Iran

10 Million Indians in West Asia in Limbo as Conflict Deepens, Government Weighs Options

10 Million Indians in West Asia in Limbo as Conflict Deepens, Government Weighs Options

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma/Gurpreet Singh): The deepening confrontation involving the United States, Israel and Iran has placed India before a formidable challenge: protecting an estimated 10 million citizens spread across West Asia. With air routes disrupted and tensions rising across the Gulf, New Delhi is navigating a complex diplomatic and logistical landscape, even as no large-scale evacuation plan has been formally announced. In the past 24 hours, senior officials from Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have conveyed assurances regarding the well-being of Indian nationals residing in their territories. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has…
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Energy Markets on Edge as Middle East Strikes Trigger Sharp Oil Rally

Energy Markets on Edge as Middle East Strikes Trigger Sharp Oil Rally

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Crude oil prices leapt in early trading this week after renewed military action in the Middle East sparked fears of serious disruptions to global energy flows. The latest wave of US and Israeli strikes on Iranian targets, followed by retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region, has unsettled traders who worry that escalating tensions could choke off supply from one of the world’s most vital oil corridors. The prospect of prolonged instability pushed benchmark prices significantly higher on Monday. US crude, known as West Texas Intermediate, climbed more than 7 per cent in morning trade to hover above…
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Global Oil Shock: India Braces for $100 Crude as Hormuz Closure Ignites Energy Security Crisis

Global Oil Shock: India Braces for $100 Crude as Hormuz Closure Ignites Energy Security Crisis

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Indian economy is facing a critical strategic challenge as global oil prices surged nearly 10 per cent on Sunday, March 1, 2026, following a dramatic military escalation in West Asia. Brent crude jumped toward $80 a barrel in over-the-counter trading after joint US and Israeli strikes on Iranian leadership prompted Tehran to move toward shutting the Strait of Hormuz. This narrow maritime corridor is the primary artery for nearly one-fifth of global oil and gas supplies, and any prolonged blockage threatens to drive prices toward the $100 mark, significantly straining import-dependent nations. The crisis acquired…
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“Cynical Murder”: Vladimir Putin Condemns Killing of Ayatollah Khamenei as Breach of International Law

“Cynical Murder”: Vladimir Putin Condemns Killing of Ayatollah Khamenei as Breach of International Law

Moscow (Rajeev Sharma): Russian President Vladimir Putin on Sunday, March 1, 2026, issued a scathing condemnation of the targeted killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, describing the act as a "cynical murder" that violates the fundamental norms of human morality and international law. In a formal condolence note addressed to Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and released by the Kremlin, Putin expressed his deep personal grief over the loss of the 86-year-old leader, who was killed alongside members of his family during a massive joint military operation by the United States and Israel on Saturday. The Russian leader lauded…
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Precision Strikes on Tehran Reported Amid Israel–Iran Conflict; Khamenei and 7 Other Senior Commanders Claimed Killed

Precision Strikes on Tehran Reported Amid Israel–Iran Conflict; Khamenei and 7 Other Senior Commanders Claimed Killed

Rajeev Sharma :- Tensions between Israel and Iran escalated sharply after what both sides described as precision military strikes targeted several Iranian cities, including the capital, Tehran. The developments mark one of the most intense phases of the ongoing confrontation, with conflicting claims emerging about high-level casualties and strategic impact. According to Israeli military statements, its forces conducted highly targeted operations against Iranian defence infrastructure. Israeli officials assert that these strikes completely neutralised key military sites and resulted in the deaths of seven senior Iranian defence figures. Among those named by military sources were former defence minister Aziz Nasirzadeh, elite…
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Middle East Tensions Leave Punjabi Travellers Stranded in Sharjah; Bathinda Principal Appeals for Urgent Evacuation

Middle East Tensions Leave Punjabi Travellers Stranded in Sharjah; Bathinda Principal Appeals for Urgent Evacuation

Rajeev Sharma :- Escalating hostilities between United States, Israel and Iran have begun to cast a shadow far beyond the conflict zone, with ripple effects now impacting Indian travellers abroad. As airspace restrictions and flight suspensions disrupt international routes across the Middle East, several passengers from Punjab have found themselves stranded at Sharjah International Airport, facing mounting uncertainty and hardship. Among them is Neeru Garg, a school principal from Bathinda, who released a video message detailing the distressing conditions at the airport. She stated that essential medicines for blood pressure and diabetes have run out, raising serious health concerns amid…
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Iran Faces Leadership Crossroads as Succession Mechanism Moves Into Focus

Iran Faces Leadership Crossroads as Succession Mechanism Moves Into Focus

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): With the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iran has entered a pivotal phase that will test the constitutional and political machinery of the Islamic Republic. The process to appoint his successor is defined by law, yet shaped heavily by internal clerical consensus and power dynamics. Constitutional Path to Choosing a Leader Under Iran’s system, the authority to select the next supreme leader rests with the Assembly of Experts, an 88-member council of Islamic jurists. Though elected by voters, all candidates must first receive approval from the powerful Guardian Council, which screens contenders for ideological and religious…
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Missiles Exchanged as Iran Responds to Israel-US Strikes; Blasts Reported Across Gulf Region

Missiles Exchanged as Iran Responds to Israel-US Strikes; Blasts Reported Across Gulf Region

Tehran (Rajeev Sharma): Tensions in West Asia escalated sharply on Saturday as Iran launched a wave of missiles toward Israel following coordinated strikes by Israel and the United States on targets in Tehran, triggering fears of a wider regional conflict. Reports of explosions also emerged from parts of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, heightening anxiety across the Gulf. The Israeli military said multiple projectiles were fired from Iranian territory in what it described as an “additional barrage.” According to officials, air defence systems were activated across several parts of the country as sirens sounded to warn residents.…
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Iran-US Crisis Intensifies: Over 36,500 Iranians Killed During January 8-9 Protests Amid Military Tensions

Iran-US Crisis Intensifies: Over 36,500 Iranians Killed During January 8-9 Protests Amid Military Tensions

National Times Bureau :- As hostilities escalate between Iran and the United States, reports indicate that President Donald Trump received a WhatsApp message delivered by his envoy Steve Witkoff, containing communications from Iran’s Foreign Minister and President. The message reportedly urged Trump to delay any potential military action. Meanwhile, in central Tehran Square, Iranian authorities unveiled a large mural directly warning the United States against attempting an attack. The mural depicts a US aircraft carrier surrounded by damaged and exploding fighter jets. Bodies litter the deck, and blood trails into the sea below, forming the stripes of the American flag.…
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Tensions Surge: Iran’s Internal Crisis Raises Possibility of U.S. Military Action

Tensions Surge: Iran’s Internal Crisis Raises Possibility of U.S. Military Action

Washington / Tehran ( National Times): Iran’s escalating internal turmoil marked by mass protests, a severe security crackdown, and mounting economic pressure is sparking international alarm and fueling speculation that the United States could be drawn closer to military action. The situation on the ground remains volatile. Analysts warn that continued instability, combined with Iran’s nuclear ambitions and assertive regional posture, could force Washington to reconsider its strategy if the unrest threatens regional stability or U.S. interests. While U.S. officials continue to stress diplomacy, sanctions, and deterrence as their primary tools, heightened unrest has put the American government and its…
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