The intensification of conflict in West Asia is causing profound, long-term environmental damage, intersecting with acute climate extremes that are battering the region in early 2026. Military strikes on critical energy infrastructure have caused severe air and water pollution, while escalating violence forces a shift toward dirtier energy sources and hinders long-term climate goals. 


Climate Extremes Batter West Asia as War Intensifies

As the global energy crisis deepens, Asian economies have become the most vulnerable. This is due to their energy dependence on key Gulf routes. Here are the key policy highlights as Asia prepares for a new reality.


Asian Economies Scramble to Contain Energy Fallout 

Is West Asia on the brink of war or a historic peace deal? Donald Trump has revealed ongoing backchannel negotiations with Iran, even as U.S. troops mobilise across the region. A secret 15-point deal, global oil fears, and a ticking 5-day deadline. This is high-stakes diplomacy like never before.

US-Iran 'Secret' Talks Hold Balance Between Horrific War & Nervous Peace

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is supporting the government's proposal for a ₹573-billion (approx. $6.2 billion-$6.8 billion) Economic Stabilisation Fund to mitigate supply chain disruptions and unexpected external shocks. Highlighted in the March 2026 bulletin, this fund aims to strengthen India's resilience against global headwinds, including West Asia geopolitical tensions, oil price volatility, and high-frequency economic volatility. 


India: RBI Proposes Stabilisation Fund To Tackle Global Shocks

The Enforcement Directorate has sent notices to Indians who used credit cards to buy property in Dubai. These transactions may violate Reserve Bank of India rules. Buyers now face penalties, legal scrutiny and possible losses as the market weakens due to West Asia War.


ED Sends Notice To Indians Buying Properties In Dubai With Credit Cards

Iran has launched strikes targeting critical Gulf energy infrastructure after earlier attacks on its strategic South Pars gas field, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing US-Iran war. The retaliation reportedly hit major oil and gas facilities across Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Bahrain, disrupting operations and raising fears of a wider regional energy conflict.


US-Iran War: Iran Hits Gulf's Critical Energy Grid After South Pars Strike

The US has allowed the sale of Iranian oil at sea in its latest effort to counter rising oil prices due to the escalating West Asia war. The treasury department waived sanctions on Iranian oil that have already been loaded onto tankers through to April 19th. This measure follows similar decision on Russian oil on the water.


Can Iranian Oil Offset the Oil Supply Deficit?

It was a Sea of Red once again across markets and asset classes. Markets have been stress-tested since the Iran war broke out three weeks ago. Now there is more escalation. US Officials signaled sending hundreds of Marines to West Asia to seize Iran’s Kharg Island oil export hub. Brent crude was around 110 dollars a barrel, suggesting it is no longer a temporary spike. The situation in the bond market is more concerning than what is happening with oil prices.


Global Markets Health Check | March 16 Week 

Asia refiners have asked Saudi Arabia to change the way it prices crude, after the West Asia war has disrupted the traditional system. A Bloomberg report quoting traders showed the talks with Saudi Aramco were ongoing. But trades said the discussions may now be successful.


Asian Buyers Ask Saudi to Change Oil Pricing Peg to Brent 

Hezbollah has launched multiple rocket barrages on Israeli cities, expanding the regional scope of the ongoing Israel-Iran war. Air-raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel, with several projectiles reportedly penetrating Israel’s Iron Dome air-defence shield and striking populated areas. The attacks come as Israel continues strikes on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, raising fears of a broader regional escalation involving Iran-backed forces across West Asia.


Israel-Ian War: Iran, Hezbollah Attack Israel; Iron Dome Fails to Stop Iran Rockets

Amid the US‑Israel war with Iran, Saudi Arabia and the UAE appear to be edging closer to the US‑Israel axis, reacting to repeated Iranian strikes on Gulf energy hubs and infrastructure. Gulf leaders have signalled stronger alignment with Washington and Tel Aviv, with Saudi Arabia mulling military support and the UAE tightening defence cooperation amid heightened threats.


US-Iran War: Saudi Weighs to Open Up TAIF Airbase To US 

Iran’s use of cluster‑warhead missiles in the ongoing Israel‑Iran war has posed a serious test to Israel’s air defence systems. Instead of a single warhead, these missiles open mid‑air and release multiple submunitions, spreading dozens of smaller explosives over a wide area -a tactic aimed at overwhelming point‑defence systems like the Iron Dome and long‑range interceptors.


Israel-Iran War: Iran's Cluster Strike Strategy Tests Israel’s Defences

The developing world is feeling the effects of the West Asia war. The historic energy crisis is likely to cause few emerging economies to seek further assistance, or tweak the existing bailout programs from the international monetary fund.


Energy Crisis: Vulnerable Countries Face Funding Risk

President Donald Trump has said he is considering "winding down" the Iran war because the US was "getting very close" to meeting its military objectives.

He also said the Strait of Hormuz would have to be guarded by other nations who use it, stating that the US wasn't one of them.

Energy prices have soared since Iran effectively closed the shipping route after the conflict began last month. Iran's new supreme leader, meanwhile, said the country had dealt "a dizzying blow" to the enemy.

Israel-Iran War: US Weighs "Winding Down" West Asia Operations

The Pentagon has reportedly asked for an additional $200 billion in funding for the Iran war. It is planning to deploy more troops to the Middle East, according to a report, which means the war will continue to escalate and expand.


US-Iran War | Reports: US Deploying Additional Warships, Marines to West Asia

The war in Iran is taking a heavy toll on everyday life and nowhere is it more visible than in Tehran’s iconic grand bazaar. Shops are shuttered, prices are soaring, and families are skipping the traditional Nowruz and Eid shopping.


West Asia War Hits Tehran’s Heart of Trade

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

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

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 rumors 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.”


Iran War: Israel's PM Netanyahu Shares New Video; Asks Civilians To Stay Near Safe Space

Global oil prices surge to $137 per barrel as West Asia tensions escalate. India faces economic pressure from rising import costs, energy security risks, and inflationary concerns. Experts discuss how the crisis impacts trade, fuel prices, and domestic industries while governments explore alternatives to stabilize the economy.

Oil Price Surge: Oil At $137 |  India's Big Test Amid West Asia Conflict

U.S. President Donald Trump said Sunday (March 15, 2026) that NATO faces a "very bad" future if U.S. allies fail to help open the Strait of Hormuz, the critical oil transport conduit effectively shut by Iran in the West Asia war.


Trump: Negative Response Will Be Bad for NATO's Future as Allies Refuse to Help Despite Threats

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Emirati President Mohamed bin Zayed discussed Iran’s retaliatory strikes on the Gulf in their second call since a public row in late December.

According to a statement published by Emirati news agency WAM, the leaders discussed the continued and blatant Iranian attacks targeting countries in the region.

UAE, Saudi Leaders Hold Second Phone Call To Discuss Retaliatory Strikes on the Gulf 

India’s aviation regulator DGCA has temporarily relaxed flight duty time limitations for Air India pilots and crew as airlines adjust routes due to escalating West Asia tensions. The move aims to maintain long-haul connectivity, manage extended flight paths, and minimize disruptions caused by airspace restrictions across the Middle East region.


Airlines Adjust Routes Amid West Asia Tensions; Refunds & Rebooking For Affected Flyers

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


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

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


Risks Still Skewed Towards Lower Rates on Growth Worries

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


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

The Ministry of External Affairs, India has conducted an inter-ministerial briefing on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, emphasizing India’s active engagement with all key interlocutors in the region. Authorities confirmed that India is closely monitoring developments, coordinating with diplomats, and ensuring the safety of Indian citizens and energy interests abroad.

MEA: India in Touch With All Interlocutors Amid West Asia War

Europe is cautiously strengthening its military presence in West Asia. France leads the deployment with eight warships and its aircraft carrier group, while the EU’s naval mission is reinforced. The U.S. also expands bomber operations in the UK as regional tensions escalate.


Europe Cautiously Boosts Military Presence in West Asia

Iran has vowed to move from "reciprocal hits" to continuous, relentless strikes against Israel and U.S. bases in the region, declaring that their retaliatory operations will not end until the "aggressors" are defeated. 


US-Iran War: Iran Vows To 'Continously' Strike US-Israel Targets

Top Indian government officials are actively addressing energy security concerns following the escalation of the conflict in West Asia, with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Petroleum Minister Hardeep Singh Puri leading efforts to assure stability in oil and gas supplies amid the ongoing Iran-Israel/US tensions as of March 2026. While global oil prices have surged above USD 100 per barrel, Indian officials have stated there is "no shortage of energy in India" and are monitoring the situation closely. 


West Asia Conflict: Indian Govt Top Officials Address Energy Concerns Amid War in Iran

As the war in West Asia entered the 11th day, U.S. President Donald Trump has declared that the conflict will end very soon. As per reports, his advisors have asked him to extract U.S. from the war and present a case that the military has largely achieved its objectives. This comes amid concerns over the ongoing energy crisis which is impacting U.S. as well.


White House Panic: Advisers Push Trump to End Iran War

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Climate Extremes Batter West Asia as War Intensifies

Asian Economies Scramble to Contain Energy Fallout

US-Iran 'Secret' Talks Hold Balance Between Horrific War & Nervous Peace

India: RBI Proposes Stabilisation Fund To Tackle Global Shocks

ED Sends Notice To Indians Buying Properties In Dubai With Credit Cards

US-Iran War: Iran Hits Gulf's Critical Energy Grid After South Pars Strike

Can Iranian Oil Offset the Oil Supply Deficit?

Global Markets Health Check | March 16 Week

Asian Buyers Ask Saudi to Change Oil Pricing Peg to Brent

Israel-Ian War: Iran, Hezbollah Attack Israel; Iron Dome Fails to Stop Iran Rockets

US-Iran War: Saudi Weighs to Open Up TAIF Airbase To US

Israel-Iran War: Iran's Cluster Strike Strategy Tests Israel’s Defences

Energy Crisis: Vulnerable Countries Face Funding Risk

Israel-Iran War: US Weighs "Winding Down" West Asia Operations

US-Iran War | Reports: US Deploying Additional Warships, Marines to West Asia

West Asia War Hits Tehran’s Heart of Trade

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

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

Iran War: Israel's PM Netanyahu Shares New Video; Asks Civilians To Stay Near Safe Space

Oil Price Surge: Oil At $137 | India's Big Test Amid West Asia Conflict

Trump: Negative Response Will Be Bad for NATO's Future as Allies Refuse to Help Despite Threats

UAE, Saudi Leaders Hold Second Phone Call To Discuss Retaliatory Strikes on the Gulf

Airlines Adjust Routes Amid West Asia Tensions; Refunds & Rebooking For Affected Flyers

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

Risks Still Skewed Towards Lower Rates on Growth Worries

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