In the midst of the ongoing war, Iran has continued to export millions of barrels of oil, with about 90 ships, including oil tankers, crossing the critical Strait of Hormuz between March 1 and 15, 2026. Despite the waterway being effectively "closed" to most traffic due to the conflict, Iran has managed to keep its oil exports flowing, benefitting from its control over this vital chokepoint. According to maritime traffic data from Lloyd's List Intelligence, Iran has relied on a mix

Iran has vowed to continue its fight against the United States and Israel following the killing of Ali Larijani, one of Iran's most influential political figures, in an Israeli airstrike. Iranian foreign minister Syed Abbas Araghchi made a bold statement, declaring that Iran’s political and economic structure would remain intact despite the loss of Larijani, the head of the Supreme National Security Council, who was killed alongside his family members and bodyguards near Tehran. I

Severe storms sweeping across the state of New Jersey caused dramatic damage to rail infrastructure after a tree crashed through the cab of a moving train, narrowly avoiding serious injuries. The incident occurred on the Atlantic City Rail Line, highlighting the intensity of the overnight weather conditions that battered parts of the region. According to officials, the tree struck the engineer’s cab during the height of the storm. Despite the severity of the impact, the train engine

India has sharply criticised Pakistan at the United Nations, accusing it of repeatedly fabricating narratives around Islamophobia to target neighbouring countries while diverting attention from its own domestic and regional record. The remarks were made during a session of the UN General Assembly marking the International Day to Combat Islamophobia, where India’s Permanent Representative Parvathaneni Harish delivered a firm and direct response to Pakistan’s allegations. Addressing

Europe’s financial markets are facing a critical moment and must urgently reform to remain competitive in a rapidly shifting global investment landscape, according to the head of the world’s largest sovereign wealth fund. Nicolai Tangen, chief executive of Norges Bank Investment Management, which oversees Norway’s $2 trillion wealth fund, has issued a stark warning that Europe risks falling further behind unless it addresses long-standing structural issues in its capital markets. Speaking

The conflict in West Asia has entered its third week, with hostilities intensifying across multiple fronts and raising concerns about a broader regional escalation. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on European nations to support Israel’s ongoing campaign against Hezbollah, as Israeli forces continued ground operations in southern Lebanon. The situation in Lebanon deteriorated further after Hezbollah launched attacks on Israel earlier this month, following the reported killing of Iran’s

Iran on Tuesday claimed responsibility for a missile strike that it said landed near the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, marking a sharp escalation in tensions between the two regional rivals. The claim, reported by state-affiliated media, comes amid heightened hostilities and conflicting narratives surrounding recent military developments between Israel and Iran. Israeli authorities reported that missile fragments fell across parts of Jerusalem, including areas within the Old City, prompting air raid sirens in the capital and several central regions. While debris was said to have landed near prominent religious landmarks, officials confirmed that the Prime Minister’s office did not sustain any damage. Emergency response teams were deployed to assess the impact and ensure public safety in affected zones. According to multiple reports, shrapnel from the strike caused minor damage near significant religious sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and areas close to the Temple Mount. These locations, revered by multiple faiths, heightened concerns over the broader implications of the incident and the risk of further escalation in a sensitive region. The developments follow Israeli claims that Ali Larijani, described as Iran’s national security chief, was killed in a targeted operation. Tehran has not confirmed his death, adding uncertainty to the situation. In a televised statement, Netanyahu asserted that the operation was part of a broader effort to weaken Iran’s leadership structure and encourage internal change. He stated that sustained pressure could create conditions for citizens to determine their own political future. Earlier in the day, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released images showing Netanyahu inside a military command centre, appearing to oversee ongoing operations. The move was seen as a response to widespread speculation circulating on social media regarding his status, as authorities sought to reinforce confidence and counter misinformation during a period of heightened tension. The exchange of claims and counterclaims underscores the fragile security environment in the region, with both sides maintaining assertive positions as the situation continues to evolve.

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

Incidents involving Indian students going missing in the United States have raised growing concern in recent months, with several tragic cases reported across different states. In the latest development, a 17-year-old Indian-origin student, Gautam Raja Rajanikanth, was found dead in Pennsylvania after being reported missing over the weekend, prompting an ongoing investigation by local authorities. Gautam, who was pursuing his 11th grade education in Pittsburgh’s South Fayette area, was last seen on Saturday. According to preliminary information, he became unreachable shortly thereafter, leading his family to file a missing person complaint with the South Fayette Police Department. Authorities initiated a search operation soon after receiving the report, focusing on locating the teenager and determining his whereabouts. Following an extensive search effort, officials confirmed that Gautam’s body was recovered on Monday. While the discovery has brought some closure to the search, the exact circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear. Police have not yet disclosed the cause of death and stated that the investigation is ongoing, with further details expected pending official findings. The sudden loss has deeply affected Gautam’s family, friends, and the wider Indian diaspora community. The case has once again highlighted concerns regarding the safety and well-being of international students in the United States, especially amid a series of similar incidents reported in recent times. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation as the investigation continues. More information is expected to be released as officials complete their inquiries into the tragic incident.

The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured all five Rajya Sabha seats in

Apple has acquired MotionVFX, a company known for developing plugins, templates, and visual effects tools designed for use with Apple’s professional video editing software, Final Cut Pro. The move is expected to strengthen Apple’s creative software ecosystem by integrating MotionVFX’s editing technologies directly into its platform, giving professional editors and content creators expanded tools for video production. MotionVFX confirmed the development in a statement posted on

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

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

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.

Chaitra Navratri 2026 will begin on March 19, marking the start of the sacred