The US military has claimed it carried out strikes targeting Bandar Abbas, a key port city in southern Iran.

Bandar Abbas is a strategic hub near the Strait of Hormuz, making it a critical location for Iran’s military and energy infrastructure.

US-Iran War: US Military Claims Strikes on Bandar Abbas in Iran | WION

Iran has launched missiles and drones targeting the United Arab Emirates, marking another escalation in the widening regional conflict.

The UAE Ministry of Defence confirmed that its air defence systems were activated in response to incoming threats, intercepting missiles and drones over its territory.


Iran Strikes Back: Iran Launches Missiles, Drones at UAE as Air Defences Intercept Attack | Breaking

The ongoing Gulf crisis is reshaping global energy priorities, as countries increasingly prioritise energy security and affordability over decarbonisation goals.

Disruptions in oil and gas supplies, particularly around key routes like the Strait of Hormuz, have triggered renewed reliance on fossil fuels amid rising volatility.

As governments scramble to stabilise supply and control prices, the path to net zero is facing fresh uncertainty, raising questions about the future of climate commitments.

US-Iran War: Energy Security Replaces Decarbonisation as Top Priority | World Business Watch

Iran has launched fresh strikes targeting Israel and several Gulf states, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Reports indicate that an Iranian missile attack appeared to target a major Israeli power plant, though it struck an open area instead.

At the same time, Gulf countries have raised concerns over Iranian missile and drone attacks on their territories, calling them violations of sovereignty amid the widening war.

The strikes come as Iran continues retaliatory attacks across the region, including targeting energy and strategic infrastructure in Israel and Gulf states, intensifying fears of a broader regional conflict.

Iran Strikes Back: Tehran Targets Israeli Power Plant, Expands Strikes to Gulf States | WION

Iran has raised alarm over what it says is a potential plan by its adversaries to seize one of its islands, citing intelligence reports.

Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf warned that Tehran’s enemies, with support from a regional state, may be preparing for such a move.

Iran has issued a strong warning that any attempt to occupy its islands would trigger a severe response, with officials saying Tehran would “abandon all restraint” if its territorial integrity is threatened.

The warning comes amid growing speculation about potential military escalation around key Iranian islands in the Gulf, including strategic energy hubs that are critical to global oil flows.

Iran-US War: Iran Warns of Island Seizure Plot, Threatens Action Against Regional Backers | WION

West Asia is witnessing unusual weather patterns as rare heavy rains sweep across the United Arab Emirates, Oman and neighbouring regions.

Authorities have issued warnings over thunderstorms, flash floods and strong winds, with some areas experiencing intense downpours uncommon for the region.

The sudden weather shift comes amid broader climate volatility, with experts pointing to increasingly unpredictable patterns across arid regions.

The heavy rains have disrupted normal life in parts of the Gulf, raising concerns over flooding, infrastructure strain and travel disruptions.

Middle East: Rare Rains Lash UAE, Oman as West Asia Braces for Extreme Weather | WION

The ongoing US-Iran war is rapidly transforming global energy into a geopolitical weapon, with control over supply routes and infrastructure becoming central to strategy.

Disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key global chokepoint, have affected nearly 20% of the world’s oil supply, triggering price shocks, inflation and supply uncertainty.

Experts say the conflict has effectively “weaponised” energy flows, where selective disruptions and threats to shipping routes are being used to exert economic pressure globally.

The crisis is also forcing governments to rethink priorities. As energy security concerns rise, countries are reassessing climate commitments, turning back to fossil fuels, nuclear options and emergency stockpiling to stabilise supply.

The result is a widening global energy crisis that risks delaying climate goals, as nations prioritise immediate stability over long-term transition plans.

US-Iran War: Geopolitics Turns Energy Into Weapon as Iran War Derails Climate Goals | WION

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has announced an expansion of Israel’s “buffer zone” in southern Lebanon as military operations intensify.

Netanyahu said the move is aimed at pushing threats further from Israel’s northern border and preventing attacks from Hezbollah.

He also made clear that dismantling the Iran-backed Hezbollah remains a central objective of Israel’s campaign, linking the operations in Lebanon to the broader confrontation with Iran.

The expansion signals the possibility of a prolonged Israeli military presence inside Lebanese territory, as cross-border fighting continues to escalate.

Israel-Iran War: Netanyahu Expands Lebanon 'Buffer Zone', Vows to Dismantle Hezbollah | WION

Iran has rejected US claims that negotiations are underway, with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stating there are no talks taking place and that exchanges via intermediaries do not amount to negotiations.

The White House, however, continues to insist that discussions with Tehran are ongoing and “productive,” despite Iran’s public denial.

Tensions escalated further after the White House warned that President Donald Trump is prepared to “unleash hell” if Iran refuses to accept a deal to end the conflict.

Iran has also rejected a US-backed proposal to end the war, saying any resolution must be on its own terms, even as indirect channels remain active through mediators.

US-Iran War: Trump Warns to “Unleash Hell” If Iran Refuses Deal | WION

Israel and Hezbollah are exchanging heavy strikes as the conflict in Lebanon intensifies, with both sides launching attacks across the border.

Israeli forces have escalated airstrikes and ground operations, targeting what they say are Hezbollah positions, including infrastructure across southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut.

The escalation has triggered a major humanitarian crisis. More than one million people have been displaced across Lebanon as bombardment and evacuation orders force civilians to flee.

Hezbollah has responded with rocket and drone attacks into northern Israel, further fuelling fears of a wider regional war.

The ongoing strikes, including reported attacks on bridges, homes and key infrastructure, have drawn international concern over civilian impact and the risk of prolonged conflict.

US-Iran War: Israel-Hezbollah Clash Intensifies, Mass Displacement as Lebanon Hit Hard | WION

US-Iran War: Iran Rejects US Talks as White House Insists, Trump Threatens to “Unleash Hell” | WION

Iran has reportedly refused to engage in negotiations led by US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, citing deep mistrust over past talks.

Reports say Tehran views the two as unreliable after earlier diplomatic efforts collapsed and were followed by military escalation.

Instead, Iran has indicated a preference for US Vice President JD Vance to take the lead in any potential talks, seeing him as a more acceptable interlocutor.

Despite these developments, Iranian officials continue to publicly deny that any direct negotiations with the United States are currently underway.

US-Iran War | Report: Iran Rejects Witkoff, Kushner Talks, Wants JD Vance To Lead | WION

Officials say capped fuel prices and fears of future price hikes are also contributing to hoarding and uneven supply across the country.

The situation highlights Africa’s vulnerability to external shocks, with rising oil prices and disrupted supply chains already impacting multiple economies across the continent.

US-Iran War: Kenya Faces Fuel Shortages As West Asia War Disrupts Supply Chains | WION

The United States has proposed a peace plan to Iran that includes sanctions relief and support for a civilian nuclear energy programme, according to multiple reports.

Under the proposal pushed by US President Donald Trump, Iran would be required to dismantle key parts of its nuclear programme, halt uranium enrichment and limit missile activities.

In return, Washington is offering full sanctions relief and assistance in developing civilian nuclear energy under international monitoring.

The plan is part of a broader 15-point framework aimed at ending the conflict, though Iran has publicly denied engaging in direct negotiations with the US.

US-Iran War: Trump Peace Plan Offers Sanctions Relief To Iran, Civil Nuclear Support | Breaking

Iran has launched a fresh wave of missile strikes targeting Israel as well as US-linked military bases in Kuwait, Jordan and Bahrain, according to Iranian state media.

Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said the attacks were aimed at Israeli targets and US forces in the region, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Air defence systems were activated across multiple countries, with interceptions reported, including in Kuwait where drones struck infrastructure and triggered a fire at the airport.

The strikes come amid widening regional tensions, with multiple fronts now active across West Asia.

Iran-US War: Iran Fires Missiles At Israel, Kuwait, Jordan And Bahrain | WION

The US Central Command (CENTCOM) has released new footage it says shows American strikes on targets inside Iran, highlighting the scale of ongoing operations.

According to CENTCOM, US forces have struck more than 9,000 targets since the start of the conflict, targeting missile sites, military infrastructure and strategic assets.

The video release is part of Washington’s effort to showcase its military campaign, even as tensions with Iran continue to escalate across the region

US-Iran War: CENTCOM Releases Iran Strike Video, Claims Over 9,000 Targets Hit | WION

Pakistan has offered to host potential talks between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing conflict, positioning itself as a possible mediator.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Islamabad is ready to facilitate dialogue if both sides agree.

US President Donald Trump reposted the proposal on Truth Social, fuelling speculation about backchannel diplomacy, even as Iran continues to deny any direct negotiations with Washington.

US-Iran War: Pakistan Offers To Host Iran–US Talks, Trump Reposts Proposal | WION

US President Donald Trump has claimed that regime change has effectively taken place in Iran, even as the conflict continues.

Trump also said Washington is “talking to the right people” in Iran and that Tehran wants a deal “very badly,” suggesting negotiations are underway.

However, Iranian officials have repeatedly denied any direct talks, dismissing such claims as false amid ongoing hostilities.

The conflicting claims come as military operations continue and diplomatic efforts remain uncertain.

US-Iran War: Trump Claims Regime Change In Iran, Says US Talking To “Right People” | WION

The Philippines has declared an energy emergency as the ongoing West Asia conflict begins to impact fuel supplies.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said the country is facing tightening fuel availability, with supply disruptions linked to the conflict affecting imports.

Officials warned that the situation could strain energy security and drive up costs, as global supply chains remain under pressure.

US-Iran War: Philippines Declares Energy Emergency As West Asia War Hits Fuel Supply | WION

Fuel prices do not fall as quickly as they rise. Even if tensions in West Asia ease and supply routes reopen, consumers may not see immediate relief at the pump.

Oil markets respond to supply shocks rapidly, but retail fuel prices adjust more slowly due to refining, transport costs and pricing mechanisms. This lag means falling crude prices do not instantly translate into cheaper petrol or diesel.

The result is a familiar pattern where prices rise like rockets but fall like feathers.

US-Iran War: Why Gas Prices May Remain High After Conflict? | World Business Watch

Global markets remain highly sensitive to developments around the Iran conflict, with sentiment swinging on each new headline.

Recent hopes of a potential end to the war briefly pulled markets back from the brink, easing some extreme central bank pricing. However, expectations remain elevated amid continued uncertainty and tight liquidity conditions across markets.

Analysts say a clear and sustained update on the Iran situation will be key for stabilising market direction.

US-Iran War: Clear Iran Update Needed for Markets to Turn | World Business Watch

Global markets are swinging sharply as hopes of a ceasefire in the Iran war lift sentiment, even as uncertainty remains high.

Reports that the United States has proposed a month-long ceasefire have triggered a rally across equities and a drop in oil prices, offering temporary relief to investors.

However, analysts warn that volatility is likely to continue, with markets still heavily driven by geopolitical headlines and unclear outcomes in the conflict.

US-Iran War: Ceasefire Hopes Spark Global Market Rally | World Business Watch

The United States is preparing a major troop deployment to the Middle East as the conflict with Iran intensifies, according to multiple reports.

Officials say between 3,000 and 4,000 soldiers from the elite 82nd Airborne Division could be sent to the region, adding to a broader military buildup.

The move would expand Washington’s military options, with troops capable of rapid deployment for potential operations, though no decision has been announced to send forces into Iran itself.

The deployment comes alongside additional US reinforcements, including Marines and naval assets already moving into the region.

US-Iran War | Report: US Plans Major Troop Deployment To Middle East Amid Iran War | WION