U.S. President Donald Trump has said that several countries are not “enthusiastic” about helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as tensions escalate following the Iran conflict.

Speaking at the White House, Trump called on allies to assist in securing the key global shipping route, which has been disrupted after Iran used drones, missiles and mines in response to U.S.-Israeli strikes.

US-Iran War: Trump Says Allies Not ‘Enthusiastic’ As US Pushes To Reopen Hormuz | WION

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have sharply escalated after reports of Pakistani airstrikes targeting Kabul. Afghan officials say hundreds have been killed, with one strike reportedly hitting a hospital facility, raising fears of heavy civilian casualties.

Authorities in Afghanistan have blamed Pakistan for the attack, while Islamabad has denied targeting civilian infrastructure, stating that its operations were aimed at militant sites.

The strikes come amid rising cross-border clashes, further straining already tense relations between the two countries. Rescue efforts are ongoing, with casualties expected to rise as more details emerge from the ground.

Afghanistan Accuses Pakistan of Striking Drug Rehab Center| Pak Air Strikes in Kabul | WION

The United States and Israel have carried out coordinated strikes targeting Iranian military infrastructure, marking a sharp escalation in the ongoing conflict.

Reports indicate that U.S. fighter jets struck military facilities near Iran’s Chabahar Free Trade Zone, with explosions heard in the area.

Earlier, U.S. forces also targeted key military sites on Iran’s Kharg Island, a strategic oil hub, with President Donald Trump claiming multiple targets were destroyed.

The strikes are part of a broader campaign against Iranian military assets, which has triggered retaliatory missile and drone attacks from Tehran, further widening the conflict across the region.

The situation continues to escalate, raising concerns over regional stability and global energy security.

US-Iran War: US, Israel Strike Iran Military Sites As War Intensifies | WION

#Gravitas Israel has launched limited ground operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon. A move it claims is aimed at strengthening its forward defensive lines while also trying to weaken Hezbollah's strongholds. At the same time, Hezbollah has responded with one of its strongest warnings yet. The group says it is preparing for a long and brutal confrontation with Israel. 

Hezbollah Vows of an 'Existential' War Against Israel 

The war has entered a terrifying new chapter. After 16 days of heavy US and Israeli airstrikes, Iran has now launched its most advanced ballistic weapon: the Sejjil-2. Known as the "dancing missile" for its ability to evade air defences. IRGC claims this 2,000km-range beast has just struck targets in Israel. 

Iran Unleashes Sejjil-2 Heavy Missile in Operation True Promise-4

Several members of Iran’s women’s football team who sought asylum in Australia after political backlash are withdrawing their claims and returning home. Only two players remain in asylum. The five returning include the team captain, amid reports of pressure and concerns about their families’ safety. The situation highlights complex human rights and sporting tensions.

Iran Players Snub Asylum: Only 2 Remain as Five, Including Captain, Return to Iran

Be the part of The leaders' Confluence WION World Pulse: The Rhythm of the New World Order Block your date: March 18, 2026

WION World Pulse: Rhythm of the new world order

Identify the Pulse of a fast-changing world. WION World Pulse turns global developments into compelling conversations about the road ahead. Join leaders, global decision-makers, strategists and policymakers all under one roof. Get ready for the biggest stage in New Delhi on March 18, 2026

WION World Pulse: Global leaders, strategy & conversations in New Delhi

Capture the heartbeat of a fast-changing world. Get the insights into the dynamics of diplomacy, geopolitics and the way forward. Join WION World Pulse on March 18

WION World Pulse: Capture the heartbeat of fast-changing world

This session explores how innovation, technology, and new care models are transforming global healthcare and shaping more accessible, future-ready systems.

WION World Pulse | Healthcare Pulse - Medicine of tomorrow

This session examines the evolving global economy and the new equations shaping international trade. It explores how trust, financial inclusion, policy, partnerships, and innovation are redefining the global economic order.

WION World Pulse | Economy Pulse - Tariff, trade & trust: Reimagining global trade

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk expressed concern that right-wing parties in Poland are pushing the country away from the European Union. He warned that current political moves could risk a ‘Polexit,’ potentially undermining Poland’s position in Europe and straining relations with EU institutions as tensions grow.

Poland Political Crisis: PM Tusk Warns Right-Wing Parties Could Steer Poland Towards ‘Polexit’ 

Since the war began, Gulf producers have already lost $15.1 billion in revenues, based on estimates that the choked supplies that cannot pass the Strait of Hormuz were worth $1.2 billion per day, based on average 2025 prices and volumes, according to Kpler.

Fuel Crisis: Gulf Oil Producers Hit Hard as Iran Disrupts Exports | Gulf Loses $15 Billion Exports 

WION World Pulse turns global developments into compelling conversations about the road ahead. Join leaders, global decision-makers, strategists and policymakers all under one roof. Get ready for the biggest stage in New Delhi on March 18, 2026

WION World Pulse: Discussions on technology & geopolitics in New Delhi

U.S. President Donald Trump says diplomatic talks with Cuba are underway and hinted that Washington may focus on Havana after addressing the conflict with Iran. Trump stated that while Cuba desires a deal, the U.S. will deal with Iran first before shifting attention to Cuba’s longstanding tensions and political crisis.

Cuba-US Relations: Trump Hints US Will Address Cuba After Iran Conflict

Iran’s ambassador to Saudi Arabia says Tehran wants a “serious review” of relations with Gulf states amid the ongoing West Asia war, emphasizing that the countries are neighbours who cannot do without each other and urging reduced reliance on external powers. Iran also denies involvement in recent Saudi oil attacks.

West Asia War: Iranian Envoy Calls for Stronger Gulf Cooperation Amid Rising Tensions

North Korea has conducted elections for its Supreme People’s Assembly, with state media reporting almost 100% voter turnout. The elections, closely monitored internationally, are part of the country’s tightly controlled political process. Analysts note that these votes primarily reaffirm the authority of Kim Jong Un and the ruling party.

North Korea Holds Supreme People’s Assembly Elections, Nearly 100% Turnout

Global leaders and thinkers are coming together at #WIONWorldPulse to discuss the ideas shaping tomorrow. Sanjeev Sanyal explains why WION World Pulse stands out as a unique forum connecting experts, policymakers, and thought leaders from around the world.

Why WION World Pulse matters | Sanjeev Sanyal, Member, EAC-PM 

Why WION World Pulse Matters | Sanjeev Sanyal congratulates WION World Pulse

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in London for an Al-Quds Day rally expressing support for Iran and Palestine despite the UK government banning the traditional march over public-order concerns. Police allowed a static protest under strict conditions, deploying heavy security as counter-protesters also assembled nearby. Several arrests were reported. 


US-Iran War: Londoners Rally for Iran Despite Ban on Al-Quds Day March

WION World Pulse brings people, policies, and ideas together. To challenge assumptions and to build consensus for the future.

Catch the rhythm of the new world order on #WIONWorldPulse 2006. 
March 18, 2026: NEW DELHI

WION World Pulse: People, Policies & Ideas Shaping The Future

WION World Pulse: People, policies & ideas shaping the future

Sri Lanka has reintroduced fuel rationing through a digital QR code-based system, limiting weekly petrol purchases to 15 litres for cars and 5 litres for motorbikes. Authorities say the move is a precautionary step as uncertainty around the West Asia conflict continues to disrupt global energy markets and threaten oil supplies.

Sri Lanka Reintroduces Fuel Rationing As Global Oil Crisis Deepens 

This session explores whether the world can reach consensus on tech geopolitics, and how innovation, trust, and global cooperation can shape responsible and secure technological progress.

WION World Pulse | Tech Pulse - Tech, Trust & Transformation

WION World Pulse | Tech Pulse - Tech, trust & transformation

Heavy snowfall has covered Badrinath Dham and surrounding Himalayan peaks in a thick white blanket as winter-like conditions return to Chamoli. The temple premises along with Neelkanth Parvat and Narayan Parvat have been engulfed in snow, while temperatures have dropped sharply across the region. Nearby Kedarnath Temple has also witnessed intense snowfall, with security forces continuing patrols despite the extreme cold.

Heavy Snowfall Covers Badrinath Dham | Chamoli Himalayas Turn Into White Landscape

Voters in the Republic of the Congo have gone to the polls in a presidential election widely expected to extend the rule of Denis Sassou N’Guesso, who has governed the oil-rich Central African nation for more than four decades. The 82-year-old leader is seeking a fifth consecutive term, but turnout has been low amid opposition boycott calls and public skepticism about political change. Voting took place in the capital Brazzaville, where internet services were also shut down during the election.

Congo Election: Denis Sassou N’Guesso Seeks Fifth Term After 42 Years

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