments through the strait join a coalition aimed at safeguarding the passage. Although he did not disclose the names of the countries involved, he argued that nations benefiting from the route should take a more active role in protecting it. The president also discussed the situation with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer during a phone conversation on Sunday. According to the UK government, both leaders spoke about the importance of restoring access to the Strait of Hormuz to reduce disruptions in global shipping that are contributing to rising costs worldwide. Starmer also conveyed condolences for American service members who have died during the conflict. However, Trump voiced frustration over what he described as the United Kingdom’s initially cautious response to US requests for assistance. He said Washington expected support earlier in the operation and reiterated his longstanding view that NATO cooperation should be mutual. The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical maritime chokepoints, carrying a significant share of global oil supplies, making its security a central concern for governments and markets worldwide.

A drone-related incident triggered a fire near Dubai International Airport on Monday, prompting authorities to temporarily suspend flight operations as a precautionary safety measure. Officials confirmed that the incident occurred in the vicinity of the airport and affected one of the fuel storage tanks, leading to an emergency response by Dubai Civil Defence teams. Authorities said firefighters were quickly deployed to the scene to contain the blaze and prevent further damage. According to

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply after coordinated military strikes by the United States and Israel targeted Iran on February 28, reportedly killing Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei along with several senior Iranian officials. The operation, named “Epic Fury” by the United States and “Lion’s Roar” by Israel, came during a period of heightened friction between Washington and Tehran, particularly surrounding negotiations over Iran’s nuclear program and regional secu

The United States Marine Corps has ordered the deployment of a Marine Expeditionary Unit to the Middle East as tensions in the region continue to escalate. Around 2,200 Marines traveling aboard three US Navy amphibious ships are being redirected toward the area, signaling a reinforcement of American military readiness amid growing concerns over maritime security and regional stability. The unit involved in the deployment is the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, which is normally based in Japan

US President Donald Trump has warned that the United States could launch strong military strikes against Iran in the coming days, signaling a potential escalation in tensions between the two countries. Speaking during a radio interview aired Friday, Trump said Washington was prepared to act decisively and indicated that Iran could face significant attacks within the next week if the situation continues to deteriorate. Trump claimed that US operations had already inflicted severe damage on Iran’s military infrastructure. According to him, American actions have targeted key components of Iran’s missile and drone capabilities, including manufacturing facilities responsible for producing these weapons. He asserted that the extent of the damage was substantial and suggested it could take years for Iran to fully rebuild the affected systems. The president described the campaign as one of the most forceful responses seen in modern conflicts, emphasizing that the United States was intensifying pressure on Tehran. During the interview, Trump also addressed questions about Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared publicly in recent weeks. Trump suggested that the Iranian leader may have been harmed but was likely still alive. He added that Iranian leadership would ultimately need to respond to the ongoing situation, indicating that the United States was continuing its operations with considerable intensity. When asked about the possible conclusion of the conflict, Trump did not provide a clear timeline. Instead, he said he would know when the war was over based on his own judgment of the situation. He also expressed skepticism about the immediate collapse of the Iranian government, noting that such a development would be difficult without significant internal or military pressure. The US president further stated that American forces could escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz if necessary to ensure maritime security in the region. The strategic waterway remains a critical route for global energy supplies, and any disruption there could have widespread economic consequences. Trump also suggested that Russia might be providing limited support to Iran during the conflict. He indicated that Russian President Vladimir Putin could be assisting Tehran in some capacity, while acknowledging that Moscow might view US support for Ukraine as a comparable dynamic. Reports circulating in recent days have alleged that Russia may have shared targeting information with Iran related to attacks on US forces, although such claims remain unconfirmed. Additionally, Trump said that Washington is not currently prioritizing an operation to seize Iran’s uranium resources but did not rule out the possibility in the future. He suggested that the issue could become a consideration later depending on how the situation evolves.

The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran has triggered what the International Energy Agency (IEA) describes as the largest disruption in the history of the global oil market, as tensions intensify around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical energy transit routes. In a report released on Thursday, the agency said oil and petroleum product flows through the strategic waterway have plunged sharply, raising serious concerns about global energy security

Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi on Thursday rejected allegations that Iranian forces were laying mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial global shipping route, stating that the claims were inaccurate and misleading. His remarks came days after the United States said it had carried out strikes against Iranian vessels allegedly involved in placing mines in the strategic waterway. Responding to questions about the accusations, Takht-Ravanchi said Iran had not engaged in s

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said the government is taking comprehensive steps to safeguard India’s energy security as global fuel markets face uncertainty due to the ongoing conflict in West Asia. Addressing the NXT Summit 2026 in New Delhi on March 12, the prime minister said India has adopted a holistic strategy to strengthen its energy sector and reduce vulnerability to global disruptions. Modi said the country has significantly expanded its strategic petroleum reserve in r

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday held a conversation with Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian and expressed deep concern over the escalating tensions in West Asia, highlighting the growing impact of the conflict on civilian lives and infrastructure. During the discussion, Modi emphasized the need for restraint and reiterated India’s long-standing position that dialogue and diplomacy remain the most effective path toward resolving regional disputes. According to the Prime

Iran’s newly appointed Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei delivered a strong and defiant message in his first public statement since assuming the country’s highest leadership position, warning that Iran will continue responding to what it describes as hostile actions by the United States and its allies. In the message broadcast on state television on Thursday, March 12, Khamenei vowed revenge for what he called crimes committed against Iran and signaled that attacks linked to ongoing regional t