Lebanese authorities have arrested a man accused of working as an Israeli spy and allegedly infiltrating Hezbollah's internal network in one of the most significant counterintelligence cases in recent years. According to Lebanese investigators, the suspect is believed to have provided Israel with highly sensitive intelligence that allegedly helped identify targets for the assassinations of several senior Hezbollah military commanders during 2024. Reports claim the suspect maintained close access to Hezbollah's leadership and passed intelligence after meeting alleged Israeli intelligence operatives during trips abroad. Lebanese officials say he was arrested at Beirut's airport while attempting to leave the country for Iraq after months of surveillance.

Lebanon arrests alleged Israeli spy accused of infiltrating hezbollah &helping target top commanders

The conflict between the United States and Iran has entered a dangerous new phase as both sides exchange large-scale military strikes across West Asia. According to Iranian state media, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched Operation Nasr 2, firing advanced ballistic missiles, including Fateh, Fateh-110, and Zolfaghar missiles, targeting US military bases across the Gulf. Iran claims to have struck the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain, along with facilities in Jordan and Kuwait. Meanwhile, the United States launched a fresh wave of airstrikes targeting military infrastructure in Bushehr, Bandar Abbas, Chabahar, Jask, Konarak, and Abu Musa, reportedly using one-way attack sea drones for the first time.

US-Iran conflict  | Iran fires ballistic missiles at US bases across gulf after fresh strikes

The regional conflict in the Middle East has entered a dangerous new phase as Kuwait reports coordinated attacks on its sovereign territory. Early Sunday, July 12, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Defence confirmed that three land border posts in the country’s northern region were hit by hostile strikes, resulting in significant material damage.  


Reports of attacks near Kuwait’s border amidst regional tensions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack fundamentally changed Israel's security doctrine. Israel now insists on maintaining buffer zones inside Gaza, southern Lebanon, and parts of Syria, arguing they are essential to prevent future attacks. While Israeli leaders say the policy is about national security, critics accuse Israel of prolonged military occupation and violating neighboring countries' sovereignty.

Israel says October 7 changed everything, Netanyahu defends buffer zones in Gaza, Lebanon & Syria

India expressed its deep concern on Wednesday over the renewed escalation in West Asia, and urged the United States and Iran to exercise restraint, return to dialogue and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce as fresh hostilities threatened to further destabilise the region.The statement came hours after fresh military exchanges between the US and Iran heightened fears that the fragile truce between the two countries could give way to a wider regional conflict.&nbsp;The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the latest attacks and rising tensions after fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region, risked undermining regional peace, security and stability.“India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region,” the MEA said.“These developments risk undermining regional peace, security and stability,” it said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-says-us-may-reinstate-naval-blockade-attack-iran-s-oil-electric-and-water-infrastructure-1783522388324">Trump says US may reinstate naval blockade, attack Iran’s oil, electric and water infrastructure</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Our statement on recent developments in West Asia ⬇️ 🔗 <a href="https://t.co/rWqcGzeW2M">https://t.co/rWqcGzeW2M</a> <a href="https://t.co/wqhZBuZ3Pv">pic.twitter.com/wqhZBuZ3Pv</a>&mdash; Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://x.com/MEAIndia/status/2074879241792209202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;&nbsp;Calling for immediate de-escalation, India urged all sides to exercise restraint, protect civilians and avoid any action that could further escalate the conflict.“India calls upon all parties to exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions, and ensure protection of civilians as well as the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce,” the ministry said further in the statement.The MEA also stressed that diplomacy remained the only viable path to resolving the crisis.“We urge the parties to return to dialogue and diplomacy to achieve a peaceful and lasting solution to the conflict,” it said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/operation-hard-ball-us-cites-moosewala-murder-salman-khan-threats-in-indictment-against-bishnoi-gang-1783516425084">Operation Hard Ball: US cites Moosewala murder, Salman Khan threats in indictment against Bishnoi gang</a>&nbsp;Three commercial vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz came under attack within 24 hours on Monday. The incidents included attacks on a Qatari LNG carrier, a Saudi-flagged crude oil tanker and another commercial vessel that sustained structural damage after being struck by an unidentified projectile.&nbsp;The attacks were followed by a major military response from the United States, which launched strikes on more than 80 Iranian military targets, including air defence systems, coastal radar installations, command-and-control centres and dozens of Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) naval assets.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nato-unveils-billions-in-arms-deals-after-trump-s-pressure-for-higher-defence-spending-1783428507988">NATO unveils billions in arms deals after Trump’s pressure for higher defence spending</a>&nbsp;Reports also claimed that an Indian oil tanker was turned back after attempting to use the Omani corridor, underscoring the growing uncertainty surrounding navigation through the strategic waterway.India imports a substantial portion of its crude oil from the Gulf and relies heavily on the Strait of Hormuz for energy shipments, and hence, the developments have heightened concerns over energy security, trade flows and the safety of Indian commercial interests in the region.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region.

India expressed its deep concern on Wednesday over the renewed escalation in West Asia, and urged the United States and Iran to exercise restraint, return to dialogue and ensure the uninterrupted flow of energy supplies and commerce as fresh hostilities threatened to further destabilise the region. The statement came hours after fresh military exchanges between the US and Iran heightened fears that the fragile truce between the two countries could give way to a wider regional conflict. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the latest attacks and rising tensions after fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region, risked undermining regional peace, security and stability. “India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region,” the MEA said. “These developments risk undermining regional peace, security and stability,” it said. Also Read: Trump says US may reinstate naval blockade, attack Iran’s oil, electric and water infrastructure

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said India is deeply concerned over the recent attacks and escalation of tensions in West Asia, which have followed fresh targeting of commercial shipping transiting international waterways in the region.

‘Exercise restraint, de-escalate tensions’: India urges US, Iran to ensure ‘uninterrupted flow of energy’

Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah continues despite a nominal ceasefire, with fresh strikes and evacuation orders heightening tensions. Israel has urged residents to leave parts of Nabatiyeh in southern Lebanon, while reports suggest U.S. President Donald Trump expressed anger over the latest escalation. The developments have raised concerns about the risk of a wider regional conflict.

Israel Orders Nabatiyeh Evacuation As Trump Reportedly Blasts Netanyahu Over Lebanon Escalation

The $3.4 billion USS Tripoli is named after the 1805 Battle of Derna during the First Barbary War. It honours the first overseas victory of the US Marine Corps, where eight Marines and a mercenary army captured a key fortress in present-day Libya.


‘Honour to US Marines’: What is USS Tripoli named after?

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


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

The Indian alcoholic beverage industry on Wednesday urged state governments to approve price increases of up to 15 per cent. The demand of the two of India's most powerful industry bodies has come amid soaring raw material costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products. The body is seeking to increase the amount between Rs 100 and Rs 150 per case of 9 litres, based on bottle weight and product segment. Anant S. Iyer, Director General of CIABC, told the news agency ANI, "We would like a price increase anywhere ranging from 100 rupees to about 150 rupees, depending on the segment of the product that it operates in." &nbsp;Meanwhile, the Brewers Association of India (BAI), the top body representing beer giants such as AB InBev, United Breweries (a Heineken company), and Carlsberg, has requested the state governments to increase up to Rs 25-30 per case (12 bottles of 650 ml) in beer prices. Painting a ferocious picture of the finances of the sector, Vinod Giri, Director General of BAI, said, "Beer companies are in a loss in many states today. They will not survive if the prices are not increased." He also urged both the government and consumers to share the burden, despite putting it completely on the industry. The trigger for the crisis escalated amid the Middle East conflict that has sent shockwaves through global supply chains, putting the cost of crude oil, energy, packaging materials, and industrial inputs that the beverage industry highly depends on. With the alcohol and beverage industry contributing nearly Rs 350 lakh crore annually to government revenues, industry leaders say the sector urgently needs policy support. "I hope the government will decide in this regard at some point -- but that must be immediate and now. So we are requesting the state governments to help us," said Giri.<h3>Why alcoholic beverage industry demanding a hike in price?</h3>The severity of the cost pressures becomes evident from the sharp rise in input prices. Domestic polymer manufacturers, such as BPCL, RIL and IOCL, have been revising prices repeatedly as naphtha costs climb and supplies from the Middle East face disruptions. Polypropylene (PP), used in plastic caps, has increased by Rs 35 per kg, a 36 per cent jump, since late February 2026, including a one-day surge of Rs 12 per kg on March 10. HDPE, another material used for bottle caps, has gone up by per kg (around 31 per cent), with supplies tightening after imports from Iran were affected by force majeure conditions in the Gulf. PET resin, a key packaging material, has risen by Rs 34.50 per kg, about 40 per cent in just a month, driven by higher crude-linked inputs such as PTA and MEG. Paperboard costs have also climbed, as freight charges for imported wastepaper from the US and Europe have increased sharply, ranging between $400 and $1,500 per container. Meanwhile, aluminium prices on the LME, used for ROPP bottle caps, have risen 8 per cent to $3,406 per metric tonne since late February, with premiums staying high as shipping routes avoid the Strait of Hormuz.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-turkiye-sign-typhoon-training-deal-in-major-8-billion-defence-agreement-uk-turkiye-typhoon-deal-pilot-training-nato-defence-2026-1774445387992">UK-Turkey sign Typhoon training deal in major £8 billion defence agreement</a>

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products. 

The Indian alcoholic beverage industry on Wednesday urged state governments to approve price increases of up to 15 per cent. The demand of the two of India's most powerful industry bodies has come amid soaring raw material costs triggered by the ongoing Middle East conflict. The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products. The body is seeking to increase the amount between Rs 100 and Rs 150 per case of 9 litres, based on bottle weight and product segment. Anant S. Iyer, Director General of CIABC, told the news agency ANI, "We would like a price increase anywhere ranging from 100 rupees to about 150 rupees, depending on the segment of the product that it operates in." Meanwhile, the Brewers Association of India (BAI), the top body representing beer giants such as AB InBev, United Breweries (a Heineken company), and Carlsberg, has requested the state governments to increase up to Rs 25-30 per case (12 bottles of 650 ml) in beer prices. Painting a ferocious picture of the finances of the sector, Vinod Giri, Director General of BAI, said, "Beer companies are in a loss in many states today. They will not survive if the prices are not increased." He also urged both the government and consumers to share the burden, despite putting it completely on the industry. The trigger for the crisis escalated amid the Middle East conflict that has sent shockwaves through global supply chains, putting the cost of crude oil, energy, packaging materials, and industrial inputs that the beverage industry highly depends on. With the alcohol and beverage industry contributing nearly Rs 350 lakh crore annually to government revenues, industry leaders say the sector urgently needs policy support. "I hope the government will decide in this regard at some point -- but that must be immediate and now. So we are requesting the state governments to help us," said Giri. Why alcoholic beverage industry demanding a hike in price? The severity of the cost pressures becomes evident from the sharp rise in input prices. Domestic polymer manufacturers, such as BPCL, RIL and IOCL, have been revising prices repeatedly as naphtha costs climb and supplies from the Middle East face disruptions. Polypropylene (PP), used in plastic caps, has increased by Rs 35 per kg, a 36 per cent jump, since late February 2026, including a one-day surge of Rs 12 per kg on March 10. HDPE, another material used for bottle caps, has gone up by per kg (around 31 per cent), with supplies tightening after imports from Iran were affected by force majeure conditions in the Gulf. PET resin, a key packaging material, has risen by Rs 34.50 per kg, about 40 per cent in just a month, driven by higher crude-linked inputs such as PTA and MEG. Paperboard costs have also climbed, as freight charges for imported wastepaper from the US and Europe have increased sharply, ranging between $400 and $1,500 per container. Meanwhile, aluminium prices on the LME, used for ROPP bottle caps, have risen 8 per cent to $3,406 per metric tonne since late February, with premiums staying high as shipping routes avoid the Strait of Hormuz. Also read: UK-Turkey sign Typhoon training deal in major £8 billion defence agreement

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC), the supreme body of the alcoholic beverage sector of India, has written to state governments demanding to revise the price for Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) products.&nbsp;

Here's why your next beer or whisky could burn hole in your pocket. Deets inside

Kuwaiti authorities have detained 10 individuals allegedly linked to Hezbollah in a major security crackdown. During the operation, officials seized Hezbollah flags and small drones, heightening concerns over potential militant activity in the region.

The arrests underscore rising security challenges in the Middle East, as nations intensify efforts to dismantle suspected networks and prevent potential threats.

Kuwait Busts Hezbollah Cell, 10 Arrested with Drones and Flags Seized 

After Kanye West and Flipperachi, Colombian singer Shakira’s concert in India has got postponed due to the rising geopolitical tensions in the world and regional security concerns. The delay impacts the highly anticipated Feeding India Concerts in Mumbai and New Delhi, which were set to mark the star's first performance in the country in nearly two decades.&nbsp;Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is originally scheduled for April 2026. The concert has been postponed and a new date for the concert has not been announced yet.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kanye-west-s-india-concert-pushed-by-two-months-will-take-place-on-this-date-1773653918491">Kanye West’s India concert pushed by two months, will take place on THIS date</a><h2>Shakira’s India concert postponed</h2>The Colombian singer was set to perform three highly anticipated shows as part of the Feeding India Concert series. Shakira was scheduled to perform at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse on April 10 and 11, followed by a performance at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on April 15.&nbsp;Organisers confirmed that the decision was made following a series of regional conflicts, escalated tensions in the Middle East, including recent military escalations involving Iran, Israel, and the US.&nbsp;&nbsp;These events have led to airspace closures and increased travel risks across the Gulf, which directly impact the tour’s transit routes.&nbsp;In a statement released on Tuesday, tour promoters cited the safety of the artist, crew, and fans as the primary reason for the delay. While the singer expressed her deep regret, the "current global climate" made it impossible to proceed with the planned dates safely.<h2>Ticket and Rescheduling Information</h2>Ticketing platform District by Zomato has assured fans that all purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. The new dates will be announced soon. For those unable to attend the new dates will be provided with full refunds.&nbsp;Before the postponement, the tour had seen "unprecedented demand," with tickets for the premium lounge sections reportedly reaching INR 32,000. There were rumours of a potential guest appearance by Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh in one of Mumbai's concerts. The news had further fuelled the excitement of fans.<h2>Middle East conflicts lead to the postponement of concerts</h2>Shakira is not the only artist affected by the current political landscape. Several international events across the Middle East and South Asia have faced similar challenges as organisers have postponed or cancelled shows owing to security concerns. Earlier, Kanye West and Flipperachi concerts also got postponed due to the same reason.&nbsp;

The Iran-US war has led to havoc worldwide. After Kanye West and Flipperachi, Shakira too has now postponed her concert in India, which was scheduled to take place in April. The new dates have not been announced so far. 

After Kanye West and Flipperachi, Colombian singer Shakira’s concert in India has got postponed due to the rising geopolitical tensions in the world and regional security concerns. The delay impacts the highly anticipated Feeding India Concerts in Mumbai and New Delhi, which were set to mark the star's first performance in the country in nearly two decades. Shakira’s Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour is originally scheduled for April 2026. The concert has been postponed and a new date for the concert has not been announced yet. Also read: Kanye West’s India concert pushed by two months, will take place on THIS date Shakira’s India concert postponed The Colombian singer was set to perform three highly anticipated shows as part of the Feeding India Concert series. Shakira was scheduled to perform at Mumbai’s Mahalaxmi Racecourse on April 10 and 11, followed by a performance at New Delhi’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium on April 15. Organisers confirmed that the decision was made following a series of regional conflicts, escalated tensions in the Middle East, including recent military escalations involving Iran, Israel, and the US. These events have led to airspace closures and increased travel risks across the Gulf, which directly impact the tour’s transit routes. In a statement released on Tuesday, tour promoters cited the safety of the artist, crew, and fans as the primary reason for the delay. While the singer expressed her deep regret, the "current global climate" made it impossible to proceed with the planned dates safely. Ticket and Rescheduling Information Ticketing platform District by Zomato has assured fans that all purchased tickets will remain valid for the rescheduled dates. The new dates will be announced soon. For those unable to attend the new dates will be provided with full refunds. Before the postponement, the tour had seen "unprecedented demand," with tickets for the premium lounge sections reportedly reaching INR 32,000. There were rumours of a potential guest appearance by Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh in one of Mumbai's concerts. The news had further fuelled the excitement of fans. Middle East conflicts lead to the postponement of concerts Shakira is not the only artist affected by the current political landscape. Several international events across the Middle East and South Asia have faced similar challenges as organisers have postponed or cancelled shows owing to security concerns. Earlier, Kanye West and Flipperachi concerts also got postponed due to the same reason.

The Iran-US war has led to havoc worldwide. After Kanye West and Flipperachi, Shakira too has now postponed her concert in India, which was scheduled to take place in April. The new dates have not been announced so far.&nbsp;

After Kanye West and Flipperachi now Shakira postpones India concert, new dates yet to be announced

Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel and the US, has also spread across the Middle East. On Friday (March 6), Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting suspended “TV ratings for 4 weeks or until further notice.” The ministry has observed that amidst the ongoing conflict, certain news TV channels are displaying unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content, which may potentially create panic among the general public, especially those having friends and family in the affected areas or residing in the affected areas.&nbsp;In the public interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting hereby directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points(TRPs) for News TV Channels for a period of four (4) weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.&nbsp;<h2>US offensive</h2>&nbsp;As the US and Israel strike Iran in a joint military operation, the US Central Command Commander Charles Bradford Cooper II sends out a letter to the troops. At a time when the Middle East is in a turbulent situation, the letter read: “To America's extraordinary sons and daughters deployed around the Middle East, by order of the President of the United States, we are embarking on a mission of profound consequence. The time for preparation is over. The time for action has arrived.”

In the public interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting hereby directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points(TRPs) for News TV Channels

Amid the ongoing conflict between Iran, Israel and the US, has also spread across the Middle East. On Friday (March 6), Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting suspended “TV ratings for 4 weeks or until further notice.” The ministry has observed that amidst the ongoing conflict, certain news TV channels are displaying unwarranted sensationalism and speculative content, which may potentially create panic among the general public, especially those having friends and family in the affected areas or residing in the affected areas. In the public interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting hereby directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points(TRPs) for News TV Channels for a period of four (4) weeks or until further directions, whichever is earlier: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. US offensive As the US and Israel strike Iran in a joint military operation, the US Central Command Commander Charles Bradford Cooper II sends out a letter to the troops. At a time when the Middle East is in a turbulent situation, the letter read: “To America's extraordinary sons and daughters deployed around the Middle East, by order of the President of the United States, we are embarking on a mission of profound consequence. The time for preparation is over. The time for action has arrived.”

In the public interest, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting hereby directs M/s BARC to immediately withhold reporting the Television Rating Points(TRPs) for News TV Channels

Broadcasting ministry suspends TV news rating amid for 'unwarranted sensationalism' amid conflict

Global oil prices surged on Friday (March 6), pushing the international benchmark Brent crude above the $90-per-barrel level for the first time in nearly two years, as escalating conflict in the Middle East raised fears of supply disruptions and wider economic fallout. The sharp rise came as attacks targeted oil fields in Iraq and tensions deepened in the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. At the same time, fresh economic data from the United States showing an unexpected decline in employment weighed on global stock markets.&nbsp;Brent crude climbed more than six per cent at one point to $91.89 per barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped over 11 per cent to trade above $90. The surge follows growing concerns that the conflict could drag on after US President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” a stance analysts say reduced expectations of a quick diplomatic resolution. The war and retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region have already disrupted energy and shipping routes. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has dropped sharply as shipping companies avoid the region.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-russia-giving-iran-satellite-intel-on-us-troops-amid-war-here-s-what-the-report-suggests-1772818141335">Russia giving Iran satellite intel on US troops amid war? Here's what report suggests</a>&nbsp;Oil prices have climbed dramatically over the past week, with Brent gaining more than 25 per cent and WTI rising by roughly one-third. Market analysts warn that prolonged disruptions to energy infrastructure or shipping lanes could push prices even higher and create serious consequences for the global economy. Concerns also intensified after reports that attacks struck oil facilities in southern Iraq and the autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing a US-operated oil field to halt production.&nbsp;While the United States has pledged to protect commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, many shipping companies remain cautious. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US Navy was preparing to escort ships through the vital waterway when conditions allow. Iranian state television also reported a drone strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, which triggered a fire aboard the ship.&nbsp;The spike in energy prices is raising fears of renewed inflation globally. Higher oil costs could limit the ability of central banks to cut interest rates in order to support economic growth. Meanwhile, economic data from the United States added to market uncertainty. The Labor Department reported that the economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, reversing the revised gain of 126,000 jobs recorded in January. Unemployment also ticked higher.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-us-war-israel-pounds-beirut-suburbs-as-iran-war-expands-into-lebanon-1772821780436/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-us-war-israel-pounds-beirut-suburbs-as-iran-war-expands-into-lebanon-1772821780436/embed</a>&nbsp;Additional data showed US retail sales slipped 0.2 percent in January, signaling weakening consumer demand.Although slowing economic data can increase expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, analysts say the situation is complicated by rising wages and surging energy prices. As a result, markets are now betting the Fed will delay any interest rate cuts until September rather than June. Global stock markets reacted negatively. Major indices on Wall Street fell more than one per cent in late morning trading, while European markets closed the day with losses of around one per cent.&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.

Brent crude crosses $90 mark for first time in nearly two years as Middle East war jolts markets

Global oil prices surged on Friday (March 6), pushing the international benchmark Brent crude above the $90-per-barrel level for the first time in nearly two years, as escalating conflict in the Middle East raised fears of supply disruptions and wider economic fallout. The sharp rise came as attacks targeted oil fields in Iraq and tensions deepened in the ongoing war involving the United States, Israel and Iran. At the same time, fresh economic data from the United States showing an unexpected decline in employment weighed on global stock markets. Brent crude climbed more than six per cent at one point to $91.89 per barrel, while US benchmark West Texas Intermediate (WTI) jumped over 11 per cent to trade above $90. The surge follows growing concerns that the conflict could drag on after US President Donald Trump demanded Iran’s “unconditional surrender,” a stance analysts say reduced expectations of a quick diplomatic resolution. The war and retaliatory attacks across the Gulf region have already disrupted energy and shipping routes. Maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint through which roughly one-fifth of the world’s crude oil and liquefied natural gas passes, has dropped sharply as shipping companies avoid the region. Also Read: Russia giving Iran satellite intel on US troops amid war? Here's what report suggests Oil prices have climbed dramatically over the past week, with Brent gaining more than 25 per cent and WTI rising by roughly one-third. Market analysts warn that prolonged disruptions to energy infrastructure or shipping lanes could push prices even higher and create serious consequences for the global economy. Concerns also intensified after reports that attacks struck oil facilities in southern Iraq and the autonomous Kurdistan region, forcing a US-operated oil field to halt production. While the United States has pledged to protect commercial vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, many shipping companies remain cautious. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said the US Navy was preparing to escort ships through the vital waterway when conditions allow. Iranian state television also reported a drone strike on a vessel in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday, which triggered a fire aboard the ship. The spike in energy prices is raising fears of renewed inflation globally. Higher oil costs could limit the ability of central banks to cut interest rates in order to support economic growth. Meanwhile, economic data from the United States added to market uncertainty. The Labor Department reported that the economy lost 92,000 jobs in February, reversing the revised gain of 126,000 jobs recorded in January. Unemployment also ticked higher. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-us-war-israel-pounds-beirut-suburbs-as-iran-war-expands-into-lebanon-1772821780436/embed Additional data showed US retail sales slipped 0.2 percent in January, signaling weakening consumer demand. Although slowing economic data can increase expectations for interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve, analysts say the situation is complicated by rising wages and surging energy prices. As a result, markets are now betting the Fed will delay any interest rate cuts until September rather than June. Global stock markets reacted negatively. Major indices on Wall Street fell more than one per cent in late morning trading, while European markets closed the day with losses of around one per cent. 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.

Oil prices surged above $90 as Middle East conflict and attacks on Iraqi oilfields raised supply fears, while weak US jobs data pushed global stocks lower

A majority of U.S. Senate Republicans have expressed their support for President Donald Trump’s military campaign against Iran by voting down a bipartisan war powers resolution that would have limited his authority to continue military action without explicit congressional approval. In a 53–47 vote, most Republican senators opposed advancing the measure, effectively backing the president’s ongoing air and naval strikes amid the widening conflict in the Middle East.


Senate Republicans Back Trump's Military Action Against Iran

Watch the video of the first dogfight in the ongoing war in middle east. In a big development in the ongoing war against Iran, an Israeli Air Force F-35I “Adir” stealth fighter jet has shot down an Iranian Yak-130 advanced trainer aircraft over the skies of Tehran. Israel says this marks the first-ever confirmed shootdown of a manned fighter by an F-35 in combat history.


Israel-Iran War: Israeli F-35 Downs Iranian Jet Over Tehran 

US President Donald Trump rejected reports of a split with a top US military officer over Iran, dismissing suggestions of internal disagreement. Trump said the United States would “easily win” if conflict with Tehran were to occur and warned that failure to reach a deal would result in “a very bad day for Iran.” The remarks come amid heightened tensions and continued scrutiny of US policy towards Iran.

Iran Warns Of Regional War If U.S. Attacks, U.S. President Says U.S. Will Win Easily 