US-Iran war: The United States has reportedly sent another warship, the USS Tripoli, to the Middle East. It is carrying Marines from the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). A warship was tracked moving through the South China Sea and reaching Singapore.

US-Iran war: The United States has reportedly sent another warship, the USS Tripoli, to the Middle East. It is carrying Marines from the Okinawa-based 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU). A warship was tracked moving through the South China Sea and reaching Singapore.

Another US warship joining Iran war? USS Tripoli is moving more Marines to Middle East: Report

Iranian army chief Amir Hatami on Wednesday (Mar 18) warned of a “decisive and regrettable” retaliation after the killing of security chief Ali Larijani. This comes after Iran’s top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of Larijani, one of the most influential figures of the country, in an Israeli air strike. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that they launched missiles at Israel “in revenge for the blood” of Larijani. Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force, was also killed in the strikes.“Iran’s response to the assassination of the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council will be decisive and regrettable,” Hatami said in a statement.Larijani was the most prominent figure of the Islamic Republic killed since the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in the first strikes launched by Israeli and the US forces on February 28. 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.The Revolutionary Guards, the Islamic Republic’s military force that is separate from the army, said in a statement that it had launched missiles at central Israel “in revenge for the blood of martyr Dr Ali Larijani and his companions.”Following the strikes in Tel Aviv, two people were killed. The national railway company suspended operations due to shrapnel impact at a station in the city. According to authorities, falling munitions had struck several sites in central Israel in an overnight barrage of missiles. While Gulf nations intercepted missiles and drones headed for targets in the region.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;

Iran vows “decisive, regrettable” retaliation after security chief Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Revolutionary Guards launched missiles at Israel, calling it revenge.

Iranian army chief Amir Hatami on Wednesday (Mar 18) warned of a “decisive and regrettable” retaliation after the killing of security chief Ali Larijani. This comes after Iran’s top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of Larijani, one of the most influential figures of the country, in an Israeli air strike. Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said that they launched missiles at Israel “in revenge for the blood” of Larijani. Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force, was also killed in the strikes. “Iran’s response to the assassination of the secretary of the Supreme National Security Council will be decisive and regrettable,” Hatami said in a statement. Larijani was the most prominent figure of the Islamic Republic killed since the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who died in the first strikes launched by Israeli and the US forces on February 28. 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. The Revolutionary Guards, the Islamic Republic’s military force that is separate from the army, said in a statement that it had launched missiles at central Israel “in revenge for the blood of martyr Dr Ali Larijani and his companions.” Following the strikes in Tel Aviv, two people were killed. The national railway company suspended operations due to shrapnel impact at a station in the city. According to authorities, falling munitions had struck several sites in central Israel in an overnight barrage of missiles. While Gulf nations intercepted missiles and drones headed for targets in the region. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran vows “decisive, regrettable” retaliation after security chief Ali Larijani was killed in an Israeli airstrike. Revolutionary Guards launched missiles at Israel, calling it revenge.

‘Response will be...’: Iran’s army vows retaliation after Larijani's killing

Iran's top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, one of the country's most influential figures, following an Israeli airstrike. This comes after Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the assassination of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force.<h2>Ali Larijani confirmed dead</h2>In a statement on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Larijani was killed along with his son and bodyguards."The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God’s righteous servant," the council said, describing his death as martyrdom after "a lifetime of struggle" for the Islamic Republic.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/-10-million-bounty-amid-iran-war-us-offers-massive-reward-for-information-on-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-and-9-top-iranian-leaders-who-are-they-1773463778740">US puts $10M bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC top leaders it claims ‘plan, organise and execute terror worldwide’. Who are they?</a>"After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service," it said.Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1.A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Israel had earlier announced that Larijani was killed in an overnight operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike also "eliminated" Gholamreza Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Basij force.<h2>Iran confirms Gholamreza Soleimani killed</h2>The killing of Gholamreza Soleimani was confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday. "Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij Organization, has been martyred," the Guards said on their Sepah News website.<h2>Sanctions and a controversial legacy</h2>Both Larijani and Soleimani had faced international scrutiny. The US Treasury had sanctioned Ali Larijani for allegedly "coordinating" the suppression of protests, while Soleimani was similarly targeted by sanctions from the United States and European Union over his role in internal crackdowns.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-stay-away-from-dxb-dubai-shuts-airspace-massive-flight-chaos-as-1-900-iranian-missiles-drones-rain-down-on-uae-1773713487478">Do not 'proceed to DXB unless...': Dubai shuts airspace; massive flight chaos as 1,900 Iranian missiles, drones rain down on UAE</a><h2>Israel signals broader objective</h2>Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were part of a wider effort to weaken Iran’s leadership."We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it," he said.The killings mark another escalation in the conflict, as Israel continues to target senior figures within Iran’s political and military hierarchy.&nbsp;Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has confirmed the death of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, along with senior Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. What role did Larijani play in Iran’s leadership and what does his assassination signal for the US-Israel-Iran war? Scroll down to find out.

Iran's top security body on Tuesday (Mar 17) confirmed the death of its security chief Ali Larijani, one of the country's most influential figures, following an Israeli airstrike. This comes after Iran's Revolutionary Guards confirmed the assassination of Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Revolutionary Guard’s Basij force. Ali Larijani confirmed dead In a statement on Tuesday, Iran's Supreme National Security Council said Larijani was killed along with his son and bodyguards. "The pure souls of the martyrs embraced the purified soul of God’s righteous servant," the council said, describing his death as martyrdom after "a lifetime of struggle" for the Islamic Republic. Also read | US puts $10M bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC top leaders it claims ‘plan, organise and execute terror worldwide’. Who are they? "After a lifetime of struggle for the advancement of Iran and of the Islamic Revolution, he ultimately attained his long-held aspiration, answered the divine call, and honourably achieved the sweet grace of martyrdom in the trench of service," it said. Larijani, a powerful political figure, rose in influence after Iran's former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was killed in a joint US-Israel strike at the start of the Iran war. Khamenei's death was confirmed on March 1. A former speaker of parliament and long-time adviser within Iran’s leadership, Larijani played a central role in shaping policy, particularly on nuclear negotiations. Israel had earlier announced that Larijani was killed in an overnight operation. Defence Minister Israel Katz said the strike also "eliminated" Gholamreza Soleimani, a senior commander of Iran’s Basij force. Iran confirms Gholamreza Soleimani killed The killing of Gholamreza Soleimani was confirmed by Iran's Revolutionary Guards on Tuesday. "Commander Gholamreza Soleimani, head of the Basij Organization, has been martyred," the Guards said on their Sepah News website. Sanctions and a controversial legacy Both Larijani and Soleimani had faced international scrutiny. The US Treasury had sanctioned Ali Larijani for allegedly "coordinating" the suppression of protests, while Soleimani was similarly targeted by sanctions from the United States and European Union over his role in internal crackdowns. Also read | Do not 'proceed to DXB unless...': Dubai shuts airspace; massive flight chaos as 1,900 Iranian missiles, drones rain down on UAE Israel signals broader objective Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the strikes were part of a wider effort to weaken Iran’s leadership. "We are undermining this regime to give the Iranian people the opportunity to remove it," he said. The killings mark another escalation in the conflict, as Israel continues to target senior figures within Iran’s political and military hierarchy. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Iran has confirmed the death of security chief Ali Larijani in an Israeli strike, along with senior Basij commander Gholamreza Soleimani. What role did Larijani play in Iran’s leadership and what does his assassination signal for the US-Israel-Iran war? Scroll down to find out.

'Sweet grace of martyrdom': Ali Larijani, Gholamreza Soleimani killed in Israeli strike, confirms Iran; highest-level deaths since Khamenei

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (Mar 16) found himself walking a political tightrope in the Oval Office, defending President Donald Trump's war in Iran while pushing back against questions about his past opposition to foreign military interventions. Standing beside Donald Trump, Vance was asked whether he fully supported the ongoing conflict with Tehran. Before becoming Trump's VP, Vance built much of his political identity around scepticism of US involvement in overseas conflicts, particularly after his brief deployment in Iraq as a Marine.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-iran-war-trump-wants-to-delay-trip-to-china-summit-with-xi-for-a-month-or-so-here-s-why-1773697685355">Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why</a><h2>Vance accuses the press of trying to drive a wedge between him and Trump</h2>When asked about his opinion on Operation Epic Fury and the US-Israel war on Iran, Vance responded with a jab at the press.“I know what you’re trying to do,” Vance told a reporter, accusing journalists of trying to drive a wedge between him and the president. “You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president.”<h2>Then vs Now: 'One big difference' in US wars</h2>Defending Trump, Vance, who earlier reports suggested was not in favour of the US-Israel-Iran war, claimed there was "one big difference" in US wars now vs before.“One big difference" between now and the past is that "we have a smart president,” Vance said. “In the past, we’ve had dumb presidents.” Trump, seated nearby, smiled and even winked toward someone in the room as the vice president said this.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest</a><h2>Vance's U-turn on war</h2>A war veteran within the Republican Party, Vance has long been seen as a leading anti-interventionist. As recently as 2023, he praised Trump’s reluctance to start new wars, describing that restraint as “the enduring legacy of Mr Trump’s first term.”But the conflict with Iran has forced a shift in tone. Vance now argues the situation is fundamentally different because of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agreed with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon,” he said.Reports last week suggested that Vance privately urged a more aggressive military strategy against Iran. Allies of the vice president quickly pushed back, insisting he had expressed concerns behind closed doors about a wider war.His relative silence on social media during the early days of the strikes also caught the attention of supporters who expected him to weigh in quickly. Vance now insists the conflict will not turn into another “forever war,” a phrase often used to describe the long US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan.&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.

JD Vance accused reporters of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump before asserting that the Iran War is different because "we have a smart president" compared to "dumb" predecessors. Here's what he said.

US Vice President JD Vance on Monday (Mar 16) found himself walking a political tightrope in the Oval Office, defending President Donald Trump's war in Iran while pushing back against questions about his past opposition to foreign military interventions. Standing beside Donald Trump, Vance was asked whether he fully supported the ongoing conflict with Tehran. Before becoming Trump's VP, Vance built much of his political identity around scepticism of US involvement in overseas conflicts, particularly after his brief deployment in Iraq as a Marine. Also read | Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why Vance accuses the press of trying to drive a wedge between him and Trump When asked about his opinion on Operation Epic Fury and the US-Israel war on Iran, Vance responded with a jab at the press. “I know what you’re trying to do,” Vance told a reporter, accusing journalists of trying to drive a wedge between him and the president. “You’re trying to drive a wedge between members of the administration, between me and the president.” Then vs Now: 'One big difference' in US wars Defending Trump, Vance, who earlier reports suggested was not in favour of the US-Israel-Iran war, claimed there was "one big difference" in US wars now vs before. “One big difference" between now and the past is that "we have a smart president,” Vance said. “In the past, we’ve had dumb presidents.” Trump, seated nearby, smiled and even winked toward someone in the room as the vice president said this. Also read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest Vance's U-turn on war A war veteran within the Republican Party, Vance has long been seen as a leading anti-interventionist. As recently as 2023, he praised Trump’s reluctance to start new wars, describing that restraint as “the enduring legacy of Mr Trump’s first term.” But the conflict with Iran has forced a shift in tone. Vance now argues the situation is fundamentally different because of Iran’s nuclear ambitions. “What the president has said consistently, going back to 2015, and I agreed with him, is that Iran should not have a nuclear weapon,” he said. Reports last week suggested that Vance privately urged a more aggressive military strategy against Iran. Allies of the vice president quickly pushed back, insisting he had expressed concerns behind closed doors about a wider war. His relative silence on social media during the early days of the strikes also caught the attention of supporters who expected him to weigh in quickly. Vance now insists the conflict will not turn into another “forever war,” a phrase often used to describe the long US campaigns in Iraq and Afghanistan. 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.

JD Vance accused reporters of trying to "drive a wedge" between him and President Donald Trump before asserting that the Iran War is different because "we have a smart president" compared to "dumb" predecessors. Here's what he said.

Vance accuses press of 'driving a wedge' between him and Trump; defends Iran war, blasts 'dumb' predecessors

Iran's top minister has rejected claims that Tehran has been in recent contact with Washington over ending the war. In a post on X on Tuesday (Mar 17), Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, said his last communication with US envoy Steve Witkoff took place before what he described as US President Donald Trump's "decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran." Araghchi's denial comes after Trump, in an interview, claimed that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-trump-shares-video-of-massive-strike-on-iran-s-crown-jewel-kharg-island-amid-iran-war-1773455549662">Iran </a>wants to make a deal, but that he was not interested in doing so "because the terms aren’t good enough yet".Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest</a><h2>What did Araghchi say?</h2>In a public denial on X, the Iranian foreign minister indirectly slammed Trump and said that his last contact with Steve Witkoff happened before the US envoy's employer, i.e., Trump, decided to "kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran".He added that any reports suggesting otherwise were misleading and aimed at influencing oil markets and public opinion. "Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public," he wrote.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-iran-war-trump-wants-to-delay-trip-to-china-summit-with-xi-for-a-month-or-so-here-s-why-1773697685355">Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">My last contact with Mr. Witkoff was prior to his employer&#39;s decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran. Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public.&mdash; Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) <a href="https://twitter.com/araghchi/status/2033651325397868982?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What did Trump say about US-Iran deal to end the war in West Asia?</h2>Talking to NBC News, the US President said he was not prepared to reach a deal with Iran despite Tehran signalling interest in negotiations. He claimed that this was because the conditions offered so far were not acceptable.“Iran wants to make a deal, and I don’t want to make it because the terms aren’t good enough yet,” he said. The president declined to explain what specific conditions Washington would require but said that any agreement would have to be “very solid.”&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;

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has issued a stinging denial of President Donald Trump’s claims that Tehran is seeking an immediate peace deal to end the Iran war that has now entered its 18th day. Here's what he said.

Iran's top minister has rejected claims that Tehran has been in recent contact with Washington over ending the war. In a post on X on Tuesday (Mar 17), Seyed Abbas Araghchi, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Iran, said his last communication with US envoy Steve Witkoff took place before what he described as US President Donald Trump's "decision to kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran." Araghchi's denial comes after Trump, in an interview, claimed that Iran wants to make a deal, but that he was not interested in doing so "because the terms aren’t good enough yet". Also read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest What did Araghchi say? In a public denial on X, the Iranian foreign minister indirectly slammed Trump and said that his last contact with Steve Witkoff happened before the US envoy's employer, i.e., Trump, decided to "kill diplomacy with another illegal military attack on Iran". He added that any reports suggesting otherwise were misleading and aimed at influencing oil markets and public opinion. "Any claim to the contrary appears geared solely to mislead oil traders and the public," he wrote. Also read | Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why

Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has issued a stinging denial of President Donald Trump’s claims that Tehran is seeking an immediate peace deal to end the Iran war, which has now entered its 18th day. Here's what he said.

Iran FM Araghchi says Trump ‘killed diplomacy’ with illegal attack, denies US claim of peace talks

US President Donald Trump has announced that he has asked China to postpone a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by about a month. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday (Mar 16), Trump said the meeting, originally expected to take place in early April, could be pushed back. This comes days after China, using an AI-generated video, mocked Trump's security summit, Shield of the Americas. The video that went viral on social media carried the title <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-shield-of-the-americas-or-shackles-china-mocks-trump-with-ai-video-of-eagle-trapping-latin-american-doves-here-s-what-it-means-1773458991330">“Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?”</a>. Why is the US president pushing his meeting with the Chinese leader? Here's all we know.<h2>Why has Trump delayed his vital China trip?</h2>Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he won't meet Xi while the war between the US, Israel and Iran continues. “We’re speaking to China,” Trump said. “Because of the war I want to be here, I have to be here, I feel. And so we’ve requested that we delay it a month or so.”&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-shield-of-the-americas-or-shackles-china-mocks-trump-with-ai-video-of-eagle-trapping-latin-american-doves-here-s-what-it-means-1773458991330">Watch: ‘Shield of the Americas, or shackles?’ China mocks Trump with AI video of eagle trapping doves. Here's what it means</a><h2>Summit was expected in early April</h2>The two leaders had been expected to meet in China from around March 31 to April 2, a visit that would have marked a major moment in relations between the world’s two largest economies. Officials say the possible delay is linked mainly to the war effort rather than disputes between Washington and Beijing.US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Trump wants to remain in Washington to coordinate military operations related to the Iran conflict.&nbsp;Aso read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest</a><h2>Iran war reshapes diplomatic schedule</h2>The conflict, now entering its third week, has disrupted parts of the global energy market and raised tensions across the Middle East. Trump has also been urging several countries, including China, to help maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil supplies.&nbsp;Despite the possible delay, officials on both sides say preparations for the summit are continuing and that communication between Washington and Beijing remains active. The meeting is expected to focus on trade issues and broader geopolitical tensions once a new date is agreed.

President Donald Trump has asked to postpone his highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by a month. Originally scheduled for March 31 to April 2, the delay comes as the US pushes Beijing to help secure Strait of Hormuz, where oil transit has been throttled by IRGC threats.

US President Donald Trump has announced that he has asked China to postpone a planned summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by about a month. Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office on Monday (Mar 16), Trump said the meeting, originally expected to take place in early April, could be pushed back. This comes days after China, using an AI-generated video, mocked Trump's security summit, Shield of the Americas. The video that went viral on social media carried the title “Shield of the Americas, or shackles of the Americas?”. Why is the US president pushing his meeting with the Chinese leader? Here's all we know. Why has Trump delayed his vital China trip? Speaking to reporters at the White House, Trump said he won't meet Xi while the war between the US, Israel and Iran continues. “We’re speaking to China,” Trump said. “Because of the war I want to be here, I have to be here, I feel. And so we’ve requested that we delay it a month or so.” Also read | Watch: ‘Shield of the Americas, or shackles?’ China mocks Trump with AI video of eagle trapping doves. Here's what it means Summit was expected in early April The two leaders had been expected to meet in China from around March 31 to April 2, a visit that would have marked a major moment in relations between the world’s two largest economies. Officials say the possible delay is linked mainly to the war effort rather than disputes between Washington and Beijing. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Trump wants to remain in Washington to coordinate military operations related to the Iran conflict. Aso read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest Iran war reshapes diplomatic schedule The conflict, now entering its third week, has disrupted parts of the global energy market and raised tensions across the Middle East. Trump has also been urging several countries, including China, to help maintain security in the Strait of Hormuz, a crucial shipping route for global oil supplies. Despite the possible delay, officials on both sides say preparations for the summit are continuing and that communication between Washington and Beijing remains active. The meeting is expected to focus on trade issues and broader geopolitical tensions once a new date is agreed.

President Donald Trump has asked to postpone his highly anticipated summit with Chinese leader Xi Jinping by a month. Originally scheduled for March 31 to April 2, the delay comes as the US pushes Beijing to help secure Strait of Hormuz, where oil transit has been throttled by IRGC threats.

Trump wants to delay trip to China, summit with Xi for ‘a month or so’. Here's why

Iran has arrested 500 people accused of sharing information with enemies, the Islamic Republic’s police chief said on Sunday, even as Israeli and US fighter jets continue to strike new targets in the country.Sardar Ahmad-Reza Radan, commander-in-chief of Iranian Police, said hundreds of spies sending information to enemies and anti-Iranian media have been arrested. “500 spies who were sending information to the enemy and anti-Iranian media have been arrested. 250 of these 500 were important cases who provided information to hit targets, had contact with groups, and tried to disrupt public order,” reported Fars News, citing Sardar Radan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">IRAN DETAINS 500 ‘SPIES’ ACCUSED OF PROVIDING DATA FOR ENEMY ATTACKS — Tasnim citing police chief <a href="https://t.co/4mgJLV9gha">pic.twitter.com/4mgJLV9gha</a>&mdash; RT (@RT_com) <a href="https://twitter.com/RT_com/status/2033252220339384366?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/conflict-will-certainly-end-in-next-few-weeks-us-energy-secretary-chris-wright-1773597992709">Conflict ‘will certainly’ end in next few weeks: US Energy Secretary Chris Wright</a>&nbsp;“Half of the 500 cases had involved serious incidents, including people who provided information for hitting targets and individuals who took footage of strike locations and sent them,” said Radan said, without sharing details of the arrests and their timing.&nbsp;Radan, appointed in January 2023 by the slain Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, is known for his hardline stance and has played a major role in suppressing domestic dissent, managing morality policing, and enforcing un-Islamic dress code crackdowns.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-say-i-m-what-netanyahu-mocks-rumours-of-his-death-posts-video-from-coffee-shop-1773591045235">‘They say I’m what?’ Netanyahu mocks rumours of his death, posts video from coffee shop</a>&nbsp;Earlier, Iranian media reported dozens of arrests in several regions ⁠on Sunday.&nbsp;The semi-official Tasnim news agency said 20 people were arrested in northwestern Iran on accusations by the provincial prosecutor’s office of sending location details on Iran’s military and security assets to Israel.In northeastern Iran, which has remained relatively untouched by air strikes, Tasnim reported the arrest of 10 people, with some accused of collecting information on sensitive locations and economic infrastructure.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-reports-of-interceptor-shortages-plan-of-talks-with-lebanon-1773584504452">Israel’s FM Gideon Saar denies reports of interceptor shortages, plan of talks with Lebanon</a>&nbsp;“As the Zionist enemy (Israel) and the US are attempting to invade Iran, they simultaneously activate mercenaries and spies to carry out ⁠riots as the next step,” a provincial branch of the Revolutionary Guards’ intelligence organisation said, according to Tasnim news agency.&nbsp;Three people were detained in the western province of Lorestan for “seeking to disturb public opinion ... and burn mourning symbols,” reported The Student News Network.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taliban-attacks-military-camp-in-waziristan-after-pakistan-airstrikes-on-kandahar-1773603281376">Afghanistan attacks military camp in Waziristan after Pakistan airstrikes on Kandahar</a>&nbsp;Israel has ⁠started targeting security checkpoints based on tip-offs from informants on the ground, representing a new phase of its assault on Iran, a source briefed on Israel’s military strategy told Reuters.&nbsp;There were widespread anti-government protests in Iran in January, weeks before the US and Israel launched the current war against Iran, but they were repressed in the deadliest ⁠crackdown in the Islamic Republic’s history.Iranian authorities had blamed Israel and the US for fomenting what they said were “violent riots” aimed at overthrowing the clerical establishment.

About 20 people were arrested in northwestern Iran on accusations of sending location details on Iran’s military and security assets to Israel. Similarly, 10 people were held in northeastern Iran for collecting information on sensitive locations and economic infrastructure.

Iran has arrested 500 people accused of sharing information with enemies, the Islamic Republic’s police chief said on Sunday, even as Israeli and US fighter jets continue to strike new targets in the country. Sardar Ahmad-Reza Radan, commander-in-chief of Iranian Police, said hundreds of spies sending information to enemies and anti-Iranian media have been arrested. “500 spies who were sending information to the enemy and anti-Iranian media have been arrested. 250 of these 500 were important cases who provided information to hit targets, had contact with groups, and tried to disrupt public order,” reported Fars News, citing Sardar Radan.

About 20 people were arrested in northwestern Iran on accusations of sending location details on Iran’s military and security assets to Israel. Similarly, 10 people were held in northeastern Iran for collecting information on sensitive locations and economic infrastructure.

Iranian police arrest 500 ‘spies’ for sharing information with enemies and anti-Iranian media

International Energy Agency (IEA) on Sunday (March 15) said strategic oil reserves will be released in Asia and Oceania "immediately" and as early as the end of March in America and Europe as the war in West Asia triggered a sharp rise in crude prices, forcing several countries to take emergency measures like rationing and prioritisation of gas and oil.&nbsp;The announcement comes after IEA member countries on March 11 agreed to release oil stockpiles to mitigate the sharp surge in oil prices caused by the escalating conflict in West Asia, marking the largest-ever response of its kind.&nbsp;"Individual implementation plans have been submitted to the IEA by member countries. These plans indicate that stocks will be made available by IEA member countries in Asia Oceania immediately," said the agency.&nbsp;"Stocks from IEA member countries in the Americas and Europe will be made available starting from the end of March," it added.&nbsp;According to the IEA, the total release amounts to more than 400 million barrels of reserve oil. Of this, governments have committed to make around 271.7 million barrels from their stocks, while industries pledged 111.6 million and 23.6 million from other sources.&nbsp;Such measures are termed an emergency stockpile release, the sixth such in the history of the global energy body and the first since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022.&nbsp;However, the announcement hasn't translated into a cooling of oil prices, which still hover around $100 per barrel, the highest since 2022 and significantly higher than $70 before the start of the war.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/assembly-elections-2026-ec-announces-poll-dates-for-west-bengal-tamil-nadu-kerala-assam-and-puducherry-1773573754642">Bengal to vote on April 23, 29; Tamil Nadu on April 23; Kerala, Assam, Puducherry on April 9; results on May 4</a>&nbsp;The IEA stressed that "the most important factor in ensuring a return to stable flows is the resumption of regular transit of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," adding that "adequate insurance mechanisms and physical protection for shipping are key to the resumption of flows."&nbsp;Western economies coordinate their strategic oil stockpiles through the IEA, which was formed in 1974 after the oil crisis and now has 33 full members and 13 associate countries, including India and China.&nbsp;These developments come after Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the war on February 28, triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes targeting 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, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping, leading to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump is facing mounting domestic and international pressure as the conflict in West Asia triggered a global energy shock. He urged multiple countries, including China, France, South Korea and the UK to send warships to reopen the strait following a US military strike on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.&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.)

The announcement hasn't translated into a cooling of oil prices, which still hover around $100 per barrel, the highest since 2022 and significantly higher than $70 before the start of the war.

International Energy Agency (IEA) on Sunday (March 15) said strategic oil reserves will be released in Asia and Oceania "immediately" and as early as the end of March in America and Europe as the war in West Asia triggered a sharp rise in crude prices, forcing several countries to take emergency measures like rationing and prioritisation of gas and oil. The announcement comes after IEA member countries on March 11 agreed to release oil stockpiles to mitigate the sharp surge in oil prices caused by the escalating conflict in West Asia, marking the largest-ever response of its kind. "Individual implementation plans have been submitted to the IEA by member countries. These plans indicate that stocks will be made available by IEA member countries in Asia Oceania immediately," said the agency. "Stocks from IEA member countries in the Americas and Europe will be made available starting from the end of March," it added. According to the IEA, the total release amounts to more than 400 million barrels of reserve oil. Of this, governments have committed to make around 271.7 million barrels from their stocks, while industries pledged 111.6 million and 23.6 million from other sources. Such measures are termed an emergency stockpile release, the sixth such in the history of the global energy body and the first since the start of the Russia-Ukraine war in 2022. However, the announcement hasn't translated into a cooling of oil prices, which still hover around $100 per barrel, the highest since 2022 and significantly higher than $70 before the start of the war. Also Read: Bengal to vote on April 23, 29; Tamil Nadu on April 23; Kerala, Assam, Puducherry on April 9; results on May 4 The IEA stressed that "the most important factor in ensuring a return to stable flows is the resumption of regular transit of shipping through the Strait of Hormuz," adding that "adequate insurance mechanisms and physical protection for shipping are key to the resumption of flows." Western economies coordinate their strategic oil stockpiles through the IEA, which was formed in 1974 after the oil crisis and now has 33 full members and 13 associate countries, including India and China. These developments come after Iran has effectively blocked the Strait of Hormuz since the beginning of the war on February 28, triggered by joint US-Israeli strikes targeting 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, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping, leading to a sharp rise in energy prices, with crude crossing $100 per barrel. US President Donald Trump is facing mounting domestic and international pressure as the conflict in West Asia triggered a global energy shock. He urged multiple countries, including China, France, South Korea and the UK to send warships to reopen the strait following a US military strike on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. (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.)

The announcement hasn't translated into a cooling of oil prices, which still hover around $100 per barrel, the highest since 2022 and significantly higher than $70 before the start of the war.&nbsp;

Global energy body to release 400 million barrels of oil from reserves as West Asia war triggers energy crisis

After both the United States and Iranian leadership publicly dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire, signalling further escalation in the West Asia conflict, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi laid out conditions for ending the war, stating that Tehran needs to be certain it will not restart and that reparations will be paid for the damage caused.&nbsp;"This war will end when we are certain it will not be repeated and that reparations will be paid. We experienced this last year: Israel attacked, then the United States... they regrouped and attacked us again," Araghchi told Arabic-language news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, referring to Iran's war with Israel and the US in June 2025.&nbsp;Araghchi said that Iran has ample evidence that United States military bases in West Asia have been used to target the Islamic Republic during the ongoing conflict.&nbsp;"We have ample evidence of this: satellite imagery and electronic surveillance demonstrate that US bases in this region are being used for attacks," Araghchi said in an interview published on Sunday.&nbsp;Earlier in the day, Araghchi described Tehran's strikes on targets across the region 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," he said in a statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-avoid-action-that-could-widen-the-war-araghchi-says-iran-targeted-us-assets-in-regional-strikes-1773572081150">'Avoid action that could widen the war': Araghchi says Iran targeted US assets in regional strikes</a>&nbsp;He also 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 after President Donald Trump called on multiple countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, to send warships to the area "so that the Strait of Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has totally decapitated."&nbsp;On Friday, the US military launched a massive attack on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the 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.&nbsp;In retaliation, Iran launched missile and drone attacks on US bases across the region. It also 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.&nbsp;US President Donald Trump is facing mounting domestic and international pressure as the conflict in West Asia triggered a global energy shock. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to commercial traffic and crude oil prices surging by more than 40% since the start of the war, the administration is racing to implement emergency measures to stabilise the market.&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.)

Araghchi said that Iran has ample evidence that United States military bases in West Asia have been used to target the Islamic Republic during the ongoing conflict.

After both the United States and Iranian leadership publicly dismissed the possibility of a ceasefire, signalling further escalation in the West Asia conflict, Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi laid out conditions for ending the war, stating that Tehran needs to be certain it will not restart and that reparations will be paid for the damage caused. "This war will end when we are certain it will not be repeated and that reparations will be paid. We experienced this last year: Israel attacked, then the United States... they regrouped and attacked us again," Araghchi told Arabic-language news outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, referring to Iran's war with Israel and the US in June 2025. Araghchi said that Iran has ample evidence that United States military bases in West Asia have been used to target the Islamic Republic during the ongoing conflict. "We have ample evidence of this: satellite imagery and electronic surveillance demonstrate that US bases in this region are being used for attacks," Araghchi said in an interview published on Sunday. Earlier in the day, Araghchi described Tehran's strikes on targets across the region 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," he said in a statement. Also Read: 'Avoid action that could widen the war': Araghchi says Iran targeted US assets in regional strikes He also 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 after President Donald Trump called on multiple countries, including China, France, Japan, South Korea, the UK, and others, to send warships to the area "so that the Strait of Hormuz will no longer be a threat by a nation that has totally decapitated." On Friday, the US military launched a massive attack on Kharg Island, Iran's critical oil export hub, to push Tehran to reopen the 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 also 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. US President Donald Trump is facing mounting domestic and international pressure as the conflict in West Asia triggered a global energy shock. With the Strait of Hormuz effectively closed to commercial traffic and crude oil prices surging by more than 40% since the start of the war, the administration is racing to implement emergency measures to stabilise the market. (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 said that Iran has ample evidence that United States military bases in West Asia have been used to target the Islamic Republic during the ongoing conflict.

'War with US, Israel will only end when...': Iranian FM lays out conditions for halting strikes

Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has doubled down on utilizing the Strait of Hormuz as leverage to inflict economic pain on the US and Israel. However, the greatest victim of this maritime blockade is not Washington, it's Beijing.



Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has doubled down on utilizing the Strait of Hormuz as leverage to inflict economic pain on the US and Israel. However, the greatest victim of this maritime blockade is not Washington, it's Beijing.&nbsp;

Redline against Iran? Why China needs 'Strait of Hormuz' open more than any other country

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

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

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 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

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

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

The Government of India on Saturday (March 14) issued a formal amendment to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, making it illegal for households with a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection to possess, obtain, or refill domestic LPG cylinders.&nbsp;"No person having a Piped Natural Gas connection and also having a domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any Government oil company, or through their distributors. Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection," the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in an order.&nbsp;The move is part of temporary demand-management measures triggered by the energy crisis amid conflict in West Asia after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for shipping of nearly 90 per cent of India's LPG imports.&nbsp;By moving 6 millions household entirely to PNG, the government aims to conserve the limited domestic LPG stock for rural areas and regions where piped gas infrastructure does not yet exist. It also allows the government to maintain 100 per cent supply for domestic users who have no other alternative, while rationing supplies for the commercial sector.&nbsp;On March 9, the the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) officially invoked the Essential Commodities Act, mandating that the segments which directly impact millions of common consumers, piped natural gas (PNG) for households, compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production, will take precedence over other natural gas-consuming sectors.&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;These developments come as the war in West Asia entered its 15th day, 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 and announced effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping, leading sharp rise in energy prices with crude crossing $100 per barrel and disrupting the supply of natural gas.&nbsp;However, following India's diplomatic efforts, Iran allowed two Indian-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers, the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, to transit the strait.&nbsp;The Iranian Ambassador on Friday confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the long-standing friendship and shared interests between the two countries.&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.)

Following India's diplomatic efforts, Iran allowed two Indian-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers, the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, to transit the strait.

The Government of India on Saturday (March 14) issued a formal amendment to the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, making it illegal for households with a Piped Natural Gas (PNG) connection to possess, obtain, or refill domestic LPG cylinders. "No person having a Piped Natural Gas connection and also having a domestic LPG connection shall retain a domestic LPG connection, or take refills of domestic LPG cylinders from any Government oil company, or through their distributors. Such persons will be required to immediately surrender their domestic LPG connection," the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas said in an order. The move is part of temporary demand-management measures triggered by the energy crisis amid conflict in West Asia after the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for shipping of nearly 90 per cent of India's LPG imports. By moving 6 millions household entirely to PNG, the government aims to conserve the limited domestic LPG stock for rural areas and regions where piped gas infrastructure does not yet exist. It also allows the government to maintain 100 per cent supply for domestic users who have no other alternative, while rationing supplies for the commercial sector. On March 9, the the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) officially invoked the Essential Commodities Act, mandating that the segments which directly impact millions of common consumers, piped natural gas (PNG) for households, compressed natural gas (CNG) for vehicles, and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) production, will take precedence over other natural gas-consuming sectors. Also Read: Trump urges China, France, Japan, and UK to send warships to open Strait of Hormuz These developments come as the war in West Asia entered its 15th day, 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 and announced effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which accounts for nearly 20 per cent of global oil shipping, leading sharp rise in energy prices with crude crossing $100 per barrel and disrupting the supply of natural gas. However, following India's diplomatic efforts, Iran allowed two Indian-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers, the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, to transit the strait. The Iranian Ambassador on Friday confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the long-standing friendship and shared interests between the two countries. (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.)

Following India's diplomatic efforts, Iran allowed two Indian-flagged Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers, the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, to transit the strait.

No LPG for households with piped gas: India tightens rules as West Asia war impacts fuel imports

Trump warned that drones, sea mines, and short-range missiles could still endanger commercial vessels, even after his claimed destruction of Iran’s military capacity.

Trump warned that drones, sea mines, and short-range missiles could still endanger commercial vessels, even after his claimed destruction of Iran’s military capacity.

Trump calls on China, France, UK & others to guard the Strait of Hormuz: How powerful are their navies?

The Iranian Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Saturday (March 14) said, “The Indian government has really helped us” in providing assistance to Iranian ships that came under attack from the United States amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia.“The government of India, regarding these ships, really helped us. They accepted our request,” he said, speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi.&nbsp;These remarks from Fathali come after IRIS Dena, an Iranian naval ship that was in Indian waters to participate in a multilateral exercise, was sunk by the United States in a military strike on March 4, leading to the deaths of over 100 crew members on board the vessel. The incident sparked a fierce debate in India because the warship was returning from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, after taking part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 from February 15–25.&nbsp;However, it was torpedoed approximately 19 nautical miles (35 km) off the southern coast of Galle, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;When asked about India and Sri Lanka’s response to Iran’s ship, he said, “Let me just talk about Iran and India. I am the Iranian ambassador to India. Let me not talk about the third country you mentioned. As an ambassador, I should see everything precisely.”&nbsp;Hinting at Sri Lanka for possibly not assisting, he asserted, “Some other countries refused to cooperate.”&nbsp;The Iranian envoy vowed a response to the sinking of the IRIS Dena, saying, “We will definitely give them a response, and part of that we have already done. Definitely, you will hear good news in a few days. Iran doesn’t leave any action without a response,” he added.&nbsp;While IRIS Dena was torpedoed, another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, continues to remain docked at Kochi in Kerala, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Saturday, adding that non-essential crew members departed the country on a chartered flight arranged by Iranian authorities along with other stranded Iranian nationals.&nbsp;Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-because-india-is-our-friend-iran-confirms-safe-passage-to-indian-ships-thorugh-strait-of-hormuz-1773418943973"> 'Because India is our friend': Iran confirms safe passage to Indian ships thorugh Strait of Hormuz</a>&nbsp;Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on the recent developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the flight departed from Kochi and carried non-essential members of the crew of IRIS Lavan, along with several other Iranians who were stranded in India due to widespread flight disruptions amid the conflict.&nbsp;“The flight took off from Kochi and also included the non-essential members of IRIS Lavan, which remains docked in Kochi,” Jaiswal added.&nbsp;On Friday, the Iranian Ambassador confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the long-standing friendship and shared interests between the two countries.&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.)

While IRIS Dena was torpedoed, another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, continues to remain docked at Kochi in Kerala, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Saturday.

The Iranian Ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Saturday (March 14) said, “The Indian government has really helped us” in providing assistance to Iranian ships that came under attack from the United States amid the ongoing conflict in West Asia. “The government of India, regarding these ships, really helped us. They accepted our request,” he said, speaking at the India Today Conclave in New Delhi. These remarks from Fathali come after IRIS Dena, an Iranian naval ship that was in Indian waters to participate in a multilateral exercise, was sunk by the United States in a military strike on March 4, leading to the deaths of over 100 crew members on board the vessel. The incident sparked a fierce debate in India because the warship was returning from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, after taking part in the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2026 from February 15–25. However, it was torpedoed approximately 19 nautical miles (35 km) off the southern coast of Galle, in the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) of Sri Lanka. When asked about India and Sri Lanka’s response to Iran’s ship, he said, “Let me just talk about Iran and India. I am the Iranian ambassador to India. Let me not talk about the third country you mentioned. As an ambassador, I should see everything precisely.” Hinting at Sri Lanka for possibly not assisting, he asserted, “Some other countries refused to cooperate.” The Iranian envoy vowed a response to the sinking of the IRIS Dena, saying, “We will definitely give them a response, and part of that we have already done. Definitely, you will hear good news in a few days. Iran doesn’t leave any action without a response,” he added. While IRIS Dena was torpedoed, another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, continues to remain docked at Kochi in Kerala, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Saturday, adding that non-essential crew members departed the country on a chartered flight arranged by Iranian authorities along with other stranded Iranian nationals. Also Read: 'Because India is our friend': Iran confirms safe passage to Indian ships thorugh Strait of Hormuz Addressing an inter-ministerial briefing on the recent developments in West Asia, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that the flight departed from Kochi and carried non-essential members of the crew of IRIS Lavan, along with several other Iranians who were stranded in India due to widespread flight disruptions amid the conflict. “The flight took off from Kochi and also included the non-essential members of IRIS Lavan, which remains docked in Kochi,” Jaiswal added. On Friday, the Iranian Ambassador confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the long-standing friendship and shared interests between the two countries. (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.)

While IRIS Dena was torpedoed, another Iranian ship, IRIS Lavan, continues to remain docked at Kochi in Kerala, India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed on Saturday.

'India really helped us': Iran envoy on India’s support after US sank IRIS Dena

Five Indians had been killed, and one was injured amid the conflict in West Asia, Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said, adding that Missions are still underway and are constantly working in all assistance efforts. Mahajan's remark followed during the inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi on the latest developments in West Asia. "We have five Indians who have lost their lives and one who is missing in an earlier incident. Our missions in Oman, Iraq, UAE remain in touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased after completing requisite formalities," he said, news agency ANI reported.<h3>Indians are being helped with transit visas</h3>He underscored that all necessary support is being provided to the seafarers in the region and that the MEA is in close coordination with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. The Additional Secretary (Gulf) said that in countries such as Bahrain and Kuwait, where direct flights are currently not available, Indian nationals are being helped with visa extensions and transit visas to travel back to India via Saudi Arabia. He also provided an update on the attack in Sohar city in Oman, which left two Indians dead and 10 others injured, adding that none of the injured was reported to be in serious condition.&nbsp;"Our mission has been on the ground and is rendering all assistance and is in constant touch with the concerned Omani authorities, local companies, hospitals and families of the affected Indians. The Embassy is also coordinating to facilitate the early return of the mortal remains of the two deceased Indian nationals to India," Aseem Mahajan added.&nbsp;In addition, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, on Friday claimed that two Indian flagged LPG carrying vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have successfully crossed through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that vessels with approximately 92,700 Metric Tons of LPG are now on their way to India.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-hit-more-than-90-iranian-military-targets-on-kharg-island-centcom-1773491825641">US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM</a> &nbsp;

Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, underscored that all necessary support is being provided to the seafarers in the region and that the MEA is in close coordination with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. 

Five Indians had been killed, and one was injured amid the conflict in West Asia, Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, said, adding that Missions are still underway and are constantly working in all assistance efforts. Mahajan's remark followed during the inter-ministerial briefing in New Delhi on the latest developments in West Asia. "We have five Indians who have lost their lives and one who is missing in an earlier incident. Our missions in Oman, Iraq, UAE remain in touch with the concerned authorities regarding the missing Indian national and for early repatriation of mortal remains of the deceased after completing requisite formalities," he said, news agency ANI reported. Indians are being helped with transit visas He underscored that all necessary support is being provided to the seafarers in the region and that the MEA is in close coordination with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping. The Additional Secretary (Gulf) said that in countries such as Bahrain and Kuwait, where direct flights are currently not available, Indian nationals are being helped with visa extensions and transit visas to travel back to India via Saudi Arabia. He also provided an update on the attack in Sohar city in Oman, which left two Indians dead and 10 others injured, adding that none of the injured was reported to be in serious condition. "Our mission has been on the ground and is rendering all assistance and is in constant touch with the concerned Omani authorities, local companies, hospitals and families of the affected Indians. The Embassy is also coordinating to facilitate the early return of the mortal remains of the two deceased Indian nationals to India," Aseem Mahajan added. In addition, Rajesh Kumar Sinha, Special Secretary in the Shipping Ministry, on Friday claimed that two Indian flagged LPG carrying vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, have successfully crossed through the Strait of Hormuz. He added that vessels with approximately 92,700 Metric Tons of LPG are now on their way to India. Also read: US hit more than 90 Iranian military targets on Kharg Island: CENTCOM

Aseem Mahajan, Joint Secretary (Gulf) at the Ministry of External Affairs, underscored that all necessary support is being provided to the seafarers in the region and that the MEA is in close coordination with the Ministry of Ports and Shipping.&nbsp;

Five Indians killed, one missing in West Asia conflict, says MEA

A video emerged on social media showing what seems to be the first known instance of an attack originating from the Persian Gulf targeting Iran since the war began on February 28. According to a video verified by the New York Times, ballistic missiles were launched from Bahrain towards Iran. The Gulf nation is home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet.The video, which was filmed close to a residential area and an airport in northern Bahrain, according to the Times, shows two missiles being fired, leaving smoke trails in the sky as they head toward Iran.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">BREAKING: First video of the U.S. using its new Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) in battle. The video shows a HIMARS system in Bahrain firing the PrSM at targets in Iran across the Persian Gulf. The weapon system is a next-generation surface-to-surface ballistic missile… <a href="https://t.co/auGzvQQEE1">pic.twitter.com/auGzvQQEE1</a>&mdash; Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/2030347122772443201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 7, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

According to the report, at least one of the missiles was fired from a US-made launcher, M142 HIMARS. It was likely that the US military launched the projectiles. While Bahrain has said that its military “has not participated in any offensive operations”, it has not commented on whether it would allow the United States to launch attacks on Iran from its territory.Since the beginning of the war, Iran has retaliated against the US and Israeli attacks by targeting their bases in the region, accusing Tehran’s neighbours of allowing their territories to be used for launching attacks by the American forces.Most of the Gulf nations have denied Iran’s claims and have suggested they would not allow their land or airspace to be used for military operations against Iran. However, most of them host US military bases in their territories.Since the war began after the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Tehran has sent more than 100 missiles and 191 drones to Bahrain, according to the Bahraini government.“Bahrain has been subjected to an unacceptable series of unprovoked missile and drone attacks from Iran,” the government said in a statement to The Times. The statement added that while Bahrain’s military “has not participated in any offensive operations,” it reserves the “right to respond.”On Thursday (Mar 12), Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, in his first statement since the start of the war in West Asia, demanded that his neighbours “shut down” US bases in their territory that are being used to launch strikes on Iran.“The countries of the region must clarify their stance regarding the aggressors against our dear homeland and the killers of our people. I recommend that they shut down those bases as soon as possible, for they must surely have realised by now that America’s claim of establishing security and peace has been nothing but a lie,” he said.Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, the US, Gulf nations and non-state actors like Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, Islamic State, and others. Claims and counterclaims, disinformation and misinformation are being made online and offline. Given this context, WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.&nbsp;

A video claimed to show missiles being launched from Bahrain toward Iran, possibly using a US HIMARS launcher, raising questions over Gulf bases being used in the ongoing West Asia war.

A video emerged on social media showing what seems to be the first known instance of an attack originating from the Persian Gulf targeting Iran since the war began on February 28. According to a video verified by the New York Times, ballistic missiles were launched from Bahrain towards Iran. The Gulf nation is home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. The video, which was filmed close to a residential area and an airport in northern Bahrain, according to the Times, shows two missiles being fired, leaving smoke trails in the sky as they head toward Iran.

A video claimed to show missiles being launched from Bahrain toward Iran, possibly using a US HIMARS launcher, raising questions over Gulf bases being used in the ongoing West Asia war.

Did US launch missiles at Iran from Bahrain? Video raises questions – What we know

&nbsp;Two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India. This comes after several days of diplomatic talks between New Delhi and Tehran as the war rages in West Asia. This comes after Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Friday (Mar 13) confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the long-standing friendship and shared interests between the two countries.<h2>When will the vessels reach India?</h2>The vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), passed through the narrow strategic strait with the cooperation of Iran and other regional stakeholders, NDTV reported, citing government sources. According to reports, the ships are expected to reach India within the next two days, with Mumbai or Kandla likely to be their destination.According to News18, Nanda Devi is carrying about 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG. The second ship, Shivalik, is also transporting a large quantity of gas. The report added that both ships are being escorted by the Indian Navy to ensure their safe transit.&nbsp;&nbsp;“All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and no untoward incidents involving them have been reported over the last 24 hours. There were 24 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf, situated to the west of the Strait of Hormuz. Among these, two vessels—the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, Indian-flagged vessels, both LPG carriers,” said ministry official Rajesh Kumar Sinha. “They safely transited the Strait of Hormuz late last night/early this morning and are now proceeding towards India. These vessels are carrying approximately 92,700 metric tons of LPG; their ports of arrival will be Mundra and Kandla, with expected arrival dates of March 16 and March 17, respectively. Consequently, there are now 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 seafarers,” he added.&nbsp; &nbsp;<h2>Series of diplomatic efforts</h2>The significant development comes after a series of discussions between India and Iran. Four rounds of phone calls have taken place between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi since the beginning of the crisis. The talks happened on February 28, March 5, March 10 and March 12.On Thursday (March 12) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing concerns over the escalating tensions in West Asia and the impact of conflict on civilian lives and global trade routes.“The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priority,” PM Modi said in a post on X following the call.Days earlier, a crude vessel reached Mumbai Port on Thursday (Mar 12) after passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Liberian flagged tanker was captained by an Indian and became the first India-destined vessel to transit the waterway safely since the war began on February 28. The ship named Shenlong was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura.<h2>Why is Strait of Hormuz blocked?</h2>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.Amid the escalating tension 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.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;

Two India-flagged LPG tankers safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict after diplomatic talks with Iran and are now heading towards India carrying large quantities of gas.

Two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tankers have safely exited the Strait of Hormuz and are now heading towards India. This comes after several days of diplomatic talks between New Delhi and Tehran as the war rages in West Asia. This comes after Iran’s ambassador to India, Mohammad Fathali, on Friday (Mar 13) confirmed that Tehran will provide safe passage to vessels bound for India through the Strait of Hormuz, citing the long-standing friendship and shared interests between the two countries. When will the vessels reach India? The vessels, Shivalik and Nanda Devi, operated by the Shipping Corporation of India (SCI), passed through the narrow strategic strait with the cooperation of Iran and other regional stakeholders, NDTV reported, citing government sources. According to reports, the ships are expected to reach India within the next two days, with Mumbai or Kandla likely to be their destination. According to News18, Nanda Devi is carrying about 46,000 metric tonnes of LPG. The second ship, Shivalik, is also transporting a large quantity of gas. The report added that both ships are being escorted by the Indian Navy to ensure their safe transit. “All Indian seafarers in the Persian Gulf region are safe, and no untoward incidents involving them have been reported over the last 24 hours. There were 24 Indian-flagged vessels in the Persian Gulf, situated to the west of the Strait of Hormuz. Among these, two vessels—the Shivalik and the Nanda Devi, Indian-flagged vessels, both LPG carriers,” said ministry official Rajesh Kumar Sinha. “They safely transited the Strait of Hormuz late last night/early this morning and are now proceeding towards India. These vessels are carrying approximately 92,700 metric tons of LPG; their ports of arrival will be Mundra and Kandla, with expected arrival dates of March 16 and March 17, respectively. Consequently, there are now 22 Indian-flagged vessels remaining in the Persian Gulf, carrying a total of 611 seafarers,” he added. Series of diplomatic efforts The significant development comes after a series of discussions between India and Iran. Four rounds of phone calls have taken place between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi since the beginning of the crisis. The talks happened on February 28, March 5, March 10 and March 12. On Thursday (March 12) Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi held talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, expressing concerns over the escalating tensions in West Asia and the impact of conflict on civilian lives and global trade routes. “The safety and security of Indian nationals, along with the need for unhindered transit of goods and energy, remain India's top priority,” PM Modi said in a post on X following the call. Days earlier, a crude vessel reached Mumbai Port on Thursday (Mar 12) after passing through the Strait of Hormuz. Liberian flagged tanker was captained by an Indian and became the first India-destined vessel to transit the waterway safely since the war began on February 28. The ship named Shenlong was loaded with crude oil from the Saudi port Ras Tanura. Why is Strait of Hormuz blocked? 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. Amid the escalating tension 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. 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.

Two India-flagged LPG tankers safely crossed the Strait of Hormuz amid the West Asia conflict after diplomatic talks with Iran and are now heading towards India carrying large quantities of gas.

Two India-flagged tankers carrying 92,000 tonnes of LPG safely cross Strait of Hormuz – Check arrival date

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Mar 14) called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring nations amid the war in West Asia. The group also affirmed Tehran’s right to defend itself against the United States and Israel. This comes as the war spills to the Gulf nations, with Tehran accusing its neighbours of aiding the US and Israel by allowing them to use their airbases for striking Iran.“While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries,” Hamas said in a statement.Earlier, the Palestinian militant group condemned the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of joint US-Israeli strikes in Tehran. Calling the killing a “heinous crime”, Hamas had openly acknowledged Khamenei’s longstanding support for Palestinians.“He provided all forms of political, diplomatic and military support to our people, our cause, and our resistance,” Hamas had said.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.

Hamas urged Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring nations as the West Asia war expands, while backing Tehran’s right to defend itself against the United States and Israel.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Mar 14) called on Iran to refrain from targeting neighbouring nations amid the war in West Asia. The group also affirmed Tehran’s right to defend itself against the United States and Israel. This comes as the war spills to the Gulf nations, with Tehran accusing its neighbours of aiding the US and Israel by allowing them to use their airbases for striking Iran. “While affirming the right of the Islamic Republic of Iran to respond to this aggression by all available means in accordance with international norms and laws, the movement calls on the brothers in Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring countries,” Hamas said in a statement. Earlier, the Palestinian militant group condemned the killing of Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed on the first day of joint US-Israeli strikes in Tehran. Calling the killing a “heinous crime”, Hamas had openly acknowledged Khamenei’s longstanding support for Palestinians. “He provided all forms of political, diplomatic and military support to our people, our cause, and our resistance,” Hamas had said. 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.

Hamas urged Iran to avoid targeting neighbouring nations as the West Asia war expands, while backing Tehran’s right to defend itself against the United States and Israel.

‘Avoid targeting neighbours’: Hamas calls on Iran as war expands in West Asia

The US has placed a $10 million bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei and several other senior Iranian figures, accusing them of directing activities linked to the IRGC. Who are the leaders on Washington’s most-wanted list and why are they being targeted? Scroll down to find out.

The US has placed a $10 million bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei and several other senior Iranian figures, accusing them of directing activities linked to the IRGC. Who are the leaders on Washington’s most-wanted list and why are they being targeted? Scroll down to find out.

US puts $10M bounty on Mojtaba Khamenei, IRGC top leaders it claims ‘plan, organise and execute terror worldwide’. Who are they?

US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday (Mar 13) released a video showing B-2 stealth bombers taking off amid the Iran war. In a post on social media, CENTOM said that the B-2 bombers were taking off to conduct a mission as part of Operation Epic Fury, which the US launched on February 28. The video of the B-2 stealth bombers, which are known to inflict serious damage on enemy targets, came just hours before US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had “totally obliterated” Iran’s Kharg Island. The speculation arises: Did the US warn Iran of a big military operation before the strikes?“B-2 stealth bombers takeoff to conduct a mission during Operation Epic Fury, delivering long-range fire to not only eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, but also eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future,” CENTCOM wrote on X.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">B-2 stealth bombers takeoff to conduct a mission during Operation Epic Fury, delivering long-range fire to not only eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, but also eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future. <a href="https://t.co/ebyUYNnOLo">pic.twitter.com/ebyUYNnOLo</a>&mdash; U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/2032525588041191610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How Friday the 13th became a bad omen for Iran</h2>The US forces on Friday (Mar 13) struck Kharg Island, Iran’s key oil export terminal located in the northern Persian Gulf. Despite being only a few kilometres long, it serves as the backbone of Iran’s oil export infrastructure, with nearly 85-90 per cent of the country’s crude exports passing through the terminal on this island before being shipped to global markets.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.In a post on his Truth Social, Trump wrote, “Moments ago, at my direction, the United States Central Command executed one of the most powerful bombing raids in the History of the Middle East, and totally obliterated every MILITARY target in Iran’s crown jewel, Kharg Island.”He added, “Iran has NO ability to defend anything that we want to attack — There is nothing they can do about it! Iran will NEVER have a nuclear weapon, nor will it have the ability to threaten the United States of America, the Middle East or, for that matter, the World! Iran’s Military, and all others involved with this Terrorist Regime, would be wise to lay down their arms, and save what’s left of their country, which isn’t much!”Trump also shared a video of the attack on the Kharg Island.

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.

The US released footage of B-2 stealth bombers launching under Operation Epic Fury before strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island. Donald Trump said US forces “obliterated” the target but spared major oil facilities, warning Iran over Strait of Hormuz security.

US Central Command (CENTCOM) on Friday (Mar 13) released a video showing B-2 stealth bombers taking off amid the Iran war. In a post on social media, CENTOM said that the B-2 bombers were taking off to conduct a mission as part of Operation Epic Fury, which the US launched on February 28. The video of the B-2 stealth bombers, which are known to inflict serious damage on enemy targets, came just hours before US President Donald Trump announced that American forces had “totally obliterated” Iran’s Kharg Island. The speculation arises: Did the US warn Iran of a big military operation before the strikes? “B-2 stealth bombers takeoff to conduct a mission during Operation Epic Fury, delivering long-range fire to not only eliminate the threat from the Iranian regime today, but also eliminate their ability to rebuild in the future,” CENTCOM wrote on X.

The US released footage of B-2 stealth bombers launching under Operation Epic Fury before strikes on Iran’s Kharg Island. Donald Trump said US forces “obliterated” the target but spared major oil facilities, warning Iran over Strait of Hormuz security.

Bad omen for Iran? CENTCOM video shows B-2 bombers taking off on Friday the 13th before Kharg Island attack | WATCH

Israel's multi-layered air defence, featuring Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, successfully intercepted the vast majority of Iran's 181 ballistic missiles. This overlapping network proved its critical worth by preventing casualties.


Israel's multi-layered air defence, featuring Iron Dome, David's Sling, and Arrow 3, successfully intercepted the vast majority of Iran's 181 ballistic missiles. This overlapping network proved its critical worth by preventing casualties.

'Israel vs Iran war': How Israel’s most advanced air defence is proving its worth

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran no longer distinguishes between the United States and Israel following the outbreak of the war. In a post on X, Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of being “duped” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into launching the conflict. This comes as the US president on Friday (Mar 13) claimed that Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons,” he insisted.&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-trump-snub-putin-s-plan-to-tranfer-iran-s-uranium-as-us-and-israel-weigh-special-ops-raids-to-seize-450kg-of-nuclear-material-report-1773439671375">Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia?</a><h2>Trump ‘duped’ by Netanyahu?</h2>“Trump was duped by Netanyahu into starting the war and is now acting under his control,” wrote.Ghalibaf added that Iran would continue fighting until its adversaries change their approach. “The war will continue until the enemy's calculus is altered and they are driven to regret,” he said.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">2/ The war will continue until the enemy&#39;s calculus is altered and they are driven to regret.&mdash; محمدباقر قالیباف | MB Ghalibaf (@mb_ghalibaf) <a href="https://twitter.com/mb_ghalibaf/status/2032558167398154527?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 13, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The war in West Asia has entered its third week. In the 14 days of war, Brent contracts for a barrel of crude have soared more than 42 per cent. The soaring prices of crude oil have left markets and governments everywhere skittish about energy supply and higher inflation. On Friday, oil stayed above $100 a barrel.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-they-have-no-radar-trump-claims-iran-s-military-is-collapsing-says-iran-war-will-last-as-long-as-necessary-1773442127855">Trump claims Tehran is 'collapsing' says Iran war to last 'as long as necessary'</a><h2>13 Americans killed: The cost of war</h2>Since the war began, the US military has lost 13 personnel, including six who were onboard a refuelling aircraft that crashed in Iraq. Officials confirmed the crash was not caused by hostile fire.&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.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that the United States and Israel are now "indistinguishable" following the escalation of Iran war. In a scathing post on X, he claimed that Trump was "duped" by Netanyahu into starting the conflict.

Iranian parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said Tehran no longer distinguishes between the United States and Israel following the outbreak of the war. In a post on X, Ghalibaf accused US President Donald Trump of being “duped” by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu into launching the conflict. This comes as the US president on Friday (Mar 13) claimed that Tehran’s military capabilities have been severely degraded. “Iran has no radar. They have no anti-aircraft weapons,” he insisted. Also read | Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Trump ‘duped’ by Netanyahu? “Trump was duped by Netanyahu into starting the war and is now acting under his control,” wrote. Ghalibaf added that Iran would continue fighting until its adversaries change their approach. “The war will continue until the enemy's calculus is altered and they are driven to regret,” he said.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has asserted that the United States and Israel are now "indistinguishable" following the escalation of Iran war. In a scathing post on X, he claimed that Trump was "duped" by Netanyahu into starting the conflict.

Was Trump 'duped' by Netanyahu into launching Iran war? Iranian parliament speaker makes shocking claim

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed moving Iran's enriched uranium to his country, according to reports. This offer was made during his call with US President Donald Trump this week, reports Axios. Speaking to the publication, a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that this was not the first time Russia had made this offer. Notably, the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran started amid Washington's claims that Tehran had enriched uranium to weapon-grade. Why didn't Trump accept Putin's proposal even as the US insists that securing Iran's uranium stockpile remains a priority? Here's all we know.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-not-something-we-d-be-happy-with-us-warns-russia-against-getting-involved-in-iran-war-amid-intel-sharing-allegations-1773191720629">'Not something we'd be happy with': US warns Russia against getting 'involved' in Iran war amid intel sharing allegations</a><h2>Putin offers help securing Iranian uranium</h2>Reports suggest that Iran has around 450 kilogrammes of 60 per cent enriched uranium, which could be converted to weapons-grade uranium within weeks. This amount of radioactive material is enough for more than 10 bombs.Citing sources, Axios reports that Trump is yet to take up Putin on his offer to move the alleged nuclear-grade uranium to Russia. A source told the publication that, "This is not the first time it was offered," but added that, "it hasn't been accepted. The U.S. position is we need to see the uranium secured."Russia reportedly made a similar offer in May 2025, before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iranian facilities. The same was also proposed before the launch of the current "pre-emptive" strikes under the US's Operation Epic Fury and Israel's Operation Lion's Roar.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-scared-and-disfigured-us-claims-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-injured-in-chaotic-strike-1773438327145">'Scared and disfigured': US claims Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured in 'chaotic' strike</a><h2>Why hasn't Trump accepted the offer?</h2>The US official noted that the US President "talks to everyone — Xi, Putin, the Europeans — and he's always willing to make a deal". However, he added that it has to be a good deal, as the "president doesn't make bad deals".This comes amid reports that the US and Israel were considering putting boots on the ground in Iran. The two nations are believed to have discussed sending special forces into Iran to secure the nation's nuclear stockpile in the later stages of the US-Israel-Iran war in West Asia.On Friday, Trump's Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, insisted that US "has a range of options" to take control of Iran's highly enriched uranium. He said that one option was that Tehran submit the stockpile voluntarily. "They weren't willing to do that in negotiations. I would never tell this group or the world what we're willing to do or how far we're willing to go — but we have options, for sure," he added.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.

US President Donald Trump has turned down a proposal from Vladimir Putin to transfer Iran’s 450kg stockpile of 60% enriched uranium to Russia to end the ongoing conflict, suggest reports. All we know.

Russian President Vladimir Putin has proposed moving Iran's enriched uranium to his country, according to reports. This offer was made during his call with US President Donald Trump this week, reports Axios. Speaking to the publication, a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that this was not the first time Russia had made this offer. Notably, the ongoing war between the US, Israel and Iran started amid Washington's claims that Tehran had enriched uranium to weapon-grade. Why didn't Trump accept Putin's proposal even as the US insists that securing Iran's uranium stockpile remains a priority? Here's all we know. Also read | 'Not something we'd be happy with': US warns Russia against getting 'involved' in Iran war amid intel sharing allegations Putin offers help securing Iranian uranium Reports suggest that Iran has around 450 kilogrammes of 60 per cent enriched uranium, which could be converted to weapons-grade uranium within weeks. This amount of radioactive material is enough for more than 10 bombs. Citing sources, Axios reports that Trump is yet to take up Putin on his offer to move the alleged nuclear-grade uranium to Russia. A source told the publication that, "This is not the first time it was offered," but added that, "it hasn't been accepted. The U.S. position is we need to see the uranium secured." Russia reportedly made a similar offer in May 2025, before the US and Israel launched strikes against Iranian facilities. The same was also proposed before the launch of the current "pre-emptive" strikes under the US's Operation Epic Fury and Israel's Operation Lion's Roar. Also read | 'Scared and disfigured': US claims Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured in 'chaotic' strike Why hasn't Trump accepted the offer? The US official noted that the US President "talks to everyone — Xi, Putin, the Europeans — and he's always willing to make a deal". However, he added that it has to be a good deal, as the "president doesn't make bad deals". This comes amid reports that the US and Israel were considering putting boots on the ground in Iran. The two nations are believed to have discussed sending special forces into Iran to secure the nation's nuclear stockpile in the later stages of the US-Israel-Iran war in West Asia. On Friday, Trump's Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, insisted that US "has a range of options" to take control of Iran's highly enriched uranium. He said that one option was that Tehran submit the stockpile voluntarily. "They weren't willing to do that in negotiations. I would never tell this group or the world what we're willing to do or how far we're willing to go — but we have options, for sure," he added. 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.

US President Donald Trump has turned down a proposal from Vladimir Putin to transfer Iran’s 450kg stockpile of 60% enriched uranium to Russia to end the ongoing conflict, suggest reports. All we know.

Did Trump snub Putin’s plan to transfer Iran's 450kg nuclear material to Russia? Here's what reports suggest

Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Iranian Supreme Leader, was injured in a "chaotic environment" and is "likely disfigured", said the United States on Friday (Mar 13). However, speaking to the press, US Vice President JD Vance confessed that it was "not totally clear" if the new Ayatollah was injured by a US strike. Meanwhile, America's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, while questioning Ali Khamenei's son's ability to rule Iran, said that Mojtaba was "wounded and likely disfigured". This comes just two days after Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, confirmed that the newly appointed Supreme Leader had sustained injuries in the Iran war, but insisted that he was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-news-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-safe-and-sound-despite-war-injuries-says-president-pezeshkian-s-son-1773210931273">"safe and sound"</a>. Here's all we know about Mojtaba Khamenei's condition.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/breaking-news-iran-s-new-supreme-leader-mojtaba-khamenei-safe-and-sound-despite-war-injuries-says-president-pezeshkian-s-son-1773210931273">Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ‘safe and sound’ despite war injuries, says President Pezeshkian's son</a><h2>Iranian Supreme Leader "likely disfigured"?</h2>During a press briefing on Friday, US Defense Secretary noted that a statement released by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday had "no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement."This, he said, was because the "new so-called, not so supreme, leader is wounded and likely disfigured." Hegseth said Khamenei lacks "legitimacy" and was running scared.&nbsp;“He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice, and there was no video. It was a written statement,” said Hegseth. "Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father — dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy," he added.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-huge-mistake-was-the-north-korean-embassy-in-tehran-hit-by-an-israeli-missile-here-s-the-truth-fact-check-1773298739599">Israel's 'huge mistake' amid Iran war: Did Tel Aviv attack North Korea's embassy in Tehran? Here’s the truth | Fact Check</a><h2>How was Mojtaba Khamenei injured?</h2>According to US VP Vance, Iran's Supreme Leader had been injured in a "chaotic environment," but it remains unclear whether the wounds were caused by a US or an Israeli airstrike."It's not totally clear, actually," Vance told reporters. "You have the Israelis striking, you have obviously the United States striking a number of targets. So we know that he's hurt. We don't know exactly how bad, but we know that he's hurt."&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.

The US government has claimed that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is "likely disfigured" and currently in hiding. US Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that Khamenei’s recent address was a text-only statement with no audio or video proof of life.

Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Iranian Supreme Leader, was injured in a "chaotic environment" and is "likely disfigured", said the United States on Friday (Mar 13). However, speaking to the press, US Vice President JD Vance confessed that it was "not totally clear" if the new Ayatollah was injured by a US strike. Meanwhile, America's Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, while questioning Ali Khamenei's son's ability to rule Iran, said that Mojtaba was "wounded and likely disfigured". This comes just two days after Yousef Pezeshkian, the son of President Masoud Pezeshkian, confirmed that the newly appointed Supreme Leader had sustained injuries in the Iran war, but insisted that he was "safe and sound". Here's all we know about Mojtaba Khamenei's condition. Also read | Iran’s new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei ‘safe and sound’ despite war injuries, says President Pezeshkian's son Iranian Supreme Leader "likely disfigured"? During a press briefing on Friday, US Defense Secretary noted that a statement released by Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei on Thursday had "no voice and there was no video. It was a written statement." This, he said, was because the "new so-called, not so supreme, leader is wounded and likely disfigured." Hegseth said Khamenei lacks "legitimacy" and was running scared. “He put out a statement yesterday. A weak one, actually, but there was no voice, and there was no video. It was a written statement,” said Hegseth. "Iran has plenty of cameras and plenty of voice recorders. Why a written statement? I think you know why. His father — dead. He's scared, he's injured, he's on the run and he lacks legitimacy," he added. Also read | Israel's 'huge mistake' amid Iran war: Did Tel Aviv attack North Korea's embassy in Tehran? Here’s the truth | Fact Check How was Mojtaba Khamenei injured? According to US VP Vance, Iran's Supreme Leader had been injured in a "chaotic environment," but it remains unclear whether the wounds were caused by a US or an Israeli airstrike. "It's not totally clear, actually," Vance told reporters. "You have the Israelis striking, you have obviously the United States striking a number of targets. So we know that he's hurt. We don't know exactly how bad, but we know that he's hurt." 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.

The US government has claimed that Iran’s new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is "likely disfigured" and currently in hiding. US Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth noted that Khamenei’s recent address was a text-only statement with no audio or video proof of life.

'Scared and disfigured': US claims Iran's new supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei injured in 'chaotic' strike

The United States Department of State on Friday (Mar 13) offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and other top officials of the Islamic Republic, even as US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth earlier in the day claimed that the new Ayatollah Mojtaba was “wounded, likely disfigured” in American strikes.&nbsp;Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, and Minister of Intelligence and Security Esmail Khatib feature among the 10 individuals on the State Department list.&nbsp;“These individuals command and direct various elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organises and executes terrorism around the world,” the State Department said.&nbsp;Washington urged tipsters to convey information through Tor or Signal and said: “Your information could make you eligible for relocation and a reward.”&nbsp;The State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program offers cash for intelligence leading to the capture or prosecution of wanted individuals.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-going-to-be-hitting-them-very-hard-over-the-next-week-trump-warns-iran-1773421896323">‘Going to be hitting them very hard over the next week’: Trump warns Iran</a>&nbsp;The list specifically seeks information on 10 individuals, including named high-ranking officials and key leadership positions currently filled by “shadow” figures in the wake of recent decapitation strikes.&nbsp;Mojtaba Khamenei: The new Supreme Leader. The US is specifically seeking proof of his physical condition following reports he was wounded on 28 February.&nbsp;Ali Asghar Hejazi: The late Ali Khamenei’s deputy chief of staff and a top security aide; considered the “shadow” power behind the new leadership.&nbsp;Ali Larijani: The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and a key member of the current governing council.&nbsp;Yahya Rahim Safavi: A senior Major General and the primary military adviser to the Supreme Leader.&nbsp;Eskandar Momeni: The Minister of the Interior.&nbsp;Esmail Khatib: The Minister of Intelligence and Security.<h2>The four “nameless” positions</h2>In an unprecedented move, the State Department has listed four titles without names, offering the full reward for anyone who can identify and locate the individuals currently holding these offices:&nbsp;Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC: Targeting whoever took over after the previous leadership was eliminated.&nbsp;Secretary of the Supreme Defence Council.&nbsp;Head of the Supreme Leader’s Military Office.&nbsp;Special Adviser to the Supreme Leader.&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.)

The list features Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, even as the US Secretary of War earlier claimed that Ayatollah Mojtaba was “wounded, likely disfigured” in US strikes.

The United States Department of State on Friday (Mar 13) offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and other top officials of the Islamic Republic, even as US Secretary of War Pete Hegseth earlier in the day claimed that the new Ayatollah Mojtaba was “wounded, likely disfigured” in American strikes. Iran's Interior Minister, Eskandar Momeni, and Minister of Intelligence and Security Esmail Khatib feature among the 10 individuals on the State Department list. “These individuals command and direct various elements of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which plans, organises and executes terrorism around the world,” the State Department said. Washington urged tipsters to convey information through Tor or Signal and said: “Your information could make you eligible for relocation and a reward.” The State Department’s Rewards for Justice Program offers cash for intelligence leading to the capture or prosecution of wanted individuals. Also Read: ‘Going to be hitting them very hard over the next week’: Trump warns Iran The list specifically seeks information on 10 individuals, including named high-ranking officials and key leadership positions currently filled by “shadow” figures in the wake of recent decapitation strikes. Mojtaba Khamenei: The new Supreme Leader. The US is specifically seeking proof of his physical condition following reports he was wounded on 28 February. Ali Asghar Hejazi: The late Ali Khamenei’s deputy chief of staff and a top security aide; considered the “shadow” power behind the new leadership. Ali Larijani: The Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council (SNSC) and a key member of the current governing council. Yahya Rahim Safavi: A senior Major General and the primary military adviser to the Supreme Leader. Eskandar Momeni: The Minister of the Interior. Esmail Khatib: The Minister of Intelligence and Security. The four “nameless” positions In an unprecedented move, the State Department has listed four titles without names, offering the full reward for anyone who can identify and locate the individuals currently holding these offices: Commander-in-Chief of the IRGC: Targeting whoever took over after the previous leadership was eliminated. Secretary of the Supreme Defence Council. Head of the Supreme Leader’s Military Office. Special Adviser to the Supreme Leader. (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.)

The list features Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, even as the US Secretary of War earlier claimed that Ayatollah Mojtaba was “wounded, likely disfigured” in US strikes.

US puts rewards on top 10 Iranian leaders; see who they are and amounts offered