Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Sunday dismissed US media reports that Israel had told the United States that it is running “critically low” on missile interceptors. Saar also refuted reports of Israel being in any talks with Lebanon on war. “The answer is no,” Saar told reporters on a visit to a site in northern Israel damaged by an Iranian missile attack when being asked about a US media outlet Semafor report claiming that Israel is running “critically low” on missile interceptors. He also denied reports that Israel could soon hold direct peace talks with Lebanon.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-may-send-mine-hunting-drones-to-help-open-strait-of-hormuz-energy-secretary-ed-miliband-1773579187474">UK may send mine-hunting drones to help open Strait of Hormuz: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband</a>&nbsp;Saar said that Israel sees “eye-to-eye” with the US and that their objective is to “remove the existential threats from Iran for the long term.”“We don’t want to go every year to another war,” he added.Saar was speaking from a Bedouin Arab town in northern Israel near ⁠an Israeli Air Force base where homes were damaged in an Iranian missile attack last week.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-navy-warships-deployed-near-persian-gulf-on-standby-to-assist-merchant-vessels-report-1773521887461">Indian Navy warships deployed near Persian Gulf, on standby to assist merchant vessels: Report</a>&nbsp;Israel’s Haaretz newspaper had reported on Saturday that Israel and Lebanon were expected to hold ⁠direct talks in the coming days.Both reports cited unnamed sources.&nbsp;Reports indicate that Iran has been using some missiles with cluster munitions, which complicates interception efforts and accelerates the depletion of Israel’s interceptor stockpile.The same report added, citing an official, that the US is not facing any such shortages and retains significant interceptor reserves. The comment comes amid growing concern that a prolonged war with Iran could rapidly drain missile defence supplies.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-iran-harden-stance-both-reject-mediation-efforts-for-ceasefire-talks-1773516304591">Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks</a>&nbsp;Lebanon got entangled in the war on March 2 when Hezbollah opened fire at Israel, saying it aimed to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded strongly, and its offensive so far has killed more than 850 people in Lebanon.An Israeli official told Reuters on Friday that the campaign against Hezbollah would be intensified and is likely to continue even after strikes on Iran end.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a>&nbsp;Lebanon and Israel have formally been in a state of war since Israel’s establishment in 1948. Critics describe the Hezbollah as a state within the state since Iran’s Revolutionary Guards formed it in 1982.

Lebanon got entangled in the war on March 2 when Hezbollah opened fire at Israel, saying it aimed to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded strongly, and its offensive so far has killed more than 850 people in Lebanon.

Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar on Sunday dismissed US media reports that Israel had told the United States that it is running “critically low” on missile interceptors. Saar also refuted reports of Israel being in any talks with Lebanon on war. “The answer is no,” Saar told reporters on a visit to a site in northern Israel damaged by an Iranian missile attack when being asked about a US media outlet Semafor report claiming that Israel is running “critically low” on missile interceptors. He also denied reports that Israel could soon hold direct peace talks with Lebanon. Also Read: UK may send mine-hunting drones to help open Strait of Hormuz: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband Saar said that Israel sees “eye-to-eye” with the US and that their objective is to “remove the existential threats from Iran for the long term.” “We don’t want to go every year to another war,” he added. Saar was speaking from a Bedouin Arab town in northern Israel near ⁠an Israeli Air Force base where homes were damaged in an Iranian missile attack last week. Also Read: Indian Navy warships deployed near Persian Gulf, on standby to assist merchant vessels: Report Israel’s Haaretz newspaper had reported on Saturday that Israel and Lebanon were expected to hold ⁠direct talks in the coming days. Both reports cited unnamed sources. Reports indicate that Iran has been using some missiles with cluster munitions, which complicates interception efforts and accelerates the depletion of Israel’s interceptor stockpile. The same report added, citing an official, that the US is not facing any such shortages and retains significant interceptor reserves. The comment comes amid growing concern that a prolonged war with Iran could rapidly drain missile defence supplies. Also Read: Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks Lebanon got entangled in the war on March 2 when Hezbollah opened fire at Israel, saying it aimed to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded strongly, and its offensive so far has killed more than 850 people in Lebanon. An Israeli official told Reuters on Friday that the campaign against Hezbollah would be intensified and is likely to continue even after strikes on Iran end. Also Read: War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz Lebanon and Israel have formally been in a state of war since Israel’s establishment in 1948. Critics describe the Hezbollah as a state within the state since Iran’s Revolutionary Guards formed it in 1982.

Lebanon got entangled in the war on March 2 when Hezbollah opened fire at Israel, saying it aimed to avenge the killing of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Israel responded strongly, and its offensive so far has killed more than 850 people in Lebanon.

Israel’s FM Gideon Saar denies reports of interceptor shortages, talks with Lebanon

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claims the US is using reverse-engineered "LUCAS" drones, designed to mimic Iran's Shahed-136, to conduct deceptive false-flag attacks on civilian sites in Arab nations.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi claims the US is using reverse-engineered "LUCAS" drones, designed to mimic Iran's Shahed-136, to conduct deceptive false-flag attacks on civilian sites in Arab nations.

Is Iran being framed? Abbas Araghchi claims US is using 'LUCAS' drones that match Shahed 'perfectly' to attack Arab nations

Britain is contemplating sending mine-hunting drones and ships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran’s stranglehold over the key oil shipping route following a call to allies by US President Donald Trump. Energy secretary Ed Miliband said on Sunday that the UK and its allies could do “a range of things” to secure the route, which has been blocked by Iran and led to a fuel supply shortage and the consequent surge in energy prices.&nbsp;Miliband’s intervention comes after Trump called for allies to send warships to protect their own tankers in the region and help secure the waterway.&nbsp;&nbsp;The energy secretary confirmed that ministers were talking to their allies about how the UK could help secure the vital waterway after the US president, Donald Trump, urged Britain and other countries to deploy ships to the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-navy-warships-deployed-near-persian-gulf-on-standby-to-assist-merchant-vessels-report-1773521887461">Indian Navy warships deployed near Persian Gulf, on standby to assist merchant vessels: Report</a>&nbsp;About 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, and its effective closure since the start of the war, which has entered its third week, has sent oil prices rocketing from approximately $65 a barrel to about $100.&nbsp;The energy price spiral is an alarm for the western countries as governments face the prospect of inflation.“It is very important that we get the Strait of Hormuz reopened. And we have already been talking with our allies, including the US, about this,” Miliband told BBC.“There are different ways that we could contribute, including with mine-hunting drones. All of these things are being looked at in concert with our allies … Any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at,” he added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-and-iran-harden-stance-both-reject-mediation-efforts-for-ceasefire-talks-1773516304591">Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks</a>&nbsp;Britain’s mine-hunter drones trick mines into detonating safely by flying in a pattern that makes them look like passing ships.&nbsp;Ministers are also considering the domestic fallout of higher energy prices, which threaten to derail the UK’s nascent economic recovery.On being asked whether the government would cancel a rise in fuel duty planned for September, Miliband said ministers would “stand by” the British people. “We will stand by the British people in this, in this crisis, and we’ll do what it takes to do that,” he said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-leader-says-ukraine-now-a-legitimate-target-over-alleged-drone-support-for-israel-1773501266904">Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel</a>&nbsp;Miliband was speaking a day after Trump called on the UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea, and others to send their warships to the region in an appeal to nations affected by the price rise.Trump said in a post on Truth Social, “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.”“In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-with-iran-entering-decisive-phase-says-israel-s-defence-minister-israel-katz-1773498890073">War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz</a>&nbsp;The Strait of Hormuz has been gripped by conflict after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had taken “complete control” of the passage, obstructing the flow of oil out of the Middle East and pushing up energy prices across the globe.&nbsp;There is growing concern that Iran has started placing sea mines in the strait while numerous oil tankers have come under fire as they attempted to pass through the strait.&nbsp;Earlier, in his first public statement this week, Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep blocking the Strait of Hormuz as a means of pressuring the US.In turn, Trump has threatened to “wipe out” Kharg Island, a vital part of Iran’s oil infrastructure, if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain’s mine-hunter drones trick mines into detonating safely by flying in a pattern that makes them look like passing ships. The ministers are also considering the domestic fallout of higher energy prices, which threaten to derail the UK’s nascent economic recovery.

Britain is contemplating sending mine-hunting drones and ships to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz and end Iran’s stranglehold over the key oil shipping route following a call to allies by US President Donald Trump. Energy secretary Ed Miliband said on Sunday that the UK and its allies could do “a range of things” to secure the route, which has been blocked by Iran and led to a fuel supply shortage and the consequent surge in energy prices. Miliband’s intervention comes after Trump called for allies to send warships to protect their own tankers in the region and help secure the waterway. The energy secretary confirmed that ministers were talking to their allies about how the UK could help secure the vital waterway after the US president, Donald Trump, urged Britain and other countries to deploy ships to the region. Also Read: Indian Navy warships deployed near Persian Gulf, on standby to assist merchant vessels: Report About 20% of the world’s oil supply passes through the strait, and its effective closure since the start of the war, which has entered its third week, has sent oil prices rocketing from approximately $65 a barrel to about $100. The energy price spiral is an alarm for the western countries as governments face the prospect of inflation. “It is very important that we get the Strait of Hormuz reopened. And we have already been talking with our allies, including the US, about this,” Miliband told BBC. “There are different ways that we could contribute, including with mine-hunting drones. All of these things are being looked at in concert with our allies … Any options that can help to get the strait reopened are being looked at,” he added. Also Read: Trump and Iran harden stance, both reject mediation efforts for ceasefire talks Britain’s mine-hunter drones trick mines into detonating safely by flying in a pattern that makes them look like passing ships. Ministers are also considering the domestic fallout of higher energy prices, which threaten to derail the UK’s nascent economic recovery. On being asked whether the government would cancel a rise in fuel duty planned for September, Miliband said ministers would “stand by” the British people. “We will stand by the British people in this, in this crisis, and we’ll do what it takes to do that,” he said. Also Read: Iranian leader says Ukraine now a ‘legitimate target’ over alleged drone support for Israel Miliband was speaking a day after Trump called on the UK, China, France, Japan, South Korea, and others to send their warships to the region in an appeal to nations affected by the price rise. Trump said in a post on Truth Social, “Hopefully China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, that are affected by this artificial constraint will send ships to the area so that the Hormuz Strait will no longer be a threat by a nation that has been totally decapitated.” “In the meantime, the United States will be bombing the hell out of the shoreline and continually shooting Iranian boats and ships out of the water. One way or the other, we will soon get the Hormuz Strait OPEN, SAFE, and FREE!” Also Read: War with Iran entering ‘decisive phase,’ says Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz The Strait of Hormuz has been gripped by conflict after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had taken “complete control” of the passage, obstructing the flow of oil out of the Middle East and pushing up energy prices across the globe. There is growing concern that Iran has started placing sea mines in the strait while numerous oil tankers have come under fire as they attempted to pass through the strait. Earlier, in his first public statement this week, Iran’s new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei vowed to keep blocking the Strait of Hormuz as a means of pressuring the US. In turn, Trump has threatened to “wipe out” Kharg Island, a vital part of Iran’s oil infrastructure, if Tehran does not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Britain’s mine-hunter drones trick mines into detonating safely by flying in a pattern that makes them look like passing ships. The ministers are also considering the domestic fallout of higher energy prices, which threaten to derail the UK’s nascent economic recovery.

UK may send mine-hunting drones to help open Strait of Hormuz: Energy Secretary Ed Miliband

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, urged other countries and regional neighbours to refrain from any action that could widen the scope of the war with the United States and Israel. In a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, on Sunday (March 15), Araghchi called on other countries to "refrain from any action that could lead to escalation and expansion of the conflict," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X.&nbsp;Tehran's top diplomat emphasised Iran's firm determination to defend its sovereignty, dignity, territorial integrity, and national security.Araghchi described Tehran's strikes as "defensive actions" and clarified that Iran's strikes on US bases in Gulf nations should not be considered attacks on those countries.&nbsp;"Iran's defensive actions are exclusively targeted at the military bases and facilities of the aggressors in the region and should in no way be construed as an attack by Iran on the countries of the region," the statement read.&nbsp;These statements from the Islamic Republic come after US President Donald Trump urged multiple countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others "affected by this artificial constraint," to send warships to the area "so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has totally decapitated."&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-urges-china-france-japan-and-uk-to-send-warships-to-open-strait-of-hormuz-1773500295310"> Trump urges China, France, Japan, and UK to send warships to open Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;The war in West Asia entered its third week after joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 targeted the top leadership of Iran, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of the military campaign.&nbsp;In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US bases across the region. It announced the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping. This led to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel.Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;On the issue of shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's foreign minister stressed the need to "decisively condemn the criminal actions of the aggressors in attacking Iran," adding that "the primary root of insecurity across the entire region, including Lebanon, lies in the Zionist regime's aggression and quest for dominance, and the return of calm to Lebanon is contingent upon the end of this regime's occupation and the cessation of its attacks and aggressions."&nbsp;&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.)&nbsp;

Araghchi described Tehran's strikes as "defensive actions" and clarified that Iran's strikes on US bases in Gulf nations should not be considered attacks on those countries.

Iran's Foreign Minister, Abbas Araghchi, urged other countries and regional neighbours to refrain from any action that could widen the scope of the war with the United States and Israel. In a telephonic conversation with his French counterpart, Jean-Noel Barrot, on Sunday (March 15), Araghchi called on other countries to "refrain from any action that could lead to escalation and expansion of the conflict," the Iranian Foreign Ministry said in a statement on X. Tehran's top diplomat emphasised Iran's firm determination to defend its sovereignty, dignity, territorial integrity, and national security. Araghchi described Tehran's strikes as "defensive actions" and clarified that Iran's strikes on US bases in Gulf nations should not be considered attacks on those countries. "Iran's defensive actions are exclusively targeted at the military bases and facilities of the aggressors in the region and should in no way be construed as an attack by Iran on the countries of the region," the statement read. These statements from the Islamic Republic come after US President Donald Trump urged multiple countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others "affected by this artificial constraint," to send warships to the area "so that the Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has totally decapitated." Also Read: Trump urges China, France, Japan, and UK to send warships to open Strait of Hormuz The war in West Asia entered its third week after joint US-Israeli strikes on February 28 targeted the top leadership of Iran, assassinating Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on the opening day of the military campaign. In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US bases across the region. It announced the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping. This led to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel. Amid mounting pressure from rising oil prices, Trump on Friday ordered massive strikes on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. On the issue of shipping disruption in the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's foreign minister stressed the need to "decisively condemn the criminal actions of the aggressors in attacking Iran," adding that "the primary root of insecurity across the entire region, including Lebanon, lies in the Zionist regime's aggression and quest for dominance, and the return of calm to Lebanon is contingent upon the end of this regime's occupation and the cessation of its attacks and aggressions." (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.)

Araghchi described Tehran's strikes as "defensive actions" and clarified that Iran's strikes on US bases in Gulf nations should not be considered attacks on those countries.

'Avoid action that could widen the war': Araghchi says Iran targeted US assets in regional strikes

In the wake of Ali Khamenei’s assassination, the IRGC has emerged as the true authority in Iran. By managing the severely wounded Mojtaba Khamenei’s communications, the Guard maintains the illusion of leadership while directing the country's wartime military and economic machinery.

In the wake of Ali Khamenei’s assassination, the IRGC has emerged as the true authority in Iran. By managing the severely wounded Mojtaba Khamenei’s communications, the Guard maintains the illusion of leadership while directing the country's wartime military and economic machinery.

Who is making decisions in war-torn Iran after Ali Khamenei's assassination? Hint: It's not Mojtaba Khamenei

Amidst the ongoing Iran war, India began the process of safely repatriating Indian students. Over 70 Indian students landed in Delhi from Iran via Dubai on Sunday. According to media reports a number of these students hail from Jammu and Kashmir and had gone to Iran to pursue medical studies.&nbsp;The Indian Embassy, in coordination with the Government of India, initiated the process to safely evacuate the students, who will head to their homes after landing at the IGI international airport in Delhi.&nbsp;According to Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Vice President of the All India Medical Students Association, there are approximately 1,000 to 1,200 Indians studying at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences.&nbsp;Falling missiles and regular bombardments has become a matter of grave concern for the Indian students residing there.&nbsp;The Indian Embassy in Tehran immediately sprang to action and evacuated several students from the affected areas and relocated them to safe locations. Arrangements were also made for the students to stay in secure hotels and safe houses, said Khan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Indian Embassy, in coordination with the Government of India, initiated the process to safely evacuate the students in war-hit Iran.

Amidst the ongoing Iran war, India began the process of safely repatriating Indian students. Over 70 Indian students landed in Delhi from Iran via Dubai on Sunday. According to media reports a number of these students hail from Jammu and Kashmir and had gone to Iran to pursue medical studies. The Indian Embassy, in coordination with the Government of India, initiated the process to safely evacuate the students, who will head to their homes after landing at the IGI international airport in Delhi. According to Dr Mohammad Momin Khan, National Vice President of the All India Medical Students Association, there are approximately 1,000 to 1,200 Indians studying at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Falling missiles and regular bombardments has become a matter of grave concern for the Indian students residing there. The Indian Embassy in Tehran immediately sprang to action and evacuated several students from the affected areas and relocated them to safe locations. Arrangements were also made for the students to stay in secure hotels and safe houses, said Khan.

The Indian Embassy, in coordination with the Government of India, initiated the process to safely evacuate the students in war-hit Iran.

First batch of Indian students return home from war-hit Iran

Amid escalating hostilities in West Asia, SpiceJet has announced to operate special flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India for Indian nationals returning to the country. The airlines will be operating seven special flights from Fujairah and two from Dubai on March 15 and March 16. This comes as many foreign nationals remain stranded in the Gulf nations following airspace restrictions amid the conflict.On March 15, the airline is running three special flights from Fujairah to India. Two of the flights will connect Fujairah with New Delhi, while another will land in Mumbai. In addition, a special flight from Dubai to Pune is also being operated to help passengers return home.On March 16, the airline plans to operate four more flights from Fujairah to India, along with another one from Dubai. SpiceJet said it has been coordinating with airport authorities and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and efficient passenger handling.Earlier on March 4, the airlines operated eight special flights from the UAE to facilitate the return of Indian nationals.<h2>IndiGo, Air India cancel flights</h2>Earlier today, IndiGo and Air India cancelled their flights due to the conflict in West Asia. In a statement early Sunday (Mar 15), IndiGo said, “Due to the evolving situation in Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Update: Due to the evolving situation in Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules. Customers travelling to/from Dubai are requested to check their flight status at <a href="https://t.co/ll3K8Px1Ht">https://t.co/ll3K8Px1Ht</a> before leaving for the… <a href="https://t.co/j3mr7nyxCv">https://t.co/j3mr7nyxCv</a>&mdash; IndiGo (@IndiGo6E) <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiGo6E/status/2032939613858443367?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 14, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Air India, in a statement on Sunday, said, “Following instructions from UAE Airport Authorities, Air India and Air India Express are compelled to further curtail their ad‑hoc operations for 15 March 2026.”“All Air India Express flights planned for the day to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah stand cancelled. Both airlines will now operate one round trip each on the Delhi–Dubai sector,” it added. “These flights will be operated subject to slot availability and prevailing conditions at the time of operation. Guests booked on cancelled or temporarily suspended services may rebook to a future date at no additional charge or opt for a full refund.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ImportantUpdate?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ImportantUpdate</a> Following instructions from UAE Airport Authorities, Air India and Air India Express are compelled to further curtail their ad‑hoc operations for 15 March 2026. All Air India Express flights planned for the day to and from Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah…&mdash; Air India (@airindia) <a href="https://twitter.com/airindia/status/2033059604863877222?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The flight disruptions come after the US and Israeli military launched strikes on Iran on February 28, 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.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.

SpiceJet will run nine special flights from the United Arab Emirates to India on Mar 15–16 for stranded Indians, while IndiGo and Air India cancel several services amid the West Asia conflict.

Amid escalating hostilities in West Asia, SpiceJet has announced to operate special flights from the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to India for Indian nationals returning to the country. The airlines will be operating seven special flights from Fujairah and two from Dubai on March 15 and March 16. This comes as many foreign nationals remain stranded in the Gulf nations following airspace restrictions amid the conflict. On March 15, the airline is running three special flights from Fujairah to India. Two of the flights will connect Fujairah with New Delhi, while another will land in Mumbai. In addition, a special flight from Dubai to Pune is also being operated to help passengers return home. On March 16, the airline plans to operate four more flights from Fujairah to India, along with another one from Dubai. SpiceJet said it has been coordinating with airport authorities and other stakeholders to ensure smooth operations and efficient passenger handling. Earlier on March 4, the airlines operated eight special flights from the UAE to facilitate the return of Indian nationals. IndiGo, Air India cancel flights Earlier today, IndiGo and Air India cancelled their flights due to the conflict in West Asia. In a statement early Sunday (Mar 15), IndiGo said, “Due to the evolving situation in Middle East, flight operations have been further restricted in Dubai, leading to changes in flight schedules.”

SpiceJet will run nine special flights from the United Arab Emirates to India on Mar 15–16 for stranded Indians, while IndiGo and Air India cancel several services amid the West Asia conflict.

SpiceJet to operate 9 special flights from UAE to India amid Iran war – Check details

Israel informed the US this week that it is running critically low on ballistic missile interceptors as the conflict with Iran rages on, US officials told Semafor.

Israel had reportedly entered the current war already low on interceptors that were fired during last summer’s conflict with Iran. Israel’s long-range defense system has strained under Iran’s attacks; CNN reported that Iran was adding cluster munitions to its missiles, which may exacerbate the depletion of the stock.

US-Iran War | Israel Running Low on Interceptors, US Stock Sufficient: Report

In the ongoing US‑Iran war, President Donald Trump said U.S. forces have “totally demolished” military targets on Iran’s strategic Kharg Island, a key hub for the country’s oil exports, as part of intensified airstrikes. Trump also warned of further strikes — including on oil infrastructure — if Iran disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, signaling continued escalation in the conflict.


US Strikes Kharg Island: Will Trump Conduct Strikes on Oil Infrastructure in Kharg?

Amid the ongoing war with Israel and the US, Iran arrested 20 people over suspected links to Tel Aviv, said the West Azerbaijan province’s prosecutor office, as reported by Tasnim news agency. The arrested are accused of sending location details on Iran’s military and security assets to Israel. Arrests in Iran on the pretext of spying, without giving any evidence is nothing new in the country.&nbsp;In its new phase of assault against Iran, Israel has targeted security checkpoints based on tip-offs ​from ​informants on ⁠the ground, reported Reuters.<h2>Russia comes to Iran's help</h2>&nbsp;Meanwhile, Russia has become the first country to send aid to Iran amid war. Moscow has delivered more than 13 tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan, as the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel intensifies. The aid package, consisting primarily of medicines and essential hospital equipment, was dispatched on the direct orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin to address urgent healthcare shortages following weeks of heavy bombardment.&nbsp;The humanitarian shipment was transported by a specialised Il-76 aircraft from Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry to Azerbaijan, from where it was transferred to the Iranian Red Crescent Society for final delivery. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the aid was provided following a specific request from Tehran, citing the widespread destruction of medical infrastructure and a high volume of civilian casualties. &nbsp;

Russia has become the first country to send aid to Iran amid war. It has sent tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran.

Amid the ongoing war with Israel and the US, Iran arrested 20 people over suspected links to Tel Aviv, said the West Azerbaijan province’s prosecutor office, as reported by Tasnim news agency. The arrested are accused of sending location details on Iran’s military and security assets to Israel. Arrests in Iran on the pretext of spying, without giving any evidence is nothing new in the country. In its new phase of assault against Iran, Israel has targeted security checkpoints based on tip-offs from informants on ⁠the ground, reported Reuters. Russia comes to Iran's help Meanwhile, Russia has become the first country to send aid to Iran amid war. Moscow has delivered more than 13 tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran via Azerbaijan, as the ongoing conflict between Iran and the United States and Israel intensifies. The aid package, consisting primarily of medicines and essential hospital equipment, was dispatched on the direct orders of Russian President Vladimir Putin to address urgent healthcare shortages following weeks of heavy bombardment. The humanitarian shipment was transported by a specialised Il-76 aircraft from Russia’s Emergency Situations Ministry to Azerbaijan, from where it was transferred to the Iranian Red Crescent Society for final delivery. The Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the aid was provided following a specific request from Tehran, citing the widespread destruction of medical infrastructure and a high volume of civilian casualties.

Russia has become the first country to send aid to Iran amid war. It has sent tons of emergency medical supplies to Iran.

Iran arrests 20 for sharing military details with Israel

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Saturday (Mar 14) slammed Gulf nations, claiming that US military bases in the region “do not protect anyone” but “are a threat”. This comes as hostilities continue to rise in West Asia as the US and Israel continue strikes on Iran, with Tehran targeting multiple American and Israeli targets across the Gulf and several ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz.In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, “This war proved one thing quite clearly: American bases in our region do not protect anyone—they are a threat. America sacrifices everyone for Israel and does not care about anyone but Israel.”He further added, “Anyone clothed by the US is literally NAKED!”Earlier on Thursday (Mar 12), Ghalibaf warned the United States and Israel, saying that Tehran will “abandon all restraint” if its islands in the Gulf are attacked. However, the next day, US forces launched an attack on Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal located in the northern Persian Gulf.Trump said that the US was striking military targets on Iran’s “crown jewel”. He added that “for reasons of decency”, he did not “wipe out” the oil infrastructure on the island. He further warned that he would reconsider his decision if Iran interfered with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.On February 28, 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.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’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said US bases in the Gulf “protect no one” but threaten the region as Iran, the United States and Israel clash in the escalating war.

Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Saturday (Mar 14) slammed Gulf nations, claiming that US military bases in the region “do not protect anyone” but “are a threat”. This comes as hostilities continue to rise in West Asia as the US and Israel continue strikes on Iran, with Tehran targeting multiple American and Israeli targets across the Gulf and several ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz. In a post on X, Ghalibaf said, “This war proved one thing quite clearly: American bases in our region do not protect anyone—they are a threat. America sacrifices everyone for Israel and does not care about anyone but Israel.” He further added, “Anyone clothed by the US is literally NAKED!” Earlier on Thursday (Mar 12), Ghalibaf warned the United States and Israel, saying that Tehran will “abandon all restraint” if its islands in the Gulf are attacked. However, the next day, US forces launched an attack on Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal located in the northern Persian Gulf. Trump said that the US was striking military targets on Iran’s “crown jewel”. He added that “for reasons of decency”, he did not “wipe out” the oil infrastructure on the island. He further warned that he would reconsider his decision if Iran interfered with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. On February 28, 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. 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’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said US bases in the Gulf “protect no one” but threaten the region as Iran, the United States and Israel clash in the escalating war.

‘Anyone clothed by US is NAKED’: Iranian official slams Gulf nations over US bases

Iran launched another ballistic missile strike on central Israel, sending air raid sirens blaring across several cities. Dramatic videos online show a massive fireball and thick smoke rising after the impact. The missile carried a cluster warhead, scattering explosive sub-munitions across multiple locations. Emergency teams reported damage at several sites, including a building fire in Shoham, a crater on a highway, and damaged vehicles in Rishon Lezion. Despite the destruction, authorities said there were no immediate reports of injuries. The attack marked the sixth missile launched towards Israel since midnight, underscoring the relentless pace of Iranian barrages as the regional war continues to escalate.


US-Iran War: Iran Fires Multiple Missile Salvos at Israel; Several Injured

President Trump declared that the U.S. has beaten Iran “both militarily, economically, and in every other way” in a Truth Social post on Saturday, and called on countries that receive oil through the Strait of Hormuz to “take care” of the closed passage.


US-Iran War | Trump: 100% Of Iran's Military Capability Already Destroyed

The United Arab Emirates has the right to defend itself against the Iranian strikes but chooses to restrain, a senior UAE official said late Saturday (Mar 14). This comes as Tehran continues to engage in retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. Since the war began, Iran has fired over 1,800 missiles and drones at the Emirates, more than any other nation targeted by Tehran.“The UAE has the right to defend itself against this imposed terrorist aggression, but it is still prioritising reason and logic, continuing to exercise restraint and seeking a way out for Iran and the region,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said on X. He added that the UAE “made sincere efforts until the very last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran to avoid this war.”Since the war began, Iran has launched attacks in the UAE on several targets, including Dubai International Airport, Fujairah oil port, and the iconic Palm hotel.On February 28, 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.In recent days, US President Donald Trump has claimed victory in the war with Iran. On Friday (Mar 13), the US forces struck Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal located in the northern Persian Gulf. Trump said that the US was striking military targets on Iran’s “crown jewel”. He added that “for reasons of decency”, he did not “wipe out” the oil infrastructure on the island. He further warned that he would reconsider his decision if Iran interfered with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.The attack came after Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Thursday (Mar 12) warned the United States and Israel, saying that Tehran will “abandon all restraint” if its islands in the Gulf are attacked.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.

The UAE says it has the right to defend itself after Iran fired over 1,800 missiles and drones at the Emirates, but will continue showing restraint while seeking a diplomatic path to end the war.

The United Arab Emirates has the right to defend itself against the Iranian strikes but chooses to restrain, a senior UAE official said late Saturday (Mar 14). This comes as Tehran continues to engage in retaliatory strikes across the Gulf. Since the war began, Iran has fired over 1,800 missiles and drones at the Emirates, more than any other nation targeted by Tehran. “The UAE has the right to defend itself against this imposed terrorist aggression, but it is still prioritising reason and logic, continuing to exercise restraint and seeking a way out for Iran and the region,” presidential adviser Anwar Gargash said on X. He added that the UAE “made sincere efforts until the very last moment to mediate between Washington and Tehran to avoid this war.” Since the war began, Iran has launched attacks in the UAE on several targets, including Dubai International Airport, Fujairah oil port, and the iconic Palm hotel. On February 28, 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. In recent days, US President Donald Trump has claimed victory in the war with Iran. On Friday (Mar 13), the US forces struck Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal located in the northern Persian Gulf. Trump said that the US was striking military targets on Iran’s “crown jewel”. He added that “for reasons of decency”, he did not “wipe out” the oil infrastructure on the island. He further warned that he would reconsider his decision if Iran interfered with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The attack came after Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Thursday (Mar 12) warned the United States and Israel, saying that Tehran will “abandon all restraint” if its islands in the Gulf are attacked. 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.

The UAE says it has the right to defend itself after Iran fired over 1,800 missiles and drones at the Emirates, but will continue showing restraint while seeking a diplomatic path to end the war.

UAE has ‘right to defend’ but ‘exercising restraint’, senior official says

The renewed tensions around the Persian Gulf — marked by heightened naval deployments, threats to tanker traffic and rising volatility in oil markets — are an early signal that the foundations of the global order are being reconfigured.What appears on the surface to be a regional confrontation is unfolding at the intersection of several deeper shifts: the strategic importance of energy chokepoints, the emergence of new digital financial infrastructure, and intensifying competition over critical resources.Military tensions around the Gulf have intensified. Western policymakers have again turned their attention to major oil producers such as Venezuela. At the same time, Washington has been moving toward a clearer regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and dollar-backed stablecoins — developments that together point to a deeper strategic adjustment.The United States appears to be adapting the foundations of its long-standing global influence to a world increasingly shaped by technological disruption, geopolitical rivalry and shifting energy dynamics.For decades, the international system rested on what became known as the petrodollar order. Oil was traded largely in US dollars. Those dollars flowed back into American financial markets through purchases of Treasury securities and other assets. Meanwhile, the sea lanes carrying global energy supplies were secured by US naval power.Energy flows, financial markets and maritime security reinforced one another, placing the dollar at the centre of global commerce.That structure is now under pressure.China has emerged as the world’s largest manufacturing power and a central hub in global supply chains. Alternative payment mechanisms are proliferating. Some countries have begun experimenting with non-dollar energy transactions. At the same time, the scale of US public debt has expanded sharply, raising questions about the durability of global demand for dollar assets.Preserving monetary dominance in this environment requires adaptation.One sign of that adaptation lies in Washington’s growing focus on dollar-backed stablecoins. These digital tokens maintain a fixed value against the US dollar and are typically backed by reserves held in short-term US Treasury securities or dollar deposits.If stablecoins become widely used for cross-border payments, issuers will need to hold substantial quantities of dollar assets in reserve. This creates a new structural source of demand for US government debt.In effect, stablecoins could become a digital extension of the dollar system, embedding American financial influence within the infrastructure of global digital payments while reinforcing demand for US financial assets.Yet financial power alone has never sustained global primacy.The tensions unfolding in the Persian Gulf underline the continuing importance of energy and maritime geography. Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most sensitive chokepoints in the global economy. Any disruption there would ripple immediately through energy markets.Even as countries speak of energy transition, petroleum remains central to the functioning of the global economy. Control over energy flows — and the sea lanes that carry them — continues to confer immense geopolitical leverage.The Gulf crisis also highlights another strategic reality: China’s growing energy vulnerability.China is now the world’s largest importer of crude oil, much of it sourced from the Persian Gulf and transported across the Indian Ocean toward East Asia. This dependence creates what Chinese strategists call the “Malacca dilemma” — the vulnerability of China’s energy lifeline to disruption along maritime chokepoints.The security of the Gulf, therefore, carries implications not only for global markets but also for the balance of power in Asia.A parallel contest is unfolding over the resources that will power the technologies of the future. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements are essential inputs for electric vehicles, semiconductors and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Control over these supply chains is rapidly becoming as strategically significant as control over oil was in the twentieth century.Together, these forces are reshaping the strategic foundations of the global system.The system that underpinned American dominance rested on three pillars: the dollar, energy markets and maritime power. The emerging system is taking shape around four: digital dollar networks, global capital markets, control over energy and mineral supply chains, and military power capable of securing the sea lanes through which these resources move.This does not mean the world is returning to uncontested American supremacy. China retains major advantages in manufacturing, infrastructure development and mineral processing. Beijing is expanding economic partnerships across Asia, Africa and Latin America while promoting alternative financial arrangements.The emerging global system is therefore likely to resemble a hybrid order — one in which financial power remains concentrated in the United States while industrial capacity and production networks become more widely distributed.For India, this evolving landscape presents both opportunity and risk.India’s growing technological capabilities and expanding economy position it well to benefit from the diversification of global supply chains. Partnerships in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and critical minerals could significantly strengthen India’s strategic position.At the same time, India remains deeply exposed to developments in the Persian Gulf. A large share of India’s oil imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Any sustained disruption in that corridor would have immediate economic consequences.Yet India’s geography also offers a strategic advantage.The sea lanes connecting the Persian Gulf to East Asia pass directly across the Indian Ocean, the principal artery of the world’s energy trade. Positioned near the midpoint of these routes, India occupies a uniquely important location in the emerging maritime system.During the twentieth century, the North Atlantic formed the strategic centre of the global order. In the twenty-first century, the Indian Ocean is increasingly assuming that role.For India, the ability to help secure these maritime corridors could become one of its most significant strategic contributions to global stability.The Gulf crisis may therefore prove to be more than a regional confrontation. It is an early warning that the structure of global power is changing — and that the states which recognise this shift first will shape the rules of the next international order.Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

India’s growing technological capabilities and expanding economy position it well to benefit from the diversification of global supply chains. 

The renewed tensions around the Persian Gulf — marked by heightened naval deployments, threats to tanker traffic and rising volatility in oil markets — are an early signal that the foundations of the global order are being reconfigured. What appears on the surface to be a regional confrontation is unfolding at the intersection of several deeper shifts: the strategic importance of energy chokepoints, the emergence of new digital financial infrastructure, and intensifying competition over critical resources. Military tensions around the Gulf have intensified. Western policymakers have again turned their attention to major oil producers such as Venezuela. At the same time, Washington has been moving toward a clearer regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies and dollar-backed stablecoins — developments that together point to a deeper strategic adjustment. The United States appears to be adapting the foundations of its long-standing global influence to a world increasingly shaped by technological disruption, geopolitical rivalry and shifting energy dynamics. For decades, the international system rested on what became known as the petrodollar order. Oil was traded largely in US dollars. Those dollars flowed back into American financial markets through purchases of Treasury securities and other assets. Meanwhile, the sea lanes carrying global energy supplies were secured by US naval power. Energy flows, financial markets and maritime security reinforced one another, placing the dollar at the centre of global commerce. That structure is now under pressure. China has emerged as the world’s largest manufacturing power and a central hub in global supply chains. Alternative payment mechanisms are proliferating. Some countries have begun experimenting with non-dollar energy transactions. At the same time, the scale of US public debt has expanded sharply, raising questions about the durability of global demand for dollar assets. Preserving monetary dominance in this environment requires adaptation. One sign of that adaptation lies in Washington’s growing focus on dollar-backed stablecoins. These digital tokens maintain a fixed value against the US dollar and are typically backed by reserves held in short-term US Treasury securities or dollar deposits. If stablecoins become widely used for cross-border payments, issuers will need to hold substantial quantities of dollar assets in reserve. This creates a new structural source of demand for US government debt. In effect, stablecoins could become a digital extension of the dollar system, embedding American financial influence within the infrastructure of global digital payments while reinforcing demand for US financial assets. Yet financial power alone has never sustained global primacy. The tensions unfolding in the Persian Gulf underline the continuing importance of energy and maritime geography. Nearly a fifth of the world’s oil passes through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the most sensitive chokepoints in the global economy. Any disruption there would ripple immediately through energy markets. Even as countries speak of energy transition, petroleum remains central to the functioning of the global economy. Control over energy flows — and the sea lanes that carry them — continues to confer immense geopolitical leverage. The Gulf crisis also highlights another strategic reality: China’s growing energy vulnerability. China is now the world’s largest importer of crude oil, much of it sourced from the Persian Gulf and transported across the Indian Ocean toward East Asia. This dependence creates what Chinese strategists call the “Malacca dilemma” — the vulnerability of China’s energy lifeline to disruption along maritime chokepoints. The security of the Gulf, therefore, carries implications not only for global markets but also for the balance of power in Asia. A parallel contest is unfolding over the resources that will power the technologies of the future. Lithium, cobalt, nickel, copper and rare earth elements are essential inputs for electric vehicles, semiconductors and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Control over these supply chains is rapidly becoming as strategically significant as control over oil was in the twentieth century. Together, these forces are reshaping the strategic foundations of the global system. The system that underpinned American dominance rested on three pillars: the dollar, energy markets and maritime power. The emerging system is taking shape around four: digital dollar networks, global capital markets, control over energy and mineral supply chains, and military power capable of securing the sea lanes through which these resources move. This does not mean the world is returning to uncontested American supremacy. China retains major advantages in manufacturing, infrastructure development and mineral processing. Beijing is expanding economic partnerships across Asia, Africa and Latin America while promoting alternative financial arrangements. The emerging global system is therefore likely to resemble a hybrid order — one in which financial power remains concentrated in the United States while industrial capacity and production networks become more widely distributed. For India, this evolving landscape presents both opportunity and risk. India’s growing technological capabilities and expanding economy position it well to benefit from the diversification of global supply chains. Partnerships in advanced manufacturing, semiconductors, digital infrastructure and critical minerals could significantly strengthen India’s strategic position. At the same time, India remains deeply exposed to developments in the Persian Gulf. A large share of India’s oil imports passes through the Strait of Hormuz. Any sustained disruption in that corridor would have immediate economic consequences. Yet India’s geography also offers a strategic advantage. The sea lanes connecting the Persian Gulf to East Asia pass directly across the Indian Ocean, the principal artery of the world’s energy trade. Positioned near the midpoint of these routes, India occupies a uniquely important location in the emerging maritime system. During the twentieth century, the North Atlantic formed the strategic centre of the global order. In the twenty-first century, the Indian Ocean is increasingly assuming that role. For India, the ability to help secure these maritime corridors could become one of its most significant strategic contributions to global stability. The Gulf crisis may therefore prove to be more than a regional confrontation. It is an early warning that the structure of global power is changing — and that the states which recognise this shift first will shape the rules of the next international order. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

India’s growing technological capabilities and expanding economy position it well to benefit from the diversification of global supply chains.

Why the Gulf crisis could reshape the global order — and India’s role in it

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Sunday (Mar 15) vowed to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the war with Israel and the United States. In a statement, the IRGC said that if Netanyahu is alive, they will “pursue and kill him”. This comes following the rumours claiming that Netanyahu was assassinated or missing during the West Asia war. However, the Israeli PM’s office dismissed the reports as “fake news”, saying that the “Prime Minister is fine.”


'If He's Alive': Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps Vows To 'Pursue And Kill' PM Netanyahu

Countries are managing economies during war through emergency measures like energy price caps, fuel subsidies, and releasing strategic reserves to combat inflation and supply disruptions. Governments are diversifying energy sources, offering fiscal support to affected sectors, and using monetary policy to navigate soaring oil prices and market volatility. 


US-Iran War: How Are Countries Managing Their Economies Amid War

Lebanon is reportedly preparing to form a delegation to engage in potential peace talks with Israel as regional tensions rise amid the ongoing US‑Israel war with Iran. Officials say the move aims to reduce hostilities along the border and explore diplomatic solutions, though Lebanon has stressed that a ceasefire should be in place before negotiations.


'No French Plan' To Stop War: Lebanon to Form Delegation for Potential Talks with Israel

The US military is utilising Tomahawk cruise missiles for deep strikes against Iranian targets, while relying heavily on SM-6, Patriot PAC-3, and THAAD interceptors to defend against retaliatory ballistic missile and drone attacks.

The US military is utilising Tomahawk cruise missiles for deep strikes against Iranian targets, while relying heavily on SM-6, Patriot PAC-3, and THAAD interceptors to defend against retaliatory ballistic missile and drone attacks.

Which missiles is the US military using most in the war against Iran?

The West Asia conflict will push up prices, but it will also likely harm US growth and job prospects. Analysts now see this as a fed rate-cut delayed rather than a hike story.


Risks Still Skewed Towards Lower Rates on Growth Worries

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Sunday (Mar 15) vowed to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the war with Israel and the United States. In a statement, the IRGC said that if Netanyahu is alive, they will “pursue and kill him”. This comes following the rumours claiming that Netanyahu was assassinated or missing during the West Asia war. However, the Israeli PM’s office dismissed the reports as “fake news”, saying that the “Prime Minister is fine.”“If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force,” said the Guards on their website, Sepah News. The warning comes as hostilities in West Asia continue to rise amid the war.Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) raised doubts about the well-being of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender,” Trump said. However, he added that reports of his death were “rumours”.On February 28, 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.In recent days, Trump has claimed victory in the war with Iran. On Friday (Mar 13), the US forces struck Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal located in the northern Persian Gulf. Trump said that the US was striking military targets on Iran’s “crown jewel”. He added that “for reasons of decency”, he did not “wipe out” the oil infrastructure on the island. He further warned that he would reconsider his decision if Iran interfered with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.The attack came after Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Thursday (Mar 12) warned the United States and Israel, saying that Tehran will “abandon all restraint” if its islands in the Gulf are attacked.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;

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to eliminate Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it will “pursue and kill him” if he is alive amid the escalating Iran-Israel war.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards on Sunday (Mar 15) vowed to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid the war with Israel and the United States. In a statement, the IRGC said that if Netanyahu is alive, they will “pursue and kill him”. This comes following the rumours claiming that Netanyahu was assassinated or missing during the West Asia war. However, the Israeli PM’s office dismissed the reports as “fake news”, saying that the “Prime Minister is fine.” “If this child-killing criminal is alive, we will continue to pursue and kill him with full force,” said the Guards on their website, Sepah News. The warning comes as hostilities in West Asia continue to rise amid the war. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) raised doubts about the well-being of Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei. “I don’t know if he’s even alive. So far, nobody’s been able to show him. I’m hearing he’s not alive, and if he is, he should do something very smart for his country, and that’s surrender,” Trump said. However, he added that reports of his death were “rumours”. On February 28, 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. In recent days, Trump has claimed victory in the war with Iran. On Friday (Mar 13), the US forces struck Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal located in the northern Persian Gulf. Trump said that the US was striking military targets on Iran’s “crown jewel”. He added that “for reasons of decency”, he did not “wipe out” the oil infrastructure on the island. He further warned that he would reconsider his decision if Iran interfered with the passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The attack came after Iran’s parliament speaker, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on Thursday (Mar 12) warned the United States and Israel, saying that Tehran will “abandon all restraint” if its islands in the Gulf are attacked. 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.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps vowed to eliminate Benjamin Netanyahu, saying it will “pursue and kill him” if he is alive amid the escalating Iran-Israel war.

‘If Netanyahu is alive...’: Iran’s Revolutionary Guards vow to ‘pursue and kill’ Israeli PM amid war

Iran has pressed on with sustained missile and drone attacks across the Gulf region, despite repeated protests from its neighbours, in ongoing retaliation in the war launched by the United States and Israel.


Iran War: US-Allies Gulf Nations Report Multiple Interceptions, Explosions

The Pentagon on Saturday (Mar 14) named the six US crew members killed in a refuelling aircraft crash in western Iraq earlier this week. The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker went down on Thursday (Mar 12) near the town of Turaibil along the Iraqi-Jordanian border. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire. Iran, however, claims that its allied forces downed the aircraft, killing all crew aboard. Since the beginning of the Iran war, at least 13 US troops have been killed. Another plane that was part of the operation had landed safely.The sex members who were killed in the crash were: John Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio.While the first three were members of the US Air Force, the latter were stationed with the US Air National Guard.The US CENTCOM earlier said that the “loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire”. However, the crash remains under investigation, according to Pentagon officials.The KC-135 crash is at least the fourth US military aircraft that has crashed during the war. Before this, three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait.On February 28, 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.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.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.

The United States has named six US crew members killed after a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq. US Central Command said the crash was not due to hostile fire.

The Pentagon on Saturday (Mar 14) named the six US crew members killed in a refuelling aircraft crash in western Iraq earlier this week. The Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker went down on Thursday (Mar 12) near the town of Turaibil along the Iraqi-Jordanian border. The United States Central Command (CENTCOM) said in a statement that the crash was not caused by hostile fire or friendly fire. Iran, however, claims that its allied forces downed the aircraft, killing all crew aboard. Since the beginning of the Iran war, at least 13 US troops have been killed. Another plane that was part of the operation had landed safely. The sex members who were killed in the crash were: John Klinner, 33, of Auburn, Alabama; Ariana Savino, 31, of Covington, Washington; Ashley Pruitt, 34, of Bardstown, Kentucky; Seth Koval, 38, of Mooresville, Indiana; Curtis Angst, 30, of Wilmington, Ohio; and Tyler Simmons, 28, of Columbus, Ohio. While the first three were members of the US Air Force, the latter were stationed with the US Air National Guard. The US CENTCOM earlier said that the “loss of the aircraft was not due to hostile fire or friendly fire”. However, the crash remains under investigation, according to Pentagon officials. The KC-135 crash is at least the fourth US military aircraft that has crashed during the war. Before this, three F-15s were shot down by friendly fire over Kuwait. On February 28, 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. 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. 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.

The United States has named six US crew members killed after a Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq. US Central Command said the crash was not due to hostile fire.

Iran war: US military identifies six personnel killed in KC-135 Stratotanker crash in Iraq

Iranian state media report that a missile strike on an industrial area in Isfahan has killed at least 15 people and caused significant damage to a factory producing heating and cooling equipment. The attack occurred during working hours and marks a dramatic escalation in the conflict, with Tehran attributing responsibility to U.S.–Israeli military operations in the region


US-Iran War | Iran Media: Missile Strike on Isfahan Industrial Area Kills 15

Amid the escalating war in West Asia, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the last person the United States would need help from in fighting with Iran. Trump made the remarks after Zelensky earlier this month offered to assist the American forces and their allies in intercepting Iranian drones using the Ukrainian military’s experience in fending off Russian drones. Earlier on Tuesday (Mar 10), the Ukrainian leader said that his country was sending teams to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to share their knowledge.In an interview with NBC News, the US president said, “We don’t need help,” when asked about potential assistance from Ukraine. He added that the “last person we need help from is Zelensky.” Although Trump declined to comment on whether the US has accepted Ukraine’s help with drone interception technology.Earlier on Friday (Mar 13), Zelensky said in a post on X, “Countries in the Middle East have reached out to us, asking to share our expertise in intercepting Iranian ‘shahed’ drones during massive strikes. That is why we have already sent expert teams to three countries.”Following his offer, an Iranian politician warned the Ukrainian leader, saying that his country was a “legitimate and lawful target” for Iran because of Kyiv’s offer to help defend against Iranian drones.Earlier Saturday, an Iranian politician said Ukraine was a “legitimate and lawful target” for Iran because Ukraine offered help defending against Iranian drones.Trump also spoke about lifting sanctions on Russian oil amid the surge in global oil prices due to the war in the Gulf. “I want to have oil for the world. I want to have oil,” Trump said. However, he added that the sanctions imposed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 will “go back as soon as the crisis is over.”Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, several vessels have been targeted while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on March 5 said that the passage is closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies. On March 10, the IRGC said that it will grant certain countries unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but that this safe passage will be conditional. The IRGC said that only those Arab or European nations that expel Israeli and American ambassadors from their territory will be granted the right to transit through the strategic waterway, which accounts for roughly 20 per cent of the global oil supply passing through it daily.The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices.Trump calls Zelensky ‘difficult’ for making a deal withTrump was also asked about criticism from foreign leaders about lifting sanctions on Russian oil. While he did not answer the question directly, he slammed Zelensky for being “difficult” to make a deal.“I’m surprised that Zelenskyy doesn’t want to make a deal. Tell Zelenskyy to make a deal because Putin’s willing to make a deal,” Trump said. “Zelenskyy is far more difficult to make a deal with.”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.

Donald Trump says Volodymyr Zelensky is the “last person” the US needs help from after Kyiv offered expertise to counter Iranian drones. Trump also called Zelensky “difficult” to make a deal with.

Amid the escalating war in West Asia, US President Donald Trump on Saturday (Mar 14) said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is the last person the United States would need help from in fighting with Iran. Trump made the remarks after Zelensky earlier this month offered to assist the American forces and their allies in intercepting Iranian drones using the Ukrainian military’s experience in fending off Russian drones. Earlier on Tuesday (Mar 10), the Ukrainian leader said that his country was sending teams to Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to share their knowledge. In an interview with NBC News, the US president said, “We don’t need help,” when asked about potential assistance from Ukraine. He added that the “last person we need help from is Zelensky.” Although Trump declined to comment on whether the US has accepted Ukraine’s help with drone interception technology. Earlier on Friday (Mar 13), Zelensky said in a post on X, “Countries in the Middle East have reached out to us, asking to share our expertise in intercepting Iranian ‘shahed’ drones during massive strikes. That is why we have already sent expert teams to three countries.” Following his offer, an Iranian politician warned the Ukrainian leader, saying that his country was a “legitimate and lawful target” for Iran because of Kyiv’s offer to help defend against Iranian drones. Earlier Saturday, an Iranian politician said Ukraine was a “legitimate and lawful target” for Iran because Ukraine offered help defending against Iranian drones. Trump also spoke about lifting sanctions on Russian oil amid the surge in global oil prices due to the war in the Gulf. “I want to have oil for the world. I want to have oil,” Trump said. However, he added that the sanctions imposed during the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 will “go back as soon as the crisis is over.” Amid the escalating tensions in West Asia, several vessels have been targeted while passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has shut down the Strait of Hormuz and warned that any vessel attempting to pass could be targeted and set on fire, with several oil tankers being hit in recent days. However, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on March 5 said that the passage is closed to vessels from the United States, Israel, Europe and their Western allies. On March 10, the IRGC said that it will grant certain countries unrestricted passage through the Strait of Hormuz, but that this safe passage will be conditional. The IRGC said that only those Arab or European nations that expel Israeli and American ambassadors from their territory will be granted the right to transit through the strategic waterway, which accounts for roughly 20 per cent of the global oil supply passing through it daily. The Strait of Hormuz is the only maritime outlet for ports located in the Persian Gulf. Its blockage has significantly affected global energy supply, triggering a sharp rise in oil prices. Trump calls Zelensky ‘difficult’ for making a deal with Trump was also asked about criticism from foreign leaders about lifting sanctions on Russian oil. While he did not answer the question directly, he slammed Zelensky for being “difficult” to make a deal. “I’m surprised that Zelenskyy doesn’t want to make a deal. Tell Zelenskyy to make a deal because Putin’s willing to make a deal,” Trump said. “Zelenskyy is far more difficult to make a deal with.” 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.

Donald Trump says Volodymyr Zelensky is the “last person” the US needs help from after Kyiv offered expertise to counter Iranian drones. Trump also called Zelensky “difficult” to make a deal with.

‘Last person we need help from is Zelensky’: Trump snubs Ukrainian leader’s assistance in Iran war

Iran has deployed about a dozen mines in ​the Strait of Hormuz, two sources familiar with the matter ‌said, in a move likely to complicate the reopening of the narrow waterway, an important route for shipping oil and liquefied natural gas.
Exports of ​oil and LNG through the strategic chokepoint along Iran's ​coast have effectively been halted by the war launched 12 ⁠days ago by the United States and Israel, helping to ​drive a surge in world energy prices.

Iran War: US Intelligence Reports Says Iran Laying Mines in Strat of Hormuz

US-Iran War | Trump: Strikes Demolished Most Of Kharg Island

The Indian Navy has deployed warships near the Persian Gulf amid escalating tensions in West Asia, as the US‑Iran conflict intensifies. Officials say the deployment aims to protect India’s strategic interests, shipping routes, and energy supply lines.


Two India-Bound Navy Vessels Cross the Strait of Hormuz Amid Rising Regional Tensions

In the midst of the US‑Iran war, Iranian officials have declared that the Strait of Hormuz will not be reopened to U.S. and Israeli vessels, effectively restricting access for their ships despite global calls to secure the vital shipping lane.


Iran War: Trump Urges Naval Coalition as Iran Says Hormuz Closed

All six crew members aboard a US KC-135 refuelling aircraft that crashed in western Iraq have been confirmed dead, according to US Central Command.

The aircraft went down during a mission supporting the US campaign against Iran. Two KC-135 tankers were involved in the operation, but the second aircraft landed safely. Officials say the crash occurred in what the military described as “friendly airspace.”

US officials have said the incident was not caused by hostile or friendly fire, and the cause of the crash is under investigation.

The loss of the tanker and its crew highlights the risks facing US forces as the war with Iran continues to escalate across the region.

Iraq Crash: US Airmen Killed Identified as One Major Three Captains & Two Tech Sergeants

Iran War: Araghchi Hits Back at Trump's Plan on Hormuz

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Israel’s FM Gideon Saar denies reports of interceptor shortages, talks with Lebanon

Araghchi claims US is using 'LUCAS' drones that match Shahed 'perfectly'

UK may send mine-hunting drones to help open Strait of Hormuz: Ed Miliband

Iran calls on countries to 'avoid action that could widen the war

Who is making decisions in war-torn Iran after Ali Khamenei's assassination?