A month into the Iran war, all financial assets have taken a hit, with the S&P 500 wiping out nearly 2 trillion dollars. Global markets are now expected to extend a month of volatile trading since the war began into April.


S&P 500 Marks Fifth Straight Week of Losses 

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 28) in a sprawling, unfiltered address sought to rebrand the Strait of Hormuz as the "Strait of Trump." Speaking at the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida, he also declared the Iran conflict a near-total victory, claiming US forces have neutralised 97 per cent of Iranian missile launchers. The POTUS confirmed the "regime change" in Tehran is effectively underway, citing the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while floating a shocking claim about his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-modi-and-musk-report-reveals-surprise-third-voice-on-key-iran-war-call-what-was-he-doing-there-1774659712400">Trump, Modi...and Musk? Report reveals surprise third voice on key Iran war call—what was he doing there?</a><h2>Strait of Trump: An accident or intentional slip?</h2>While delivering a wide-ranging and at times unscripted address, Trump briefly referred to the Strait of Hormuz by a different name."They have to open up the Strait of Trump-- I mean, Hormuz. Excuse me. Such a terrible mistake," he said, before correcting himself. He later dismissed the slip, insisting there were “no accidents.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">.<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;We&#39;re negotiating now, and it would be great if we could do something, but they have to open it up. They have to open up the Strait of Trump—I mean Hormuz. Excuse me, I&#39;m so sorry. Such a terrible mistake.&quot; 🤣 <a href="https://t.co/TqZptrkEo0">pic.twitter.com/TqZptrkEo0</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2037647811198558676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Taking a dig at the media, he said, "The fake news will say, 'He accidentally said--' No. There's no accidents from me."Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-missiles-hit-prince-sultan-air-base-in-saudi-arabia-10-american-troops-wounded-1774651260852">Iran attacks Prince Sultan air base in UAE; 10 Americans wounded | Watch</a><h2>Claims of battlefield success</h2>Trump insisted that US forces had "knocked out 97 per cent" of Iran’s missile launchers and claimed thousands of targets had already been destroyed."We have another 3,554 targets left, and they will be done pretty quickly," he said, without providing evidence for the figures. He also reiterated that his war on Iran was actually a "military operation," which he said means that he doesn't "need any (congressional) approvals"."If it's a military operation, I don’t need any approvals. If it’s a war, you are supposed to get approval from Congress. So I call it a military operation," Trump said.<h2>Trump claims Mojtaba dead or...</h2>In some of his most striking comments, Trump suggested that political change in Tehran was already underway. "The supreme leader is no longer supreme; he is dead," he said, referring to Ali Khamenei.He also made an unverified claim about Khamenei's successor, Mojtaba Khamenei, saying he was "either dead or in very bad shape". Trump added that he thinks that the new Iranian Supreme Leader "says - Just keep me out of this".<h2>What the POTUS said about the 3 US planes shot down over Kuwait</h2>Trump also used the speech to thank regional allies, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Kuwait, for their support during the conflict. At the same time, he criticised NATO, saying the alliance had failed to step up."If the big one ever happened, I guarantee you NATO wouldn't be there," he said. The POTUS also referenced a recent incident in which Kuwaiti forces mistakenly shot down US aircraft, describing it as an error involving "the finest missiles."

Did Donald Trump just rename the Strait of Hormuz? At a Miami summit, he called it the “Strait of Trump” before correcting himself, then insisted it wasn’t a mistake. He also made bold claims about Iran and the war’s progress.

Slip of the tongue or something more? Scroll down to read.

US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 28) in a sprawling, unfiltered address sought to rebrand the Strait of Hormuz as the "Strait of Trump." Speaking at the FII Priority Summit in Miami Beach, Florida, he also declared the Iran conflict a near-total victory, claiming US forces have neutralised 97 per cent of Iranian missile launchers. The POTUS confirmed the "regime change" in Tehran is effectively underway, citing the deaths of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei while floating a shocking claim about his successor, Mojtaba Khamenei. Also read | Trump, Modi...and Musk? Report reveals surprise third voice on key Iran war call—what was he doing there? Strait of Trump: An accident or intentional slip? While delivering a wide-ranging and at times unscripted address, Trump briefly referred to the Strait of Hormuz by a different name. "They have to open up the Strait of Trump-- I mean, Hormuz. Excuse me. Such a terrible mistake," he said, before correcting himself. He later dismissed the slip, insisting there were “no accidents.”

Did Donald Trump just rename the Strait of Hormuz? At a Miami summit, he called it the “Strait of Trump” before correcting himself, then insisted it wasn’t a mistake. He also made bold claims about Iran and the war’s progress.Slip of the tongue or something more? Scroll down to read.

'Fake news will say...': Trump rebrands Hormuz 'The Strait of Trump'—was it a slip of tongue or deliberate? Watch!

US President Donald Trump has said Washington is achieving its military objectives in Iran, signalling progress in ongoing operations as the US-Iran war continues to reshape regional security dynamics. The White House has repeatedly stated that the campaign aims to weaken Iran’s missile capabilities, naval forces, air power, and nuclear programme infrastructure.


US-Iran War: Trump Claims US Is Meeting Key Military Goals in Iran

When US President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone Tuesday (Mar 24) about the escalating crisis in the Middle East, there was a third voice on the line — one that had no obvious business being there. According to a NYT report citing two US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, X CEO, Trump's former DOGE chief, Elon Musk, joined the call with the two world leaders. But why was the businessman who no longer holds a government position part of the call? Here's what we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-fake-news-will-say-trump-rebrands-hormuz-the-strait-of-trump-was-it-a-slip-of-tongue-or-deliberate-watch-1774667533281">'Fake news will say...': Trump rebrands Hormuz 'The Strait of Trump'—was it a slip of tongue or deliberate? Watch!</a><h2>What did White House say about the alleged Modi-Trump-Musk call?</h2>When asked about Musk's alleged presence in the call, House press secretary Karoline Leavitt evaded and instead only said, “President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation”.<h2>The conflicts of interest are hard to miss</h2>Musk's companies have received significant investment from sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two countries involved in the Iran war's regional fallout. Musk has long pursued a larger commercial footprint in India, where Tesla has struggled against import tariffs, and Starlink is still awaiting regulatory clearance to operate. And SpaceX has been eyeing an IPO later this year — one that a worsening global economy could quickly derail.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-modi-and-musk-report-reveals-surprise-third-voice-on-key-iran-war-call-what-was-he-doing-there-1774659712400">Did Musk join key Modi-Trump Iran war call—what was he doing there? All we know</a><h2>What was the call about?</h2>The call, officials said, centred on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's stranglehold over it. The halt to shipping through the strait has sent energy prices surging worldwide. Some Asian nations are already edging toward fuel rationing."Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world," PM Modi wrote on social media afterwards. "We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability," he added.<h2>Trump-Musk bromance back on?</h2>Musk's presence on the call is notable for another reason: it suggests the world's richest man is back in Trump's good graces. The two had a falling out last summer after Musk left his role overseeing DOGE, the cost-cutting operation that put him at odds with several senior Trump aides. They appear to have quietly patched things up since.On X, which Musk owns, he's been unusually restrained about the Iran war. Last week, he responded to a post about global dependence on the Strait of Hormuz with: "We got lazy." Days later, he shared a meme suggesting the Strait disruptions would slow AI growth and broader economic progress.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Why was Elon Musk on a call between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi? A report says the X CEO joined discussions on the Strait of Hormuz crisis. What exactly was he doing there? Scroll down to read more.

When US President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone Tuesday (Mar 24) about the escalating crisis in the Middle East, there was a third voice on the line — one that had no obvious business being there. According to a NYT report citing two US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity, X CEO, Trump's former DOGE chief, Elon Musk, joined the call with the two world leaders. But why was the businessman who no longer holds a government position part of the call? Here's what we know. Also read | 'Fake news will say...': Trump rebrands Hormuz 'The Strait of Trump'—was it a slip of tongue or deliberate? Watch! What did White House say about the alleged Modi-Trump-Musk call? When asked about Musk's alleged presence in the call, House press secretary Karoline Leavitt evaded and instead only said, “President Trump has a great relationship with Prime Minister Modi, and this was a productive conversation”. The conflicts of interest are hard to miss Musk's companies have received significant investment from sovereign wealth funds in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, two countries involved in the Iran war's regional fallout. Musk has long pursued a larger commercial footprint in India, where Tesla has struggled against import tariffs, and Starlink is still awaiting regulatory clearance to operate. And SpaceX has been eyeing an IPO later this year — one that a worsening global economy could quickly derail. Also read | Did Musk join key Modi-Trump Iran war call—what was he doing there? All we know What was the call about? The call, officials said, centred on the Strait of Hormuz and Iran's stranglehold over it. The halt to shipping through the strait has sent energy prices surging worldwide. Some Asian nations are already edging toward fuel rationing. "Ensuring that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, secure and accessible is essential for the whole world," PM Modi wrote on social media afterwards. "We agreed to stay in touch regarding efforts towards peace and stability," he added. Trump-Musk bromance back on? Musk's presence on the call is notable for another reason: it suggests the world's richest man is back in Trump's good graces. The two had a falling out last summer after Musk left his role overseeing DOGE, the cost-cutting operation that put him at odds with several senior Trump aides. They appear to have quietly patched things up since. On X, which Musk owns, he's been unusually restrained about the Iran war. Last week, he responded to a post about global dependence on the Strait of Hormuz with: "We got lazy." Days later, he shared a meme suggesting the Strait disruptions would slow AI growth and broader economic progress. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Why was Elon Musk on a call between Donald Trump and Narendra Modi? A report says the X CEO joined discussions on the Strait of Hormuz crisis. What exactly was he doing there? Scroll down to read more.

Trump, Modi...and Musk? Report reveals surprise third voice on key Iran war call—what was he doing there?

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Mar 27) suggested that Washington may not honour its NATO security commitments if allies continue to refuse military support in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic event in Miami, Trump expressed bitter disappointment over Europe’s reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz following the wounding of 10 US soldiers at Prince Sultan Air Base. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" Trump asked. The remarks come as the Iran war enters its fifth week.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-missiles-hit-prince-sultan-air-base-in-saudi-arabia-10-american-troops-wounded-1774651260852">Iranian missiles hit Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia; 10 American troops wounded</a><h2>'Why should we be there?' Trump questions the cost of protecting NATO allies</h2>"They just weren't there," he said. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?"Since the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, the US president has repeatedly voiced frustration over Western allies' lack of support and reluctance to commit forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. The key sea lane remains vulnerable to Iranian attacks.Traffic through the narrow waterway has ground to a virtual standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices.Six key powers, including Britain, France, Germany and Japan, say they are ready to "contribute to appropriate efforts" but have not made any commitment.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-relief-for-indian-consumers-petrol-excise-slashed-to-3-diesel-duty-cut-to-zero-as-oil-prices-bite-amid-iran-war-1774580655511">India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said</a><h2>Trump calls NATO ‘COWARDS’</h2>Trump has increasingly directed his anger at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In recent days, he has labelled other member states “COWARDS” and argued that, without Washington, the alliance amounts to little more than a “paper tiger.” Posting on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump claimed that the United States “needs nothing from NATO,” insisting that the alliance has failed to contribute meaningfully to the current confrontation with Iran. According to him, “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.” &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

US President Donald Trump on Friday (Mar 27) suggested that Washington may not honour its NATO security commitments if allies continue to refuse military support in the Middle East. Speaking at an economic event in Miami, Trump expressed bitter disappointment over Europe’s reluctance to secure the Strait of Hormuz following the wounding of 10 US soldiers at Prince Sultan Air Base. "Why would we be there for them if they're not there for us?" Trump asked. The remarks come as the Iran war enters its fifth week. Also read | Iranian missiles hit Prince Sultan air base in Saudi Arabia; 10 American troops wounded 'Why should we be there?' Trump questions the cost of protecting NATO allies "They just weren't there," he said. "We spend hundreds of billions of dollars a year on NATO, hundreds, protecting them, and we would have always been there for them, but now, based on their actions, I guess we don't have to be, do we?" Since the start of the US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, the US president has repeatedly voiced frustration over Western allies' lack of support and reluctance to commit forces to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Since the start of the war, Iran has effectively closed the shipping channel through which over one-fifth of global oil and one-quarter of liquefied natural gas (LNG) pass daily. The key sea lane remains vulnerable to Iranian attacks. Traffic through the narrow waterway has ground to a virtual standstill, leading to a surge in global energy prices. Six key powers, including Britain, France, Germany and Japan, say they are ready to "contribute to appropriate efforts" but have not made any commitment. Also read | India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said Trump calls NATO ‘COWARDS’ Trump has increasingly directed his anger at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). In recent days, he has labelled other member states “COWARDS” and argued that, without Washington, the alliance amounts to little more than a “paper tiger.” Posting on his Truth Social platform on Thursday, Trump claimed that the United States “needs nothing from NATO,” insisting that the alliance has failed to contribute meaningfully to the current confrontation with Iran. According to him, “NATO nations have done absolutely nothing to help with the lunatic nation, now militarily decimated, of Iran.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

'They weren't there': Trump signals US may abandon NATO if allies refuse to help secure Strait of Hormuz amid Iran war

The shadow war in the Gulf has turned into a direct, lethal confrontation. On Friday (Mar 27), a wave of Iranian ballistic missiles struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, wounding ten American service members and damaging several critical US refuelling aircraft. Two American service members were very seriously hurt, while the other eight sustained serious injuries in the attack. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, were involved in the attack too, according to US and Saudi officials familiar with the strike. Open-source imagery and data circulating online have since confirmed the hit, reports the Wall Street Journal. The Pentagon, however, has yet to comment on the attack on the American air base.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irgc-warns-ras-al-khaimah-residents-to-evacuate-why-is-iran-threatening-uae-and-what-happens-next-1774064112660">IRGC warns Ras Al-Khaimah residents to evacuate — why is Iran threatening UAE and what happens next?</a><h2>US war toll continues to rise</h2>It isn't the first time the base has taken a hit. A previous attack damaged five refuelling aircraft. Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry separately confirmed that a ballistic missile targeting its capital, Riyadh, was intercepted and destroyed mid-flight before reaching the capital.&nbsp;Talking to CBS News, a spokesperson for US Central Command said that more than 300 American troops have been injured in the ongoing US–Iran conflict, with the majority already back on duty. In addition, 13 US service members have been killed during the operations so far.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-relief-for-indian-consumers-petrol-excise-slashed-to-3-diesel-duty-cut-to-zero-as-oil-prices-bite-amid-iran-war-1774580655511">India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said</a>Watch a video of the Iranian attack here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Satellite imagery appears to confirm a U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker has been destroyed and several others possibly damaged, as a result of an Iranian attack earlier today, utilizing ballistic missiles and drones, against Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia. Image… <a href="https://t.co/o7x32UjUOb">pic.twitter.com/o7x32UjUOb</a>&mdash; OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) <a href="https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/2037585627244290376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Has Iran directly struck a US air base in Saudi Arabia? Reports say ballistic missiles hit Prince Sultan Air Base, wounding American personnel and damaging aircraft. With drones also involved, tensions appear to be escalating fast.

What exactly happened and what comes next? Scroll down.

The shadow war in the Gulf has turned into a direct, lethal confrontation. On Friday (Mar 27), a wave of Iranian ballistic missiles struck Prince Sultan Air Base in Saudi Arabia, wounding ten American service members and damaging several critical US refuelling aircraft. Two American service members were very seriously hurt, while the other eight sustained serious injuries in the attack. Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, were involved in the attack too, according to US and Saudi officials familiar with the strike. Open-source imagery and data circulating online have since confirmed the hit, reports the Wall Street Journal. The Pentagon, however, has yet to comment on the attack on the American air base. Also read | IRGC warns Ras Al-Khaimah residents to evacuate — why is Iran threatening UAE and what happens next? US war toll continues to rise It isn't the first time the base has taken a hit. A previous attack damaged five refuelling aircraft. Saudi Arabia's Defence Ministry separately confirmed that a ballistic missile targeting its capital, Riyadh, was intercepted and destroyed mid-flight before reaching the capital. Talking to CBS News, a spokesperson for US Central Command said that more than 300 American troops have been injured in the ongoing US–Iran conflict, with the majority already back on duty. In addition, 13 US service members have been killed during the operations so far. Also read | India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said Watch a video of the Iranian attack here:

Has Iran directly struck a US air base in Saudi Arabia? Reports say ballistic missiles hit Prince Sultan Air Base, wounding American personnel and damaging aircraft. With drones also involved, tensions appear to be escalating fast.What exactly happened and what comes next? Scroll down.

Iranian missiles and drones strike Prince Sultan Air Base in major Saudi Arabia escalation; 10 US soldiers wounded | Watch

From deadly school strikes to damaged hospitals, the human cost of the war is rapidly escalating. Children among the worst hit as civilian infrastructure takes a direct blow in the conflict. Over a million displaced, thousands dead and the war’s true toll continues to grow. As allegations of war crimes surface, the humanitarian crisis deepens across the region.


Allegations of War Crimes Mount Amid Rising Death Toll | From Schools, Hospitals to White Phosphorus

US-Israeli strikes hit a heavy water reactor in central Iran, Iranian media reported on Friday.
Earlier, Iran's Isfahan came under attack.  Iran's largest atomic scientific center, located south east of Isfahan city.
Air strikes struck multiple areas of Tehran also, with explosions reported across several districts and nearby towns. The Israeli military also announced a new wave of attacks targeting the Islamic Republic, after which explosions were heard across central, western, eastern and northern parts of the capital.

BREAKING: Arak Attacked After Isfahan | Israel Attacks Iran's Nuclear Sites | Nuclear Danger Rises

#Gravitas The United States has unveiled a new weapon amid the ongoing war in West Asia. For the first time in active combat, U.S. has deployed uncrewed drone boats. 


US Deploys Uncrewed Drone Boats Against Iran

US President Donald Trump has postponed planned strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure for 10 days, citing progress in negotiations. The delay comes amid escalating conflict, global oil concerns, and mixed signals from both sides. Talks continue, but uncertainty remains over whether diplomacy or military action will prevail.


US-Iran War: Trump Haults Strikes on Iran's Power Plants; Maintains Talks With Iran Ongoing

The CPAC 2026 in Texas saw the Iran war emerge as a key issue, with conservatives divided over U.S. involvement. While many backed military action, younger voices and some leaders raised concerns about escalation and long-term consequences.

Iran War Dominates CPAC 2026 Agenda as Conservatives Split Over U.S. Role

Group of Seven foreign ministers met on Friday in France to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict, with deep divisions apparent over the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran, following U.S. President Donald Trump’s repeated complaints that America’s allies have ignored or rejected requests for help in the military operation and in confronting Iran’s retaliatory attacks, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz to most international shipping.


Day 2 of G7: EU Allies Push US For Details on Military Strategy

The intensification of conflict in West Asia is causing profound, long-term environmental damage, intersecting with acute climate extremes that are battering the region in early 2026. Military strikes on critical energy infrastructure have caused severe air and water pollution, while escalating violence forces a shift toward dirtier energy sources and hinders long-term climate goals. 


Climate Extremes Batter West Asia as War Intensifies

Iran has effectively turned the Strait of Hormuz into a strategic lever by restricting, rather than fully blocking, maritime traffic, creating a severe global oil supply crunch. By utilizing kinetic strikes, mines, and selective passage (allowing 90 ships but restricting others), Iran is forcing higher prices and controlling regional energy flow, prompting panic buying in Asia. 


Iran Turns Hormuz Into Strategic Lever With Control, Oil Supply Crunch Deepens

Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, Iran, in a symbolic gesture, thanked several countries, including India, for their support and solidarity by writing their names on missiles launched against Israel. These strikes were carried out in retaliation for the US-Israeli bombing campaign that began on February 28.&nbsp;Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations.&nbsp;&nbsp;One of the inscriptions read, “Thank you, people of India,” a message that has since sparked intense international debate over shifting diplomatic alignments in the region.&nbsp;“Gratitude from Iran’s Aerospace Force to the people of Spain, Pakistan, India, and Germany for their support and solidarity, especially during the 83rd wave of missile response to the US and Israel,” the post stated.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Gratitude from Iran’s Aerospace Force to the people of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Spain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Spain</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/India?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#India</a>, and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Germany?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Germany</a> for their support and solidarity; especially during the 83rd wave of missile response to the U.S. and <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a>.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Iran?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Iran</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/War?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#War</a> <a href="https://t.co/5QjqIBFiXj">pic.twitter.com/5QjqIBFiXj</a>&mdash; Consulate General of the I.R. Iran in Mumbai (@IRANinMumbai) <a href="https://twitter.com/IRANinMumbai/status/2037341182439854466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

These messages appeared during what has been termed the “83rd wave” of Operation True Promise 4, an extensive military campaign involving the launch of hundreds of drones and missiles from Iranian territory. Beyond India, the IRGC also inscribed notes of thanks to the people of Spain, Germany, and Pakistan.&nbsp;In a separate development, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced sweeping restrictions on maritime movement, declaring that shipping linked to “allies and supporters of Israeli-American enemies” would not be permitted through any route or destination, according to Iranian state media.&nbsp;However, India remains among the few countries that have successfully navigated the Strait of Hormuz. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed on Friday that four India-flagged vessels have passed through the key waterway despite Iran’s effective closure of one of the world’s most critical shipping routes.&nbsp;Indians have also been at the forefront of humanitarian aid efforts for Iran, particularly from Jammu and Kashmir. In recent weeks, civilians in parts of the region have organised donation drives to support those affected by the conflict. Contributions have included cash, jewellery, and household items, with many accounts highlighting personal sacrifice.

Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations. 


Amid the ongoing war in West Asia, Iran, in a symbolic gesture, thanked several countries, including India, for their support and solidarity by writing their names on missiles launched against Israel. These strikes were carried out in retaliation for the US-Israeli bombing campaign that began on February 28. Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations. One of the inscriptions read, “Thank you, people of India,” a message that has since sparked intense international debate over shifting diplomatic alignments in the region. “Gratitude from Iran’s Aerospace Force to the people of Spain, Pakistan, India, and Germany for their support and solidarity, especially during the 83rd wave of missile response to the US and Israel,” the post stated.

Visuals shared by the Consulate General of Iran in Mumbai on X showed Iranian military personnel using blue markers to write messages of gratitude on projectiles moments before launch towards targets in Israel and US military installations.&nbsp;

‘Thank You India’ on Iranian missiles during 83rd strike wave on Israel, US

The global economy has taken a hit from the escalating Iran war, with the OECD warning that a stronger growth trajectory is now off track. Prior to the war in Iran, global growth was expected to outperform earlier estimates. But disruptions to energy flows have significantly altered the outlook.


US-Iran War: OECD Cuts Global Growth Amid War Risks

Is the global economy slowly moving away from the dominance of the United States Dollar? The ongoing tensions involving Iran, the United States, and other geopolitical shifts are accelerating discussions around de-dollarisation in global energy trade.

Countries are increasingly settling oil transactions in alternative currencies such as the Chinese Yuan, Russian Ruble, and Indian Rupee. This shift could reshape how global commodities are priced and traded.

What Iran War Means For The Declining Dollar Dominance

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday (Mar 27) slammed the bombing of Minab school, calling it a “calculated assault” by the United States. In a video address to the United Nations Human Rights Council during an urgent council debate on the February 28 attack, Araghchi called it “a war crime and a crime against humanity”. This comes as the war in West Asia entered its Day 28 on March 27. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases across the Gulf and has blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz, triggering a global energy crisis.Araghchi said that the strike on the elementary school “in the city of Minab, south of Iran, where more than 175 students and teachers were slaughtered in cold blood”.US President Donald Trump had claimed that Iran itself was responsible for the attack, which happened on the first day of the war. However, a US military investigation reported by The New York Times suggested that a US Tomahawk cruise missile, which Iran does not possess, had struck the school due to an error in targeting. The report added that the US military was striking an adjacent Iranian base. The school building had earlier been a part of the base, and target coordinates were set using outdated data.Araghchi stressed that “at a time when the American-Israeli aggressors, in their own assertions, possess the most advanced technologies, and the highest-precision military and data systems, no one can believe that the attack on the school was anything other than deliberate and intentional.”He added that the school bombing “was a war crime and a crime against humanity, one that demands unequivocal condemnation by all and unambiguous accountability for the culprits.”“This atrocity cannot be justified, cannot be concealed, and must not be met with silence and indifference,” the minister said, adding that the attack “was not a mere ‘incident’ nor a ‘miscalculation’.”“The United States’ contradictory remarks aimed at justifying their crime could not, in any manner, elude their responsibility,” he said.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Abbas Araghchi accused the US of a “war crime” over a Minab school strike killing over 175, as Donald Trump cited a targeting error amid the Iran war.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Friday (Mar 27) slammed the bombing of Minab school, calling it a “calculated assault” by the United States. In a video address to the United Nations Human Rights Council during an urgent council debate on the February 28 attack, Araghchi called it “a war crime and a crime against humanity”. This comes as the war in West Asia entered its Day 28 on March 27. Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases across the Gulf and has blocked the strategic Strait of Hormuz, triggering a global energy crisis. Araghchi said that the strike on the elementary school “in the city of Minab, south of Iran, where more than 175 students and teachers were slaughtered in cold blood”. US President Donald Trump had claimed that Iran itself was responsible for the attack, which happened on the first day of the war. However, a US military investigation reported by The New York Times suggested that a US Tomahawk cruise missile, which Iran does not possess, had struck the school due to an error in targeting. The report added that the US military was striking an adjacent Iranian base. The school building had earlier been a part of the base, and target coordinates were set using outdated data. Araghchi stressed that “at a time when the American-Israeli aggressors, in their own assertions, possess the most advanced technologies, and the highest-precision military and data systems, no one can believe that the attack on the school was anything other than deliberate and intentional.” He added that the school bombing “was a war crime and a crime against humanity, one that demands unequivocal condemnation by all and unambiguous accountability for the culprits.” “This atrocity cannot be justified, cannot be concealed, and must not be met with silence and indifference,” the minister said, adding that the attack “was not a mere ‘incident’ nor a ‘miscalculation’.” “The United States’ contradictory remarks aimed at justifying their crime could not, in any manner, elude their responsibility,” he said. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Abbas Araghchi accused the US of a “war crime” over a Minab school strike killing over 175, as Donald Trump cited a targeting error amid the Iran war.

‘Slaughtered in cold blood’: Iran FM Araghchi accuses US of ‘war crimes’ over Minab school bombing, calls it ‘calculated assault’

Iranian media on Friday (Mar 27) claimed that a US cargo plane has an “emergency situation” in Kuwait amid the war in West Asia. It added that the aircraft transmitted an emergency code that suggested an “urgent situation that requires landing.” The report added that the cause of the incident is not known yet.“A US military transport aircraft, a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which took off from Kuwait and is returning from the operational area, has transmitted emergency code 7700,” Iranian state media Fars News Agency reported.Meanwhile, Kuwait authorities said that the Gulf nation’s main commercial port was damaged in a drone attack on Friday (Mar 27) as Iran continues to retaliate against the United States and Israel in the region.The Shuwaikh port was targeted at dawn “by enemy drones, preliminary reports revealed material damage but no human casualties,” the Kuwait port authority said in a statement on X.<h2>Three US F-15 jets shot down in Kuwait</h2>Earlier this month, three American F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down over the skies of Kuwait after being targeted by the US’ own Patriot missiles. Speaking on Tuesday (Mar 24), US President Donald Trump revealed that Kuwaiti forces—using US-made Patriot missiles—accidentally shot down three allied aircraft after misidentifying them as enemy threats.Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump labelled the incident as a “little mishap”.“They shot down three planes with our missiles. They happen to be our planes,” he said, adding that all pilots survived and were already back in action. “The pilots made it… pretty amazing,” Trump said. “They’re flying today.”Trump insisted that “the Kuwaitis made a mistake, they fired...They thought they were firing at the enemy. It was, as the expression goes, friendly fire.”Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. &nbsp;

Iran claims US cargo plane encountered ‘emergency situation’ in Kuwait

Iranian media on Friday (Mar 27) claimed that a US cargo plane has an “emergency situation” in Kuwait amid the war in West Asia. It added that the aircraft transmitted an emergency code that suggested an “urgent situation that requires landing.” The report added that the cause of the incident is not known yet. “A US military transport aircraft, a Boeing C-17 Globemaster III, which took off from Kuwait and is returning from the operational area, has transmitted emergency code 7700,” Iranian state media Fars News Agency reported. Meanwhile, Kuwait authorities said that the Gulf nation’s main commercial port was damaged in a drone attack on Friday (Mar 27) as Iran continues to retaliate against the United States and Israel in the region. The Shuwaikh port was targeted at dawn “by enemy drones, preliminary reports revealed material damage but no human casualties,” the Kuwait port authority said in a statement on X. Three US F-15 jets shot down in Kuwait Earlier this month, three American F-15 Strike Eagle fighter jets were shot down over the skies of Kuwait after being targeted by the US’ own Patriot missiles. Speaking on Tuesday (Mar 24), US President Donald Trump revealed that Kuwaiti forces—using US-made Patriot missiles—accidentally shot down three allied aircraft after misidentifying them as enemy threats. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump labelled the incident as a “little mishap”. “They shot down three planes with our missiles. They happen to be our planes,” he said, adding that all pilots survived and were already back in action. “The pilots made it… pretty amazing,” Trump said. “They’re flying today.” Trump insisted that “the Kuwaitis made a mistake, they fired...They thought they were firing at the enemy. It was, as the expression goes, friendly fire.” Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran claims US cargo plane encountered ‘emergency situation’ in Kuwait

Iran launched over 4,300 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) at the six member-states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) after the West Asia war started on 28 February. Surprisingly, out of these attacks, Tehran has only launched nearly 930 missiles and drones at Israel during the same period. From the data, it is determined that around 83 per cent of the missiles and drones Iran launched were directed at the GCC countries- namely the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has launched at least 1,815 drones and 372 missiles, including 357 ballistic ones, at the UAE, according to figures from the Emirati Ministry of Defence, according to a report in The Print. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) shows that the UAE experienced 112 such hostile incidents over the past month, potentially affecting around 2 million people. ACLED counts both successful and intercepted strikes, and treats multiple projectiles hitting the same location on the same day as a single event.<h3>GCC nations faced more strike then Israel</h3>Overall, the six GCC countries have experienced around 416 strike events over the past month. Whereas Israel has faced nearly 317 strikes. During the war, Tehran retaliated, focusing on several strategic installations across the region, which include energy infrastructure, along with American military installations.&nbsp;Last week, Iran targeted Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18 and 19, damaging key LNG infrastructure and disrupting exports worth around $20 billion annually. The outage is expected to affect nearly 17 per cent of Qatar’s yearly LNG shipments.In a similar move, Iran struck the UAE’s Habshan gas field, the country’s largest oil and gas facility, forcing a shutdown that lasted about a week, with operations reportedly resuming earlier this week. Iran also carried out attacks on Ras Tanura and Yanbu, two major facilities run by Saudi Aramco, causing temporary halts in operations in recent weeks.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-war-pentagon-to-send-10-000-more-ground-troops-as-iran-mobilises-1-million-say-reports-pressure-tactic-or-costly-mistake-of-us-1774588399102">Iran war: Pentagon to send 10,000 more ground troops as Iran mobilises 1 million, say reports. Pressure tactic or costly mistake of US?</a>

Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) shows that the UAE experienced 112 such hostile incidents over the past month, potentially affecting around 2 million people.

Iran launched over 4,300 missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) at the six member-states of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) after the West Asia war started on 28 February. Surprisingly, out of these attacks, Tehran has only launched nearly 930 missiles and drones at Israel during the same period. From the data, it is determined that around 83 per cent of the missiles and drones Iran launched were directed at the GCC countries- namely the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Kuwait. Since the conflict began on February 28, Iran has launched at least 1,815 drones and 372 missiles, including 357 ballistic ones, at the UAE, according to figures from the Emirati Ministry of Defence, according to a report in The Print. Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) shows that the UAE experienced 112 such hostile incidents over the past month, potentially affecting around 2 million people. ACLED counts both successful and intercepted strikes, and treats multiple projectiles hitting the same location on the same day as a single event. GCC nations faced more strike then Israel Overall, the six GCC countries have experienced around 416 strike events over the past month. Whereas Israel has faced nearly 317 strikes. During the war, Tehran retaliated, focusing on several strategic installations across the region, which include energy infrastructure, along with American military installations. Last week, Iran targeted Qatar’s Ras Laffan Industrial City on March 18 and 19, damaging key LNG infrastructure and disrupting exports worth around $20 billion annually. The outage is expected to affect nearly 17 per cent of Qatar’s yearly LNG shipments. In a similar move, Iran struck the UAE’s Habshan gas field, the country’s largest oil and gas facility, forcing a shutdown that lasted about a week, with operations reportedly resuming earlier this week. Iran also carried out attacks on Ras Tanura and Yanbu, two major facilities run by Saudi Aramco, causing temporary halts in operations in recent weeks. Also read: Iran war: Pentagon to send 10,000 more ground troops as Iran mobilises 1 million, say reports. Pressure tactic or costly mistake of US?

Data from the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data (ACLED) shows that the UAE experienced 112 such hostile incidents over the past month, potentially affecting around 2 million people.

Iran launched far more missile, drone strikes on Gulf states than Israel, claims report

The Indian government says there's no fuel shortage. Someone forgot to tell this guy. A video circulating widely on social media shows a man walking into a petrol station carrying what appears to be a detached motorcycle fuel tank. As fuel stations across the nation refuse to fill bottles or cans, citing safety regulations, this man found a workaround. No bottle, no can. Just the bike petrol tank. Here's what happened.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-relief-for-indian-consumers-petrol-excise-slashed-to-3-diesel-duty-cut-to-zero-as-oil-prices-bite-amid-iran-war-1774580655511">India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said</a><h2>'Jugaad' video goes viral</h2>A video of a man getting a motorbike's petrol tank - just the tank is going viral on social media. In the video, a man in a blue shirt can be seen getting fuel in the detached bike fuel tank, as the attendant, visibly unsure what the rulebook says about this particular situation, eventually just fills it up.The clip has since gone viral, and honestly, it's not hard to see why. According to X's AI Grok, the video is from Rajasthan. A close look at the video shows the name 'Ankit Petroleum' written on a board in one part of the video, and a quick search of HPCL website shows that a Hindustan Petroleum by that name exists in Rajasthan's Jhalwar.You can watch the video here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Petrol in bottles is banned and allowed only in bike tanks, so he just brought the tank without bike. 😂 <a href="https://t.co/xVS1om4v9y">pic.twitter.com/xVS1om4v9y</a>&mdash; Oppressor (@TyrantOppressor) <a href="https://twitter.com/TyrantOppressor/status/2037201918469300609?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Internet reacts to viral video</h2>Reactions split almost immediately. Many found it hilarious, lauding the "jugaad". Others were critical — arguing that this kind of behaviour feeds the panic it's supposedly responding to, and that dispensing fuel into a loose, detached tank is genuinely hazardous, regardless of how clever the workaround is. Others pointed fingers at the station itself, questioning why the attendant didn't simply refuse.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-bad-start-for-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-trump-confirms-cia-told-him-mojtaba-khamenei-is-gay-1774570805558">'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video</a>Some took a harder line, calling for stricter enforcement against both customers who bend rules and stations that let them.And then there were the practical ones, asking why the man didn't just push the bike to the station?<h2>The bigger picture: It's not all laughs</h2>The video didn't emerge in a vacuum. It comes as long queues have been snaking outside petrol stations across several Indian cities over the past few days, driven by rumours of an impending fuel shortage linked to the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the blockade on the Strait of Hormuz. The government has repeatedly pushed back, insisting that fuel supply is stable, refineries are running at capacity, and all outlets are operating normally.

Fuel shortage or full blown panic? With queues growing despite government assurances, a viral video shows a man filling petrol in a detached bike tank at a pump, sparking debate over “jugaad” vs safety. Scroll down to watch the video.

The Indian government says there's no fuel shortage. Someone forgot to tell this guy. A video circulating widely on social media shows a man walking into a petrol station carrying what appears to be a detached motorcycle fuel tank. As fuel stations across the nation refuse to fill bottles or cans, citing safety regulations, this man found a workaround. No bottle, no can. Just the bike petrol tank. Here's what happened. Also read | India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said 'Jugaad' video goes viral A video of a man getting a motorbike's petrol tank - just the tank is going viral on social media. In the video, a man in a blue shirt can be seen getting fuel in the detached bike fuel tank, as the attendant, visibly unsure what the rulebook says about this particular situation, eventually just fills it up. The clip has since gone viral, and honestly, it's not hard to see why. According to X's AI Grok, the video is from Rajasthan. A close look at the video shows the name 'Ankit Petroleum' written on a board in one part of the video, and a quick search of HPCL website shows that a Hindustan Petroleum by that name exists in Rajasthan's Jhalwar. You can watch the video here:

Fuel shortage or full blown panic? With queues growing despite government assurances, a viral video shows a man filling petrol in a detached bike tank at a pump, sparking debate over “jugaad” vs safety. Scroll down to watch the video.

‘Jugaad’ goes viral: No cans allowed, man brings bike tank to petrol pump | Watch

An unverified photo claiming to be of the last moments of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has gone viral on social media. Reportedly, the image was taken just 23 minutes before the Iranian leader was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes in his office on February 28 and was captured on CCTV footage. This comes as the war in West Asia enters its Day 27.<h2>What does image show?</h2>According to Lebanese media Al Mayadeen, the photo was released by Tehran. The image, which claims to be the last picture of the Iranian leader, shows him sitting in a chair in his office and reading. The authenticity of the image has not been verified.Some social media users claimed that the image could be generated using AI, questioning how the CCTV footage would survive after the deadly strikes.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Tehran publishes the last picture taken of Islamic Revolution leader Ayatollah Sayyed Ali Khamenei at his office in the Iranian capital before his martyrdom. <a href="https://t.co/sPm3fpZCKb">pic.twitter.com/sPm3fpZCKb</a>&mdash; Al Mayadeen English (@MayadeenEnglish) <a href="https://twitter.com/MayadeenEnglish/status/2037328693912027274?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Hostilities began on February 28 when the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran, killing Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and several other top Iranian officials. The operation was named ‘Epic Fury’ by the US and ‘Lion’s Roar’ by Israel. The attacks came amid heightened tensions between Washington and Tehran and ongoing talks over Iran’s nuclear program.In retaliation, Iran launched attacks on Israel and US military bases in the region, including in Bahrain, Kuwait, the UAE, Iraq, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Azerbaijan. Iran has ruled out any possibility of a ceasefire, while US President Donald Trump has claimed victory multiple times, suggesting that the objective is nearly met. Meanwhile, Israel has expanded its operations in Lebanon, targeting Iran’s ally Hezbollah and has ruled out diplomacy with the Lebanese government.<h2>Trump claims talks ongoing</h2>In a recent development, US President Donald Trump on Thursday (Mar 26) said that he has postponed his deadline for potential strikes on Iran’s energy infrastructure until April 6, saying the delay came at Tehran’s request and emphasising that negotiations are progressing positively.“Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media, and others, they are going very well,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. Initially, Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum last Saturday, demanding Iran reopen the Strait of Hormuz to oil tankers or face destruction of its power facilities. Since then, the deadline has been extended twice. “As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 Days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 pm, Eastern Time,” he posted. US envoy Steve Witkoff told a cabinet meeting that there were “strong signs” Iran might be willing to negotiate.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

An unverified photo claiming to show Ali Khamenei before his death in US-Israel strikes has gone viral, amid ongoing war tensions and disputed authenticity concerns.

An unverified photo claiming to be of the last moments of Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has gone viral on social media. Reportedly, the image was taken just 23 minutes before the Iranian leader was killed in joint US-Israeli strikes in his office on February 28 and was captured on CCTV footage. This comes as the war in West Asia enters its Day 27. What does image show? According to Lebanese media Al Mayadeen, the photo was released by Tehran. The image, which claims to be the last picture of the Iranian leader, shows him sitting in a chair in his office and reading. The authenticity of the image has not been verified. Some social media users claimed that the image could be generated using AI, questioning how the CCTV footage would survive after the deadly strikes.

An unverified photo claiming to show Ali Khamenei before his death in US-Israel strikes has gone viral, amid ongoing war tensions and disputed authenticity concerns.

Khamenei’s last photo released? CCTV grab claiming to capture Iranian leader goes viral on social media

Amid reports of United States gearing up to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East and a possible ground operation in the Kharg Island, Iran has threatened to strike key energy and infrastructure installations in the UAE. According to Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency, Tehran has marked five major sites: the Jebel Ali power and desalination complex in Dubai, the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, the Al Taweelah power station, Dubai’s M Station, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park for the attack.&nbsp;An attack on these installations could lead to widespread blackouts, disrupt desalination systems that supply drinking water to millions, and impact critical services. It has also threatened “special and unprecedented" retaliatory measures against Bahrain in the wake of a US ground offensive.<h2>Iran appeals with American citizens</h2>&nbsp;After reports of Pentagon contemplating troop deployment in the Middle East emerged, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) sent out a stern warning to the US-Israel forces.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-pakistan-is-no-qatar-we-will-beat-hell-out-of-them-if-islamabad-warns-israel-1774587169821">'Pakistan is no Qatar. We will beat hell out of them if...', Islamabad warns Israel</a>&nbsp;"Don't send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," read the statement by IRGC.&nbsp;"The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read further.&nbsp;According to reports, Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East to expand military options and secure the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global shipping. &nbsp;

Iran has also threatened special and unprecedented retaliatory measures against Bahrain in the wake of a US ground offensive.

Amid reports of United States gearing up to deploy troops from the 82nd Airborne Division to the Middle East and a possible ground operation in the Kharg Island, Iran has threatened to strike key energy and infrastructure installations in the UAE. According to Iran’s state-linked Fars News Agency, Tehran has marked five major sites: the Jebel Ali power and desalination complex in Dubai, the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi, the Al Taweelah power station, Dubai’s M Station, and the Mohammed bin Rashid Solar Park for the attack. An attack on these installations could lead to widespread blackouts, disrupt desalination systems that supply drinking water to millions, and impact critical services. It has also threatened “special and unprecedented" retaliatory measures against Bahrain in the wake of a US ground offensive. Iran appeals with American citizens After reports of Pentagon contemplating troop deployment in the Middle East emerged, Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) sent out a stern warning to the US-Israel forces. ALSO READ: 'Pakistan is no Qatar. We will beat hell out of them if...', Islamabad warns Israel "Don't send your children to hell with the deceit of Netanyahu and Trump. The invading soldiers will be deeply drowned and disappear in the million-strong sea of the Iranian nation," read the statement by IRGC. "The truth of the war you must observe at American gas stations, on the streets of Iran, and in the skies of Tel Aviv and Haifa," the statement read further. According to reports, Pentagon is considering sending up to 10,000 additional troops to the Middle East to expand military options and secure the Strait of Hormuz, vital for global shipping.

Iran has also threatened “special and unprecedented" retaliatory measures against Bahrain in the wake of a US ground offensive.

Iran threatens to strike UAE's energy, nuclear sites if US deployed ground troops in Middle East

Iran formally notified the United Nations on Thursday (Mar 26) about media reports detailing alleged US and Israeli plans to assassinate senior Iranian officials — including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani sent official letters to both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the Security Council, demanding attention.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/big-relief-for-indian-consumers-petrol-excise-slashed-to-3-diesel-duty-cut-to-zero-as-oil-prices-bite-amid-iran-war-1774580655511">India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said</a><h2>What did Iran say?</h2>In its letters to the UN Chief and UNSC president, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani said that "reports indicate that the United States and the Israeli regime have identified and designated high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, as assassination targets," Iravani wrote, adding that any so-called suspension of such plans was described in the reports as "merely temporary." In other words, these plans are paused for now, not cancelled."The conditional nature of the alleged 'suspension' also confirms that the threat remains real, deliberate, and ongoing," he said, calling it a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international human rights law, and what he described as the basic foundations of peaceful relations between states.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-bad-start-for-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-trump-confirms-cia-told-him-mojtaba-khamenei-is-gay-1774570805558">'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video</a><h2>The Gulf nations get a warning too</h2>In separate letters, Iravani went after Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — accusing all four of allowing their territory and airspace to be used by the US and Israel to carry out strikes on Iranian soil.Iran "expressed its strong and firm protest" against what it called illegal actions, and pointedly asked the Gulf states to stop it, or face the consequences. Tehran said it "reserves its legitimate right to take all necessary and appropriate measures" — including the"inherent right of self-defence -- in order to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence." &nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has just warned the UN of assassination plots against its top leaders. Tehran has flagged reports naming senior officials like Baqer Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi as targets, calling the threat “real and ongoing.” What exactly did Iran say, and who else did it warn? Scroll down.

Iran formally notified the United Nations on Thursday (Mar 26) about media reports detailing alleged US and Israeli plans to assassinate senior Iranian officials — including Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Ghalibaf and Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi. Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani sent official letters to both UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the President of the Security Council, demanding attention. Also read | India cuts petrol and diesel taxes — but prices for consumers to stay the same. Here's what FM Sitharaman said What did Iran say? In its letters to the UN Chief and UNSC president, Iran's UN Ambassador Amir Saeed Iravani said that "reports indicate that the United States and the Israeli regime have identified and designated high-ranking officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran, including the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly, Mr. Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Seyyed Abbas Araghchi, as assassination targets," Iravani wrote, adding that any so-called suspension of such plans was described in the reports as "merely temporary." In other words, these plans are paused for now, not cancelled. "The conditional nature of the alleged 'suspension' also confirms that the threat remains real, deliberate, and ongoing," he said, calling it a flagrant violation of the UN Charter, international human rights law, and what he described as the basic foundations of peaceful relations between states. Also read | 'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video The Gulf nations get a warning too In separate letters, Iravani went after Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates — accusing all four of allowing their territory and airspace to be used by the US and Israel to carry out strikes on Iranian soil. Iran "expressed its strong and firm protest" against what it called illegal actions, and pointedly asked the Gulf states to stop it, or face the consequences. Tehran said it "reserves its legitimate right to take all necessary and appropriate measures" — including the"inherent right of self-defence -- in order to safeguard its sovereignty, territorial integrity and political independence." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has just warned the UN of assassination plots against its top leaders. Tehran has flagged reports naming senior officials like Baqer Ghalibaf and Abbas Araghchi as targets, calling the threat “real and ongoing.” What exactly did Iran say, and who else did it warn? Scroll down.

Iran threatens Gulf nations with 'self-defence' retaliation, flags ‘assassination plots’ against Araghchi and Ghalibaf at UN

The global economy has taken a hit from the escalating iran war, with the oecd warning that a stronger growth trajectory is now off track. Prior to the war in iran, global growth was expected to outperform earlier estimates. But disruptions to energy flows have significantly altered the outlook.


OECD Cuts Global Growth Amid War Risks | World Business Watch 

After reports emerged of Israel-US strike near Pakistan embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday (March 26), Pakistan Strategic Forum, affiliated to the government released a statement saying that any harm to its diplomats, whether in Iran or elsewhere by Israel, will be met with a strong response.&nbsp;“Israel must remember, Pakistan is no Qatar. We will beat hell out of them if any harm occurred to our diplomats, anywhere in the world", read the statement by Pakistan Strategic Forum.&nbsp;The threat comes amid reports of Israel and United States carrying out fresh airstrikes in central Tehran on Thursday. The strikes, as reported were close to the residence of Pakistan’s ambassador and the Pakistani Embassy.&nbsp;ALSO READ: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-strait-of-hormuz-bab-al-mandab-next-houthi-rebels-threaten-global-trade-lifeline-say-fully-militarily-ready-to-support-iran-1774575420107">After Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab Strait next? Houthi rebels threaten global trade lifeline, say 'fully militarily ready' to back Iran's war efforts</a>&nbsp;Though, the Pakistani ambassador was unhurt, the embassy compound and several other buildings in the vicinity shook violently in the explosion.<h2>Pakistan offers to broker peace between US, Iran</h2>The strike near its embassy in Tehran comes at a time when Pakistan is attempting to facilitate dialogue between US and Iran. Several senior officials in the Pakistani administration have come out in the open and said that “if both parties desire, Islamabad is willing to host talks" between the United States and Iran.&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Islamabad was “ready and honoured” to facilitate “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran.Notably, Washington has often used Pakistan as a channel to engaged with Tehran over the years. &nbsp;

The strike by Israel near its embassy in Tehran comes at a time when Pakistan is attempting to facilitate dialogue between the two waring nation, US and Iran. 

After reports emerged of Israel-US strike near Pakistan embassy in the Iranian capital Tehran on Thursday (March 26), Pakistan Strategic Forum, affiliated to the government released a statement saying that any harm to its diplomats, whether in Iran or elsewhere by Israel, will be met with a strong response. “Israel must remember, Pakistan is no Qatar. We will beat hell out of them if any harm occurred to our diplomats, anywhere in the world", read the statement by Pakistan Strategic Forum. The threat comes amid reports of Israel and United States carrying out fresh airstrikes in central Tehran on Thursday. The strikes, as reported were close to the residence of Pakistan’s ambassador and the Pakistani Embassy. ALSO READ: After Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab Strait next? Houthi rebels threaten global trade lifeline, say 'fully militarily ready' to back Iran's war efforts Though, the Pakistani ambassador was unhurt, the embassy compound and several other buildings in the vicinity shook violently in the explosion. Pakistan offers to broker peace between US, Iran The strike near its embassy in Tehran comes at a time when Pakistan is attempting to facilitate dialogue between US and Iran. Several senior officials in the Pakistani administration have come out in the open and said that “if both parties desire, Islamabad is willing to host talks" between the United States and Iran. Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday said Islamabad was “ready and honoured” to facilitate “meaningful and conclusive talks” between the US and Iran. Notably, Washington has often used Pakistan as a channel to engaged with Tehran over the years.

The strike by Israel near its embassy in Tehran comes at a time when Pakistan is attempting to facilitate dialogue between the two waring nation, US and Iran.&nbsp;

Pakistan is no Qatar. We will beat hell out of Israel if diplomats are harmed: Pak think tank

The White House posted cryptic pixelated images—possibly of Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio—the day after strange videos, sparking viral speculation about hacks or a hidden teaser.

The White House posted cryptic pixelated images—possibly of Donald Trump, JD Vance, and Marco Rubio—the day after strange videos, sparking viral speculation about hacks or a hidden teaser.

PICS | White House posts mysterious pixilated photos after cryptic videos – What do they mean?

Yemen's Houthi rebels have a message for Washington: they're watching, and they're ready. The Iran-backed group said Thursday (Mar 26) that it stands fully prepared to enter the war alongside Iran the moment things turn. "We stand fully militarily ready with all options," a Houthi leader told Reuters. The group has threatened that they will open a new war front, blocking another key global trade route - the Bab al-Mandab Strait, or the Gate of Tears, even as Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices up.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-a-bad-start-for-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-trump-confirms-cia-told-him-mojtaba-khamenei-is-gay-1774570805558">'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video</a><h2>Houthi rebels ready to stand with Iran</h2>Speaking to Reuters, an unnamed Houthi leader announced that the rebels "stand fully militarily ready with all options". The language suggests that the rebel group was in direct talks with Tehran."Until now Iran is doing well and is defeating the enemy every day and the battle is going in its direction," the leader added. "If anything contrary to this happens, then we can assess." That "assessment," as per reports, would mean one thing: a new front, this time along the Red Sea.<h2>How important is the Bab al-Mandab Strait?</h2>The Houthis are based in Yemen, right next to the Bab al-Mandab Strait — a 20-mile-wide chokepoint where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden. It's not a stretch to call it one of the most consequential waterways on the planet. Roughly $1 trillion worth of goods move through it every year, connecting Europe and Asia. Shipping companies have no good alternative.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/black-thursday-stocks-tumble-in-worst-crash-of-2026-as-iran-toll-booth-pushes-oil-past-100-1774566312748">Black Thursday? Stocks tumble in worst crash of 2026 as Iran 'toll booth' pushes oil past $100</a>During the Israel-Hamas war, Houthi attacks along the passage caused serious disruption to global trade — enough to force major rerouting and drive up shipping costs worldwide.This time, the stakes are higher. With the Strait of Hormuz already effectively closed, Saudi Arabia — the world's largest oil exporter — has been rerouting its shipments through the Red Sea. Any Houthi action there wouldn't just rattle markets. It could choke off one of the last remaining arteries for Gulf oil reaching the rest of the world.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Are the Houthis about to open a new front in the Iran war? The Iran-backed group says it is “fully ready” to act, with warnings of targeting a key global chokepoint. If the Bab al Mandab Strait is hit, global trade could take a major blow. Scroll down to read more.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have a message for Washington: they're watching, and they're ready. The Iran-backed group said Thursday (Mar 26) that it stands fully prepared to enter the war alongside Iran the moment things turn. "We stand fully militarily ready with all options," a Houthi leader told Reuters. The group has threatened that they will open a new war front, blocking another key global trade route - the Bab al-Mandab Strait, or the Gate of Tears, even as Iran continues to blockade the Strait of Hormuz, driving oil prices up. Also read | 'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video Houthi rebels ready to stand with Iran Speaking to Reuters, an unnamed Houthi leader announced that the rebels "stand fully militarily ready with all options". The language suggests that the rebel group was in direct talks with Tehran. "Until now Iran is doing well and is defeating the enemy every day and the battle is going in its direction," the leader added. "If anything contrary to this happens, then we can assess." That "assessment," as per reports, would mean one thing: a new front, this time along the Red Sea. How important is the Bab al-Mandab Strait? The Houthis are based in Yemen, right next to the Bab al-Mandab Strait — a 20-mile-wide chokepoint where the Red Sea meets the Gulf of Aden. It's not a stretch to call it one of the most consequential waterways on the planet. Roughly $1 trillion worth of goods move through it every year, connecting Europe and Asia. Shipping companies have no good alternative. Also read | Black Thursday? Stocks tumble in worst crash of 2026 as Iran 'toll booth' pushes oil past $100 During the Israel-Hamas war, Houthi attacks along the passage caused serious disruption to global trade — enough to force major rerouting and drive up shipping costs worldwide. This time, the stakes are higher. With the Strait of Hormuz already effectively closed, Saudi Arabia — the world's largest oil exporter — has been rerouting its shipments through the Red Sea. Any Houthi action there wouldn't just rattle markets. It could choke off one of the last remaining arteries for Gulf oil reaching the rest of the world. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Are the Houthis about to open a new front in the Iran war? The Iran-backed group says it is “fully ready” to act, with warnings of targeting a key global chokepoint. If the Bab al Mandab Strait is hit, global trade could take a major blow. Scroll down to read more.

After Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab Strait next? Houthi rebels threaten global trade lifeline, say 'fully militarily ready' to back Iran's war efforts

US President Donald Trump has confirmed receiving shocking intelligence briefings regarding the personal life of Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Speaking during a Fox News interview on Thursday (Mar 26), Trump confirmed that he was told that the new Ayatollah was gay and noted that such claims make for "a bad start" in a theocratic country known for its severe penalties against the LGBTQ+ community. Notably, Trump previously suggested that the new Ayatollah may be dead. In a statement earlier this week, the POTUS said the junior Khamenei was “unavailable,” adding that “Nobody knows what happened to him. I can say they haven’t seen him there either. Something is going on with him.”<h2>Trump confirms Mojtaba Khamenei is gay</h2>Trump, during an interview on Thursday, confirmed that US intelligence officials briefed him that Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay, adding, with characteristic bluntness, that it makes for "a bad start" in a country that executes gay people. While appearing on a Fox News interview, the POTUS was asked point-blank: "Did the CIA tell you that Ayatollah Jr. is gay?" While appearing on a Fox News interview, the POTUS was asked point-blank: "Did the CIA tell you that Ayatollah Jr. is gay?"&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/proof-of-life-or-archive-footage-iran-releases-first-video-of-mojtaba-khamenei-amid-injury-and-disfigurement-rumours-watch-1773987130959">Proof of life or archive footage? Iran releases first video of Mojtaba Khamenei amid injury and 'disfigurement' rumours | Watch</a>"They did say that," Trump replied. "But I don't know if it was only them. I think a lot of people are saying that, which puts (him) off to a bad start in that particular country."Watch what he said here:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">&quot;Did the CIA tell you that Ayatollah Jr. is gay?&quot;<a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a>: &quot;They did say that... I think a lot of people are saying that — which puts him off to a bad start in that particular country.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/Gd5miHN6vQ">pic.twitter.com/Gd5miHN6vQ</a>&mdash; Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) <a href="https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2037282959539982413?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did the CIA actually find?</h2>According to a New York Post report from last week, citing two US intelligence officials and a source close to the White House, Trump and his senior advisers reportedly burst out laughing when the information came up during a private briefing. The intelligence suggests Mojtaba, 56, may have had a years-long sexual relationship with his male tutor. One official described the sourcing as "derived from one of the most protected sources that the government has." A separate source alleged Mojtaba made "aggressive" sexual advances toward male caregivers while recovering, and being in a possibly heavily medicated state, from injuries sustained in airstrikes on February 28.<h2>The 2008 WikiLeaks Angle: Medical Trips to London and a Delayed Succession</h2>There's a WikiLeaks angle too. A classified US diplomatic cable from 2008 described Mojtaba receiving treatment in the UK for impotence, making multiple extended visits to Wellington and Cromwell Hospitals in London. The cable noted that Mojtaba married "relatively late in life" and needed a fourth trip abroad before his wife became pregnant.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/us-s-oil-gambit-how-trump-is-using-iranian-crude-to-bankrupt-tehran-amid-strait-of-hormuz-blockade-in-pics-1774056598032">US's oil gambit: How Trump is using Iranian crude to bankrupt Tehran amid Strait of Hormuz blockade | In Pics</a>"Mojtaba was expected by his family to produce children quickly, but needed a fourth visit to the UK for medical treatment; after a stay of two months, his wife became pregnant," said the leaked file. His wife Zahra and their teenage son Mohammad Bagher were reportedly killed in the same airstrike that took his father. He has two other children.The New York Post first broke the story on March 16, reporting that the CIA believed the late Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had long harboured doubts about his son's suitability as successor — partly because of his sexuality. "His father and others suspected he was gay, and that was something that people were spreading to try to stop his ascension," a source told The Post. Mojtaba was nonetheless selected to replace his father as Supreme Leader on March 8, despite those reservations.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Is Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei gay? US President Donald Trump claims that US intelligence briefed him about the Ayatollah's sexuality. What exactly did the POTUS reveal? Scroll down to read more. 

US President Donald Trump has confirmed receiving shocking intelligence briefings regarding the personal life of Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. Speaking during a Fox News interview on Thursday (Mar 26), Trump confirmed that he was told that the new Ayatollah was gay and noted that such claims make for "a bad start" in a theocratic country known for its severe penalties against the LGBTQ+ community. Notably, Trump previously suggested that the new Ayatollah may be dead. In a statement earlier this week, the POTUS said the junior Khamenei was “unavailable,” adding that “Nobody knows what happened to him. I can say they haven’t seen him there either. Something is going on with him.” Trump confirms Mojtaba Khamenei is gay Trump, during an interview on Thursday, confirmed that US intelligence officials briefed him that Iran's newly appointed Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, may be gay, adding, with characteristic bluntness, that it makes for "a bad start" in a country that executes gay people. While appearing on a Fox News interview, the POTUS was asked point-blank: "Did the CIA tell you that Ayatollah Jr. is gay?" While appearing on a Fox News interview, the POTUS was asked point-blank: "Did the CIA tell you that Ayatollah Jr. is gay?" Also read | Proof of life or archive footage? Iran releases first video of Mojtaba Khamenei amid injury and 'disfigurement' rumours | Watch "They did say that," Trump replied. "But I don't know if it was only them. I think a lot of people are saying that, which puts (him) off to a bad start in that particular country." Watch what he said here:

Is Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei gay? US President Donald Trump claims that US intelligence briefed him about the Ayatollah's sexuality. What exactly did the POTUS reveal? Scroll down to read more.&nbsp;

'A bad start' for Iran's new Supreme Leader? Trump confirms CIA told him Mojtaba Khamenei is gay | Watch Viral video

Stocks tumbled Thursday (Mar 27), suffering the worst day since the start of the Iran conflict on February 28. The S&amp;P 500 dropped 1.7 per cent, its worst single day since January, and is now staring down a fifth consecutive losing week. That's the longest such streak in nearly four years, and it stretches back to before the Iran war even started. The Dow shed 469 points. The Nasdaq fell 2.4 per cent, slipping more than 10 per cent below its record high from earlier this year. Markets across Asia and Europe followed suit. On Wall Street, they have a word for that kind of drop: a "correction." Here's what it means.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/on-social-media-platforms-near-you-iran-war-the-movie-playing-now-watch-trump-netanyahu-khamenei-1774422219847">'Iran War - The Movie': On social media platforms near you, playing now. Watch viral video!</a><h2>So what happened?</h2>It's been a whiplash kind of week. Monday opened with genuine optimism after US President Donald Trump said talks on ending the war between the US, Israel and Iran were going well. Markets rallied. Then Iran said no direct talks were happening. Tehran rejected a US ceasefire proposal that had been delivered through Pakistan. And just like that, the mood curdled.By Thursday, the fighting hadn't stopped. Thousands more US troops were moving toward the region. And Iran, for its part, appeared to be tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil passes. Reports suggested Tehran may be setting up something resembling a "toll booth" for tankers trying to get through.Subsequently, Brent crude jumped 4.8 per cent to settle at $101.89 a barrel. For context, it was around $70 before the war began. US benchmark crude rose 4.6 per cent to $94.48.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-zero-trust-iran-dumps-witkoff-kushner-as-us-negotiators-gives-ultimatum-to-trump-this-american-must-lead-peace-talks-1774407776585">'Zero trust': Iran dumps Witkoff, Kushner as US negotiators, gives ultimatum to Trump: THIS American must lead peace talks</a><h2>'NO TURNING BACK'</h2>Trump, for his part, seems to be in no mood to be diplomatic. On Thursday (Mar 26) morning, he posted on Truth Social, "They better get serious soon, before it is too late," he wrote, warning that once a certain line is crossed, there's "NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!."

Then, minutes after markets closed, he softened. He said he was pushing back his threat to "obliterate" Iranian power plants to April 6, allowing more time for talks he insists are "going very well," despite what he called "erroneous statements" from the "Fake News Media". Following this, oil prices dipped slightly, with Treasury yields also pulling back a little.

<h2>How important are Treasury yields?</h2>Notably, the yield on the 10-year Treasury had surged to 4.43 per cent during the day, up from 3.97 per cent before the war. Higher yields mean higher mortgage rates, pricier loans, and slower economic growth.Tech took the worst of it on Thursday. Meta fell 8 per cent. Alphabet dropped 3.4 per cent per cent. Both had just survived a landmark social media addiction verdict the day before. NVIDIA lost 4.2 per cent. Amazon dropped 2 per cent. Apple, somehow, edged up 0.1 per cent.The S&amp;P 500 closed at 6,477 — down 7.2 per cent from its all-time high. The Dow closed at 45,960 — down 469 points on the day. The Nasdaq finished at 21,408, having shed 521 points. Overseas, it wasn't much better. Germany's DAX fell 1.5 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng dropped 1.9 per cent. South Korea's Kospi took the worst of it, sliding 3.2 per cent per cent. Japan's Nikkei 225 was the rare exception — down just 0.3 per cent. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Global markets faced a "Black Thursday" reckoning on March 26, suffering their most brutal sell-off since the Iran conflict ignited on February 28.

Stocks tumbled Thursday (Mar 27), suffering the worst day since the start of the Iran conflict on February 28. The S&P 500 dropped 1.7 per cent, its worst single day since January, and is now staring down a fifth consecutive losing week. That's the longest such streak in nearly four years, and it stretches back to before the Iran war even started. The Dow shed 469 points. The Nasdaq fell 2.4 per cent, slipping more than 10 per cent below its record high from earlier this year. Markets across Asia and Europe followed suit. On Wall Street, they have a word for that kind of drop: a "correction." Here's what it means. Also read | 'Iran War - The Movie': On social media platforms near you, playing now. Watch viral video! So what happened? It's been a whiplash kind of week. Monday opened with genuine optimism after US President Donald Trump said talks on ending the war between the US, Israel and Iran were going well. Markets rallied. Then Iran said no direct talks were happening. Tehran rejected a US ceasefire proposal that had been delivered through Pakistan. And just like that, the mood curdled. By Thursday, the fighting hadn't stopped. Thousands more US troops were moving toward the region. And Iran, for its part, appeared to be tightening its grip on the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow waterway through which roughly a fifth of the world's oil passes. Reports suggested Tehran may be setting up something resembling a "toll booth" for tankers trying to get through. Subsequently, Brent crude jumped 4.8 per cent to settle at $101.89 a barrel. For context, it was around $70 before the war began. US benchmark crude rose 4.6 per cent to $94.48. Also read | 'Zero trust': Iran dumps Witkoff, Kushner as US negotiators, gives ultimatum to Trump: THIS American must lead peace talks 'NO TURNING BACK' Trump, for his part, seems to be in no mood to be diplomatic. On Thursday (Mar 26) morning, he posted on Truth Social, "They better get serious soon, before it is too late," he wrote, warning that once a certain line is crossed, there's "NO TURNING BACK, and it won’t be pretty!."

Global markets faced a "Black Thursday" reckoning on March 26, suffering their most brutal sell-off since the Iran conflict ignited on February 28.

Black Thursday? Stocks tumble in worst crash of 2026 as Iran 'toll booth' pushes oil past $100

Donald Trump held his first cabinet meeting since the Iran war began, signaling a critical moment in U.S. strategy. Trump warned Iran to make a deal or face continued strikes, while officials discussed military and diplomatic options amid escalating tensions.

BREAKING: Trump Holds First Cabinet Meet Since Iran War Escalation

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We are no Qatar. Will beat hell out of Israel if diplomats harmed:Pak think tank