Israel

Oil Markets Rattle as Brent Crosses $100 Amid Rising Gulf Shipping Attacks

Oil Markets Rattle as Brent Crosses $100 Amid Rising Gulf Shipping Attacks

New Delhi (Rajeev Sharma): International oil prices climbed sharply on Thursday as mounting tensions in the Persian Gulf pushed Brent crude above the $100-per-barrel mark, raising fresh concerns about global energy supplies and economic stability. The surge came after reports of intensified Iranian attacks on commercial vessels operating near the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime route for global oil transport. Market reaction was swift, with Brent crude recording a jump of more than 9% during early trading hours. Just days earlier, the benchmark had briefly surged close to $120, highlighting the volatility gripping energy markets. Meanwhile, the United States’…
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Israel Did Not Brief PM Modi on Tehran Strikes Despite Recent State Visit, Says Foreign Minister

Israel Did Not Brief PM Modi on Tehran Strikes Despite Recent State Visit, Says Foreign Minister

New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh)— Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar confirmed on Friday, March 6, 2026, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was not briefed in advance regarding Israel's pre-emptive strikes on Tehran, despite having concluded a high-profile two-day state visit to Israel just days before the operation began. Speaking at the Raisina Dialogue in the Indian capital, Saar clarified that the timing of the decision made prior consultation impossible. "We have great relations with Prime Minister Modi and with India, and we have deepened our ties," Saar stated during an interactive session at the conference. However, he explained that the final…
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Lebanon Sinks Deeper into Conflict as Hezbollah and Israel Escalate Cross-Border Warfare

Lebanon Sinks Deeper into Conflict as Hezbollah and Israel Escalate Cross-Border Warfare

Beirut (Rajeev Sharma) — Lebanon has been drawn further into a devastating regional war as Hezbollah and Israeli forces exchange their most intense strikes in decades. The escalation follows a series of coordinated U.S. and Israeli military operations across West Asia, which have triggered a massive retaliatory response from Iranian-backed groups. Over the last 48 hours, the border region has transformed into a full-scale battleground. Hezbollah has launched a barrage of rockets and drones targeting military installations in northern Israel, while the Israeli Air Force has conducted extensive retaliatory sorties against suspected missile launch sites and command centers deep within…
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Trump Warns Iran Conflict Could Last Weeks as Death Toll Reaches 555 on Day Three

Trump Warns Iran Conflict Could Last Weeks as Death Toll Reaches 555 on Day Three

Washington/Tehran (Rajeev Sharma)— The military confrontation between the United States, Israel, and Iran entered its third day on Monday, March 2, 2026, with US President Donald Trump stating that the war could persist for four to five weeks. Speaking from the White House, Trump emphasized that the American military possesses the capacity for even longer operations if necessary, adding that the United States has not yet deployed its full military might. In a warning to Tehran, the President remarked that the "largest attack" is yet to come, even as coalition forces continue large-scale operations across Iranian territory. The humanitarian impact…
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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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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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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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India stands with Israel with full conviction: PM Modi address Israel’s Knesset, condemns terrorism

India stands with Israel with full conviction: PM Modi address Israel’s Knesset, condemns terrorism

New Delhi, Rajeev Sharma :- Prime Minister on Wednesday reaffirmed India's unwavering support for Israel, underscoring the depth of bilateral ties, a shared zero-tolerance stance on terrorism, and expanding cooperation in trade, defence and technology. During his official visit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Knesset and said that the partnership between India and Israel is historic, important, and very strong, especially during uncertain global times. He also stressed the need for lasting peace and stability in West Asia. ???? PM Modi expressed sympathy for the victims of the October 7 attacks, when Hamas attacked Israeli civilians, killing more than…
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Gaza war is over: Donald Trump declares as Israel, Hamas set for hostage, prisoner exchange

Gaza war is over: Donald Trump declares as Israel, Hamas set for hostage, prisoner exchange

National Times Bureau :- US President Donald Trump on Monday said that the war in Gaza is over as he departed for Israel, marking his first visit since brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. He is expected to address Knesset before co-chairing a high-level peace summit in Egypt. "The war is over, you understand that," Trump told reporters as quoted by Reuters. Asked about the region’s future, he added, "I think it’s going to normalise." Meanwhile, he also underscored the role of Qatar in helping mediating the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. He said some hostages might be released earlier than expected…
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