Iran’s parliament is discussing a proposal to impose a security tax on ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz, a key global trade route. The move comes amid rising tensions and disruptions in maritime traffic, raising concerns over global energy supplies, shipping costs, and further escalation in the region.

Iran's Parliament Discusses Plan to Impose Security Tax on Ships Passing Through Hormuz Strait 

Israel’s ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, affirmed that Israel retains the capability to continue military operations against Iran and reiterated strategic objectives in the ongoing conflict, with no shift in goals. He also highlighted readiness for diplomatic engagement if Iran alters its course and stressed Israel’s military resolve.

Israel-Iran War | Israel’s Ambassador: Israel Has Capability to Continue Operations Against Iran

Iran has warned that further attacks on its energy infrastructure will lead to retaliatory strikes on Gulf energy facilities, potentially targeting oil and gas hubs in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. The warning comes after the South Pars gas field and other sites were struck, heightening fears of broader conflict and energy disruption.

Breaking: Iran Threatens to Destroy West Asia's Energy Infra if Attacked 

US President Donald Trump said Israel will not make further strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field and urged restraint after regional escalation. Trump claimed the US had no prior knowledge of the attack and warned Iran not to hit Qatar’s energy sites, urging a halt to energy infrastructure attacks that have rocked markets and the conflict.

Israel-Iran War: Trump Says Israel Will Avoid South Pars, Urges Iran Not to Target Qatar

France’s Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot is set to visit Lebanon as tensions escalate in the region. The visit comes shortly after the European Union called on Israel to halt its military strikes on Lebanese territory.

According to France’s foreign ministry, the trip underscores Paris’ support and solidarity with the Lebanese people, who it says are being drawn into a conflict they did not choose.

The development highlights growing international concern over the escalating situation and increasing pressure for de-escalation in the Middle East.

France FM to Visit Lebanon After EU Urges Israel to Halt Strikes 

A drone has been spotted over a US Army base in Washington, where senior officials including Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth have official residences.

According to reports, multiple unidentified drones were detected over Fort McNair on at least one night in recent days, prompting heightened security measures and internal discussions at the White House.

Officials have not yet identified the origin or intent of the drones, raising concerns about surveillance and potential security vulnerabilities at one of the most sensitive military locations in the US.

The incident comes amid heightened tensions linked to the ongoing Iran conflict, with US authorities closely monitoring possible threats.

US-Iran War: Drone Seen Over US Army Base Housing Rubio, Hegseth Raises Security Alarm | WION

The ongoing war in West Asia is raising fresh concerns over global food security, with fertiliser supplies under pressure.

Around 35% of the world’s urea shipments face disruption due to risks to key shipping routes, particularly through strategic chokepoints affected by the conflict.

The disruption could push up fertiliser prices, impacting agricultural production and food costs worldwide, especially in import-dependent regions.


US-Israel Strike Iran: West Asia War Threatens Fertiliser Supply, 35% of Global Urea at Risk | WION

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a strong warning, saying they will continue targeting top Iranian officials as the conflict intensifies. The statement comes amid a wave of high-profile strikes that have already eliminated several senior figures in Iran’s leadership.

Meanwhile, U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has released new footage showing precision strikes on Iranian military infrastructure. The video highlights ongoing operations aimed at dismantling Iran’s missile systems and defense capabilities.

IDF Vows to Target Top Iranian Officials: CENTCOM Releases Iran Strike Video

US President Donald Trump has said Israel will not carry out further strikes on Iran’s South Pars gas field, while issuing a sharp warning to Tehran amid escalating tensions.

Trump warned that if Iran targets Qatar again, the United States would respond by “massively” striking Iran’s gas field, one of the world’s largest energy reserves.

His remarks come after Iranian missile strikes hit Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub following earlier attacks on Iran’s energy infrastructure.

The developments mark a dangerous escalation in the conflict, with energy infrastructure across the Gulf increasingly becoming a key target.

US-Iran War: Trump Says Israel Will Not Strike Iran Gas Plant Again

Africa is facing a growing fuel crisis as the ongoing West Asia conflict disrupts key energy supply routes.

Around 600,000 barrels of daily fuel supply to the continent are now at risk, with tensions around the Strait of Hormuz raising fears of further disruptions.

The chokepoint, crucial for global oil transit, has become a flashpoint amid the Iran war, leaving several African economies vulnerable to supply shocks and rising fuel costs.


US-Iran War: Africa Fuel Crisis Deepens as Iran War Threatens 600,000 Barrels Supply | WION

Top US intelligence officials faced intense questioning in the Senate, with lawmakers pressing Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard on whether Iran posed an “imminent threat” before the war.

During the hearing, Gabbard repeatedly declined to give a direct answer, saying it is the president, not the intelligence community, who determines what constitutes an imminent threat.

Her response drew scrutiny from senators, as the Trump administration has cited an “imminent threat” from Iran to justify military action.

The hearing comes amid growing controversy, including the resignation of a top US counterterrorism official who said Iran posed “no imminent threat”, further fuelling debate over the intelligence behind the war.

US-Iran War: US Senators Grill Intel Chiefs, Gabbard Dodges ‘Imminent Threat’ Question on Iran |WION

The US Federal Reserve has kept interest rates on hold, even as rising geopolitical tensions linked to the Iran war complicate its economic outlook.

The central bank continues to project 0.25 percent rate cuts in both 2026 and 2027, balancing inflation risks driven by higher energy prices against a cooling labour market.

With oil prices rising and global uncertainty increasing, policymakers face a more complex path as they attempt to manage inflation without weakening growth further.

US-Iran War: Fed Keeps Rates on Hold, with One Dissenter | World Business Watch

A report says the UK’s National Security Adviser believed a nuclear deal between Iran and the United States was within reach shortly before the conflict began.

According to sources, Jonathan Powell attended the final round of US-Iran talks and saw “surprising” progress in negotiations, with Tehran putting forward a proposal that could have prevented a rush to war.

Diplomats indicated that further technical talks had already been scheduled, suggesting both sides were moving closer to an agreement before military action was launched.

The findings raise fresh questions over whether a diplomatic resolution was still possible before the escalation.

US-Iran War | Report: UK NSA Felt Iran-US Deal Was Within Reach Before War | WION

US-Iran War: Trump Says Israel Will Not Strike Iran Gas Plant Again | WION Breaking

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has warned that Pakistan’s missile programme could potentially reach the United States, raising concerns over long-range capabilities.

Gabbard said Pakistan’s arsenal may include intercontinental-range missiles, signalling a possible expansion in its strategic reach.

The remarks come amid heightened global focus on missile capabilities and evolving security threats.

US-Iran War: Tulsi Gabbard Warns Pakistan Missiles Could Reach US, Flags ICBM Capability | WION

QatarEnergy says an Iranian missile strike has damaged infrastructure at Ras Laffan Industrial City, the world’s largest LNG production site.

The attack triggered fires and caused what officials described as extensive damage to parts of the facility. Authorities said the site had been evacuated earlier after warnings that it could be targeted.

Doha has condemned the strike as a violation of its sovereignty and national security, as tensions escalate across the region.

Iran-US War: Iranian Missile Damages Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Facility | WION

Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has called for a new protocol governing the Strait of Hormuz, suggesting fresh rules for navigation after the ongoing conflict ends.

Araghchi said any new framework should be developed by countries bordering the Gulf and ensure safe passage under conditions aligned with regional and Iranian interests.

He also made it clear that Iran will not allow its “enemies” to use the strategic waterway, signalling continued restrictions amid rising tensions.

The Strait of Hormuz remains a critical global energy route, and any change in access or rules could have major implications for international oil and gas flows.

US-Israel Strikes: Iran FM Calls for New Hormuz Protocol, Says Enemies Won’t Be Allowed Access

Qatar has condemned the Iranian missile strike on Ras Laffan Industrial City, calling it a violation of its sovereignty and national security.

Authorities said the attack targeted the world’s largest LNG production site, causing fires and damage to key infrastructure. The facility had been evacuated prior to the strike following warnings of a possible attack.

Doha has strongly criticised the escalation, as tensions across the Gulf region continue to rise.

Iran Strikes Back: Qatar Condemns Iranian Strike on Ras Laffan LNG Facility | WION

US Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard has come under scrutiny after refusing to directly answer whether Iran posed an “imminent threat” to the United States before the war.

During a Senate hearing, Gabbard said determining what constitutes an imminent threat is the responsibility of the president, not the intelligence community, declining to give a clear yes-or-no answer.

The controversy comes as a senior US counterterrorism official, Joe Kent, resigned in protest, stating that Iran posed “no imminent threat” and questioning the justification for the conflict.

Lawmakers have criticised the lack of clarity, as conflicting assessments within the US administration raise questions over the intelligence basis for the war.

US-Iran War: Tulsi Gabbard Dodges Iran Threat Question, Top US Official Says No “Imminent Threat”

Iran Strikes Back: Iranian Missile Damages Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG Facility | WION

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has pointed to what he calls growing evidence that the US-led war is “unjust”, as criticism mounts over Washington’s actions.

His remarks come as the head of the US National Counterterrorism Center, Joe Kent, resigned in protest, saying Iran posed no imminent threat to the United States and questioning the basis for the conflict.

US-Iran War: Iran’s Araghchi Alleges “Unjust War” as US Counterterror Chief Quits | WION

Iran’s Deputy Ambassador to India says Tehran and New Delhi share common views on key strategic and regional issues, highlighting strong bilateral ties and cooperation amid ongoing geopolitical tensions.

Iran-India Relations: Iran's Deputy Ambassador to India Says Iran is on the Same Page With India 

Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant, the country’s only operational nuclear facility, was struck by a projectile, officials say. No damage or radiation leak has been reported. The incident raises concerns amid regional tensions.

Iran War: Iran Reports Projectile Strike at Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant

Israel has announced that it killed Iran’s intelligence minister, Esmaeil Khatib, in an overnight airstrike on Tehran. The move marks another major escalation in the ongoing conflict with Iran, following the deaths of other senior Iranian officials and increasing regional tensions and retaliatory attacks.

Israel-Iran War: Israel Conducts Overnight Strike, Iran’s Intelligence Chief Esmaeil Khatib Dead 

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