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.

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

Tensions in the Middle East have entered a new phase after Iran warned that it could target economic infrastructure and facilities linked to major international technology companies as the regional conflict continues to intensify. The warning indicates a shift in the nature of modern warfare, where economic systems, financial institutions, and technology infrastructure are increasingly viewed as strategic targets alongside conventional military installations. A spokesperson for Khatam

In a significant move amid the ongoing Middle East crisis, Japan has become the first G7 nation to announce the release of its strategic oil reserves. This decision comes in response to the geopolitical tensions affecting the global oil market and concerns over potential disruptions in the supply of crude oil. Japan's action is aimed at maintaining energy security and stabilizing oil prices, which have been fluctuating due to the crisis in the Middle East. As one of the world's larg

For decades, a recurring argument during periods of American involvement in the Middle East has been that such conflicts are driven by access to oil. However, the United States’ position in the global energy landscape has shifted dramatically over the past decade. Once heavily dependent on foreign imports, the country has transformed into one of the world’s largest producers of oil and natural gas, reshaping both global energy markets and geopolitical calculations. Recent figures from th

In response to the escalating crisis in the Middle East, Russia is preparing to ship 9.5 million barrels of crude oil to India. This move comes as India faces severe supply disruptions, particularly after Iranian attacks targeted vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil route that handles 40% of India's crude imports. The current geopolitical tensions have left India vulnerable, as its crude stocks cover only about 25 days of demand, and inventories of refined products like gasoline, g

India is preparing to buy five additional squadrons of the Russian‑made S‑400 Triumf long‑range air defence missile system, a plan driven by the system’s highly effective performance during last year’s Operation Sindoor. The move aims to significantly bolster the Indian Air Force’s layered air defence network across both eastern and western fronts against evolving aerial threats. Defence ministry sources say the proposal from the Indian Air Force will soon be taken up fo

The United States Treasury Department announced on Wednesday that it has imposed sanctions on more than 30 individuals, entities, and vessels accused of facilitating illicit Iran oil sales and supporting Tehran’s weapons programs. The action, carried out through the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), forms part of Washington’s continuing maximum pressure campaign aimed at curbing Iran’s military capabilities and financial networks. According to the Treasury, the measures

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a standing ovation in Israel’s parliament on Wednesday as he delivered a historic address to the Knesset, becoming the first Indian prime minister to speak before the Israeli legislature. Lawmakers rose to their feet and chanted his name as Modi began his remarks by conveying greetings from 1.4 billion Indians. In his speech, the prime minister strongly condemned terrorism and reiterated India’s firm policy of zero tolerance toward ex

President Donald Trump on Thursday announced that the United States will contribute $10 billion to the newly formed Board of Peace, a central element of his 20-point plan aimed at stabilising and rebuilding Gaza. Speaking at the board’s inaugural meeting in Washington, Trump told representatives from nearly 50 countries that the United States intended to play a leading financial role in the initiative, though questions remain about how the funding will be sourced amid the administration’s

India participated as an observer in the inaugural meeting of United States President Donald Trump’s newly announced Board of Peace initiative focused on Gaza, according to official participant records. The meeting was held at the Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace in Washington, DC, where India was represented by Chargé d’Affaires Namgya Khampa from the Indian embassy. New Delhi has not formally joined the Board of Peace but attended in a limited observer capacity as international discussions around Gaza reconstruction and regional stability continue to evolve. During the launch event, Trump announced a pledge of $10 billion toward the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, positioning the initiative as a major international effort following the recent ceasefire. Several Muslim-majority countries also committed financial and security support. Leaders from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates each pledged at least $1 billion, according to officials present at the gathering. The White House Press Secretary later stated that total commitments from participating nations had crossed $6.5 billion, a figure that appeared to exclude the separate US contribution. The Board of Peace was convened in the aftermath of a ceasefire agreement reached in October following negotiations facilitated by the United States in coordination with Qatar and Egypt. The ceasefire aimed to halt nearly two years of intense conflict in Gaza. Under the proposed second phase of the framework, Hamas is expected to be disarmed as part of broader stabilisation measures. The current war was triggered by Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, which led to a large-scale Israeli military response in the Gaza Strip. In a notable development, Morocco announced its readiness to contribute police personnel and officers to the newly proposed International Stabilisation Force, marking what officials described as a first-of-its-kind commitment by an Arab nation in the context of the Gaza peace initiative. The move is seen as part of wider efforts to establish security arrangements alongside reconstruction planning. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was among several global leaders invited by the US President to be associated with the Board of Peace, which was formally announced as part of the second phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire framework. India, however, had not been present at the earlier January 22 ceremony in Davos where Trump first unveiled the initiative aimed at fostering long-term peace in Gaza and potentially addressing other global conflicts. The Board of Peace has drawn attention in diplomatic circles due to perceptions that it could emerge as an alternative multilateral platform. Trump has previously suggested that the body “might” replace the United Nations, arguing that existing global institutions have not fully delivered on their mandates. Observers note that the structure, scope, and long-term objectives of the Board of Peace remain under discussion as participating countries evaluate their roles. India’s decision to attend as an observer reflects its cautious diplomatic approach to the evolving Middle East situation. Officials have not indicated any immediate plan to formally join the initiative, but New Delhi continues to monitor developments closely as international stakeholders shape the future framework for Gaza’s reconstruction and regional stability.

Saudi Arabia is deploying significant political influence and billions of dollars in financial support in an effort to stabilize Yemen and consolidate control over areas held by the internationally recognized government, marking a renewed regional focus after years of concentrating on domestic reforms. Officials familiar with the strategy say Riyadh aims to unify fragmented armed groups, strengthen state institutions and create conditions that could eventually pressure Houthi rebels into nego

India has reiterated its firm support for Israel and renewed its condemnation of terrorism in all forms, with Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri drawing clear parallels between the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023, and India’s long experience with cross-border violence. Speaking at an International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemoration hosted by the Israeli Embassy in New Delhi, Misri underscored India’s position that acts of terror cannot be justified under any circumstances and must be co

The United States has deployed the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying warships to the Middle East, a move aimed at reinforcing American military capabilities in a region marked by escalating political and security tensions. The announcement was made on Monday, January 26, by US Central Command, which said the carrier strike group’s presence is intended to support regional security and stability while enhancing both offensive and defensive readiness. Accordin

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan and Qatar have agreed to participate in a new international initiative proposed by U.S. President Donald Trump, known as the Board of Peace, according to a joint statement issued by regional foreign ministries. The decision reflects coordinated support among several Middle Eastern and Asian governments for the initiative, which Trump has presented as a mechanism to address the ongoing Gaza conflict and broader global disputes.

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has strongly criticised the World Economic Forum following the cancellation of his scheduled appearance at the organisation’s annual meeting in Davos, accusing the forum of applying inconsistent moral and political standards. The remarks came after the WEF announc

Several airlines operating from the United Arab Emirates, Turkey and Qatar suspended flights to Iran on Friday as widespread protests and communication disruptions continued to affect the country, leading to growing uncertainty across the regional aviation sector. The cancellations affected key routes linking major Gulf and Turkish hubs with Iranian cities, underscoring the broader impact of the unrest on international travel. According to information published on the Dubai Airports

Israel has become the first member of the United Nations to officially recognise Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state, marking a significant diplomatic development for the self-declared republic in the Horn of Africa. The announcement ends decades of international non-recognition for Somaliland, which has operated as a separate political entity since breaking away from Somalia in 1991 following a prolonged civil conflict. The recognition was formalised on Friday when Isr

US President Donald Trump is reported to be considering the formation of a new geopolitical grouping known as the “Core-5,” a proposed alliance that would bring together the United States, Russia, China, India, and Japan. The initiative is being explored as a potential alternative to the Group of Seven, signaling a significant shift in Washington’s approach to global leadership and alliance-building. If pursued, the Core-5 could represent one of the most powerful strategic blocs ever as

United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated on Wednesday that radical Islamic movements represent a growing and consequential threat not only to the United States but to global security as a whole. Describing these organisations as revolutionary in nature, Rubio said their objectives extend far beyond holding limited territory, and instead involve expanding their influence across regions and cultures. He noted that the ideological framework guiding these groups envisions a broad reach