The United States and Israel have intensified military operations against Iran, with reports indicating that at least 1,045 people have been killed since the escalation began on Saturday. The strikes mark one of the most severe confrontations in the region in recent years, raising fears of a broader Middle East crisis. At the same time, Israeli forces have carried out additional military actions in Lebanon, further expanding the scope of the conflict and increasing concerns about regional sta

In a rapid escalation of tensions, Iran struck a US tanker in the northern Persian Gulf hours after a US submarine torpedoed the Iranian warship IRIS Dena, killing 87 Iranian sailors. The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) claimed responsibility for the attack on the American tanker, which was reported to be on fire by Iranian state media. This move comes as Iran's foreign minister warned the US would "bitterly regret" its attack on the Iranian vessel, located off the coast of Sri Lanka

The United States has reportedly suffered nearly $2 billion in military equipment losses during the first four days of escalating hostilities with Iran following a joint US–Israel military campaign. Data compiled from defence assessments and open-source intelligence indicates that multiple American installations across the Middle East were damaged in retaliatory strikes launched by Tehran after the operation that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei. One

The United States military has deployed a new drone strike capability in the Middle East as part of its ongoing operations against the Islamic State. Speaking during a briefing on Operation Epic Fury, the commander of United States Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper, confirmed that the US has begun using drones designed on the model of Iran’s Shahed-136 unmanned aerial vehicle. The system is intended to strengthen Washington’s ability to conduct precision strikes while countering milita

The Pentagon has identified four of the six United States soldiers killed in a drone strike on a military command center in Kuwait, as families across the country mourn service members who were deployed in support roles far from active combat zones. The soldiers died Sunday when a drone struck a command facility at Port Shuaiba, a strategic location used by US forces operating in the Gulf region. The attack occurred a day after the United States and Israel launched military operatio

The United States could face an economic impact of up to $210 billion as Operation Epic Fury intensifies tensions with Iran, according to leading budget analysts. President Donald Trump has indicated that the conflict may continue for at least four weeks, raising concerns about prolonged military spending and wider fallout for the US economy. Estimates by economist Kent Smetters of the Penn Wharton Budget Model suggest that the total cost of the Iran conflict could significantly strain federa

The global shipping industry is grappling with mounting financial strain as escalating conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran disrupts maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. Within three days of hostilities and retaliatory strikes across the Gulf region, freight markets have recorded sharp increases in costs, with industry estimates pointing to potential losses amounting to tens of billions of dollars per day. The Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for m

Amid escalating security concerns in Iran, the Indian Embassy in Tehran has relocated most Indian students from the capital to safer locations outside the city. In an advisory issued on March 3, the mission cited a heightened risk perception in Tehran and said transport, food and accommodation had been arranged for those moved. A small number of students remain in the city after declining the relocation offer. The embassy reiterated earlier guidance for Indian nationals still in Ira

Israel’s air force carried out overnight strikes on key government sites in Iran, including the country’s presidential complex and a building linked to its top security authority, according to a statement issued by the Israel Defense Forces. The military said it targeted what it described as the “Iranian regime’s leadership compound,” identifying it as the central headquarters of Iran’s leadership structure. In a post published on X, the Israel Defense Forces stated that

Wealthy residents and business travelers are reportedly paying as much as £260,000, or about $350,000, to leave Gulf countries after a series of Iranian missile and drone strikes targeted locations in the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Bahrain over the weekend. The attacks struck areas that had long been considered secure for residents, tourists, and international business visitors, prompting a sudden rush to exit the region. Riyadh has emerged as a major transit point for those

Double Olympic medallist PV Sindhu is among several international travellers stranded in the Middle East after escalating military tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States led to widespread disruption of air travel across the Gulf region. The conflict intensified after combined strikes by the United States and Israel on Iranian targets began on Saturday, triggering retaliatory attacks from Iran across multiple locations in the region. Following the exchange of strikes, se

Iran launched a large-scale counter-attack targeting United States military bases across the Middle East, with several strikes also reported in the United Arab Emirates, triggering panic in major cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Explosions were heard in multiple locations on Saturday, prompting emergency responses and heightened security across the Gulf region. Authorities confirmed that precautionary evacuations were carried out in several high-profile locations, including the Burj Khalifa

The collapse of the Geneva nuclear talks on February 26, 2026, marked a decisive setback in months of diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving the long-running dispute over Iran’s nuclear program. Mediators had earlier indicated that progress was being made, but negotiations ultimately failed after both sides refused to compromise on core demands. Officials confirmed that technical-level discussions were scheduled to continue in Vienna, though the situation deteriorated rapidly following milit

India's relationship with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations is evolving into a major trade partnership. In 2024-25, the bilateral trade between India and the six-nation bloc reached a substantial $179 billion, driven by strong exports such as gems, metals, electronics, and chemicals. With an existing free trade pact with the UAE since 2022, and a recent agreement with Oman, India is now focused on formalizing a comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) with the GCC. This new agreement

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

Tensions between Iran and the United States intensified this week after the US military shot down an Iranian drone that it said approached the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in an aggressive manner in the Arabian Sea. The incident came as both sides exchanged sharp warnings and cautious signals about a possible return to nuclear diplomacy, underscoring the fragile balance between confrontation and negotiation in the region. According to US officials, the drone was intercepted

US President Donald Trump has intensified trade tensions with Canada by threatening to impose sweeping tariffs on Canadian-made aircraft, opening a new chapter in an already strained bilateral relationship. In a statement issued on Thursday, Trump said the United States could levy tariffs of up to 50 per cent on aircraft sold from Canada into the US market, citing what he described as Canada’s refusal to certify American-made business jets. The president also announced plans to decertify all aircraft manufactured in Canada for use in the United States, a move he said would remain in effect until Canadian regulators approve a series of jets produced by Gulfstream Aerospace. The warning was delivered through a post on Truth Social, where Trump accused Canadian authorities of erecting regulatory barriers that unfairly block American products. In his remarks, Trump singled out the Bombardier Global Express business jet, which is manufactured in Quebec, arguing that Ottawa has benefited from access to the US market while allegedly denying similar treatment to American manufacturers. He claimed Canada had “wrongfully and illegally” refused to certify the Gulfstream 500, 600, 700, and 800 models, which he described as among the most advanced aircraft in the world. According to Trump, the lack of certification effectively prevents Gulfstream from selling its jets in Canada. Trump warned that unless the situation is resolved immediately, the United States would move forward with punitive tariffs on all aircraft imported from Canada. He framed the threat as a matter of fairness and reciprocity, asserting that American companies should not face obstacles abroad while foreign competitors enjoy broad access to the US market. The aircraft dispute is the latest flashpoint in a broader deterioration of relations between the United States and Canada since Trump returned to office last year. Political and economic friction between the two long-time allies has grown steadily, with trade policy emerging as a central source of conflict. Earlier the same day as Trump’s comments, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney publicly urged Washington to respect Canadian sovereignty, following reports of contacts between US officials and Alberta separatist groups. Trade tensions have also been fueled by Canada’s recent diplomatic engagement with China. Trump has repeatedly warned Ottawa against deepening economic ties with Beijing, arguing that such moves could undermine US interests. He has threatened to impose tariffs as high as 100 per cent on Canadian goods if Canada proceeds with a trade agreement with China, a warning he reiterated over the weekend. In a series of earlier social media posts, Trump mocked Carney by referring to him as “Governor” and cautioned that Canada should not act as a conduit for Chinese goods entering the US market. He claimed that closer ties with Beijing would leave Canada economically vulnerable and pledged swift retaliation if such an agreement were finalized. The remarks came shortly after Carney visited Beijing, marking the first visit by a Canadian leader to China in nearly a decade. The escalating rhetoric underscores the growing uncertainty surrounding North American trade and the aerospace sector in particular. With aircraft manufacturing representing a significant industry for both countries, analysts say prolonged disputes over certification and tariffs could have far-reaching economic consequences. For now, the standoff highlights how regulatory disagreements and geopolitical concerns are increasingly shaping trade relations between Washington and Ottawa.

The Saudi-led coalition announced on Wednesday, Jan 7, that it had conducted what it described as limited pre-emptive military strikes in Yemen, citing concerns that escalating actions by UAE-backed secessionist forces could further destabilize the fragile security situation. Coalition officials said the strikes were aimed at preventing a wider confrontation and preserving the possibility of political dialogue amid renewed tensions in the country’s south. According to the coalitio

Despite stricter visa regimes, no-fly lists, and repeated warnings from both domestic and foreign authorities, thousands of Pakistani citizens continue to travel abroad or attempt to do so for the purpose of begging, particularly in Gulf nations. Recent disclosures to Pakistan’s National Assembly reveal the scale of the challenge, underscoring concerns about organised networks exploiting pilgrimage and tourist visas to reach foreign destinations. Saudi Arabia has deported approxim

Houston entered the week with unusually high temperatures that broke long-standing records and gave the city a summer-like feel despite being well into the fall season. On Sunday, temperatures climbed high enough to set new marks at both major airports in the area. The previous record of 85 degrees at one location was overtaken, while another reached 90 degrees, surpassing its earlier record of 86. These conditions were driven by strong high pressure that kept skies mostly clear and allowed heat