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

A crude oil tanker captained by an Indian reached Mumbai after a

Tensions across the Middle East escalated sharply on Thursday as the ongoing Iran-Israel conflict intensified with new drone and missile attacks reported across several locations in the region. Iranian authorities claimed responsibility for launching drone strikes targeting Israel’s Shin Bet headquarters in Tel Aviv as well as the Palmachim and Ovda air bases, signalling a significant escalation in hostilities between the two countries. Israeli officials confirmed that missiles we

In a tragic development amidst the ongoing conflict in West Asia, an Indian sailor was killed following an underwater drone attack on the US-owned crude oil tanker, Safesea Vishnu. The attack occurred near Basra, Iraq, on March 12, 2026, as the vessel was entering the Persian Gulf. Iranian forces have claimed responsibility for the strike, which also targeted another vessel, the Maltese-flagged Zefyros. Iranian state broadcaster IRIB reported that the attack resulted in an explosion that damaged both tankers. The Indian Embassy in Iraq confirmed the death of the Indian crew member and stated that a total of 38 crew members were rescued from the two ships. Among the rescued were 15 Indian sailors, all of whom were evacuated to safety. The embassy expressed its condolences to the family of the deceased sailor and stated that it was in regular contact with Iraqi authorities and the rescued sailors to offer assistance. As tensions rise in the Strait of Hormuz, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) has indicated that it views such economic infrastructure, including oil tankers, as legitimate targets due to its association with the US and Israel. The attack underscores the increasing risks to commercial shipping in the region, as multiple incidents have been reported involving "unknown projectiles" targeting vessels. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has condemned the escalation of attacks on commercial ships and reiterated its concern over the safety of Indian citizens in the region. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts by India have yielded some success, as Iran allowed an Indian crude vessel to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without incident. This incident marks another chapter in the intensifying conflict between Iran, the US, and Israel, further destabilizing the vital shipping routes in the Persian Gulf. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, with increasing concerns over the safety of maritime trade in the region

The ongoing conflict between Iran and the joint front of Israel and the United States entered its 12th day on Wednesday, with renewed missile strikes and escalating regional tensions across the Middle East. Iranian forces launched fresh missile attacks targeting central Israel before dawn, triggering air raid sirens in several cities. Israeli air defence systems responded swiftly and intercepted incoming rockets, preventing major damage and casualties, according to preliminary reports. At th

A Thai-flagged cargo ship, Mayuree Naree, sailing toward Gujarat, was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, 2026. The vessel was struck by an unidentified projectile approximately 11 nautical miles off the northern coast of Oman, sparking a fire on board. The incident prompted a swift rescue operation by the Omani navy, which successfully evacuated 20 of the 23 crew members, while three remained aboard. According to maritime security sources, the attack occurred in

Global oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday after the United States confirmed that a naval escort ensured the safe passage of an oil tanker through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane for the world’s energy markets. The announcement helped calm investors who had been reacting to escalating geopolitical tensions and fears of a major oil supply disruption linked to the ongoing Iran conflict. U.S. crude oil dropped around 15 percent to $79.96 per barrel, while Brent crude, t

The escalating tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are raising serious concerns for global energy markets, with analysts warning that the liquefied natural gas sector could be more severely affected than crude oil if the shipping route remains disrupted. While oil shipments have been partially redirected through alternative pipelines, LNG faces unique challenges due to its dependence on specialized tankers and highly centralized production, particularly in Qatar. Roughly 20 percent o

Global crude oil prices have surged past $110 per barrel as escalating tensions in the Gulf region shake energy markets worldwide. The sharp increase has triggered concerns about potential supply disruptions, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most critical oil transit routes globally. The sudden spike represents the biggest jump in crude prices since 2020 and has raised fears about its possible ripple effects on economies that depend heavily on imported oil. Desp

Global oil markets experienced unprecedented volatility this week as escalating tensions in the Middle East disrupted key energy supply routes and triggered the largest weekly surge in U.S. crude futures since trading began in 1983. The sharp rise in oil prices reflects growing concerns among investors and governments that prolonged conflict in the region could severely affect global fuel supply chains and economic stability. West Texas Intermediate crude futures climbed sharply on

Rising tensions between the United States and Iran are creating new uncertainty in global energy markets as the administration of President Donald Trump considers deploying the US Navy to escort commercial oil tankers through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. The move is being discussed as shipping traffic through the narrow waterway has slowed dramatically following recent attacks on tankers, raising concerns about the stability of global oil supply. The Strait of Hormuz is one of t

The conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel has intensified sharply, with the death toll from ongoing airstrikes reaching at least 1,230 since Saturday. The latest developments mark a significant escalation in the Middle East conflict, raising fears of wider regional instability and disruptions to global energy supply routes. In parallel with the strikes targeting Iran, the Israeli military has issued evacuation orders for the southern suburbs of Beirut, a densely popul

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 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

Amid escalating geopolitical tensions in West Asia and growing concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, government sources have reassured citizens that India’s oil reserves and fuel stocks remain sufficient, urging the public not to panic or hoard essential petroleum products. Officials said the country currently maintains around 25 days of crude oil and petroleum products, including petrol and diesel, ensuring stability in the event of short-term supply disruptions. Liq

The U.S.-Iran war entered its fourth day on Tuesday, widening beyond its initial flashpoints and sending shockwaves through global financial and energy markets. Investors reacted swiftly to the escalating Middle East conflict, with U.S. stocks opening sharply lower. European stocks and major Asian markets also declined, reflecting mounting concerns over geopolitical instability and the risk of a broader regional confrontation. Oil prices surged amid growing fears of an energy supply

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

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

A United States Navy fighter jet shot down an Iranian drone after it approached an American aircraft carrier operating in the Arabian Sea, according to US Central Command, marking the latest escalation in a period of heightened military tensions across the Middle East. The incident occurred as the unmanned aircraft moved toward the USS Abraham Lincoln with what officials described as unclear intent, despite attempts by US forces to deter it. Military authorities said the drone “ag

Uncertainty continues to surround Washington’s approach toward Tehran as President Donald Trump sends conflicting signals on whether the United States is moving closer to military action or renewed diplomacy with Iran. Speaking ahead of his first Cabinet meeting of 2026, the president indicated he was open to communication with Iranian leaders, even as the US expanded its military presence in West Asia and senior defense officials stressed readiness to act on presidential orders.